......Thank you "Second Father" Joseph Jackson...with Love, and Respect......
.......It is with extreme sadness that I've come to learn along with everyone else this morning that my "Second Father Figure" Joseph Jackson has passed away and graduated to Heaven…Where all spirits return to from their emergence at birth…
He was a Father-like figure in my life too...alongside his sons, The Jacksons....inside my mind spirit and soul, I regarded him as such...a "Second Father" stature figure...always Kind, Gentle, Respectful, and Fatherly in addressing regards towards me as he did...
I have nothing but positive things and feelings to say and express of him and my relationship with him....I regarded him with great respect and loving presence when I was around him each and every time that was so...For that's what sons do to and with their Fathers...when they love and respect them. He gave me compliments when he'd witness my work with my “brothers" (The Jacksons)…
Or my sister Janet, when I toured with her back in 1983/84....and he would often say that his sons liked the way I played a lot...and wanted and counted on me as their drummer. Thus, it gave me great inspiration to do an even better job each night's concert show, or in rehearsals...to prove myself 'worthy' of such respect, regard, and honor from such an insightful person as he was and proved himself to be! He, who turned a normal family's pretty common name, "Jackson", into an iconic brand and entity in entertainment, of the Music and Film industry and throughout the world!!!
As a family name such as "Jackson" or "Smith" is quite common. Unless and until someone special puts their insightful mind, hands, and ideas on them...to build the vision he or she sees in the raw talent that's there! And bring it to fruition to the outward world for ALL to hear and see!!! THAT was Joseph Jackson, to his sons and daughters as well!!! The mark of a consistent visionary and creator...to repeat his ability to mold talent into something remarkable and treasured by many! And create 'value' and influence by way of them to the world!!!
Today, this day...I honor Joseph's 'life'. Today has brought grief and sadness to me and the family...I mourn his loss...Yet, I hold him on high…as the man who took a chance on "ME"...in approving me that very day's audition, that afternoon...in becoming his treasured sons' drummer 39 years ago!
It was from that prophetic afternoon in my life...that he became and was measured somehow spiritually to me, in the sensitivity of my heart, a second “father" as well as an employer!
My very first professional gig ever!!! I'm so very glad and thankful...he's not suffering anymore...I pray for him.....
I love you, Joseph Jackson......
Jonathan
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