The King of Pop touched millions of lives all over the world, including the Grand Strand.
Freestyle Music Park in Myrtle beach now has a huge banner they're allowing fans to sign outside the gate to the park. So many have their own personal recollections of how this remarkable entertainer touched their lives.
At the Abiding Village Urban Arts Center, dance instructor Jaimy Beecher shows off hip hop moves inspired by the artist who invented them. Jaimy remembers being captivated with Michael's debut of "Billie Jean."
Beecher said, "He all of a sudden took that mic and walked to the side of the stage and started moonwalking and started doing his signature move, the snaps, and the crowd just went wild."
That amazing image changed Jaimy's life. "I was like, that's a fun kind of dance, I think i like that a little more than ballet so for me it inspired me to start hip hop and that has turned into a career for me."
Memories of M.J. were the topic of the day at Enoch's Barber Shop in Myrtle Beach. Barber Dina Gore recalls some "Thriller" moments as a teenager. "I'd sneak back up and get on the phone with this close friend of mine and we'd just sit there and listen to "Thriller" for hours. Mom, you don't know this!"
Tami Brooks grooved to the "Jackson 5" when she was growing up and his music remained a part of her life through the years. "So he affected my generation, my adult children, Christie and Jarret's generation and now Bonnie Belle's generation with her hip hop classes."
And fans poured their hearts out on the banner at Freestyle Music Park, rocking to the beat of special memories. Alicia Williams was at the park, visiting from Fayetteville, NC.
She said, "We was listening to "Thriller" one time and we was doing a little dance move and everything."
Latrice Chance of Fayetteville honored an artist whose talent electrified millions around the world. "He just seemed like he was a quiet person really quiet and to himself but when he got on stage, he just exploded."
The banner at Freestyle will be sent to the Jackson family. Also, this weekend, the park will accept donations to the Make-a-Wish Foundation, a Jackson supported charity.
You can get into Freestyle Music Park for $5.00 this weekend, by wearing a single white glove, a red zipper jacket, or white socks with dress shoes.
