At this point, everyone with TV/Internet access is aware of the fact that Michael Jackson, King of Pop, passed away this week in Los Angeles. His untimely and sudden death has been the subject of conversation and controversy among pop culture, news and music junkies alike.

I, for one, will never forget where I was when I first heard the news of Jackson’s passing…in an elevator going up to the Beverly Center. My phone usually twitches and spasms when I get an instant message, blackberry message, email message or text message. But this time, I gave my cell a siesta, setting it on silent as I went about my day’s activities of shopping for sheets and accessories to fill my empty apartment. When I finally checked my phone to see what activity I had been missing out on, I saw a brief but dramatic message from a close friend. I knew something serious had happened.

After she broke the news to me, I found myself in a state of disbelief. Although I had no reason to think my friend was lying, or misinformed (hell, she’s even more web-savvy than me) I still could not believe the news. I will never forget the surreality of that moment.

For many, Michael Jackson represented the pinnacle of pop music. The numbers speak for themselves. 13 Grammy awards, 13 number one singles, 2 coveted inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. “Thriller” remains the best selling album of all time. Simply put, he is a legend, and an icon who other musicians aspire to emulate.

However, although those numbers are significant in their own right, what speaks more to me was his ability to influence pop culture and infiltrate people’s normal lives (whether you liked him, or not). The number of memories I have involving one of his songs have overwhelmed me over the past few days. Everything from playing dress up to “The Way You Make Me Feel” with my cousin, to streching to “Butterflies” in dance class, to rocking out to “Beat It” at lame high school parties, to lip synching a hyper-emotional version of “Will You Be There” with my sorority sisters. After running this mental montage in my mind, I realized that Michael Jackson has been a part of some of my favorite moments. And although he left this world too soon, I have no doubt that I (and many others) will continue to make new memories to his songs which will live on for generations to come. Although he may be gone, Michael Jackson’s legacy, music and influence on popular culture will not be soon forgotten.

Rest in Peace.

Author and above mentioned friends singing along to "Will You Be There"