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.