Someone earlier this week asked me if the rapture had taken place. I asked them why they posed the question. They ticked off the names on a list of recent celebrity deaths – NFL Star Steve McNair, Michael Jackson and David Carradine.

The deaths of McNair, Jackson and Carradine are surrounded by rumors about the stars’ personal habits. And let me quickly add that at this point, they are just rumors as far as I know.

I try not to judge anyone, especially after they pass away. I also try not to judge anyone by how they passed away. I understand that no matter how big and famous celebrities may be, at the end of the day, they are still human beings first. Humans make mistakes. Humans make bad decisions. Sometimes we as humans do not use our better judgment. Sometimes those things lead to death.

We don’t become fans because of someone’s bad habits. Or at least we shouldn’t. We become fans of these celebrities because they deliver a product that we enjoy, whether it’s great music, great movies or great moments in sports. What we must remember is that they – like us – are human beings.

On another note: R.I.P. Michael

On Tuesday, the world said goodbye to our beloved “King of Pop.” Judging by the magnitude of his memorial, I really believe that Michael is well on his way to becoming even bigger in death than he was in life.

How many people have you known whose memorials were broadcast in local movie theatres? Or whose bodies arrived at such services via helicopters?  

Imagine having your home going services at the Staples Center because you had such a profound effect on people that thousands from around the world wanted to say goodbye. I get the feeling that we have not even begun to see the power of Michael Jackson.

We will have lots of great music. We will have lots of great memories. Most of all, we will have Michael Jackson’s legacy. And I believe that legacy will outlive anyone who reads this discussion about it.

Ask Myron - The Michael Jackson version

Q: Which was the first Michael Jackson video to be played on MTV?

A: The first video from Michael Jackson played on MTV was “Billie Jean.” It took a lot of work as well as threats to make it happen. After being in existence for only 18 months, MTV had built a loyal following among white teen males and felt that Jackson’s music did not fit

The higher ups at CBS records threatened to pull all of their artists’ videos, if  Michael’s videos were not played. What a move considering that CBS’s other artists included mega mainstream acts such as Billy Joel and Journey.

Michael ended up defining an entire music network and a generation of music. I am one who believes that Michael Jackson and MTV needed each other. Michael needed MTV to reach a more mainstream audience. MTV needed Michael to help grow that audience. In the end, the fans won the most of all.

(Got an entertainment question? Send me an email at myron@myronmays.com or give me a call at (901) 288-6394. If your question is printed, I’ll send you a couple of free tickets to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.)