Valley fans celebrate Jackson

By John W. Goodwin Jr.

People of all ages came to pay tribute to the fallen entertainer.

YOUNGSTOWN — Area fans spent an evening paying tribute to the fallen “King of Pop” with leg kicks, spin moves, moon walks and a medley of the star’s greatest hits.

A few Michael Jackson impersonators and a few dozen Jackson fans gathered at the B&O Station downtown Wednesday to celebrate the recently deceased star’s more than four decades of music and dance.

The tribute was the idea of DJ Gregory Johnson who has been spinning Jackson records since he was asmall child and said the musician had a major influence on his life.

“I just figured that since he was such a big icon we can come and show Youngstown’s appreciation for his talents,” said Johnson. “Ever since I was in grade school I played his music. I remember being in grade school playing those songs like ‘ABC’ and ‘I Want You Back,’ so I have had a long time playing his music.”

The evening included a Michael Jackson dance competition, with free passes to a Zapp and Christopher Williams concert July 24 going to the winner.

Some of those who have spent years listening to Jackson’s music were easily recognizable. The Jackson trade mark Fedora hats, the button-down shirts, high-rising pants and white socks were clearly visible on those paying tribute to the star.

Debbie Julious, 44, of Youngstown, has been a fan of Jackson and danced to his music since she was 5. Wearing the Jackson “outfit” from head to toe, Julious shed tears when talking about the entertainer.

“I just want to celebrate his life. A lot of people say they are huge fans, but that is how I learned how to dance and sing,” she said. “We just miss him so much.”

Ryan Clausen, 25, of Austintown, also sported the Jackson garb right down to a wig replicating Jackson’s hair. He credits the entertainer with helping him “come out of his shell” as a child when he used Jackson music to dance before a large crowd.

“He was my child icon and I wanted to come out and celebrate all the good in his life,” he said.

Manoj Sharma, 26, of Austintown, learned the dance moves to Jackson’s hit “Thriller” as a child and has spent hours perfecting Jackson’s moves since that time.

“I have spent so much time in front of the TV, breaking the rewind button, making sure each move is perfect. Every performance he has done has been a special memory for me,” said Sharma. “It was nice to see a tribute to his life and music. As a large fan it was something I just couldn’t pass up.”

Julious and Sharma took their love for the fallen star to the dance floor throughout the night performing several Jackson dance routines. The two fans had not rehearsed together in the past, yet danced in sync with one another to several of Jackson hit songs.

Fans on the dance floor showed Jackson’s impact on those with an ability to dance, but quietly sitting at a table inside the restaurant, a pair of fans showed Jackson’s impact on everyone, even crossing generations.

Vera Little came out to celebrate Jackson’s life with her 7-year-old niece, Liberty Little. Vera Little said she remembers Jackson from the days of the Jackson 5, calling the entertainer a true performer. She said her niece just wanted to come and hear more of Jackson’s music. The young fan shed tears listening to his hits at the start of the celebration.