Stevie Nicks declared Michael Jackson the 'last emperor' of pop, but was he truly the pinnacle of an era that's now gone?
From the moment she stepped into the spotlight, Stevie Nicks was a natural-born performer. While Fleetwood Mac was certainly a capable band before her and Lindsey Buckingham joined, the arrival of 'The Gold Dust Woman' injected a palpable surge of excitement, far surpassing the bluesy jams of Bob Welch and the rest of the group. Nicks possessed an innate charisma, a stage presence that either you're born with or you're not. However, it's worth noting that while Nicks seemed to effortlessly shine, many of her contemporaries dedicated themselves relentlessly to mastering the art of being a captivating frontman.
It's important to acknowledge that Nicks' path was paved by trailblazers like Janis Joplin, who fearlessly broke down barriers for female vocalists. Even in the Los Angeles scene Nicks moved to, Linda Ronstadt offered a gentler, yet equally powerful, interpretation of the genre, often collaborating with brilliant songwriters like JD Souther and Jackson Browne.
While Ronstadt excelled at interpreting the works of others, Nicks had her own compelling narratives to share. Though Buckingham's assistance was crucial in shaping her early songs, her solo debut, 'Bella Donna', arrived at a perfect moment. She had evolved into a truly classic songwriter in her own right. Despite a somewhat hesitant relationship with the burgeoning MTV era, Nicks gradually embraced it, as seen in her music videos for songs like 'Stand Back'.
But here's where it gets controversial... Nicks maintained a somewhat detached relationship with music videos, a stark contrast to Michael Jackson, who arguably dominated the pop landscape with an unparalleled command of the stage. By the time 'Thriller' was released, the music video was his to conquer. While Nicks shared a close rapport with rock icons like Prince during this period, it was undeniable to anyone watching that Jackson was a master of his craft.
His dancing was extraordinary, his vocal talent immaculate, and his stage presence could electrify any venue. Remember Motown's 25th-anniversary celebration? He absolutely stole the show with his iconic moonwalk. Even his stadium tours with his brothers were so captivating that you might forget it was technically a family affair. And the Super Bowl Half-Time Show? He could simply stand in the center of the field for a few minutes and receive thunderous applause.
Love him or hate him, Jackson's impact was undeniable. Nicks herself acknowledged the end of an era with his passing, stating, "In show business, the stage is everywhere — it’s when you leave the parking lot, when you go to the mall. It’s about trying your best to be as perfect as possible. It’s the reason Michael was like royalty. There’s no other person like that, because the era of performers — the Frank Sinatras, the Elizabeth Taylors, the Sammy Davis Jrs — is over. He was the last emperor."
And this is the part most people miss... While countless pop stars have emerged in Jackson's wake, it's evident that many have emulated his groundbreaking approach. Prince may have been a musical genius, but his talent often felt almost unattainable. In contrast, artists from Bruno Mars to Justin Timberlake to Usher have worked tirelessly, striving to replicate the electrifying stage experiences that Jackson pioneered.
Nicks, on the other hand, wisely avoided attempting to replicate Jackson's elaborate stage productions. Her performance style was far more understated, yet equally captivating. She didn't need to moonwalk or be out of breath from strenuous choreography. It took a unique kind of artist to hold an audience spellbound with just the power of their voice.
What are your thoughts? Do you agree with Stevie Nicks' assessment of Michael Jackson as the 'last emperor,' or do you believe the era of unparalleled stage performers continues in different forms today? Let us know in the comments below!
