Today (June 25) marks one year since Michael Jackson passed away.  Can you believe that it’s already been a year?

Could the guitar solo by Eddie Van Halen from Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” be the most recognizable guitar solo ever? What do you think is the most recognizable guitar solo ever?

Thirty years ago this week, a 21-year-old Michael Jackson stood at Number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with “Rock With You.”  Michael Jackson had, of course, been famous for a decade by the time this song hit the chart, and this wasn’t even the first Number 1 song of his solo career.  “Ben” spent a week at Number 1 in 1972 and “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” had just spent a week at Number 1 in October 1979.  However, while spending 4 weeks atop the chart, ”Rock With You” gave Michael two chart-toppers in a row.  The song also arguably blasted Michael into mega-superstar status, setting him up for the success from Thiller a few years later that would earn him the title “King of Pop” that he claimed (and had written into contracts).  Certainly, ”Rock With You” is memorable for its danceability as well as the laser show and Michael’s outfit in the video.

Party Ben is the king of mash-ups. Enjoy this musical combination of “Promiscuous” by Nelly Furtado and “Rock With You” by the late great Michael Jackson. Then check out Party Ben’s website to get hold of the music.

http://www.partyben.com

I was listening to the Elvis Duran morning show and they featured the guitar player sensation Orianthi. She was slated to perform with Michael Jackson on the now canceled This Is It tour. Her influences are Stevie Ray Vaughn and Steve Via. On the show this morning, she jammed out the “Beat It” guitar solo like nothing. Then she sang and played her song “According to You”. Orianthi is a rising star to keep an eye on.

http://www.orianthi.com/

Listen to the new single “This Is It” from Michael Jackson. It’s actually co-written by Paul Anka and Michael Jackson from a 1983 post-Thriller studio production. Anka originally accused Jackson of stealing the tapes back in the 1980s and making a copy of them. All of a sudden a new track is released twenty-six years later without any mention of Paul and he raised a commotion. The Jackson’s quickly responded and gave him a writing credit. Watch the link below for Anka’s response back to TMZ.

What do you think of the new MJ tune?

Paul Anka Will Get 50% of Profits
http://www.tmz.com/videos?autoplay=true&mediaKey=21b0ef70-1553-4391-86c7-f536f932db19

In an effort to pay tribute to the music / fashion visionary Michael Jackson “The King of Pop”, tunesmate asks you, “What is your favorite Michael Jackson tune?”