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is confirming that Michael Jackson's cause of death was a homicide via lethal overdose of propofol,a sedative hypnotic that is typically used for surgical sedation.
An exceedingly unusual, not to mention horrific, way to die. But with history as our guide, we can see that Jackson's murder and extensive substance abuse problems will barely taint his legacy, if at all. Warren Perry, author of and the curator of two major Elvis shows at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery and the Grammy Museum says that unlike Jim Morrison or Janis Joplin, early death by substance overdose failed to compromise the legacy of Elvis Presley in the long run—nor temper the $55 million-per-year haul of estate. "Elvis was the all-American boy and his story encompasses great mythic patterns like the 'rags to riches' tale and the 'returning hero' motif. Every time he started his career again, he renewed his image as a hero," Perry says. "At times, it seems like Michael Jackson painted himself into such a poor corner that he couldn't do anything right in the eyes of the average public person. But this unexpectedly young death and tragedy could propel him into that sort of martyred, forgiven state that we seem to have for some of our tragic figures."
The same way that Elvis renewed himself throughout his career as a hero, Presley albums continue to redouble their success when music transitions to a new format: Perry says that millions of Elvis albums are sold every time a new format is introduced, half a century after they were cut and more than 30 years after the singer's death. That popularity speaks to how Presley has overcome the taint of death-by-drugs: "There are certain negative connotations associated with Elvis' death, the prescription drug abuse and the ensuing corpulence. [But they] were never enough to mar his image in the eyes of his devoted fans. His legion is constant if not increasing, judging from the numbers who flock to the Gates of Graceland all year, each year," Perry says. With Jackson's estate set to pull a record $200 million in this year alone—a new record, his lawyers say, one that handily surmounts the Elvis cash—Jackson looks to follow the Presley model.
For a look at what Jackson's memorial might look like, check out our celebrity tombstones gallery.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
