Michael Jackson ruled the box office this weekend with the release of This Is It, which chronicles rehearsals for his planned 50-night comeback in London. 

We have yet to see the film in its entirety but have logged plenty of time looking at footage online.

The greatest musicians are recognizable within one or two notes -- this is true across genres, instruments and eras, from Sinatra's baritone to Miles's muted trumpet to Hendrix's fuzzed-out wah-wah.  The best find their own voice.

This Is It may not reveal anything new about his bizarre, troubled life, but it reminds us that not only did Jackson develop a unique vocabulary as a singer, he created his own distinctive styles as choreographer, dancer, clothes horse, songwriter, arranger and record producer.  And showed utter mastery of all.  No other artist of our time has come close. 

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