” but it’s not like he gave his life for his country or something.”
You are right. He did not give his life for the country. He was an entertainer. Someone who a lot of people will miss. He made his mark musically and that was as good an escape for millions of people than just about anything else. It may not have been your cup of tea but to many others, it is sad news.
As far as being odd. He was. He was very rich and eccentric. He did not understand normal activity as he wasn’t living a “normal” life. That being said, he donated a lot of time,money and equipment to Minneapolis Schools and their music programs.
At least he wasn’t doing harm to children like the self proclaimed, King of Pop....
And at least Prince’s music was all his own.
Thriller was basically a Quincy Jones project, with Michael doing the vocals.