Michael was the first journalist to take the subject of beer to an art form. His early work rhapsodized the pub culture found in the great beer bars of England and heralded the existence of the classic beers of the world. These works and many more to come during his prolific life leave an extraordinary legacy. To know beer is to read Michael Jackson.

Michael's relationship with the Celebrator began when founding publishers Bret and Julie Nickels contacted him about the magazine's impending launch in January, 1988. His first contribution to Celebrator was an interview with Bret and his attendance at a beer dinner hosted by Klaus Lange of the Seacliff Café & Vest Pocket Brewery in San Francisco.

The inset photo was the cover of the June/July, 1988 issue. In that issue is a picture of Michael surrounded by early beer pioneers from the San Francisco bay area attending that dinner including Mark Carpenter, Anchor Brewery; Judy Ashworth, Lyon's Brewery of Dublin; Steve Norris, Home Brew Company, Brendan Moylan, then with an import company; Ken Vermes, Scottish & Newcastle; Ed Chaney, beer distributor and various Celebrator staffers including Bret and Julie.

Michael's comments on the dinner give insight into his manner and passion for beer:

"It exceeded my expectations of a very special and spectacular meal. The idea of using beer as both an accompaniment and ingredient in food is something I've been trying to promote myself."

We at Celebrator Beer News are saddened by the loss of such an influential and forceful presence in the good beer movement. He brought a journalist's energy and ethic and a poet's heart to the subject of beer. The good beer story started with Michael Jackson and his legacy will be inherent in all that is to come from those inspired by his great work. We at Celebrator, and all those who love great beer, have lost a great friend and champion.