Elvis Aaron Presley, also known as "The King", was arguably one of the most successful artists of his time, and remains a cultural icon to this day.

While the circumstances of his passing are still debated, the downhill trajectory of his personal life and his music career - a tale of over-eating, drug abuse and depression - are well-documented.

"The King" died at the tender age of 42; Michael Jackson, "The King of Pop", was 50.

That both their lives turned sour following bouts of international recognition is testimony to the perils of super-stardom and the often poignantly-observed tragedy of genius; a condition whose victims include Kurt Cobain, Vincent van Gogh, Ernest Hemingway and the like.

MJ certainly had his eccentricities: The reclusive life he led on his Neverland Ranch, his odd relationships with children, his notorious prima donna antics when it came to 'live' performances. In a strange twist of fate, he even had a brief marriage to the other king's daughter, Lisa Marie Presley.

Despite these quirks, I can't help but think of how his life had its fair share of pain too. Growing up with a slave-driving father who quite literally whipped the Jackson 5 into shape, one wonders if his behaviour later in life was shaped by such abuse. It disturbs me sometimes when I listen to that tender, pip-squeak, voice - on tracks like I Want You Back, ABC, and I'll Be There - to think that there's a lurking, threatening, figure in the background (perhaps even in the studio), making sure that everything goes perfect.

Some critics have suggested that the adult MJ was a child trapped in a grown-up's body and I do think there's some truth to that idea - minus its negative implications. To me, the earnest, inspiring sentiments on tracks like Heal The World and Man In The Mirror (my personal favourite) are revealing of a man who truly thought he could affect change through his art and influence.

PHOTO SOURCE: REUTERS

In this regard, a peer of his that comes to mind is Bob Dylan, whose own music has repeatedly - if in a slightly more cynical fashion - tried to have a social impact.

(On a side note, does anyone else think that MJ's Black Or White would have made a great theme song to US President Barack Obama's inauguration?)

Personal life aside, the craftsmanship of MJ's songs remains flawless. Even today, nearly a decade since his last hit, who wouldn't start bobbing their head to the first few bars of Beat It or Smooth Criminal? The mark of every MJ song, to me, has been their ability to jump straight into the hook; they get you from the first seconds in and hold you tight as the rest unfolds.

Sometimes its a simple, catchy, groove that's maintained throughout (eg. Beat It); at other times the song builds up with raw energy, like in the case of Dirty Diana. Either way, each and every one of MJ's hits reflects his talent in knowing what will get a listener's attention and hold them there for an engaging three or four minutes, without tiresome repetitions or cheap gimmicks.

That the audience never grew tired of his trademark MJ-isms - whether its his "WOO!" in the midst of tracks or his crotch-grabbing, moon-walking, dance moves - says a lot about how skillfully he walked that fine line of immense popularity without becoming his own cliche. These things, among many others, were purely MJ and will likely stay that way for all time.

The first album I ever bought, on cassette no less, was MJ's 'Dangerous' and I loved every track. This was after I was spellbound at a younger age by the lighted tiles of the Billy Jean music video and mildly freaked out by the zombies in 'Thriller'.

I also recall playing the Sega console "Moonwalker" video game and quite relishing the fact that the use of the "super" button would have all the characters on-screen, enemies included, dancing to Smooth Criminal.

I've read online that there are plans for a new MJ video game due by the end of this year. One can only guess if such things will help build on MJ's legacy or cheapen it.

What I do know, or at least am quite sure of, is that his death marks the end of an era for the music super star. With 750 million records sold, I seriously doubt there will every be another artist that can top that; not in the age of digital downloads, online piracy and a flailing record industry that will probably never put that kind of marketing dollar behind any one artist again.

Remember the days when there would be TV specials just to announce the launch of a new MJ album or even music video? Those times might be long gone with subtle viral/niche marketing, YouTube, and a global music scene that is much more diversified - and accessible - than ever.

With so much music going on around the world today, most of which can be found easily online, audiences are spoilt in choice and may have their attentions split between dozens of acts - offering none of them "super-star" status in their book.

With his passing, I do hope people's memories of him, in the times to come, will be good ones. Despite the wrongs he may have done to various parties - his tantrums, his "Wacko Jacko"-ness, the alleged sexual offenses and so on - I believe all debts to the public eye are cleared with his death.

PHOTO SOURCE: AFP

The man has left us with a bounty of wonderful songs to be enjoyed for years, if not decades and more, to come. As an artist he owes us no more, no less.

AS I worked on my depression story out in Mind Your Body today, it came to my attention that the doctors I spoke to were reporting only small rises in number of patients who were anxious or depressed by the economic downturn.

It seemed strange to me, what with all the financial doom and gloom being reported in the newpapers world-wide.

I think Dr Chua Hong Choon, vice chairman of the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) medical board, summed it up best when he said: "Singaporeans are generally quite resilient."

He added that during the last recession, in the late 1990s, Singapore saw only a small rise in suicide cases compared to other Asian countries like Korea and Thailand. While I can't comment on what attitudes are like overseas, I do believe in the truth to Dr Chua's comment on the Singaporean's mental fortitude, especially when it comes to dealing with economic hardship. 

By and large, I think Singaporeans have very strong survival instincts and will do what it takes to survive the financial crisis. As much as the younger generation may be criticised for taking things for granted, a lot of people I know have already steeled themselves for tough times and seem to have made ample preparations. 

Take for instance a long-time friend of mine, who started work this year with a small start-up internet advertising company. He also got married recently and purchased his first home. With bills to pay and shaky business prospects ahead, I was sure he would be stressed by the recent global economic developments.

Instead, he seemed to see is as an exciting challenge to work in such a climate. "Bigger companies are fat and may need to slim down, mine is lean and mean," he said.

This, I believe, is the kind of resilience that Dr Chua was talking about; the problem-solving kind of pragmatism that one can apply to get out of any situation.

In my life, I've also learned a lot about dealing with depression from those around me that have fought it. 

A close relative of mine once sat me down years ago and explained to me how she dealt with post-natal depression. Her detailed account of having to drag herself out of bed each morning, and go through the day with a leaden heart - despite the recent birth of her second child - was a truly sobering experience. 

Up to that point, I had the tendency to use the word 'depression' rather frivolously, referring to homework and examinations as 'depressing' while idolising the 'depressing' music of my favourite bands at the time. (They're just melancholic or emotional, really.) These days, I'm more careful about how I use the term.    

While this relative of mine did seek counselling, which helped to a certain extent, she also said that it was more a matter of resolutely bearing with the veil of sadness drawn over her, until it lifted on its own around a year later.

This just made me wonder if depression is a trial by fire which one emerges from stronger after overcoming the test. 

I've seen friends emerge from severely traumatising periods in their lives as more determined and strong-willed people. But I've also lost friends to depression and know that it's no game, nor is it a condition to be treated flippantly. 

As the current recession progresses, depression stemming from monetary or job anxieties may be the 'trial-by-fire' faced by some of us. While there may be no guaranteed solutions to fixing the recessionary blues, the act of trying to solve one's problems can in itself provide some relief. Inactivity, will only lead to a downward spiral of negative thinking. 

To sum up what the expertssay: Take stock of your life during this time if you feel you're getting down. Prioritise what's important in your life (whether it's your family, your career or your home), and discard the unneccessary worries. Set modest goals, like managing to save a certain amount of money within a period, for yourself and see if you don't feel better for achieving them. 

Solidarity and communication, too, are vital during hard times and this applies to family, friends and colleagues. Be each other's listening ear and look out for those in emotional distress. 

A local bank staff member told me how morale at his workplace was at an all-time low following the global financial crash. He said that in lieu of actions taken by his employers (to provide emotional support), his colleagues had taken turns to play counsellor to one another to keep their spirits up at work.

"It helps us get by," he said.

As comrades hunker down together this recession, there is a lesson to be learn in the above example. Things may get rough in the months - or even years - to come, but by doing what it takes, we may all survive this ordeal together.