RIP michael jackson. Can people be blamed for not knowing his songs?

I am 25 yrs old, raised in Mexico. I know how significant MJ's contribution has been to the world. Everyone knows who he is. I was harshly accused of not knowing his songs, or tying to search for his songs. How bad is this? My boyfriend is very upset with me. He is 9 yrs older than me, and grew up in England. Are his feelings well based?