Previous Next Latest

Michael Jackson: Hear How He Wanted to Be Remembered

7/7/09, 6:37 pm EST

Photo: Hogan/Getty

Eight years before his death, Michael Jackson mused on how he’d want to be remembered in a 2001 fan Q&A moderated by Rolling Stone: “I used to always buy the Guinness Book of World Records,” he laughed. “I said, ‘Mmm, I like to dance and sing. Hopefully one day I can be in this book.’ When Thriller became the biggest-selling album of all time and was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records … it was the happiest time of my life.”

(Check out photos from Michael Jackson’s all-star memorial.)

You may have heard parts of the interview — conducted days before Jackson released his last studio album, Invincible — excerpted on last night’s Dateline. After the jump, listen to expanded excerpts of Jackson discussing the inspirations for his songwriting, what he would have changed about his life and the achievements he’s most proud of — or listen to the entire hour-long segment for additional unfiltered insight from the King of Pop, including his instructions for doing the moonwalk, his childhood idols and impressions of Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. Jackson even addresses the importance of staying healthy: “In the music business some of these great artists have become stumped because they self-abuse themselves at a young age, with all these crazy things they drink and pills and things,” he said, “and that’s just not good — just not a good thing. I hate to say that to hurt anybody, but we should take care of our bodies a little more.”

Michael Jackson on his most incredible achievements and inspirations:

Michael Jackson on the one thing he’d change about his life — the chance to be normal:

Michael Jackson on the stories behind his songs, drawing inspiration from Fred Astaire and Michelangelo — and foreshadowing a path of self-destruction.

Michael Jackson on creating his short films, providing hope after 9/11 and choreographing his iconic moves:

Michael Jackson on how he defines his sound:

Michael Jackson on his tough work ethic in the studio, how performing onstage brings him to life and his impressions of Jay-Z:

Listen to the full interview:


Previous Next Latest

Comments

LX | 7/7/2009, 8:31 pm EST

Invincible was a bit of a weak album, but COME ON. If Sony gave a shit about it then there could have been at least two more singles that to come from it.

CM | 7/7/2009, 9:50 pm EST

I agree LX. This album could have been pushed more. If sales were down because people were ignoring MJ, then Sony could’ve used there “magic” as they do with any other artist, and shove it down our throats so that the majority of people would assume the album was getting popular…then people would have bought it. Once they did, they would have loved it. It was week because it didn’t sell. Sony didn’t do their job. MJ did his part….

Kennakemae | 7/8/2009, 1:00 am EST

I believe the songs sucked as did MJ. He was not the king of anything! He was a freak! Good redence to bad rubage!

Mctx | 7/8/2009, 4:32 am EST

So glad you posted this. Never heard any interviews with MJ like this. What a true artist. Good god.

gigi | 7/8/2009, 5:20 am EST

MJ was unstoppable and what SONY did is trying to stop MJ to keep it up his MUSIC and his good intention.. but look it all revealed what MJ had done he is truly an srtist and a true man because he did everything with his sincerity and his heart.

gigi | 7/8/2009, 5:24 am EST

Thank you for having this posted i love to hear him speak his mind and his opinion and capture of who he is even in a glimpse of this interview wonderful! I love you Michael :(

Me | 7/8/2009, 7:46 am EST

Listening to this interview just showed how much he truly cared about people and how he just longed for a normal life. Just imagine not being able to just hop in your car to go to the store without being hounded by crazy people or to feel like someone is watching your every move. No wonder this poor man couldn’t sleep!

close the book | 7/8/2009, 8:10 am EST

honest opinion.
never bought his albums not a fan but….the man could dance, sing and write songs.
i think he had a huge influence in the 80s and 90s but he hasnt had a hit or presence in over a decade. (Except for all the issues)
so if i had to rate him with other top artists….sinatra, madonna, elvis i think he falls a bit short.

Darling | 7/8/2009, 8:59 am EST

Kennakemae is jealous. The freak is you and you need to learn how to spell. Go back to school because you are stupid!

coachmaddog | 7/8/2009, 9:08 am EST

Enough with all of this!

Darling | 7/8/2009, 9:16 am EST

Kennakemae, you are jealous of a very warm hearted human being. You have nothing, done nothing and are nothing. You need to learn how to spell and you should have asked MJ for a scholarship to take your stupid, brainless A– to school. MJ is not the freak, Kennakemae is the freak. Long live MJ in the hearts of all who loved him. PS the interview is wonderful. I will forever love MJ and make he be singing, dancing and laughing in heaven with Jesus Christ today!

Cj | 7/8/2009, 9:17 am EST

I’ll always remember MJ grabbing his crotch, and yelling ho!!! I always wondered, “what the hell is HE gonna do with a ho”…

Mom of 2 | 7/8/2009, 9:29 am EST

lol,lol Opinions, Opinions! Everyone is entitled to one. RIP Michael!

uki | 7/8/2009, 10:15 am EST

i love “heaven can wait”, “2000 watts” and “whatever happens” (with santana) from the invincible album. great songs! thank you so much for the interview.

m | 7/8/2009, 10:31 am EST

A Wonderful memorial service. What an Icon. Michael will truly be missed. My heart goes out to his children. Michael left them too soon.

LV | 7/8/2009, 11:09 am EST

Just wanted to send my last respects. In a way I am still trying to wrap my mind around the thought that his died. Every1 wants to hear the new album…Just to hear what message he left, and the plans he had for the up and coming tour. He will truly be missed.

Christine | 7/8/2009, 11:15 am EST

What is amazing is that if you listen to this interview and ones that he gave in the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s (listen to them on youtube), they are so familiar. He has always been true to his beliefs, his god given gifts, his love of children, desire to please fans, etc. It is amazing to see someone with such strong convictions even though it meant having a difficult life. I will miss him– he leaves me just SPEECHLESS.

Anonymous | 7/8/2009, 12:51 pm EST

We will always remember Michael Jackson! He will live on forever in our hearts!!!

NEVILLE | 7/8/2009, 1:27 pm EST

i liked micheal jackson even thoug i only purchsed i or 2 albums he was a icon artist im sad it came to and ending like this very tragic surcumstances.
R.I.P. MJ you will never be forgotten a genuine heart felt
moment i will miss you as a person for the wonderfull things you did for kids to make them happy
im actally stumped for the words to say i would love to say more but cannot im to emtional R.I.P
MICHEAL we will miss you very much

Diamond-Belize | 7/8/2009, 1:27 pm EST

MJ was a great dancer,singer and a wonderful father.He will be miss by the whole world..keep dancing and doing the moon walk up in heaven MJ.Hope u are happy up there and hope u fine the peace that u deserve. love u now and Always…RIP..

by the way THRILLER rocks…

nmlady7554 | 7/8/2009, 1:35 pm EST

I have had it. I am so tired of slander when it comes to Michael Jackson and his past court issues with kids. Face it, he was a target, check out what Larry King overheard but was not allowed to testify in court. It was all about the money. Before you go judging him you best stop and think if your child sleeps with you, are you a pervert, if you kiss then while laying in bed, does that make you a pervert? What if they see you naked, does that make you a pervert? My question could go on and on. Best look at how you treat your own kids and see as okay, but in Michael Jackson’s case it was not! Give me a break, let him rest in peace.

He never had a true childhood and once he had the money he dedicated his life to children and was a child himself in many ways, Brook Shields explained it perfectly. Come on we all know a few people like that, it doesn’t make them bad or a pervert.

His children, may they have peace and great memories of their Dad.

I am a grandmother, my 4 yr old granddaughter loved the song “Thriller” but Michael in the video she saw as the boggy man. When she heard he had died, she had mixed feeling, her boggy man was gone, but he was also dead, which really made her sad, the passing of anyone she takes to heart. As she watched TV with my daughter and son-in-law she finally understood that he was a as we explained it, in a costome, just as she dresses at Halloween. Then she was okay as she also saw pictures of him not in costume dress. Then she started to worry about his kids, who would take care of them. My daughter explained that they had aunts and uncles, that wasn’t good enough, she thought my daughter should adopt them and wasn’t taking any explanation of why they could not. Until the magic word came up, that their “grandma” would be taking care of them. Then she was fine, grandma’s are magic to her. So Grandma Jackson, God Bless You and keep them safe, Michael chose you to raise them. I will support you in any court battles that may arise over custody of the children.

God Bless this family, my prayers are with you! May the world let you have your closure and move forward in peace.

stupid kennakamea | 7/8/2009, 1:46 pm EST

,,,,you are a putz,,,,,there was nothing strange about michael, it was strange what he had to go thru,,,,or did you miss yesterdays ceremony? This was mentioned many times yesterday.

Despite his “oddness”, this man did more good than most of us can imagine, and not just entertaining. Do a little research, you small minded hatefull turd.

Skippy | 7/8/2009, 2:05 pm EST

Hey nmlady7554… how ’bout shutting that trap of yours you old windbag. If the Jackson family wanted closure they wouldn’t have had that memorial in the first place. M.J. settled his 1st court case for, what, $12MM? That’s an awful lot of money to give away if he were not guilty. It’s obvious he didn’t want his molestation issues to come out in court. It’s different if your child sleeps with you, but he wasn’t sleeping with his children. Would you let your grandchild sleep with a stranger? And why have his children stay with “Grandma” Jackson? So Grandpa could beat and yell at them too just like he did with Michael? They ought to be with younger parents where they can learn to live a “normal” life. Having said that, Wacko Jacko R.I.P. You were the most over-rated performer of our time.

DAM1 | 7/8/2009, 2:39 pm EST

I grew up watching MJ, even tho I am a couple yrs older than he was. But his music, his dance, just everything about him and his family have always been an interest to me. It’s sad how the media has presented his life to the world. But that’s media. Whatever gets the peoples’ attention is what they will cover. I believe MJ had a heart of gold, in more ways than one. A GREAT humanitarian…definately one of a kind. My heart goes out to his beautiful children, his brothers and sisters and his parents. But he’s left us all a part of him…in his music. Rest in Peace MJ, you truly deserve it.

phil | 7/8/2009, 2:48 pm EST

MJ- outdone yourself in all aspects of your life- lived ife to the fullest,hey Wierdos like Kennak…’s cmment dont relly matter do they? RIP

MAK | 7/8/2009, 2:59 pm EST

Hey Skippy
You do realize that Evan Chandler initially tried to extort 20 million out of Jackson and then when he would not give it to him…he went right to a lawyer. Not the police, but a lawyer. Jackson didn’t want to pay, but his insurance company made him. The kid admitted he lied and then divorced his parents after his father allegedly beat him with a dumbell. Great parents! Do your research based on facts! Would you take a payout for your kid? I didn’t think so.

farzana | 7/8/2009, 4:17 pm EST

Kennakemae if u dont like him than why u bothering to write here and mj is king of pop i feel sorry for u what a looser.

Tia | 7/8/2009, 4:23 pm EST

Rest well My Peter Pan.

farzana | 7/8/2009, 4:26 pm EST

mj was a real jem i love him so much and Kennakemae i dont agree with your post if you dont like mj than why you even bothering to write here u are freak and looser.

roudy | 7/8/2009, 4:58 pm EST

On one could ever live up to the genius of a performer that he was. MJ will always be a legend whether you liked his music or not. He had a sight for performing that no one else has ever come near reaching or probably ever will. It looks like now that appearing to he weird to all the world was what he wanted to accomplish. May his troubled soul rest in peace with GOD.

Agari | 7/8/2009, 5:00 pm EST

He was just a Target; MJ RIP. You were a gift to humanity

luvrof gentlesoul | 7/8/2009, 5:31 pm EST

You people of the negative insults, think for a moment of putting yourself in his place. never had a childhood, had to sing in places that we who have kids would never think of letting them go. which probably traumatized him
never having that right of passage that we all had (the childhood, the freedom to come and go without camera’s in our faces having to do what father, producers, agents,ect. told us. then finally becoming an adult, being able to to do what you wanted, play with friends, laugh, have sleep- overs, eat what you wanted, all the while entertaing you fans, and then someone gets greedy and wants your hard earned money of years working for. since no one can blame you for sleeping around the next thing they can use is child-molestation of course because of your love of kids. so to keep from having your reput/your fans and family get involved you pay out because its easier and you figure you have enough (maybe he checked into their background saw that they could use the money and decided to just give it. alot of companies give thing away it a tax write-off. just think people are some of your minds so carnal that its always in the the gutter?.. he could have had kids from different countries come in for alot less if thats what he wanted to do. elevate your minds to the heavens a little bit maybe then the world would be in such a mess. my heart, my prayers go out to the family, he was older than me but i grew up with his music, i have never been a fan of any movie, music personality but as a teenager, if i had to have a crush it would have been him. RIP Michael

incubus | 7/8/2009, 5:37 pm EST

give the man some respect you asshole! He entertained us no doubt with his music and superb performance,Let Michael Jackson Rest In Peace. The world judged him too much, and now mourning his loss. Give the guy the dignity he deserves!

J. Vegas | 7/8/2009, 5:50 pm EST

If you would judge, understand.
If you judge, investigate.
-Lucius Annaeus Seneca

I can’t say that i admire this man. He was a curiosity to most of us, aside of his taletns. However, judgment is left up to God alone for this man. I wish not to pronounce ANYONE to a place such as “hell”. (as one put it)
If, though, you do not believe in God and or any spiritual code of morals, then this shouldn’t really matter at all.
Look at your own fear and ask yourself why you have them.

irene Ghana | 7/8/2009, 6:24 pm EST

I think I like MJ for the fact that he tried to make a difference out of his bitter childhood experience with his father.He tried to give love to children eventhough he had none as a child from his father.Let us concentraate on the good we find around us and soon there willbe no evil,fill the gabs wheere there have been shortfalls and the world will indeed be a better place to live with christ shinning in our hearts.

irene | 7/8/2009, 6:24 pm EST

I think I like MJ for the fact that he tried to make a difference out of his bitter childhood experience with his father.He tried to give love to children eventhough he had none as a child from his father.Let us concentraate on the good we find around us and soon there willbe no evil,fill the gabs wheere there have been shortfalls and the world will indeed be a better place to live with christ shinning in our hearts.

irene | 7/8/2009, 6:41 pm EST

Darling, we all wish that MJ will have rest with God. However,the only thing that will give one this is the admission that one is a sinner and Christ came to die for our sins,to have faith in Christ and to live what the Bible teaches irrespective of what you see around you.Jesus is the only one who can take you to heaven.MJ has done his part and gone. You have the chance to get to Jesus if he is not yet your friend. I cannot imagine how it will be like with a voice like MJ singing praises to God.

Imp | 7/8/2009, 7:44 pm EST

…And all the eight year olds everywhere, propose a toast with Jesus juice.

pdaddy | 7/8/2009, 11:08 pm EST

It doesn’t matter what MJ’s past was. He was unhappy and ended all…he even called it “This is It”! It was his choice. But nobody can deny that he was one of the greatest talents that brought his musical talent to each of our lifes. For that he should be remember. I wish his family all the best and want to say Michael Jackson was a true artist and a part of the world’s life. Gods blessings to you and all his fans.

LS | 7/9/2009, 12:50 am EST

Now that Michael is gone I’m constantly reminded of my childhood. He has always been a part of it. So many memories that take me back to great times by just hearing a song, or remembering running to the TV when a new video would come out. Michael truly is part of our lives whether we like it or not.
Dance with the angels :)
Love and Miss you MJ

Alice , Malaysia | 7/9/2009, 1:47 am EST

my name is kenyon point blank is ijust love the way you treated the people of the world in doing what you do love you forever may you rest in peace you will never be forgotten one love from all of us the world .Kenyon beach houston tx .

Brooke | 7/9/2009, 1:52 am EST

Just want to say to all you people out there who are getting your jollies by saying hurtful things about someone who has PASSED AWAY, what gives any of you the right to judge him? You think you know so much about guilt and innocence? You think that because he settled that ugly case out of court, then that meant he was guilty? YOU DON’T KNOW ANYTHING!!!! What would YOU do if you were in his shoes? How can anyone think that he was even remotely capable of hurting a child that way? He LOVED people, especially children; he always managed to see the good in people. He was once quoted as saying that when he looks into the face of a child, he sees the face of God…I’m sorry, but you don’t say something like that and turn around and do something so heinous. There are people out there who do abuse kids, be it their own or a strangers, sexually, mentally, or physically, but I don’t for one second believe that he ever did or ever could have done that. I think the parents of that child saw Michael as a meal ticket, they made their son lie and say Michael did these things to him, because they wanted his money and they wanted him destroyed…well, they got their wish, because he was never quite the same after that. You know what, kids lie!! Kids lie and they don’t think for one second about who they are hurting…and when it’s their parents telling them to do it and they are waving dollar signs in front of them, well, a lie gets a lot easier to tell, doesn’t it? Come on people!!! Wake UP!!!!! If you couldn’t have any respect for the poor man when he was alive, can’t you try to dig down deep into the recesses of your black souls to give him some now?!?! I realize that, yes, it might make YOU feel better about YOURSELF to be saying such ugly things about such a wonderful, beautiful man who had a heart of gold and a pure soul, but the only thing you are accomplishing is making yourselves look like assholes, because to those of us who love him and will forever, it will take a lot more that your ugly comments to tarnish him on our eyes. Michael, I hope you know how very much each one of your fans loves and misses you. Please, PLEASE, continue to shine upon those of us you left behind. You will live forever in our hearts because we, God, and you know the truth, and that is all that matters!!!
Love you, M.J. Rest In Peace and Moonwalk amongst the stars!!!

Cj | 7/9/2009, 9:06 am EST

Thanks for the last post. Before I read it, I WAS constipated…

coachmaddog | 7/9/2009, 9:28 am EST

As a pervert

Ian | 7/9/2009, 12:59 pm EST

I had never been a fan of Michael’s music. I liked the Jackson 5, I knew Michael could sing and dance, but his music was never my bag. I’m a musician myself and felt that I almost owed it to myself to understand the music that Michael made, since so many other people have been completely moved and changed by it. I listened to Thriller top to bottom for the first time every about a week and a half ago… And after countless listens later, I get it. It’s great.

In years past, I saw all the stuff about him on TV. The accusations, the plastic surgery timelines. I was always on the fence about whether or not he did anything to hurt little kids, and felt like he’d really gone off the deep end when I’d see his next botched plastic surgery. In this past week, however, I’ve done a bunch of digging online and on YouTube to find old interviews and really try to understand more of Michael Jackson than just his most famous record. After reading and watching tons of interviews with him, I have to agree with the poster below me.

I think anyone who takes the time to really watch how Michael acted and hear how he looked at the entire world would realize that no matter how much of an easy target he seemed, he really doesn’t come across as having a despicable bone in his body. He genuinely loved people, loved children, and loved life. He obviously had his inner demons- He was definitely trying to re-create a childhood he’d always wished for, but never had, and who wouldn’t, given the opportunity? His years of plastic surgery was absolutely unfortunate and depressing to watch, and he was definitely unable to see himself clearly or accept the face that so many people were in love with during Thriller. It’s sad to see, and sad to know that for the past 25 years, no one was able or willing to step in and get him the help he needed, to kill off whatever demons were making him do awful things to himself.

Nothing about any part of his life ads up to hurting children in any way. He wanted to be a kid. He wanted to help every other child have a good life. He spent millions and millions of dollars on charities as well as turning his house into a giant wonder land for himself and anyone else who wanted to be a part of it.

While he definitely made some poor decisions along the way, I think Michael Jackson was a good man who never meant to hurt anyone. He was an easy, vulnerable target who was just out there enough that the public was willing to swallow what was presented to them.

MJ was a spiritual man. If there’s a heaven, I hope he’s there and can finally lay to rest all the stuff that was eating at him over the years.

rene | 7/9/2009, 4:35 pm EST

true artist

rene | 7/9/2009, 4:38 pm EST

i wish u made it to atleast 70 mj

rene | 7/9/2009, 4:38 pm EST

i wish u made it to atleast 70 mj

BPH | 7/9/2009, 5:33 pm EST

I feel the same way Ian does, so I don’t need to repeat what he said. I was never a MJ “fan”. I don’t own any of MJ’s music, but I know most of his songs. He was such a gentle humanitarian. I don’t believe he would ever hurt a child. I feel sorry for him that so many people ridiculed him and took advantage of him and believed the lies that they heard about him.

RotoScope | 7/9/2009, 7:22 pm EST

When MJ decided to have kids he said: “If it’s a girl, I think I’m going to name it Paris. And, if it’s a boy, I’m going to have sex with it”

Amy | 7/10/2009, 12:45 am EST

I totally agree with you Ian. I did the exact same thing as far as digging up old interviews & listening to his music.
For some reason MJ’s death has really bothered me.He is all I thought about since he died. I listned to some of his music in years past, but I wasn’t a great big fan. Don’t get me wrong, he could sing & dance, i’m just not much of a “pop” girl.
I never believed 1 min that he hurt any child. He didn’t do anything to those boys. What I liked about MJ is that I think he was a true caring individual that loved people, animals, & evertything about life itself. I know that he also loved & adored his fans. Every pic I see of his or interview, or concert, he is huggging & talking to his fans. He was constantly telling them that he loved them, & really meant it. He put up with a lot of crap in this world. Who cares what he did to his face. One time in an interview he said that if everyone in hollywood had plastic surgery went on vacation, there wouldn’t be anyone left. He made a good point. There are tons of famous people that have their faces done but for some reason he got the crap end of the deal with the media. He also said constantly that the stories were garbage & not to believe any of it.
He shared his life & wealth with this world. Not many celebs do that. He even left charities in his will. I mean come on, how cool is that?
I know that it has hurt my heart more than you people will know that he is gone now. I hurt for him because he had such a crap life when in reality all he wanted to do was help people. He went down hill & I think he just had all he could take. The last trial really took a tole on him, as it would anybody.
I only wish now that I would have went to one of his concerts & even met the guy. I do feel that he is in heaven, & I also feel that we will meet him there someday when it is our time to go home to our father. I have learned a lot from MJ & the most important thing I’ve learned from him is to love people. It doesn’t matter who they are, just love them & treat them well just as Jesus did.
The only thing I have to say to all the people that put him down & run their mouths about him is to stop & put yourself in his shoes. He was a hurt troubled man. I know I wouldn’t want to be treated the way that he was treated.
I think that the world has lost a great person when MJ left this earth. I hurt most of all for his children, which I know he so deeply loved. Their the ones that have no daddy now.
I love you MJ & I know your singing in God’s choir now, & no one will ever hurt you again.

Anonymous | 7/10/2009, 2:13 am EST

To all of you who have nothing nice to say about MJ, I say SHUT UP. The man has gone. let him rest in peace for Gods sake.

Get a life! or is your life so dull and boring that you need someone else’s life to bitch about to spice up yours.

solomon wayne | 7/10/2009, 7:49 am EST

who on earth knows where MJ is now? i dont get it, why will people keep bothering themselves with issues left for God to judge? why is it that men call everything sins, making it hard to diffrentiate between an upright stuff and a sin? who on earth knows MJ as God does? who is holy among all men. it just funny that people dont know their critics is also a sin against God. It high time everybody knows that life is not a bed of roses, its full of uncertainties, and im sure everybody has a problem in his life. so critics, go solve your own problem and pray you dont pay for the sins of others, causing it with your steroe mouth.

solomon wayne | 7/10/2009, 7:53 am EST

to be a critic, be sure you are better than the person you are criticising.

solomon wayne | 7/10/2009, 7:57 am EST

An era has just past. gone! people like MJ are hard to find. ill just beat it out{sorrows}. Atleast he left a will for me{songs} which ill cherish forever

CUJ | 7/10/2009, 9:07 am EST

Like many others on here whether you liked him or not one could not help but to tap a toe when his music was playing. A true musician who led a life that none of us could understand , but hey why should we, he was a showman and if only we had left him alone and not been so fascinated with every fawcet of his private life , maybe he would still be here ..I just hope we learned something and that the press leaves his children alone so that they may be raised in peace.

Frank "Kohnstein" | 7/10/2009, 1:26 pm EST

Michael Jackson: A Rose By Any Other Name…
The world is plagued by many troubling events; nonetheless, the world chooses to focus on Michael Jackson. That in itself should convince us of just how important Michael Jackson was/is to humanity. It can only serve as a tribute of the highest magnitude. The world knew Michael as a “gentle soul.” However, in predatory circles (in a Darwinian sense), those two words are a signpost of weakness and an open invitation to exploitation. By stark contrast, a global consensus believes that nothing could be further from the truth. Michael’s strength of character came from his personal convictions; he believed in the humane mechanisms that which cause our world to turn, social justice, diversity and peace. Michael was a true Chomskyite! Nobody knew that. [NOTE: A Chomskyite - named after MIT icon and globally renowned intellectual Noam Avram Chomsky - is an individual who brings balance to the human condition.] Michael’s songs were filled with messages of hope and balance, utilizing powerful lyrics and harrowing images. Case in point: “Earth Song.” Watch it. Listen to it. Then, watch it again. One begins to understand what Michael was about. Michael Jackson’s “Earth Song,” “Man In The Mirror,” “Heal The World, ” “Black Or White” and “We Are The World (co-written with Lionel Richie)” are on point. Let the world continue to celebrate what Michael was and let it never endorse any momentary lapses of reason by entertaining America’s new climate of fear, where unfounded allegations, urban mythologies and phantasmagorical images/notions prey upon our collective or individual conscience. Allow “we the people” to commit to Michael Jackson’s memory/legacy by NOT falling into the counterproductive abyss of facts don’t matter; perception is reality. Let the world pedestalize Michael Jackson as the icon he really was; his lifelong commitment to people and performance excellence warrants nothing less from us. In Michael’s passing, the world remains plagued by troubling events. Those too should come to pass. However, let us not rely on time as the remedy or solution; instead, relying upon “we the people” to make a difference. Michael Jackson made a difference, now it’s your turn.
Condolences,
Frank “Kohnstein” Kontos
CANADA

Frank "Kohnstein" | 7/10/2009, 1:26 pm EST

Michael Jackson: A Rose By Any Other Name…
The world is plagued by many troubling events; nonetheless, the world chooses to focus on Michael Jackson. That in itself should convince us of just how important Michael Jackson was/is to humanity. It can only serve as a tribute of the highest magnitude. The world knew Michael as a “gentle soul.” However, in predatory circles (in a Darwinian sense), those two words are a signpost of weakness and an open invitation to exploitation. By stark contrast, a global consensus believes that nothing could be further from the truth. Michael’s strength of character came from his personal convictions; he believed in the humane mechanisms that which cause our world to turn, social justice, diversity and peace. Michael was a true Chomskyite! Nobody knew that. [NOTE: A Chomskyite - named after MIT icon and globally renowned intellectual Noam Avram Chomsky - is an individual who brings balance to the human condition.] Michael’s songs were filled with messages of hope and balance, utilizing powerful lyrics and harrowing images. Case in point: “Earth Song.” Watch it. Listen to it. Then, watch it again. One begins to understand what Michael was about. Michael Jackson’s “Earth Song,” “Man In The Mirror,” “Heal The World, ” “Black Or White” and “We Are The World (co-written with Lionel Richie)” are on point. Let the world continue to celebrate what Michael was and let it never endorse any momentary lapses of reason by entertaining America’s new climate of fear, where unfounded allegations, urban mythologies and phantasmagorical images/notions prey upon our collective or individual conscience. Allow “we the people” to commit to Michael Jackson’s memory/legacy by NOT falling into the counterproductive abyss of facts don’t matter; perception is reality. Let the world pedestalize Michael Jackson as the icon he really was; his lifelong commitment to people and performance excellence warrants nothing less from us. In Michael’s passing, the world remains plagued by troubling events. Those too should come to pass. However, let us not rely on time as the remedy or solution; instead, relying upon “we the people” to make a difference. Michael Jackson made a difference, now it’s your turn.
Condolences,
Frank “Kohnstein” Kontos
CANADA

Staci Dominick | 7/11/2009, 4:36 am EST

Mr. Jackson’s music was apart of the soundtrack of my childhood and I will always be thankful for the fact that he shared his gift with the world. I also believe that as the bible says “He who is without sin let him cast the first stone. Only the Lord knows the truth about Mr. Jackson. Personally, however, I believe he had a beautiful soul and a big heart. I also believe He is in heaven with God and the angels rockin’ heaven.

May God hold you in his loving arms Mr. Jackson you will truly be missed.

maddy | 7/11/2009, 8:00 pm EST

no comment, michael.. :(

“(…) and pills and things,” he said, “and that’s just not good — just not a good thing. (…) but we should take care of our bodies a little more.” “

Rose | 7/16/2009, 10:39 am EST

Please stop putting evil in MJ’s love for children. Even Jesus loves children when He says: Let the little children come to me, and stop keeping them away, because the kingdom of God belongs to people like these.
All the people who know Michael all say that Michael is pure, unjaded, childlike, loves to laugh. Let us follow Michael Jackson’s example: to protect the children and preserve their innocence. Michael, may you rest in peace. I’m sure God is pleased because you have made use of the talents He gave you to the best of your ability. As you said, be the best of what you are. And you have achieved that. God bless you.

TERRI B. | 7/16/2009, 3:33 pm EST

i wish everybody just leave MJ alone and let the past be the past MJ suffers no more he’s with GOD now i love you Michael R.I.P

TERRI B. | 7/16/2009, 3:55 pm EST

Kennakemae get a life,oh and go back to school your spelling is terrible!

Carla | 7/17/2009, 11:07 am EST

The news and media take way too much and turn it around into something way different and BAD. what the heck ? Leave Michael alone ! you are pickin at him, saying he did this, he did that, look what we found. You are all PATHETIC ! You say he was wrong, well, what are you ? Take a look at yourself ! Let him Rest In Peace now.
Sure going to miss your music & dancing Micheal ! VERY TALENTED !

Carla | 7/17/2009, 11:17 am EST

……AND, so what if he was different, WE ARE ALL DIFFERENT ! If we werent all different, we would all be the same. What a boring world that would be. Some just couldnt stand that he was so famous, and THEY arent.

laprofe63 | 7/22/2009, 11:38 pm EST

thanks for posting these recordings Rolling Stone Magazine!

Marianna,Greece | 7/28/2009, 5:47 am EST

For years I was a devoted Elvis fan.MJ`s life-story and particularly his ending has to many
similarities with Elvis’s.They both “marked” us with their music,so we feel empty without them.When MJ cancelled his show here in Greece,15 years ago,we all missed the one and only chance we had to see him perform live.I think extremely talented people like him are God’s gifts to all of us and I`m really sad he went away so early leaving his children alone in the cruel world that had already hurted him.If a soul will be judged for his “doings” in life,for the happiness and joy that soul brougth to others,then Michael has the whole packet.My belief is that the world as we have made it to be,is a very hostile place for sensitive people
like MJ,who had no place for themselves except Neverlands and their own fantasy world.I wish he found the peace and the love he needed,and left this world’s loneliness behind.We,from the other side,we have his songs,his brilliant footsteps and his example
for helping other people..We also have some moments to sit and think and finally say “Hey!!He was just a man..let’s not judge him for things we have no way to know if they were true or lies..
We have no authority to judge no one.God has it.Just leave it up to Him.
R.I.P Michael and thank you.
Amy,I couldn’t agree more.

Anonymous | 7/30/2009, 7:55 am EST

He had thousands of unreleased good to great songs. Sony people couldn’t care less. Invincible still sounded better than rubbish from teen groups now.

Do we need to promote him as a stupid loser?
Greedy plastic surgeons butchered him. Of course, they didn’t care about him. Accept it. He did visit the dermatologist weekly and repaired the nose job this year too, so it’s shameful that so-called writers couldn’t have the dignity to put up well thought-out articles.

Mara (Romania) | 7/30/2009, 4:35 pm EST

Excellent, wonderful, amazing and really fascinating interview. Thank you.

Selena | 8/10/2009, 2:55 pm EST

I love Michael Jackson! I hope he is resting in heaven now!

Laura | 8/19/2009, 7:17 am EST

The songs Earth Song, We Are The World, Heal The World are who Michael is, where his heart lies, and which is his hearts greatest desire…a world with equality, no hate, no war, no violence, no HATE towards OUR PLANET, OUR HOME, our animals, our men, women and children…a planet instead where there is peace, brotherhood, sisterhood – fellowship and love. It makes me think of prejudice and LABELS. We all believe different things, different religions, but the fundamental principal of all spiritual and/or religious beliefs is the same: Love, kindness, goodwill, forgiveness. We have different political systems but their aims are the same, which are economy, the planet, the people, etc. Our sexualities are different, but no matter what gender we’re attracted to, we can all love deeply our partners. We all come in different colours, different races, but what runs in our veins is exactly the same. And we’re all human.
What we should learn from Michael is the true meaning of strength because of all the words that pop up into your mind about him, strength is the most important. When he felt like breaking, he marched on. He put others, everyone, before, and maybe at the cost, of himself!

I was reading a mystical book and was amazed when I came across comments about Peter Pan and other things like Alice in Wonderland where the medium, the writer, (its a new age book from hippie era) said that these things really happened, Alice was astral travelling, and Peter and Wendy and Michael and John were levitating. I thought of Michael. And then another part mentioned children and how we need to learn from them because THEY are the wise ones, it said. Children become adults, they change from beings who saw WONDER in EVERYTHING to cynical disbelievers… it must have hurt Michael’s heart so very deeply when two families tried to extort (one succedding) himfor MONEY. The love of money is the root of all evil and none of it brings happiness, not even for Michael, who was so lonely, who wished he could have a normal life..who I think was his true self on stage, because that’s the Michael he had ever known. Everything else was foreign. I think he knew his fans were the ones who loved him for WHO he was, not WHAT he was, whereas some ‘friends’… enablers, and people only interested in making themsleves look good, only liked him for what he was. An icon who being connected to could possibly further their careers.
Michael pure and simply had no childhood, it was stolen. It’s something we take for granted but can you imagine your childhood as a trained robot programmed to sing, sing, sing, perform, perform, perform, and that is all? the bigger the star, the further the fall…and Joe wanted great things and success for his children, but he did not consider the cost. The world wouldn’t have MJ though without it, or maybe we would, maybe it would have been possible to give Michael a childhood and also establish a musician, why not? a balance…’hey Michael, you really did great, today, go play with your friends in the park!’ …

It’s telling about human nature really when you think, in ‘Life of a Legend’ MJ book I got, i only just learned that Michael gave ALL of his profist from the HIStory tour I think it was (or it might have been Dangerous) to his Heal The World Foundation. Either I was under a rock at the time (well i was 3 when he came to my country) but my whole life the media have only looked for negative things with MJ. Interesting that they miss a fact out like that. Some stars might give half away, but usually keep it…but at the end of the day, at the end of gruelling dancing, singing, concerts where he’s panting, breathless, sweaty…you can see that he’s done it all, all that effot into such a dynamic amazing incredible concert, for his fans who he loves MORE and the children, the disadvantaged, the Heal the World foundation. And not for himself. Not one penny. It all went to the foundation.
A beautiful gentle soul who will always live in our hearts (and in the heaven) … but in our hearts, he will always be the glowing reminder of what true strength, courage, conviction are…and a reminder that we need to help heal this world, whatever we do, that is the most important.

amaya | 8/23/2009, 1:12 pm EST

I know that u are in the HEAVEN now MJ >>>>> RIP .. I cant bare up ur death .. i cried in my room 4 a looooooooooong time.. days and days . I LOVE U >

Deborahffrench | 9/6/2009, 10:43 am EST

I will never forget.
I think of you everyday Michael. With a love I never knew I felt.

Angela | 9/16/2009, 6:43 am EST

I love you more and more after listening to d interview.. You were incredible. You will always be remembered for. Nobody gonna hurt you anymore. May you rest in peace.

matthew goodwin | 9/30/2009, 8:54 am EST

All I can say is im excited to be going to see Michael in, this is it , I cant wait and yet I know I will be terribly sad to see him and know that this is the final vision of him in all his glory .I miss him so much even though I was not the biggest fan , he seemed like a brother .

Sonya | 11/14/2009, 4:56 am EST

God will bless your children,Michael.
You always inspired me.Rest in Peace.

Deborah Ffrench | 11/15/2009, 5:00 am EST

A way will be found to vindicate Michael in time, but it must be remembered that telling the truth is hard to do for some people, especially when they know they would effectively be opening the door to the media’s gaze. I ask all of us now to do stop buying into the thought that we are powerless – and instead, do something very powerful.

An intention has been set in effect. And everyone who wants to, is being asked to ‘Hold The Vision’ of this intention:

‘That the truth of Michael’s integrity and the innocence of his relationships with children will be unequivocally proved and known by all – in our lifetime.’

When you think of Michael, re-affirm that intention in your mind and in your heart. Put all the desire you have for the successful unfolding of this vision into this intention. If the millions who love Michael do this daily, we will do more to affect change than we ever knew possible.

Post A Comment

Caution: Off-topic comments will be deleted

Name:

Comments:



Advertisement

Advertisement