Michael Jackson is immortalized. LET’S JAM!
Here is a link to the Michael Jackson Hand & Footprint Ceremony held in Hollywood at the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on January 26, 2012: http://www.chinesetheatres.com/red-carpet-live.html
I know that I am dreaming of the impossible, but I wish Michael Jackson had been there. His presence was very much missing and this was probably the mood which prevailed almost throughout the event – until the actual procedure of pressing Michael’s sequin glove and shoes into cement started and until Cirque du Soleil took over.
The Cirque performance was absolutely smashing and this was what really brought back the atmosphere of Michael’s fun, energy, spirit and perfection.
Apart from that, the ceremony was a little sad. There were other good episodes besides the Cirque – the dancers of Debbie Allen’s Dance Academy featuring an amazing child star, the warm and funny words of Chris Tucker and a very sincere tribute from Justin Bieber, as well as of course everything Michael’s children and mother said and did there. But in the background of all that there was still some diffused sadness – a sort of bitter happiness – a mixed feeling that it is good that we are celebrating, but we would prefer it under different circumstances if we could…
There was also a slightly dissonant note about the event. The host looked to me a little too formal and some famous producers and composers who tend to talk about themselves only were invited there as usual.
I don’t have anything against these renowned people who, probably due to their age, are living somewhat in the past, but Michael was all about the future – and this is all the difference in the world between them which the producers of the ceremony should have taken into account.
This contrasted very much with the spirit of the man they were commemorating and forgot that where there is Michael Jackson, there is no room for formalism or lack of harmony. He was all about joy, fun, innovation, game and perfection at that.
Watching the ceremony I suddenly realized that a crowd of children would have belonged on that stage much better than some of those renowned grown-up and serious people. They never understood Michael and never will, so what were they doing there? Cirque du Soleil is different – people who have created the show have caught up with Michael in their pursuit of fun, excellence and perfection and from what I could see turned their tribute to him into a fantastic show worthy of the grand master.
Another discovery I made during the ceremony was that Michael’s music sounds today as fresh as ever – considering that some of the songs were composed and sung more than 20 years ago this is a totally amazing fact. Some songs are even growing on me only now – like Jam or Scream, for example. Michael’s music definitely belongs to the future…
At some point of the ceremony I couldn’t resist the temptation to make a few screen shots, so here is my collection with a very short comment:
Katherine Jackson takes the microphone at 48:30 (what a beautiful woman she is!) and thanks everyone, especially Michael’s fans, for celebrating this occasion with the family:
“I’d like to say thank you for being here for this very, very solemn occasion for myself, and I know if Michael was here he would agree…”
Then Paris Jackson comes on the stage. If Michael could only see her now and what a beauty she is turning into! I think he would cry…
She introduces Justin Bieber. There is a poster on her left which shows the profile of her father.
It looks like the shadow of him standing by her side and this is how I took the picture.
Justin Bieber says at 50:20 –
- “I don’t usually get nervous but I’m a little nervous right now. He meant so much to me. He was more than an entertainer. He was an inspiration.
People are going to remember for his dancing and singing, but people gotta remember him for the man he was....
I want to be the best I can be. That’s what Michael did. He was always dancing. He was always practicing.”
Debby Allen says at 57:40 – “Michael Jackson was an explorer, an inventor, an engineer, an architect, a Genius…and he was my friend. He was my friend because of one thing, one thing – dance.
Dance is all we talked about. He practiced for hours, for hours every day. Music may have been his muse, but it was dance which was his mistress. He had an insatiable appetite to continue to expand his language of dance – a language he spoke like no other.
So here, in tribute to the Great one, the young men of the Allen Dance Academy are
doing what Michael Jackson inspires them and millions like them to do every day. They JAM.”
Prince Jackson says at 01:03:50
“”My dad won the lifetime achievement award. It was an award he strived and worked the hardest to get.
But for me, and I think for him as well, this right here is his lifetime achievement award. This is what he strived to get and this is what we are giving him now today.”
Jan 26, 2012
(LOS ANGELES) — Michael Jackson’s musical legacy was remembered at the first annual “Michael Jackson Immortalized Day.” Jackson’s children attended the star-studded event at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles.
Jackson’s son, Prince, who has always been quiet in public, spoke: “This was my dad’s lifetime achievement award… this is what he strived to get and this is what we’re giving him today.”
The King of Pop’s three children pressed his famous moonwalk shoes, sequined glove, and their hands into cement outside the theatre. Paris, Jackson’s daughter and a budding actress, wrote her dad’s name in the cement.
“It meant a lot because my dad always wanted to have his name here at the Chinese theatre and I just feel like he is a legacy,” she said.
Paris then introduced a performance by Justin Bieber, a star who found fame at an early age like Jackson.
“I don’t usually get nervous but I’m a little nervous right now,” Bieber said. “He was more than an entertainer. He was an inspiration. People are going to remember for his dancing and singing, but people gotta remember him for the man he was….I want to be the best I can be. That’s what Michael did. He was always dancing. He was always practicing.”
Jackson’s mother, Katherine Jackson, got choked up a few times at the ceremony.
“I’d like to say thank you for being here for this very, very solemn occasion for myself, and I know if Michael was here he would agree,” she said.
The show closed with the premiere of Cirque de Soleil’s Immortal World Tour.
The show, filled with sequins and dancing, is one that likely would have made Jackson proud. Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio
And this article tells us of the Cirque du Soleil show:
Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour performs in Los Angeles at Staples Center January 27-29, 2012.
The production is a riveting fusion of visuals, dance, music and fantasy that immerses audiences in Michael’s creative world.
The show literally turns his signature moves upside down, unfolding his artistry before the eyes of the audience.
USA Today called it “A Thriller of a show!” and Rolling Stone raved about ‘the hit-packed King of Pop spectacle.”
Commenting on IMMORTAL’s success, Forbes noted “That should come as no surprise, given the extraordinary spectacle that audiences witness with each performance” while Entertainment Weekly said that, “Even the most casual of Jackson followers will be entertained, and Jackson acolytes will revel in every glittering, peculiar moment.”
Aimed at lifelong fans as well as those experiencing Michael’s creative genius for the first time, the show captures the essence, soul and inspiration of the King of Pop, celebrating a legacy that continues to transcend generations.
“His legend lives on,” wrote US Weekly. The album, IMMORTAL, available on Epic Records, is the soundtrack for Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour.
Michael Jackson is one of the most beloved entertainers and profoundly influential artists of all-time. To date Jackson has sold an estimated 1 billion records worldwide, released 13 No.1 singles and became one of a handful of artists to be inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The Guinness Book of World Records recognized Jackson as the Most Successful Entertainer of All Time and “Thriller” as the Biggest Selling Album of All Time. Jackson won 17 Grammy Awards including 8 in one year, a record in itself, and received 26 American Music Awards, including the Artist of the Century Award.
Jackson defined the art form of music video with such ground-breaking short films as “Billie Jean,” “Beat It” and the classic “Thriller,” which in 2009 became the first and only music video inducted into the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress. Jackson’s sound, style and dance moves continue to inspire today’s performers and new generations of fans worldwide continue to discover his artistry.
At Grauman’s Michael Jackson’s legacy will be enshrined alongside such entertainment icons as Fred Astaire, Elizabeth Taylor, Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe, Sidney Poitier, Clark Gable, Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks. Michael Jackson’s Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is located on the sidewalk in front of the theatre.
The Grauman’s Chinese Theatre forecourt is one of the most photographed tourist sites in the world, annually attracting as many visitors as the Taj Mahal in India and the Prado Museum in Madrid. Grauman’s Chinese Theatre hands and footprints ceremony is rich in tradition and provides the four million plus people a year who visit the site an up close look at the hand and footprints of Hollywood’s most notable talents.
Movie exhibitor Sid Grauman, one of Hollywood’s most creative showmen, opened The Chinese in 1927 and launched the handprints-footprints ceremony a year later. The event is one of the most selective in the world, and very few are chosen to be honored.
Also present at the ceremony was actor Harry Shum Jr. of Glee, who took part in the show’s Michael Jackson’s tribute episode that airs next week. Here is an article about it:
Michael Jackson getting Glee treatment
Dec 08, 2011 11:06 AM by Castina Watson
MUSICAL-COMEDY PLANNING MJ TRIBUTE
The music of the late pop king Michael Jackson will be featured in an episode of Gleeairing next month, FOX said Wednesday.
A Michael Jackson-themed episode of Glee will premiere next month.
A full-on MJ-themed show is being hustled into production on the heels of this week’s episode, which featured a trifecta of Jackson family songs — one from The Jackson 5, one from Janet and one from Michael. Glee bosses have fast-tracked the long-proposed tribute show so it will be ready to air Jan. 24 on FOX.
Producers of the Emmy Award-winning series plan to feature 10 to 12 of the “Thriller” icon’s most popular songs in a 90-minute special, TV Guide reports.
Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” featured on Glee Super Bowl episode >>
The first scenes will be filmed just before Christmas. The second half of the show will be completed when the actors return from their winter break in early January.
Glee creator Ryan Murphy says excited cast members are already “flooding him with requests to sing their favorite Jackson numbers.”
The King of Pop is the latest music legend to inspire a tribute from the Gleekster of McKinley High. Pop divas Madonna, Lady Gaga and Britney Spears have all provided the soundtrack for their own musical spectaculars since the show’s premiere in 2009.
But, as The Hollywood Reporter points out, the tribute specials don’t always reasonate well with Glee’s core audience:
“Glee‘s tribute episodes have had mixed results for the series, with its Spears in November 2010 scoring a series high at the time and besting the show’s Madonna effort, while its Gaga special didn’t fare as well, registering a season low in viewership and the key adults 18-49 demographic for the season to date.”
Michael’s tunes have turned out to be a huge profit generator for the estate of the late singer, who died of a propofol overdose in June 2009. Jackson’s estate and Cirque du Soleil are splitting the costs and profits of the hit stage production Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour.
Michael’s family has given “their enthusiastic support” for the Glee project.
I’ve almost forgotten to post a picture of the Dance Academy performance which featured a very talented child dancer. You fill find their dance at 59:00 in the video.
Taking this opportunity let me repeat what Debbie Allen said about Michael Jackson before her dancers came onto the stage. I find her words very insightful and inspiring:
Debby Allen at 57:40
“Michael Jackson was an explorer, an inventor, an engineer, an architect, a Genius…and he was my friend. He was my friend because of one thing, one thing – Dance.
Dance is all we talked about. He practiced for hours, for hours every day. Music may have been his Muse, but it was Dance which was his Mistress. He had an insatiable appetite to continue to expand his language of dance – a language he spoke like no other.
So here, in tribute to the Great one, the young men of the Allen Dance Academy are doing what Michael Jackson inspires them and millions like them to do every day. They JAM.”
And though I don’t know what exactly the word “Jam” means, for some reason I also feel very much like saying – LET’S JAM!
People cry when the attend the latest Cirque du Soleil show and see Michael’s hologram on stage. And it isn’t his ghost, they just feel his presence. And I am so happy that it wasn’t Wade Robson who did the choreography:
LikeLike
One more piece of news. “Michael Jackson One” show by Cirque du Soleil is doing so well that they will be selling tickets till the end of the year. They say that the demand is incredible. They do it on a two-shows-per-night schedule and the demand is still exceeding the seating.
Nothing surprising about it. I hear that they are using Michael’s hologram and this must be the biggest attraction. Those of us who have never seen him STILL WANT TO SEE HIM. When I attended a show by Cirque du Soleil in Moscow I left it with a clear impression that a hologram was the only way out.
This is the only illusion I will be happy to go for. Hope to live to be able to see it.
Strip Scribbles: ‘Michael Jackson One’ ticket sales exceed expectations at Mandalay Bay
LikeLike
“I wish you the best time ever. I wish I could go once again. Please enjoy it! I loved especially They Don’t Care About Us with it’s powerful message.”
Oh Susanne, I also loved most exactly the part you are talking of – They don’t care about us! Here is a small piece of it found on Youtube. Over there its message was much more powerful!
I was watching and thinking that Michael’s “social” songs begin to sound stronger now than during his life – they alone could make a separate program. In comparison with them pieces like “I just can’t control my feet” go almost unnoticed. And Michael’s music is so good that it outshines even the Cirque du Soleil cast – it is simply overwhelming and makes you miss him on stage very much.
The show also teased me into a lot of dreaming. There is simply no other way out now but try and create a hologram of Michael Jackson on stage. Reproducing the whole show with him this way. I hope to live to see it one day. If we were so unfortunate as to never see him in concert, something should be done to correct this terrible injustice to us.
I can’t even imagine what the reaction of the public will be like if – no – WHEN – it is done.
LikeLike
Oh, Helena, I wish you the best time ever. I wish I could go once again. Please enjoy it! I loved especially They Don’t Care About Us with it’s powerful message. Give hugs to Greg Phillinganes and Sugarfoot! I wish you could meet them.
LikeLike
Guys, today is my day with the Cirque du Soleil. The show will start in three hours. What I want most is to be around people who came to appreciate Michael too.
Haters don’t understand one thing – Michael’s death broke him into a million pieces and now all of us are HIM. Now they’ll have to do with a million of us instead of him alone.
The song by “Cash Cash” explains it all. They caught the spirit of it, guys!
Even though the king is gone, the beat goes on and on
MICHAEL JACKSON
Don’t stop till we get enough You’s a pretty young thing and I’m dangerous
Don’t matter if you’re black or white Gotta come together working day and night
So get get get on the floor
we are invincible
We are unbreakable
Don’t stop till the break of dawn I wanna rock with you so get off the wall
Even though the king is gone, the beat goes on and on
MICHAEL JACKSON
Dance all night
Lose your mind
One more time
Even though the king is gone
Even though the king is gone (come on sing it with me)
Even though the king is gone (a little louder)
Even though the king is gone (I can’t hear you)
Get get get on the floor,
We invincible
We unbreakable
MICHAEL JACKSON………….. LOSE YOUR MIND…………… ONE MORE TIME!
LikeLike
Here is an amazing post which features dozens of photos from the recent auction of MJ’s costumes from earlier this week: http://hannahkozak.wordpress.com/2012/11/28/michael-jacksons-costumes-at-juliens/
LikeLike
Interesting interview i found.
LikeLike
On Sunday, 12-2-2012, Joe Vogel will be a guest on Marty’s Blog TV show! It will air beginning at 7pmPST (10PM EST). He’ll be discussing his book “Man in the Music”, Bad 25, and other exciting topics!
http://www.blogtv.com/people/MartyInLA
LikeLike
Check this out! It’s hilarious! Just imagine if MJ was your neighbor! LOL!
LikeLike
Here’s a clip from the upcoming Spike Lee documentary on Bad 25! Enjoy!
http://www.michaeljackson.com/us/node/1269031
LikeLike
“the President of Cirque Du Soleil, where he confirms that they are working on a full 3D hologram of MJ that will debut when the Immortal tour starts it Vegas residency in 2013!”
David, ever since Michael died I wished there was some way to see him again – and this may be the chance! If they manage to do it people will flock Cirque Du Soleil just to see Michael again!
And what if they make holograms of his full shows one day? Can you imagine what it will be like??!
LikeLike
Here are TWO different interviews from 2010 with the President of Cirque Du Soleil, where he confirms that they are working on a full 3D hologram of MJ that will debut when the Immortal tour starts it Vegas residency in 2013! I always thought this was the most plausible scenario, as it would give fans a new reason to travel to Vegas to see the show, and it keeps the show fresh and innovative.
He emphasized that the hologram would use state of the art 3D technology, which is important because the Tupac Shakur “hologram” was actually just a flat 2D image! 😦
LikeLike
I recently rented the DVD of the making of “We Are The World”, and I sent some clips from it to LunaJo67 for her to upload to YouTube! Enjoy!
LikeLike
Here is a new couple that danced to Smooth Criminal at their wedding! Incredible!
LikeLike
Have you ever wondered what are Joe and Katherine Jackson’s favorite MJ songs? Watch the video below to find out!
LikeLike
With the passing of Whitney it brought up thoughts again of Michael and how glad I am to have existed when he was upon the earth. Chaka Khan, Whitney’s friend, has been speaking some real truths about the industry and how evil it is, how they destroy people’s souls. She has said how artists are highly sensitive people who just want to sing but they are isolated in hotel rooms so they will perform like dancing bears. She called the music industry demonic and said that it destroys the lives and essences of it’s artists without a second thought. She is speaking truth. I think men like Clive Davis and Quincy Jones are all about business and the bottom dollar and don’t have a clue when it comes to the pysche of sensitive artists except how to manipulate, they are emotionally immature and sometimes even deadly.
The music industry has past the point of no return in how vile it has become. Any sensitive artist should get the heck out of the industry and save their own souls before the vampires in suits get them. It’s gotten to the point where true artists under contract feel so trapped that they feel death will be the only way out to freedom. Michael bravely tried to warn people about this when he was alive. Many people are waking up and realizing what was done to Michael. This site has been a tremendous help in this regard. God bless you for this site.
Some people believe that before we came here to earth our souls were in clusters, people on the earth here with us like family may not have been part of our cluster but might have belong to another set of clusters and some people we have never met are part of what was a tight knit family on the other side. I don’t know if any of this is true but sometimes I feel that Michael was part of my cluster, a brother who I loved very much and will see again when I reach the other side. Perhaps those who have been drawn back to him were all part of the same family in spirit. I love you Michael Jackson. Thank you for your brave, sweet, complex and wonderful spirit.
LikeLike
Here is a site that has a gallery of THOUSANDS of photos of MJ from all eras! You’ll love it! http://mjphotoscollectors.com/
LikeLike
Thank you! I saw the post and added some photos of MJ and Whitney!
The good news is that the show will be touring Europe later this year! Dates are still being announced, so maybe it will come to Russia? Don’t give up hope! Here is the schedule so far: http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/michael-jackson-tour/tickets.aspx
I noticed that they cancelled the Salt Lake City, Utah date. That’s very odd! I’m sure it wasn’t due to poor ticket sales, as that date is still many months away. Maybe they just decided to cut the US tour short by one date? That was scheduled to be the very last date of the US tour.
LikeLike
David, so you’ve felt it too! This is what it is like to be beside Michael and those who have a little bit of his spirit around them!
You described the atmosphere so well that it deserves to be a post (I’ve made it already, in your name). Thank you for your story and conveying Michael’s fire and feeling of togetherness to all of us. Though we haven’t been there you managed to show what it was like. You are lucky but it is a well-deserved reward for all the dirt you have to dig in.
When will I be able to see it too? I am afraid they are not even planning to go to us yet…
LikeLike
Hey, I attended the Cirque Du Soleil show the last two nights! I had so much fun after going the first night that I bought tickets for the second night as soon as I got home!
I must admit, however, that the mood was ruined right before the second show, as I found out about Whitney Houston’s death around 15 minutes prior to showtime, so that put a damper on things! 😦
Here is my review of the experince, which I wrote after the first show: http://www.twitlonger.com/show/frp0et
LikeLike
Glee’s recent performance of Human Nature by Michael Jackson!
Glee – I just can’t stop loving you by Michael Jackson!
Glee – Wanna be starting something by Michael Jackson!
Glee – Black or White by Michael Jackson!
Glee – Smooth Criminal!
Glee – Man in the Mirror!
Glee – Scream!
Glee – Ben!
Glee – Full episode 1
NOT BAD. NOT BAD AT ALL…
LikeLike
Michael was in his country not treated as a human being. It was a violation of human rights. Now, all behave as if nothing had happened. Journalists continue to conduct their stupid programs like the show. When was campaign against MJ, no one said stop. This is crazy. What are we doing?. No reflection. This means that it was all deliberate human destruction that led to his death. After the death of Michael stupid programs and titles: So what was really Michael Jackson?. 20 years persecuted the man of whom they knew nothing. I am now completely different look for his country. I did not know MJ was so attacked. In a manner so cruel that no words. That is why it is so difficult to accept it. Lack of reflection, repentance media, an apology is a scandal. Why is no one in his country has the courage to stand up to the media. Everyone is afraid. This is what happened to MJ requires a great debate in America. It was truly an unprecedented crime of the media. I do not mean revenge. It’s about change, it’s about truth.
LikeLike
Here’s another positive review of MJ’s Immortal Cirque Du Soleil show!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jay-weston/cirques-michael-jackson-show_b_1240413.html?ref=tw
LikeLike
Sorry for mistakes in English. I use electronic translation and hence errors. Americans do not understand whom they lost because they did not know Michael. King of pop is all they know. Sneddon told the rest about MJ, Dimond, Grace, Orth and other ‘experts’. It is unbearable. It is so unfair.
LikeLike
Until the media can not be settled will not be justice. Such ceremonies are beautiful. This is needed to fans, his children, but ….
All the time hangs in the air need for the settlement of the media for their cruelty. This is essential. I still feel large angry. Media in America – This is not to abolish such cruelty of American journalists.
LikeLike
Mr. Q. Jones did not understand MJ from the beginning. Michael told him about the disease of the skin, and he did not believe him. After the death of Michael talking foolishness about him. I do not know whether he now knows about his disease of the skin. When Michael was spat upon by the media for so many years, who stood in his defense. Almost no one. We all moved away from Michael. That is why people like Chris Tucker, Mr Culkin are heroes. They had the courage to stand on the side of truth. QJ did not understand insomnia, the doctor’s incompetence and Michael’s years of suffering by cruel media in his country, which led indirectly to his death. True friends know in poverty.
LikeLike
I also saw the event on livestream, and what I liked the most was seeing the kids honoring their dad. Not only Michael was immortalized that day, but also Michael and his kids as a unity forever. I think that’s what he possibly would have loved the most about it.
If my dreams come true, I will see this piece of cement personally this year, as I plan to visit L.A. end of August. I really hope it will happen.
LikeLike
I was fortunate enough to see most of the ceremony and believe most speakers were sincere; odd to see all the “suits” and guest speakers on the left, and the Jackson family on the right of the stage. Those of the Jacksons who did not show up must be harboring the same illwill toward the Estate about which they have been so vocal for so long. Glad Mrs. J and the kids (along with Tito and Jackie) are moving forward in the interests of keeping Michael in the forefront. I followed the trial as closely as possible, and believe QJ knows not of what he speaks, as for many doctors being lined up willing to do what Murray did. I guess I’m not that jaded (yet) concerning the medical profession. Just recently, Andrae Crouch who worked with Michael on many songs, talked about visiting the set of TII very shortly before Michael passed at which time Michael expressed hesitation about doing the tour and didn’t feel right about it. Will we ever know what Michael really meant by that statement? So many mixed messages even 2 1/2 years later.
LikeLike
http://rootmagazineonline.com/featured-content/1970/
Just if anyone is interested this guy says he sat between Q and Gladys Knight at MJ funeral..not sure if it was the Staples tribute or the family one but he did show up for something I guess.
LikeLike
It is time for Michael’s dance and music be celebrated again. And it seems this was as good as could be at this time. Just forget about QJ, he says one thing and then something else. He certainly did not follow the Murray trial. That was so good and dramatic, I think a movie could be made from it. Just some good cutting as it is so long. There were exellent and impressive personalities, esp.the E.R. doctors, the coroner, the security guards, all the great doctors for the prosecution and even Cherilyn Lee for the defence. There must still be many people in denial re truth of Michaels death. And I think the trial is of the best in re to vindication for Michael. Maybe people did not have the time to follow it in detail and should be given another chance.
And it was proven without doubt who the culprit was, as was the cause of death.
LikeLike
“Yes, let’s do it: let’s JAM! (Dancers form a jam circle where they show each other their best moves. But it’s also when different music styles are playing together, spontaniously to create a harmony of sounds with the right vibe and mood)”
Luna, thank you for your support and detailed explanation what JAM is! I knew it was something good if Debby Allen used it and now am all the more sure that it is the right word! Let all Michael’s supporters show their best moves in what we are doing and all of us create a harmony Michael was dreaming of.
And the right vibe and mood should be there too – I think it is the fun Michael liked so much which is the right one!
Yeeeees, let’s JAM!
LikeLike
I watched this yesterday and I must admit I was a bit let down by the organization (or lack thereof) but you brought to focus the real intentions and sincerity behind the event. And for that I thank you and now can fully appreciate how historic and meaningful this is to Michael’s legacy.
LikeLike
“Speaking in Dubai, Jones said if Murray had not been treating Jackson there would have been another medical practitioner doing exactly the same.
“People of Michael’s stature get whatever they want, it just goes with the territory,” said the producer, who has earned a record 79 Grammy nominations over five decades. “There were 40 other doctors lined up to do the same thing, whatever it is.”
This was nasty. I doubt very much that Quincy Jones even knows what he is talking about. No matter how many doctors “were in line”, any other doctor – in case he agreed to give propofol – would have kept Michael alive during the procedures simply because he would have properly monitored the process.
Propofol is administered on a regular basis to millions of people, and to some of them continuously for days at a time (in intensive care units) – and no one dies because of that. If administered properly it is a safe drug, though of course it is not meant for sleep.
But Michael died not because of propofol – he died due to Murray’s outrageous negligence which no doctor or even layman would ever afford himself. And Quincy says that any doctor would have done that! He doesn’t know the first thing about the case!
It seems that he has many preconceived notions about people, easily jumps to conclusions without ever looking and then confidently states his own allegations as fact.
It was this kind of people who did Michael irreparable harm. Who would ever doubt the word of the great Quincy Jones who was supposed to know Michael very well?
LikeLike
Ok, now I may be done with Quincy. Thanks David for posting that article out of Dubai. I could only find the snippet put out by MJNA rather than it’s origination.
@Vindicate. I didn’t mean you were too harsh. Your words are always helpful and provide thought.
I honestly and literally have such a headache right now from thinking of this and after reviewing the Wiseguy Q&A that I must have blocked from my memory. Ahhh…
LikeLike
I remember the clip of Quincy and the hot sauce. It was right after “Michael” was out. I think he was commenting on how there were so many layers in the tracks that it was difficult to say if it was really Michael’s voice on the tracks. He came off in a strange way in the interview. But, he did seem to carry a lot of feelings where the family was concerned, especially Joe, huh? It’s really amazing the feelings and angles Michael stirred up in people and still does. It’s all so complicated and carries with it such intricacies. The article in which I was referring was when Quincy said that the trial outcome was a joke. As I mentioned, I did not quite know how to take that…was he insinuating that he did not think justice was served, or was he implying that nothing the legal system could do could ever right this wrong? Additionally, he said that people of Michael’s stature get anything they want and that if it weren’t Murray it would have been any number of other doctors standing in line, basically. This is when I asked myself, “What the hell, Quincy?” That comment minimized or even completely diminished Murray’s (or any other doctor “in line”) responsibility in Michael’s death and appeared to place the blame on the victim. I know we all can not completely agree on all aspects of Michael, but I thought HE should know better than to speak publicly and inflame matters; he witnessed the ill effects of the media on Michael over the years. It seemed a careless action for a friend to take. Considering the photo that they used, I came to settle on the fact that, again we can not underestimate the damage the media puts into motion. There was no logical thread this article portrayed. It even made the author look aimless in the pursuit of a logical and cogent message. There was no intention to relay factual information; only fuel the fire of, “M…… is so w***d even his friends do not understand him” and also, “Look how eccentric Quincy Jones has become in his old age” kind of thing. (I never want to put phrases out on the internet that might come up on a search and negatively effect Michael that’s why I used symbols). The day Michael passed I checked Quincy’s website and he personally posted a heartfelt message to the affect that he was at a loss, in pain and that he lost his little brother. I guess we could analyze all sorts of interviews people in Michael’s life have done and evaluate their intentions, but what would it do? I think I was so saddened by Quincy that I have been trying to use the same criteria I use for Michael when it comes to the media. I apologize for going on and on. Thanks Nan.
LikeLike
I believe the term “If you have nothing nice to say don’t say anything at all” implies to QJ.
LikeLike
@Sanemjfan
hmm and i also think he wasn’t keeping up with the Murray trial either which i kinda understand since he sounds like a busy man moving from coast to coast but then he shouldn’t open his mouth on the subject because anyone following the trial am sure were in shock with how reckless Murray was and what he wasn’t doing right.
Also why was he so obsessed with getting a thank you from the Jackson family i would of thought a thank you from Michael was more than enough.
LikeLike
Here’s the quote that Quincy said about Murray’s conviction: http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/music/guilty-finding-on-jacksons-doctor-a-joke-says-quincy
I wish he would have publicly apologized to the Jackson family and the fans for those statements. I personally believe he said it, no question. If he did not say it, or his words were misconstrued because he mumbled or stuttered, he would have asked for a retraction, or would have wrote a rebuttal on his blog or on Twitter. But he did no such thing, which is inconsistent with any claims of not having said it, so to me his inaction indicates that he said it and had no regrets about it. I was disgusted by his appearance, as were most fans, and he should just shut up about MJ.
LikeLike
They used to have some clips on youtube of Q dissing MJ and now they are gone..I wonder if he feels like an ass after the autopsy reports came out.
I remember the interview where Q was eating something with his hot sauce in an airport or something and he called joe jackson a liar..Said the Jacksons never thanked him..He was asked if MJ did and he said yes , he did , he knew..
I cant find that clip now either..
..I think he was a little bitter that he and Mj had a good thing going but mj moved on..of course MJ was young at the time and wanted to be the captain of his own ship..cant blame him , but I think Q took offense to it..maybe he feels alittle remorse now for those remarks..but as someone said..he culd have been saying those things out of hurt..
MJ was such a vulnerable person..It is interesting to see who was quick to jump on a bandwagon to dis him..like a mob mentality type thing and who had the guts to stick up for mj when it wasnt popular…..I remember seeing Mike Huckabee saying kind things about MJ…right after he died…and I was dumbfounded because I never expected him to be a person who would feel compassion for Michael ….Dolly Parton also…
LikeLike
@VindicateMJ
Regarding that interview with Q i do remember seeing a picture of Q at MJ’s Funeral looks like he did attend. I wonder what he thinks about the vitiligo now after the murray trial thats if hes keeped up with it.
LikeLike
I have felt ambivalent about Quincy Jones since he made such insensitive remarks after Michael’s passing. Besides the obvious ones mentioned in the WiseGuy interview, all of which were atrocious, the one that sticks to mind came much later. In that clip, Quincy is eating as he is commenting, very bitterly, “I did so much for the Jackson family, and not once did they thank me. Not once.” I’m still wondering what he feels they must thank him for. Every time anyone mentioned Q to Michael, MJ ALWAYS thanked him profusely. On EVERY album sleeve, he thanked him profusely. Why wasn’t that enough? But while during most of the WiseGuy interview Q was quite disrespectful, especially as he juxtaposed Michael’s name with “freaks”, it’s also obvious that most of the interview’s toxic questions were begging for toxic answers. I think part of Q’s rage and disgust, as well as Deepak Chopra’s, was actually misdirected grief, especially if we remember that anger IS a strong component of grief.
I like the fact that Michael always took the high ground as far as Q was concerned.
I, too, felt renewed grief as I was watching the Grauman ceremony. (He should have been there!) But I appreciated the presence of his friends. I have quite a soft spot for Chris Tucker, who was unflagging in his support of MJ through the darkest of times. Prince, Paris and Blanket are the best possible testimonial to their father’s character and integrity. They are a blessing and balm.
LikeLike
“Billy Bush, the host was actually the host who Michael asked to come to Ireland to interview him at Michael’s home with Will.i.am. I think he has had other privileged access to the family, as well. Before the ceremony began and during the program he seemed to be very respectful of the family. He took a special interest in encouraging Blanket. My daughter who is 12 pointed this out to me. I was very happy to see Quincy Jones speak and attend. I found myself wondering about his intentions over the past 2 years.” – Monica
Monica, you are right. I was a little too harsh on Billy Bush and the elders. Billy was just nervous and not very comfortable on stage, and when I mentioned the renowned producers I mostly meant Smokey Robinson who talked about himself mostly (as to Quincy Jones I didn’t even understand what he was saying).
But as regards Quincy I have a grudge against him – he seems to be jealous of all the superb work Michael did after Thriller and also allows himself outrageous comment about Michael “not wanting to be black”, all his diseases being “bs” and equally rough words about “molestation” issues.
He never understood Michael and probably never will. He is a tough businessman for whom all Michael’s concerns about healing the world were some incomprehensible sentiments. They were totally different in spirit – actually a world apart from each other, and this is why I think that Quincy didn’t belong there.
But you are right that we shouldn’t be nasty to anyone and should not judge. I thank you for the reminder and have rewritten that part of the post to convey the same idea in a milder way.
As a supplement to what I have said about Quincy here is the interview he gave upon hearing of Michael’s death. I hope that now Quincy has changed his opinion and is sorry about his words. However it is only Michael and Quincy’s own conscience who can judge him:
LikeLike
I just wanted to say I was there yesterday and it was a beautiful event. You may have noticed Mrs. Jackson stayed down on the ground to make her statement and thank everyone. You can not actually hear the natural sound from the video I’ve seen, but when she thanked, “…especially Michael’s fans”, we all went crazy with clapping and cheering. I thought that was very special. It seems all Michael’s family members recognize how important we were to him. Also, interesting to me is always the glimpse we get into the family members’ beliefs. Mrs. Jackson never says anything that eludes to the fact that she feels Micheal “is with us” in spirit. I know what I’m saying sounds crazy, but I notice Tito Jackson said he knows Michael is with us and is smiling, etc. I believe this is just a reflection on Mrs. Jackson’s beliefs (as well as everyone else’s), and I know it’s trivial, but I do find it intriguing. Really, though ultimately they all miss him terribly still; that was apparent.
I actually got to walk along Hollywood Blvd with Jackie and Tito Jackson and I listened in on a conversation! That was fun…I was actually in close physical proximity to Michael’s brothers.
Billy Bush, the host was actually the host who Michael asked to come to Ireland to interview him at Michael’s home with Will.i.am. I think he has had other privileged access to the family, as well. Before the ceremony began and during the program he seemed to be very respectful of the family. He took a special interest in encouraging Blanket. My daughter who is 12 pointed this out to me.
I was very happy to see Quincy Jones speak and attend. I found myself wondering about his intentions over the past 2 years. Although, he is a musical legend and I love his life story and involvement with Michael, I became suspicious of his loyalty. Recently I read an article of which he contributed following the Murray trial. After reading it I asked myself what the hell that was supposed to mean. After contemplating, I came to the realization that the media is always at work. I remembered what they always said to undermine Michael and bring him down. The article I read made no sense, was sensationalized and even showed Quincy Jones in a very unflattering picture with a deranged look on his face. What purpose does something like this serve? Probably just feathering the nest of the fledgling author/writer. Quincy is difficult to understand and mumbles, I think since his brain surgery years ago, but his attempts to be sincere were apparent to me. He was so attentive the whole time (I had my eye on him). He knew Michael well and who am I to doubt his love and sincerity? How can I judge his grief?
I loved that the city of Los Angeles has made official January 26, Michael Jackson day. All day long we were telling each other Happy Michael Day…It was an honor to attend. I won’t forget it.
LikeLike
Isnt this wonderful? He is now a Hollywood legend also.I know I am an optimist but this shows great strives in how Mj is starting to be perceived..
That he is given this honor and the shows are going to be going on..We also have the Gardner st school unveiling his name and also naming their music room after him…
I am hoping that it becomes lucrative to honor mj instead of smearing him.
that being said, I watched this on livefeed yesterday and I feel like I had the same expression on my face as Chris Tucker… so happy and proud for his family , but it sure would have been sweeter if he was here to see it..
LikeLike
Very moving write-up! Thank you so much! I didn’t get to see the actual ceremony so you really brought it to life. You know, as much as I have a good bit of trepidation about Michael’s children being more and more in the public eye, I think there’s also a real strong statment to be made for it. People, especiallly the media, cannot help be confronted with the reality that these children are remarkable–intelligent, beautifully-mannered, and a perfect reflection of his love and a tribute to his parenting skills. Perhaps now when events like this are reported on in the media, the journalists themselves are compelled to do so with more dignity and respect for Michael, the man. He was not just the greatest entertainer ever, he was their father, his family’s brother, son, and to his fans all over the world, a humanitarian who really and truly cared.
God bless you, Michael. We love and miss you so much.
LikeLike
Beautiful article and the ceremony made me cry too. The bittersweet feeling was absolutely there and especially seeing the children… Paris pushing her father’s famous glove into the concrete was so amazing and sad at the same time. Also the final picture of the shoes, the glove and the handprints of the children was a very touching sight. It was actually full of life and happy while it also reminds you of how it should have been…still.
Thank you for this great post. Yes, let’s do it: let’s JAM!
(Dancers form a jam circle where they show each other their best moves. But it’s also when different music styles are playing together, spontaniously to create a harmony of sounds with the right vibe and mood)
LikeLike