A funny recollection...

MJ's drawing of his sister LaToya as a prank,  in late 70's 

A story from Katherine Jackson's book, My Family

Michael and LaToya: Partners in Prank

Because they still lived at home, Michael, Janet, and LaToya were especially close. Somehow, Janet and LaToya had the ability to turn my increasingly private, driven son into the lighthearted Michael of old - if only for a little while.

They loved to play practical jokes on one another. Michael especially enjoyed tormenting LaToya with fake spiders and tarantulas. He’d place one of his plastic creatures atop the phone in her room, call her, and listen for her shrieks.  Knowing how particular she was about her room, he’d also delight in charging through the door and bouncing off her bed, with its white-satin sheets.

“I’ll teach you to be so picky!” he’d exclaim amid her furious screams.

Having been informed by Michael that he was so proud to be working with Sidney Lumet, LaToya conceived the revenge prank of all time.

One day shortly before Michael left for New York to begin filming, he received a call on his private line from “Mr. Lumet’s secretary." Mr. Lumet was in the neighborhood, the voice announced, and would be stopping by in five minutes to take him out to dinner. 

Michael didn’t know what to do first; he wasn’t dressed, and his room was a mess. Somehow in five minutes he made himself presentable, tidied up, and ran from door to door informing everyone excitedly, “Sidney Lumet is coming to take me to dinner!” He then sat down and waited for our security to inform him that Mr. Lumet had arrived. And waited. I sat with him; I, too, believed that the director was coming.

Finally, LaToya confessed, “Michael, Sidney Lumet isn’t taking you todinner. That was me on the phone!” 

I’ve never seen Michael so angry. He dragged LaToya outside and wet her from head to toe with the hose.

--- Excerpt from "My Family" by Katherine Jackson 

source:   http://twitpic.com/5x75ws 

Katherine Jackson: on Michael’s “Store” and who stole Michael’s penny?

From the Book, “My Family” by Katherine Jackson

"His first goal in life must have been to own a candy store because he loved to play storekeeper. After Joe began giving him and his brothers a weekly allowance, he would spend every cent of it on candy and gum. He’d come home with an armful of it, take a board and two bricks and place them in the doorway to the boys’ bedroom, place a cloth over the board, lay the candy on top of it, and sell it to his brothers and sisters and friends for the same price he’d paid for it.

Michael was also a serious candy-eater and gum-chewer. Before he opened his “store,” he’d save his pennies so that he could purchase bubble gum at the concession stand at the Little League ball park behind our house. One night, however, he couldn’t find his penny for gum and he was so upset he started crying. “Mother, do you know what happened to my penny?” he asked. I knew the answer when I saw Marlon  happily chewing away on a wad of bubble gum nearby."

By: Katherine Jackson

"Michael, every human being on this earth should learn from you."

Excerpt from La Toya's  dedication of her book "Starting Over " ;

"Michael, you are the epitome of Godliness. You have been an inspiration to us all. You have taught us all so much by your kindness, your actions, and your love for mankind. You cared tremendously for those who were sick, spending so much of your personal time with them just to put smiles on their faces and joy in their hearts.Your many contributions to so many charities throughout the world have helped provide those less fortunate with food, clothing, shelter,and life-saving medicine. Your stardom was so profound and so overwhelming, and your incredible talent brought us all joy and left a mark on this earth. You are truly a prime example to the world of what Godliness is like. We can all take a lesson out of your book of  love and become a better person. You were so gifted, yet very humble. With all your accolades and accomplishments, you still remained humble. People took advantage of you, and you knew you were in danger, yet you continued to remain humble. Michael, every human being on this earth should learn from you. You only wanted to give us love and light."

--- La Toya Jackson, "Starting Over"

text source: http://www.scribd.com/doc/58989794/La-Toya-Jackson-s-STARTING-OVER-Chapter-1

"Through our memories, we will always cherish Michael."

Never Can Say Goodbye

by Katherine Jackson

Note From The Author

"This book is dedicated to the loving memory of my son, Michael Jackson. These pages contain photographs from our private family collection, and are illustrated with my personal stories about Michael from his early childhood, right up through his remarkable career. Over the course of Michael's life, I've reserved my comments about my son. Now, after his death, I have decided to share my story for two reasons.

Firstly, I hope this book sheds insight into the person that Michael truly was, the person who I've always known him to be. Sharing my memories with Michael's fans is my way of passing on his message and legacy in a way that he would approve. And it is my hope that his fans come to know the real Michael, rather than the person that the media portrayed him to be. Those who knew my son well will attest that Michael was one of the best persons you'd ever want to meet and be around. He loved everyone; he was a good father and a very good son.

Michael was generous, kind, considerate, funny, intelligent, warm and extremely humble. His acts of kindness and generosity were something he hardly spoke about; when in fact he was truly one of the greatest philanthropists of our time. At one point, he was active in 39 charities, and the Guinness Book of Records recognized him for his donations in the philanthropic world. Michael often saw the good in people and trusted many in the early part of his career, sometimes leading to pain and betrayal in his life.

The second reason for writing this book is to celebrate the remarkable artist my son Michael was, and to acknowledge the contribution he made throughout his life to music, the arts, people, and the planet. Michael was a true artist with a vision to heal the world through music. Being on stage was what he loved to do, and I am happy that he shared his gifts with his fans whom he loved very deeply.

Beyond our hardships, our family loved Michael dearly, and each of us shared a special bond with him. Through our memories, we will always cherish Michael."

  --- Katherine Jackson

"The world knew my son, but then again, they didn't... this is my chance to share the stories that are near to my heart. For his fans, and his children."

source: http://www.jacksonsecretvault.com/page/promo

Dancing the Dream

By Michael Jackson

Published on June 18, 1992, Dancing the Dream was the second book written and released by Michael Jackson.


It's a book of poems and reflections written by Michael himself combined with many quality colour photos.


As it says on the inside cover "one man's hauntingly beautiful, provocatively personal view of the world around us and the universe within each of us. Whether his prose or poetry are focusing on creativity, the children of the world, or the plight of the noble elephant, Michael Jackson's observations and concerns make us see that trust and love and faith are the foundation stones for a life well lived.


Some people wonder how they can make the world a better place, while other people have dreams that are so powerful that they have a vision that can touch us all. Dancing The Dream was written by Michael Jackson, a man with a vision. Come experience the dream".

"Bottom line: the MJ media caricature is nothing like the artist..."

From Joe Vogel's twitter page;


"I read the AV Club article on MJ's Bad. Hyden starts out with a compelling question: Why the insanely vitriolic response to this album?  But then proceeds to offer most of the same reductive, petty, predictable nonsense that's been written about MJ for decades.


As usual, most of this is mythology, speculation, and pseudo-pscyhoanalysis. I actually interviewed people who worked on this album. They speak of an artist and person who is multi-dimensional: passionate, kind, funny, shy and HUMAN, not a caricature or corporation.


Did MJ want to sell 100 million copies? Yes. But why? That's the question critics never really consider. The assumption is that he was this vain, calculating, materialistic "entertainer" targeting demographics.


The truth is that since he was young, he was told black artists couldn't be the best. He wanted to prove them wrong. He wanted to be the best: commercially AND artistically. He believed in his music and wanted it to reach as many people as possible.


I address all this in my book. Bottom line: the MJ media caricature is nothing like the artist who worked tirelessly on Bad for 3 years."


--- Joe Vogel , June 4,  2011


source: https://twitter.com/#!/JoeVogel1

Note: 
JOE VOGEL is the author of the forthcoming book "Man in the Music: The Creative Life and Work of Michael Jackson." For more about this book, please see previous post dated  March 15, 2011.

"King of My Heart"

Excerpt from the article: Former Michael Jackson Video Model Tatiana Yvonne: 'King of My Heart'

originally published at AllHipHop.com, June 03, 2011

Tatiana Yvonne has written a new book titled "King of My Heart" about her time and experience with the late great, Michael Jackson. Tatiana was a Julliard trained ballerina and a successful cover girl model in Japan long before her “overnight success” as Michael Jackson's leading lady in the video “The Way You Make Me Feel.” 

But it was the video that made her an instantly recognizable figure and inducted her into Hollywood's inner-circle. Rumors of a blossoming romance seemed substantiated by an ongoing association between the two, even after the video as Michael invited her on The Bad Tour. Then in the next instant it all seemed to come crashing down. 

The origin, it would seem, was “the kiss that was seen around the world.” A unscripted, public kiss during the Bad Tour, denoting the chemistry that had began to spark between them. Though Michael did not appear to disapprove, Tatiana's accounts, it was believed Michael's handlers felt it was bad for his image.

Even though Tatiana's story does not contain salacious details of a torrid affair s in spite of the fact the she has numerous pictures that insinuates an obvious chemistry, Tatiana's credibility has been challenged and she has been stigmatized from day one. 

Perhaps this says less about Tatiana and more about the media and public at large with regard to Michael. Even after Lisa Marie's emotional open letter and appearance on Oprah after his death professing how profound her love was for him, or P. Diddy's comical story about how Michael crashed his party in pursuit of Beyonce, there are still those naysayers who refuse to allow Michael to be viewed as a genuine human being capable of love and being loved. Tatiana's is one of many stories told after the passing of the King of Pop that gives insight to the man, adding a building block to the reconstruction of his image.

article source: http://allhiphop.com/stories/alternatives/archive/2011/06/03/22780460.aspx

And here, in her own words, Tatiana speaks;

source: http://www.firpocarr.com/michaelandtatianabook.html

Michael & Tatiana--The King of My Heart

(New Book)

As Michael warmly caressed me from behind, the magnificence of his cologne stirred my emotions. When I sensed that he wore it just for me, an indescribable euphoria swept across my psyche. My bliss was heightened when I learned from his parents and close friends that he said he was in love with me.  

The purity of his minty whispers fell like angel's breath upon my ear. The radiance of his smile lit my heart. How could anyone possibly resist surrender to the innocence of his aura? While our bodies quietly posed motionlessly for the picture, our souls danced excitedly within us. For that private moment in a public place, we were Mr. and Mrs. Michael Jackson.   

But all was not well. I received an evil gaze from a jealous employee standing just out of the frame, off to the side. Her icy stare still resonates with a chill. Ominous clouds were forming. I had no idea she'd represent sinister forces threatening to sabotage our royal wedding; and wearing his coat he gave me during the shoot would not shield me from the wrenching heartache to come.

At that moment, the genesis of a fairytale love affair began slowly transforming into a nightmare. The Hollywood script would read: "The exuberant bride-to-be morphed into the lovelorn queen denied her crown." 

And now, though my King is gone, his love still reverberates within my heart. This is my story of lost love as never told before.

--- Tatiana Yvonne

And another excerpt from Tatiana's interview by  AllHipHop.com; 

AllHipHop.com: The way people view Michael has always been very polarized. They are are either viewing him as subhuman and being dehumanizing or deifying him.

Either way people don't humanize him enough to believe a beautiful woman such as yourself could fall for him. Since his death there have been many stories of him being flirtatious. Would you say his behavior qualified as flirtatious?

Tatiana: Oh completely. You tell me. The scene where we run through the car my heel had gotten stuck in the car's upholstery and Michael grabbed my leg trying to help me pull my foot out of the upholstery. I was so taken aback and so in awe that he touched my leg in such an intimate way that I pulled away and ended up falling outside on my butt. The next thing I know Michael had grabbed me up and was wiping my butt off with is hand not in a derogatory way but in a flirtatious way. When I looked back he had a devilish grin. He was a normal red-blooded male.

pictures from different sources

"You Are Not Alone Michael"

This is an addendum to a previous posting, You Are Not Alone Michael: Through.A Brother's Eyes published on March 19, 2011, a news article stating that Jermaine Jackson was to write a book on Michael; here's the cover of the book as released by TouchstoneBooks at Jermaine's Twitpic page;

Note: I just want to clarify that I'm only posting this news update for general information...

Michael Jackson: "a perfect gentleman and consummate professional"

Ocala man recorded Michael Jackson at his best
By Joe Callahan, Staff writer
published at Ocala website on June 27, 2009

OCALA - Mick Jagger didn't hesitate when Michael Jackson told the Rolling Stones singer to warm up his vocal cords before recording their duet "State of Shock" in 1983.

It was a classic recording session a year after "Thriller" had cemented Jackson's reputation as the King of Pop, according to an Ocala resident who worked alongside Jackson for two decades.

"Mick didn't hesitate," said Bruce Swedien, who recorded and mixed many Jackson albums, including "Off the Wall" and "Thriller" - considered among the best all time.

"By then, everyone knew how good Michael was," he continued. "If Michael Jackson says warm up, you warm up - even if you are Mick Jagger."

...

The sound engineer even shares songwriting credit with Jackson on the song "Jam," a No. 3 hit on the R&B charts in 1992.

Swedien said he normally records a singer about a dozen times before getting enough to mix together a perfect vocal track for an album.

With Jackson, it only took two to four takes. And one of those takes would be perfect on its own. But hours of preparation preceded recording.

They would change lyrics, tempo and pitch, working for days and hours on getting the song just right before finalizing the track. Swedien said Thriller was recorded and completed in six months.

He credits music producer Quincy Jones for creating the sound of Michael Jackson.

"'Off the Wall' and 'Thriller' showed Quincy's kaleidoscopic approach," said Swedien, who described Jones as a musical genius.

However, it was Jackson's talent and drive for perfection that kept the singer practicing all night before a recording.

That's why a typical recording session started late.

"We were up at the crack of noon," Swedien said, adding that Jackson never started singing until after he warmed up his voice thoroughly for a typical 10-hour day.

Swedien called Jackson a perfect gentleman and "consummate professional" throughout all the meetings.

"He never drank coffee," Swedien remembered. "He never drank alcohol. He was a fussy eater. I guess he was what you would call a health nut."

While some may remember Michael Jackson for his well-publicized idiosyncrasies, Swedien will remember him as one of the best prepared artists he ever worked with.

And Swedien should know. He's recorded many of the greats, including Jagger, McCartney, Muddy Waters, Barbara Streisand and Lena Horne.

"He never came in half-stepping," Swedien said. "Michael was always prepared. I never recorded Michael when he had the lyrics in front of him."

Swedien said that Jackson's dedication to his craft was unique. During album recordings, which would sometimes last more than six months, Jackson rarely rested.

"He would work on the lyrics all of the time," said Swedien, whose book "In the Studio with Michael Jackson" is expected to be released in September.

Swedien said his respect for Jackson makes him reluctant to talk about a financial dispute he had with the star. In 2007, Swedien claimed Jackson owed him $500,000 in royalties.

"I love Michael Jackson," Swedien said when asked about the controversy. "He made me a ton of money."

Bruse Swedien at his Ocala studio, by a display of five gold singles
 and the platinum album "Thriller."

source: http://www.ocala.com/article/20090627/ARTICLES/906271008?p=1&tc=pg

Honoring the Child Spirit: Inspiration and Learning from Our Children

Product Description

Honoring the Child Spirit is an inspirational, emotional, and prescriptive book that calls upon each of us to recognize and honor the openness, creativity, innocence, and awe of children—and to tap into and pay tribute to the childlike spirit that lies at the heart of us all.

Adulthood, according to Michael Jackson, is not the be all and end all of growing up and living a worthwhile life. With society’s high expectations placed upon maturity and responsibility, we often shut down our curiosity, sense of play, and deep sensitivity. And with this shutting down, we too often fail to recognize and cherish that spirit in our own children—and the world’s children—so that they can thrive and flourish as children.


With evocative chapters on the childlike qualities most important to Michael Jackson—from Awe and Wonder, Creativity, and Gratitude to Imagination and Security—this heartfelt book gives voice to the eternity of Michael’s spirit and how he should be remembered: as someone who tried to live by these childlike qualities. Though far from perfect, it was this attempt to sustain innocence amidst the trappings of fame that became his life’s goal.

source: http://www.amazon.com/Honoring-Child-Spirit-Inspiration-Learning/dp/1593156049/ref=tag_stp_s2f_edpp_michae15on

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I'm including here this  very heartwarming  commentary of   Ms. J. Leone "beagleladywv"' (Dunbar, WV) as posted under  Customer Review of this book;

I read the Rabbi's first book, "The Michael Jackson Tapes" and was very upset by the sanctimonius commentary and self-promoting that Rabbi Boteach displayed, and I wrote and told him so. I did love, however, reading Michael's thoughts and feelings about so many various topics. I only wish Boteach would release edited tapes so that we could hear Michael's own voice. Vocal inflections are critically important to understanding the meaning behind the words. 

I'm sure Michael would have wanted to be part of the editorial process before the first book was published, and that some things that that Boteach included, would have removed from the final product. I don't think Michael would have one complaint about what is in, "Honoring the Child Spirit". It is simply wonderful. 

I do know that his good friend, Frank Cascio and Michael's children, were present during the interviews; therefore, the dialogue between them were not private, one-on-one conversations between Michael and his spiritual advisor, as many have said. 

To all of the fans who had problems with the first book, I have VERY GOOD NEWS! This book is strictly questions and answers between Boteach and Michael. No commentary whatsoever, and Boteach makes it clear that he believes in Michael's innocence of the horrible charges that were levied against him. 

Unfortunately, the media made the last sixteen years of Michael Jackson's life a living hell. Michael even talks about Gavin Arvizo in this book. This is the boy Michael took in, along with his family, because they had no money. He wanted to help Gavin in his fight with stage 4 cancer. 

In 2003, Gavin Arvizo accused Michael Jackson of abuse. We must remember that these conversations between Boteach and Michael were conducted in 2000-2001. Just to show you Michael's true heart, he said in the book, that- "Gavin represents the white light we see before we die, that hope that comes. Don't be afraid, he's like an angel. How could he not be sweet and kind in his soul?" 

This broke my heart. Are these the words of a man who would do anything in the future to hurt this child? Thank God, the jury, in 2005, saw through the lies and he was found not guilty on ALL counts. The best DA in California tried everything he could, for ten years, to try to convict Mr. Jackson and failed. The FBI followed him for ten years- NOTHING credible found! 

Michael loved nothing more than the children of the world and did all he could- through his money and his time- to make the world a better place for them. He gave all of his personal profits from two of his world tours to children's charities. When he was on tour, he insisted on visiting orphanages in every city to bring toys to the children and to offer help in improving their living conditions. This is a man who treasured children, and would never have intentionally hurt a child. 

I learned so much about Michael in this book. You really come to understand his thought process and why he made a conscious, and deliberate, decision to live his life through childlike- NOT childish- eyes. He truly felt that if he lived in an adult world all the time, that his creative process would die. He felt his inspiration for his music came from the energy and spirit of children. He saw God when he looked in their eyes. 

Boteach makes it clear that Michael could be very adult when he wished. He watched him present a proposal to a group of businessmen, that he said was as good as any CEO could have given. Michael just chose not to live in the adult world all the time, as he felt adults had lost the spirit of God in their souls that they had possessed as a child. 

The book is divided into the various aspects of the qualities that children possess- loyalty, forgiveness, love, playfulness, trust, etc. and Michael speaks to each quality with his unique perspective. 

You will see Michael's true heart in this book. It was so beautiful, I kept postponing finishing it. I knew that once I read the last page, I would have read the last words, and thoughts, of Michael Jackson- forever. 

I know many people are bitter about what they feel was Boteach's "betrayal" of Michael Jackson. I, for one, am so very grateful that he has brought us Michael's heart and soul through his own words. I don't care how many shekels the rabbi earns. I hope he sells millions of this book, as I feel it will go a long way towards his vindication. 

I don't know how anyone could read this book and not come away with a deeper understanding of Michael Jackson- the man- and why he chose to live his life the way he did, or think that he could have ever hurt a child. 

Michael Jackson was not "wacko jacko". He was a highly intelligent man who knew exactly how he wanted to live his life. He wanted to always see the world the way children did, as he felt they were closest to God. 

One of the most touching comments Michael made in the book, was that the greatest joy for him would be, that one day, his children would say that he was the "best dad". He said he would cry tears of joy if that would happen. 

His daughter, Paris, has said this very thing twice now- publicly- for all the world to hear. It is my prayer that he somehow knows that all the love and guidance he gave his children, and the efforts he made to be the "best dad", were fulfilled. His children are his greatest legacy. 

He said that he never wanted his children to suffer as he did growing up- being abused physically and emotionally by his father, and other adults, and never getting to have a childhood. His life from the age of five was always work and more work. As he once said himself, the way he grew up automatically made him different. 

His life was unique. He experienced the highest of highs, and the lowest of lows and through it all he kept his loving heart. Michael Jackson deserves our love and understanding- not ridicule and persecution. He did the best he could, and gave all that he had. Even when the media preyed on him like vultures, and continue to do so even in death, he was able to forgive. There are many lessons to be learned from Michael Jackson. This book will show you the way. 

Please, put aside your possible hatred and mistrust of Boteach and read this book. It will help you be a better parent. It will help you to be a better person.
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source: http://www.amazon.com/Honoring-Child-Spirit-Inspiration-Learning/dp/1593156049/ref=tag_stp_s2f_edpp_michae15on

"Help me, help me! I need some woman to touch me!"

The Prankster

Once Michael was just surrounded by his family and friends he became the playful, trickster and jokester. Sometimes he'd call me up, disguise his voice, make up a name and ask me to do something foolish. He could mimic a variety of voices and played many pranks on me. One time I took pictures of him while he was in bed because he was late for a meeting I'd set up and wouldn't get up. He was like, "Todd, I'm gonna get you for that!" And he did. I'd forgotten all about what happened while he was performing one night and he'd told me to stand in a specific spot to take photos of him when he began singing that song. I did as I was instructed. So right before I go to take my position, Michael drops to his back and starts saying, "Help me, help me! I need some woman to touch me!" and every woman in that place collapsed on me. I was between them and Michael and I couldn't even get one shot in and he gave me this look like, I got you. Afterwards, I said you think you're so cute, and he says, "What do you mean, Todd?" I'm like, Mike that hurt; those people were crushing me and all he said: "Todd, the spirit just takes me sometimes and the spirit just took me." That's when I knew that was payback and that was the last time I stepped out of line with him (Laughs.)

  --- Todd Gray, photographer and author of "Before He Was King," 


text source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/wires/2009/10/27/michael-jacksons-photogra_ws_334871.html

‘You Are Not Alone Michael: Through A Brother’s Eyes'

Here's a recent news article from the CMUwebsite;

Jermaine Jackson to write a book about Michael

Jermaine Jackson has announced that he will publish a book about his brother Michael, which he hopes will give an insight into the singer’s life. Entitled ‘You Are Not Alone: Michael, Through A Brother’s Eyes’, the book is due to be published in the autumn by Simon & Schuster imprint Touchstone in the US and HarperCollins in the UK.

Jackson said in a statement: “This book commemorates Michael’s life. The forthcoming trial of Dr Murray surrounds Michael’s death, but none of us wish for those proceedings to stand as the final word on how he is remembered. We want the world to remember his truth, his legacy, and some wonderful memories we shared as brothers, as a family. We don’t want Michael’s life to be an eternal mystery. I have read so much about what people claim to know about Michael, and I’ve heard countless people talk as if they knew him better than his own family. This book’s blood is thicker and truer than water. It is about what really happened and who he really was, representing the things he never got the chance to say, based on what we know, based on what he shared”.

Touchstone Vice President Stacy Creamer added: “As a lifelong fan of Michael Jackson and of Jermaine Jackson I am thrilled to be publishing ‘You Are Not Alone’. Jermaine’s book will offer a unique view of the real Michael Jackson, a perspective only a very few people could possibly have.  As his brother and close confidante since they were children, Jermaine can explain Michael in a way that, in life, Michael was never able to articulate himself”.

Fellow Jackson siblings Janet and LaToya also have books due out this year.

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news source: http://www.thecmuwebsite.com/article/jermaine-jackson-to-write-book-about-michael/

Man In The Music

M A N  I N  T H E   M U S I C

THE CREATIVE LIFE AND WORK OF MICHAEL JACKSON

One of the most popular and influential entertainers of all time, Michael Jackson revolutionized the way we experience music. His songs, videos, and live performances not only broke records and barriers, they inspired generations of fans and fellow artists from every corner of the world. In this lavishly illustrated book, Joseph Vogel moves past the sensationalism and mythology to reveal the first in-depth picture of the “man in the music.”

Featuring a foreword by Rolling Stone contributing editor Anthony DeCurtis, Man in the Music explores Jackson’s remarkable solo catalog, from 1979’s groundbreaking Off the Wall and 1982’s best-selling Thriller to his underrated later work, including a glimpse into the music he was creating in his final years. Vogel thoroughly delves into all the albums, giving a sense of the times and places in which they were created; vivid “making-of” details as if you were in the studio with him; a summary of how the works were critically and commercially received; and the author’s assessment of their meanings, impact, and legacy today. 

Here, for the first time, are detailed explorations of each unforgettable song, like the mysterious masterpiece “Billie Jean”; the ecstatic floor burner, “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough”; the haunting ballad, “Stranger in Moscow”; and the transcendent anthem, “Man in the Mirror.”

Meticulously researched and documented, Vogel draws on hundreds of sources, such as news archives, Jackson’s own words, and personal interviews with numerous people who worked intimately with him (some of whom are speaking publicly about their experiences for the first time). 

For a greater appreciation and understanding of one of the most creative artists of the past century, look no further than Man in the Music.

New York / London

www.sterlingpublishing.com

"The most thorough and accurate portrayal of Michael's musical life I've ever seen." 

-Brad Buxer, Songwriter/Musician, Music Director for Dangerous and HIStory World Tours

“Illuminates the creative life of the greatest performer of our time…Joe shows us a time in history, the happenings of the world, and the creative energy of Michael Jackson and the team of people around him who helped create the iconic songs that propelled him to superstardom. Joe’s thorough examination includes interviews and excerpts from those most familiar with his work, offering a glimpse behind the scenes of how the magic was created…Michael’s perseverance and motivation were matched only by his desire for perfection. Joe shows that as the consummate professional, Michael’s pursuit of songwriting, dancing, producing, and directing, were all means for him to spread his ideas and visions of what the world could be… [Man in the Music] offers the most complete (and, I might add, the most accurate) look into Michael’s creative nature.”

-Matt Forger, Technical Engineer for Thriller, Bad, Dangerous, and HIStory

"This is the kind of book about Michael Jackson's music, artistry and creativity that really needed to be written - and Joseph Vogel has done it and done it very well.  I am absolutely floored by Joe's in-depth research and perceptive insight into what made Michael the one-of-a-kind, record-breaking King of Pop.  And - amazingly enough - even I learned a lot!"

-J. Randy Taraborrelli, Author of Michael Jackson: The Magic and the Madness 

"A tribute Michael Jackson's spellbinding work more than lives up to, and more than deserves."

—Anthony DeCurtis, Contributing Editor, Rolling Stone 

source: http://www.josephvogel.net/id90.html