“Let us dream of tomorrow where we can truly love from the soul,
and know love as the ultimate truth at the heart of all creation.”
Michael Jackson
In the 5 years since Michael's passing people (younger fans and people outside the fan base) have discovered or re-discovered his talent and the beauty in his work. His legacy as an amazing artist, musician, entertainer, humanitarian is less clouded by hate-noise.
A lot of tributes have poured in showing how much Michael influenced people from may fields not just musicians.
For me today, the most impressive (and my source of comfort) is the amazing energy that comes from the MJ family - the core fan base - that is carrying on the legacy of love.
Munich, Germany
Denkmal fuer Michael Jackson
Best, Netherland
Michael Jackson Memorial Place
Mistelbach, Austria
Denkmal 4 Michael Jackson
This places speak about the bond between the fans.
The love we share is so valuable.
This blog too is an expression of our group's connection and the love we share.
And this is a blessing.
I love you.
"Love is important, to love each other. We're all one. That's the message."
Michael Jackson
...
"Through my joy and my sorrow, In the promise of another tomorrow, I'll never let you part - For You're Always In My Heart."
"Only in love are unity and duality not in conflict." - Rabindranath Tagore
Michael Jackson had an extraordinary talent, he was able to put confer a physical dimension to his songs - I can see the rhythm, I will cry, laugh, love, protest, dance, feel empowered – every time I listen to his songs, I feel them. It’s an unique, rewarding experience.
"Each time the wind blows
I hear your name so
I call your name ...
Whispers at morning
Our love is dawning
Heaven's glad you came ...
You know how I feel This thing can't go wrong
I'm so proud to say
I love you
Your love's got me high
I long to get by
This time is forever
Love is the answer"
“I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” was the first single of Bad album. It was received as rather a second hand song, maybe because of the fact it featured unknown, at the time, Siedah Garrett. Whitney Huston, Barbara Streisand and Aretha Franklin, rumored to have been asked for the duet but declined due to previous obligations, might have brought more star power to the song
but it is my opinion that would have not brought the chemistry.
(Well in a total different way a duet with Aretha Franklin would have rocked our world.)
In spite of what has been said about the song the fact remains it opened the list of 5 consecutive number one songs in Billboard’s Hot 100 and went on to top R&B and Adult Contemporary singles charts (Michael's 2nd number one hit in the later after, coincidentaly, his duet from 1982
with Paul McCartney, “The Girl Is Mine”)
Truth is at this point in time the duet needs no introduction. Michael and Siedah created magic.
In the studio and on stage.
Two wonderful artists who were brought together by their
deep understanding of how music can touch people.
In an interview with SongTalk Magazine, Siedah talked about how she found out
she will record a duet with Michael:
"It came as a total surprise. Quincy called me after I had worked with him doing the background vocals for 'Man In The Mirror' to come back to the studio to do more work, but when I got there, I was surprised to discover that there was nobody else in the studio but Quincy, Michael and me. And the song they were working on wasn't 'Man In The Mirror.' It was a song that Quincy had given me a tape to learn. But I had no idea – I do lots of vocals on demos for Quincy, so this was nothing unusual. So Quincy said, 'You got the tape, right? Did you learn the song?' I said, 'Sure, I know the song.' He said, 'Well, go in there and sing it.' I go into the booth: there's two music stands. Michael Jackson is standing at one of them in front of a microphone and there's another microphone for me. This is the first time I realized what was happening. On the sheet music it said, 'Michael, Siedah, Michael, Siedah, etc.' I said, 'Wow! I get it.'"
“I hear your voice now
You are my choice now
The love you bring
Heaven's in my heart
At your call
I hear harps,
And Angels sing
You know how I feel
This thing can't go wrong
I can't live my life
Without you”
The song originally had a spoken intro (which was added for later version of the BAD album) and a longer musical opening. The song was also recorded in French as “Je Ne Veux Pas La fin De Nous”
But what stands out is the perfect match up between Siedah’s and Michael’s voices. Marvin Gaye described Michael as having “the quality that separates the merely sentimental from the truly heartfelt, …. rooted in the blues”. Siedah Garrett definitely had the quality as well – whatever Michael brought to the song she answered.
Rolling Stone magazine, in their 1987 review of Bad album, described the song as “quivering with the kind of desire that makes men walk bent at the waist”.
[Michael]
You know how I feel
I won't stop until
I hear your voice saying
"I do"
[Siedah]
"I do"
This thing can't go wrong
[Michael]
This feeling's so strong
[Siedah]
Well, my life ain't
Worth living
[Both]
If I can't be with you
I just can't stop loving you
And even though it is my opinion their review only describes part of the song, they did very well underlined the songs power to transmit the ache and the embodiment of love.
In my opinion, the explanation behind the song’s success it’s the deep emotional connection, that the two shared and the lyrics talk about.
[Michael]
At night when the
Stars shine
I pray in you I'll find
A love so true . . .
[Siedah]
When morning awakes me
Will you come and take me
I'll wait for you
As Siedah remembers not everything about recording the song was all serious.
In her interview with SoulTalk magazine she said:
"Michael is funny. He has a real keen sense of humor. Which surprised me, because you hear all these stories about how strange he is. I guess he felt relaxed with me because I wasn't in awe of him when we met. I was kind of, 'Yo, Michael, what's up?' I think he found that refreshing."
"If I was talking to Quincy and we were serious for some reason, Michael would toss cashews and peanuts at us. I would be talking to Quincy and these peanuts would fly by. You know, the duet is a very serious love song. And when I was doing my verse, Michael was making these faces at me so that I would mess up. Quincy would say, 'Siedah – come on! You're holding up the whole album!' And I would get in trouble!"
In his autobiography “Moonwalk”, Michael said he did not write the song with someone in mind but that while performing it live he did.
The song did not had a video but eventually it didn’t needed one. The live performances during the Dangerous Tour become the visual support of the duet. Though Michael also performed alongside Sheryl Crow during Bad Tour, I don’t think too many of us think of that when we are talking or listening to “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You”.
It will always be Michael and Siedah.
The on stage performance of the song, their on stage attraction to one another created a lasting impression
that will never fade away.
Michael, you are, and will forever be the thread of velvety voice, so intricately woven into the
fabric of the soundtrack of my life. Your music, talent, heart and soul has touched every cell of
my being. More than enough to last a lifetime. You are magic. And I will miss you.
May your vibrant soul rest in eternal peace. You changed my life, and for that I will love you forever.
Siedah
AKA "Miss Gayree"
[Siedah]
We can change all the world
Tomorrow
[Michael]
We can sing songs of
Yesterday
[Siedah]
I can say, hey ...
Farewell to sorrow
[Michael]
This is my life and I,
[Both]
Want to see you for always
I just can't stop loving you
Credits
Written and composed by Michael Jackson
Vocal duet with Michael Jackson and Siedah Garrett
Bass: Nathan East
Drums: N'dugu Chancler
Guitar: Dan Huff
Percussion: Paulinho Da Costa
Piano: John Barnes
Synclavier: Christopher Currell
Synthesizers: David Paich and Greg Phillinganes
Synthesizer programming: Steve Porcaro
Rhythm arrangement by Quincy Jones
Synthesizer arrangement by David Paich and Quincy Jones
Vocal arrangement by Michael Jackson and John Barnes
We wish you all a very happy new year with many blessings!
I hope we as the MJ Fam will continue to stay together in unity and keep Michael's message alive. We are the ones to "make that change"...
Together we can Heal The World and continue to fulfill Michael's dream!
This song by R. Kelly is dedicated to you all... The lyrics reminded me of the MJ Fam right away.
"Relief" appeared as a bonus track on the "Best Buy" version of R. Kelly's recent "Love Letter" album...
R. Kelly - Relief Lyrics
The storm is over, and i'm so glad the sun is shining We fast and pray and it feels good to know that he answers Confusion everywhere, without a clue on how to make things better A toast to the man upstairs, 'cause he puts the pieces back together
Now lets step to a new tune, cause everything is o.k. You're alright, and I'm alright Well, let's celebrate
What a relief to know that, we are one What a relief to know that, the war is over What a relief to know that, there is an angel in the sky What a relief to know that, love is still alive
Although we struggle, know that help is on the way (yeah) The power of love, we can not underestimate (no) Seems like you're gonna break, and there is no escape, you still got to have faith, yeah And know that love, is gonna step up to the plate (yeah)
Now lets step to a brand new tune, 'cause everything is o.k. You're alright, and I'm alright Oh, so let's celebrate
What a relief to know that, we are one What a relief to know that, the war is over What a relief to know that, there is an angel in the sky What a relief to know that, love is still alive
Listen, See I'm just trying to bring relief for those that need it Somebody help somebody, now go and repeat it Understand that struggle has no colors See, we all got our stormy weather, Thats all the more reason why we should join hands and pull it together
Steppin' gives us a way out through the back door So take a deep breath and grap somebody and hit the floor
What a relief to know that, we are one What a relief to know that, the war is over What a relief to know that, there is an angel in the sky What a relief to know that, love is still alive
What a relief to know that, we are one What a relief to know that, the war is over What a relief to know that, there is an angel in the sky What a relief to know that, love is still alive
Today we would like to remember all victims of September 11, 2001 and send prayers to their families and loved ones. And all the victims that had to lose their lives as a reaction to this incident.
Let's hope and pray the world will constantly overcome religious and other differences and we begin to understand living in tolerance of our fellow humans around the world. “What More Can I Give” (“Todo Para Ti” in Spanish) is a song written by Michael Jackson and recorded by a supergroup of singers following the September 11 attacks in 2001. The inspiration for the song had initially come to Michael after a meeting with the President of South Africa Nelson Mandela in the late 1990s.
Michael rewrote “What More Can I Give” as reaction to the incidents of that day in 2001 and recorded that new version with fellow superstar artists shortly afterward. ”What More Can I Give” was scheduled for release as a charity single, in the hope that $50 million would be raised to aid the survivors and the families of victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Due to the severe problems with Sony Music at the time Michael's dream did not come true. The song was released digitally in 2003 and all proceeds from the sale of the song went to children’s charities.
Let's remember all the lost ones today and forever. Help spreading tolerance and love and ask yourself "What More Can I Give?"
Rest in peace Michael and Luther Vandross. We miss you very much!!!
A few impressions from the MJ memorial place on June 26, 2010... I have never seen so much love shown for a person anywhere. Truely magical. Enjoy!
More than anything I hope Michael can see all the love people show for him worldwide!
Click on pictures to enlarge.
Translation: Dear Michael, I am very sad that you are dead. Without you the world is boring and more sad. Here you live on through your music and above I know that you are now singing in the choir of angels... You are the only King of Pop! I LOVE YOU!!! Isadora
See the amazing pics of June 25, 2010 -> Click here.
South Africa's beloved hero, who helped end apartheid and helped racial equality begin in South Africa, first black president who was and is respected all over the world has lost one of heis 9 gandchildren. N.Mandela stayed at home with his family Friday during the opening ceremony and game, mourning his 13-year-old great-granddaughter Zenani, who died in a car crash on the way home from a tournament-eve concert in Soweto.
We all are lost for words for all the tragedy in the Mandela Family before:
1964 he was put in jail for making himself a representative of the millions of people who dared to rise up against a social system (polica of apartheid) whose very essence was war, violence, racism, oppression, repression and the impoverishment of an entire people. In 1990, Nelson Mandela was let out of prison after 27 years.In 1969 Mr. Mandela´s oldest son died. Prison authorities refused Mr. Mandela to attend the funeral and Nelson Mandela wrote in his autobiography. " I do not have words to express the sorrow or the loss I felt. It left a hole in my heart that can never be filled."
In 2005 the younger son died.
Nelson Mandela and Michael Jackson on a happy day in 1999.
We are sending our LOVE and prayers out for Zenani , to the entire Mandela´Family and all her friends and to anyone who has lost a beloved person.
Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.
He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?"
They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?"
"What things?" he asked.
"About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see."
He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them.
When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"
They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon." Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
This beautiful and heartfelt tribute to Michael was written and sung by lovely MJ Fam member Carina Lanes. Michael Jackson is one of her biggest role-models.
The song "Poet's Notion" was written right after his passing when she went to Los Angeles to pay her last respects to him in July 2009. "He left us something that we can continue and with this in mind I want keep doing what I do."
Enjoy!
A Poet's Notion
It was june and the night was quiet i will always remember I smelled the rain when the news almost made me surrender I looked up for the sign of a lie praying for a wonder I'm caught alive in a blaze craving for a blunder
It's a poet's notion to fall away too soon I fall away with you I'll make it a better place like you told me to even if I fall away too
Is it too late? am I overcome by a rational fate? How can turn back time or buy eternity? cos you're the one we need
It's a poet's notion to fall away too soon We fall away with you We'll make it a better place like you told us to even if we fall away too even if we fall away too
Credits: written by Carina Lanes MySpace arranged and produced by Muca MySpace
This afternoon in between two appointments I managed to pass by the MJ memorial, which is a rare experience on weekdays for me.
When I came nobody was there and I lit up some candles. Then a group (around six) of older ladies came by (all way beyond 60, more beyond 70!) and they were soooo full of AWEs and talking about Michael and the memorial, showing each other those pictures attached, pointing at them like: "Look at him on this, when he was a kid. Oh, on this he was older. Oh, that is a nice one." etc.
So lovely! Then they asked me, if I was taking care of the memorial and I responded that I'm just lighting up a few candles this time and the place is something many people contribute to every day...
One of them said: "There is so much vandalism around these days, so it's even more amazing it's still there and so beautiful!"
I told them they have been hater-attacks but we wouldn't let them destroy the love and the more beautiful it is, less people are trying to destroy... "Aaaah, yes, right. Thank you."
Then they were all taking pictures of the memorial and group pictures in front of it.
It made me smile for the rest of the day...
Everytime I see people there that are a bit outside of Michael's regular "core target / fan group" (I know he reached so many different people but still I haven't met those ladies on the concerts!) it makes me even more proud and happy because I feel Michael's legacy is being restored amongst the "regular people".
I feel that bit by bit... "the truth unfurls"! All of those articles / media attacks / madness / accusations, etc. are somehow fading in history and the L.O.V.E. more and more comes shining through!
For further generations Michael will be remembered for what he was and on a side note it will be said that he was facing a lot of opposition for it.
We all, as the global MJ fam, contribute to this process everyday and more than anything I thank all of you for it and I am proud and happy to do my part.
After the news that Michael Jackson passed away countless tributes - either songs, newspapers and magazines articles and special issues, fans gatherings, vigils and so on - came to confirm what tabloid media tried to cover up. Michael's message of love and his lifetime work have reached and inspired tens of millions around the world.
A friend of mine told me that the pain and sorrow I feel is proportional to the joy I experienced. The joy and energy Michael shared with the world.
The Michael Jackson fan community has long become a family. A world wide family bond by a strong positive message of making a change, taking action so that this world will become a better place for all mankind.
We are also bond by our will to honor and preserve Michael's artistic legacy, acknowledge and continue his life long efforts to help and bring relief to children around the world.
Having said that, the love blog team would like to present to you a tribute project.
The Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait offers the opportunity for millions of fans to come together and help create the largest Michael Jackson tribute in the world
Behind each dot you see in the portrait below, there is a real person – a fan –somewhere in the world who came here, like you, to be part of Michael's legacy.
A dot is not drawn on the canvas by Artist David Ilan until someone signs up for it.
The drawing represents multiple moments in Michael's life, from his younger years to more recent times. There will be more than one image of Michael in this drawing.
Look for the rainbow in the sky I believe you and I Could never really say goodbye
Wherever you may be I'll look up and see Someone in the dark for me
Wherever you may be I'll look up and see Someone in the dark for me
Someone In The Dark
All alone wishing on stars Waiting for you to find me One sweet night I knew I would see A stranger who'd be my friend
When someone in the dark reaches out to you And touches off a spark that comes shining through It tells you never be afraid Then somewhere in your heart you can feel the glow A light to keep you warm when the night winds blow Like it was written in the stars I knew My friend, my someone in the dark was you
Promise me we'll always be Walking the world together Hand in hand where dreams never end My star secret friend and me
When someone in the dark reaches out to you And touches off a spark that comes shining through It tells you never be afraid Then somewhere in your heart you can feel the glow A light to keep you warm when the night winds blow Look for the rainbow in the sky I believe you and I Could never really say goodbye Wherever you may be I'll look up and see Someone in the dark for me Wherever you may be I'll look up and see Someone in the dark for me
Though you're gone star far away Each time I see a rainbow I'll remember being with you Smiles coming through my tears
When someone in the dark reaches out for you And touches off a spark that comes shining through It tells you never be afraid Then somewhere in your heart you can feel the glow A light to keep you warm when the night winds blow Look for the rainbow in the sky I believe you and I Could never really say goodbye Wherever you may be I'll look up and see Someone in the dark for me Wherever you may be I'll look up and see Someone in the dark for me!
"It takes both rain & sunshine to make a rainbow." – Ancient Proverb
We miss you Michael!
You were the sun...
Joy And Pain - Maze feat. Frankie Beverley
Remember when you first found love how you felt so good Kind that last forever more so you thought it would Suddenly the things you see got you hurt so bad How come the things that make us happy make us sad Well it seems to me that
Joy and pain are like sunshine and rain Joy and pain are like sunshine and rain
Love can be bitter love can be sweet Sometimes devotion and sometimes deceit The ones that you care for give you so much pain Oh but it's alright there both one in the same
Don't it seem we go through life going up and down Seems the things that turn you on turn you around Always hurting eachother if it ain't one thing its another But when the world is down on you love's somewhere around Well it seems to me that
Joy and pain are like sunshine and rain Joy and pain are like sunshine and rain Joy and pain are like sunshine and rain Joy and pain are like sunshine and rain
Over and over you can be sure There will be sorrow but you will endure Where there's a flower there's the sun and the rain Oh and it's wonderful there both one in the same
Joy and pain are like sunshine and rain Joy and pain are like sunshine and rain Joy and pain are like sunshine and rain Joy and pain are like sunshine and rain
Today we celebrate the birthday of two amazing musicians: Diana Ross and Teddy Pendergrass (RIP)!
We all know Michael loved Diana Ross very much and she played a very important role in his life in many aspects.
The ultimate sign of his love for her was the fact that as per his will Diana Ross should raise his beloved children in case his mother is not able to anymore.
Let's remember some happy moments Michael shared with the amazing Diana Ross:
Today would also be the 60th birthday of Mr. Teddy Pendergrass who left the stage not too long ago... His life was truely amazing and very troubled.
The most touching moment for me was when Teddy returned to the stage in a wheel chair after his tragic accident in 1985 for the "LIVE AID" event. He performed "Reach Out & Touch" with Ashford and Simpson. A song and event that is more than "Michaelish" as we say.... RIP Teddy, we miss you! Thank you for your music!
