GustavoRibas said:

Does anyone know if there is a picture that exists of Michael Jackson and Prince together?

I discovered Prince through Michael Jackson. He was the one it all started with.
When I first learned about his death I was devastated. I thought I could never listen to his songs again. But then, at 3.30 AM or so, they played We Are The World, not a big fan of the song but hearing al those greats singing Michael's lyrics I realised his music will last forever.
The day after I played all my favorite songs and the lesser known like One Day In Your Life, For All Time, On The Line, but also Billie Jean and In The Closet. I will mis him forever. He was my first idol.
I had tickets for August 24th, to go with my brother and sister. I would've been my first time ever to see him. But that's not important.

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[Edited 6/28/09 9:32am]

It was 35 years ago this summer that I bought my first Jackson 5 lp. It was the first of many to come. I never gave up on Mike and his brothers, even when I was teased for being a fan. Of course I got the last laugh in '83 when the (rest of the) world jumped on board... There are so many stories and so little time. And maybe that's the way God intended it, so those who've touched us can continue to do so... RIPMJ

peterv said:

This is my favorite single by the Jacksons, seen here performing on Top of the Pops in 1977.

here's my tribute to michael, the real life 'truman show.' this has always been one of my favorite mj tunes... from the 'bad' album.
hope everyone enjoys,
r.i.p michael.

http://www.youtube.com/wa...H0DW5BwnIA

Forgot about this song, played it today, make me feel good.

LittleBLUECorvette said:

Cinnie said:

LittleBLUECorvette said:

unique said:

I agree that MJ cannot be compared to Prince since he is not a singer songwriter and musician. He is more comparable to Madonna in that most of the songs he did were written by others or he had minimal input, whereas we know P is behind all aspects of his music.
MJ is marred by scandal and none of us know for sure what is truth or reality... obviously he was an easy target for many acusations, and clearly he had issues w/ his own self. But he did have some great tunes- Wanna Be Startin Somethin', Shake Your Body, and Man in the Mirror were highlights for me.
I recall being very impressed w/ his performance of Billy Jean and the unvailing of the moonwalk. He killed it. He did know how to make an entrance, a show, and create buzz. It is undeniable the affect he had on music in the 80's- the media build up and press he was able to create... The huge world premieres of videos- no one did the video release like MJ. He and Madonna were (Madonna Still is) great at creating a buzz, previewing their music w/ drama, like nothing the music industry had scene before.
Whatever any of us think about MJ personally we have to admit the man knew how to bring it to the public, to create buzz... he and Madonna started the all out media campaigns & buzz like we had never scene prior (the marketing, the personalities, the clothes...) for anyone who was around to witness the change these 2 created in marketing, you have got to be impressed w/ what they did.
So, I have to give props to MJ for hitting the fans in all out force, ways that we talked about for weeks after. MJ and Madonna took it to another level.
Of course P is stronger musician, songwriter, performer to me than both MJ and Madonna- though Madonna is a great performer too, but no one knew how to come out & create public anticipation like MJ and Madonna.
I hope the rumors about MJ abusing children were not true, and if they were true I hope he pays dearly in the afterlife (this is a crime that deserves eternal punishment)! But since none of us know the truth, I am going to hope that these were just acusations by money hungry greedy people who saw an easy target to make such acusations about.

I watched "Captain Eo" today. I was alone when I watched it and I still got embarrassed. There is entertainment. There is art. At times you can have art that entertains and entertainment that occasionally prompts some thought. Michael Jackson was nothing but entertainment. Musical genius, (musical anything) doesn't even enter the conversation. He sang, he danced, he elevated the music video to silly levels. Song and dance. Nothing high-brow. I don't get what all the fuss is about. Musically that guy wasn't about anything. he was good at many things that made his records desirable, but I don't think music was one of them. Most of it dated extrememly poorly, to boot. Wow.

steakfinger said:

"Michael was a musical genius. Sure, he didn't write and produce all his songs, but it's deeper than that."

Berry Gordy did more for popular music than Michael Jackson. Berry Gordy was not a musical genius, either. I'm not saying you have to be a genius to be influential.

"Not every performer does what Prince does. Does that make them less talented?"

Yes. That's like saying, "Not every basketball player is as good as XYZ. Does that make them less talented?" The answer is YES.

"Does that mean they shouldn't be less loved by the public?"

No. I'm not talking about being loved by the public. Barack Obama is loved by the a lot of the public. Barack Obama is also not considered a musical genius by most sober people.


"If you think Michael was just an entertainer, fine, but I think he was more than that."

I know you do. That is your business. I don't think we're even talking about the same thing. I think you're letting your love of the man and his influence on your life distort your objectivity. In any definition of the term "musical genius" agreed upon by 95% of people Michael doesn't even remotely qualify. That doesn't mean he's not widely influential. That doesn't mean he's not well-liked. I'm not talking about popularity, I'm talking about talent. Being a good dancer has nothing to do with the music you make. Spending a lot of money on videos has nothing to do with your musical skills.

"I put him in the same category as James Brown..."

I agree. Again, dancing gets people excited. James wasn't much of a musician, either, but he sure knew how to have his band jam and pick the best parts THEY came up with to arrange into "songs".

"Stevie Wonder..."

Greatly disagree. Stevie Wonder and Prince are both talked about in musician circles with great respect. Michael Jackson never comes up. Prince and Stevie Wonder will be remembered for being very talented and innovative musicians. Michael will be remembered for spending a lot of money on ambitious videos and dancing. That's not counting the negative stuff that will probably overshadow even those things.

"Jackie Wilson and more of my favorites."

Sure. Why not.

"Michael introduced alot of people to music, he reached alot of people. That speaks volumes to me."

I am glad it brings you volumes of speakage. It doesn't change facts. Michael Jackson was a well-loved entertainer. He was good at dancing and spending loads of money to create innovative music videos. Not considering his scandals, these two things are about all he's likely to be remembered for aside from the music he did little to create.

littlebearbeer said:

SummerRain said:

it's tragic that an artist with his talent didn't release an album in 8 years then passes away

Time heals all wounds, but the loss of Michael Jackson is still so devastating to me. I was home when hearing the news, and I felt as if someone has kicked me in my chest. I fell to the floor. My heart is very heavy. My eyes are blood shot from crying off and on for the past few days. I am crying as I make this post.
Michael Jackson has been part of my life since I was a child, and the loss is so great. I take comfort in the fact that I was fortunate to see him live 3 times, and his musical catalog, and live shows that I own on video and dvd will continue to keep him alive in my heart.
Despite the many controversies that has surrounded him, the questionable life choices, the plastic surgery, etc., his musical legacy is set in stone.
Michael Jackson is the undisputed "King Of Pop, and no one could ever take that title from him.

I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU, MICHAEL JACKSON. MAY YOUR SOUL FINALLY BE AT PEACE.

i tell ya.. Stranger In Moscow and Earth Song are beautiful

Sdldawn said:

If I start listing the songs, my heart will sink again.....I just cannot believe he is gone. I am really going to miss him.....

The Way You Make Me Feel, Lady in My Life and Man in the Mirror i truly enjoyed....but I cant pick favorities....i loved almost everything he did

Stranger in Moscow is the sound of loneliness and fear. I'm telling ya, Disc II of History is an awesome album. Aside from a couple of misfires like Little Susie and Childhood, it's classic stuff.

What makes it so daring is that it's the only MJ album that defies the wholesome family-friendly image. MJ swearing and sounding furious on an album while revealing his persecution complex amidst infectious dance grooves. Awesome.

I love every song he ever made!!!!!

He may be gone but as an artist his music will live on forever and ever. God bless his soul. RIP MJ.

I might be duplicating what some others may have already said, but has Prince actually been quoted on his feelings on MJ's passing???

We all know how private Prince likes to be, I do find it a little odd that nothing has been said at all...or have I missed something?

Peace & Love 2 u all
Jayney

Since his death, i've been listening to this list: the jams are catchy and charming, but not badass (like Bad or DS, for example) and the ballads truly mirror how I feel about his death...

1.Blame it on the boogie
2.Rock with you
3.It's the falling in love
4.Human Nature
5.You rock my world
6.I can't help it
7.Enjoy yourself
8.I just can't stop loving you
9.One more chance
10.Man in the mirror
11.Gone too soon
12.Lady in my life
[Edited 6/29/09 2:16am]

maybe tomorrow

work that body...