Michael Jackson Memorial Coverage Went Too Far July 10, 2009

The wall-to-wall coverage earlier this week of The Gloved One’s memorial on major network TV, small network TV, local news channels, radio news channels, and everything else in between, was a bit much. I kept thinking, ‘Am I watching the passing of the President of the United States or what?’

Of course, I agree that Jackson is one of the greatest entertainers in the world and indeed a great humanitarian in terms of donating to charities, but I simply was not comfortable as I listened to the various song tributes and speeches lauding this man as if he was a great civil rights leader, and an all-around great human being.

Let’s be honest, when Rev. Al Sharpton got on stage saying that Jackson contributed to everything from having black music played on music television, to being partly responsible for Barack Obama being elected the first black President of the United States, I cringed. And, when Rep. Shelia Jackson Lee (D-Texas), showed up with a resolution honoring Jackson for his charitable acts, his music and for being a world humanitarian, I nearly fell out of my seat. The resolution has since been tabled by the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi. However, Jackson Lee will continue to fight on. At this writing, only one other person, Rep. Diane Watson (D-CA), co-sponsored the resolution.

Correct me if I am wrong, but I don’t recall Jackson being someone who spoke out about racial injustice or demanding civil rights for African Americans in some major way. In fact, it can be argued that Jackson lightened his skin and changed his nose to erase his blackness. Sure, he did songs and projects that brought people together, such as “We Are The World,” but he was definitely no Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. –  as some of the memorial speakers would have you believe.

Now, what about his other weird behavior? While he was never convicted of child molestation, it still puzzles me about that $20 million settlement paid out to shut up the earliest alleged child molestation abuse claim. That’s a heck of a lot money if one didn’t do anything wrong! And, what about the wearing of the mask and the same clothes (red shirt and black pants) all the time? How about his alleged addiction to prescription pills (which may be the cause of his death)? The list goes on and on.

I’m not saying that I believe all of the stories about Michael Jackson, but from what I have observed on the outside, some of Jackson’s actions should be questioned and scrutinized. Should Jackson have been recognized in the media in a special way? Of course.  But, I still say it was over-the-top.

‘Remembering My Time’ With Michael Jackson June 25, 2009

While washing dishes earlier this afternoon, I heard on a Los Angeles talk radio news station that Michael Jackson was hospitalized after suffering cardiac arrest. I immediately thought that celebrity deaths happen in threes – first there was Ed McMahon, second there was Farrah Fawcett (who died early this morning), and now Michael Jackson. But I quickly put the thought out of my head – no way the King of Pop would die. An onslaught of memories flashed through my mind – Jackson as a music pioneer and innovator; his songs making me sing and dance throughout elementary, high school, and college. And of course, one of the most exciting moments of my life – the time I met him back in the early-90s when I was an entertainment reporter. Then, I thought, oh no – he’s a child molester.

About an hour later, I received a text from another local Los Angeles radio station that the famed musician had indeed died. I didn‘t believe my eyes. I rushed to turn on the television where all the major news stations were still reporting that he was in the hospital. So, there was hope that the text was actually wrong. But, soon it all became terribly clear – major news was finally reporting that Jackson was dead. I felt numb. “No, not Michael Jackson, the King of Pop,” I thought in horror. The man who thrilled us with his unbelievable singing and dancing. The man who revealed the famed moonwalk dance on the Motown Records’ 25th Anniversary show. The man who brought us the phenomenal “Thriller” and “Bad” albums, and later in his career, the songs “Black and White” and “Remember The Time” was dead. This could not be happening.

I met Michael Jackson while he was shooting the 1992 video for “Remember The Time.” My roommate, who was working with the video’s director, John Singleton, was able to get me on the closed set at Universal Studios. She promised that I could interview Singleton (I was a reporter at the time for RadioScope, an internationally syndicated radio show) but of course not Jackson. When I got on the set, I met one of Jackson’s bodyguards, who was conveniently from New Orleans. Feeling comfortable with the homeboy, I asked if I could meet the star. But, I wasn’t holding my breath because I had heard rumors that he had an unpleasant disposition on the set; he walked around wearing a mask and wouldn’t shake hands with anyone. However, there was one chance – the bodyguard told me that Jackson may come out of his trailer to greet some guests and the bodyguard would call me over. So, I waited patiently and finally Jackson emerged from his trailer. As he was greeting some folks, the bodyguard gestured for me to join in.

I was introduced to Jackson as, “ Desi from New Orleans.” “It’s nice to meet you,” I said, careful not to shake his hand. He actually spoke to me and asked, “Are you really from New Orleans?” I answered back, surprisingly calm, “Yes.” He then asked, “Do you cook gumbo?” And I answered, “Of course.” Then I got the nod that he was going back in his trailer and I said bye to one of the greatest pop stars the world has ever seen.

I was so excited. As a writer/reporter for a small outfit, I had the opportunity to meet and interview several famous people, but this was tops – a coup! No, it wasn’t an interview, but how many people in the world could actually say that not only did they meet the King of Pop but that they also spoke with him? WOW!!! I was smiling from ear-to-ear for the rest of the day (and the week). I would remember this day for the rest of my life.

That was my time with the King of Pop. I realize that many of you may be waiting for one of my biting commentaries about Jackson’s very troubled last years, but I will just leave it like this for now. Once it sinks in that he is actually dead, I may be back for a more critical look at him, but for now I would like to remember the good times.

BTW, I did get the John Singleton interview:)