Reading Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson did not often comment on specific global issues, but in this week's episode we discuss "Berlin 1989," a short written work in which he explores the fundamental power of hate. Positioning hate as a kind of psychological warfare fostered by those in power and stronger than any physical barriers that divide people, Michael tells the story of the Berlin Wall and it's eventual fall in 1989. Though the message of this piece is ultimately love and unity, this piece in some ways shows the early tremors of Michael as the frustrated and angry protest songwriter who would eventually compose pieces like "They Don't Care About Us." As unique and powerful piece, this one is a stand out piece in Dancing the Dream.

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In this week's episode, we discuss a poem from Dancing the Dream that encapsulates Michael's view on how to achieve a life of true happiness and freedom. In "Ecstasy" Michael demonstratively declares a reconsideration of "sin" and the ease of which we can all access our true self if only we could find a way to bridge the gaps between ourselves and others.

For questions or comments, please don't hesitate to reach out at [email protected].

In this week's episode of Reading Michael Jackson, I start with a brief overview of June 25th and the many beautiful global fan efforts to commemorate Michael that we saw this year online and beyond.

Then, we get deep in discussion of the 28th piece from Dancing the Dream - the short reflection, "The Last Tear." As a piece that seems to depict the heartbreak of a relationship ending and Michael's emotional journey coming to terms with it, there is a lot to discuss in relation to Michael's views of love and loss. However, given the themes of the book thus far, could this 'heartbreak' piece actually be a metaphor for something else?

If you are interested in checking out the vocal analysis of "Who Is It" I discussed in the episode, I encourage you to visit Chris Liepe's YouTube Channel. I am including the link to his analysis here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Kn8RsDsVSg&t=1152s

Finally, if you would like to reach out to me with feedback, questions, or suggestions, please do at [email protected]

In this special bonus episode of Reading Michael Jackson, I share an essay I wrote about my experience traveling to and visiting Michael Jackson's Neverland ranch in the fall of 2024. While June 25th, the anniversary of Michael's death, is a painful one for anyone who loves him, I share this story to not only express my deep care for him, but to offer my own perspective on his "presence" in this world.

Because this episode is made specifically in commemoration of Michael's death, I included music from Claude Debussy throughout. Debussy was not only one of Michael's favorite composers, but he also played some of Debussy's music on loop throughout Neverland. The songs featured in this episode include Clair-de-lune, Arabesque, and Ballade.

You may also note the change in cover photo for this week's episode. The photo used is one I took just after sunset, shortly after arriving at Neverland.

For questions or comments, please email [email protected]

In this week's episode of Reading Michael Jackson we read and discuss,"Two Birds." As a beautiful meditation on the ever presence of God and the nature of unconditional love, this short reflection is ripe with opportunity to consider not only our own relationship to these concepts, but how and to what extent Michael's mission to unite the world through his art manifested.

For questions or comments, email [email protected].

In this week's episode of Reading Michael Jackson, we discuss "On Children of the World," one of the shortest pieces from Dancing the Dream. However, despite the short length, Michael still touches upon themes about human disconnection that remain relevant even today. In addition, given the recent passing of the 20th anniversary of Michael's "vindication day" from the charges he faced in the 2005, join me for a brief discussion of the allegations that plagued Michael's later years, and some of my recommended resources for educating ourselves as fans.

Michael Jackson was a deeply complex person. In this episode, as we discuss his poem "The Elusive Shadow" that complexity becomes all the more evident as we discuss the possible meaning of this piece and the turmoil of his inner struggles. Whether about a crisis of faith, battle with insecurity, or seeking love in the wrong places, this piece gives us much to consider when it comes not only to Michael, but our own journeys for meaning.

In this emotional 2-part episode we discuss Michael's dear friend Ryan White. In the first half of the episode - Starting with a brief review of Ryan's life circumstances as an American teen who contracted the HIV virus through a blood transfusion, we read Michael's own dedicated and pained words to Ryan White and the world that ostracized him. In the second half, I will read from Ryan's book "My Own Story," in which he shares highlights of his friendship with Michael Jackson.

Relevant links:

Michael Jackson's video for "Gone Too Soon," a song and video he recorded in honor of Ryan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcNamirwTaY

Michael Jackson's performance of "Gone Too Soon" at the Clinton Inauguration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hldD6fwmmNQ

Michael spending time with Ryan White: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhN5QHgFzoY

With this week's episode we have officially reached the halfway point of Dancing the Dream and, therefore, Season 1 of Reading Michael Jackson. Starting with a brief review of the themes we've explored through Michael's work, this episode continues with an in depth discussion of "How I Make Music." This short reflective piece demonstrates some of Michael Jackson's creative philosophy. Through incorporating clips from both the 1987 Ebony Jet interview, as well as the 1993 Mexico Deposition, this episode explores the particulars of Michael's genius as he becomes a kind of "conduit" for universal music.

The 1987 Ebony Jet Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hARxBrSsa8&t=469s

The 1993 Mexico Deposition: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1uyuSB6Lm4&t=1374s

S1x22 “God”

Michael Jackson was famously a faith-driven person, but what did that mean for his beliefs about God? In this episode, we are discussing just that. In reading his brief reflection incidentally titled “God,” we are discussing Michael’s relationship to religion vs. God, how he viewed God and gender, and the miracles of the universe. Join me for a thoughtful discussion on God, creation, and Michael Jackson.