5 Years Later, Jackson’s Absence Gains Him Acceptance

CLEVELAND - On one of the very worse, sickening, tear-soaked days of my life, the great Michael Jackson was taken from his children, myself and the world. He had spent the last 16 years of his life under heavy public criticism and hatred.

Then, he was gone.

Today is the 5^th anniversary of that heart wrenching day. June 25, 2009 is a day that will forever live in infamy for me as well as MJ’s global fanbase numbering into the tens of millions. At the time of his departure, public perception of the iconic entertainer was filled with sheer negativity. Mostly in the U.S., he was seen as a weird, child molesting monster obsessed with plastic surgery and wrought with a near-dormant career that had once flew high above the entire music industry and set new standards of excellence.

But as soon as he died, he became reborn in the minds of fans, music critics and the general public. Tons of tributes poured out dedicated to him and his greatest artistic achievements were put back into the spotlight. Sure, there were still salacious stories that surfaced, more sordid accusations of child molestations dating back more than 20 years, and of course, more jokes from comedians and television commentators everywhere.

In spite of all this, Michael Jackson’s absence has allowed his aura and his legend to thrive and breathe comfortably. The extremely successful MJ Cirque de Solei shows have re-imagined his great stage performances and historic albums and brought them to contemporary audiences. He has a “new” album out that has received praise from critics. Even Jeep has one of Jackson’s songs featured in a recent television commercial.

This has all become possible and “acceptable” because the man himself is no longer around. Because of MJ’s super controversial life and widespread belief that he molested young boys, he had become an outcast in his own country; a sharp contrast to his early 1980’s pinnacle when he had become something of a national obsession because of the staggering success and popularity of his Thriller album and groundbreaking short films that accompanied it. He was even called a “national treasure” at the 1984 American Music Awards.

On this awful anniversary, I am happy that a lot of love has returned for MJ. I am just furious that it took him to die for it to happen.

Michael Jackson: A Beacon of Inspiration and Love

CLEVELAND - Aside from the substantial number of records, awards, and benchmarks set or achieved by Michael Jackson, his overriding message and contribution to the world had nothing to do with the obvious.

It was about unconditional love.

Today marks, what would have been his 55th birthday and predictably, his international fan-base (myself included) numbering into the hundreds of millions have been celebrating the life of a true entertainment giant for days now. But as much as I love Michael's remarkable body of work and the seismic impact of his historic career, I am more impressed with his dedication to "make the world a better place."

Michael Jackson, for decades, donated and pledged hundreds of millions of dollars to a litany of charitable causes and foundations while selflessly investing huge amounts of his time and energy into people all around the world who were less fortunate and underprivileged. He wrote and performed songs that were constructed to serve as uplifting anthems of love, self-progression and hope. Not only was MJ a tireless proponent of helping people, but he also used his global platform to encourage all of us to take better care of animals and the environment. For all of his legendary pop music hits, the altruistic "Earth Song" may be the most passionate masterpiece of pure substance he's ever crafted.

Jackson's "Heal the World" foundation is just one of his crowning achievements of giving back. And when he was burned during filming of a Pepsi ad in January 1984, he opted to donate the settlement money to create the "Michael Jackson Burn Center" to help other victims of fire-based accidents or tragedies. His sprawling, and elaborate performance during halftime of the 1993 Super Bowl is a perfect example of how powerfully he was able to share his positive message of love and healing. Sure, he performed his classic pop hits with great energy and ferocity, but the focal point was his singing of "Heal the World" and the troupe of children he brought to assist him in the breathtaking visual (holding synchronized placards that formed a message of peace).

So, while Michael Jackson will forever reign as a seminal force of unmatched talent and achievement in the world of music and entertainment, his most lasting legacy is in fact his inspirational message and actions of love, peace and hope. Not only was MJ the ultimate humanitarian, but he was also one of the most important people in the history of the world. Love or hate the man, we all benefited from his 50 year presence on Earth.

Happy Birthday, Michael. I will love you forever!

4 Years Later: Understanding the Magic of Michael Jackson

CLEVELAND - Michael Jackson, dressed sharply in a black leather suit and his trademark dark shades made his way into an Augusta, Ga. church on December 30, 2006 to the sounds of thousands of screaming fans and countless flashbulbs. Flanked by two beefy bodyguards, the entertainment icon waved and soon took a seat in the first row of the church as media cameras focused on his every move and news anchors broadcast his arrival on national television.

But this event was not for Michael Jackson.

Instead, MJ had just arrived at this church to honor the great James Brown, the man who most inspired Jackson as a child to become an entertainer. This event was Brown's funeral service; he died just five days earlier at age 73.

Today marks the fourth anniversary of the shocking death of Jackson, a man so publicly maligned at the time of his departure from Earth that he almost seemed to be an unwanted alien by many. I, for one never saw him that way and was absolutely crushed when I received that horrific news on that dark Thursday. But even as his public reputation nosedived in the final 20 years of his life, he never lost his magical aura, as evidenced by his appearance at Brown's funeral just 18 months after his acquittal of child molestation charges.

In understanding Michael's magic, I believe that it is essential for people to realize how we first came to know about him and care what he did. Beginning at age 11 in 1969, Michael exhibited substantial singing and showmanship qualities that made him seem almost fictional. No child of that age should've been able to sing with the majestic passion that he possessed, or the poised stage presence as evidenced by countless television appearances with his brothers as the Jackson 5. Thus, Michael entered our minds as a true prodigy filled with breathtaking talent and that memory never left anyone that saw him decades later.

When he re-invented himself as an adult solo artist in 1979, his superstar status was complete. He entered the 1980's as a 21-year old star who could sing his heart out and was blessed with killer dance moves. All of this sensationalism reached a fever pitch with the release of his seminal album Thriller.

The Thriller era spanned two years; 1983 and 1984. This is when Michael was at the apex of his power, appeal and universal resonance. His stylistic choices, both in his work as well as his visual appearance took elements of innovation from past artists and expanded on them to create his own unique presentation. So, as his career flew into the stratosphere of excellence, critical acclaim and achievement, his highly inventive and singular appearance became embedded in all of our collective minds. The fact that he created such iconic music, short films and commercials completed the package.

So, when Jackson took to the podium at that church in Augusta, Ga. 22 years after the end of the Thriller era to give a brief statement on the impact that James Brown had on his life, it was easy to understand why the assembled crowd screamed loud at his appearance. They cheered and applauded as if this event were for MJ, which was pretty amazing given the enormous stature in music that Brown himself held.

For decades, anytime Michael Jackson made a rare television appearance at a live event, it was almost like a coronation or a very special treat. He was always dressed in something cutting-edge and original, and his whisper of a voice (which had been internationally famous for many years) always fired up the crowd as he spoke into the microphone to accept an award or make any sort of comment. Simply put, he just ooozed a cultural mythology that no one else could match, even nowadays. I'm not saying that fans would think of all of his great accomplishments right then and there; but subconsciously, we all knew about the incredible art that he gave us over many years, and that always made him seem larger than life.

When he went on trial in early 2005, he showed up to court daily clad in a very elaborately designed suit that was unlike anything anyone else ever wore to a court proceeding. But it always felt like a huge "happening" when he would emerge from his SUV and walked towards the courthouse, flanked by bodyguards and family members. Fans would scream and shout and snap photos of the man, even though his greatest artistic works had been released many years in the past. Scandal and heavy media scrutiny had trashed his once pristine reputation, but in spite of the sordid headlines and accusations, he always carried the magic of being Michael Jackson, the former child megastar who sang the hell out of "Who's Lovin' You?" and "I Want You Back." The adult supernova that crafted three consecutive classic albums in eight years; Off the Wall, Thriller and Bad. He was still the man who mesmerized the world with his performance of "Billie Jean" on Motown 25 and in the process, claimed the moonwalk dance step as his own signature move. This was still the man that dominated awards shows, popularized the single sparkly glove and white socks and loafers and danced at night in a red leather jacket with a host of "zombies."

Michael Jackson was always far more than he seemed in any given moment. He was the sum of his overall greatness and lifetime of unforgettable, standard raising genius. And here we sit, four long years after his demise and we look around at constant replays of his legendary short films, timeless music and inventive style and we realize something pretty amazing.

Even now in death, he still has that magic.

As Michael Jordan Turns 50, I Reflect On What He Has Meant to Me

CLEVELAND - With today marking the 50th birthday of the great Michael Jordan, I could not help but reflect on the stunning excellence of his historic sports career and how watching him for many years forever affected my life. I also marvel at his continuing popularity, enormous, looming presence in today's NBA and the audacity of fans and media members, who seem over-eager to place LeBron James and Kobe Bryant anywhere near MJ's orbit of achievement and impact.

Wow!

For a decade, I allowed Chicago Bulls basketball games to become a sacred event for me, all because of Jordan. Whenever the Bulls played, I either watched on television or went to extensive lengths to try and pick up WMAQ on my radio. That was the Chicago radio station that aired Bulls games, and the quality of the radio reception was mostly awful, given the fact that it was a local broadcast and I lived some 350 miles from the Windy City. It didn't matter, though. Any faint sound I could hear of the action on the court was heaven for me. Neil Funk, who called the games, was always a delight to listen to as he described Jordan on offense.

"Michael with the dribble...wheels into the lane, dumps off to Scottie...Pip, throws back into Michael. MJ with three on the shot clock...hangs, falls, fires....SCORES!" Oh my! Michael with 40!"

Watching Jordan perform his artistry on television was even more breathtaking. I would always pump my fist whenever he made a basket, whether it be a 20-foot jumper, a post-up fadeaway J, or a spectacular, reverse layup in traffic. Jordan was not only the premier entertainment draw in the game, he was also a vicious assassin with a relentless level of focus, drive and killer instinct. His poetic style of play ran contrary to what the man was actually made of, which actually carried him to the stunning heights that he reached.

I remember vividly just how nervous I was whenever a Bulls game would get close in the final minutes, or if they were far behind their opponent. I would feel sick to my stomach because I always wanted Jordan to succeed and win. Thankfully, I didn't become aware of him until 1990, just a year prior to when he and the Bulls began their championship dominance. When he won his first title in 1991, I cried along with him and even got sick from the high emotional I felt for his most coveted accomplishment.

When he retired (for the first of three times) that awful day in October 1993, I was absolutely miserable. People came up to my locker at school and offered their support because they knew how strongly I felt for him. I avoided phone calls for days from my best friend because the moment was too painful. But when he suddenly returned to the game in March 1995, I was king of happy smiles! Let's be honest, everyone was a Jordan fan, but I was the one that went above and beyond and became obsessive about him.

I figured out a way to make small Air Jordan shoes out of paper and wore them as a necklace!

I will never forget the 1997-98 NBA season; Jordan's final one in Chicago. I was blessed with the opportunity to see him play in person for the first and only time ever. It was November 11, 1997 and the Bulls came to Gund Arena to play the Cleveland Cavs. I was totally blown away when I saw Jordan run onto the court from the locker room with his teammates right before game time. At the time, MJ was 34 years of age and was almost the only thing keeping the Bulls afloat in the early season. Scottie Pippen would be out injured until January '98 and Chicago struggled mightily in his absence.

They wound up losing this game in a rout, 101-80 with Michael getting a pedestrian 19 points in defeat. It was fascinating watching him in real life, real time without the sound of television announcers. On one play, Jordan caught a quick pass from Bulls center Luc Longley, drove down the lane and layed the ball in the basket dramatically. On another play, he went down the lane and dunked, and the entire arena oooh and ahhed.

As MJ neared the end of his reign in Chicago, I began developing a stronger appreciation for the man and what he ultimately stood for. People can say anything they want about him; call him arrogant, an asshole, egotistical, petty, cheap...compulsive. Whatever. All I know is, he is a sterling example of astounding determination and will, and those are the attributes that got him to where he is now. A man without action (and ego) will never fail enough to succeed repeatedly.

Salute Jordan.

I will also never forget how Michael ended his Bulls career, June 14, 1998 in Game 6 of the NBA Finals vs Utah. I was watching the nail biter game with my best friend at a sports bar and when MJ's legendary, final moment began to unfold (Jordan had just stolen the ball from Jazz star Karl Malone with Chicago down by a point), my friend lowered his head and said, "I KNOW [he's going to] make this shot."

Sure enough, MJ knocked in the championship winning basket with 5.2 seconds left and posed for posterity after the ball went through the net to give the Bulls a one point lead that held up. I could not have been more ecstatic than I was at that moment, arguably his crowning achievement on the court.

When Michael retired a second time in 1999, I was once again covered in tears and couldn't contain my constant sobbing. It may seem crazy, but I truly had an emotional connection to this man for a number of years. I was invested in him and his successes, which always made my days better. I was on the fence about him coming back in late 2001 to play for the horrific Washington Wizards. On the one hand, I was overjoyed at getting to see him play again after over 3 years away. On the flip side, I knew he was close to 39 years old and that is an age in pro hoops that may as well be 80 in the regular world. During his frustrating, two season stint as a member of the Wizards, MJ exhibited many moments of marvel, especially for a man inching towards and beyond 40 years of age. Mostly, his tenure in Washington was critically panned as Jordan faltered on things that he used to dominate in. Nonetheless, I knew that Michael showed something amazing in coming to such a lowly team; a willingness to put himself in a possible path of failure because effort is its own reward.

To me, he succeeded even as the Wizards failed.

When he retired for the final time, April 16, 2003, I was more at peace with his exit, though I still cried and cried. It was a depressing moment, but I was so grateful for having witnessed this remarkable man perform his special brand of magic night in and night out.

In the decade since Jordan's last NBA game, an entirely new crop of basketball megastars have evolved and made the league their own. From Bryant and James, to Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony, today's stars are awesome in their own right. But none of them will ever measure up to the seismic impact, cultural significance and unbelievable drive that was authored by and defined Michael Jordan.

Happy birthday, MJ, and many more to come. God bless you!

Thriller Album Took Jackson From Superstar To Pioneering Legend

CLEVELAND - For an album to sell more than 100 million copies worldwide, capture record numbers of Grammy awards and American music awards, and catapult a superstar recording artist into the stratosphere of mythical legends, that album would need to have more going for it than just great music.

One brilliant album had far more than that.

It was 30 years ago today that Epic Records released what is now the crown jewel of their catalogue; Michael Jackson's sixth solo LP, Thriller. Its lead single, a syrupy ballad called "The Girl Is Mine" had been released in mid-October and featured legendary ex-Beatle Paul McCartney in a lyrical back-and-forth with the 24-year old Jackson, with both men professing their undying love for a woman that they both feel is their "girl."

Upon its debut, Thriller received fairly pedestrian reviews, even though some critics hailed it as an outstanding effort. However, within six months of its release, the record had attained a stunning and universal status as a seminal masterpiece which elevated MJ's popularity to staggering heights.

How did it all happen?

First off, in order to truly understand why Thriller became the dominant force of nature that it did, careful attention must be paid to what the music industry was like at the time. Also, everything Jackson did to supplement the album ended up becoming a very key element of the Thriller era. Lastly, the force that was driving MJ at the time may have been the single biggest reason for the performance of Thriller.

Jackson had been upset that his classic, 1979 album Off the Wall did not receive the type of critical admiration that he felt it deserved. The album was all but ignored at all of the awards ceremonies which gave the normally shy and soft-spoken star a big chip to carry on his shoulder. He vowed to create the biggest album in history with his next project.

Alas, Thriller spent its first two months of release as anything but an album destined for the record books. Then, in the weeks leading up to spring 1983, Walter Yetnikoff, then-president of CBS records tried to get the 18-month old MTV network to play a brand new music video by Jackson for his just released single, "Billie Jean." MTV refused initially, a decision that was felt to be racist by many involved, especially since MTV barely played videos by black artists at the time. After Yetnikoff threatened to withdraw videos of all CBS artists from the video channel's reach, MTV gave in and allowed "Billie Jean" to go on the air, and soon  put the hugely popular clip into "heavy rotation."

This is when the magic happened.

In the sleek clip, Jackson sings and dances his way through a mostly deserted cityscape at night, dressed head to toe in black leather. Along the way, he is being followed by a P.I.-style paparazzo who seems determined to catch the elusive star in a compromising position, but fails repeatedly. Jackson is full of mystique and magic in the short film; every step he takes illuminates the ground he walks on, the street pole he leans on and the bed he lays in. At one point, Jackson even transforms a dirty vagrant into a man of style clad in a white tuxedo.

With stunning visuals, plus fancy and eye-catching dance moves set to an irresistible beat, the video dominated the airwaves, set MJ's public profile ablaze and sent the Thriller album flying off shelves. A few weeks later, Jackson's brand new "Beat It" video took it all to another level.

"Beat It" was another brilliant step in Michael Jackson's creative evolution. Not only was the song itself historic (it merged rock guitarist Eddie Van Halen with a pop and R&B star), but the gang versus gang storyline and choreographed dance conclusion made the short film another imitable and pioneering work of genius. It was in this clip that MJ unveiled his unique fashion sensibilities to a very noticeable level. He wore a red leather jacket adorned with 27 zippers, sleeves rolled up and a pair of black high-water pants, which showcased pearly white socks and black loafers.

America had become mesmerized with Michael Jackson. Handsome--pretty even, with a slightly modified face from his original appearance, carefully coiffed Jheri-curled hair, feather-soft voice and an endless repertoire of talent, style and innovation had made him the toast of the globe.

Then, he got even bigger.

Seven weeks after performing the super hit song "Billie Jean" in front of a live audience, the full range of Jackson's showmanship and heavily evolved star power became public knowledge and resulted in, arguably the most important moment of his illustrious career. It took seven weeks for NBC to broadcast MJ's solo performance on a television special celebrating the 25th anniversary of Motown Records, the company that gave Jackson and his brothers their first big break as the Jackson 5 in 1969.

All reports had been glowing about his performance, but no amount of words could effectively sum up what 24-year old Michael Joseph Jackson did on that stage at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on the night of March 25, 1983. The world saw it on May 16, and when the dust settled, Thriller began another steamrolling assault on the music charts, then turned its attention to the record books.

Jackson's performance of "Billie Jean" was a blindingly brilliant expression of intense precision, focus, craftsmanship and world class talent. Executing a breathtaking series of dance moves, stylistic flourishes and classic Hollywood theatrics, MJ endeared himself to the greats of the entertainment industry, especially ones whom the budding icon personally admired. He also revealed two new signature elements of his public presentation; the single, sparkly glove and the moonwalk dance step.

From that point, Michaelmania enveloped the U.S. and abroad as scores of children, teens and even adults purchased replicas of his costumes, curled their hair like his, wore his pins on their clothing, hung his posters on their walls and snatched up the tons of magazines that featured his internationally coveted face on the cover.

All of this consumed the summer of '83, a time when MJ kept a fairly low profile. A few more singles were released from Thriller, but there were no music videos to go along with the songs.

Just as it seemed that Michael Jackson had disappeared from the limelight, he re-appeared in a blaze of glory just in time for Christmas 1983. On December 2, the highly anticipated music video for the title track made its world premiere on MTV and completely changed the world of entertainment and music.

Jackson, now 25, had filmed the ambitious 13-minute film "Thriller" during a week in early October. He treated the video as if it were a major motion picture and it even played in a Los Angeles area theater nearly three weeks before its official release date.

The horror-tinged flick, complete with storyline, plot twists and a still iconic synchronized dance number, won Jackson endless critical acclaim, loads of money and universal respect from fans and fellow artists. What was truly amazing is that, at the time of the "Thriller" film's release, the album had already been out for over a year, yet was still selling at an astounding rate of one million copies per week! It was the perfect way for Michael to end 1983, on the highest of notes, which led to a phenomenal first few months of 1984.

On January 16, 1984, the American Music Awards played more like a lengthy tribute to Michael Jackson than an actual awards show. From the opening moments of the telecast, host Lionel Richie made it clear that this show was going to be heavily about Michael. Richie, a major star himself at the time, addressed Jackson (who was seated in the first row with Brooke Shields and Emmanuel Lewis) from the stage and even tried to mimic MJ's signature moonwalk, which he executed with a wild and awkward clumsiness. Thriller captured a record eight awards that evening, and Michael received a special award of merit. Six weeks later, MJ was the center of attention once again as Thriller swept the Grammy awards, sending Jackson home with another eight trophies.

The one chink in the armor for Michael occurred between those two awards shows. On January 27, the legendary entertainer suffered second and third degree burns to his scalp while filming a commercial for Pepsi. Fans around the world held their collective breath, but Jackson recovered in time to dominate the Grammys a month later. Michaelmania continued throughout the rest of 1984, especially with Michael performing a music tour across the U.S. with his brothers, which began that summer.

The Thriller album wound up being the top selling album of 1983 and 1984 and earned a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records. Its legacy endures to this day, three decades later and has inspired an endless array of contemporary musicians. For Jackson, the album's historic success proved to be the greatest of gifts as well as the worst of all curses. He held himself to such lofty standards as a result of this record's achievements that he could not possibly outdo. Even still, all future work from MJ made history in a variety of ways; that is the mark of a once in a lifetime artist.

Long live Thriller.

Michael Jackson's 54th Birthday Anniversary: A Celebration of Greatness

CLEVELAND - For a man who made such an enormous impact on our planet during his lifetime, Michael Jackson will forever deserve to be honored for the amazing individual that he was.

Especially on the anniversary of his birth.

Today marks what would have been MJ's 54th birthday and his still-rabid global fan-base is celebrating the incredible and highly publicized life of the greatest entertainer in history.

In spite of Michael's very tragic, far too premature death three years ago, his indelible artistry retains a very prominent place in pop culture. This year alone has seen his career and style celebrated in many different forms from an acclaimed Cirque du Soleil stage show to a worldwide Pepsi campaign commemorating the 25th anniversary of Jackson's smash hit album, Bad.

November 30th marks the 30th anniversary of his historic Thriller album, and there are sure to be massive tributes for that landmark LP as well.

What should be remembered and celebrated most about the career of Michael Jackson is the remarkable level of originality that it possessed. His imitable style choices went hand-in-hand with his magical aura of musical proficiency and mesmerizing dance moves. Furthermore, he took elements from old Hollywood and merged them with contemporary street culture, then added his own inventive flourishes. This is what the singers and dancers of today are missing; Michael possessed the total package and was the seminal leader of a music generation that followed him religiously and industry peers who focused on trying to outdo him.

He never surrendered the throne. Though his sparkling reputation took major hits due to his sensationalized personal life, Michael Jackson was always the man who set the standard.

Myself and the multi-millions of his fans around the world will never forget that. Happy birthday, Michael.

Three Years After His Death, Jackson's Legend Continues To Grow

CLEVELAND - It was one of the worst days in music history; a tragedy on a global scale that hit with such impact, that even the stability of the Internet was challenged. The event held such weight and generated such pervasive interest, that every major newspaper around the world featured the story as front page news the following morning.

Michael Jackson was dead.

Today marks the three year anniversary of that shocking Thursday that robbed the planet of, arguably its most accomplished and imaginative entertainer. Jackson was just two months from his 51st birthday when he suddenly died at the hands of his now incarcerated personal physician. More importantly to his legion of fans around the world, he was also less than two weeks away from embarking upon his first tour in a dozen years. That ill-fated, already sold out concert series was going to remind the world of MJ's significant brilliance as a stage performer and musician.

At least, that was the plan.

This year, two of Jackson's greatest accomplishments will be celebrated and re-appraised for the groundbreaking strokes of pure genius that they are; his Thriller and Bad albums reach important milestones in 2012. In the case of Thriller, November 30th marks the 30th anniversary of that iconic LP's release. For all intents and purposes, it was that album and its cutting edge trifecta of music videos that transformed Michael Jackson from star musician to one of the seminal entertainers in history. The worldwide obsession with Jackson reached a fever pitch in the spring of 1983 and persisted intensely until the end of 1984. That era, known as Michaelmania, was anchored by the chart domination of Thriller, which resulted in the then 25-year old megastar's unprecedented popularity and universal critical acclaim. MJ amassed dozens of awards and accolades during this period, and stood firmly at the pinnacle of not only his own career, but the music industry as a whole. When the dust settled on that album's performance, it had gone far beyond the realm of being just a great album; it became and remains a cultural touchstone of unfettered brilliance.

Then, there was Bad.

As the much ballyhooed follow-up to the Thriller freight train, Bad was destined to pale in comparison to its predecessor, if not in quality, then certainly in acclaim and cultural ubiquity. Released just two days after Jackson's 29th birthday on August 31st, the album has already kicked off a marketing push in recent weeks to celebrate its 25th anniversary.

Since both records hold prominent status as two of the most revered in the annals of pop music, Jackson's singular talents and astounding achievements are just a fraction of the multitude of reasons that his stature and body of work continue to expand in his absence. Of all the musicians and entertainers in today's world, none of them even approach his resonance, significance and influence--not to mention his artistic craftsmanship.

June 25th will forever stand as a day of horror and grief for myself as well as Michael's millions of fans in every corner of the globe. In spite of that, the timelessness, innovation and breathtaking quality of his work will immortalize the man as a true giant in the world of music, dance and live performance.

He will always be with us.

At 86, Hefner Still Transcends And Inspires

CLEVELAND - For males all across the planet, today is a very important "holiday," even if they don't realize it. For wanna-be ladies men everywhere, the leader of free wheeling sex with a multitude of women celebrates his 86th birthday today.

Happy birthday, Hugh Hefner.

Hefner, the founder of Playboy magazine, remains a legendary figure for a variety of reasons. It's not simply his past that shines bright, it is also his present. The man inspires me partly because he had a goal and an ambition while in his teens and 20's and he accomplished it in spite of heavy criticism. He wanted to live his life on his own terms, not other people's terms, while creating an eye-catching men's magazine. That desire became a reality when, in 1953, the inaugural issue of "Playboy" was published.

Hefner spent the second half of the 1950's both growing exponentially richer and tirelessly defending his controversial vision (a publication that featured nude young women). He prospered even more in the 1960's and grew his company to include nightclubs and a host of merchandising deals. The famous magazine feature, the Playmates, brought him untold controversy when tragedy repeatedly struck some of the centerfolds over the next couple decades. In the middle of all the hoopla surrounding Hefner's magazine, the man himself made it a point to stand up for others as an advocate and activist. Without his dedication and influence, many people would be devoid of many civil liberties that they have greatly benefited from.

The legacy of Hefner.

During the past two decades, Hefner's fame and iconography have taken on even higher levels. With the emergence of the television series, "The Girls Next Door," Hefner has become a familiar figure to the teens and twentysomethings of today. Without him, the world may very well never know names like Holly, Bridget and Kendra, the three female stars of the TV series as well as his former girlfriends.

I hate when people dismiss Hefner as an old fogey who is as outdated as leisure suits. Similarly, it is frustrating when people minimize his brilliance and castigate him for still having an active sex life at his age with women in their 20's. It is that dedication to living his life the way he wants to in spite of the naysayers and critics that really amaze me. Between that and his pioneering career as the creator of one of the most ubiquitous brands on Earth, Hugh M. Hefner reigns as a major inspiration and a peerless figure of transcendence, even now in 2012.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Hefner. And may God bless you with many more.

1,000 Days Gone: Remembering Michael

CLEVELAND - That sorrowful, tear soaked Thursday remains a sadly indelible moment in time for me. The man that I most identified with and admired, who was famous a billion times over and possibly the most polarizing figure in history had met a stunningly early end.

Michael Jackson.

It was exactly 1,000 days ago today--June 25, 2009 that MJ died at the hands of a now incarcerated and hopelessly incompetent so-called physician in the master bedroom of his rented mansion in the Holby Hills section of Los Angeles. For a man so revered, reviled and accomplished during an entertainment career that commenced in the 1960s, the shock waves across the planet were substantial and highly expected.

I was instantly struck with bitterness and emotional agony. Michael Jackson was a truly magnificent being and one of the world's most important citizens. Aside from the luminosity of his iconic accomplishments as a musician and performer, he had an enormous sense of compassion for the world in general and children in particular.

In spite of the loads of negative press he received during the final 16 years of his life, MJ was a treasure for what he absolutely stood for as opposed to what was speculated about him. This coming June 25th will mark three years since his horrific departure, but his beautiful spirit and seminal artistry reign forever in the annals of world history as well as in the minds of his global fan base.

Michael, we will forever admire and love you.

Murray's Sentence Both Gratifying and Frustrating

CLEVELAND - Yesterday at 9:53 am Pacific Time, a firm and no-nonsense Los Angeles judge sentenced Conrad Murray to a maximum prison sentence of four years for his role in the death of legendary entertainer Michael Jackson.

Very deceiving.

Murray, who was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter on Nov. 7 received the maximum sentence possible, which is what MJ's family and global fan base wanted. However, we all gasped at the paltry term of just four years and almost went into a rage at the possibility that the convicted cardiologist will actually serve little to none of the time imposed upon him. Due to a new provision in the L.A. legal system, non violent felons are allowed lighter punishments such as community service and house arrest. Judge Michael Pastor made it a point to emphatically reject Murray's request for leniency while chastising him for his arrogant and unrepentant  behavior regarding this case.

I was very happy with the judge's candor in explaining to Murray his displeasure with the doctor portraying himself as something of a victim. Indeed, in a documentary that he both commissioned and starred in early this month, the disgraced doctor makes several declarations of his innocence and blames Jackson for what he sees as deception by the musician. Murray had been hired to serve as Michael's personal physician from April to June 2009 as the star prepared for a planned series of concert tours. The arrangement came to a tragic end when Jackson died June 25, 2009 of  "Propofol intoxication." The deadly dosage was administered by Murray who also left Jackson's bedside during a critical time at which the entertainer stopped breathing. According to the testimony of experts, Murray's actions during that time were so reckless that they caused MJ's demise.

Many people have opined that Michael was a relentless drug addict who would've gotten his fix from a different source had it not been from Murray. Those people who feel that way are probably correct, but they are also missing the point. Murray, as a doctor had an obligation to his patient to care for him and make sound medical choices for him. Placating an addict or any patient for that matter at the expense of proper medical care completely violates the principles of the Hippocratic Oath. Many people have also said that "no one could turn down" the $150,000 per month Murray was being paid to care for MJ, but the truth is, many doctors did. And if Murray had any integrity as a doctor, he would've turned it down as well. There is no place for selfish greed in the medical field. If that keeps up, we're all in danger.

I also took offense to Murray's defense team; most notably Michael Flannigan, who expressed anger that Judge Pastor didn't allow them to bring up MJ's dire financial status at the time of Murray's hiring. According to Flannigan, the fact that Jackson was, as he put it "$400 million in debt" and living in a rented mansion had relevance to this case. It didn't. No matter how much in debt or how drug addled MJ was, none of that matters when debating Murray's guilt. Even the defense's contention that Murray was an esteemed physician whom his patients adored holds no weight. His sterling reputation prior to the MJ situation has nothing to do with his behavior and incompetence in this case.

Desperate people.

I also enjoyed Judge Pastor bringing up the surreptitious recording that Murray made of a seemingly heavily drugged and slurring MJ a month and a half before his death. Pastor seemed to insinuate that Murray had sinister motives for doing such a thing which just added to his unworthiness of leniency.

Michael's family and estate have asked that Murray be ordered to pay restitution in the astounding amount of $100 million, a figure which represents the projected earnings of Michael had he completed the 50 concert tours he had been planning in the Spring of 2009. While everyone acknowledges that Murray could never afford that amount, it is still more than fair when everything is fairly considered.

After all, Michael was worth a lot more than that to this planet.

20 Years Later, Jackson's 'Dangerous' LP Remains Underrated Masterpiece

CLEVELAND - When it comes to the music of Michael Jackson, many people seem to place his 1982 album Thriller as his single greatest phenomenon, his 1979 album Off the Wall as a true classic and his 1987 LP Bad as a strong but lacking follow-up to the Thriller juggernaut. But there is one huge problem with that thinking.

It totally ignores the immense brilliance of another of his gems.

Saturday (Nov. 26) marks the 20th anniversary of the release of Jackson's change-of-direction album, 1991's Dangerous, which actually sold more and faster than Bad. It baffles me as to why the album didn't receive more acclaim, especially with its cutting-edge music videos and expansive world tour. Jackson had arrived at a place in his artistic life where he was heavily experimenting with unusual styles and concepts in his music and he infused those ideals into this truly classic work.

For those three iconic albums that preceded Dangerous, MJ had been a steady collaborator with the great Quincy Jones. For Dangerous, he sought a hipper style and enlisted then-innovative producer Teddy Riley to handle extensive production on the album. The result is a very eclectic blend of catchy dance tracks and moving ballads that highlight Michael's ethereal vocal presence.

It remains very impressive even today.

Kicking off with a furious marketing push with the lead single, "Black or White," Michael seemed to be on the fast track towards taking the world by storm again. He hadn't released an album in four years and after the "Bad World Tour" ended in January 1989, he had barely been seen publicly in more than two years. When promotion of Dangerous commenced in late autumn '91, his style and appearance had changed but his once-in-a-lifetime talent and imagination were still in top form. "Black or White," a hybrid hard rock/pop song was supported with a controversial music video that premiered simultaneously on several television channels. It was at this time that MJ began being referred to in the media as "The King of Pop" and after viewing his work, the honorific title made perfect sense.

MJ's clout and influence proved to be larger than life with the Dangerous album. The music video for "Jam" featured Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan and then-teen sensation Kriss Kross. "In the Closet" co-starred model Naomi Campbell and the infectious R&B tune "Remember the Time" was promoted with a short film featuring comic actor Eddie Murphy, basketball legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson and model Iman. It was clear to me that Michael had stepped up his game in terms of scope and diversity, opting to feature exotic locales in the short films as well as craft universally designed songs which augmented his already enormous global fan base.

The sprawling, anthemic song "Heal the World" is one of Michael's greatest works in spite of the litany of critics that deem the track too "self-indulgent." It is a beautiful tune that showcases MJ's humanitarian side and concern for the welfare of others across the planet. The song "Gone Too Soon" is another such effort, written in tribute to teen AIDS victim Ryan White, whom Jackson befriended prior to his death a year earlier.

Personally, "Give In To Me" and "Who Is It?" are two of my absolute favorite tracks. Michael has always been the master at vacillating between strength and vulnerability on his records, especially when he varies his vocal range several times in one line to convey the powerful dichotomy of those emotions.

The title track is another keeper. When Michael performed that song in the years to come (most notably at the 1995 MTV VMAs), he performed it with the same super cool gangster flair of which he used for his performances of "Smooth Criminal" from 1987's Bad album.

The "Dangerous World Tour" spanned 1992 and 1993 and took the legendary entertainer to packed stadiums on seemingly every corner of the planet, even the most obscure and remote locales around. In between shows, Michael performed the songs in a number of high profile appearances including his explosive appearance at the Halftime Show of the Super Bowl in January '93. It was there that Michael starred in a frenetic medley of his past classics (as well as tracks from Dangerous). He even sang at one of President Clinton's Inaugural Balls and in a nationally televised interview sang for Oprah Winfrey when she visited his Neverland estate.

Looking back with 20 years of perspective, Dangerous remains one of Michael Jackson's overlooked and underrated crowning achievements and, along with its global sales of over 30 million copies sold, should start getting recognized as the true work of art that it is.

Michael, I salute you once again!

Jobs' Legacy Of Incredible Singularity

CLEVELAND - I never owned a Mac computer, nor have I ever owned an iPad or iPhone. I do own an iPod Nano, which someone else purchased for me 5 years ago. But in spite of my limited experience with Apple Inc.'s legendary electronic products, I have long been an admirer and fan of the genius behind the magic.

Steve Jobs.

With his semi-surprising death yesterday at just 56 years of age, the tech and business worlds raced to issue the most gushing of platitudes for the man who co-founded Apple Inc. in 1976, then eventually used it to create groundbreaking gadgets that are now as ubiquitous to consumers as stethoscopes are to doctors.

What I most admire about Jobs is his think-outside-the-box sensibilities and relentless drive to live the life he wanted. During a famous commencement speech at Stanford University in 2005, he eloquently articulated the importance of living life to the fullest and doing things on one's own terms to the graduating class that year. He was always that maverick who didn't conform, but who ultimately made others conform.

That's part of his brilliance.

It speaks to his phenomenal resilience that he was able to rebound from the depths of supposed failure in the mid-1980's (when he was ousted from his own company) to return a decade later as an even more impressive technological mastermind and a peerless innovator. He began his re-ascension as one of the creative forces behind Pixar animation. Then, beginning in 1998, he began redefining the personal computer landscape with a new design philosophy for his Mac computers. The iPod arrived in 2001 and completely dominated the portable music landscape. From there, Jobs helmed one brilliant product or service after another; iTunes, the iPhone and last year, the iPad. Suddenly, owning an Apple product carried a serious status as hip, cool and very stylish.

He made Microsoft and its leader, Bill Gates look antiquated by comparison.

I rank Steve Jobs high on the list of great entrepreneurs who changed the world forever for the better. From Thomas Edison and Henry Ford to John Rockefeller and Sam Walton, the man's legacy of achievement can never be overstated. He was truly one of a kind.

Thanks, Steve.

Michael Jackson: Respect Deserved

CLEVELAND - Michael Jackson, the most successful entertainer in history as well as a record breaking humanitarian would have turned 53 years of age today. That makes August 29th a seminal day in history for the many millions he inspired through his artistry and generosity.

Happy Birthday, Michael.

One thing that has forever troubled me about people's treatment of the man is the high level of disrespect he has received over the past 20 years. For a man that reshaped and transformed the music industry and donated multi millions of dollars of his own money and endless amounts of his time to charitable causes, he has never been as celebrated and respected as he deserves to be.

How rude.

I have said many times that the colossal apex of his career, a.k.a. The Thriller Era of the early 1980's was responsible for the best of what happened to him as well as the worst of what happened. He gained the most immense fame and status that any person could ever have. On the flip side, his life became a cocoon of impossibly high standards and salacious tabloid stories, which clearly led him into a life of extreme stress.

While it is very true that Michael was far from perfect and purposely led an eccentric life, he still never deserved to be repudiated so extensively at the expense of giving him the credit and the acclamation that was due him. He perfected pop music as a child superstar in the late '60s and early '70s, then pioneered and mastered the short film as music video with the cultural touchstone that was the Thriller album in 1983. Everything that resulted from that LP changed the rules of music, entertainment and the business that anchors both fields. As a live performer, his showmanship and innovation raised the bar for every other popular artist of any genre of music, and that continues to this day.

Fashion-wise, MJ's style inspired countless trends and sartorial concepts and cultivated his reputation as the ultimate show business megastar top to bottom. The way he embraced philanthropy and giving to those in need was, unfortunately not something that many of his wealthy peers emulated. However, he tirelessly spoke of making the world a better place and took the actions to do it.

He instilled love in every way.

So, today is something of a holiday. Of course, there will always be legions of haters, naysayers and critics of Michael Jackson who will forever hold up the many accusations against him as unquestioned fact that he did anything criminal, and that is grossly unfair.

For the great man he was, he deserves better than that.

Two Years Later, Loss of Michael Still Stings

CLEVELAND - Horrible memories of that devastatingly dark Thursday two years ago still haunt and harass me. Michael Jackson, the wondrous and eminently gifted genius left this planet and in the process, forced me and his many millions of fans to love him without his physical presence.

Forever.

Naturally, today represents tears, sadness and a hopelessly depressing reminder to his most devoted fans and family of that shocking day when Michael ceased to exist. Yes, his artistry and groundbreaking impact will forever delight and influence the world, but the man himself can no longer bless the world with innovation and relentless generosity. That is a tragedy in and of itself. I see the iconic costumes he wore during milestones in his career being sold, auctioned and exhibited. Those items are indeed historic, but without him continuing to walk this earth, they seem so...empty.

I miss Michael so much.

It's still a treat to watch the legendary "Thriller" short film, or his epochal solo performance on "Motown 25." But having the painful knowledge that MJ himself will no longer create magic in music and dance is a cruel and infuriating burden to bear.

Michael Jackson served as the foundation and inspiration for my own style and creative sensibilities. That part of him, as well as his 40 year career of showstopping excellence will live forever. But that one, heartbreaking fact remains no matter what.

I want him back.

Oprah Winfrey: The Ultimate Teacher...The Ultimate Legacy

CLEVELAND - Oprah Winfrey is an international celebrity with a net worth that reaches into the billions. She also developed and hosted the most successful daytime talk-show in television history. But the most remarkable thing about her is the fact that none of her above accomplishments qualify as her most remarkable feat.

Seriously.

Winfrey, 57 ended her iconic The Oprah Winfrey Show yesterday on a stage in Chicago, Ill. in front of a studio audience of hundreds of history witnessing individuals and a global audience of well into the millions. Many elements of what makes her so endlessly remarkable was on full display as she brought to a close the show that brought her to the world's attention way back in 1986.

She explained to us what makes her tick and encouraged us to capitalize on the powers that we all hold inside us. It's what she has done from Day One, and it's that preoccupation with constant self-improvement that has enabled her to possess the gigantic influence that she does.

Looking at Oprah now, after she has accomplished so much and enlightened so many people, I can't help but to think back to when she was a newcomer to our consciousness. That was in the late 1980's, the waning years of the Reagan administration and for her, the early years of her 30's. My family, especially my grandmother were always interested in what Oprah had to say each and every weekday at 4PM EST. I remember vividly watching her show on television back then during the "tabloid era" of her show. That is when its subject matter didn't seem too different from the sensationalistic Geraldo Rivera or later, Jerry Springer.

But Oprah really was different. Even back then when her show was still in that tabloid mode, she always had an inspiring aura about her. When she famously wheeled that wagon of fat onto her stage while sporting size 10 jeans in the fall of 1988, it was clear that she was on to something enormous. She was cathartic for many people across the U.S., first and foremost women, but eventually and certainly for men and children as well. She was still mostly unknown at the time she co-starred in The Color Purple in 1985. But by the time she developed, produced and starred in the uplifting television miniseries The Women of Brewster Place in 1989, her ascension was clearly on the fast track. The higher she rose in the entertainment industry, the more she became a valuable role model and a stunning representation of what anyone can accomplish with the proper amount of discipline and drive.

Pure inspiration.

Something great has been said many times over the years and especially during the past few days about Oprah's meteoric rise, but it bears repeating again. For Oprah to have come from the time, place and circumstance that she comes from, her legendary achievements become even more incredible. Born in the racist South in the mid-1950s (during widespread discrimination and hatred towards Blacks), she was instantly thrust into a seemingly impossible and closed off world, especially with her being a Black female. Her first 15 years of life were filled with an endless array of bad luck, tragic situations and general hopelessness. From poverty and low self-esteem to sexual assault and drug use and an adolescent pregnancy, Oprah knew adversity all too well and actually more than most people would ever know. When she excelled at journalism in school and soon earned a media position in Baltimore, MD, it was a testament to her courage and relentless ambition. Even back then, close to 40 years ago, Oprah was using the tools and principles that she eventually gave all of us to overcome the odds and create our own happily ever after.

That is just one reason why she is so special.

When Oprah, at age 39 traveled to California in early 1993 for an historic interview with the iconic yet extremely reclusive Michael Jackson, I was beside myself with anticipation and joy. I couldn't wait to see Michael on television again, especially in an interview situation which was a very rare occurrence. During the famous broadcast (which took place at his Neverland Ranch), the entire planet learned details of the megastar that we had not previously known; he publicly disclosed for the first time ever the skin condition he suffered from called vitiligo which, when combined with treatment creams and makeup made him appear ghostly white. He also revealed his fear of his father as well as details of the childhood beatings that he endured. He sang and danced for Oprah and gave the world a new angle from which to look at him. That amazing Oprah episode perfectly encapsulated Winfrey's ability to be a friendly ear of empathy for anyone-- even a guarded and legendary entertainer like Jackson.

America fell in love with her for that trait from the beginning.

By the mid-1990s, Oprah transitioned from talk-show host to motivational speaker with an enormous platform. Her episodes became more positive and uplifting, as opposed to controversial and gossipy. She started the "Oprah Book Club" and "O The Magazine" and ventured more into film production with her Harpo Productions at the helm and continued her financial generosity to many charitable causes. By 2003, she had become the first Black women in history to amass a net worth of at least $1 billion. She built a girls school in Africa, funded hundreds of college tuitions for people and most of all, appeared on her daily show as always, dispensing hope and lending a helping hand and an attentive ear to millions who desperately needed it.

Wow.

This past Monday and Tuesday, a grandiose celebrity-filled tribute to Oprah aired on television as a build-up to the finale of The Oprah Winfrey Show. Her show producers, without her prior knowledge arranged for a diverse collection of A-list stars of television, film and music to salute Oprah with glittering words of praise or modified musical numbers and dance steps. Oprah's mentor, the amazing Maya Angelou even recited a touching poem she had written specifically for Winfrey. The illustrious affair took place at Chicago's United Center arena and also included a heavily cheered appearance from the great Michael Jordan, who of course starred for the Chicago Bulls for 13 seasons and led them to six NBA titles. Jordan, like Oprah arrived in Chicago in 1984 and he made it clear to her just how deeply she has inspired him over the years.

That's saying a ton coming from Jordan.

That affair, with all of its sparkling star power was highly impressive, yet still pales in comparison to the scores of regular people whom Oprah has helped or influenced. Without question, she will go down in history as a very important and transcendent figure who educated and inspired hope, courage, confidence and love. The world is a trillion times better because she lived in it and used her gifts and platform in the most tremendous and selfless of ways.

We all owe her a debt of gratitude.

27 Years Ago Today: Michael Jackson Goes Up In Flames

CLEVELAND - Michael Jackson stood at the top of a staircase in front of around 5,000 fans surrounded by television lights, cameras and very dangerous pyrotechnics. As he descended the steps to a stage occupied by his brothers, sparks from the setup landed in his hair and set his scalp ablaze.

The next several moments were spent frantically extinguishing the flames by almost everyone close enough to do it.

This dramatic scene took place 27 years ago today in the Shrine Auditorium in L.A. on the set of a pioneering Pepsi commercial starring Jackson and his brothers. MJ, just 25 years of age at the time was rushed to the hospital where it was revealed that he'd suffered second and third degree burns to his scalp. Once news of his very dangerous accident spread across the world, the music industry and millions of fans held their collective breaths as tears fell and prayers flowed.

What made the event particularly horrific was Jackson's status in the entertainment industry at the time. He was less than two months removed from the release of his iconic "Thriller" music video and two weeks past his grand showing at the 1984 American Music Awards. That was the ceremony that garnered Michael a record 8 trophies for the Thriller album including a special Award of Merit and a host of gushing, fawning accolades and superlatives from his music industry brethren.

In other words, Michael was at the very apex of his historic career and was the planet's most popular, celebrated and omnipotent  megastar by a wide margin at the time. It was a classic tragedy in the making to almost everyone in the U.S. Thankfully, he recovered, donated the $1.5 million he settled with Pepsi for to burn victims, then dominated the Grammy Awards just a month later.

That part was NO accident.

Larry King Deserves More Praise For Iconic Career

CLEVELAND - With a few bittersweet words and obviously suppressed tears, Larry King ended his venerable prime-time show last night after 25-plus years of historic interviews with major celebrities, politicians and everyone in between.

It was a moment of great significance and palpable emotion.

King, 77 hosted CNN's Larry King Live since 1985 and predictably became a ubiquitous staple of prime time cable television. On his swan song show last night, President Obama called him a giant in broadcasting, the most apropos and succinct evaluation of the man.

King had a reputation as an interviewer who asked too many simple, softball questions of his guests. He's most recently been labeled by critics and other observers as a has-been relic from a bygone era. Ratings for his show have been in decline for some time, which in part prompted King to announce his retirement in June as a pre-emptive strike over the powers that be at CNN.

Forget all of that. King never stopped being a pivotal conduit to pop culture and the major news events of our times. He interviewed every U.S. president since Richard Nixon, covered major celebrity stories such as the historic O.J. Simpson case and death of Anna Nicole Smith extensively as well as major news events such as the 2001 terrorist attacks and Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Every night at 9PM EST, King was the man to see to be updated or informed on current events. I always thought of him as must-see TV whenever a news event occurred that I cared greatly about. Last year, King's coverage of the great Michael Jackson's death was what I was most interested in seeing from a journalist. He later broadcast live from Jackson's former storied estate Neverland with MJ's brother Jermaine. This year on the one year anniversary of Michael's death, King broadcast live from outside of MJ's burial site. As always, Larry King went a few steps further in his coverage of current events.

I wish more people besides his broadcasting peers realized his significance and gave him his just due. Not only did King host his show for 25 years, but his overall broadcasting career spans 50 total years. He was, in many ways a more journalistic Johnny Carson. Not nearly as funny or entertaining, but just as present in our homes and as trusted with the delivery of breaking news as was Walter Cronkite.

I was never a wearer of prescription eyeglasses and suspenders (both major King trademarks), but Larry King has inspired me for around 20 years. As an interviewer of people, I most admire his everyman style, i.e. asking major stars questions that the common man would. He wasn't trying to adhere to typical lines of questioning. He was, at his core a person who's curious as to how other people think.

I salute you, Mr. King. Journalism is forever indebted to you, sir. And so am I.

Despite Criticisms, New Michael Jackson Album Impressive

CLEVELAND - Anytime an artist of any kind is unable to finish a project of their own creating by virtue of their unexpected death, there's always a sense of what might have been mixed with a lot of frustration. Michael Jackson is now the latest creative genius this has happened to.

But the results, though not perfect, actually impress.

Today marks the release of Jackson's first full album of "new" material in nine years. Entitled Michael, the album has received the predicted amount of criticism, bashing and unacceptance by many in the media and more than a few fans, many of whom question if it's actually MJ's voice on the recordings or a bootleg impersonator. However, after a few careful listens, I can say with great confidence that it's indeed Michael...assisted (necessarily) by savvy studio production here and there, which surprisingly doesn't overshadow the soaring beauty of his vocals.

Of course, MJ was shockingly taken from us (his multi-millions of devoted fans) 18 months ago, so this album isn't truly Michael. He was famous for being a meticulous perfectionist with his art, so the cut-n-paste nature of this latest offering would surely gain his ire. That fact is sort of besides the point when evaluating this record. Comprised of 10 different songs recorded over a 28 year period, Michael has a few notable moments. The Akon duet "Hold My Hand" is a beautiful and uplifting song and finds MJ in excellent voice.

The cautionary tale "Hollywood Tonight" is also better than expected. "Keep Your Head Up" sounds a lot like the anthemic style songs from Jackson's 1991 album Dangerous but is still a great listen. On "(I Like) The Way You  Love Me," Michael's voice is pure elegance, his vocal delivery as soft as silk. "Monster," a track featuring 50 Cent is boisterous and aggressive and actually works well sandwiched between the ballads and slow tempo tracks.

Maybe my favorite track of all is "Behind the Mask," which was allegedly recorded during Michael's legendary Thriller era prime of the early 1980's. Whatever the case, it's an excellent track.

Yes, Michael made far better albums in his career than this, but understand that his two best, Off the Wall and Thriller were made before he'd set an impossible standard of greatness and unprecedented success for himself. Anything he made post 1983 would never be able to scale such a high and slippery mountain. Also, it must be remembered that the tracks on this new album were things he either purposely rejected many years ago or things that were still works in progress at the time of his death.

He didn't release this. His estate did.

When those factors are considered, it becomes a must to crown the new album as not only a success, but a delicious treat for his endless array of fans around the world who are grinning from ear to ear and dancing in the streets at the opportunity to hear our beloved hero one more time singing with that beautiful and indelible voice.

Much love, Michael.

Rethinking 2Pac...14 Years Later

CLEVELAND - If someone were to study media reports about Tupac Shakur in 1995, they would have found a consistent pattern of negativity. Whether brought on by his own reckless and menacing ways, or just biased and unfair opinions, the man was as repudiated in the press for his behavior as he was revered in hip-hop for his artistry.

And now, in 2010, the man continues to ascend the ladder of legend.

Today marks the 14th anniversary of his game changing death. Yes it is unreal that it took place that long ago. Back in the days of dial-up, ultra basic Internet. During the Clinton administration but before Monica and her stained dress. Way back when LeBron was a poverty stricken 11-year old unknown. Back when no one had ever heard of  DVDs and cell phones were as rare as a bad game by Michael Jordan and as big as a VHS tape.

His death was THAT long ago.

It's interesting that 2Pac's career started off the way it did. In 1990, he seemed as family friendly and non-threatening as Will Smith. That is when he was nothing more than a roadie for the hip-hop group Digital Underground. But in the three years between 1992 and 1995, 2Pac evolved from a young, militant musician to a notoriously brash criminal who often spoke of and epitomized a "thug lifestyle" of deviant and even felonious behavior. Television images of him often depicted him in handcuffs, in courtrooms or speaking in an animated and ruthless fashion about violence and what he felt was his persecution.

He came off as a peerless troublemaker with no intention of slowing down.

His music became more eerie, violent and contradictory. It also became more polished and popular and by the time he was released from a months long prison stint in the fall of 1995, he was one of the top two superstars in hip-hop along with bitter rival The Notorious B.I.G. He spent the first eight months of 1996 atop the world of rap music thanks largely to the February release of his seminal LP, All Eyez On Me. Now a high-profile member of Death Row Records (and a de facto protege of the villainous Suge Knight), 2Pac decided to tamp up his own hubris and cockiness as he openly and shamelessly basked in the glow of his modified image and Death Row allegiance.

When he was murdered in that now infamous September drive-by shooting in Las Vegas, there was a huge feeling of anger and sadness for both a life lost at just 25, and for a brilliant artist who was too caught up in crafting an invincible street image instead of using his obvious intelligence, ideals and talent to ascend to an ever higher, more significant place in the world. 2Pac could have changed the world in amazing ways that had nothing to do with music. The man was an intellect and a visionary, two terms that never would have been used to describe him during his lifetime.

He's celebrated as an important icon nowadays, but in truth...he was bigger than that. It's a shame he tried so hard to hide that from us while he was alive.

Michael Jackson: A Birthday Declaration

CLEVELAND - With great sadness and incredible memories, I am celebrating the 52nd anniversary of Michael Jackson's birth in a very interesting way.

I'm declaring the man a Saint.

That is right. A Saint. Of course, I'm not officially qualified to declare anyone as such, but I believe that today is as good a day as any to bestow that high honor on such a world-class individual, whose very being shifted an entire planet's beliefs, sensibilities and standards. Michael Joseph Jackson would have turned 52 today had he not left us 14 months ago, but in spite of his departure, he remains a huge part of our lives.

Especially mine.

Why do I declare the birthday boy a Saint? Why would I seemingly ignore his very public disgraces and questionable character in favor of highlighting his brilliant music accomplishments? Well first off, I'm not speaking of just his brilliance in entertainment. Secondly, those so-called public disgraces had more to do with opinion than fact. His "questionable character" is another opinion that was never explicitly proven. Furthermore, Michael's contributions to this planet over a 45 year span will live on forever, and it's about far more than his music and artistry.

He made the world a better place.

Forget for a moment all the things that the media reported about MJ's private life. Look past the stunning transformation his face underwent during the last 30 years of his life. Disregard all the biased media reporting about the man that was based on opinion, conjecture and prejudgments.

What are we left with? Just facts.

The facts about Michael Jackson are as follows: He lived a very high-profile, stress filled abnormal life from the time he was a small child. He was teased and humiliated by his family and other adults for his nose and his acne as a teenager. He became the most successful and acclaimed entertainer in the history of music in his mid-20's, then by his mid-30's he was widely portrayed as a weird has-been with an appetite for molesting young boys. By his mid-40's, he was portrayed as a deformed, middle-aged creeper with an iconic career very much in his past. Truth is, what Michael gave to the world eclipses such blithering idiocy. Like it or not, Michael Jackson is a giant in entertainment, and is also a legendary humanitarian.

On the megastar side, he is a peerless icon. No one in history has enjoyed as much admiration and global fandamonium for a longer portion of their life as he has. Elvis Presley was famous for 21 years of his life. The Beatles had a phenomenal following, but admiration for them was divided amongst several members, mostly McCartney and Lennon. Their immense fame is still present, but they became famous as adults, and a decade later, they were split up.

Michael is the most awarded entertainer in history. The seminal Thriller era in the early '80's remains a cultural touchstone that impacts artists to this day. His iconography is mesmerizingly expansive. From details of his upbringing to his insatiable admiration for Peter Pan and James Brown, the world knows MJ very well. Better than a family member.

Now, the true reason I am annointing Michael a Saint is the way he lived his life and tried to heal the world of its problems. In 1984, MJ was infamously burned badly while filming a Pepsi commercial. Though he was the biggest super-duper star on the planet at the time, he opted not to sue Pepsi for many millions and instead accepted a $1.5 million settlement which he immediately donated to a burn center. He very generously gave away his millions of dollars in earnings on U.S. and world tours to charity. He frequented hospitals of underprivileged, ill or dying children and gave even more money, time and emotional energy to these people very often.

He created his Neverland Ranch as a de facto fantasy land from the rest of the world, but also to entertain children and improve their lives. Oprah Winfrey acknowledged MJ's amazingly caring heart in her famous 1993 interview with him after seeing hospital beds built into his home for ill children. He wrote numerous songs for the benefit of children, donated and raised untold multi-millions of dollars for a litany of charities and worthy causes and thusly, set a Guinness world record for most charitable entertainer in history.

Let's not forget his crusade to save and protect the Earth and its environment. He was always a staunch advocate for animals, but what is less known is his affinity and concern for trees, water, air and the negative effects of pollution. Being a part of projects such as "We Are The World" and "Heal The World" are just the tip of the iceberg as far as MJ's love of Mother Earth goes.

He always spoke publicly of the need to improve the world by starting with ourselves. In his never-meant-to-be-a-documentary documentary "This Is It," he repeatedly mentions that we need to put "love back into the world." His message of hope, love and improvement was always overshadowed by the sensationalist aura of his life, which is a shame.

Critics of Michael Jackson will dismiss him as a weird child molester cum drug addict who stopped being a brilliant artist 20 years prior to his death. That saddens me because that perspective takes too many liberties and avoids too many facts. Michael was not only never proven to be a molester, but the so-called "evidence" points overwhelmingly to a man who simply enjoyed being around young boys, saw himself as one and just made poor, non-criminal judgments at times. Given what we know about his "weird and strange" life all those years, it makes sense that his mentality would be odd to us who grew up without the circus. No one gives as much as Michael gave of himself and his time without genuinely loving children from the bottom of their heart.

As far as his drug use, I tend to put recreational drug abusers in a different category from people like Michael, who only turned to painkillers after he couldn't take the searing pain from surgeries and the like. Once he became addicted to other drugs, it wasn't like being hooked on cocaine or crack. For a star of his magnitude, with as many demands on his time as he had, he became an insomniac. Being a major entertainer, he has the highest pressure to deal with. People need sleep in order to function, but if one can't sleep, they can't function. Michael knew this, so he found a solution to get himself to sleep. If ever there were good and understandable reasons to get addicted to a drug, not wanting to suffer horrific pain and wanting to actually get much needed sleep are the two best.

So to call Michael a drug addict is very misleading, no matter how accurate it is.

I'm not suggesting that Michael was perfect. I'm not saying he was always an angel. But since it is a proven fact that no one is perfect and everyone has flaws, he should be allowed his. People need to separate opinions and rumors from truth and fact. Just because someone THINKS MJ is guilty, doesn't make it true. As for his extensive plastic surgery, he changed his face because he was given an inferiority complex as a child that never evaporated. He had the means to change it so he did. Any of us would likely do the same thing if we were placed in that same scenario and had the means. His skin color? It has finally been proven that he truly did have a skin disorder that he couldn't help.

Besides, what does a person's appearance have to do with their good heart and great intentions? Not a thing.

And so it is today, Michael Jackson's 52nd birthday that I declare him a Saint. He continues to bring joy to millions of people who listen to his music, watch his short films, wear his trademark clothing and remember attending his tours live or obsessing over him at the peak of his popularity. They remember how good it felt. The millions of people helped by his lifetime of charity and giving heart and his message. The lives he saved and improved. The hope he inspired.

Michael Jackson is a world treasure. And a Saint.