Posts Tagged ‘Michael Jackson’
With the earthquake that devastated Haiti, Quincy Jones went back into the archives and revived “We Are the World” which Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson co-wrote in the mid-1980s. The big difference was what the song was for this time. The original version was written for the children starving in Africa in the 80s. This version struck a different chord which aimed to unite the world to help in raising money to help the Haitian people who had lost what little they had.
Of course, since it has been over 20 years since the first release of the song, new artists had to be rounded up to sing the new revised recording. The funny thing was is that even though the talent had changed, the feeling that they put into the various parts was similar to the original energy which was displayed.
Depending on the arranger, this song has the potential not only to be a demonstration of famous talent, but also the everyday talent of moonlight musicians and vocalists. All music groups could perform this piece in a unique manner that would demonstrate the individual talent and hopes of those singing and performing it.
The song has a powerful message to it that has meaning far beyond its original intention. No matter what the cause, we should always try to strive for peace and help out each other no matter where we are in the world. We all share this world for a very short time and while we are here we should work together in peace.
I thought it would be wise to publicly acknowledge the music of Michael Jackson. Just like many of the artists of the 1980′s, Michael made a statement through music which greatly changed the way in which music is used and performed for the people. Michael not only changed music, but he also introduced a whole new level in music entertainment which transcended many levels and existing boundaries.
One of the things that I did like about Jackson’s music was that it was moving and also had a message that was universal. Most of his songs called us all together to work toward a common good. In a time when we tend more to think about ourselves, it is important to be reminded that we can change the way the world is by working together.
On the performing side, Michael did make a very large contribution to the way in which we were entertained by the use of dance on stage. Still to this very day, many of the moves that Michael introduced in the “Thriller” video, are still being used in various renditions in video and stage performances today. Would things be different if we had not had this contribution? Most likely things would be different or just introduced differently by another noteworthy artist.
As it has been stated, Michael Jackson knew what he was doing from the days he was part of the Jackson Five. He had the gift of being able to entertain then when he had to compete with his older siblings on stage. His ability to entertain just increased and improved from then on. He always found a way to improve what had already been accomplished. He always his creative mind employed in what he was doing.
Whether we be “Black or White” the music of Michael Jackson will live on. In fact, we most likely will begin to hear tracks which were previously unreleased. We may find some other great tracks; unfortunately, we will never know what else those tracks would have brought performance wise from the man who was one of the greatest performers of the 20th Century.