I haven’t talked about this much before but, The Jacksons: An American Dream film miniseries was my introduction to Michael Jackson. It planted a seed of curiosity in me about Michael and who he was. After watching it, I remember becoming totally enveloped in learning more about...
Read moreJacksons Legacy Book- Fan Review
This book feels like something I've been waiting for FOREVER.
When I heard that the Jacksons were coming out with a book this past summer, I pretty much RAN to my computer to pre-order it. To say that I love the Jacksons may be an understatement...
Read more5 Groovy Things to know about the Jackson 5 Cartoon
When I was in middle school, I really gravitated to everything Jackson 5... I was (and still am) enamored with the 1970’s but also, loved to see how much fun they appeared to have performing as a family. And let’s be real, the Jackson brothers looked like me, they were my age, and I related to their story.
Read moreWhy I Fell In Love with the Jacksons.
Anyone else love the break down in "Shake Your Body" that Michael would do to close out the BAD tour? The way the guitarist was strummin' and the horns were blazin'... Can anyone else not resist dancing like a fool when that's on?
If anyone knows me or has read this blog, they know that I am goo-goo ga-ga for Michael's career as part of a group.
I actually continued to support and go see the Jacksons after Michael''s pasisng in 2009. To date, I have seen them 4 times on the Jacksons Unity Tour (and once with Michael at the 2001 MSG 30th Anniversary shows).
I actually fell in love with the Jackson 5 before I started to love Michael as a solo artist.
I'd always appreciated Michael as a child because let's face it, my parents would play MOONWALKER for me as a toddler and played the BAD album 'til it could be played no more. My dad had a set of two turntables and a massive sound system that he'd built as a young adult, in our basement. Sometimes he would mix the BAD single with the Dance Mix for fun, or we"d turn on FOX as a family to watch the World Premiere of "Remember the Time," and from time to time we'd sit and watch MJ on all of the award shows and it was peachy. But I distinctly remember my dad putting the Jackson 5 Anthology record on the turntable and turning the lights down low. He told me to close my eyes and listen closely...
I think those moments changed my life.
As I closed my eyes, I became immersed in Michael's voice... "Listen to the sweet sounds" of the songs that only a 60's baby would know by heart. At the age of 12 I was introduced to songs like "Ready or Not," "All I Do (Is Think of You" and "Daddy's Home". But it was one song that I found a deeper connection with. It was "Maybe Tomorrow" that spoke to my heart. Maybe it has to do with the fact that Michael was around my age when he sang it. Or maybe it was because he sang of heartbreak, hope for the future, the ups and downs of love. I never knew I'd grow up to experience the woes that a young Michael sang so convincingly of. I never knew that, at 12, nearly 15 years later, I'd experience the feeling of... Maybe Tomorrow.
Never did I realize that I'd grow to appreciate the meaning of Michael's words as an adult. I don't know what I found that made the Jackson 5 my favorite group, nearly 3 decades after they'd disbanded. I don't know what went through my mind when I tore out pictures of the Jacksons from vintage magazines and hung them up in my middle school locker, posted them in my binder. (All the other girls loved NSync, 98 Degrees, and the groups like that...) Sometimes I think back and wonder what I was thinking.
I guess somewhere in my heart I wished I was a part of the Jacksons. I wished that I had 6 brothers and a host of beautiful sisters and what seemed like a perfect family life. I guess that's part of the illusion and although I know so many things about the Jacksons that no one could have possibly known way back when, they still give me this sense of royalty, class, and togetherness.
The Jacksons music is feel-good, wholesome (for the most part), and something I am so happy to have been "obsessed with" for a good part of my life.
I miss Michael but, am thankful for the opportunity to see the rest of the original Jackson 5 members whenever they come into town.
A Night with Austin Brown - NYC BET Music Matters Review
Hey all!
How has everyone been doing?
I have been trying to go lots of fun things to try and stay busy after work. I am not the clubbing type and I've become a super cheapskate so its sometimes a struggle to stay on top of this "afterwork fun" goal of mine. However, when I got the chance to attend this year's BET Music Matters event, I thought "hey- Why not?!".
Within my family and with non-fan friends, I am the resident Michael Jackson fan. (Among MJ fans, I'm the resident Jacksons fan but... That's another story for another post). Anyway, I kept getting texts and messages asking me to turn on 106 & Park to see a fresh (and very attractive!) face on the music scene. It just so happens that he is a 2nd generation member of the legendary Jackson family (and don't forget the Brown genes too- he always mentions it, hehe!) One of my friends was like "Austin Brown- do you know him? He's Janet Jackson's nephew!" to which I replied telling her
- That I did indeed know of him and
- That I was going to his first show in New York that very night!
Performance
Austin Brown's performance at BET Music Matters was nothing short of amazing! Here are 5 Things I Loved About It:
5. Style- he's got this funky signature style already and I love it! From his beanie hat to the denim vest and Converse sneakers and plaid patterned shirts, his style is very much HIM (and we all know how important that is).
4. The Band- his band was sooo talented and really had the place jamming! I loved the guy on the synthesizer/background vocals- DOPE!
3. His energy- he almost seemed like another person on stage! Austin's energy was very high and he was dancing, grooving, and feeling the music truly! I kinda have this thing for musicians who are THAT into their performances (makes you wanna jam right there with them!)
2. Personality- His personality totally shines through in his music. I especially loved the times in-between songs where he would talk and connect to the audience.
1. His Music- Three words--- BUY THE SINGLE! It's called Menage A Trois... and while you're at it, check out BET's 106 & Park and help to get this awesome music video on the countdown.
Meeting Austin
My friends and I actually got the chance to meet Austin twice! Once before the show, while we were waiting to get into the venue and once again after his performance. *Thanks to Gadget Trish for this, as she is probably the biggest JACKSON family supporter I know and I've heard that many of the Jackson family members watch and enjoy her videos on Youtube! Check her out here if you haven't already.*
Austin was super friendly and soooo down to Earth both times we met him! I have to admit that I was a little nervous when I saw him the first time.
I mean hey, I was looking forward to his show tonight and here he was standing right next to me and chatting casually all like HEY- What's Up!? Haha.
He was nice enough to take photos with everyone after the show and that's super cool :).
Here's my photo with Austin:
If you ever get the opportunity to see Austin Brown perform-- do it! Not because he's a Jackson but because he is VERY talented, kind, and his career is about to take off to another level!
--------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks for reading everyone! For more information on Austin Brown, check these links out below!
Web: austinbrown.com Twitter: @austinbrown
Tumblr: http://austin85.tumblr.com/
Jacksons Unity-- 3rd Time's A Charm!
Yes, you can guess it!
I went to see the Jacksons again and had a beautiful time! 3 times in less than 3 months has gotta be a record!
Although my MJ Family and I had to wait for 4-5 hours (some waited almost 20-- but I wasn't brave enough) but I got 6th row seats!
Did I mention the concert was free?!
Here is the only other Jacksons shirt I have. It's a Vintage Victory Tour reproduction shirt and I got it online from PacSun a while back. It's a J5 Collection shirt so, they may be limited but, totally worth it if you can find one online! Sorry there are no shots of me wearing it! I didn't have the time or anyone to help take pics of me in the sweltering heat (smile).
Some random shots I took of the night!
Did anyone else see the Jacksons Free Concert and enjoy it as much as I did?
Kudos to Brooklyn for being an awesome borough!
The Michael Jackson Fan Community...Divided We Fall?
(photo: sodahead.com) |
Yes, Michael was our "leader" of some sorts but, I'd hope to believe that we all carried a part of that hope for unity and peace in each of us.
If it's not the Jacksons issue now, it was the MICHAEL album a few months back. And before that it was where Michael's children should go. Before that it was where Michael should be laid to rest. And what really happened to him. Let's not to mention the division between fans who think Michael is still around somewhere on this Earth.
ENOUGH ALREADY!
I just wish that we could all stand together instead of lashing out at each other.
We all love Michael for the same reasons, generally speaking. I am learning to try and stay neutral, watch things play out and keep my opinion to myself! I love my Michael Jackson friends and would do anything to keep them around! We are like a little family and I love the unity I feel when at the more positive events like the Heal the World for Children's Annual Children's Festival on Michael's birthday or at the Brooklyn Loves MJ Party held every year by Spike Lee.
Feel the love and let go of the anger!
In other news, I am having a really great great week. I won't go into much detail but I am happy and very appreciative of things that have been going on in my life right now. I am way more open to a lot more possibilities and just trying to be more positive all around. I have my moments, like all of us do but-- I have been going out way more and enjoying spending the hours of my life outside of my home, and with family, friends, and loved ones. I went to an IMAX theatre for the first time (ever!) to see a major motion picture and it was OUT of this WORLD! Totally awesome experience (and worth being sleepy and having to wear my glasses at work the next morning. *smile*)
I will have to say that I have ALWAYS been somewhat of a loner (especially in high school!). For the most part I can do without having a million people around me and I just stick to my core group. It's taken me years and years to realize that it's OKAY to have friends who share your same interests (or your MAIN one). Plenty people are friends with people who like the same sports teams, who love to travel, who enjoy eating at fancy places, or who just live in the same neighborhood and it's convenient. At the peak of my fandom, I was totally happy to come home from school and talk for 6 or 7 hours on the phone at nights with fellow fans online and on the phone, about how simply awesome and amazing Michael is. Now, I will say that Michael plays a bit of a different role in my life. My fandom has evolved as I have evolved as a person and I am sure others feel the same as I do. I am still every bit grateful and inspired by him but, now I want to go out and live my life. Living with the dream and the love that MJ so graciously taught me and all of us, and enjoying every moment (or trying to at least!)
How do you feel about the MJ Fan Community? Do you feel that we will ever be united again?
Are you happy to be a part of it or are you done with trying to get on the same page as your fan friends?
Talk to me!
TMI Talk: Jackson Siblings Contest Michael's Will
Okay, so I just happened to be laid out at the beach when I logged on to Twitter and saw the MJFAM rumor mill pumping feverishly with the news that the Jacksons (well some of them) had released a letter to the estate, asking the executors to step down, and insisting that the will being in used is not Michael's latest version.
Supposedly this letter also included some news that Mrs. Jackson had a mini-stroke. Paris (Michael's daughter) then takes to Twitter to refute these rumors, sending a tweet directly to her uncle Randy, demanding that he stop lying and have some respect for his mother.
Ummmm... DRAMA!
While everyone is still confused about what the heck is going on in the Twitter-sphere (is that even a word?) the major fan clubs release a letter in support of the estate and in disagreement with the Jackson siblings. Can I be the first to say... Who cares?
Personally, I am a fan of Michael's solo music AND his time with the Jackson 5/Jacksons. I love that family and their music so, all of this inner circle stuff is mostly just annoying to me! I don't feel that I even have a right to be signing any letter or passing anything around stating my opinion about situations like this, which is why Legacy of Love NYC is NOT and never will be a part of these types of events. I don't believe in fan clubs signing/co-signing/having a stance on these matters because at the end of the day, it's really a personal issue for the executors and the family. (Shame on whoever leaked/released that letter to the public!)
I enjoyed the JACKSONS Unity Tour twice last month and will thoroughly enjoy the release of BAD 25 and the first official DVD release of the BAD Tour, in all of its glory. I guess I say all of this to say... Can't We All Just Get Along?
#MJFAM - what say YOU?
Are you tired of hearing about these disagreements between the Jacksons and the estate? Or do you kinda like it, cause it keeps the MJ community active and busy with something new to debate?
JACKSONS: Unity Tour - A Fan Review
EDIT: I went a 3rd time--- check out some updates on my 3rd experience here!
Now I will be honest and say that I debated going to see the Jacksons Unity Tour for months and months (and months!) but, I finally decided that it was something I HAD to do. Most of my MJ Family in New York knows how much I love the music of the Jacksons and the Jackson 5 so, when I had the opportunity the day of to snag tickets to the show, I had to take the chance by storm.
I ended up having such an amazing time at the APOLLO Theatre show that I ended up going to the next show in the Tri-State area, the one in New Jersey! Good good times. I took some fun photos of my outfit for the second show:
I really and truly loved the show and as many others have said, felt Michael's presence in the building. To be honest, the start of the show was a bit awkward and somewhat emotional for me. Being such a big Michael fan, it's hard to go into a Jacksons show, knowing that Michael won't be there. After a few songs, I really got into the groove and was able to enjoy the songs were what they are *classic and awesome*..
There was a nice tribute segment to Michael in which Jermaine performed Gone Too Soon and that was no doubt emotional but, overall it was a really good experience. One of the best surprises of the night was when the brothers performed and introduced the band to "Can't Let Her Get Away". It's one of the filler tracks on the Dangerous album and the ONLY time I've ever heard that song performed live! Of course, they did some other solo MJ songs that have been done on past tours, such as "Rock With You" and "Wanna Be Startin Something" but, it was CLHGA that took the cake!
Here is an instagram that my good friend Gadget Trish posted of me from the New Jersey show... Groovy!
I would recommend the Jacksons UNITY Tour for any Jackson 5/Jacksons fan who can appreciate Jackson talent for what it is (independent of Michael). Did you go to the Jacksons UNITY Tour? How'd you like it?
Share your thoughts! (& don't forget to follow me on Twitter--- XOXO!)
Now I will be honest and say that I debated going to see the Jacksons Unity Tour for months and months (and months!) but, I finally decided that it was something I HAD to do. Most of my MJ Family in New York knows how much I love the music of the Jacksons and the Jackson 5 so, when I had the opportunity the day of to snag tickets to the show, I had to take the chance by storm.
I ended up having such an amazing time at the APOLLO Theatre show that I ended up going to the next show in the Tri-State area, the one in New Jersey! Good good times. I took some fun photos of my outfit for the second show:
There was a nice tribute segment to Michael in which Jermaine performed Gone Too Soon and that was no doubt emotional but, overall it was a really good experience. One of the best surprises of the night was when the brothers performed and introduced the band to "Can't Let Her Get Away". It's one of the filler tracks on the Dangerous album and the ONLY time I've ever heard that song performed live! Of course, they did some other solo MJ songs that have been done on past tours, such as "Rock With You" and "Wanna Be Startin Something" but, it was CLHGA that took the cake!
Here is an instagram that my good friend Gadget Trish posted of me from the New Jersey show... Groovy!
I would recommend the Jacksons UNITY Tour for any Jackson 5/Jacksons fan who can appreciate Jackson talent for what it is (independent of Michael). Did you go to the Jacksons UNITY Tour? How'd you like it?
Share your thoughts! (& don't forget to follow me on Twitter--- XOXO!)
Bless His Soul - A Song Review
The first time I heard this song, I was in high school and a freshman that had just been thrust into a brand new social situation. I wasn't ever the best at making friends. And the ones I made, I couldn't keep.
Maybe I was weird.
Maybe I was not likable.
Maybe I wasn't "cool" enough, smart enough.
Maybe I didn't deserve friends.
In my youth I always found myself giving so much of me to friends, desperately looking for that super special connection. I was looking for a clique of people to call my best friends. Will had Grace and Jack, Martin had Tommy and Cole, even Doug had Skeeter and Patty Mayonnaise... But for some reason, I found myself alone, always. As a result I started to over compensate and tried to give everyone what I thought they needed from me to be a good friend. I still never got all I wanted and needed.
But one day it hit me.
"Something's soon to come over you, you just can't please the world and yourself. Gotta start doing what's right for you, 'cause life is being happy yourself... "
I realized that I had to start making ME happy. Putting ME first. Sometimes I'm still learning that lesson and I have to turn "Bless His Soul" on to remind me... That I have to start paying attention to me.
I now know that friends are important. Love is important. Having support from loved ones is so important but, being happy from within is priceless.
Maybe I was weird.
Maybe I was not likable.
Maybe I wasn't "cool" enough, smart enough.
Maybe I didn't deserve friends.
In my youth I always found myself giving so much of me to friends, desperately looking for that super special connection. I was looking for a clique of people to call my best friends. Will had Grace and Jack, Martin had Tommy and Cole, even Doug had Skeeter and Patty Mayonnaise... But for some reason, I found myself alone, always. As a result I started to over compensate and tried to give everyone what I thought they needed from me to be a good friend. I still never got all I wanted and needed.
But one day it hit me.
"Something's soon to come over you, you just can't please the world and yourself. Gotta start doing what's right for you, 'cause life is being happy yourself... "
I realized that I had to start making ME happy. Putting ME first. Sometimes I'm still learning that lesson and I have to turn "Bless His Soul" on to remind me... That I have to start paying attention to me.
I now know that friends are important. Love is important. Having support from loved ones is so important but, being happy from within is priceless.