Who's Bad the Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Band Review (03.07.2014)

Life has been nothing short of crazy lately but, as most Michael fans know, nothing soothes the soul like a good dose of Michaeling. 


the Who's Bad guys

The first time I went to see Who’s Bad was in 2011, at BB Kings here in NYC. That day just happened to be my birthday so, it was a special treat for sure. At the time,  I had just made a ton of great MJ fan friends and seeing this band was just one of many events that we frequented. Recently my life has changed so much in terms of what I do on a day to day basis, so this time I really had to push myself to go. After working almost a 70 hour work week, I found myself sitting at my desk on a Friday night still having paperwork to do. At 7:30 I finally pulled myself together and made my way to Brooklyn to meet up with good friends of mine.

The show was slated to start at 8pm but, Who’s Bad didn’t come on until 2 hours later. The opening act was pretty cool though (Kwame Bones) and performed lots of fun songs like Stevie Wonder’s “Superstitious” and the Rolling Stones “Satisfaction”. When Who’s Bad came to the stage, we were totally amped up and ready to ROCK!

The Who’s Bad show has several points that make the show super enjoyable and something that I will see time and time again. First of all, the band is awesome. It’s one thing to listen to Michael Jackson music in a club setting but, to hear the music played live and to see band members interact, dance, sing background vocals, AND play instruments is pretty much unheard of. The two background dancers were also a great addition especially for songs like "They Don't Care About Us," "Thriller," and the Drill. 

I have to talk about Taalib York, the lead and main tribute artist who performs as Michael.

I have never been a fan of the tribute artist or the “impersonator” in general but, I was so impressed and touched by Taalib’s performance. On stage he seemed to be himself and wasn't on stage trying too hard to be Michael-esque, had on just the right amount of makeup, and didn't try to change his speaking voice (that I could tell) to mimic Michael’s in any way. That being said, Taalib captured the essence of Michael Jackson and totally embodied his spirit and on stage personality- not to mention his interaction with the audience was great. He is also very down-to-earth and came down to take photos and chat with family, friends, and fans. I left Brooklyn Bowl last night with an extreme feeling of gratitude. I believe that when Taalib is on the stage, he is a vessel for Michael’s performing spirit to shine through. For that, I am grateful that he has dedicated a part of his life to doing this show for the past ten years. Not every tribute artist can evoke that type of feeling in a fan (and I’ve seen my fair share of these type of shows).  

Overall, it was an exhilarating time and just what I needed. They perform all of the hits and even some unexpected songs. I would love to hear see them perform some different songs but, that may come in time I suppose. I plan on seeing them again whenever they come to town and recommend the Who’s Bad Ultimate Michael Jackson tribute band show to any and all MJ fans.


(love this place)




(me with Taalib)

You guys, going to see that show last night was like hitting the reset button for me. I just needed it. I needed it and I am so thankful to have the passion and love for Michael in my life that I do. It's something that has kept me sane and helps put so much into perspective for me. What has your experience been with tribute bands? Have you ever seen Who’s Bad before?


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MJFanGirl Introduces- Jovan, of 3 Legends





Hey everyone! 
Welcome to a new series here on MJFanGirl, called MJFanGirl Introduces! 

 I have so many awesome fan friends and meet new fans through the blog each and every day. I thought it would be a great opportunity to feature interviews with fans who are doing some awesome things in the fan community. For this first feature, we will be chatting with Jovan Carter, a Michael Jackson tribute artist from Gary, Indiana. He's had awesome reviews and is an up and coming artist who really knows his stuff! I really enjoyed chatting with Jovan and learning more about what inspired him to become a Michael Jackson impersonator. Take a look at what makes him tick and learn more about the story behind his brand, Michael Jackson Impersonator-3 Legends.
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Q. It's to great to finally meet you Jovan! Tell us a little bit about yourself.
A. My name is Jovan Carter I am a Tribute Artist/Impersonator who currently lives in Chicago, IL but who is originally from Gary, In. like Michael. Also like Michael I am one of the youngest of a large family I don't think about it alot but there are actually 6 boys and 3 girls like the Jackson family and even my Dad's name is Joe.


Q. How long have you been a Michael Jackson fan?
A. I don't know if I can be precise because he was already everywhere on TV and in his prime at the time I was born in 80's. But I can definitely remember at age 4 watching all the new videos on B.E.T and MTV and wishing that the next artist would be him and then wanting everyone in the house to be quiet when he came on.

Q. What are your favorite MJ songs? 
A. Billie Jean. That was the song that introduced the world to Michael on an iconic level. The total arrangement of it and it's creativity reminds me of James Brown coming up with Papa's Got a Brand New Bag, which was during a time that just about all music counts were on two and four-- James Brown was so unique in that song because the counts are on one and three. Billie Jean the grindy baseline, the whole sound and spirit is so unlike anything else before it. For example, look at the pattern of rhyme in the 1st stanza before the chorus and how it differs from the pattern of rhyme in the second stanza after the chorus... it's just something that I can only describe as raw innovation, pure creativity and one of my favorites. You can always play Billie Jean almost anywhere and people will feel like dancing. I also like Remember the time, Bad, Butterflies, Off the Wall and the list goes on.




Q. When did you first become a MJ impersonator? 
A. When I was 15 in Gary, In at Roosevelt High School. The same place where Michael and his brothers won their first  talent show, Roosevelt High School was also the place I won my first talent show as a MJ Impersonator. 

Q. There are so many impersonators out there. What makes you unique? 
A. You're right you have all nationalities too there are Hispanic ones, Black ones, people from India and other parts of the Middle East it really shows how much of an extensive mark he left on people around the world. But there are two main things that make me unique in a specific way. The first is having a foundation which we talked about that is so similar to MJ in terms of the same neighborhood in Gary and a family setup that is just uncanningly close. When you talk about artistry you can only pull from yourself and your experience. And you can't copy that, people think that you can but even Actors have to draw from something that's real. The second is that Michael not only studied but performed on a professional level tributes to Jackie Wilson and James Brown. You can find studio recordings of him singing "Lonely Teardrops" (Jackie Wilson) and of course "I Got the Feelin'" (James Brown.) I am the only Michael Jackson Impersonator I'm aware of who for a little over 10 years have like Michael also not only studied but performed on a professional level tributes to Jackie Wilson and James Brown. If Michael had to study these guys to become what he became it really puts an Impersonator further out of reach if they don't do the same. It's the 3 Legends I pay tributes to as to why I'm listed as: Michael Jackson Impersonator - 3 Legends, and the reason why my site is entitled www.michaeljackson3legends.com!

Q. What kinds of events do you usually perform at? 
A. I perform for all ages at all types of events. I always say Chicago and beyond and I've been able to travel to many cities to do Parades, Festivals, Quinceanera's, Wedding Receptions, Anniversary Parties, Kid's parties (there are alot of Michael Jackson themed parties I do). The Senior events, Family Reunions, and Retirement parties are usually the ones I get the requests to combine Jackie Wilson, James Brown, and Michael Jackson into one show. All of these I would say are the ones I usually perform at, although I just received a request to do a show for a Circus, and will be performing on a Cruise Ship the beginning of next year. I'm open to new ideas and love getting in front of new people.


Q. What's the most rewarding thing about being a Michael Jackson impersonator/ tribute artist? 
A. Seeing the same excitement that I had when I was a boy on Children's faces today and when an Elderly person tells me in the most genuine way how much they enjoyed the show. Also just as when I do Jackie Wilson and James Brown, performing as Michael Jackson seems so natural to me and it is really an extension of my personality. I'm one of those person's who if I hear a song that drives me it could be anywhere I have to move, if the song is new to me and really has that effect on me I have to play it at my house to see what it will teach my body to do. So as someone who before being a professional would rehearse a grueling 3 hours just for the insatiableness of it this allows me to express something that I would otherwise have to harness if I wasn't a Michael Jackson Impersonator. 

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Thanks for chatting with us Jovan! It was awesome to learn more about this fan doing great things in the fan community. 

If you are interested in booking Jovan, Michael Jackson Impersontor- 3 Legends, 
please do so via telephone 630-631-8581  or on the web at www.michaeljackson3legends.com,


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