Book Review: Man in the Music

It feels good to have completed the book “Man in the Music: The Creative Life and Work of Michael Jackson” by Joseph Vogel and the forward by Anthony DeCurtis. The book was published in 2011. I purchased this book at Livingston Mall's Barnes and Noble for $24.95. I feel as though I completed it too fast. Well, it took about a month to read in between my busy schedule. Once I started reading the novel, I hated to put it down. It is a very well written and entertaining piece of literature. This book was not your ordinary biography of Michael Jackson, this book explored and went in depth about his more creative and visionary side. This showed how his music evolved with changes in his life, social change, and the musical evolution going on around him.



The book is broken down into eight chapters and it is about 269 pages. It includes numerous color photos throughout the book. Each chapter is named after each of Michael’s major solo albums starting with Off the Wall. The last chapter however is called “The Final Years” which still seems unreal to see knowing he has passed on. There is an introduction and that is what will drawn you into the book because it explains how Michael is very passionate about his craft and how he used it to make change and bring people together. People overseas didn’t even know who our American presidents were but they knew Michael Jackson, which is a point mentioned in the book. From his music with the Jackson 5 up until recent times his music is still remains a powerful influence to the world.



Michael was very dedicated to making great music, but the fact that he made history while doing so makes him a historic powerful figure. Breaking down racial barriers, with his video “Thriller” premiering on MTV as the first African American to do so to social barriers, with his song “The Girl is Mine” bringing interracial love to the mainstream with Michael and Paul McCartney feuding over the same woman. This book goes into great lengths to show how Michael was a musical genius.



The breakdown of each album not only talked about each album but what was happening in Michael’s life and around the world at those particular times. Michael’s music had to adjust and evolve to keep his fan base and to stay on top of his game. I even noticed how his music had to change because of the changes in his life from the accusations to the lack of privacy; his music became a bit more aggressive. He even brought more political and social issues to the forefront.



This is a very informative book as it breaks down each album or era of Michael’s career and breaks down each song at the end of each chapter. It also mentions songs from that era that were also unreleased. So if you want to learn more about Michael’s music and his creative mind, this book is great. It’s not a direct biography but it has major points in his life that affected his career. I would love to say more but I suggest you check this book out. I definitely give it a high rating.

"Preserve Newark Libraries" Performance

I asked "Is there anything I can do?" I want to stress the importance of libaries to the people especially in my community. Due to budget cuts, libraries are listed under "Other" which makes them not as important or worth saving. I want to change that idea. They are a major benefit to the people, young and old. Hours are cut and branches are closing in my hometown of Newark, NJ. Pretty soon, there may not be anymore at the rate it's going. I feel upset because as a child and up until now ther library has helped me. I want the children to have the same luxury I had growing up. One way to assure that we can keep them active is that people in the community sign-up for library cards and use them as often as possible. I volunteered to perform during their Library Card Sign-Up Day. The people enjoyed me and how I'm trying to bring some light to this issue. I believe what I am doing will help raise awareness and make change. I believe Michael Jackson would have done it as well.

The Preserve Newark Libraries Website


The Official Newark Public Library Website


Some benefits of the Newark Public Library system according to Preserve Newark Libraries:
*Easy Library card sign-up for all family members
*Borrowing privileges of books, CDs, and DVDs
*Newspapers, magazines, and periodicals
*Children's area
*Live homework help
*Children's books and crafts
*Storytime
*A Main branch and eight other branches to choose from
*Trained librarians
*Courteous and helpful staff
*Beautiful and quiet surroundings
*Meeting rooms
*Late hours every Wednesday from 1:00PM - 8:00PM
*Main library is open all day Saturday
*Reference materials
*Job search books, articles, and other tools
*Resume' writing tools
*E-books to download for free
*Public computer useage
*Free computer training(Main library)
*Specialized databases for research through your library card
*Historical documents (Main library)
*Patents (Main library)
*Art exhibits
*Music concerts
*Dance exhibits
*Lectures
*Book signings
*Volunteer opportunities
*Wi-Fi access
*Over 5 million books...

Contact the Newark Public Library 973-733-7784

Mikette has had her card for over 20 years


My Performance


The Preserve Newark Libraries logo to share.

Book Review: Michael!

Michael! is a book written by known author Mark Bego. The book was first printed in March of 1984, which is cool because I was born March of 1985. Who knows it may have been printed on my birthday. It was published by Pinnacle Books, which is the first edition that was printed anywhere at that time. I found this book surprisingly at a local dollar store but I'm sure there are copies available at bookstores or online.


Cover photo by Ebet Roberts

The book opens at the point where Michael has recorded the album Thriller and has made major success with hit singles and stunning videos. It mentions how Michael was a dynamite performer, like when he performed for Motown 25, but yet he was a very shy person.
The book highlights his life and career with his brothers as the Jackson 5. It talks about how they had many hits and also some issues as well. It marks how Michael decided to launch a solo career and his success rate skyrocketed, yet he still remained a man who would rather stay in a corner alone than join a crowd. The book reflects his Off the Wall era, how he was a sensation at discos all over. It talks about his experiences with people he worked with as the author interviews them. They mention how he revolutionized music videos, fashion and pop culture. This leads up to the middle of his Thriller era, where he is on top of the world. There are also over 50 photos. Even though they are in black and white, just remember it doesn't matter. :-) I would tell you more but then you won't buy the book.



I definitely enjoyed reading this book because it helped me understand an era that I never witness because I wasn't born yet or too young to remember. It was very visual and I was able to put myself in the story like I was there. Great work Mark! I would read it again.

Stay tuned for my next Book Review coming soon...

Meeting Jermaine Jackson

9/19/11

Jermaine Jackson, the fourth child of Joseph and Katherine Jackson and Michael Jackson’s older brother, held a book signing yesterday at Barnes and Noble in New York City. It was the perfect way to end my vacation week. I was anticipating meeting him since I first found out about it in August. I went on this adventure alone and met my wonderful MJ family when I got there.











The night before, I was so excited that I barely slept and if I did, it was only about three hours. I know my friends Raquel and Nieesha barely slept because they slept outside to hold spots! They were amazing and brave. I truly commend them for doing that, too. I got up at 6:00am and got dress in the panther Michael from the end of the “Black or White” video. Now I was on my way to my very first Jackson family experience.











When I arrived, it was not too many people but Raquel moved me right up front with her and Nieesha. As time passed, we found ways to stay entertained so we began rocking out to Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 songs. More of our friends, such as Gadget Trish, Shelly, and more, began to arrive and we got even more hyped. We danced to “Beat It,” “Thriller,” and I did a solo of “Billie Jean.” I was definitely a crowd pleaser. I met so many people that day and it was nothing but Jackson family love.











Then it was time. We got in line and they let us in. I was the fifth in line and I began to feel nervous. Then he finally came out. He waved, smiled, and blew kisses at us all and people were trying to photograph every moment. The line began to move and the butterflies came. As I approached him my heart rate sped up to non-existent a speed, but I ignored it and proceeded.


Me: “Hello, how are you?”

Jermaine: “I’m good, how are you?”

Me: I’m blessed. It’s an honor to meet you.

Jermaine: “Thank you. It was an honor meeting you as well.







I walked away in a struck manner with a huge smile. I couldn’t believe what had happened. I wanted to yell out loud and cry at the same time. I did manage to keep my composure. There was a part that stood out mere because the people told us we couldn't take photos with him at the podium. Yet after I finished, people started taking individually. The woman behind us told us. I went and told my friends and Gadget Trish helped us get back there to get our photos. I walked up to him with my "MJ swag" and he was impressed. I gave him a hug, a kiss on the cheek, and took my photo. We even exchanged some kinds words.

Me: "It's me again"

Jermaine: "I see. You look great!"

Me: "Thank you so much"

Jermaine: "You're welcome"

Me: "Aww, I love you"

Jermaine: "I love you, too"

It was such a beautiful experience. I was so happy to have met Jermaine. I've been a fan of Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5's music since I can remember and this is definitely a moment I will never forget.

Photos taken by me and Gadget Trish and various friends