So shocking…yet not surprising. Goodbye Michael.

Michael & Me       Backstage at Janet’s concert 1990

I met Michael Jackson nearly 20 years ago.  I was on the production team for his sister Janet’s Rhythm Nation tour and we were in L.A.  Most of her brothers had already visited her on the road and I was excited that Michael would be there and I hoped to meet him.  My boss Benny had worked with him and assured me that he would hook me up.  I was so excited.  I had met many celebrities, but this was Michael Jackson.  What I remember most was his voice, soft and lilting, like a child’s.  He was gracious and our meeting was mere moments, though I was struck by his presence.  Otherworldly, really.  I had joined in the mania that was Michael’s heyday… playing Thriller again and again…watching him win all those Grammy’s that year.  I even remember writing in my journal how much I loved him & his music.  I was a fan.

And now he is gone.

So much happened in his life since that day.  He had already begun to change his look, dark days were right around the corner…many miseries.  I remember in 1992 being grateful that I was pregnant and didn’t end up working on his tour as anticipated.  It ended abruptly, ugly.  Yet he went on to have what  seemed to have been his greatest joy – his kids in his life.  My heart goes out to them and the rest of Michael’s family.  To Janet, who I know must be devastated.

It is unfathomable.  And yet, it is not surprising that he will not grow old.  Like so many extreme talents before him, he was destined to walk this Earth for a time and leave suddenly.  With some of his music left in him.  And yet, he gave us so much of it.

Goodbye Michael.  Rest in peace knowing your true gift as an artist is what some of us will remember most.

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