Post by ceceq811 on Sept 4, 2010 21:14:37 GMT -5
MUSIC, MICHAEL
Around 1969, I heard The Jackson 5 sing for the first time. I was 7 years old, Michael was 11 but was told to say he was 9. The song they sang was "Big Boy." I remember by brother thought that the lead singer was Smokey Robinson for a minute. It was a good record and was played on Black radio in major cities very frequently.
I loved the sound of the lead singers voice. I remember anticipating when the song would be played again. Any time I caught it, I was stuck on stuck until it was over. I remember not only liking the song, but where the lead singers voice took me whenever I heard it.
Around 1969 "I Want You Back" was released and my world as I knew it had changed forever. My Dad brought me their first album "Diana Ross Presents.." the day it was released. I remember it cost, $3.99 and Istill have it today. Matter-of-fact I still have every J5 album, each on purchased within the week of its release. I will never let them go. If there is no one around that I feel worthy, the albums will be buried with me when I die. I mean that.
When the second album ABC was released that did it. I knew then that I would love MJ and the Jackson 5 forever. Soon after the J5 embarked on their first US Tour, it was 1971. The first leg of the tour was in Philadelphia, (many have seen the footage of the J5 arriving at the airport in Philly, greeted by hundreds of fans).
The second city was mine, Baltimore, Maryland. In 1971 my Uncle was Baltimores' City Solicitor and the first Black Man to run for Mayor. It does not sound like a big deal now, but believe me in 1971, I do not think their were any Black Mayors in the nation. My Uncle was also a very successful Lawyer, representing many prominent Blacks including James Brown, The J5 camp was impressed to meet and Black Man running for Mayor.
Anyway, my cousin and I had front row center seats. After my uncle presented the group with the key to the city, we went backstage. We were let into meeting room by a police officer outside the door.
Once inside, it was just alot of peope eating, drinking, mingling. I had to look around to see the group because eveyone was mingling. Somehow my uncle knew Joe Jackson. As they were talking to each other Joe said, "hey Mike, come here." There he come walking through the people to get to his father. As he approached us, I remember i was not star-struck. I was more nervous like a little girl is when she sees a cute boy, and God knows he was so cute.
I remember it was something about him that was adult-like and at the same time he was just so very nice and un-affected. He shook hands with me and my cousin. He seemed to genuinely like me and me him, even if he wasnt MJ. Our spirits are very similar and we are the same sign. He said "did you like the show?" I immediately started giggling because I thought it was a no-brainer how fabulous that show was. I said something like it was ok and his eyes got big. I said I am just playing, it was the best show I have ever seen. I love every song and I love to hear you sing. Then he started giggling too, I saw the shyness then. But I believe it was more sensitivity than shyness. He felt everything inside. I said what is your favorite song, he said "Whos Loving You and ABC. He said what about you?, I said Whose Loving You and 'One More Chance."
Soon after someone called him for something. I do remember noticing that each brother were mingling on their own. It was like they used any opportunity they had to be themselves individually they took. I was then introduced to the rest of the brothers. I remember thinking how handsome Jackie was. Marlon talked to me more than anyone. We left after about 45 minutes. So it was now official, MJ will be apart of my life for always. I felt like I had been blessed with a special annointing, that solidified my love of MJ and The J5 forever.
THE SECOND COMING
Around 1977 The J5 were back here and this time without Jermaine. I was dissapointed because I have always loved Jermaines' voice, too.. "The Jacksons" were all the same height by this time each with beauitiful Afros.
I remeber being pissed when we got inside the venue, because I specifically asked for front row seats. We were on the 5th row, (such a brat).
I went to the show with my MOm and my 2 girlfrineds and theirs mothers. I looked at them and they knew not to even look at the aisle seat or they would lose and eye. The entire show I has about 2 inches of my ass cheek on the seat. The rest of me was leaning completely in the aisle. I guess MJ felt sorry for me , but as they sang "All IDOid Think or YOU..." one of my all-time favs), MJ walked up the aisle towards me. He took my hand and stood be up. He looked into my eyes and sang. The he put his arm around my shoulder and sang some more. He then kissed my hand and turned and walk back on stage,. I was totally prepared to abandone my life and zip myself up in on eof his suit cases, (joke)
That was it. I could have died then and been content in having had a complete life.
PLease read more about my history with this great group form a fans perspective. Many of MJ fans were born in the '80s, '90s. I would like to share with you what it was like for them and us during the years of their development.
After "Thriller" the world began to worship at the alter of Michael Jackson and the phenomenon he created. But really The J5 were the phenomenon.
musicmichaelandme@blogspot.com
THANK YOU MAL What would us MJ Fans do without you and your phenomenal site!
Love, Cece