Concerts/Appearances/Interviews/Performances
Where can I find transcripts of Michael's interviews?
Did MJ ever do a guest spot on "The Simpsons"?
When did Michael sing "You Were There"?
What is the song "Elizabeth, I Love You" ?
What happened with Slash the 1995 MTV Music Video Awards?
Where can I find transcripts of Michael's interviews?
In the MJIFC Interviews section.
Where can I find transcripts of Michael's interviews?
After years of speculations that Michael Jackson contributed his voice to a 1991 episode of "The Simpsons" entitled "Stark Raving Dad," the Series creator Matt Groening finally revealed in 1998 that Michael was indeed the mystery voice, even though even though the credits identified him with the pseudonym John Jay Smith. Up to this time, cast members and producers are legally prohibited from confirming it, but during an appearance at the Second Annual World Animation Celebration in Pasadena (2/18/98), Matt Groening confirmed the rumor and further revealed that Michael also wrote an composed the song "Do the Bartman" that was included on the 1991 disc "The Simpsons Sing the Blues." "It was always amazing to me that no one ever found out that Michael Jackson wrote that song," Groening told a crowd gathered for a "Simpsons" tribute at the Pasadena conference. "He was a big fan of the show."
"Stark Raving Dad" [7F24], episode aired on September 19, 1991in the the 3rd-season of the Simposon's televisions series. In the episode, Bart carelessly tosses his lucky red hat into the wash, turning Homer's work shirt pink. At work, they take Homer's shirt as a sign of a disturbed mind, and remand him to a mental institution. There he meets a fat, balding white man who was committed because he thinks he is Michael Jackson. MJ wrote the song "Lisa, It's Your Birthday", which appears in the episode, but did not sing it or the other songs in the episode because of legal obstacles. There is also a funny MJ reference in the 4th-season Halloween episode, "Treehouse of Horror III" [9F04], in the third tale, "Dial Z for Zombies", which first aired on October 29, 1992. (alt.tv.simpsons episode capsule FAQ might provide more info)
When did Michael sing "You Were There"?
This song was written by MJ and Buzz Kohen exclusively for Michael's performance at the Sammy Davis Jr. Tribute televised in the U.S. in Feb 1990. Backstage he said he would never sing it again because it was "Sammy's song". It was MJ's way of thanking Davis for breaking down the barriers of racial prejudice in the American entertainment industry in the '50s and '60s, allowing MJ and other black entertainers to reach the level of achievement they subsequently did. The lyrics follow:
You were there, before we came.
You took the hurt, you took the shame.
They built the walls to block your way.
You beat them down. You won the day.
It wasn't right, it wasn't fair.
You taught them all. You made them care.
Yes, you were there, and thanks to you
There's now a door we all walk through.
And we are here, for all to see --
To be the best that we can be.
Yes, I am here....
Because you were there.
What is the song "Elizabeth, I Love You" and when did Michael perform it ?
A US television special in celebration of Elizabeth Taylor 65th birthday was televised on ABC in the US on February 25, 1997. The gala was taped earlier, on February 16, and featured performances and appearances by numerous stars. Michael was Elizabeth's escort that evening and performed a special song he composed specifically for this occasion in honor of his friend Elizabeth. The song is titled "Elizabeth, I Love You" and reflects Michael's love for her. The lyrics follow:
Welcome to Hollywood,
that's what they told you.
A child star in Hollywood,
thats what they sold you.
Grace with beauty, charm and talent,
you would do what you were told
but they robbed you of your childhood,
took your youth and sold it for gold.
Elizabeth, I love you..
you're every star that shines in the world to me.
Elizabeth, can't you see that its true..
Elizabeth, I love you,
you're more than just a star to me.
Lovely Elizabeth,
you have surpassed them all.
My friend Elizabeth,
learned to outlast them all.
Many started back when you did,
lost their way, and now they're gone
but look at you, a true survivor,
living your life and carrying on.
Elizabeth, I love you,
you're every star that shines in the world to me.
Elizabeth, can't you see that its true.
Elizabeth, I love you,
you're more than just a star.
This is your life, you seem to have it all.
you reached your peak
they wanted you to fall.
It's very sad, this world can be so bad
But through all the heartaches when they put you down,
you were the victor and you earned the crown.
It's like walking through fire determined to win,
you were beating life's battles again and again.
Elizabeth, I love you,
you're every star that shines in the world to me..
Elizabeth, can't you see that its true.
Remember the time when I was alone,
you stood by my side and said 'Let's be strong'.
You did all these things that only a true friend can do..
Elizabeth, I love you.
The world knows your work now,
of all the things on earth now,
I pray one day I'll be just like...you.
Why did it seem as if Slash missed his cue to stop playing on the 1995 MTV Music Video Awards?
Having the stagehand come out to move Slash off the stage was part of the act. It's actually an old James Brown routine and Michael has been doing it for decades (even back in 1970, the Jackson 5 were doing this as part of the act: Jackie would be called in to stop Marlon from dancing in the spotlight to return the lead to Michael). The Jacksons regularly did this in concert in later years, trying to stop Tito from playing the guitar. Most recently, it was done with Michael himself in his classic "Man in the Mirror" performance at the 1988 Grammy Awards. Remember the part where Michael collapses and the big back-up singer steps forward to "help" him? That's straight out of the James Brown Rule Book.
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