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Remembering Michael Jackson
Published by Torrence Glenn on Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at 12:00 pm.
No, he isn’t a gospel artist. I’m not even sure if he professed to be “saved.” (Deep ones, go away! I’m out of flotation devices and this ship will sail REGARDLESS.)
So I know you’re thinking “Why would Torrence take so much time in between blogs about gospel and then have the nerve to dedicate a post to Michael Jackson?” Or perhaps you love and appreciate Michael Jackson as an artist, but at the same time are thinking “Yeah, he was good and all that but he had nothing to do with gospel music!”
So yes, I’ll acknowledge that he was in fact, not a gospel artist. But I’d be remissed (how’s that for church talk!) to ignore the contribution he has made to and received from gospel music. “What do you mean Torrence?” Well, I’m glad you asked. (So churchy today.) Full disclosure, I was/am a huge fan of Michael’s music and ministry so this post will read as such. (Yes, I said ministry! If handing out clothes and feeding the poor at your church’s outreach center is ministry, then you have to count the millions of dollars and efforts Michael made to charity as ministry too! So deep ones, if you’re STILL reading stop now! 
)
So here, in no particular order of importance are my thoughts, tribute, and ramblings regarding Michael Jackson and Gospel:
The Jackson 5 - Come on (or shall I say shum-on), you know The Jackson 5 were really a five-member quartet! The costumes, the choreography, the one guy singing lead and the bitter background singers who had to sing in the shadows? That group had all the makings of a quartet group to me and I haven’t even addressed those vocals.
Joe Jackson was his daddy. – It’s no secret that Joe Jackson was mean, strict and arguably to some (not me) abusive. He beat those notes right on out of those kids. Sounds a lot like some of our favorite choir directors of yesteryear and today now doesn’t it? I’ve heard stories of hymn books being hurled accross the choir stands for wrong notes and all that. I’m just saying…
White socks and black shoes. – For my entire childhood, I had to watch women in church rock white stockings and black shoes and think it was hot! The excuse? “It breaks up the black.” Whatever. I’d rather you just be honest and say you were trying to look like Michael Jackson. Which brings us to…
The Glove (and everything that came with it) – Rhinestones? Check. Sequins? Check. Glitter? Check. Now what about this checklist does not SCREAM 1st Sunday, convention, first lady, etc. Be honest! And you ushers past and present know you wish you could have spruced up that uniform with one of those gloves.
Kirk Franklin, Tonex, Tye Tribbett, Deitrick Haddon, 21:03, et al. – Nuff said. Ok, I’ll say a little bit more, ha! But really, without Michael’s legendary lead of genre mixing and showmanship would any of the artists I mentioned and their counterparts exist.
We Are The World – We’ve all been to a convention, conference or retreat at least once. And admit it, one of the best parts of these events is the “sing-a-long/mic toss.” He brought together the top artists of the day, got em in a room together, turned them into a choir and they did a sing-a-long and mic toss.
Neverland Ranch – With all the news coverage lately about Michael’s former home, I kept saying to myself “Every room almost looks like an old school pulpit!” Think about it, all that gawdy and gold furniture with the velvet cushions. You know your Bishop used to sit in a seat like that…even now. You could tape an episode of TBN’s “Praise The Lord” in any of those rooms.
Michael Jackson spoke in tongues – Ok, seriously, have a laugh! I know he was raised a Jehovah’s Witness and all, but I think he just may have snuck out to a black church pretty regularly. Because umm “mama say, mama sa, mama coo sa” will make you feel some kind of way when the music breaks on “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin.” And let’s not forget “shum-on” and “Shondo Annie” from “Smooth Criminal.” I’m just gonna stop there. Somebody is going to kick me out the church. LOL
Yeah, I know it wasn’t the most somber “tribute” but I just had to get it out and wanted you to get it out with me. But seriously, say what you want. Michael Jackson had serious gospel style chops and would wail and tune up with the best of any gospel singer you can name. Click the link below to the “Bad” video. Fast forward to about 14 minutes in (it’s the long version) and you’re gonna see the gospel come out of Michael! Ha!
Rest In Peace Brother
And one more thing. Be mindful of YOUR WITNESS. Some of Michael’s closest friends were gospel artists and I’m going to believe that through their words and lives, they had an effect on him. I’m not gonna preach, but like always…I’m just sayin…
Torrence
PS. use the comments to talk about your MJ memories and let me know if I missed anything. Perhaps you have your own Michael Jackson gospel moments.
PPS. Just finished watching that funeral. Now say what you want about MJ and church. Somebody planning that funeral knew Jesus! Yes!
hysterical….i hope nobody was too DEEP to enjoy that…lol
hysterical….i hope nobody was too DEEP to enjoy that…lol
I Love u michael.RIP. God bless this family,as well as my self ,and my family.First ,and foremost,my prays goe out to Michael mother.This is a strong BLACK women.I also pray for the whole family.It’s just so sad about the whole Life and history of michael’s life.There’s nothing else u can to michael.I really no how michael felt ,threw out his LIFE.Cause it is ME right to this day.BUT i just don’t have the money michael,or the fam.This is really a cold,cold world we live in.People can be so cold,it hard to get beat down,without even getting beat.Physical,mental,Lies,rumor,money,no childhood,can’t go out in public.People THINK.I understand u have to be strong. I can understood michael more than anyone,and i don’t even no him,or met him..I have no words for this world today.I let go and let GOD have it.Sooner or later,the stress will kill u,more than the drug will.Please leave michael alone.Let him rest in peace.God will do what right for them children.I will pray for Mrs jackson.May God give her strengh.Trust in God,It’s all we really have today.Money is the root of evil,NOW watch the evil,because it starts now.TO U MRS JACKSON.God will win over any money.
im goen to miss u michael jackson. and 4 da ppl who was talking bout u and given u a bad name is just a hater and that not pround of there self’s. but you are a gud men and ur mama should be very pround that she have great kids and never did bad to other people but love them and gave them. respect them. and you is what i call a men. cuz u do for other when they cant and i think god for haven u on dis earth. cuz with out you there woudnt ben a change in this world. u cleared the path for the black people,sick people and the whole world.dats what i called a gud men. and im proud to say that im happy that god put u on dis earth….. love u all ways and u will never be 4 gotten. may u ress in peace.. and u dont have to be baptise to be save u can be saved in ur heart. and da bible says thy shud not judge so yall can stop dat. i pray 4 u and ur family all ways love u michael….. by raychelle. a.k.a ray.
Torrence…Great job my man!! Well said!! You’re a vegetable!! Shuh mon…
Someone pointed something out that should be addressed. Why was it when we saw candid pictures of Michael’s children they were white as bread and now now at the Memorial they appear to be bi/multiracial? Are these the reals children or were they wearing makeup and hair dye to appear more black?
WORDS CAN NOT EXPRESS WHAT WENT THRU MY MIND WHEN I FOUND OUT THAT MICHAEL WAS GONE. IT STILL DOESN’T SEEM REAL. LIKE EACH DAY THAT I WAKE UP I KEEP THINKING THAT I WAS DREAMING AND IT WAS NOT TRUE BUT IN REALITY IT IS. I FELL IN LOVE WITH MICHAEL WHEN I FIRST SAW ON BACK IN THE 80′S WHEN HE PERFORMED AT THE GRAMMY’S. HIS MUSIC AND HIS TALENT WILL ALWAYS BE FOREVER AND NO ONE CAN COMPARE. THESE OTHER ARTIST CAN TRY BUT THEY WON’T EVER BE ABLE TO ACHEIVE THE STATUS THAT MICHAEL HAS IN THIS LIFE TIME. WE MISS AND LOVE YOU MICHAEL. RIP
Our love and Prayers go to the Family, his Friends, and all his fans throughout the world. It is time for those who love him to help clear his name and protect the legacy!
I loved this blog. I laughed so hard. If you get kicked out of the church for telling the truth well I’m sorry. All I can say is preach brother. LOL
Michale Jackson will NEVER be 4gotton but will be missed by MANY
(LOVE AND BLESSING 2 HIS BROTHERS AND SISTERS AND MOM AND HIS 3 CHILDREN I hpe that he was saved . You ran it down my brotha! Now say, “Amen,” somebody! Torrence I couldn’t have put it better myself. MIchael Jackson was truly an influence and inspiration of mine. he will be missed…
my name is myah everyday i say mj i will miss u alot and i hope one day i can sing like u and dance like u i love u mj
My brother if more people who love the lord would keep it real we gain a lot more souls for Christ great blog. Yes we love the Lord a lot of us are Jesus freaks, but were we that way all our lives I say NOT!
well my consolencies to his family and his mom
MY FOREVER LOVE FOR MY KING MICHEAL JACKSON
One of my favorite songs is “YOU GIVE ME BUTTERFILIES” Michael that is what you are now a butterfly. I can just see you now smiling, spinning, singing, and just laughing up there in those clouds, now you can spread your pretty wings beautifully, and freely with no hurt, judgment, or pain. Michael soar like Peter Pan with one glove in your hand and our hearts in the other.
My heart is so, so heavy with deep sadness that you are “GONE TO SOON”.. We will keep your memory alive. People need to look at the “MAN IN THE MIRROR” (themselves) and let you finally have some peace. You are the “BADDEST”… and I always wanted to be your “LIBERIAN GIRL ooh Micael “YOU ROCK MY WORLD. I “REMEMBER THE TIME in 1979 watching you walk across the street in NYC and wishing I had spoken to you and going to your concert saying to myself I GOT TO BE THERE. Your show was “OFF THE WALL. I went to “HEARTBREAK HOTEL when you sung about “BILLIE JEAN and not me. I wanted to SCREAM!!!
Michael it’s just “HUMAN NATURE and “JUST ANOTHER PART OF ME that wanted to be your “PRETTY YOUNG THING, but I had to “KEEP IT IN THE CLOSET…It was not in the stars for our paths to cross. No one could and ever will “ROCK WITH YOU” “YOU ARE NOT ALONE” and you should never have to wonder WHO’S LOVIN YOU… Michael I love THE WAY YOU MAKE ME FEEL low to high “BLACK OR WHITE”. It is a “THRILLER” feeling to watch you perform and that will always stay with me. Our love for you Michael will never “STOP BECAUSE WE DIDN’T GET ENOUGH”
Your life on this earth was done, and you “HEALED THE WORLD” with your songs and for that Michael I JUST CAN’T STOP LOVING YOU… but….
This is not it!!!! Your next journey is just beginning and it will be so smooth like a slick “SMOOTH CRIMINAL”that will make you say wow!!! I am finally here….Dear Micheal I NEVER CAN SAY GOODBYE and I really”I WANT YOU BACK”. But your in heaven now and one day I’ll see you again because “‘I’LL BE THERE!!!!!
Sleep in heavenly peace!!!!
Be strong Jackson family your king will live on forever, our love, and prayers are forever with you. “R.I.P. MY KING, MY MAN.. MR. MICHEAL JACKSON”
Your forever fan Vera The Diva Cheeks divavc69@yahoo.com
And to anyone out there who did not love or respect Micheal’s music….Please give him and his family the common courtesy of keeping your negative comments to yourself, this is what killed him. Did your parents raise a troll?
MJ is and forever will be the greatest performer, my prayers go out to his mother, children, sisters, brothers and the entire Jackson family.
I have been a Michael Jackson fan for many, many years and was so deeply touched by the memorial service on today! I think it was very classy, inspirational and really magnified and focused on the Positives of our dear brother! He will be greatly missed but never forgotten! My prayers are yet with his entire family and I hope that they ALL will allow this to cause them to be even closer than they have been in the past! Thanks Torrence! I wanted to do a tribute show on my radio show to him but was advised not to because his music wasn’t “gospel” but anything that speaks to unity, hope, love and peace… Is truly GOSPEL however you want to look at it!
I’ve been in the entertainment industry since I was six-years-old… As Charles Dickens says, “It’s been the best of times, the worst of times.” But I would not change my career… While some have made deliberate attempts to hurt me, I take it in stride because I have a loving family, a strong faith and wonderful friends and fans who have, and continue, to support me.
—Michael Jackson
Michael was a man with a dream and the ability to make his dream and so many other people’s dream come true because he truly cared for others. Too bad there was only one of him. May his children grow up healthy, strong and wise. May his family come together and find joy in living and may they all be blessed and not stressed. Michael, may you be near to God. We were blessed to know you. Your life was a lesson to many.
Thanks for everthing Michael Jackson. one love my ~$#%*
My prayers certainly go out 2 his whole entire family, including his fans. I have never seen a music icon loved by so many people. I have never seen and heard so many people cry either; people of different countries, continents, cities, and states. I honestly think that Micheal was an Angel. He was a kid @ heart and everytime u seen him, there was a glow about him; he was alwayz smiling. And I’m pretty sure he still is. WE LOVE U, WE MISS U MICHEAL! !!!!!!!! !!!!!!!! !!!!!!!! !!!!!!!! !!!!!!!! !!!!!!!! !!!!!!!! !!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!
REST IN PEACE BABY, SWEET DREAMZ!! !!!!!!!! !!!!!!!! !!!!!!!! !!!!!!
ALL I CAN SAY TO YOU IS…THANK YOU!!!!! I AM ALSO A CHRISTIAN, AND I WAS AND STILL AM A BIG FAN OF MICHAEL JACKSON. YOU HAVE SAID EVERYTHING AND MORE OF WHAT I AM FEELING. THIS MAN WAS NOT GOD, BUT HE HAD A TREMENDOUS POSITIVE IMPACT ON THIS WORLD. HE HAS CONTRIBUTED AND TRIED TO MAKE A CHANGE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. I MEAN WE ALL WERE NOT SAVED ALL OUR LIVES…AND WE NEED TO GIVE MICHAEL JACKSON HIS WELL DESERVING PRAISES. I AM SO FRUSTRATED AT THE SO CALLED “CHURCH”, BECAUSE I HAVE HEARD SO MANY PEOPLE SAY, WELL I HOPE HE GAVE HIS LIFE TO GOD. TELL ME WHO ARE YOU TO JUDGE…I MEAN YES WE READ THE BIBLE AND WE LISTEN TO THESE PREACHERS EVERY SUNDAY AND EVEN THROUGH THE WEEK, BUT DO WE KNOW THE LIVES THEY LIVE ON A DAILY BASIS…YET WE THINK EVERYTHING THEY SAY IS STRAIGHT FROM GOD, BUT ON THE OTHER HAND THEY BARELY WANT TO SPEAK TO YOU WHEN THEY ARE OUT IN PUBLIC. I HAVE WATCHED THIS CELEBRATION OF LIFE OF THIS MAGNIFICENT PERSON, AND I WONDER HOW CAN THE CHURCH JUDGE SUCH A POSITIVE HUMAN BEING. NO HE WAS NOT PERFECT AND NONE OF US ARE. I KNOW YOU CAN TELL THIS IS A VERY DEEP TIME FOR ME, BUT IMY SPIRIT IS GRIEVING NOT JUST FOR MJ, BUT FOR THE SO CALLED,& #8221;CH RISTIANS ” OF THE WORLD. ONE MORE THING IN WATCHING THE MEMORIAL, THIS LIFE OF THIS MAN BROUGHT DIFFERENT RELIGIONS AND RACES TOGETHER IN THE SAME PLACE TO CELEBRATE. WHERE IS THE TRUE LOVE, PEOPLE???!!!
One of MJ moments was when i was in 6 or 7th grade. His tour came to Minneapolis and the promoter of the tour son went to school with me. I was running late to choir class (in the hallway playing around lol) and when i got to the class there were cameras, and all these people standing around. My teacher turns to this guy and says, this is him. and i got So SCARED because i didn’t know what was going on. This guy turns to me and says my name is Kevin i’m MJ music director and your teacher told us so much about you, MJ is looking for someone like you to do a commercial with him. Y’ALL i bugged OUT! We went to the office to call my mom (who at first didn’t believe the school) to tell her what was going on and what they wanted to do. They must’ve found someone else because i didn’t do the commercial but that experience was overwhelming.
MJ was a person who was great at bringing people together. His music is universal it reaches all walks of life. You could be muslim, christian, buddhist, whatever …& #8230;&# 8230;. his music was embraced by all. Every artist should study MJ because everything he did, he did it in excellence.
MJ we love you and miss you. You will forever be in our hearts
Now I want to watch all of these videos over again to note your points. Thank you for sharing Torrence. They are getting down in heaven that’s all I can say.
-MJ will never was forgotton then and he won’t be forgotton now -R.I.P MJ.
-MJ never was forgotton then and he won’t be forgotton now -R.I.P MJ.
I believe MJ was saved before he departed simply because he had a prayer meeting with Andre Crouch and sister – (did you read about it?) Crouch stated that MJ accepted the prayer and asked questions about Holy Spirit – he was very curious — with that said and he visited some churches of Jesus Christ in US!! Yes – … Jesus will complete the the work begun in me….
I LOVE MJ….he inspired ALL music.
hysterical….i hope nobody was too DEEP to enjoy that…lol
im goen to miss u michael jackson. and 4 da ppl who was talking bout u and given u a bad name is just a hater and that not pround of there self’s. but you are a gud men and ur mama should be very pround that she have great kids and never did bad to other people but love them and gave them. respect them. and you is what i call a men. cuz u do for other when they cant and i think god for haven u on dis earth. cuz with out you there woudnt ben a change in this world. u cleared the path for the black people,sick people and the whole world.dats what i called a gud men. and im proud to say that im happy that god put u on dis earth….. love u all ways and u will never be 4 gotten. may u ress in peace.. and u dont have to be baptise to be save u can be saved in ur heart. and da bible says thy shud not judge so yall can stop dat. i pray 4 u and ur family all ways love u michael….. by raychelle. a.k.a ray.
Torrence…Great job my man!! Well said!! You’re a vegetable!! Shuh mon…
Someone pointed something out that should be addressed. Why was it when we saw candid pictures of Michael’s children they were white as bread and now now at the Memorial they appear to be bi/multiracial? Are these the reals children or were they wearing makeup and hair dye to appear more black?
WORDS CAN NOT EXPRESS WHAT WENT THRU MY MIND WHEN I FOUND OUT THAT MICHAEL WAS GONE. IT STILL DOESN’T SEEM REAL. LIKE EACH DAY THAT I WAKE UP I KEEP THINKING THAT I WAS DREAMING AND IT WAS NOT TRUE BUT IN REALITY IT IS. I FELL IN LOVE WITH MICHAEL WHEN I FIRST SAW ON BACK IN THE 80′S WHEN HE PERFORMED AT THE GRAMMY’S. HIS MUSIC AND HIS TALENT WILL ALWAYS BE FOREVER AND NO ONE CAN COMPARE. THESE OTHER ARTIST CAN TRY BUT THEY WON’T EVER BE ABLE TO ACHEIVE THE STATUS THAT MICHAEL HAS IN THIS LIFE TIME. WE MISS AND LOVE YOU MICHAEL. RIP
we love u
I will miss Michael Jackson, he was so misunderstood; but loved by so many. I sincerely hope that Michael can finally rest in peace. I have read somewhere that a torment soul is restless, I pray that God gives him comfort.
Torrence, we here in london thank you for putting things into perspective. Michael was also God’s child. Seeing him dance was enough to let you know he was anointed from childhood. His talent definitely came from heaven above. May he rest in God’s eternal peace.
xb6i08
I enjoy Michael’s music very much. It is wonderful. I find that lots of his fans on__ http://RichFlirts.com __ club for professional athletes, movie stars and millionaires are talking about him. He is a talent.
His death does not mean that he has lost, he is the winner.I wish to express my deepest condolences and sadness at the passing of Michael Jackson.
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