This is my rebuttal to the book being published (I don't recall the title or the name of the author, nor do I care to) in which it is being suggested (without proof being provided) that artificial means were used by Michael to achieve his vocal range and abilities. The author has stated that Michael did not go through the normal vocal change process, as in voice cracking or breaking, that teenage boys normally go through. I certainly cannot state that I knew Michael or grew up with him, nor can I state that I ever conversed with him when he was 12, 13 or 14, but what I CAN do is cite some specific examples of his singing voice and how it changed over the years from when he was 12 until he was about 20. I don't know how long Michael had to wait for his voice to stop any cracking or changing before being able to record again, but he touched upon this topic briefly in "Moonwalk."
February 1973 - Age 14, Performing at the Oscars
I don’t think he’s lip syncing here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1dAQN5QcZU
Recorded in 1973 - Age 14/15:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdzoKzxW9hc
Compare the above vocals to the next one, and you can hear that his voice has changed in the above videos:
Little Michael (from the Jackson 5)
Recorded or released in May 1972 - Age 14 (13 going on 14)
Little Michael with the Jackson 5 - 1970 (age 12) Music tracks have been removed and you can focus on Michael’s and Jermaine’s voices (interesting visual touch at the very end):
September 1973 - The Jackson 5 featured on Bob Hope Special:
1975 - Mexico, Age 16/17 Michael is dancing, singing and having fun with audience participation
The Jacksons, 1978
1978 Destiny Album
Michael’s vocal style evolved as he grew older, and his vocal range grew from hard work and professional dedication to his craft (in my personal opinion) rather than artificial means.
You can hear his voice changing and his singing style changing as a result of his physical maturation process and his growth as an artist.
There are too many people writing and publishing books who haven’t done their homework and research. When just about anybody can write and publish a book these days, it can devalue the efforts and end results of those people who DO have something meaningful to share and who HAVE done their research and their homework.
Thank you for letting me vent. And Bonnie, you know I support you and your work and research, so no pun intended. I just had the urge to get this off my chest. I've been listening to so much of Michael's music since he died, and lately my music selections have been from the 1970s, when Michael was part of The Jackson 5 and The Jacksons.
No matter what gets taken from Michael, his singing, his dancing and his reputation as a good person and a sincere humanitarian should be protected and left intact.
Hi Irina. I don't think it matters as the book is not really about Michael himself but rather mentions him as an example, if I recall correctly. I don't think the Estate is that focused on protecting Michael's so-called 'legacy' as they would like people to believe. I say 'so-called' legacy because the use of the word "legacy" has been excessive in regards to Michael. It's a word that gets used constantly and without true understanding of it's meaning. It has become little more than a 'catch phrase.'
One would think that people making statements and publishing books that tarnish Michael's image, his name, his reputation, and diminishing his singing and dancing talents by attributing them to chemicals, would be blocked or pressured by the Estate to retract their statements. Then again, the Estate cannot deny freedom of speech or press here in America, and the laws protecting the living are different from those for the dead.
If I were the Estate and Sony, I would be rather concerned about the major monetary investment made in Michael Jackson and the business deals made by the Estate. If Michael Jackson is perceived as a phony artist, with chemical means and technical means used to achieve his singing and dancing, there goes a MAJOR financial market. I wouldn't be surprised, however, if attempts are made to do this. If Michael's fans refuse to support future video and music releases, thereby causing a financial loss to Sony and the Estate, you can bet an attempt will be made to bring down Michael's artistic and professional reputation.
Last Edited by on Apr 06, 2011 9:22 AM
Starting to hit those very high notes - 1987: “The Way You Make Me Feel”
Michael’s vocal style and range was evolving, as can be heard between this song and the one above. With “Thriller,” he really came into his own as a singer; that album represents the start of Michael Jackson’s style, in my opinion. His singing is fabulous on previous albums, and I confess to enjoying ALL of his music in terms of vocal styles and arrangements, but something in his style changed with “Thriller.”
This video is one I haven’t seen since Michael passed. The choreography and playful courtship sequences are cute. It seems appropriate that Michael would use his singing and his dance moves to court a girl. Some of the dance moves were used in “This Is It.” I didn’t realize the dance moves and sequences I saw had originated in some of his videos. That’s how far I’ve come in terms of learning about Michael as a singer and dancer. I was not a fan originally, so things that his fans already knew and recognized were very new to me at the time.
2001 - “You Rock My World” - Yet another vocal style (and nice final touch at the end)
Citing page 113 from “Moonwalk,” Michael spoke of his fond memories of doing the Las Vegas shows and skits, and how “We were temporarily freed from the pressures of having to keep up with what everyone else was doing. We had a ballad or two in every show to break in my “new voice.” At fifteen, I was having to think about things like that.”
I dedicate this thread and everything I've posted in it to the individuals (I won't call them swine because pigs are actually very nice, sweet creatures who don't harm anyone) who have attempted to belittle, diminish and/or demean Michael Jackson as an Artist, as a singer, as a dancer, as a humanitarian and as a human being. It's okay to not care for someone's singing or dancing, but to go as far as some have gone to hurt and destroy this man and his reputation is really unbelievable.
I would like to dedicate this song in particular to Michael Jackson's detractors and those who have deeply cut him and hurt him over the years. He was not perfect; no one is. We are all God's children and we are all human. We are allowed to be human.
Quoting Obi Wan Kenobi in "Star Wars" as he spoke to Darth Vader during their final light saber duel: "If you strike me down, I shall become more powerful than you can possibly imagine."
I suggest being careful with the people you tamper with or the attempts you make to hurt or destroy them. You never really know who or what you are dealing with - just something to think about. It isn't just the Reptilians David Icke speaks of that are worth considering.
2001 - “Unbreakable”
This is an excellent video covering Michael as an entertainer and as a person. Just found it and had to share it. The song is appropriate.
Last Edited by on Apr 06, 2011 6:08 PM
Thank you, Irina, for finding and sharing that video featuring Elizabeth and her heartfelt and deeply sincere feelings and thoughts about Michael. It's too bad there weren't more people like her who were loyal to Michael, and who made an effort to understand him, accept him for who and what he was, and stand up for him when needed. In Michael's world, she must have been a wonderful gift.
No, I haven't posted this series of comments and accompanying videos on the IMDb or the Sony site, since I don't read or post very often in those places anymore. It wouldn't be fair for me to post this topic and not be willing or able to read the responses and acknowledge them. I don't have the time or the energy to do that anymore. When it comes to the IMDb, which is not a fan site but a basic message board, I don't care to engage in back-and-forth debates, arguments and disagreements with Michael's detractors over there. I've learned from personal experience, after years of having been in a certain actor's fan base, that I have to limit my participation in some things and distance myself from some things and negative energy people. I do post on both sites when I find something worth sharing or mentioning, but it's with the general attitude that I will not be obligated to read or respond to another poster's response. Having said all of this, I do reserve the right to change my mind and participate in a discussion if I feel so inclined.
I'm home today with a sore throat, and the work load and stress levels at work are most definitely contributing factors to how I'm feeling. The plus side to staying home and taking care of myself is that I'm able to stay home, take care of myself, take care of personal projects that need finishing in my home and in my personal life, and I can post something in defense of Michael.
"One thing THEY have no domain over. And that is Michael's spirit."
True, THEY cannot control his spirit, where ever that spirit is, but THEY are attempting to control other things, including but not limited to the following: His financial assets, his artistic reputation, his professional reputation, his public image, and his children (and his mother, who cares for them).
If Michael has refused to move on, and by that I mean that he has refused to go through the transition process and has refused to go through the life review process, or whatever processes one must go through after one crosses over, I personally feel and believe part or most of the reason(s) involve what I have mentioned. THEY may not be able to control his spirit, but THEY have enough influence over the things I've mentioned that he may be concerned, upset, afraid, dissatisfied, or wants to stick around until he sees justice served. I don't know how he would personally define justice, but speaking for myself, justice means exposing the truth about what was done to him and by whom. For me, it means getting very specific and not allowing the individuals involved to hide behind corporate names, associations and connections, the law, or medical conditions.
The quote from Obi Wan Kenobi may or may not be applicable to Michael. It was not meant in specific reference to him, but it may apply to him. There are many others on this plane of existence who are watching things as they play or pan out, and I believe some of those people have their own guidance and their own protection. They may not be rich, or celebrities, or public figures, or extremely beautiful, or have fancy or high tech occupations. God's Instruments take many forms.
Carmen, I am an advocate for two day work weeks with five day breaks in between. Wouldn't that be glorious ?!... :)
Sometimes we need a day to decompress. Hope you feel better soon :)
As for Michael-
You have certainly gone to the core of the issue. I feel the Obi Wan Kenobi quote works quite well here.
And if you believe in this sort of thing, it was perhaps agreed upon at one time that a call will go out.
And yes I agree that there are many instruments who have taken form here by becoming aware. They are very willing to help and are taking various steps, some small and some large, yet all ultimately aimed toward justice.
Last Edited by on Apr 06, 2011 12:41 PM
I want to share another four octave range (4 1/2 actually) voice which came from a Peruvian woman known as Yma Sumac. I uploaded a video I made yesterday and am sharing the summary I wrote with the video. Yma Sumac was NOT 'chemically castrated,' as this was her natural voice for singing. She had an incredible vocal range, but she had to develop it. I believe the same was true of Michael. Sometimes, we don't know exactly how deep our talents run until we fully explore them and push them to their absolute limits. Very few people have the time, energy, money and opportunity to do this in life, but for those that do, the end results can be truly incredible and wonderful!
Love, Carmen
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Yma Sumac was well known in the 1950s for her incredible 4 1/2 octave range voice. She was born in the Peruvian Andes, and according to the information contained on the CD folder, was "a descendant of the last of the Incan kings." She spent her childhood 'talking' to animals (which you'll believe once you hear another sound track which is not included in this video presentation). She had formal training for her voice but did not become famous outside of Peru and South America until her performance at the Hollywood Bowl in 1950.
One reason I made this video was to celebrate and publicize Yma Sumac's incredible voice, which is really and truly an INSTRUMENT. The other reason I made this video was to counter the suggestion recently made that Michael Jackson's four octave range was not possible or could not be achieved without artificial means. This is not true. There are a few people - and this is EXTREMELY RARE - who do possess such range with their singing voices. That ability, however, must be developed, like any other talent.
Enjoy this incredible woman's gift of singing! I hope you enjoy the roses. I wanted to show the lovely rose gardens at The Huntington Gardens and Library, and thought Yma Sumac's vocals would be perfectly set against this backdrop. The title of the song is "Ripui" (Farewell).
Hi MlovesYou! Glad you were able to read through this very long and video detailed thread! I wish more people would join us in our research regarding Michael and the truth when it comes to some things. Perhaps others will join us in time. :)
I am sure there are many others who try to help finding the truth... but many of the people I know for example, are not used/or comfortable to post on boards etc. so we don't hear about them. But I know their hearts and prayers are on this cause and they want to help Michael however they can. We are not alone - although it may feel this way sometimes. Again, Thank you Carmen and Bonnie and all you guys here on this board for your amazing research and determination! ---------- "...be alive, be free, feel consciousness, subsciousness, being GOD..." MJ
