It seems like from the moment Michael Jackson passed away, television viewers have been inundated with archival footage focusing on Michael Jackson's excesses and legal troubles. It's easy to forget that in addition to being an embattled icon, he was first and foremost an entertainer who cared about the affect of his craft on the world.
That committed artist comes through in this archival clip of Jackson's 1987 interview with Ebony/Jet, which was provided to Black Voices by the publishing company.
Yes, the interview conducted by Darryl Dennard backstage during a 'Bad' tour rehearsal also touched on Jackson's fascination with the Elephant Man's bones, his feelings about groupies, and his relationship with the media. But what comes through in this interview is a Jackson who was still fairly grounded at the time; sensitive about public criticism but not yet broken down by it. Watch Michael keep his head up, and remember the time. ...
Michael Jackson Memorial
Brooke Shields (L), Janet Jackson (2nd L), Prince Michael Jackson II (3rd L), La Toya Jackson (C), and Paris Jackson (3rd R) join with others in singing during the memorial service for Michael Jackson at the Staples Center in Los Angeles July 7, 2009. Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder and Usher led an emotional public memorial for Michael Jackson on Tuesday as the music world, the Jackson family and thousands of fans bade farewell to the "King of Pop." REUTERS/Mark J. Terrill/Pool (UNITED STATES ENTERTAINMENT OBITUARY)
Reuters
Singer Jermaine Jackson performs at the Michael Jackson public memorial service held at Staples Center in Los Angeles July 7, 2009. A Gospel choir singing "We're going to see the king" launched an emotional public memorial for Michael Jackson on Tuesday as the music world and thousands of fans bade farewell to the singer known as the "King of Pop." REUTERS/ Kevork Djansezian/Pool (UNITED STATES ENTERTAINMENT OBITUARY IMAGES OF THE DAY)
Reuters
LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 07: Jermaine Jackson performs during the Michael Jackson public memorial service held at Staples Center on July 7, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Jackson, the iconic pop star, died at the age of 50 at UCLA Medical Center after going into cardiac arrest at his rented home on June 25 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Wally Skalij-Pool/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jermaine Jackson
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LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 07: Actress Brooke Shields speaks at the Michael Jackson public memorial service held at Staples Center on July 7, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Jackson, the iconic pop star, died at the age of 50 at UCLA Medical Center after going into cardiac arrest at his rented home on June 25 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Mario Anzuoni-Pool/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brooke Shields
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LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 07: Actress Brooke Shields speaks at the Michael Jackson public memorial service held at Staples Center on July 7, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Jackson, the iconic pop star, died at the age of 50 at UCLA Medical Center after going into cardiac arrest at his rented home on June 25 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Mario Anzuoni-Pool/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brooke Shields
Getty Images
Paris Katherine Jackson, daughter of Michael Jackson, leans on Janet Jackson, sister of the late pop star, at the Michael Jackson public memorial service held at Staples Center in Los Angeles July 7, 2009. Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder and Usher led an emotional public memorial for Michael Jackson on Tuesday as the music world, the Jackson family and thousands of fans bade farewell to the "King of Pop." Siblings Randy Jackson and La Toya Jackson stand together with son of Michael Jackson, Prince Michael Jackson II (or Blanket). REUTERS/ Kevork Djansezian/Pool (UNITED STATES ENTERTAINMENT OBITUARY)
Reuters
LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 07: Singer Shaheen Jafargholi performs at the Michael Jackson public memorial service held at Staples Center on July 7, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Jackson, 50, the iconic pop star, died at UCLA Medical Center after going into cardiac arrest at his rented home on June 25 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Shaheen Jafargholi
Getty Images
LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 07: Singer Shaheen Jafargholi performs at the Michael Jackson public memorial service held at Staples Center on July 7, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Jackson, 50, the iconic pop star, died at UCLA Medical Center after going into cardiac arrest at his rented home on June 25 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Shaheen Jafargholi
Getty Images
LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 07: Actress Brooke Shields speaks at the Michael Jackson public memorial service held at Staples Center on July 7, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Jackson, the iconic pop star, died at the age of 50 at UCLA Medical Center after going into cardiac arrest at his rented home on June 25 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Mario Anzuoni-Pool/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brooke Shields
Getty Images
Vendors selling t-shirst and soda hustle their wares outside the Staples Center as the Michael Jackson Memorial Service is held on July 7, 2009 in Los Angeles. Michael Jackson died on June 25 at the age of 50. AFP PHOTO/Paul J. Richards (Photo credit should read PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP/Getty Images)
AFP/Getty Images
Comments: (24)
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By: Karen Simpson on 7/09/2009 4:43PM
That was the very best Michael Jackson footage I have ever seen or heard. Thank you for sharing the "real" side of Michael.
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By: DANA Stewart on 7/09/2009 5:28PM
MICHEAL JACKSON HE IS THE BEST THERE WAS. THE BEST THAT IS' AND THE BEST THAT WILL EVER BE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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By: aubrey on 1/25/2010 1:34PM
he really was the best.....better than elvis
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By: "DimePiece" on 7/09/2009 7:01PM
I really loved that footage of Michael. This footage showed what type of person he really was. Michael was this sweet, giving, loving, person that wanted to break language barriers, he was a peace maker, loved GOD, people, music, and loved life itself. I just wanted this footage to go on and on and on..... This footage made me cry. I hope there will be other unseen footages of Michael and un heard music in the future? What a beautiful person he was. God called him to come home and his work was done here. Let us all keep Michael's memory in our hearts and may his legacy live on forever!
R.I.P. Michael Jackson
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By: "DimePiece" on 7/09/2009 8:05PM
OMG,that wax figure of Mihael looked so real!!!!!!!!
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By: Melonie on 7/09/2009 8:50PM
Great footage of Michael. he seem so calm and relaxed with no pressures and his mannerism when he talks about his life and fans is so beautiful. You can actually feel his spirit and his physical features is so beautiful. RIP MJ
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By: blkbabe on 7/09/2009 9:57PM
I just found a great club---Black Century . c ^o^m. . it is a site for hot women to date charming and rich men. some of famous business men and female celebrities are hanging out there.
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By: Aletha on 7/09/2009 11:42PM
Excellent Video! You can tell how shy and slightly uncomfortable he is. What a great spirit!!! What a wonderful man! He's home with God now. RIP, MJ!
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By: steve d on 7/09/2009 9:59PM
did you notice how dark his hands were back then? It was jarring to see them like that and his face is so light. Great footage though and great interview. A man at the prime of his life right there. luv u always Mike!
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By: Shirley on 7/10/2009 3:50AM
Micheal didn't get to see reality except for in his home life. Show buisness is no place for kids, I don't care how cute they look. This is distruction to life. A childs life lost. It's equivalent to hell. Talking about Heaven and Hell right here on earth, geeze us! No amount of money can give you the luxury of growing up.
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