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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
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
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: Alexis on 8/14/2009 8:19PM
He is soooooo gorgeous here! Look at the smile. Much better looking than either Usher or Justin and not even in the same league. His music is so far above anyone else still today. RIP King of Pop. We will miss you forever.
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By: Chrissy on 8/27/2009 3:18PM
What a nice interview:)
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By: DeniseJ on 9/24/2009 10:14PM
It is sad the world could not understand so much love. We were truly blessed to live in the same era he lived in. He will live on not only through his music but his legacy of giving. If we adopt just one of his ideals, we keep him alive. I pray everyday for his vindication of being labeled something awful that he truly wasn't. RIP Mike
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By: Nathan on 12/22/2009 12:57AM
Michael Jackson look the picture of happyness but that was only a front.Deep inside he felt that he miss a normal life. Which slowly started the downard spiral of MJ life.Michael and the his doctor did'nt kill him.The dark reality of show business did and the false allegations of child molestion wore out MJ.Michael knew what too much prescription drugs would eventually kill him.And he welcome it so he could a peace of mind and go to a better place.But before that MJ want to make a come back before his time was up.But drugs and fate said no.Hopfully Michael Jackson has found peace with in his sprit.God bless you Michael for giving us many years of happyness through your songs .You will never be forgotten.
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