If you're looking for something to read about Michael Jackson that will give you some insight into the man's talent and life, I recommend these three very different books:
1. The Michael Jackson Story, by Nelson George. First published in 1984 as a paperback quickie, The Michael Jackson Story is actually a first-rate cultural study by the journalist-critic-historian Nelson George. George draws on his deep knowledge of soul and rhythm & blues, along with lots of original reporting, to place Jackson in the history of popular music in a lively, exciting way.
2. Trapped: Michael Jackson and the Crossover Dream, by Dave Marsh. A 1985 book by the well-known rock critic that argues that Jackson's background as an abused child and his subsequent attempts to live in a safe, self-contained world of Peter Pan-like surroundings, trapped him in an artistically limiting way. Despite being critical of many of Jackson's decisions and those of the people surrounding him, Trapped also brims over with love and knowledge of Jackson's music, and offers some of the finest analyses ever about what made Jackson's hits work, and why his best music is so brilliant.
3. Moonwalk, by Michael Jackson. This 1988 autobiography was a typical bit of non-music Jackson product. Which is to say, it was marketed as a revealing tell-all but published mostly to promote his then-new album Bad, while trying assiduously to reveal as little as possible. Filled with banalities such as "The price of fame can be a heavy one" and "It hurts to be mobbed," Moonwalk ultimately cannot help but disclose more than its author intended. His chronicles of his upbringing under the brutal hand of his father Joe are far more poignant and painful than he alluded to in the TV documentary Life With Michael Jackson. And Michael's discussions of his show-biz models — what he calls "the real showmen: James Brown, Sammy Davis, Jr., Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly" — are fascinating. The book also captures Jackson's contradictions, such as when he speaks of his muscial achievements and his multi-million-dollar contracts for Pepsi-Cola commercials with equal pride. It's a rare peek into the way Jackson's mind worked.
Have you read any of these? Are there other books about Jackson you'd recommend?
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Everybody cashing in on Michael(again. I think his disgusting father should have a muzzle, he is an ignorant slob. His children should be with someone who will allow them to grow up normally and not use them for the money that comes with their care. I feel so sorry for the kids.
How can you not recommend J. Randy Tarborelli’s “Michael Jackson, The Magic and the Madness”? One of the best MJ books out there.
Sorry Mickie but J. Randy Tarborelli’s “Michael Jackson, The Magic and the Madness” is mostly Tabloid garbage, as the Jackson family stopped having any dealings with RT over 20 years ago when he started telling lies about Michael’s surgeries and implying that he had homosexual tendencies. What RT has done is written truths, then began lacing them with lies. Garbage was the final result from approx half way thru until the ending.
Are you kidding me? The most important, personal, beautiful book about MIchael Jackson was written BY Michael Jackson. It is called “Dancing The Dream”, and was released in 1991.
It contains poems, short stories, and songs written by Michael Jackson.
Wonderful look into the mind of an artistic genius.
You neglected to mention that MJ’s editor for the “Moonwalk” book was none other than Jackie O herself! It was she who persuaded him to write it.
Mickie, I could not agree more. That book is comprehensive and not full of self-serving gobbly gook.
I’ve done a lot of research and most of the books about MJ are pretty disappointing (very sensational, etc.) But I found one that presents a really solid, interesting analysis of MJ as the pop culture phenomenon that he was: “On Michael Jackson” by Margo Jefferson. Highly recommended. It’s great to finally see someone ‘reading’ Michael Jackson from the perspective of cultural criticism. It’s not overly academic, but it gets you thinking about MJ in some really interesting ways.
I actually agree whit DEE, I wish MJ’s kids could live away of their grandfather, he is ambitious, in a resent interview instead of thinking of how to handle the funeral, he was thinking of making money with his son’s disgasting.
I say I agreed with DEE, the kids should be with anybody else away of their grandfather, he is so ambitious, instead of making comments about how the funeral would be held, he was looking forward to make an album or so (That is disgasting)
I think this wholw thing with debbie rowe is discusting. Micheal is the only father those kids have ever know. They are already tramatizes and upset because of their fathers sudden death. Micheals mother is a good woman and I don’y think she will let joe exploit them. If he tries too, then there are other family members who are more than capeable of caring for them. Yes debbie should be able to visit them if they know she is their mother cause they are going ti need her, but those kids don’t deservre any more termoil or pain in their life. They loved their father. He was the light of their life. don’t desroy them over this. And let micheal a wonderful man and human being who gave so much to the world and charity rest in peace. You people make me sick and I am appauled. I have loved micheal all of my life and don’t believe a single word of any bad thing they have accused hum of. All my love and prayers to his family and friend and fellow fans. And especially his children.
the kids are Michaels babies he is the biological dad to all three kids look at blanket that face its Michael all over again. i am reading the Michael Jackson Tapes right now, so far it is a good book it is written by Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, and for and one outt here who has read and dont want there Michael Jackson books or Magizines you can donate then to me, ill be glad to read them and take great caree of them for i love to read , since im unable to work. po box 804 milton west virginia 25541
Micheal may your soul soar in heaven. No more pain, depression, and most immpotantly you are ammoung people who really love unconditionally, which is all you ever wanted all your life. I was always one of them and will remain one till the day i meet you in heaven. RIP my friend ill miss you. No one can hurt you any more.
I have Moonwalk, Dancing the Dream, and the Taraborelli book, and some others I’ve read. Would like Vogel’s upcoming (I think) book, he has blogged chapters on Huffington Post, an “Album-by-Album Guide to Michael Jackson.” Parts sound really good, and he is fully assessing the music, which I find fascinating.
ROCK ON MICHAEL
I recommend, “The Michael Jackson Conspiracy” which depsite its rather histrionic title is well-researched book that examines how the media shaped Michael Jackson’s story and the public’s increasing inability apply reason or question. No matter what side you’re in it’s an interesting read. It’s at amazon or your library.
http://amzn.com/0979549809
I agree with Mickie. Insightful, unbiased, & foretelling. Tarborelli’s is a good choice.
i think it is in gods hands god help those children
There’s a book by Ian Halperin, I haven’t read it but will be buying it. It’s Unmasked: The Final Years of Michael Jackson and he predicted 6 months ago that MJ would be dead. How ironic and tragic. It’s a bit sordid but supposedly he had good sources who shed light on MJ’s last few months. He also mentions that MJ thought he signed on for 10 shows and AEG (those B*ast*ards) upped the shows to 50. Some speculate that MJ was trying to fake a medical condition to get out of performing the 50 shows, which makes sense, and instead Od’d. AEG will make it’s millions back.
I’ll be glad when this is all settled and over with.
DON”T buy ian’s book. It starts out like it is unbiased, but it NOT. The books is filled with inuendos (SP) and lies. He notes that he has sources that signed secret papers with michael, but cannot reveal their names. The book is highly deceptive and filled. Tarborelli is a better more unbiased read.
I don’t think anyone has to worry about Micheal’s mother letting Joe anywhere near those kids if he tries anything stupid. She is not the docile domestic she used to be. She more than stands up for herself and her sons will back her up. They saw way too many beatings of her when they were young and later, not to mention their own. That’s why he lives in Vegas. Those children will be well taken care of and I am sure there will be someone chosen to take her place when something happens to her. Joe is virtually out of the picture. All he can do now is try to capitalize on MJ fame to boost his so called record company. Tacky Tacky
Joe Jackson keeps using the word “we” and how….”we” are going to take care of MJ’s children. Joe Jackson has long been separated from Katherine and has been living for a long time in Las Vegas, most likely in a house owned or paid for by Michael. I suspect the only reason that they never divorde is most likely because Michael would have disowned Joe and cut off his “allowance”. The less influence the children have from Joe, the better off they will be.
ON JUNE 25TH A CRY WAS HEARD ACROSS THE WORLD.THE KING OF POP HAS LEFT WE HEARD.THAT AN ANGEL CAME UPON YOU AT GOD’S REQUEST SAYIN COME BACK TO ME CHILD YOU DID YOUR BEST!HEARTS WERE BROKEN VOICES UNSOUNDED, AS WE WISHED TO TURN TIME AROUND.COULDN’T BELIEVE IT THAT THURSDAY AFTERNOON,THAT YOU WOULD BE THE ONE GONE TOO SOON.THE DAY WAS SUBTLE, THE WORLD WAS CALM.NOW YOU SHINE UPON US THE LOVE YOU’D SHOWN! NOT A TEAR IN THE SKIES BUT A TEAR IN OUR HEARTS.NOT THE END BUT TO WHERE WE START.IT IS SAD TO SEE THAT IT TAKEN YOU LEAVING HOW TRULY WONDERFUL OF A MAN YOU HAVE BEEN. I BE LOVING YOU 4EVER M.J.
I am forty-seven, I grew up with the Jackson Five and I was heart broken when I heard the news. Michael is the undisputed King of Pop and will always be. You know, I didn’t realize the magnitude of his music, until media out-lets begin to play his earlier years and throughout his music career. He was Big, Bad and You Know It!!!! I hope that his musuem will honor him in all the ways that he could not achieve, while here on
Earth. He desires to be recognized for his talent and not his controversy.
I agree wit mickie, one of the best books of Michael Jackson is done by Randy Tarborelli. “Magic and the Madness” pls read this book!
I also have to recommend J. Randy Taraborrelli’s book. The best!
I live in Jakarta, Indonesia. Since I was born, I grew up with the Michael Jackson’s music. I was heart broken when I heard the news.It’s hard for me. How can I smile if he’s not around us anymore.
I can’t stop crying up to this day, he was a loving person to others, a loving father to his children and had a tender heart. I miss him alot!
I just really miss Michael Jackson. This website provided great information for me to get books on him. It’s beautiful to see nice worlds about Michael. May God keep him in his loving arms. I will try to find all the books on him. Thank You.
If you want true facts, These books are a must for true fans of MJ. J.Randy Taraborrelli…The Magic and the Madness, Michael Jackson Conspiracy by Aphrodite Jones, Dancing the Dream by Michael Jackson, and Moonwalk. MJ your free now, no more pain,tears or disappoinment.
About Taraborelli’s book, I will definitely agree. I’m actually reading it right now, and I find myself captivated by how real it all feels. Seeing things from Micheal’s own words really put into stone all the weird controversies people tried to make up. He was and still is the best of the best, and Michael is not dead. He’s only asleep, waiting until he can once again light up another stage. God Bless
Ian’s book is filled with lies.
yes i love the book the magic and the madness,it was a very good book. it is worth buying.
michael jackson is the best artist in the world and his books are great
I agree, Ian Halprin’s book is nothing more than another greedy individual trying to cash in on Michael’s name. There are some things that are good to know, but all in all–this guy is not his friend. I got pretty angry when I finished reading this book because this guy is such a piece of sh*t for the things he wrote. And he is making a lot of money for this garbage. Any intelligent person can see it for what it is. Lies and opinions fueled by greed and self satisfaction.
where can i find the book “the Michael Jackson conspiracy” in Atlanta, not online though.