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Reading Michael Jackson

Reading Michael Jackson

Season 2 of "Reading Michael Jackson" offers a thorough reading and review of his 1988 autobiography "Moonwalk." As an author, former college English professor, and Michael Jackson fan, in each episode host Lena reads a section of the book, followed by an in-depth discussion. The goal of this podcast is to honor and appreciate Michael Jackson's legacy as an artist and human being by spending dedicated time with the writing he published throughout his life.

Season 1 covered Michael Jackson's book of poetry and reflections, "Dancing the Dream."

New episodes released every Tuesday.

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  • 23 episodes
  • Avg 1 hr 11 min
  • English

Episodes 23

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  • S2 · E7
    February 3 · 58 min

    S2x7 "Moonwalk" Chapter 3, p. 103-117

    Michael Jackson doesn't understand why the media write such negative things about him, but in Chapter 3 of Moonwalk he offers some of his own perspective on his volatile relationship with the press. Reflecting on his feelings about scandal and drug use, he makes a clear statement here about his future, and how he thinks he "turned out" given his upbringing as a child star. He spends the rest of the chapter telling the story of how the Jackson 5 rose to success, but ultimately left Motown in pursuit of creative freedom. In the discussion portion of this episode, we get deep discussing Michael's relationship to the media, the modern fandom's view of his changing aesthetics, the evolution of his relationship to drugs, and of course his artistic growth as. a child performer when he popularized "the robot" with his choreography for "Dancing Machine." For questions or comments, please email readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com

    • Transcript
  • S2 · E6
    January 27 · 1 hr 8 min

    S2x6 "Moonwalk" Ch. 2, pg. 81-100

    This week, we close out chapter 2 with Michael sharing details of his life in the studio and on the road with The Jackson 5, delving into details about his vocal stylings, recording songs like "ABC" and "I'll Be There," his relationship with his brothers, the fun and frustration of touring year round, and his physical insecurities as an adolescent. We discuss all of these points and then some, including Michael's challenged relationship with fame, his singular talent as a child, his personal sensitivity, and more. With clips from a live performance of "Who's Loving You" and Michael's 1983 interview with Entertainment Tonight, this episode is a bit longer than normal but packed with deep discussion! The Jackson 5, "Who's Loving You" Live at the Forum 1972: https://youtu.be/VX6qbx4vGyw?si=gWu9szuc8T1radbx Michael's 1983 Entertainment Tonight Interview: https://youtu.be/z2WclC-UubY?si=cIzbSSTBTVSXabIZ For questions or comments please email readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com

    • Transcript
  • S2 · E4
    January 20 · 56 min

    S2x5 Moonwalk Chapter 2, pg. 67-82

    With the Jackson 5 officially signed to Motown, in the first half of Chapter 2 Michael recounts the early days of moving from Indiana to California, recording sessions, media training, and becoming a part of the "Corporation." Including snippets of an interview with Michael's former Victory-era publicist Howard Bloom, in the discussion we review Michael's unique connection to art, and his ability to "see the infinite" in everything. We also discuss the complications and confusion with Michael's relationship to Diana Ross and the struggle he must have experienced composing an autobiography aimed to tell the truth of his life, while still grappling with the truth he'd been brought up to believe. For questions, or comments, please email readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com

    • Transcript
Showing 21–23 of 23 episodes