New Version of Michael Jackson's We Are the World is the Latest Sign of People Loving the King of Pop All Over Again
Since His Death, the World Seems to Be Taking Another View of Michael Jackson
A shortened video of the song was released during Olympic Opening Ceremonies on Friday night. On Saturday afternoon, the full seven minute video was played around the world for the first time. Fans can download the video with all proceeds going to Haiti as the nation recovers from a devastating earthquake.
Nearly eight months after Jackson's untimely passing, the release of the new version of "We Are the World" is the latest in a string of events that have served to enhance Jackson's musical and humanitarian legacy, and begin to introduce his message and work to younger generations.
Recent months have seen increasing evidence that old and unproven allegations against Jackson are fading from public view as the world reflects more on his music and his humanitarian work. When major networks, institutions and the Olympics include Michael Jackson's work and his images in their productions and honors, it seems that the claims against him are more discredited than ever in the court of public opinion.
For example, in January, Jackson's landmark Thriller video become the first music video to be included in the National Film Archives in the United States. In addition, Jackson's Earth Song became the first 3D video presentation at a live awards show as the Grammy Awards made it one of the highlights. During the same show, two of Jackson's children, Prince and Paris, accepted a Lifetime Achievement Award on their father's behalf.
In the midst of all of this, a new Michael Jackson song, a collaboration with Lenny Kravitz, was leaked online (albeit briefly). Kravitz made a point to say that while he did not know who leaked it, that he found being in the studio with Jackson to be 'an amazing experience'. Kravitz also mentioned what a fantastic father Jackson seemed to be. Finally, Kravitz remarked that he found Jackson to have a very funny sense of humor and that the two of them laughed much of the time in the studio.
As Jackson battled ultimately unproven allegations of sexual misconduct throughout his life, his undeniable talent and messages of love and peace seemed to be lost except among his loyal fans. But as the world reflects on his life and contributions to the world and popular culture, there seems to be an undeniable shift in the way people think of, speak of, and remember Michael Jackson. His legacy and popularity, it would seem, will only grow from here.
Source: US Magazine Staff, "We Are the World Remake Debuts At Olympic Opening Ceremonies", usmagazine.com
Published by Ron Hart
Ron Hart lives in New York. His interests are varied and include sports, politics and great Big Apple restaurants. He is a big baseball fan and enjoys discussing, debating and watching sports. He also enj... View profile
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17 Comments
Post a CommentGreat work Ron...I love it. It is about time that Michael's work is truly recognized.
It is not only great to see such a positive article, but positive comments as well. I'm so tired of the comments 'wake up people, he was a pedophile!" I'm just happy that there are intelligent people out there who know the truth, can think for themselves and realize what a wonderful, remarkable, selfless human being Michael Jackson was until the day he died. I wish Sneddon to rot in hell because he put Michael on this path of self destruction after that trial. These articles are great, but are a little late.
i love it good on you ron hart grate article WELL DONE.
we love you mikeee¢¾¢¾
Thank you for this amazingly positive article about Michael! My heart fills with joy every time I read something positive about Michael in the media, on internet, this makes me believe that finally his contributions both to the music and the charitable ones are being appreciated! Michael was about L.O.V.E.
LOVE YOU FOREVER MICHAEL♥♥
*remarks (remake is on my brain :/)
My goodness, an article about Michael that doesn't make twisted and false remakes that make me hate the author. Thank you for this. xx
Thank you for writing an unbiased article, something which is a rarity amongst the press. Michael Jackson was an inspiration to millions. His spiritual messages of love and compassion in his poetry, songs, music and dancing are there for anyone to hear. I am blessed because I can hear and I am a better person because of Michael. Everyone who has heard his message will know that we have enough love inside just one of us to encompass the whole world. We are joining up and joining force to spread the L.O.V.E. around and bring people closer together. If you want an idea how dramatically this is happening, let me tell you that I have over 1000 new friends on social networking sites in a period of 8 weeks. If you want to know the real Michael Jackson please check out www.hewasinnocent.com which goes live on Valentine's Day and is affiliated with wonderful people like Aphrodite Jones.
Just when I was beginning to lose faith in all news reporters, you give us a honest and genuine reflection of Michael and his contributions. God blessed him with the ability to help so many people in need, and we were so blessed to know someone who coud love so purely. Maybe the world did not understand him when he was living, but God is finally openining the world's eyes to the truth about MJ. He lived life the best way he knew how, while trying to spread the message of peace, love, and unity. RIP MJ!
...to inspire ongoing help for Haiti.
I enjoy the video a lot and also support Unicef Team Michael
http://inside.unicefusa.org/site/TR?team_id=14920&fr_id=1050&pg=team