Jamal Anderson's Blog – Jam's World

If they say, why, why? Tell ‘em that is human nature.  With Michael Jackson’s cause of death still yet to be determined, “This is it” provides a rare glimpse into the man, the legend, the performer, the humanitarian that was the King of pop.  Now as you all may know, thanks to my great father I got to grow up around Michael.  From a personal standpoint I can say that he was a very kind, genuine, funny and intelligent man.  This is the Michael that we see in “This is it.”

From the opening of the movie we see the lucky dancers that were chosen to dance with Michael on tour pouring out emotions while explaining how much of a “blessing” it was to be in his presence.  If that isn’t awesome power, then I don’t know what is.  Most of you are accustomed to seeing Michael from just an entertainer’s standpoint, but the way that he corrects his band when he doesn’t feel the “funk” proves that Michael was a perfectionist.  It’s going to be hard to not sing and dance in your seat while you’re watching this movie.  He rehearses such classics as “You Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin,” “Thriller,” “Smooth Criminal” and “Beat It” just to name a few.  You’re going to be amazed when you see Michael dancing on that stage as well.  I can tell you this: he did not look a day over 25 when he was on stage moving like the Michael of old.  His singing was like the Michael of old as well, although he did pull back at times because he wanted to “save his voice.”

Seeing the way that the pyrotechnics and the short films were going to be done, it’s extremely upsetting to know that I had a ticket to this grandiose event but I won’t get to ever see it.  The way “Smooth Criminal” and “Thriller” were going to be presented would have had us talking about this concert for months and years to come.  The make up on the zombie dancers for the “Thriller” segment was reminiscent of the classic video we all know and love.

He then went on to show his earth-conscious side with the performances of “Earth Song” and “Man in the Mirror” He laments about how we as man are destroying the earth with our constant pollution of the environment.  There’s a pretty strong message there folks.  All in all, I suggest that you ALL go see “This is it” for the sheer entertainment value, the nostalgia and to keep Michael’s memory alive in our hearts and minds.

My family has been around Michael Jackson for a long time, as our Dad James Anderson worked with, and for MJ for a number of years.  Here are a few of the pictures we wanted to share of happier days & tours with MJ.

Late 70's at Muhammad Ali's Training Camp. MJ & Dad on the right end.

Dad & MJ during "Bad Tour".

Backstage of the Jackson's Victory Tour with Sugar Ray Leonard

Of course, with Michael Jackson, everyone has there own thoughts and opinions about his life, how he lived it, and what he was all about. We dug one of those opinions up deliverd by none other than George Carlin, in his own words, summing up his feelings on Michael Jackson.

Prince