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1984 photo of Michael Jackson, Wikipedia
Michael Jackson's gospel music ties
The king of pop Michael Jackson died today at age 50. Known around the world for his music and his scandals, Jackson suffered a heart attack at his home in Los Angeles this afternoon. After suffering what appeared to be a cardiac arrest, Jackson was rushed by ambulance to the UCLA Medical Centre where he died.
Michael Jackson's gospel music roots
It may appear a stretch to try to force a connection between Michael Jackson and the gospel music world, but such connections do exist, however tenuous. It can be argued that 5-year-old Michael's talent was discovered when he performed in front of classmates and others during a Christmas recital. From such humble beginnings, Michael Jackson reached superstar status, but his musical roots extended deep into old negro spirituals and the outstanding choir music of African-American churches.
Michael Jackson and Andraé Crouch
One of the most widely respected pioneers of contemporary gospel music, Andraé Crouch worked as a producer or arranger with Michael Jackson on "The Essential Michael Jackson" album, both "Man in the Mirror" and "and Will You Be There" featured the Andraé Crouch Choir.
Michael Jackson's "gospel" songs
"Will You Be There" is actually considered by some to be a gospel song. From Michael Jackson's "Will You Be There" -
Hold me
Like the River Jordan
And I will then say to Thee
You are my Friend
Other Michael Jackson songs which show up on lists of gospel songs from popular artists include "We've Had Enough" and occasionally the more obscure "Heal the World." From Michael Jackson's "We've Had Enough" -
We can't take it
We've already had enough
It's going down baby
Just let God decide,
It's going on baby
Just let God decide
Michael Jackson's impact on gospel music
Much like his music and his face, Michael reinvented his faith more than once. However, there is no doubt that gospel music influenced Michael Jackson. In turn, Michael Jackson impacted all popular music and choreography, including the gospel music industry where he influenced a generation or two of gospel artists.
Michael performed at Nashville's Municipal Auditorium with the Jackson 5 twice in the 1970s and again with The Jacksons in 1981. His extraordinary musical talent will be missed.
Read Part 2 at The gospel according to Michael Jackson.
See also:
Michael Jackson King of Pop Dead at 50
Did Michael Jackson become a Christian right before he died?
Forever Michael event honors King of Pop one year after Michael Jackson's death
Jennifer Hudson to perform at Michael Jackson's memorial service July 7
Musical guests, participants announced for Michael Jackson memorial service
Jennifer Hudson performs Michael Jackson's 'Will You Be There' at memorial service (video included)
Was Michael Jackson a Christian?
Gospel Music 101: What is gospel music?
Comments
Thank you! I have been humming this song, not knowing what it was and then I googled MJ Gospel songs and found your list. I love the song, "Will you be There".
I just hope and pray the Lord took Michael to the Heavens. We should just pray and hope he did. I love Michael jackson <3 I just really hope the truth comes out. I just wanna hear that michael jackson accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior . And I will continue to pray for his family and I hope the family will have cont. joy and peace. R.I.P michael Jackson
i love michael and alway will no one is perfect but god we are all his childern i miss him very much will you be there that was a very beautiful song michael was very gifted he done a great deed in this world no matter what people say he is my bother in chirst
KEEP THE FAIT WAS ANOTHER GOSPEL SONG FROM MICHAEL.
hi
really
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