Michael Jackson's gospel music ties

June 25, 6:55 PMNashville Gospel Music & Entertainment ExaminerKathryn Darden

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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?

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?