Pay Michael Forward: A Call to Action

Joe Vogel's highly anticipated November 1, international release of Man in the Music: The Life and Creative Work of Michael Jackson, will be supported by the launch of Pay Michael Forward—a site dedicated solely to supporting Man in the Music and Joe Vogel, an exciting 'launch-of-Man-in-the-Music' contest, endorsed by Joe Vogel. http://www.paymichaelforward.com/

It’s Time! After many months of anticipation, Joe Vogel’s long-awaited release of Man in the Music: The Creative Life and Work of Michael Jackson has arrived. For those of us who know and those who remember, Michael told us that when we wanted to be near him we could find his love and his soul in the music. Joe’s work will now inform the reader about the meticulous creative process of an artistic genius as he crafts his special magic. Michael’s storied perfectionism and humanity become a tapestry of love, woven throughout his musical history, and slowly revealed inside Joe’s elegant prose. Cultural, personal and organizational forces that weighed on the artist during his life are clearly defined, and the reader is invited to re-examine the lyrical, visual and vocal interpretations expressed by a man struggling sometimes to make sense of his world, of our world. 

In an effort to expand and share Joe’s work with a larger audience, we are thrilled to highlight the announcement of a new website dedicated to supporting Joe in his celebration of Michael’s life and work. Pay Michael Forward was imagined and now comes to life as a pathway for this to happen. A handful of passionate team members have constructed an avenue for all of us to use our imaginations and special skills to make this endeavor a success. The primary focus is, of course, on Joe and Man in the Music, offering an opportunity for many to contribute stories, videos and thoughts, as we move Michael’s story forward.
The site will include prizes, dialogue, reviews, and an opportunity to interact with Joe and discuss his labor of love. Interviews, articles, promotions and quotes from Joe are included and highlighted. The idea is simple….to move Michael further into public consciousness with a new understanding of his genius, and the remarkable contributions he has made and continues to make toward world peace, social justice, human dignity, and care for children all over the world through the common language of music.

I envision a school-aged child or a college student searching for a research topic, or a mom browsing a library while her children are in school all reaching for Man in the Music.  Attracted by the beautiful cover and the familiar name, she will experience the weight of its importance and its tactile beauty as she reads Joe’s introduction. Perhaps the child will love the images contained within and carry it home for a parent to read. And the college student will find a cozy corner and revisit the joy and excitement of a favorite song, as he is awakened to the creative process alive in the heart and soul of a marvelous artist;

Just as we have united in the pursuit of justice, perhaps we can now do the same in an effort to Pay Michael Forward. It is time now for hardbound testaments to truth, for film that attests to a unique human treasure, and for words and memories spoken by those who knew and loved him. Legacy, reputation and recognition of Michael’s global cultural significance must be protected with the truth, and this is one vehicle where we can help to make that happen. Joe dedicated his time and talent, and now his baby is born. Let’s join him in this effort and raise Michael up to his deserved place in history. 

In association with Pay Michael Forward, Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait, MJ-777, Dot to Dot: Keeping Michael's Legacy Alive, Voices Education Project and Inner Michael, we are delighted to bring you news of the amazing contest to celebrate and accelerate the worldwide launch of Joe Vogel's definivite new book, Man in the Music.

The Pay Michael Forward team are asking fans to participate in a surge-buy campaign between the crucial period of Nov 1- Nov 13, in order to propel Man in the Music into the bestseller lists at Barnes & Noble and Amazon. This, in turn, will help to drive it into the New York Times best sellers list. Fans are further incentivized to help get Joe out there by talking about Michael Jackson, sending a message to publishers that the truth CAN sell, and spreading the truth about who Michael was and his incredible gift to us.

Pay Michael Forward: http://www.paymichaelforward.com/ Voices Education Project: http://www.voiceseducation.org/ and Inner Michael: http://www.innermichael.com/ are the only three sites where fans can enter a worldwide contest endorsed by Joe Vogel that is designed to encourage and show appreciation to fans who buy more than one Man in the Music copies.

Contest Details:

Order two or more books and enter by filling out the contest form on a page, at Inner Michael or at Voices. Using the link on the form will open another window where you may order books through the Voices Education Project link at Amazon and contributes a 5% commission to “Voices” who hosts the amazing “Words and Violence” curriculum dedicated to Michael Jackson and Lady Diana Spencer. PMF (Pay Michael Forward) encourages you to use that link as a win/win for everyone.

Order two or more books and become eligible for prizes:

Everyone who enters the contest will receive an invitation to a fireside chat via telephone and internet hosted by Rev. B at Inner Michael and featuring Joe Vogel and a surprise special guest. The date of the fireside chat is to be determined.

Winners will be determined by the number of books purchased; the grand prize winner will be determined by a drawing; and additional prizes will be awarded to those with the most creative ideas for how to promote the book Man in the Music and/or Pay Michael Forward, the website as judged by the PMF staff.

The First Place Winner will receive an additional signed copy of Man in the Music, a signed hardbound copy of Joe Vogel’s Earth Song and a giant poster “Everything I Ever Needed to Know I Learned from Michael Jackson” by Amy Grace. And of course—an invitation to the fireside chat.

Second Place Winner will receive a signed copy of Earth Song, a small poster “Everything I Ever Needed to Know I Learned from Michael Jackson” by Amy Grace. And of course—an invitation to the fireside chat.

Third Place Winner will receive a signed copy of Earth Song and a T-shirt designed by Amy Grace. And of course—an invitation to the fireside chat.

The Grand Prize winner will be determined by a drawing by Joe Vogel at a to-be-determined date filmed and presented on YouTube. The winner will receive the Ultimate Collection of Music by Michael Jackson, signed copies of Man in the Music and Earth Song. And of course—an invitation to the fireside chat.
Additional Prizes (signed copies of Joe’s book Earth Song) will be awarded to contestants who send in the most creative ideas of how to promote Joe Vogel’s books and the website Pay Michael Forward. Or, those who have already creatively promoted the books and website—tell us how you did it. The additional prize winners are judged and chosen by the PMF staff.

The PMF team would really like those who enter the competition or even those who have already bought their MIM copies and do not intend or cannot buy more; to visit PMF to hear about the creative ways which the team has created for how people can 'pay Michael Forward.'
 
You can take pictures and load as twitpics or make videos of yourselves gifting MIM to curious friends or strangers with sensible questions, libraries, colleges, schools, church groups, reading groups, youth groups, hospital or hospice libraries, universities, doctors surgeries and dentists etc.
 
Fans are also invited to upload all those important pictures into the comments section at PMF, with a brief explanation of how they found their advocacy experience at the site, in a specially designated page at PMF. You can also, from Nov 1 onwards send your twipics of ‘paying Michael forward' to the PayMichaelForward twitter account:
 
http://twitter.com/#!/PayMJForward

http://mjtpmagazine.presspublisher.us/issue/a-call-to-action/article/pay-michael-forward-a-call-to-action

A Living Thing

Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides; and in this respect, it irrigates the deserts that our lives have already become ~ C. S. Lewis

On our weekly, Sunday visit to my grandmother’s house many, many years ago, she called my parents and me to the table for lunch. Laid out upon the table was her usual fare of cold-cuts and salad, along with scrumptious hot scones, butter, jam, and whipped cream. Normally I would race to the table in anticipation of feasting on the hot treats, but that day I was immersed in a new book my mother had just bought me. It was full of colorful pictures and fantastical tales of knights, dragons, and castles. I was too young at the time to understand most of the words in the book, but the illustrations had certainly captured my attention and imagination. Food paled in comparison to the feast I held in my hands.

Reluctantly, I folded the page corner down to mark my place and put the book on the coffee table. Rising, I found my passage to the table blocked by the diminutive form of my grandmother.
“Never, ever show disrespect for a book again by creasing its pages. Don’t you understand that books are living things?” She chastised.

No, I didn’t. I was confused by her meaning and not able to understand or see in my child-like mind, the hidden metaphor in her words. Her tone of voice stung—her disapproval was something I had never incurred before—but it served its purpose well, for I did look upon my books from that day on with newfound eyes.
As I grew, I came to understand my grandmother’s words: I began to understand the expressions found within books, were a personal and emotive collection of thoughts and feelings belonging to another human being. And as I began to write myself—first as a diarist, and then as a short-story writer and hopeful poet—I found liberation through my own expressionistic prose that had ultimately been inspired by others, and through my personal experiences in life.

Along with my understanding and feeling of liberation, I made a discovery that would have a major affect on my style of writing: Books are a powerful vehicle that can create change. When words, pictures and art are gathered together to create a story, poem and narrative—or to give sensory pleasure to the eyes—they have the ability to transform the reader. They have the ability to transport us to another place, a place outside of ourselves and our everyday lives. Books have the power to reach down into in our hearts and open our minds to new and different possibilities. They enable us to escape, they inspire, and they alter our perspective and viewpoint. And, for myself, they give me that ah-hah, spine-tingling moment of realization when I discover a connection to the author or artist and the source of all universally inspired works…the divine.

My first, real experience with this connection occurred while reading Dancing the Dream, written by Michael Jackson. First published in 1992, the book was not rated as being a commercial success by hardcore critic’s, and received both mixed and negative reviews. But to the open mind—one that is not afraid to explore outside the confines of self-imposed and societal rigidity and constrictive programming—it is a window into the heart and soul of a man often maligned and certainly misunderstood. Inspirational and passionate, the book offers a glimpse into his humanity and beyond to his connection with the universe and creation.

"So, what does a star do after it quits shining?’ I ask myself. ‘Maybe it dies.’
‘Oh, no,’ a voice in head says. ‘A star can never die. It just turns into a smile, and melts back into the cosmic music, the dance of life.’  I like that thought, the last one I have before my eyes close. With a smile, I melt back into the music myself.  Excerpt from “Dance of Life,” from the book Dancing the Dream, Michael Jackson, 1992.

Sublime revelations aside, Michael was able to forge a path with the quality and expressions contained in his words, enabling the reader to journey to that place where his inspiration was born. His prose is not only eloquent, but also life-changing, bringing awareness to our often, disjointed approach to how we view life, and our true desire to find the same link to the spirit that he had found. Michael breathed life into the pages of his book by penning words that reached deep into our subconscious, and once we had met with him on the same level from which he wrote, it was impossible to let go—we were captured there in the same place and time owned solely by him; touched irrevocably by this rare insight into the man in the music.

It is clear that Michael himself found this same connection not only to authors, but to artists, renowned and unknown, and their work. He had a vast library filled with thousands of books and he read voraciously, absorbing each word and image until they became enmeshed in both the spiritual and intellectual parts of him. Howard Bloom describes this best in his poignant narrative, written one year after Michael died.

When the art director arrived, she bore the portfolios of five artists, portfolios she stacked at one end of the pool table’s green felt playing surface.  These were not just the black vinyl portfolios most commercial artists use to display their work.  Every one of these was a custom-made presentation case made of hand-tooled leather or rich cherry wood.  And every one was from a legendary artist, an artist at the very top of his field.

We were all bunched together on the opposite side of the pool table from the art director.  Michael was in the center.  I stood next to him on his left.  And the brothers were crowded around us on either side.  The CBS art director slid the first of the portfolios toward Michael.  He opened the first page, slowly … just enough to see perhaps an inch of the image. As he took in the artwork his knees began to buckle, his elbows bent, and all he could say was “Oooohhh.” A soft, orgasmic “Oooohhh.” In that one syllable and in his body language, you could feel what he was seeing.

Do you know the poem by William Blake--

To see a World in a grain of sand,
And a Heaven in a wild flower,
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand,
And Eternity in an hour  . . .

The intense ambition of that poem, the intense desire for wonder, was alive in Michael. More alive than anything of the sort I’d ever seen.  Michael saw the infinite in an inch.  As Michael opened the page further, inch by inch, his knees and elbows bent even more and his ”Oooohhhs,” his sounds of aesthetic orgasm, grew even more intense. Standing elbow to elbow and shoulder to shoulder with him, you could feel him discovering things in the brush and ink strokes that even the artist never saw. By the time he’d opened the full page his body and voice expressed an ecstasy. An aesthetic epiphany. I’d never encountered anything like it. Michael felt the beauty of the page with every cell of his being.

http://thehappiestmedium.com/2010/06/one-year-later-remembering-michael-by-howard-bloom/

To me, an author or artist's ability to produce a feeling of connectivity within the reader is very profound, and likens to my personal opinion of a collective conscious existing, on some level, among human beings: If we share a common response to what we read or see, then our thoughts and emotions are more interwoven than what may first appear. I found this to be true upon reading Joe Vogel’s book, Man in the Music. Not only did I find a connection to Joe through his words, but again, to Michael himself, and upon sharing my feelings with others who have also read his book, I similarly found their response to be almost identical to mine.

Man in the Music is a moving and articulate embrace of the music, and the man within it, Michael Jackson. It takes us inside Michael’s creative works and gives us another rare insight into his mind and soul. To say that Joe found his own personal connection to the artist and his music, to me, is an understatement, because it is clear in every chapter—Joe has forged his own path for us to reach that same level on which he met Michael, through artistic expression and truthful interpretation. In a sense, the book is a journey undertaken by the author, in order to provide us passage to a place only before, visited by him.

With his death, then, came a profound sense of loss and sadness about what might have been. Yet, as Jackson presciently put it just two years earlier (quoting one of his own artistic heroes, Michelangelo): ‘I know the creator will go, but his work survives. That is why to escape death; I attempt to bind my soul to my work.’ It was perhaps the most revealing comment he ever made about what he hoped for his legacy.

In creating this book, I traveled deep inside that soul-filled work. With each return visit, new and exciting discoveries unfolded.

It is my hope that Man in the Music will inspire a similar experience for others, serving as a gateway into the creative world of one of the most unique artists of the past century. Excerpt from the Preface of Man in the Music.

Indeed, Joe has created a gateway—he has opened the door to inspiration through well-defined expression, bringing us to that same perception of Michael and his artistry that Joe himself gained in the writing of his book.

A book is the landscape and heartbeat of its author; a canvas on which to paint the color of their minds, and a melody of words forever immortalized on paper, bound, and laid lovingly in a place of importance by its reader. This is what makes a book a living entity. This is what draws us to hold a book in our hands and to hold it close to our hearts—to inhale the aroma of ink and paper—because we feel the life-force contained within its covers. It is why we linger in bookstores and libraries—in the hushed silence, we listen to the heartbeats emanating from shelves. And, it is why we delight in feelings of anticipation when we turn that first page—we are eager to meet, connect, and be lead on another journey inside an author’s mind, heart, and beyond. Books are indeed, gifts to be treasured.

I have never marked my place in a book again by folding its corner down, since the day my grandmother scolded me. She gave me a handmade, crocheted bookmark which I used for many years, until finally it started to unravel. I replaced it with a beaded bookmark so that it would last longer, and delegated my grandmother’s one to its own place of importance in my collection of beloved keepsakes. Among those keepsakes are books I have collected throughout the years, ones that have inspired and touched me, and created positive change in my life. They line my bookcase—Michael’s are there, and Man in the Music will soon take its rightful place amongst them—standing testaments to the lives of those who penned them. Every day, I run my hand along their spines feeling the energy and warmth flowing from them, and I thank the authors for sharing such precious gifts with me, for allowing me insight and passage into their innermost selves.

Written for Pay Michael Forward:
http://www.paymichaelforward.com/

© Valmai Owens, 2011. All Rights Reserved.
No reproduction without permission from author.

This article appears in the publication Dot to Dot: Keeping Michael’s Legacy Alive, and its content is the property of the authors and the Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait. Articles and exclusive interviews are copyrighted; therefore there should be no republication without permission. You may email edito@michaeljacksontributeportrait.com with any requests for republication. If permission is given, credit must be given to the author, Dot to Dot: Keeping Michael's Legacy Alive and the Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait.

http://mjtpmagazine.presspublisher.us/

Interview With Joe Vogel, Author of "Man in the Music:The Creative Life and Work of Michael Jackson



In September 2011, Joe Vogel will release his new book, Man in the Music: The Creative Life and Work of Michael Jackson.  Joe painstakingly researched Michael’s artistry for over five years, speaking with many people who knew and worked with Michael during his life. We have had brief glimpses into this highly anticipated book, most recently through Joe’s review and discussion of "Hollywood Tonight", in the Huffington Post. 

Many of Michael’s fans and advocates, are well aware of the kinds of publications and touted ‘tell all’ books and articles, written by purported experts on Michael’s life and person. As we stay the course in the marathon of truth, we are finally able to anticipate a book that will reveal who this man really was through his lyrics and music- his deep commitment and dedication to his art; the basic inner core of Michael that reached out to all of us as he spoke of injustice, bigotry and the need to make a real change in the world, his love for all children, young and older, and his vision for a better tomorrow.

Please join together and thank Joe for his efforts and for sharing his thoughts in this interview.


Lauren:  Joe, can you tell us about your background and how you became a writer?  

Joe:  I have always written. Actually, getting published took some time and figuring out -- I had my first book published in 2006 (ironically, I first submitted a very early version of my MJ book that year, but no one would publish it).

Lauren:  I know you have published two books prior to Man in the Music. Can you tell us a little about them?

     

 

Joe:  The first one, Free Speech 101, narrates the firestorm that erupted when I invited filmmaker Michael Moore to speak at a very conservative university. It's an exploration of people's fears, polarization, intolerance, censorship, etc. I was 23 at the time, and received all kinds of attacks, bribes, death threats, etc. simply for inviting someone to speak with different views. The second book, The Obama Movement, is a collection of essays about the youth movement Barack Obama inspired in his run for president. 

Lauren:  When did you become interested in Michael's music?  

Joe:  I discovered Michael Jackson when I was about 7-8 years old. I wore out my VHS of The Legend Continues; I watched it so many times. The first time I saw the Motown 25 performance, I was absolutely floored. It had a huge impact on me. My musical interests evolved in all kinds of directions since then; Michael was about the only artist that stuck from childhood on because I could continue to appreciate his work on new levels.

Lauren:  What prompted you to take on the challenges in writing this book and investing five years to research it?

Joe:  Well, to be honest, I had no clue of the scope of what I was taking on when I started. I began in the midst of his trial because I was frustrated with the degree to which people had forgotten -- or just never really understood -- his artistic genius. The plan was just to provide interpretations of his songs, and it evolved from there.  

Lauren:  When you spoke with people who knew or worked with Michael, did you find common experiences and impressions that they had about him?

Joe:  People loved working with Michael; they loved his passion and joy, his desire to innovate and just create great work. Starting around the time of the BAD album, his collaborators could sense a newfound confidence and autonomy in carrying out his creative vision.

Lauren:  Do you have a particular favorite track, and why?

Joe:  Growing up it was songs like "Billie Jean" and "Man in the Mirror." Now, I tend to enjoy more of his obscure tracks. My favorite album currently is HIStory. I think it's a masterpiece and will be recognized as such down the line. 

Lauren:  In the history of modern music, where would you place Michael in importance and cultural influence?

Joe:  Culturally, I think Michael ranks alongside the Beatles. I believe he's ahead of Elvis. Michael and the Beatles were not only enormous in their respective eras, but their music has the kind of depth and diversity required to inspire generation after generation. 

 

Lauren:  How much of the man do you find in the music?  Did your impressions and beliefs in who he was change in any way?

Joe:  Michael believed the best way people could understand him was through his art. I found that to be the case. Everything essential comes out in his work. 

Lauren:  Was there anything you learned while doing your research that surprised you? How did that affect you?

Joe:  There were many surprises. What happens is when you really focus on an individual song and album, layer after layer after layer reveals itself. I could have written entire books on each album.

Lauren:  I understand that you teach at the University of Rochester.  How do your students react to your insights into tracks like "Man in the Mirror" or "Black or White"? Do you find high interest and response from them to any one particular release or short film? 

Joe:  My students have really enjoyed learning about Michael. So many important issues/ideas come out of his work. We often compare "Black or White" to Blake's, Songs of Innocence and Experience. I think much of MJ's work can be interpreted fruitfully through that lens where there is a constant tension/interplay between these contrary states.

Lauren:  Have you had any resistance from your faculty, students or the parents of your students to what you teach about Michael and his music?

Joe:  Not at all. 

Lauren:  What do you feel is the importance of continuing Michael's legacy? What do you see as the primary things that ordinary people can learn, and take away from his body of work?

Joe:  My more complete answer to that question is in my book, but in short, I believe Michael's work is about liberation. He refused to accept the world as it is; he wanted it to be more aware, in tune, connected, fair, loving, creative, and free. 

Lauren:  How has your lengthy research affected you personally?  

Joe:  I am inspired by great artists and great art, so exploring one of the great artists of our time in this kind of depth has had a profound impact on me. It's taken a lot of time and sacrifice, but I feel lucky to have done it. It's been very rewarding. 

Lauren:  Are you aware of the hunger that fans have for positive, in-depth studies about Michael, and his work and contributions?

Joe:  Absolutely! Michael's fans are often depicted as mindless and crazy. And while there are certainly some live up to the stereotype, the vast majorities I have come in contact with are thoughtful, intelligent, and eager to get beyond the celebrity infatuation to the art and the human being.

Lauren:  What are your thoughts of Michael as a social activist?

Joe:  Well, he obviously did a great deal and in a variety of ways. For all of his supposed narcissism, I can't think of another pop star who more consistently looked outward and genuinely tried to change the world. Has anyone from the entertainment world been a fiercer media critic; a stronger advocate for children? "Earth Song" in my opinion, is the most significant anthem of our age. Think of how prescient and powerful that song was (and continues to be). 

Lauren:   Have you encountered negative responses to your endeavors or are you finding open minds and interest in your work?

Joe:  There is always negativity, but I've been overwhelmed and humbled by how positive the reaction has been. 

Lauren:  How do you compare Michael with MJ's previous releases?  Do you think his collaborators and friends got it right? 

Joe:  Posthumous albums will never compare to the albums MJ completed while alive. I would personally like to see all of his unfinished work released exactly as he left it, then, I don't mind what happens from there in terms of new mixes, remixes, etc. I like hearing different takes. Transparency is the key, especially when dealing with someone of Michael's historical import. 

Lauren:  Do you have an opinion on why the media have concentrated their efforts to report on all the perceived negative aspects of Michael's life, bypassing his artistic achievements, and all but ignoring his humanitarian efforts?

Joe:  I talk about this a lot in the book. The reasons are complex, but essentially, Michael was so different and unique as both an artist and a person, that many people couldn't wrap their minds around him. He didn't fit into the boxes we like people to fit into. So instead they reduced him, caricatured him, exploited him, and denied him of his complexity, depth, humanity, and artistry. 

Lauren:  When you speak about how people and the media did not understand Michael, and how he was so unfairly treated and marginalized, what is your opinion on how the issue of racism may have been a factor?

Joe:  I think there were certainly strains of racism. Even though he broke barriers on MTV and radio, there was still a double standard in terms of how predominantly white music critics assessed him and his work. He was often dismissed as a "commercial" entertainer rather than an artist, which is a stereotype with a long racial history. Same with the perception that he was a singer, but not a songwriter. Same with "dance music/R&B" vs. rock. The assumption from some critics is that black artists aren't as cerebral or creative. Some people, including executives, were also threatened by his enormous success and power, particularly after his acquisition of the Beatles/ATV catalog. Of course, it's more complicated than just race, but there is no question for me that race played a part.

Lauren:  What do you think about the fans who have come together since Michael died, and their efforts to reinstate his character and name, and who are working hard to continue all aspects of his legacy?

Joe:  Michael has a very impressive and effective fan base when they put their minds to something. For those who think of Michael as a mere celebrity or pop star, it speaks volumes that his fans continue to fight for all the causes that were important to him, from social justice to peace to media fairness to environmental issues to children's rights. 

Lauren:  And lastly, what do you hope your readers learn and appreciate about Michael, and his body of work as revealed through your book?

Joe:  I want Michael to be recognized for what he was and is: one of the most significant artists of the past century. Hopefully the book gives people an in-depth window into why. 
Joseph Vogel
Department of English
University of Rochester
Rush Rhees 324
Rochester, NY 14627

By Lauren Trainor

All Rights Reserved.
No reproduction without permission from author.

This article appears in the publication Dot to Dot: Keeping Michael’s Legacy Alive, and its content is the property of the authors and the Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait. Articles and exclusive interviews are copyrighted; therefore there should be no republication without permission. You may email edito@michaeljacksontributeportrait.com with any requests for republication. If permission is given, credit must be given to the author, Dot to Dot: Keeping Michael's Legacy Alive and the Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait.

http://mjtpmagazine.presspublisher.us/

http://www.michaeljacksontributeportrait.com/