Our own Dolly Parton

The new Michael Jackson single was released this week. I think it's called "This is it". From the clip I heard on the radio, I have to say it reminds me of some of the ballads from the "Dangerous" album (the only Jackson album I remember being released when I was growing up). It really reminded me of "Heal the World" and "Hold Me" (the Free Willy song). For me, that's a good thing.
The other interesting thing they said was that the song was actually written by Paul Anka, and that he would be getting 50% of profits. I couldn't help thinking that he was our Dolly Parton. Let me explain. They're both people who've had their own careers as singers. But, who have probably made more money writing songs (or having their songs covered) by other singers. So for example, Dolly probably made an insane amount of money when Whitney Houston covered "I Will Always Love You", and when "Islands in the Stream" was remixed as "Ghetto Superstar". Paul's most well known song is probably "My Way" from Frank Sinatra. I wonder if he gets a cut every time someone sings it at karaoke!

Good Bye Michael

I wanted to wait until after the memorial to write this post, just to see how the observe how the world would choose to remember Michael Jackson. I've been glad to see that people have chosen to remember the music and joy that he brought, instead of the sadness and trials he had to endure. I didn't really consider myself a huge Jackson fan, and was surprised to find that he did indeed have an impact on my life, and that I do feel sadness at his passing. Growing up, the first Jackson album I remember, and bought, was Dangerous. But of course, even before that, as now, his music was always omnipresent. I believe that everyone is a Jackson fan, though they might not know it. As the news of his death spread, and the music channels dedicated themselves to his videos, I was rediscovered how much I had loved that album, and how those songs had been the soundtrack to an important part of my life. It reminded me of friends, and emotions that I had lost to time.
I was also very happy with the service today (minus Al Sharpton). Initially, when I heard that it would be at the Staples Center, I was worried that it was turning into a spectacle. But, it was beautiful. I was especially moved by Brooke Shields' words, they felt as if they were coming from a true friend. And I was so relieved to see what happened at the end of the memorial. When his daughter started to speak, I could see the family cocoon around her as she started to cry. Then to see Janet pull her in and hold her tight...I felt a sense of relief in knowing that the kids would not be lost in the shuffle and madness, that the family would be there.
Thanks for the magic.