The night I played piano for Michael Jackson
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Mona Lisa Mouallem
Associate Producer, Fareed Zakaria GPS
I am a huge lover of music. Like so many people around the globe, the soundtrack to my childhood was made up in good part of Michael Jackson’s records. My brother Joe and I danced to Thriller for hours on end in our living room. I understood, at a very young age, how talented Michael was and as I grew up I watched Michael continue to inspire millions in every corner of the planet with his unparalleled music, style and message.
So when people ask me ‘what is the greatest moment of your life thus far’, I do not hesitate for one moment: it was the night I got to play the piano for Michael Jackson.
Let me back up a little. Michael and my dad became friendly when he moved to New York in 2001 to record his album, Invincible. While I am well aware of the many controversies that surrounded Michael Jackson’s life, they had no bearing on the evenings that my family and I got to spend with him. My family was lucky enough to get to know him and his beautiful, lovely children, away from the flash of cameras and the chants of fans.
So, we were finishing up a home-cooked meal at my parents’ apartment and Michael, who knew I had played the piano since I was a child, asked me to play a piece for him. Of course I said yes, and of course it all seemed so surreal. I sat down at the piano and thought “How on earth does one entertain Michael Jackson? What could I possibly play for him?” I chose a Debussy piece - Deux Arabesques. It was the longest four minutes of my life, the most famous entertainer in the world listening intently with his eyes closed. As I finished the piece, I looked up at him for his reaction. My heart was POUNDING. My hands were visibly shaking. His eyes were still closed. He was silent. He then opened his eyes and said with enormous humility and a deep sincerity that still rings in my ear to this day, “Mona, thank you for that. Thank you thank you thank you.”
It was at that moment that I understood how unique this man was. He, the “King of Pop”, was sitting in the same living room where my brother and I had danced to his music videos in our childhood. And there he was, listening to me play with the same attentiveness that he would have given a concert pianist. And he listened, all the while playing wistfully with his daughter Paris’ hair, making sure she and her brother, Prince Michael, were listening, too. It was the first, strong indication of a truth that would be reinforced by other moments with Michael. With all the fame and fortune he had amassed, with all the clout he had in the industry, at the end of the day what mattered to him were the very fundamentals of life. He was kind, loving and incredibly modest. He absolutely adored his children and was zealous about raising them as good souls. He had tremendous respect and love for all kinds of music – pop, rock, classical, jazz – regardless of who was playing and where. And he was genuinely interested in the lives of others, and would gladly take a step back to let them shine, even if it was for only four minutes.
It is really difficult to imagine what the music industry would be like had he never existed. And it’s equally as difficult to imagine what lies ahead now that he’s no longer with us. But what I can say is that the world will never be the same without the great gift of his voice, his musicality and his unmistakable presence. So on behalf of all those who knew you either personally or through your incredible music: Michael, thank you. Thank you thank you thank you.
Thank you to my brother Joe for your help in conveying these memories. We can still dance to MJ in the living room.
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Filed under: 360° Radar • 360º Follow • Michael Jackson • Mona Lisa Mouallem |
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Anderson,
May you please share with us how is it that Michael Jackson's kids are White? I do not believe that he is these children's biological father. Why did he have to go so far to claim white kids as his and not blacks or mixed kids? I really believe that he had a major identity issue that stemmed from his childhood; issue that was never dealt with properly with the help of genuine advisors.
YES MARIA ! I SMELL A RAT TOO ! I strongly think the doctor and the 911 caller were behind his death too....
RIP SWEET MJ~~ I love you~Angela
I find it extremely sad that the news everyday is jackson this and jackson that when people are dying in the name of freedom in Iran make me sick to see us obsessed because of a singer here's a message to all the jackson fans look outside the world continues to go on so get over it and lets focus on whats really important
I am so sad and heart broken by the death of the legendary kind of pop Michael Jackson, but what hurts me even more is that it took his death for me to realize how much i really loved Michael. Michael Jackson was everybody's big brother, kids want to be like him and men want to be him. Michael Jackson touched a lot of souls... now it's time to pray for his soul.
God be with you Michael,
You will truly be missed
Rest In Peace
MICHAEL JACKSON YOUR LEGACY WILL LIVE FOREVER
I am still in denial of your death. Your big come back concert falls on my birthday July 13th I am so sad, but I'll still rememer you. I love you, but god loves you best.
Michael is a true superior dancer and a true nusic icon. the world will never see anything like this again. he will live on in our hearts forever.
AH
My brother and I were remembering the old days when we were listening to all of Michael's songs and I am telling you that he is what made my brother and I be as close as we are still today.
I really seriously feel that everything that Michael was put through in his life is what killed him, with the pain killers. Has anyone thought that maybe the pain he was trying to stop was all of the pain of his life, physical and emotional? Maybe if people would of just left him alone we would still have our Icon. Now his work will never be finished.
I know personally that the man I once wanted to marry is gone and I will never forget him and hopefully I will see him in heaven once again.
To his family I want to thank them for giving us such a beautiful and talented man, my prayers and hopes are with all of you.
There is speculation Michael Jackson reverted to Islam.
If thats true will the funeral be an Islamic one.
I have 2 questions, the first is, when the 911 dispatcher said to put Michael on the floor why didn't we hear the guy tell the doctor to do that? My next question is, since the doctor had been working on him and trying to revive him why didn't he ride in the ambulance with him so he could tell the hospital what all he tried or anything else that might help? Sounds like the good doctor and the guy that called 911 were both trying to hide something. My comment though is, think about this, Michael looked up to Elvis, he married Elvis' daughter, he was hooked on prescription drugs like Elvis and like Elvis he was planning another tour which also like Elvis he didn't get to make. Does any of this sound strange?
I've added this before,
but my sentiments are genuine..I grew up with Michael.....a great talent .....much maliined..... just refelect on what he gave us and if not for our persecution.... what we would have received!!!
The loss is truly ours!!!
RIP Michael
Absolutely beautiful Mona. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Hi Anderson.
I grew up with Michael....loved his music and moves!!
In recent TV reruns I've seen his talent and realise what made him the icon he was.....I only find myself missing what we would have received if we were only kinder and trusting of him...a man truly who was destroyed by runour and unsubstantited scandal!
Humanity needs to take a breather!!!
This man was truly a treasure which we again baited to an early grave!
May he RIP
Thankyou for all you gave us!!
Mr. Cooper, on the death of Mr. Michael Jackson, there is a problem with the person that made the 911 call. I wonder why he said "a gentlement", in his 911 call but, did not mention Michael Jackson's name. Don't you think, if Michael Jackson's name were to be mention in his 911 call, there would have been a fast dispatching of ambulance? I believed this was a delayed game by those that were arround Michael Jackson when he died.
Anderson, I follow most of what you do and love your take on life. Your coverage of New Orleans during and after Katrina was amazing and now you take another disastrous situation and make it into an amazing, wonderful story told from the heart. Michael Jackson was one of a kind and you were fortunate to have spent time with him and his children. Thank you for sharing love, kindness and gentleness to those who doubted his authenticity.
thank you for sharing the lovely moment that you have had with michael jackson .I am me to on the inpression that he was murdered this man had a great soul and would had done nothing to hurt anyone.we will always remember him.thank you michael for all the nice music that you left us
It is hard to imagine another artist like Michael Jackson in our lifetime. I will remember him for his music and talent. Music takes us to times in our life. I am happy that in the 1980s and 1990s there was Michael Jackson and his music to help recall the early milestones of my life.
What a wonderful, wonderful artist!
My thoughts are with his family. Peace Michael.
I grew up with the music of Michael and his brothers then later with Michael as a solo artist. I always believed in him and I never wavered.
He had an AWESOME spirit which is the product of a good SOUL. ..He had extraordinary talented and humility – a rare combination!
Americans broke that spirit and now they are trying to reconnect to a son they discard. It’s all good though, he is smiling down at America as they give up the Love that he deserved when he was alive.
There will never be another like him EVER!
His Music will live on in my heart.
RIP MJ.
the blog tells us how Michael Jackson inspired young people with his music, everything written above is real and how he was outside the camera...I myself grew up with his music being an 80's kid i used to play michael's thriller over and over again in my cassette player, i love his music and behind all the controversy over tha past year i always look at him with out most respect. you will never see him angered by all the wrong judgement people have acused him over the past years. he remained humble and calm gentle in many ways. how peaceful life on earth will be if we have a little of him within us.
its funny that he needs to die first before we again recognize his talent and him being a legend...Michael's life is over shadow with contorversies and difficulties but that doesnt change who he is and what he gave to the music world...
he did not make it to his final curtain call but am pretty sure he is at peace to where he is now, no more judgement only pure peace that he wished for...
My prayers are for you KING OF POP, i will be forever grateful to you for bringing music to my life...
Michael is a great loss to the world at an early age. He should be remembered for the good things he accomplished in his 50 years. Due to his fame he was always in the public eye – right or wrong, good or bad – and not all of it was true. I am sure very few pople know the real Michael. He possibly was hooked on pain meds and also might have increased the dosage on the same meds (with or without Dr Murrary's or any other Doctor's assistance) to get him through the preparations and rehersals for the "comeback" tour. Just going through a normal age process – a 50 year old cannot not perform as well as a 30 year old – and Michael was said to be a prefectionist and a true professional when it came to entertainment. Dr Murray might not have caused his death – maybe just the stress that Michael might have put on himself. Just living the life that Michael did – sure took its toll on him financially, physically, emotionally and mentally and maybe now he is at peace. The price of fame is not always good. I have fond memories of having met Michael Jackson after seeing his "Bad" concert tour in Kansas City in the late 80's. The day after the concert by sheer luck my son and I ran into him at Crown Center hotel. I was very impressed with the way Michael reacted. He was very sweet, polite and courteous when he spoke with us briefly and gave us his autograph. He was a gentleman and never let on he was to "good" to spare the time. I am sure that attitude was always there deep down. But I also feel several people just used Michael for their own selfish gains without regard to what it would or could do to Michael. In alot of ways he really might have been a lonely person. My heartfelt sincere regards to his family and children!
Dear CNN, I wanted to share my thoughts about Micheal Jackson’s death. I feel as everyone is just giving MJ another title to carry, I think everyone is so into blaming MJ for misuse of drugs that no one has given any thought of what really could have happened. I listened to the 911 call, and everyone is missing the main key to what could have happened. My question is, who ever was on the phone calling 911 talking to the Operater, Why is it that the Dr. that was with MJ didn’t even have common sence enough to put MJ on the floor before performing CPR. If you listen again to the 911 call, the operater told the person on the phone to tell the Dr. to put MJ on the floor. What kind of Dr. doesn’t know that? and then also it was told that MJ was given a shot of Demerol, why is that? if you are giving CPR to anyone, you NEVER give them a Narcotic. what I’m trying to say in all of this is, hasn’t MJ had enough Title’s to carry without giving him another Title of Drug Over Dose. The real question is, Who really gave MJ the Over Dose? We as people need to stop putting lable’s on people, and put the resonablity, and blam on the Dr’s. I pray for MJ’s family, and please let Micheal Jackson R.I.P.
K. Etheridge
The King of Pop now rests with the King of Rock; watched over by Charlie's Angel !!
Ricardo
Another Day Has Gone! And He is not alone! Pay close attention and listen carefully to the lyrics of Michael Jackson's songs. Every song explpains what's going on in this life and the world that live in.
My heart aches for the lost of a very important person in the world.
He's a superstar of stars, He is above all that. Michael Jackson will never be forgoten for his love. My condolences out to Jackson Family and his children. May God guide and protect you all.
I have been a fan of Michael Jackson since I was a little girl. As a Teenage his pictures were taped to my wall. I am 32 years old now. Michael Jackson has used his TALENTS ABOVE & BEYOND during his stay here on this earth. I am upset at how it appears, he left this world, like many-HOWEVER, I feel at peace knowing that his BEAUTIFUL SOUL is finally FREE from this CRUEL-CRUEL world we live in. Michael was a kind, giving, caring soul of a person, that was often MISUNDERSTOOD on so many levels in this society we live in. He will be missed- but he has left a HUUUUUGE BODY OF WORK, & a HUUUGE LEGACY behind for us to remember him by. There will NEVER be another. He was LOVED WORLD WIDE-A GLOBAL ICON.
My prayers & heartfelt SYMPATHY goes out to his entire family, close friends & associates.
You know, Michael a great entertainer, no doubt about it, and accomplished many great achievements, but let's not forget two other people died last wee. Farah Fawcett was every young man's dream. Millions and Millions of posters adorned the walls of many a young men idolizing this goddess of the 70’s. I also feel that we cannot forget about McMahon as well. One of the greatest talk show sidekicks that ever played the role. Thirty plus years this guy entertained us all during the late night hours.
I feel we are spending too much time with Michael and not enough time with Farah and Ed. These two contributed just as much time in the industry as Michael and have made their marks in their quests for fame and success.
I say to CNN and all the other news outlets, let’s start spending some equal time and use some of that tape and energy with tributes to the others. I think it’s time to start being objective
Dear CNN, I wanted to share my thoughts about Micheal Jackson's death. I feel as everyone is just giving MJ another title to carry, I think everyone is so into blaming MJ for misuse of drugs that no one has given any thought of what really could have happened. I listened to the 911 call, and everyone is missing the main key to what could have happened. My question is, who ever was on the phone calling 911 talking to the Operater, Why is it that the Dr. that was with MJ didn't even have common sence enough to put MJ on the floor before performing CPR. If you listen again to the 911 call, the operater told the person on the phone to tell the Dr. to put MJ on the floor. What kind of Dr. doesn't know that? and then also it was told that MJ was given a shot of Demerol, why is that? if you are giving CPR to anyone, you NEVER give them a Narcotic. what I'm trying to say in all of this is, hasn't MJ had enough Title's to carry without giving him another Title of Drug Over Dose. The real question is, Who really gave MJ the Over Dose? We as people need to stop putting lable's on people, and put the resonablity, and blam on the Dr's. I pray for MJ's family, and please let Micheal Jackson R.I.P.
K. Etheridge
Micheal Jackson was a good singer but undeniably a better dancer a majestic performer on the stage.
.I love 4 5 of his songs but i think it`s wrong to compare him to Elvis Priestley and Beatles.His talent wasn`t great as his predecessors,neither can stay with a star like Freddie Mercury leader of Queen,or Elton John,or Sinatra,Nat Cole and others belonging to the black background .
The definition of King of Pop maybe is pretentious excessive.He sold hundred of milions of disks,but if there are only the money as measure to deem a singer we wouldn`t go so far.Think about Spice Girl Take That,and the generation of Disney singers Britney Spears Justin Timbelake etc..
I think anyone of you could agree to carry them on the list of the top singers in the Music`s History.
His music is bound to the 80`s and the in early 90`s.His legacy is bound to the numbers of imatators like Beyonce and other minor figures,who dance and sing like him with less skill and talent.
The Media/Fame caused hius untimly death.
All of a sudden no one care about his controversaies.
It has always been about his music.
The Family should mount a concert with all of them and use mIchaels image as has been done at other concerts. (like Madonna and justin)
His rehearsals for his english tour should be released
and the media should concentrate on the good
He belonged to us for 50 years, now he belongs to the ages... My heart is broken.
I wrote a story about being a friend of michaels when I was in 1st grade. So sad was his fall from grace, that a 1/2 a billion or unsavory life choices would be the demise of a talent so artistic as Michael's. I think his death shows us we're all human, but mistakes made will haunt our legacies. I hope he finds peace in the afterlife.
Anderson- All you have been doing is reporting on Micheal Jackson four the last three nights. Don't you think its time to remeber FarrahFawcett now? Shewas famous just like Micheal Jackson. Fan of Farrah Fawcett -Paul -Texas
I just want to thank Mr. Jackson for all his many years of helping us to lift up our souls, to cry a little, to ponder the realities of our own lives and to at times be frightened just a little by the thrill of life. As he raised our souls through his music and the giving of himself in entertaining us for a while, to give us a release and break from our burdens my prayer for him is: (if you feel compelled to pray with me please do so)
"Saints of God , come to his aid. Come to meet him Angel of the Lord Receive his soul and present him to God the most high
May God who called you take you to himself and my angles lead you to the bosum of Abraham.
Receive his soul and present him to God the most high.
Give Michael Eternal rest O Lord and may your light shine on him for ever
Receive his sould and present him to God the most high.
All powerful And merciful God,
we commend to you, Michael, our brother your servant
In your mercy and love.
forgive any sins he may have committed through human weakness.
In this world he has died, let him live with you for ever and ever.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Amen
The parade of celebrities and celebrity wanna-bes professing their love for and friendship with Michael Jackson is both pathetic and shameful!
Friends don’t sit back and do nothing when they know that their friend is hurting (even destroying) themselves!
Friends don’t ignore their friend’s cries for help!
To do so and then, after that person’s demise, profess how close they were with the deceased and how much they cared for the deceased is shameful!
As a journalist, the questions you should be asking these so-called “friends” are “If you were Michael Jackson’s friend, why didn’t you do or say anything to try to help him?” and “With friends like you, who needs enemies?”
First of all my condolence to the family. I was born in 1960, so I grew up on the Jackson Five music. I remember my friend and I use to argue about who boyfriend Michael is. My bedroom wall was cover with the Jackson Five posters, especially Michael's. In the early years I stayed writing Michael fan letters, telling him how much I love him. I had all his songs and tried to copy his dancing as well. Michael Jackson was and always will be the "KING OF POP." Michael is a giant among giants, and always will be in my heart. Michael's gone but never will be forgotten. His music and dancing will live with me forever. I can visualize MJ moonwalking across heaven. RIP Michael Joe Jackson.
A lot of people think he wanted to be white. I believe he to be Peter Pan. If you take a picture of Michael Jackson and Peter Pan, they look exactly alike. That's why they both had Neverland. Never wanting to grow up, only to stay as innocent as a kid. I believe he did it. Thanks to his legacy, he will live forever.
Nice work, Mona. Very enjoyable article. I shared it with my boyfriend Ryan, and we appreciate you sharing your story. May Michael rest in peace...
I wish to join those who will miss Michael Jackson very much.
I believe not enough was done in the media to focus on the good Michael did in this world. I believe he just grew weary of all the negative comments and misunderstandings. His life was not his own
from the time he was a child; he was in the trap of fame.
Thank you Michael for everything you have given us. When you titled your last concert tour "This Is It" we did not realize what you were telling us.
The king of pop he is not dead he is sleeping he was a man of god evil persons are dead.Michael was a great man i like the way how he did the moon walk.
I am surprised that CNN has made but only one mention of the death of Farrah Fawcett, a great human being. That being said, I grew up with Michael Jackson's music and liked it as well as anyone else. I was, however, under the impression that CNN is a news station and all I have seen is repeat news with not much to tell. When you have all the facts then report it, if not, you should be focusing on all the other news that your viewers watch for. I have turned CNN off for now, even I need a break, how about you guys?
That was a great story. It makes me sad that these simple things are not focused on more often. I really wished I saw him in concert, but his music will forever live on. I still can't believe that he's gone. It's so surreal.
Mona–What a blessing indeed, thank you for sharing! Praise God for giving us Michael for 5o years and may he wrap his loving arms around and protect Michaels' children.
Great story. I would really like to see either you or someone find and do an indepth interview with Rod Temperton. He wrote Thriller, Off the Wall, Rock with you and many songs for Michael Jackson that changed music forever. He's a British guy who is now probably in his 70's and still living and I believe still writing as he wrote for artist like Tamia and Angie Stone.
Great story, He will truly be missed but the more hurtful part is that these so called close family freinds and attorneys try to taint his memory with statements of a drug addiction . If they were so concerned why wait until he deceased to speak about it? can we just reflect on how great he was in all his God given talent and allow his children, family and true fans to mourn and celebrate his life.
This is a remarkable, beautirully written tribute to this man. Thanks for sharing it with all of us.
Why did the Dr. try to administer CPR to Michael while he was on the bed? Even 911 operators know the first thing you do before administrating CPR is lay the person on a hard surface.
Also, if he was Michael's Dr. why wouldn't he have gone with Michael in the ambulance? Leaving the scene like he did looks very strange to say the least. Barbara
A unique story and beautiful tribute! Thank YOU!
Dear Mona, that was very moving. I wish I could have met him. The world has lost a wonderful person. He was wronged in so many ways, and I feel incredibly guilty now because I,too, have made fun of him at one point or another. But I always thought he was a good person who wants to spread love and joy. He lacked the right friends, but it seems at least a few people, like your family, gave him the freedom to be himself. Thank you.
Lovely story, brought tears to my eyes 🙂
Oh! Micheal, what a complete Artist.
He did not even spare himself, I mean his body when it comes to creativity. He was amazing and awesomely creative.
You will notice that, when an album was released, it came with a new body.
That to me is creativity not a matter of trying to be white or black. I will continue to miss you, the music and your legacy.
Thank you, Mona. What a beautiful story to share with us.
Having been a prosecutor (and now retired), I had questions about Mr. Jackson and his activities. Yet I was floored to learn of his death yesterday–learning the lesson once more that Life can change in an instant. I was saddened as I recalled interviews I had watched, when he spoke of the beatings he endured and the endless rehearsals in order to be successful. And, in the end, the man was pursued and had only the peace he could eke out for himself and his children. It is a tragedy–my husband was shocked to hear that I had considered him a genius: Mr. Jackson certainly was innovative, insightful, and wonderfully talented. As for the trial, a jury found him not guilty. And that is that. Life was not kind to Mr. Jackson. He had a heart and a soul that called out for goodness. Hopefully his children will be given the peace and acceptance that were denied their father.