Robert Hilburn remembers Michael Jackson

[@DaniMacYo]

Some people expect Michael Jackson to sing songs like he did in the 70’s and early 80’s forever. The man changed, he got older his voice changed and he wanted to do other things. He truly showed his abilities and ranged after Thriller. Bad, Dangerous, HIStory, Blood On the Dance Floor and Invincible are freakin incredible albums and so personal. Michael is not the type to stay the same all the time, he always wanted to try different things. I like this interview and the guy genuinely cares for Michael. But MJ is not gonna keep singing Off the wall and Thriller forever ya know. I truly love that MJ branched out and showed us how awesome and BAD ass he can be. I love the classics but the 80’s 90’s and 00’s MJ music are absolutely amazing. King Of POP Forever.

[@danielraymadden]

Dont drink this guys vomit he was paid to say certain things you were decieved.

[@Snyper1405]

MJ will always be the best and I'm glad that there are some loyal friends still standing by the king of pop

[@wilmmerwest3876]

That is the truth and people can’t accept that MJ would change the music year after year???

[@dianaspeechless]

*MICHAEL 👑 JACKSON*

[@1nikitawhite]

Great jazz artists recorded his music, I'm a jazz singer I sing his music. He's beyond a pop icon. Barry Gordy made sure his artists all could sing jazz including Michael. He met everyone from Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Bob Marley, Frank Sanarta and he was influenced by them all. Check out when he was a kid singing, " It Was A Very a good Year!" Or "When I was 17!" He was 9 or 10 singing that, jazz like a real jazz singer on the Ed Sullivan Show!! This guy here trying to Suger coat his relationship with MJ. Last conversation with him he hung up on him! I don't think he's appreciate this KZbin post either! MJ was is and always will be musical genius and had the musical ability to change with the times and he did! He was always current. Don't forget he was writing for many new young artiststs as well. Look at Beyonce', should I name anymore. He was her hero. Listen to all these little boy groups from China, Europe, Africa, Ireland Germany Russia, Egypt, India boy and girl groups all over the freaking world who studied MJ's singing, dancing and style, you can see it and hear it in their music. What is he talking about. Just look at NSYNC or InSync...don't know how they spell their name, Justin Bieber, Justin Timberlake, Ronin Thicke, give me a break. MJ's alive well and kicking ass all over the globe!

[@SunnyDays70s]

“I want to fulfill God’s purpose’. That’s the true MJ.

[@louisech1963]

I met Michael in Orlando. He was wearing a disguised so, I wasn't real sure if was him or not at first. The description you made of him is exactly how I felt when I met him. He told me he could grant me one wish. My answer was simply this: I really hope you can find the happiness you crave so much. I thought he was about to cry when I told him that. In 1995, he was still loved by so many people. He was still very much a star but at the same time he was trying to build a life of his own.

[@MJafro]

It hurts me that Michael got hurt ;c I feel really sad. Michael was a hard workin boy/man and did not deserve to be treated like that ;( He only wanted to make us happy.

[@afreenfirdos7837]

These guys are real jealous, absolutely Michael Jackson is the most hardworking man in the music industry, nobody can dance like him nobody can sing like him nobody can write lyrics like Michael... those critics were blind I will say caz they cannot see that Michael put his heart and soul into each and every work he has done. Michael is the nicest person in the world

[@preetis6]

This was really sweet! Poor Michael..always wanting to please...drugs didn't kill that man...the world did.

[@66treetop]

he was murdered

[@aroundtheworld7489]

👍

[@robindore258]

@@66treetop yes he was, my friend said that too me and I didn't believe it then I did some research and he was.

[@Karazorel.Ms.PG1]

@@66treetop that worthless piece of trash monster who never should been a dr or in the medical field. Read he did not even give his money to support all his kids. Evil monster. MJ is nothing like that monster.

[@HarriBestReactions]

Its a joke to say he didnt put his heart in the music..Stick to journalism..it doesnt make you an artist! Michael's feeling towards his music and the art of making it never changed.His heart was always in it

[@antinettefriday668]

I disagree with him saying MJ was only making music for the fame and money he didn't care about that, he just wanted to create good music. MJ gave so much money away. Love you MJ forever!!!!

[@Elena-er7zp]

MJ did care about fame. Fame meant love to him. It’s how he got love.

[@globalcitizenn]

@@Elena-er7zp MJ cared about love. He got fame coz he put love into everything he did. He would give up fame in an instant for love. In fact he was constantly trying to retire & switch careers to movies or move abroad. After thriller he said his dream was to marry Diana Ross, give everything up & move to Switzerland. He disappeared from public eye in the later years of his life. He didn’t want to famous personally, he just didn’t want his art & contribution to be forgotten

[@patriciatare8128]

@@Elena-er7zp I understand why you think this foolish!!!

[@patriciatare8128]

Exactly he became more professional in his art and work!!!. His voice and music still sounds fresh and divine!!!. One part of being a great artist is the ability to adapt to changes and Michael was a great innovator.

[@Godwill3]

invincible was one of his greatest albums, he gave his heart in that album he never lost it, ya just didnt wanna see it.

[@mjlives5428]

Agree!

[@BlackDollNerd73]

He did give his heart like always and it showed just how a wear mike was when it came to the music seen during the early 2000s. It was gravitating more towards the hip pop genre and Mike was aware of it, a few songs on the Invincible album had a very strong hip-hop feel to it. Invincible may not be my absolute favorite album but I do enjoy listening to the album whenever I have time for myself.

[@Ahuromazda]

I agree with you that he never lost it but I dont agree that Invincible was his best work or even a very great album. On many songs on that album you can't even hear it's MJ singing. And 2000 Watts, Privacy are really shit.

[@amandaguarini2472]

No... He had lost the magic by then.. None of the songs from Invincible became classics...

[@mrs.sarahjackson1666]

Guys, 'You Rock my World' was on Invincible and that totally became an instant classic! Heartbreaker, Invincible, Break of Dawn, were great songs... Idk what y'all are talking about...

[@44krazzy]

with due respect, Sir MJ's music was and always will be magical. We could use some of that magic in today'r troubled world

[@kikka7391]

Yes very true !! Now 2023 Michael 's music and messages in his songs iare even more actual than ever!! He iis truly eternal!!! A LEGEND

[@ANITACHEONG-em8mt]

With you

[@terrencemalbrough1173]

The Jacksons was never over. They had hits on the Black charts often.

[@LookingGlass24]

This guy was clueless about a whole lot of things. Pitiful video. He betrayed MJ. He was one of those journalists whose comments killed our Michael.

[@Abraham_Tsfaye]

I miss Michael so much. Here in Ethiopia we have 112m people and everyone knows Michael.

[@The12mjac]

Though this video clip is interesting I disagree with how his music after the Thriller album weakened. MJ’s music is of a different level and of course, each album has it’s own heart to it. You can’t make an album with the same content/theme. His Bad album showcases his other side, how he can be rough and tough. The Dangerous album tries to explore a wider audience, the HIStory album is somehow his most personal-you’ve-reached-my-boiling-point album. Focusing more on the issues happening not just in his life but in general. The Invincible album showcases his loving and calm side. So, no. The albums after Off The Wall and Thriller aren’t lacking of heart. If you really knew MJ’s journey you would then appreciate the albums he released from the very first up to the last one. The only weak music MJ had where the albums released by the estate after his death since most of the songs were unfinished, some of them, MJ decided to not include on his previous albums (when he was still living since he didn’t like them etc.) But though the Michael and Xscape album were released some of the songs on those tracks are far better than the current songs of today to be honest.

[@joshuafakunmoju9582]

Very well said 💖

[@yvonneasante3331]

​@@joshuafakunmoju9582EXACTLY 👏🏾👍🏾

[@ayaanbretmitchell9830]

MJ was so damn smart. The fact he was adamant he didn't want to give too much of himself away- which increased his mysteriousness. We all know his soft voice wasn't his real voice but that too was part of his persona. To have that mental maturity at such a young age literally for the progression of his legacy is astounding.

[@plamen69]

Michael... the one and only

[@gertrudeowusu-agyei5300]

What is he talkin about?! Michael has always been in touch with his innocence...he only grew older and still was pure

[@fk8395]

Michael was an angel on earth.

[@cuisinerene7156]

What happens in a person's life from childhood to adolescence can be very crucial. I think he just needed good counseling and therapy to work through all that period. I admire his heart.

[@Div-8739]

I can resonate with Michael on the difficult of having real friends and difficulty in making them.

[@EllaJay]

You really can't resonate with Michael Jackson, only the likes of Elvis could. It's very narcissistic to make everything about you.

[@cherryannelupena3459]

being famous doesnt mean that you're not human...others treated him as a machine they didnt knew that MJ also got hurt emotionally and physically the man sufferred a lot ..despite of all the good things and intentions he gave to others they've betrayed and crushed him..his children was the one who really gave him a true happiness and who truly loved him

[@momsspaghetti2246]

I learned a lot about him through this interview. Thank you.

[@ginadeeable]

Its so sad how everybody in his industry has something to say and judge about Michael Jacksons life, and Michael Jackson, had not anything to say about anyone of them ever and I never heard ever of Michael jackson judging and badmouthing anyone (except for his fight with Sony).THese people always wanted and needed something with MJ. If they asked who truly knows his magic and effect in people- which is us who loves and adores him and his music- and not the these industry people who r envious.

[@margarethalusyeanggina9538]

So true

[@afreenfirdos7837]

Everyone judged Michael Jackson but Michael never judged anybody... I think this why Michael was unique, he was a wonderful wonderful person. I think people should be that way.. dont judged anybody it may be hurting for someone... I love Michael. Michael was great always. Michael is forever

[@margarethalusyeanggina9538]

@@afreenfirdos7837 , so why He was a Gift from God. MJ forever

[@juliecote7479]

What makes my heart break for him is that he thought that if he wasnt as great as he was in his last tours that people wouldn't love him and think he wasnt as great as he once was..I think that is an impossible standard! We would of loved him no matter what he did!! And he would of been magnificent because thats who and what he was, a perfectionist..It still would of been magical..I cant remember but I think it was his friend Mark Lester whi said that Michael was so nervous to do the press conference in London to announce the concerts that he didn't think he would be as welcomed and revered as he was on his last performances..After he did the press conference he was so happy because of course the fans showed up for him and he was very overwhelmed!! We loved him no matter what.Our love for him was unconditional!!❤❤

[@eunicemifima5183]

We love you Michael ❤❤

[@Corina_Christina_Scordalides]

❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️First of all MJ was magical on and off stage. His aura and those big beautiful eyes full of artistry and sensitivity were out of this planet. Secondly he was born an artist and his creativity was divine! Thirdly all those journalist and critics really knew nothing about him because they didn’t have the quality to recognize MJ’s divers and remarkable soul. ❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️

[@bluerachael1979]

@strangefruit64 Michael is very intelligent! He didn't cow down to anybody. He kicked their ass without even trying. He made music and smart business decisions. Artist today invest their money in nonsense. MJ was very different. He had a mission in life. His ideas and believes fascinates me. I could listen to the man talk about music and art forever. This is why I don't understand why interviewer choose to ask him absurd questions about his personal life instead of his music and philosophy

[@elizabethsestina7828]

This man gave everything to entertained us, but the world so cruel to Michael. The people behind him were evil, corrupt, all they wanted was to destroy him, not only money, the catalog, the fame, the envy, the hatred, etc. Because they can't fool Michael, because he is genius. Now that Michael passed away you're happy, but your time will come soon, you gonna pay all what you did in hell, you have a place there. Rest in peace Michael you are now in better place. And no one can destroy you. I miss and love you so much.

[@PrabhsimranSingh15]

I have literally no words to describe the sadness that lurked and haunted Michael Jackson's life, as described by Robert Hilburn

[@LookingGlass24]

Robert Hilburn had a twisted perspective of his own though. He beber understood MJ. He used him is what he did and saw just what was in front of his nose. No discernment. No true understanding.

[@Conceptcreator]

About albums after thriller, do not agree with his statement at all!

[@OasisJones]

Of course you don’t! To you, Michael could do absolutely no wrong!

[@esterwieseler546]

Thanks for share ❤ June 2023 !!

[@broadaorb]

Thank you for sharing this. Michael the person is who I miss the most. Of course he is a talented artist,, but it was his real self that touched me the most deeply. I am happy to see more glimpses of the real Michael.

[@misfrancis09]

im so sad now but he seemed to really like mj but i disagree with his comment about mj later music he was always MAGICAL to me R.I.P SWEET ANGEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Carousel5883]

I think because it didn't get same attention and recognition.He was always great .BAD, Dangerous and History were amazing.And If he tot MJ lost his credibility he obviously never heard Invincible.but of course that's Sony's fault.

[@Djauntywanker]

His music after thriller was fricken awesome …. This old guy don’t know nothin

[@OasisJones]

Some singles were but not whole albums anymore. He has an opinion that you don’t like. Eat shit.

[@jan5262]

In the foreword of Michael's autobiography, one of the editor's of his book said they (her and Jackie Onassis) visited Michael in California. She said he was a gracious host with impeccable manners, although a bit shy, and very intelligent. I don't know what Robert Hillburn is saying when he said Michael ran to his room and he had to conduct the meeting. He was not even mentioned in the foreword. The editor said they were greeted by Michael, his mother, and his sisters Janet and Latoya.

[@Elena-er7zp]

You’re kidding right? Jackie O met Michael when he was an adult. This guy met him when he was a child. Y’all always trying to hate in everyone.

[@mjlives5428]

He didnt pay 47 thousand for the Beatles catalog lol...He paid 47 million!

[@2damnfunny]

Not a bad interview but I disagree with 'Drive to be No. 1'.. Michael Jackson grew up, made music that reflected what he wanted and is the only artist to have all his adult contemporary albums sell more then 20 millions copies each (Invincible sold 14 million). Michael Jackson grew up and made music that he wanted. He used New Jack Swing, house remixes, a little R & R, hip hop and of course R & B. It may not be your style, but it was successful. You can only make history once.

[@OasisJones]

You’re just wrong, he was only concerned about being number one. That’s why his music eventually suffered.

[@tnr1173]

In some aspects this interview was nice. HOWEVER, how dare Mr. hilburn even suggest that Michael didn't put enough heart in his music after Thriller. that he was JUST concerned with being number one. it's no secret MJ wantedthat no. 1 spot and keep it but he always poured his heart and soul into what he did. It was an insult to suggest otherwise, ESPECIALLY not being a fan and/or musician. ppl became despondent with MJ was because of the controversey which was all false.

[@jeanannleone7242]

you are absolutely correct. You listen to those individuals who worked with him in the studio, and they all talk about his perfectionism, and how hard he worked. No one worked harder than Michael.

[@deanellison9206]

It isnt about heart, its about being true. There is no doubt that after Dangerous, the quality of his music seriously decreased. Imagine putting Is It Scary next to Billie Jean..........all of his later work was a desperate rehash of his older work........Ghosts / Thriller.......You Rock My World / Smooth Criminal. He chased success, rather than true art

[@tnr1173]

Dean Ellison the very definition of it being true is that it comes from the heart. The whole point is to say MJ didn’t half ass his music. Whether it declined in quality (that’s debatable) or not. The fact is he was TRUE to his music and out his heart into it.

[@r.o1449]

@@deanellison9206 you rock my world is one of his top songs

[@captainpawpawchannel]

I agree with him, at a certain point MJ wanted to be number one, not make the best music, these are 2 different things, I personally don't like what he has done after Thriller even though there are good things

[@smitmarv]

Thanks for sharing! This really touched my heart. I sure do really miss Michael and always will! God bless you.

[@NeilHynes]

Such a straight talker. Thanks for making this. Well made and no interruptions, great flow.

[@rosmariegisin4475]

Por Michael thats the true we all love you Michael well never forget you King of Pop and Angel for this World thank you for this Videos 🙏⚘️❤️👏💯😢

[@bigvinamac]

personally, michael's music still was the shit regardless of what he did. i hate it when people say that he tried too hard or sound too commercial. his music embraced all cultures and wanted to be different and his bad album was way better than thriller if we really want to go there. his sound and style was a lot different and the fact it had 5 number 1 singles should tell you something. especially from a black man he wanted to be different and not be the same ol' R&B singer.

[@dallastexxasss8260]

I let this old white dude slip and say the 1st time that the jacksons was not popular in the 70's and then he said it again, so now here i am. the jackson's was the most popular band in the 70's

[@Elena-er7zp]

sales don’t back that up. in fact the Jacksons nor the Jackson 5 even crack the list of the Top 50 Selling Artists of the 1970s. They basically ended up doing TV shows, making appearances on variety shows and then a corny Las Vegas show.

[@victoriakawesa3558]

Yes, but still they were popular, especially as black royalty.

[@matrix2297]

This was very telling to me, especially the part about Michael hanging up the phone. Michael would get portrayed as being defensive and brutal when it came to hearing something he didn't like, and while I'm not suggesting he was perfect or that there weren't occasions where he acted hastily, I think this is the kind of bs he dealt with constantly where he would realise people couldn't admit to fault and he'd cut them off. This man knew Michael since he was young, was trusted by Michael and instead of acting in integrity, became another contributor to the anti MJ conspiracy that began at the time of Thriller's success. Those papers painted him INTENTIONALLY as a freak which became the bedrock for the public so easily believing the allegations. No person with a decent ear for music can say his music ever declined...his last album was incredible and sounds as fresh today (since no one in Pop has been very innovative since) as it did when it was recorded in the late 90s. You can't just keep producing 80s sounds into new decades I mean?! And I also disagree about his send off....he absolutely DID redeem himself to the naysayers. He exited the stage of life undefeated by the media's horrendous character assassination of him and sold out 50 shows like he was the hottest artist of the moment, and when he passed the whole world went into a state of shock and collective mourning. One day the truth of what happened to him will come to light.

[@rupinderh01]

I agree with you!! I made a comment on the man in the mirror offical video with something similar

[@LookingGlass24]

I salute your comment! Well said! I commented here about how wrong Robert Hilburn was about MJ. He was clueless as to who MJ was. He was the one of those in the media that destroyed Michael. He doesn’t get it, and probably never will.

[@matrix2297]

Thanks Olhos, I completley agree. As the saying goes, "Light attracts light. But sometimes your light attracts moths and your warmth attracts parasites."

[@patriciatare8128]

You're so correct!!!. You noticed this like what the heck is this man saying?. He is saying rubbish!!!

[@jfacts2113]

I wouldn't call not talking to someone anymore brutal . He was non confrontational and if he thought someone was his enemy he simply stopped talking to them.

[@nicholeandalby]

Wow the insight. He wanted to be magical so much for us and thats what his life became about but for Robert to say he was the most magical when he was helping kids really strips him of all of the outside stuff talent, celebrity and gets down to what really matters about being a human being

[@patrickhurley7029]

Really helps give closure. We all love you, Michael- we’ll never forget you

[@bluerachael1979]

@strangefruit64 That is the power of the American dream. You can be who ever you want but don't be too smart or use your power. You should know your place in life. MJ was larger than life and did things his way...this made him a target. Only a racist, narrow minded society would find wrong with MJ purchasing the Beatles catalog. To them he was over stepping his power and he didn't know his place as a black man. In American music history only whites could own music catalogs.

[@victoriakawesa3558]

And then married Elvis daughter. But she was so stupid LMP that she believed the lies, that he only wanted her child because she is Elvis daughter. Am glad MJ never really trusted her again when she refused to have kids, despite them being married. What a joker LMP is.

[@phattebytch]

I disagree about Michael's later work lacking heart and soul (it was always evident to my ears) but that was a nice tribute.

[@raymondpenrose3977]

Thank You for sharing your story. It is good to know that Michael Jackson was surrounded by good people as yourself.

[@ashdalus7724]

Thank you for your kind words for Michael Jackson

[@kanyabaurofficial9068]

Michael jackson dangerous, history and invcible michael jackson was tackling big social themes and where the problem comes. They do not want someone to cause awareness so they ruined his reputation

[@fansjeovannamichaeljacksonfans]

Michael jackson I remember Michael Jackson and I always will

[@evans4you]

"was it an escalator? what was that" LOL!!!!

[@bluerachael1979]

@strangefruit64 Berthold Brecht said...Art is not a mirror held up to reality, but a hammer with which to shape it. What music lacks today is hammer to shape it and what writers like Hilburn don't understand is a true artist must shape and reshape his art. He can't create in order to fit in one box. It is an artist right to see beyond the box. James Baldwin said...The purpose of art is to lay bare the questions that have been concealed by the answers. MJ did just that in his music.

[@OasisJones]

Michael didn’t make true art, he made great pop music that became spotty after Thriller. He wasn’t tapping into any zeitgeist beyond the surfaces.

[@ginadeeable]

What is he talking about the innocence of michael was getting lost in his music just right after Thriller...! Old geezer...he doesnt know what hes' talking about when it comes to his music. Why do these people talk as if its everybodys thinking...ask the fans instead idiotic media. Ask the fans and you will truly know what made Michael jackson so loved and famous!

[@doctorsouly]

wow - that's hard - to have been with him so closely and to have that be your final conversation... like the greatest artist/entertainer/human of all time... i wouldn't be able to deal with it...

[@bluerachael1979]

@strangefruit64 You know the music writers didn't understand him because he didn't fit into their views of artist. MJ didn't make music for the mainstream. He created as artist not for the radio stations or writers. They wanted him to fit into this box and when he didn't they attacked him...the same goes for the media/tabloids. He was an unconventional celebrity because he wasn't interested in being a celebrity or the hollywood celebrity scene...he was more interested in creating great music.

[@oathoak6573]

Michael Jackson the king i love...live forever and ever...😚😚

[@peterpatton2867]

Oh my gosh! That's terrible! That dialogue was hurtful about Michael.🥺

[@michaelj.smithph.d.9114]

Boy that was great! As a SoCali guy I grew up reading Hilburn; didn't always like what he had to say or his points of view but he is a legend in rock journalism. I remember he loved just about everything from Springsteen, U2, and Prince....didn't know how close he was to Michael. Learned alot from this video.

[@abbeycodi3875]

4:27 wow, that’s heartbreaking :(

[@bobbymarsh1]

Beetles we’re not better than J5❤ this guy is delusional and the nerve to listen to someone and then print some bs then have the audacity to try and get MJ to affirm it; MJ didn’t die he was killed. He will forever be the greatest entertainer

[@rupinderh01]

Paul McCartney and yoko ono had a long time and opportunity to buy the beatles catalogue..but it was too expensive for them, so they passed it up. Yoko actually wanted mj to have it rather than record executives

[@nithaallea4045]

Its imposible to not love him, really. 😭

[@Wondertroy1TV]

The Jacksons never fell off at best there have been a lull for two albums on Motown other than that they toured the world and sold millions of records on Epic, TV shows, Vegas, endorsements etc

[@allthingscreative1631]

Everyone wanted him to be a little kid forever his music grew and just because it wasnt your personal taste you insult him that? That is terrible michael wrote great songs about things that people would have thought to write about and perfected his craft He didnt deserve that I like this recap but i wouldhave loved it if i heard one less person tore him down

[@nicoleleecaudil4047]

Happy Birthday to our king:)

[@mikesmythe5448]

Michael was the greatest,he always was.

[@TejrupKulkarni]

He had his heart in every song he did..You are the one who is judging it by record sells..Coz may be yoh don't understand music. Michael was too ahead of the time..You will understand him better as days pass by.. Everybody, almost Every celebrity loves MJ and gets inspiration for him to make music. And you say this stuff..he was this and that..Plz respect the greatest entertainer ever lived.

[@ziky2967]

Michael Jackson said Britney Sprears didn't know the power of mystery

[@OasisJones]

And then he ends up dying because he felt he needed to conceal what he thought was ugliness inside him.

[@LeLouvre634]

​@@OasisJoneswhat are talking about ?.🤔

[@OasisJones]

@@LeLouvre634 he felt he needed to create a mysterious persona to be attached to and loved, because he was taught as a kid that he was ugly on the outside and his only worth inside was being a great performer.

[@madakiphilomina03]

​@@OasisJonesdid Michael Jackson tell you that? How old are you

[@bluerachael1979]

@strangefruit64 I totally agree with you. MJ wasn't a convenient artist. His music and dance wasn't convenient and instead of listening to music people like Hilburn attack it. You're right Hilburn opinions are narrow-minded.

[@bluerachael1979]

This is why I don't like most music writers. MJ did care about his music. He wrote majority of his songs. No idiot MJ wasn't making music to appeal to the Radio stations or to beat Thriller. He was proud of every album he made. If this guy needs to take the time to listen to his other albums without his bias views. If MJ cared what writers and Radio station thought he would have made the same music over and over again. The fact every album was different is part of what made him the greatest.

[@OasisJones]

So he’s an idiot because he disagrees with you and is telling the truth from his perspective? The music was NEVER the same after Thriller, that’s just a fact. You people are pathetic in your attempts to shield Michael from any criticism whatsoever. Just because he was dedicated doesn’t mean his music didn’t slip into calculated and self absorbed. It’s truly remarkable what the cult of personality does to you.

[@emmaponymous]

This man really saw Mike. He gets it, he gets him. And that probably scared the hell out of Mike even though it's exactly what he needed more of: to be seen and understood, to be treated like a human being-- magical, unbelievably talented, hardworking, and compassionate-- but a human being. Thank you for this interview.

[@LookingGlass24]

It’s completely the opposite. This guy never understood Michael. He was one of those journalists who destroyed MJ with his obtuse and narrow thinking. Don’t you get it?? His interpretations are typical “Republican” thinking-biased, unintelligent and zero critical thinking skills. This guy betrayed MJ. And Michael never completely trusted him and rightfully so, albeit there was some trust offered there at the beginning. It takes much deeper analysis to understand Michael Jackson. This interviewer couldn’t see past his nose. Pfft.

[@finderkeeperrrs]

Nahhh 😂 he doesn't know what he is talking about about Mike's later music

[@Siri_Duffa]

Haha! The Beatles catalogue for $47,000??. More like $47,000,000! Slight difference there.

[@bluerachael1979]

@strangefruit64 By focusing on his private life they hoped to discredit him. It didn't work because his private life was beautiful & no one really cared to know except for those who have a liking to Celebrity person's life. They can't touch him when it comes to music so personal life was all that was left to go after. You're right...the American dream is not all that is cracked up to be.You can dream and try to achieve it but once you do be careful not to over achieve. You should know your place

[@hughnelson7413]

Michael Jackson was a Star on stage he makes picture and had to leave at last

[@SuperRenata23]

thank you it was a very nice and an honest sort of message about Michael .

[@iks9120]

Great interview. Wise man and very realistic picture of Michael.

[@bigvinamac]

@bigvinamac so what's wrong with that? that's why michael was still successful because he was different from other artists and had his own identity. artists today are trying to copy one another and that's why they aren't as big as they should be, but most of them suck anyway. and when he did invisible people complained that it was too r&b but that's what michael grew up listening to. you complain that he was too commercial but when he did his musical roots you still whine? wow.

[@hilolara4756]

Invincible is a great album.

[@OasisJones]

It’s really not. It’s totally forgettable.

[@ziky2967]

He was right about people not getting to know him, no interviews. Once Michael Britney Spears won't last because she doesn't understand the power of mystery he was right.

[@OasisJones]

The power of a false “mystery” to hide the fact that this was a man who never knew himself fully because he never developed a sense of identity. It’s that endless mask wearing (he literally resculpted his face too) that killed him.

[@LeLouvre634]

​@@OasisJonesyou do think so ? The change of his skin surely troubled him. But he seems to me he had a strong feeling of what human being is. Can you explain your perception of his lack of identity? Thank you.

[@angiesmitherman5637]

Thank you so much for posting this video.❤

[@bluerachael1979]

@strangefruit64 You're right! They never listen to his words or his music. I never knew what MJ brought to his music and dance was narcissistic and egocentric. I don't know how one can assume he was any of those things from one single quote he wanted to be magic. Again, people placing their own views on the man. I think they labeled him because he was larger than life. I also think is jealous and racism. How could he be larger than life and be black. Why can't this guy be who we wanted him to be

[@victoriakawesa3558]

Imagine the racism MJ had to deal with during 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's, 2000's and it is still going on. MJ proved that as a black person you can even be more popular than "white jesus". He proved that point, and on top of that became larger than the white legends Elvis and Beatles. Then he owned Beatles and married Elvis daughter?!!! The racist guns came blazing and they are still working hard to bury him, but with internet, new generations are discovering MJ, and they will love him for the soul in his music, because MJ is immortal.

[@veronicawoodall7871]

That gentleman just got real emotional at the end of that interview, thats why he got up do quickly out of the chair, i think he was about to cry...thats the effect Michael had on his friend...god bless you Michael...RIP..

[@jfacts2113]

he didn't have many in the US media who treated him with respect and even this guy ultimately backstabbed him. Why he didn't leave that cesspool of a country is beyond me. He was treated there as less than human. Japan never did this to him

[@johndurrer7869]

He reached the fame he always wanted in death. He is now the undisputed greatest musician ever

[@OasisJones]

Not quite. Many musicians superseded him.

[@johndurrer7869]

@@OasisJoneswho? Elvis wasnt nearly as big worldwide. Beatles as a group might be, but that is a group of musicians.

[@OasisJones]

@@johndurrer7869 Elvis absolutely was and the Beatles as a whole unit are still a collective icon.

[@johndurrer7869]

@@OasisJones Elvis might’ve been bigger than MJ in the USA it would be very close but worldwide there’s no comparison MJ was in a completely different universe to Elvis worldwide. As far as the Beatles are concerned as a collective they probably rival MJ but that’s as a collective so that does not count.

[@LeLouvre634]

​@@johndurrer7869The Beatles were really great on a musical point of view. But they never could make a counvincing concert. They did not like the crowd.The fame of MJ comes also from his humanity. No comparison with other artist.

[@cynthiatucker2147]

I miss Michael

[@Dara604]

I really like this interview that Robert did about his times with Michael. I can see why the fame was so hard on him; he really needed a best friend in his life. I would have been a rock for him. If Michael were still here, I would have loved to laugh and play and be like kids again with him! You would have seen me grab his hand and then the two of us would have sneaked away from our normal lives to Neverland Ranch for a two week vacation, or to the movies, or to the beach for a little while, and just be free, away from the pressures of life. I'd be like, "Wait up, Michael!"

[@bluerachael1979]

@dbastard1977 What made MJ sad is the media/tabloids and writers who act like they knew the man. How can one claim they knew MJ so well when they only met him a few times for interviews. Hilburn didn't even get his facts right. I prefer to hear MJ talk about his life and music. I also prefer to hear those who knew the man talk about him. I don't like music writer especially American music writers. They all have their bias views instead of really examining the mans music.

[@annieluu4456]

damn right! The way he talked about Michael is, how to say, cold and ignorant, he actually did not listen to his album I guess

[@framboise8895]

So how exactly is a singer's carreer over when, even after the media slandering, child abuse allegations, two failed marriages and so much speculation about his private life, he still manages to sell 20 million per record? HIStory is the most successful double album of all times, and Invincible scored 10 million without promotion and tour. Not even today's singers manage to sell all those albums. It must be pretty painful for an artist to hear that he didn't put his heart in his work, which is absolutely not true. I can't believe that something like Earth Song and Speechless were created out of money prospect and not from the heart.

[@victoriakawesa3558]

Yes....he insulted MJ deeply and could not even apologise after all these years, still trying to defend himself by saying that MJ music lacked soul after Bad. What a joker. Everything MJ does is magical. Dangerous, HIStory, Invincible are all absolute masterpieces. This guy should have several seats.

[@framboise8895]

@@victoriakawesa3558 just another puppet who talks his s* without even knowing the character. I can hardly list a more soulful song than Who is it, or Give into me, or Earth Song, or Scream, You are not alone, or Ghosts, or even You rock my world or Heaven can wait. He was a popstar, so obviously he conformed to the style of the moment, but he HAD to do so to survive in the industry. Even Thriller was studied to appeal to a large audience, would that mean that it didn’t have passion and creativity in it?

[@victoriakawesa3558]

@@framboise8895 MJ told the haters in "Unbreakable" "You can't believe it, you can't conceive it And you can't touch me, 'cause I'm untouchable And I know you hate it, and you can't take it You'll never break me, 'cause I'm unbreakable Now you can't stop me even thought you think That if you block me, you've done your thing And when you bury me underneath all your pain I'm steady laughing, while surfacing."

[@marciabrown2271]

Nice video R I P Michael we still love you and your music for ever

[@susistrolch6930]

I totally agree. It’s obvious that he really liked MJ.

[@bluerachael1979]

@strangefruit64 Of cause they piss on an artist who worked his way up. No on gave MJ and his family anything. They worked hard and made it. MJ never stopped working. A friend of mine asked why it took MJ so many years to release each album. Well is simple. Michael was a true artist who was more concern about his music then releasing an album every year or two to make money. Another thing someone like Hilburn should look into instead of the nonsense he writes.

[@MissKatebush]

That was lovely. Thank you very much for uploading it.

[@rachaelclarke3737]

I used to sing in a band in the early 90s and I remember I couldn't bear to here a recording of me singing I never thought I was good enough but everyone else thought it was great

[@SunnyDays70s]

What he said about Paul and the Beatles investment is not true. Paul himself in an interview said he did not blame Michael.

[@OasisJones]

You do realize that public figures lie in public all the time to preserve an image, right? Even Michael, even Paul.

[@rupinderh01]

Mj's life was targeted after he bought the beatles catalogue..it was all about the money

[@alan_evollette]

I like most Invisible and History album❤️

[@user-cx2ho9hg2r]

*Invincible :)

[@bluerachael1979]

@strangefruit64 I tell people if you want to understand Michael listen to his words and his music. All people have to do is put aside their bias views and pay attention to his words. I love the above quote you posted. I'm sure many fans wanted to met this man one day before he died. My reasons are not the usual like most fans. I wanted to meet the man to discuss art, music, dance and philosophy. I wanted to know his opinion on everything in life. It would have been an interesting conversation.

[@iamthedaughteroftheking3704]

This is sad😢

[@gregoryamadeus2235]

somehow this guy was nowhere to be found when the LA Times reported any kind of false allegations against Michael Jackson. All of which have proven to be false. A little too late to speak of friendship.

[@OasisJones]

Not at all, he’s a music journalist, not one to write about his personal life. Try again.

[@dianaspeechless]

*MICHAEL 👑 JACKSON*

[@ericcartman9042]

Well if ain't Dirty Diana...still can't let him go huh?

[@SHaqq-wv9hn]

MJ NEVER betrayed Paul (not that this guy stated that)---MJ bought the catalog fair & square---Paul chose not to. ALSO---it cost him WAAAY more than "$47,000". It cost him $1 million alone just to finish the deal. That catalog cost him millions. *I think MJ's records after THRILLER were amazing---it was the fact that the media wanted to focus on his "changing looks" rather than his MUSIC. It was EVIL SONY that purposely DID NOT promote his latest album that hurt him. Had they promoted it properly it would have been much MORE SUCCESSFUL than it was. MJ was slowly killed off by the media, the EVIL record company and those LYING, EVIL, GREEDY parents of the kids he tried so hard to help. This exacerbated his lupus & insomnia due to stress. His lack of sleep (due to all the IMMENSE stress) led him to desperate measures in order to function. He needed the painkillers for his physical ailments, but more importantly he NEEDED people around him who REALLY cared to say "No---this is going to kill you; this is enough.". He had too many "yes" people around him.