Robert Hilburn remembers Michael Jackson

[deebastard77]

Hilburn is giving his opinion from his point of view. Everyone has an opinion are are free to express them. I thought he was honest in this interview, I don't agree with everything he said but I respect his opinions. After all he knew MJ, I didn't!!!

[cutiefrogskermit]

i love every album mj ever did, what this man talking about? MJ is the only one who had heart in my opinion.

[SuperRenata23]

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

[kdrumsax]

$47,000 for the beatles catalog?? you must mean $47,000,000 - correct?

[Leandraxx1]

Mj took music too a high lever, a level no one could touch he gave us many things..we love and miss u mj! "will you be there" was the first song i ever heard off of willy when it first came out <3 id sing and dance along with u

see yea later r.i.p <333 handsome guy

[wrldtvlr2]

Contrary to some of the posts here, I would respectfully like to add that, unlike Bashir, Mr. Hilburn's opinions of Michael do no seem malicious or sensation-driven. He appears to be a sincere man who has the insight that is so rare in today's journalists; he apparently viewed and very respectfully defined Michael as a bold, intelligent, yet enigmatic and vulnerable human being. I dare say that Hilburn is from the old skool and reported his observations without prejudice. Bashir is a vulture.

[dbastard1977]

@wrldtvlr2 I want to second what you said.

[wrldtvlr2]

@dbastard1977

Thanks, my friend. L.O.V.E.

[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.

[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!

[jlangis]

MJ's music was all heart. Jackass. No wonder he hung up on you.

[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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[butterflybloom1]

Michael was right to hang up on him. He knew and dealt with him all those years and that didn't stop him writing about how he was to put it mildly was that he was washed up. Michael did the right thing to drop him. He must have been sad though to know that somebody he trusted would right this about him.

[lilleyofthevalley]

I can just imagine how hurt Michael was when Hilburn wrote that he was practically washed up. There was no excuse for that. I don't blame him for hanging up. Poor Michael was so sensitive that he couldn't deal with the meaness of people especially when it's coming from friends and acquaintances. Rest in peace Michael.

[strangefruit64]

@lilleyofthevalley

we all need people we can trust. It's always disappointing when we see that we can't. Our whole life.

[strangefruit64]

7:18 and Michael was right here. To many details about the private person can cause targeted attacks, they are "point of attacks" - later.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[MJsGyrl]

@2damnfunny I so agree....not successful? What a joke!

He deserved more respect as a musical powerhouse.

His partnership with Sony/ATV set records.

You can't keep making the same music over and over again, that's why the Jacksons left Motown.

And there's nothing wrong with wanting to be a commercial success....which he was.

His music changed as he changed

[preetis6]

This was really sweet!

Poor Michael..always wanting to please...drugs didn't kill that man...the world did.

[liacashmere58]

This is nice. It was fair. But MJ did care about his music and he wrote most of his own music. Its sad his childhood was taken up so much. He just wanted to be a boy.

[Blackjesus3]

omggggg thats sooo saddd :(:(:( :

[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.

[megakingmj]

I think it's very unprofessional on the part of Michael if he claims that he wrote a particular song when it isn't, right? If he is being credited as a songwriter in a particular song, why question that? Re chamber and elephant issue, it's the media's word against Michael's. Who really knew the truth? Is the media really reliable to claim that it's Michael's publicity stunt?

[ALAL0210]

This is a honest sharing with facts.

One thing you should add is to say sorry to MJ for your comment in 1995, however.

American critics are biased, judge MJ's personal life more than his music alone. Now all say that Invincible is the best, but not when the album comes out at first.

A singer's in my place comments that MJ is brave to defend his own style, move and songs. That is the comment he deserves.

[ritter89]

I never understand all this talk about "Jackson's music". Don't get me wrong, I've been a fan of Jackson's work since he was a solo artist. However, he was more a performer than songwriter. Except for some lyrical content, occasional drumming, and a few melodic contributions for Thriller the majority Jackson's songs were the creation of Quincy Jones and hired writers. IMO, one of Jackson's biggest problems was that he didn't have any creative outlets to discipline himself aside from performing.

[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.

[bolloslush]

Listen to MJ's last album, Invincible, that's one of his best! I'm liking it better than Thriller.

BTW, Mr Hilburn he bought the Beatle's catalog for 47.5 million not 47 thousand.

He would have had more joy in his life if the greedy, lying vultures; the corrupt, vindictive DA & the tabloids hadn't descended on him.

[ritter89]

But he was more than happy to hop inside an oxygen tank, knowing full well that the Enquirer would run a story about him trying to reverse the aging process. Same with the elephant man's bones. He wanted that exposure but when it backfired yrs later, he played like he was a complete victim. Just listen to Hillman in this interview. Jackson decided that he wanted to be seen as a true "artist" only after it was too late. It's the lure of fame and fortune and happens to the best of us.

[bluerachael1979]

@bolloslush I think Invincible is the best as well. I think Hilburn is another American writes who expected the man to make the same music over and over again. I guess they were expect him to make another Thriller with each album. Sorry Hilburn, MJ is an artist and all artists must grow with their crafts. Everyone has their favorite MJ album or albums but to say he made bad music after Thriller is ignorance. Hilburn is a lier. For one, MJ never said he wanted every album to beat Thriller.

[strangefruit64]

@bluerachael1979

yes. What I see is that he also tries to label him as a "innocent or not innocent" (?) person - not as a talent. WHY? THIS kind of society didn't accept him - the pseudo intellectual music scene didn't WANT him - in their eyes HE did not have the right to be a "good musician". He had the problem that people disliked him - because they DID. They wanted him to be someone THEY were dreaming of.

At the end of the video he says it: HOW HE WANTS to see him. That's the problem.

[strangefruit64]

@ ... when someone has new ideas or is not convenient for the market niches or society of a CERTAIN time - it's always the same problem:

People don't understand it. Like this Hilburn. All teenagers want to be a star - but they never listened: He paints a picture of the artist which is narrow-minded and NOT complete.

Mr. Hilburn: NOTHING NEW! Interpretations based on two quotes of a teenager.

[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.

[strangefruit64]

@bluerachael1979

they stigmatize him and all they have are two "quotes". They describe him as a man who "WANTED to be magic (5:36)" - and publish the same shit thousands of times. They did not listen. That's what he said? NO! It WAS magic to see him DANCE. See the difference?

He tried to install an image, dance steps - it was part of an IDEA! That doesn't mean that an artist is an narcissistic egocentric. This guy here published one-sided shit and Michael was right: he damaged his image.

[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

[strangefruit64]

@bluerachael1979 yes, this is discrimination, racism, narrow-mindedness of a deadlocked society. Michael is the example for many other talents who'll NEVER get a chance. Elitist people "select" elitist "artists" for their "elitist" audience.

He got a chance because he was a "perfect + innocent slave" and GOLDMINE with his ability to work and his ideas. But he was a big disappointment: he started to think and to use his POWER for himself. (he said this.) True.

[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.

[strangefruit64]

@bluerachael1979

EXACTLY. They CHOSE + ASSIGNED his place.

[strangefruit64]

@interesting is, that in Michaels case everybody can see what happened. There must be lot of artists out there who experience the same. Nobody cares.

You can believe it or not - I know 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.

[strangefruit64]

@bluerachael1979

and don't forget the beatles story. I would shake his hand for this deal as business woman. But the whole music scene was revolting. Michael was smart but he wasn't born as a part of this perverted society. I guess he already knew that they didn't want him - he already experienced it - this was the only way to kick their ass. He did it. He said NO, demonstrated and kicked the ass of the industry including the privileged Beatles. That's why I like Michael.

[strangefruit64]

@ why I dislike the double moral shit of the so called intellectual musicians?

They are the REAL DUMMIES. Singing a lot, but hiding their ass behind their privileges.

[strangefruit64]

* double standard (?)

[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

[strangefruit64]

@bluerachael1979

It wasn't "MEAN" to buy the beatles stuff, it was perfect.

For me it's clear that the questions about his private life were the only way to descredit him. See all the people who dicuss his character and never met him - that's what the mass of people understands. Nobody will understand business decisions - they projected the whole stuff on a PRIVATE level. Targeted.

[strangefruit64]

@what really bothers me:

Everybody buys art, companies, shares - every day.

They didn't allow HIM to do the same. That's the point.

[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

[strangefruit64]

@bluerachael1979 - everybody should know the own place. Michaels place was the stage. Not the police station with blue marks on his body.

He knew what his place was - that's why he cared for a lot of people. But this was still NOT enough for a jealous and elitist competition.

[smitmarv]

Thanks for sharing! This really touched my heart.

I sure do really miss Michael and always will!

God bless you.

[dbastard1977]

This is a beautiful and honest memory of Michael Jackson. People seem to want to hear only MJ version of events but it is always interesting to see other people's views on him, those persons in and out of his family who actually really knew him. MJ was a wonderful person but also a damaged and lonely one. Everyone can learn from his life....fame and money doesn't necessarily translate to happiness. I still love and admire him...regardless!!!! Wish he were happier though..

[bluerachael1979]

@dbastard1977 I don't mind people who knew him talking about him like Elizabeth Taylor or even Liza but Hilburn is full of shit. I don't think MJ thought money and fame would bring him happiness. In his private life he was happy...he knew he couldn't bring back his childhood so he made due with what he had. He also accepted the fact he couldn't walk out side like most people. It made him sad at times but he said if that was the price for doing what he loved and bring joy to people so be it.

[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.

[strangefruit64]

@bluerachael1979

and you're right again. We should see his work and hear HIM speak. There was not a single word of him I disliked. But there are a lot I LOVED.

I call his intentions and ideas the "essence" - the essential Michael Jackson - true.

[strangefruit64]

@ quote to underline my statement:

"The meaning of life is contained in every single expression of life. It is present in the infinity of forms and phenomena that exist in all of creation."

(Michael Jackson)

[strangefruit64]

@ not to forget ... Beuys was mocking the society, art scene + gallery owners at the same time .... THIS WAS creative. People should think about it again.

[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.

[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.

[strangefruit64]

@bluerachael1979 thank you. Yes. YES.

When I see the work I'm sure he would have been the best colleague ever.

Interested in everything, open-minded, flexible and hard working.

People are dreaming - he practiced it - but it WASN'T ALLOWED!

I think that the american people killed some of their own dreams when they killed him. Don't work your way up - you don't get a chance.

[strangefruit64]

@ this killed my own dreams.

[strangefruit64]

@bluerachael1979

and sorry, I'm rude - but NOW we have several bitches who maybe have a small "talent" but - fuck the manager and get the job, they represent perfectly the "dreams of the MANAGERS" - including their plastic tits. These are the GAGAS who dominate the music scene and are the idols for the kids - today.

The managers want to see their OWN ideas to dominate the markets and to calculate - for a long period.

[strangefruit64]

@strangefruit64 -

and WHO protests against this production line of soulless shit? Nobody.

They still piss on an artist who worked his way up.

[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.

[strangefruit64]

@bluerachael1979

this Hilburn is not relevant. Relevant is that he published his work which was NOT accurate. Michael needed a good publicity for the distribution of his work - that is a weak point which has been used by his rivals.

[strangefruit64]

@ and: Hilburn is not naive - he knows that his work has GAPS, same with Bashir.

Hilburn publishs HIS opinion - underlines HIS intention (his career).

[bluerachael1979]

@strangefruit64 I agree with you. I always say to Dyhard music today is a disgrace. Talent no longer matters. What matters is managers, mainstream society, radios and the industry. Music industry is out to make legends but they forget what makes a legend is talent and business smarts. All these artist you see today won't last. You won't hear about Lady Gaga, Britney and the rest of them 10-20 years in the future. Michael is one of the only few artist who had complete control of his career.

[strangefruit64]

@bluerachael1979

I saw the first Gaga video because someone sent it. OMG. Trash. It started with Madonna. She presented boring stuff which was an "old cheese" for Europe. That's why she already needed the fashion stuff. And the lesbian stuff was Berlin 1920. So far(t).

[strangefruit64]

@ sorry for the repetitions, but this is all "stuff" for me.

[SuperRenata23]

@strangefruit64 because gaga is so boring and her outfits are so stupid yak

[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.

[fnksd43]

Agreed, Invincible was fabulous. Whatever Happens especially - pure genius.

[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.

[cynthiawas]

More people need to hear this video..thank u for posting it.

[plamen69]

Michael... the one and only

[cynthiawas]

I must say, I really enjoyed this interview. It really gives a picture of the MJ he tried to tell us about; the person who sought control of his life, his fears of rejection and not fulfilling his purpose in this life. The man who wanted always to be on top and have a safe place where no one could never say...u weren't the best.

U are the best, MJ and we love u.

[CConthehiC]

@cynthiawas

Couldn't have said it better!! Thank you MJ. We love you more...most!

[cynthiawas]

Thank u CConthehiC..its refreshing to know many MJ fans appreciate other fans comments...take care. LUV u More

[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.

[BEHAUTEPINK]

I really enjoyed this interview. It gives a very fair, honest, and critical view of Michael Jackson. Long Live the King of MUSIC...

[miarjay]

great insight on Michael

[MySerenity5]

Michael, I love you... If I can only protect you from your pain.... You're always in my heart. You are the greatest!!! Like you said, "every legend speaks of conquests and liberty..."

[AAMLfan]

Thankyou for sharing those memories.

People got upset with Michael for changing from a being a little boy. Then they got upset at him for being too child-like when he was an adult. Michael just wanted people to accept him for being HIM...

But he did get that understanding from children. With kids, he could let down his guard and be himself and know that they'd accept just like that.

[AAMLfan]

That's hilarious...Michael preferred pillow-fighting with the kids rather than go spend time with Brooke Shield who was waiting for him outside. lol :)

[breakofdawn2]

whatever ppl would say Michael is and will always be the greatest entertainer in the history....mission accomplished.RIP MJ

[evans4you]

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

[RonaldVaughan]

ROBERT HILBURN....what a genius...

Guy who got the "impossible" interviews.

[youthecat]

Oh my... what a wonderful interview. Thank you for sharing some of the real Michael with us. It helps.

[FunkyMonk223]

Finally some insight that is believable...Truly heartfelt and touching. I wish CNN and others would air this for the world to see.

[jockay]

Great video indeed. Gone too soon...

[csikkmusic]

Great video...

[aueloux]

Nice video, nice memories.

[Myscannersucks]

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