~ The Lovezone with Geena Lee ~ Episode 39: Young MJ

On this day in 1958, Michael Jackson was born. A child prodigy, he joined his brothers in their musical group the Jackson 5, singing lead at just five years old. He amazed the world with his vocal talent and performance skills, which we were to learn later came at a cost: his childhood.

As Michael matured and became a mega pop star idolized around the globe, that little child never disappeared. We could see it in his playful smile, his joy in dancing, his theme-park estate. And of course, his deep empathy for ailing children. He shared his vulnerability, and suffered for his innocence.

Soon after the time that Michael passed away last year, I happened to be in Illinois for a friend’s wedding and took the opportunity to drive over to Gary, Indiana to visit the Jackson’s original family home. Looking at the tiny house, I could just imagine a young Michael sitting at the window, gazing wistfully outside; longing to go play, to just be a kid.

Michael’s sacrifice of his childhood gave us the benefit of a musical legend the likes of which we’ve never seen before nor will see again. So as we honour MJ’s life on this day, let’s also pay homage to the child that defined a large part of the man he became. This one’s for you Michael.

Love,
Geena

Young MJ
(download mix here)

Rockin’ Robin
ABC (1,2,3)
I Want You Back
Sugar Daddy
Doctor, My Eyes
The Love You Save
Lookin’ Through The Windows
I Wanna Be Where You Are
It’s Great To Be Here
My Girl
Darling Dear
Love Song
Never Can Say Goodbye
Girl Don’t Take Your Love From Me
I’ll Be There
Ready Or Not (Here I Come)
La La (Means I Love You)
We’ve Got A Good Thing Going
You’ve Got A Friend
Got To Be There
Ain’t No Sunshine
Who’s Loving You
Wings Of My Love
Ben
Music And Me

——————–
Geena Lee
Lovesoul Studio
Toronto, Canada