Everything Piano

A Tribute to the Life and Music of Michael Jackson

I’d like to take the time to express my thoughts about the passing of Michael Jackson this past June 25^th, 2009.

I’ve been listening to Michael Jackson’s music since I was very young. I was born in ’86 and there are actual home videos of me and my sister dancing around the coffee table to his music when my dad played his “Bad” album on the record player. “Beat It,” is, and will always be, my favourite song of all time.

The day that my sister woke me up from a nap and told me that Michael Jackson died felt surreal. I felt like a small piece of me died as well. In fact, I felt panicky. Of course, I became skeptical later that day and even wondered about agreeing with others who were convinced that he faked his own death.

However, after I watched the memorial in honour of Michael Jackson (half online at work and half at home), I was completely convinced that there was no way he could have faked his death.

The emotions shown in the eyes of his family and close friends could not all be fake. And I must agree with most viewers that the shocking appearance and small speech given by his daughter Paris was enough to move anyone to a tearful gaze.

For my entire life, I’ve always hated how the media has portrayed Michael Jackson. They were always talking about his latest plastic surgery, his huge debt, his strange marriages, and his obsession with young children.

I think Michael Jackson’s memorial helped many open their eyes. Speakers at the memorial told stories of his kindness and genorousity through different means, such as charity work. Unfortunately, topics like these don’t make much money in the media or entertainment world. It really is a shame that Michael Jackson had to die in order to be seen as who he really was in life.

In Michael Jackson’s honour, I plan on learning the piano solo arrangement, “Man In The Mirror.” If you’re interested as well, you can purchase Michael Jackson’s Number Ones for voice, piano, and guitar by clicking here. I’ll be sure to post my performance on video (most likely via YouTube) as soon as I learn the piece.

Elise’s Musical Tip For The Day:

Sometimes it’s really fun to research some of your favourite popular songs as a piano arrangement. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that some unusual songs actually sound amazing as written as a piano solo. Just pick your favourite song from the radio and see what you can come up with in the search engines. See if there is a corresponding MIDI or audio sample file so you can listen to it first. You’ll be amazed to find that some songs with absolutely no piano or very little piano in the original song will sound beautiful if it’s arranged effectively.