Michael's Favorite Musicians

Van Halen


MJ, 1988 list of his favorite things:


“I spend hours listening to classical composers. Tchaikovsky is the greatest. I also love songs from the great musicals like “Climb Every Mountain” and “Happy Talk”, as well as modern pop groups like U2, ZZ Top and Van Halen. Here is my all time top ten.”





Eddie Van Halen performed the guitar on Beat It from Thriller







Van Halen also went on tour with the Jacksons

Whitney Houston


Whitney Houston Added To Second NY Concert, August 16 2001

Whitney Houston has confirmed performances for both Friday, September 7, 2001 and Monday, September 10, 2001 at the all-star tribute in honor of Michael Jackson at Madison Square Garden. Producer David Gest said in a press release:

“Whitney is one of my closest friends and I am delighted she will share this special occasion with Michael, who happens to be her favorite artist. They will perform a duet together.”

Michael expressed his delight about Whitney joining him on both nights by stating:

“I feel Whitney is one of the greatest voices in the world. She could sing the yellow pages and I would buy it. I absolutely adore her and am her greatest fan.”


More information about Michael and Whitney can be found here:
https://mjfa.forumotion.com/t1375-1989-whitney-houston

ZZ Top





MJ, 1988 list of his favorite things:


“I spend hours listening to classical composers. Tchaikovsky is the greatest. I also love songs from the great musicals like “Climb Every Mountain” and “Happy Talk”, as well as modern pop groups like U2, ZZ Top and Van Halen. Here is my all time top ten.”

Barry White





Michael attending Barry White's funeral in 2003. Here are the pictures from the funeral:

Jay-Z


Jay Z did the official remix with Michael for You Rock My World





Jay Z and Michael meet up at Summer Jam 97 in 2001:






















Michael Jackson's Encounter With Jay-Z At Summer Jam
http://newsroom.mtv.com/2009/06/26/photographer-remembers-michael-jacksons-encounter-with-jay-z/


I remember being on my way to Summer Jam in 2001 in a car filled with a bunch of friends and them going back and forth about Michael Jackson coming to Summer Jam. I was actually half asleep when this was all going on, but when I heard the talk about MJ I immediately woke up. Being a photographer — and also having never met Michael Jackson — I was sure the possibility of something like this happening would change my life forever.

The day rolled on and I spent the afternoon taking pictures onstage and backstage, trying my best to cover the entire show from as many different angles as possible. By the time Jay-Z hit the stage, the rumors about Michael making an appearance had escalated into Jay-Z bringing Michael out to the stage for part of his performance. In my mind I realize these can't just be rumors anymore. This is Jay, and if Jay said it was going to happen, then it was going to happen.

At this point I was onstage, not entirely sure where to stand because I did't know where he was going to come from, and I wanted to be sure I captured this moment. Just before Jay launched into "Izzo" (which happens to sample the Jackson Five's "I Want You Back"), he asked the crowd if they want to see Michael Jackson. Of course, Summer Jam wanted that.

So then Jay said, "Michael Jackson better come from behind that stage." After a moment, MJ appeared from took his spot right next to Jay-Z. I jumped directly in front of the two of them and just started snapping as many photos as I could. The crowd went absolutely crazy. Jay introduced MJ to NY and then busted into his first single off The Blueprint. It was a moment in my life that will never be forgotten.