There is a story that I frequently remember, when my life is moving slower than I would like.
Jermaine Jackson tells this story, and I heard him tell it around the time I was doing work in ‘write it down, and make it happen.’
Michael Jackson wrote a note to himself that read, “I will record the best-selling album of all time,” and he placed this on his bathroom mirror, where he read it every morning.
With time, Michael eventually released that album. “Thriller” remains to this day the best selling album of all time, the closest runners up lagging behind by over 45,000,000 albums. No other recording artist or groups comes close.
List of Best Selling Albums Worldwide.
Destiny is a strange bird, indeed.
Rest in peace, Michael.
There’s always a dark side to our dreams.
Edited August 8. 2009:
Unfortunately, the YouTube video I originally posted was pulled. I had two update choices: a live performance with an introductory note that I’d prefer not to see, or the official MJ YouTube upload that includes no video of Michael. I decided to embed the former with its personal dedication, but I’ve included a link to the latter. Both have their merits, for reasons that seem to me obvious.
Official Michael Jackson YouTube Channel Video ‘Man In The Mirror’
Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones, sometime before 'Thriller' changed the world.
4 responses so far ↓
nn // June 26, 2009 at 12:37 am |
There’s always the obvious, isn’t there. My heart was kind of broken as his personal life unfolded. How could realty betray a voice such as his? How could he let it? Starting with the man in the mirror. Make that change.
Yours is one of the most even handed memorials to his memory. RIP indeed…free from the dark side of his dream.
zacca // June 26, 2009 at 4:55 am |
This is my favorite song by him. I knew them all, but this one was truly introspective. His music will live on.
May his spirit find the peace he sought so desperately but alluded him, in the next plane. I agree with nn yours is a very balanced tribute. Thank you.
ellaella // June 27, 2009 at 7:53 pm |
I’m not sure I believe Jermaine, but I’m a natural skeptic.
Jim Carrey tells the story of when he was struggling and wrote a check made out to himself for either $1m or $10m — I forget which, huge amount in any case — and putting it in his wallet. A year later he was paid that amount.
bluesmokeofparadise // June 27, 2009 at 9:10 pm |
@nn & zacca
Thanks for stopping by and the comments. No one can ever really know another’s heart, can they?
@ella.
The version of this story I heard was 9 million, but a quick google has it at 10 million.