If you needed any reminder of what made Michael Jackson, Michael Jackson, go watch “This is It.” The movie, produced from raw footage of practices and rehearsals, sheds a rare glimpse on Michael’s brilliance, strive for perfection, and love of his fans.
The movie created a world wide concert tour for Michael and a final curtain call. In it, we get to witness Michael’s direction and ability to gently motivate people to join his level of performance.
When rehearsing for “The way you make me feel” he teaches his band how to build anticipation to a crescnedo. After a few trys, Michael pleads for them to “…let it simmer.” And with those words Michael imparts pearls of wisdom–for the bandmembers and to us, the audience.
At the end of a long day of rehearsals, the whole team gathers around and Michael reminds everyone why they’re practicing so hard: “To teach them [the fans] how to love again.”
When
MJ died I wrote: “He was planning a huge concert series in London. Turns out he was just practicing for his debut with God.”
RIP Michael and thanks for the lessons.