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It's been a little over a year since Michael Jackson died of cardiac arrest. The music phenom still has the power to captivate and draw sell-out crowds and remains a relevant subject to race, culture and music, as evidenced by the two-day symposium on his music recently held at Columbia College.
The Center for Black Music Research at Columbia College hosted Genius without Borders: A Symposium in Honor of the Genius of Michael Jackson. Journalists, scholars, musicians and music executives discussed how Jackson's work ethic, determination and business savvy solidified his place in history.
The symposium offered a second component with a special panel discussion entitled "It's All About the Music: An Insider's Look at Michael Jackson's Art". Ed Eckstine served as moderator with guest panelists Greg Phillinganes, Siedah Garrett and Ricky Lawson.
After each presentation, there were breakout sessions to discuss the presentations.
Guests were also invited to immerse themselves in the full Michael Jackson experience. Amansu Eason from the Muntu Dance Theater of Chicago taught choreography from the video, Thriller. The 1982 mega-hit featured Jackson's signature moonwalk, high-water style pants and glittery socks prominently in the video for the album's first hit single, "Billie Jean". The videos for the singles "Beat It" and "Thriller" off the album were viewed as cinematic events. Thriller stayed atop the album and singles charts.
In each video, Jackson would incorporate his soulful dance moves. Thriller went on to win 8 Grammy Awards, and has the distinction of being the greatest- selling album of all-time.
"I hope people get more invested in understanding Michael Jackson, but also in understanding the legacy of Black music. That's the point of the Center for Black Music Research," said Monica Hairston O'Connell, CBMR executive director.
The symposium revealed how Jackson’s music, from his solo debut with Off The Wall in 1979, crossed international cultures and borders and became ingrained in music industries worldwide.
His contributions to dance, music and business, along with his highly-publicized personal life, made him a global fixture in popular culture.
Jackson sold 800 million records worldwide and won hundreds of awards. In fact, the Gary, Ind. native was said to be the most-awarded recording artist in history. At the time of his death in 2009, he was a philanthropist and noted humanitarian, donating millions of dollars to over 39 charities.
Copyright 2010 Chicago Defender
Photo Caption: Muntu Dance Theater of Chicago dancer Amansu Eason taught choreography from Michael Jackson's “Thriller.” The class, called Learn Choreography from Michael Jackson's “Thriller,” was held in conjunction with the two-day symposium on the late King of Pop’s music and style. (Special to the Defender/Jonathan Mathias)
http://www.chicagodefender.com/arti...ed-at-work-and-legacy-of-michael-jackson.html
The Center for Black Music Research at Columbia College hosted Genius without Borders: A Symposium in Honor of the Genius of Michael Jackson. Journalists, scholars, musicians and music executives discussed how Jackson's work ethic, determination and business savvy solidified his place in history.
The symposium offered a second component with a special panel discussion entitled "It's All About the Music: An Insider's Look at Michael Jackson's Art". Ed Eckstine served as moderator with guest panelists Greg Phillinganes, Siedah Garrett and Ricky Lawson.
After each presentation, there were breakout sessions to discuss the presentations.
Guests were also invited to immerse themselves in the full Michael Jackson experience. Amansu Eason from the Muntu Dance Theater of Chicago taught choreography from the video, Thriller. The 1982 mega-hit featured Jackson's signature moonwalk, high-water style pants and glittery socks prominently in the video for the album's first hit single, "Billie Jean". The videos for the singles "Beat It" and "Thriller" off the album were viewed as cinematic events. Thriller stayed atop the album and singles charts.
In each video, Jackson would incorporate his soulful dance moves. Thriller went on to win 8 Grammy Awards, and has the distinction of being the greatest- selling album of all-time.
"I hope people get more invested in understanding Michael Jackson, but also in understanding the legacy of Black music. That's the point of the Center for Black Music Research," said Monica Hairston O'Connell, CBMR executive director.
The symposium revealed how Jackson’s music, from his solo debut with Off The Wall in 1979, crossed international cultures and borders and became ingrained in music industries worldwide.
His contributions to dance, music and business, along with his highly-publicized personal life, made him a global fixture in popular culture.
Jackson sold 800 million records worldwide and won hundreds of awards. In fact, the Gary, Ind. native was said to be the most-awarded recording artist in history. At the time of his death in 2009, he was a philanthropist and noted humanitarian, donating millions of dollars to over 39 charities.
Copyright 2010 Chicago Defender
Photo Caption: Muntu Dance Theater of Chicago dancer Amansu Eason taught choreography from Michael Jackson's “Thriller.” The class, called Learn Choreography from Michael Jackson's “Thriller,” was held in conjunction with the two-day symposium on the late King of Pop’s music and style. (Special to the Defender/Jonathan Mathias)
http://www.chicagodefender.com/arti...ed-at-work-and-legacy-of-michael-jackson.html
