Yes, I (Sal) have to admit, I was a Michael Jackson fan back in the 80's until college. I still love his music and I believe we should not judge him-that's God's business on "Judgment Day!"!
Michael Jackson
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia "
Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American recording artist, entertainer, businessman and humanitarian, whose unique contributions to popular music and dance, along with his highly publicized personal life, made him a central part of popular culture for four decades. One of the few artists to have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, his achievements included multiple Guinness World Records—including the "Most Successful Entertainer of All Time"—13 Grammy Awards, 13 number one singles in his solo career, and the sale of over 750 million records worldwide.
The seventh child of the Jackson family, he made his debut in 1968 as a member of The Jackson 5, beginning a solo career in 1971 while still a member of the group, a career that saw him dubbed the "King of Pop." His 1982 album Thriller remains the best-selling album of all time, with four of his other solo albums among the best-selling: Off the Wall (1979), Bad (1987), Dangerous (1991), and HIStory (1995).
In the early 1980s, he became a dominant figure in American popular culture. He was the first African American entertainer to amass a strong crossover following on MTV, with videos such as "Beat It," "Billie Jean," and Thriller—widely credited with transforming the music video from a promotional tool into an art form—bringing fame to the relatively new channel. Videos such as "Black or White" and "Scream" made him an enduring staple on MTV well into the 1990s. Beyond his success on television, he popularized a number of physically complicated dance techniques, such as the robot and the moonwalk, with his elaborate stage performances. His distinctive musical sound and vocal style influenced many hip hop, pop, and contemporary R&B artists across several generations. Jackson also supported 39 charities: he donated and raised millions of dollars through his Heal the World Foundation, as well as by performing charity singles....
1975–81: Move to Epic and Off the Wall
...In 1978, Jackson starred as Scarecrow in the musical The Wiz.[18] The musical scores were arranged by Quincy Jones, who formed a partnership with Jackson during the film's production and agreed to produce the singer's next solo album, Off the Wall.[19] In 1979, Jackson broke his nose during a complex dance routine. His subsequent rhinoplasty surgery was not a complete success; he complained of breathing difficulties that would affect his career. He was referred to Dr. Steven Hoefflin, who performed Jackson's second rhinoplasty and other subsequent operations.[20]
...
Jackson suffered a setback on January 27, 1984. While filming a Pepsi Cola commercial at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, Jackson suffered second degree burns to his scalp after pyrotechnics accidentally set his hair on fire. Happening in front of a full house of fans during a simulated concert, the incident was the subject of heavy media scrutiny and elicited an outpouring of sympathy.[40] PepsiCo settled a lawsuit out of court, and Jackson gave his $1.5 million settlement to the "Michael Jackson Burn Center" which was a piece of new technology to help people with severe burns.[40] Jackson had his third rhinoplasty shortly afterward and grew self conscious about his appearance.
On May 14, 1984, Jackson was invited to the White House to receive an award presented by American President Ronald Reagan. The award was given for Jackson's support of charities that helped people overcome alcohol and drug abuse.[41] Jackson won eight awards during the 1984 Grammys. Unlike later albums, Thriller did not have an official tour to promote it, but the 1984 Victory Tour, headlined by The Jacksons, showcased much of Jackson's new solo material to more than two million Americans.[42] He donated his $5 million share from the Victory Tour to charity.[43]
Jackson co-wrote the charity single "We Are the World" in 1985 with Lionel Richie, which was released worldwide to aid the poor in Africa and the US. He was one of 39 music celebrities who performed on the record. The single became one of the best-selling singles of all time, with nearly 20 million copies sold and millions of dollars donated to famine relief.[44]..
*see GoodnewsEverybody.com African of Africa
Michael Jackson "We Are The World" (demo)
"Michael Jackson teams up with director Bob Giraldi in a Pepsi commerical for the "new generation". "
-Concerts
Michael Jackson - Live Concert Performances - Teaser. HQ
"Michael Jackson, Teaser clips of his concerts around the world. You really need to turn up the volume and look closely at what a real concert is meant to look like. You will never see fans act and feel the way they did for MJ. RIP "
"It was a Concert on the Song Billie Jeans by Michael Jackson (1995 MTV Music Awards)
He'z one of my Greatest Dance Idols and i strive to achieve perfection in d Moonwalk Dance Step by watching his moves
Kudos to that man! R.i.P MJ
- WiCkeD SaM "
Michael jackson live superbowl 1
"The Wiz is a 1978 American musical film produced by Motown Productions and Universal Pictures, and released by Universal on October 24, 1978. An urbanized retelling of L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz featuring an entirely African-American cast, The Wiz was adapted from the 1975 Broadway musical of the same name. The film follows the adventures of Dorothy, a shy schoolteacher from Harlem, New York who finds herself magically transported to the wonderland of Oz � which resembles a fantasy version of New York City. Befriended by a Scarecrow, a Tin Man, and a Cowardly Lion, Dorothy travels through the world of Oz to seek an audience with the mysterious "Wiz", who they say has the power to take her home"
Ease On Down The Road - The Wiz
" Michael Jackson and Diana Ross - Ease On Down The Road - The Wiz (1978) "
Related Sites: The Wiz - Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson Captain Eo
"This is the song "We Are Here To Change The World" from the "Captain Eo" attraction at DisneyWorld. "
Today (Thursday, June 25th of 2009) I found out about the death of MJ. I first read that he was admitted to the hospital and then would later found out he died through a friend's facebook post. Then my sister called and would watch more videos on CNN later in the evening. I then decided to post this question on my Twitter account...
How are you going to help "heal the world...and make it a better place?"
This death was somewhat unexpected as this was BIG news. We really never saw this coming as you would see when a person is sick or ill. This shows how life is very precious and we need to question ourselves, are we ready to die? We are all going to die someday, but many of us don't want to die without "making a difference" in our families, neighborhoods, communities, state, nation, and/or world. If you did die today "unexpectedly", would you know if you are going to Heaven?
"SANTA BARBARA, CA / HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL (ANS) -- The news of Michael Jackson's sudden death has affected millions worldwide.
Among media professionals who knew Jackson personally is Revival Productions President/Producer Jeff Atlas, who recalled his time with 'The King of Pop' at Neverland Ranch.
Award-winning Hollywood producer Jeff Atlas has had a
Jeff Atlas of Revival Productions
closer view than most into the life of this iconic entertainer, having been hired by Jackson to produce several projects, including a documentary on his life in the media glare as well as a private event at his Neverland ranch that was attended by Jackson's family, friends and many Hollywood celebrities.
"I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to work with such a talented artist and music legend. My experience working with Mr. Jackson and his team will always be one of the most memorable events in my career," Atlas remembers in a media release.
"I was stunned by yesterday's tragic news. My prayers are with his family and especially his three children," said Atlas, whose Revival Productions is a California-based full-service entertainment and special events production company specifically created to connect their unique team of Hollywood entertainment pros with faith-based and family-oriented community organizations and initiatives.
Atlas continued: "As a young African-American man who hoped to someday work in the entertainment industry, Michael Jackson was a true inspiration for me growing up. He proved that if you apply your God-given talents and work hard, you can succeed. And of course, his music was the soundtrack to my youth -- that is true for millions of people around the world. He will be missed."
Relationship Expert Offered Hope to King of Pop, Four Days Before His Death
Meanwhile, a nationally-known television evangelist interrupted a Sunday morning worship service with a prophetic message to King of Pop just days before the music icon's death.
Pastor Greg Dickow
Gregory Dickow, Pastor of Life Changers International Church outside Chicago, baffled worshippers when, at the end of his Father's Day service, he looked into the television camera and stated, "I announce to the King of Pop, today, my (Heavenly) Father is greater than all that was done to you and all that you've done and is greater than the hole in your heart and He will fill it to overflowing."
Afterward, Dickow simply ended the service, according to a news release obtained by ANS.
Only a few days later would the world learn how prophetic, and stunning, his statement was when reports surfaced that the 'King of Pop' was dead.
Jackson was pronounced dead at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles on Thursday afternoon, when attempts to revive him from full cardiac arrest were unsuccessful.
When asked if he knew of any health problems the pop star was suffering with, Dickow stated, "I've never met Michael Jackson and knew nothing about his health. There's no way I could have known that within just a few days we'd be watching reports of his (Jackson's) death on national TV."
Dickow continued: "Certainly, I pray that Michael Jackson knew God and that his family will find peace during this time of mourning."
In addition to heading up the large Chicago suburban megachurch, Dickow also appears daily on the Changing Your Life television program on stations across the world as well as hosting the popular live radio show, Ask the Pastor.
"I may never know if the message God gave me for Michael actually reached him. But it's the same message I'll continue to give folks everywhere I go," Dickow said.
Videotape of the sermon will be shown on an upcoming broadcast. Until then, the excerpt can be seen on YouTube, Facebook and other social media sites worldwide. Check out the video of Dickow's message to Michael Jackson here: http://lifechangerschurch.com/jackson
Known by thousands across the country as a relationship expert, Dickow also authored the new book, The Power to Change Today, a book that guides its readers through steps toward a fulfilled life.
A native of Detroit, Michigan, Gregory Dickow and his wife, Grace, founded Life Changers International Church in 1993. From its modest start in the gymnasium of an elementary school in Elk Grove, Illinois, the non-denominational church grew rapidly and attracted a dynamic, ethnically-diverse congregation. Dickow's unique vision led to the continued expansion of the church and to a spiritual renaissance that would eventually embrace the needs of thousands in the Chicagoland area.
In the fall of 2004, Gregory Dickow Ministries realized one of its dreams, opening its new world headquarters in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, a 160,000 square-foot facility located on 30 acres, incorporating a 3,000 seat sanctuary, a 400 seat World Prayer Center, a 1,000 seat multipurpose gymnasium, a leadership training center, and a fully-equipped radio and TV studio.
The $30 million campus also houses the Valeo Academy, a dynamic day school from kindergarten through twelfth grade. With Grace Dickow as Principal, the school focuses on an individualized approach to a classic curriculum, educating the next generation to walk in the character and power of God." Michael Jackson convert or revert to Islam after searching Peace for Soul and Mind, from youtube.com Michael Jackson a Saved Christian in Heaven? I pray this Mary Mary, Andrae’ Crouch, Terri McFaddin-Solomon Report is True About Michael Jackson, Jesus and Prayer 3 Weeks Before His Death…, from paulanealmooney.com "...There was NO actual “sinners prayer” however, but they did talk and pray about Jesus and the anointing of the Holy Spirit. They also told him, “Michael, we consider you as our son”, and he said, “Yes, yes, yes”, and he gave him his latest music on a CD, and he told him, “Andrae’ I trust you with this”, and gave him CD’s of 2 songs, unpublished, …beautiful music. He still had his Christmas decorations up at home....
*see GoodnewsEverybody.com Teachings: Triune God, Holy Spirit, etc...
ALERT Michael Jackson Asks Jesus in heart, from youtube.com
The Pop Gospel According to Michael Jackson , By David Buckna Tuesday, July 21, 2009 ASSIST News Service (ANS)
"...a time to mourn and a time to dance"--Ecclesiastes 3:4
"CANADA (ANS) -- On June 25, 2009 pop music superstar Michael Jackson died after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was 50. Known as the "King of Pop," Jackson's songs and innovative dance moves were enjoyed by fans around the world. Test your knowledge of some of the biblical connections to the music of the Jackson 5 and Michael's solo career with this 20 question quiz.
Questions
1. What was the first song Michael sang in public at age 5?
2. This gentle ballad by the Jackson 5 begins: "You and I must make a pact, we must bring salvation back". Name it.
3. What carol, first made popular by the Harry Simeone Chorale, appears on the Jackson 5 Christmas Album (1970)?
4. What was the first single from the Jackson 5's Skywriter album (1973)?
5. What video for a song on The Jackson's Triumph album (1980) was voted one of the 100 best videos of all time, in a 2001 poll to mark the 20th anniversary of MTV?
6. This dance-pop R&B classic from Thriller (1982)--the best-selling album of all time--includes the lyric: "But the kid is not my son." Name the song.
Michael on set during 1983 video (Getty Images)
7. Also from Thriller, this song's theme echoes Proverbs 20:3 "Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling." Name the song.
8. What 1985 song written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie was recorded by a supergroup of 45 musicians billed as USA for Africa?
9. A gospel choir is heard on what song from Bad (1987)?
10. What song from Dangerous (1991) promotes racial unity?
11. This song includes the lyrics:"And you can go by feel/'Stead of circumstance/But the power's in believing/So give yourself a chance". Name the song.
12. On what song does Michael sing: "See the nations turn their swords into plowshares"?
13. What gospel-influenced song from Dangerous resembles a lament psalm?
14. What's the setting for the 1992 video, Remember the Time?
15. What 1995 ballad centers around the destruction and rebirth of planet Earth?
16. What music video directed by Spike Lee was filmed in Brazil, the streets of Salvador, and a shantytown in Rio de Janeiro?
17. What song from Invincible (2001) asks the question: "And will the sun ever shine in the blind man's eyes when he cries?"
18. What song did Michael ask pastors Andrae and Sandra Crouch to sing to him just weeks before his death?
19. When Michael was rehearsing "They Don't Care About Us" with dancers during a June 23 session at the Staples Center, a 1963 sound byte from Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. was added. What does King say?
20. What was the first song performed at the Michael Jackson Memorial Service? (July 7/09)
Answers
1. "Climb Ev'ry Mountain", at Garnett Elementary School in Gary, Indiana
"Climb Ev'ry Mountain" is a show tune from the 1959 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The Sound of Music, sung by the Mother Abbess to Maria. The inspirational song encourages others to take every step towards attaining their dreams.
Michael: "When I finished that song, the reaction in the auditorium overwhelmed me. The applause was thunderous and people were smiling; some of them were standing. My teachers were crying and I just couldn't believe it. I had made them all happy. It was such a great feeling. I felt a little confused too, because I didn't think I had done anything special. I was just singing the way I sang at home every night. When you're performing, you don't realize what you sound like or how you're coming across. You just open your mouth and sing."
Climb Ev'ry Mountain
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NIlawTy6gM
2. "I'll Be There". The song continues: "Where there is love, I'll be there/I'll reach out my hand to you/I'll have faith in all you do/Just call my name and I'll be there"
In the book of Jeremiah, God invites people to call to him:"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." (Jeremiah 33:3)
3. "The Little Drummer Boy" (Davis/Onorati/Simeone). Also known as the Carol of the Drum, Katherine K. Davis first composed the words and music--transcribed from a traditional Czech carol--in 1941. The Trapp Family Singers recorded "Carol of the Drum" prior to their 1955 retirement. In 1968, Rankin-Bass produced a stop motion animated Christmas TV special based on The Little Drummer Boy.
Jackson 5 Gold album cover
4. "Hallelujah Day". The Hebrew "hallelujah" combines "hallelu" and "yah," and translates as "Praise God". The phrase is found in the book of Psalms (such as 113:1) and four times in the book of Revelation (such as 19:1)
From the song: "Somebody found the key/Somebody opened up the door/Now there'll be dancing in the streets/This is the day we've been waiting for"
(Matthew 7: 7-8) Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; those who seek find; and to those who knock, the door will be opened.
5. "Can You Feel It".
From the song: "Spread the word and try to teach the man/Who's hating his brother/When hate won't do"
(1 John 4:20) If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.
The song continues:"'Cause we're all the same, yes/The blood inside of me is inside of you"
One Blood: The Biblical Answer to Racism
http://creation.com/one-blood-index
Racism, Racial Issues and Christianity
http://www.christiananswers.net/race.html
(Genesis 1:26-27) So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
6. "Billie Jean". Jackson says in his autobiography, Moonwalk (1988) that "Billie Jean" was based on the groupies he and his brothers encountered while part of The Jackson 5: "There never was a real Billie Jean. The girl in the song is a composite of people my brothers have been plagued with over the years. I could never understand how these girls could say they were carrying someone's child when it wasn't true."
In Genesis 38:25, Tamar sends a message to her father-in-law, Judah, saying, "I am pregnant by the man who owns these." [Judah's own seal, cord and staff]. Later,Tamar gives birth to twin boys. In Judah's case, the kids really are his sons.
7. "Beat It".
"They're out to get you, better leave while you can/Don't wanna be a boy, you wanna be a man/You wanna stay alive, better do what you can/So beat it, just beat it"
From (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beat_It): "The music video opens with the news of a fight circulating a diner. This scene repeats itself at a pool hall, where gang members arrive via foot, forklift, and out of sewers. The camera cuts to a scene of Jackson lying on a bed, contemplating the senseless violence. The singer leaves the room upon hearing the commotion caused by the rival gangs. Donning a red leather jacket, Jackson dances his way through the diner and pool hall, towards the fight. Arriving at the scene, the singer breaks up the fight and launches into a dance routine. The video ends with the gang members joining him in the dance, agreeing that violence is not the solution to their problems."
(Romans 12:18) If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
8. "We Are the World". Frederica Mathewes-Green writes at
(www.christianitytoday.com/ct/article_print.html?id=15208): "My favorite [Bible blooper] is a line from that 1980s anthem, 'We Are the World': 'As our God has shown us by turning stones to bread.' I picture the songwriters Lionel Ritchie and Michael Jackson thinking, 'Hey, we're singing to raise money for hunger relief and there's something in the Bible about bread and stones--Cool!' The Bible describes Jesus being tempted, but refusing to turn stones to bread. The composers, the instrumentalists, singers, and technicians must each have read over these lyrics at least once. Nobody said, 'Hmm, is that right? I'd better check a Bible.' "
(Matthew 4:1-4) Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." Jesus answered, "It is written: 'People do not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' "
Lionel Ritchie, co-writer of "We Are the World", sang "Jesus Is Love" (from the Commodores' 1980 album, Heroes) at the Michael Jackson Memorial Service with the First AME Church Choir (July 7/09). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aLnmRlYs_g
9. "Man in the Mirror" (words & music by Siedah Garrett/Glen Ballard). Jackson added background vocals from Siedah Garrett, The Winans, and the Andrae Crouch Choir.
"I'm starting with the man in the mirror/I'm asking him to change his ways/No message could have been any clearer/If you wanna make the world a better place/Take a look at yourself and then make a change"
(James 1:22-25) Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Those who listen to the word but do not do what it says are like people who look at their faces in a mirror and, after looking at themselves, go away and immediately forget what they look like. But those who look intently into the perfect law that gives freedom and continue in it--not forgetting what they have heard but doing it--they will be blessed in what they do.
Rob Sheffield of Rolling Stone magazine writes: "When people first heard the studio version, he sounded full of himself. But at the [1988] Grammys, he took the song to church, with a full-blown gospel production that stands as one of his most stunning vocal workouts. In a way, this was as majestic and definitive as the Motown 25 moonwalk."
10. "Black or White". From the chorus: "But, if you're thinkin' about my baby/It don't matter if you're black or white"
How did different skin colors come about?
http://www.onehumanrace.com/docs/skin_color.asp
11. "Keep the Faith". Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.(Hebrews 11:1)
12. "Heal the World".
(Isaiah 2:4) He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.
13. "Will You Be There". The song begins: "Hold me, like the river Jordan/And I will then say to thee/ You are my friend".
Jesus was baptized in the river Jordan by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13-16)
"Carry me/like you are my brother"
(Isaiah 46:4) I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
"Weary/tell me will you hold me"
(Psalm 139:9-10) If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
"When lost will you find me"
(Luke 15:3-6) Then Jesus told them this parable: 'Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn't he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.'
Near the close of "Will You Be There", Michael speaks the following:
"In our darkest hour/In my deepest despair/Will you still care?/Will you be there?/In my trials/and my tribulations/Through our doubts/and frustrations/In my violence/In my turbulence/Through my fear/and my confessions/ In my anguish and my pains/Through my joy and my sorrow/In the promise of another tomorrow/I'll never let you part/For you're always in my heart."
Types of Psalms
http://www.crivoice.org/psalmtypes.html
http://www.biblestudy.org/basicart/psalm-construction.html
Jennifer Hudson performed the song at the Michael Jackson Memorial Service http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2mVK0--A5E
14. Ancient Egypt. The music video for "Remember the Time" became one of his longest at over 9 minutes. It featured groundbreaking visual effects and an appearance by Eddie Murphy as Pharaoh Rameses II--believed by many scholars to be the Pharaoh of the Exodus.
According to the Bible, Moses was the leader of the Israelites when they were delivered by God out of slavery in Egypt. Dr. Paul L. Maier writes: (http://www.equip.org/PDF/DA111.pdf): "The very name Moses is Egyptian, as witness pharaonic names such as Thut-mose and Ra-meses....It is true that few remains of encampments or artifacts from the Exodus era have been discovered archaeologically in the Sinai, but a nomadic, tribal migration would hardly leave behind permanent stone foundations of imposing buildings en route."
15. "Earth Song". Jackson and the Andrae Crouch Choir engage in a back and forth chant as the song reaches it's climatic finale. New York Times music critic Jon Pareles describes "Earth Song" as "a complaint to God about problems that range from war to endangered whales."
"What have we done to the world/Look what we've done/What about all the peace/That you pledge your only son"
"Earth Song"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BklGvlcLuEw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYHguBEXkac
(2 Peter 3: 10;13) But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare....But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.
16. "They Don't Care About Us". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CrNRBHBJQs
"Some things in life they just don't wanna see/But if Martin Luther was livin'/He wouldn't let this be"
For the first time in his career, Jackson made a second music video for a single--also directed by Spike Lee. This second version was filmed in a prison. It also contains real footage of human rights abuses, such as the Rodney King beating.
(Matthew 25:44-46) "They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?' "He will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.' "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."
17. "Cry". The healing of a blind man is recounted in Mark 8.
The Bethsaida miracle - Jesus healing a blind man
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1282/is_n8_v49/ai_19336556/print
D. Keith Mano writes: "As far as I can judge, this is irrefutable evidence that a miracle did occur at Bethsaida. Back in 30 A.D. the blind did not often receive sight: there were few, if any, eye surgeons and seldom a decent miracle-worker. No shill in the crowd could have faked it all by pretending to be blind--because only someone recently given his sight would see "men as trees, walking," would see the Cubist jumble that Virgil told Oliver Sacks about. A faker, not knowing about post-blind syndrome, would have reported that Jesus had given him perfect vision."
18. "It Won't Be Long", which begins: "It won't be long, then we'll be leaving here/It won't be long, we'll be going home".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NflCoYmoStM
Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. ["I Have a Dream"] AP Photo
19. "...in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation." This is part of the opening sentence in King's historic "I Have a Dream" speech delivered August 28, 1963 at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C.
I Have a Dream
http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkihaveadream.htm
"They Don't Care About Us" [rehearsal, June 23/09]
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/showbiz/2009/07/02/vo.aeg.jackson.rehearsal.cnn
20. "Soon and Very Soon", sung by the Andrae Crouch Choir. The first verse: "Soon and very soon we are going to see the King...Hallelujah, hallelujah, we're going to see the King."
Facing a massive tour, Michael Jackson reached out to gospel superstar Andrae Crouch and his minister/musician sister Sandra weeks before his death [June 30, 2009] http://www.bullypulpit.com/
Quotes
Cher:"He [Michael Jackson] was a great singer. You know, it's like God gives you certain gifts. And some people he gives different gifts and some people he gives more gifts." (June 25/09, Larry King Live)
President Barack Obama:"I think that Michael Jackson will go down in history as one of our greatest entertainers. I grew up on his music, still have all--all his stuff on my iPod. You know, I think that his brilliance as a performer also was paired with a tragic and in many ways sad personal life. But, you know, I'm glad to see that he is being remembered primarily for the great joy that he brought to a lot of people through his extraordinary gifts as an entertainer." (Associated Press, July 2/09)
(James: 1:17) Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
Pastor Lucious W. Smith (Friendship Baptist Church, Pasadena, California) closed the Michael Jackson Memorial Service (July 7/09): "Our Heavenly Father, we thank you this day for the memory of Michael Jackson that means so much to us, even right now. Thank you for the gift of music that he gave us....Even now, the King of Pop must bow his knees to the King of Kings, and we pray that you remind us, Lord, that our lives are but dust, we are here for a moment and then we are gone."
Closing Prayer by Pastor Lucious W. Smith [begin at 2:30 sec. mark]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-87i5a9mSg
For further reference
The Jackson 5
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Jackson_5
Michael Jackson
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jackson
The Jacksons: An American Dream [Part 1 of 25]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naB_p22vAfI
Assessing Michael Jackson's tortured soul
by Andy Cook
http://www.macon.com/147/v-print/story/767687.html
Michael Jackson: In His Own Words [December 2007]
http://www.ebonyjet.com/culture/music/index.aspx?id=13602
Michael Jackson: Man in the Mirror
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0906/27/se .01.html
Transcript of Michael Jackson Memorial Service (July 7/09)
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0907/07/cnr.05.html
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0907/07/cnr.06.html
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0907/07/cnr.07.html
The Jacksons: An American Dream (1992)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Jacksons:_An_American_Dream
Michael Jackson Dies
June 25, 2009 (Runs 11:37)
http://www.cbc.ca/national/blog/video/arts/michael_jackson_dies.html
Michael Jackson: 1958-2009
June 26, 2009 (Runs 18:04)
http://www.cbc.ca/national/blog/video/arts/michael_jackson_19582009.html
Is Michael Jackson in Heaven?
by Jason Boyett
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-07-10/is-michael-in-heaven/p/
Michael Jackson: The Essential Moments
by Rob Sheffield
http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/29050663/michael_jackson_the_essential_moments
Master of an Empty Kingdom: The Tragically Short Life of Michael Jackson
by Rabbi Shmuley Boteach
http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Judaism/2009/06/Master-of-an-Empty-Kingdom.aspx?print=true
Michael Jackson's Sabbath Rest
by David Waters
http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/undergod/2009/07/michael_jacksons_sabbath_rest.html
Michael Jackson was the gift
by Donna Brown
http://www.examiner.com/x-12659-Kansas-City-Christian-Arts-Examiner~y2009m7d5-Michael-Jackson--the-gift
Michael Jackson Memorial Service (July 7/09) [Full Video]
http://www.examiner.com/x-12837-US-Headlines-Examiner~y2009m7d9-Michael-Jackson-Memorial-Service-Full-Video
'Celebrities in Hell - Michael Jackson, Pope John Paul, Selina in Hell - Angelica Zambranos Testimony about Hell - English Translation
Download audio, copy to CD, share: http://www.swordofprophecy.org"
SOON AND VERY SOON
CROUCH, ANDRAE
Copyright: 1971 BUD JOHN SONGS, INC. Year: 1971
" Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King;Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King;Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King;Halleluia! Halleluia! We are going to see the King;No more dying there, we are going to see the King;No more dying there, we are going to see the King;No more dying there, we are going to see the King;Halleluia! Halleluia! We are going to see the King;No more crying there, we are going to see the King;No more crying there, we are going to see the King;No more crying there, we are going to see the King;Halleluia! Halleluia! We are going to see the King;Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King;Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King;Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King;Halleluia! Halleluia! We are going to see the King;Halleluia! Halleluia! We are going to see the King;
"
"Motown founder Berry Gordy, The Reverend Al Sharpton, Pastor Luscious Smith, and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. children Martin Luther King III and Bernice King were among those who offered uplifting speeches about Michael's legacy."
I thought it was an "Amen" when the pastor mentioned that MJ-King of Pop is now bowing down to the "real" King of Kings (Lord Jesus Christ)!! Praise the Lord-Halleluah!!
Michael Jackson - The King of Pop bows his knee to the King of Kings
July 8, 12:57 AM from examiner.com "Michael Jackson’s memorial service began with a rendition of We Are Going to See the King as his golden casket rolled down the aisleand was positioned in its place of honor in the front of the stadium. Michael’s brothers wore silver sequenced gloves and served as pall bearers....
Many of the eulogies crossed the line of adulation to worship. Some openly defended his character, a few were there for political gain, but most shared how much his life and music touched their hearts.
Mariah Carey, Smokey Robinson, Usher, John Mayer, Stevie Wonder, Brook Shields, Martin Luther King III and Magic Johnson were some of the many celebrities attending.
Pastor Lucious Smith eloquently closed the service and brought it all into perspective with this line, “But even now the King of Pop must bow his knee to the King of Kings.” Beautifully poignant. ...
Pastor Lucious Smith delivers a closing prayer to end the Michael Jackson memorial service.
"Pastor Lucious Smith delivers a closing prayer to end the Michael Jackson memorial service. "
"It is written: " 'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.' 12So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.
13Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way
"-Roman 14:11-14
Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT - In Theaters Wednesday
"Conventional wisdom has it that Amy Grant put Contemporary Christian music on the map. She surely did that, achieving such breakthroughs as being the first Contemporary Christian artist to have a platinum record, the first to hit #1 pop and the first to perform at the Grammys. Yet perhaps her greatest accomplishment was to open the door for a flood of other artists in pop as well as rock to sing about faith and soul and family and still grasp stardom. With that, her legacy as one of the most influential artists of the past couple of decades is assured...
-Concerts
Amy Grant - El Shaddai (Live)
"Amy Grant "El Shaddai"...lyrics
"
Related Sites: Amy Grant
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia "...Career summary
Grant made her debut in 1977 as a teenager, and scored her first number-one Christian radio hit two years later. In 1982, she released her breakthrough album, Age to Age, which became the first Contemporary Christian music album to be certified platinum and the first by a solo artist to be certified gold.
By 1985, her music began to reach a wider audience, when her albums Unguarded and "The Collection" crossed over onto mainstream charts. This feat was reproduced in 1991 when her album Heart In Motion became a best-seller and the single "Baby Baby" became a number one pop hit.
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Grant continued to record pop-oriented albums and did not make another full gospel album until 2002, with the record Legacy...Hymns and Faith. In 2006, Grant hosted her own reality television show on NBC, called Three Wishes.
As of 2007, Grant remains the best-selling Contemporary Christian music singer, having sold over 30 million units worldwide. Grant has won six Grammy Awards, 21 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, and had the first Christian album ever to go Platinum.[3] Heart in Motion is her best selling album, which has exceeded sales of 5 million...
Madonna Illuminati Exposed
"This Is A Brief Video On How The Illuminati And The New World Order Have Been Subliminally Mind Feeding Us Since Way Back...
Download The Devastating Truth Here
http://tinyurl.com/the777voice"
Michael W. Smith - Place in this world
Michael W. Smith
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
-Concerts:
Michael W Smith - Go West Young Man - CYWL
'Taped in Fairfax, Virginia at the Patriot Center, George Mason University on May 2,1993. "
-Tributes:
THIS IS YOUR TIME~Columbine Michael W. Smith
"Tammy Trent performs "At The Foot of The Cross" at the Morris Concert Hall (Morris Elementary School) in Morris, Minnesota. This is a short footage of a "great" concert (mix with Tammy's great "life challenging" story and great "God-given" musical singing) from Saturday, May 1st of 2010. "
*see GoodnewsUSA.Info Tennessee Outreach-Nashville Floods of May 2010
"This videoclip show us that we needed a change in our lives and God can clean us and renew our minds.
The MOST important thing is: "The love that will come to us is the love that we have shown" "
"..are an American pop boy band.[3][4][5][6] The band gained its popularity from the Disney Channel children's television network. From the shore region of New Jersey, the band consists of three brothers: Paul Kevin Jonas II (Kevin Jonas), Joseph Adam Jonas (Joe Jonas), and Nicholas Jerry Jonas (Nick Jonas). ...
Personal lives "
The Jonases are known for their wholesome, "family-friendly" image,[86] and the brothers are all committed Evangelical Christians. Their father is a former Assemblies of God pastor, and they were homeschooled by their mother. In addition, to signify their vow to abstain from premarital sex, on their left-hand ring finger they all wear purity rings. Joe has said that the rings symbolize "a promise to ourselves and to God that we'll stay pure till marriage," and Nick had stated that the rings are "just one of our ways of kind of like being different than everybody else out there."[87] They reportedly started wearing the rings when their parents, Denise and Kevin Sr., asked them if they wanted to.[88] They also reportedly abstain from alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs
..
Jonas Brothers Christian Interview (with better volume) - they talk... S
"..(August 9, 1963 – February 11, 2012) was an American singer, actress, producer, and model. In 2009, the Guinness World Records cited her as the most-awarded female act of all time.[3] Her list of awards includes two Emmy Awards, six Grammy Awards, 30 Billboard Music Awards, 22 American Music Awards, among a total of 415 career awards as of 2010. Houston was also one of the world's best-selling music artists, having sold over 170 million albums, singles and videos worldwide.[4][5] Inspired by prominent soul singers in her family, including her mother Cissy Houston, cousins Dionne Warwick and Dee Dee Warwick, and her godmother Aretha Franklin, Houston began singing with New Jersey church's junior gospel choir at age 11.[6] After she began performing alongside her mother in night clubs in the New York City area, she was discovered by Arista Records label head Clive Davis. Houston released seven studio albums and three movie soundtrack albums, all of which have diamond, multi-platinum, platinum or gold certification.
Houston was the only artist to chart seven consecutive No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hits ("Saving All My Love for You", "How Will I Know", "Greatest Love of All", "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)", "Didn't We Almost Have It All", "So Emotional" and "Where Do Broken Hearts Go"). She was the second artist behind Elton John and the only female artist to have two number-one Billboard 200 Album awards (formerly "Top Pop Album") on the Billboard magazine year-end charts. Houston's 1985 debut album Whitney Houston, became the best-selling debut album by a female act at the time of its release. The album was named Rolling Stone's best album of 1986, and was ranked at number 254 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.[7] Her second studio album Whitney (1987), became the first album by a female artist to debut at number one on the Billboard 200 albums chart.[7] Houston's crossover appeal on the popular music charts as well as her prominence on MTV, starting with her video for "How Will I Know",[8] influenced several African-American female artists to follow in her footsteps.[9][10]
Houston's first acting role was as the star of the feature film The Bodyguard (1992). The film's original soundtrack won the 1994 Grammy Award for Album of the Year. Its lead single "I Will Always Love You", became the best-selling single by a female artist in music history. With the album, Houston became the first act (solo or group, male or female) to sell more than a million copies of an album within a single week period.[7] The album makes her the only female act in the top 10 list of the best-selling albums of all time, at number four. Houston continued to star in movies and contribute to their soundtracks, including the films Waiting to Exhale (1995) and The Preacher's Wife (1996). The Preacher's Wife soundtrack became the best-selling gospel album in history.[11] Three years after the release of her fourth studio album My Love Is Your Love (1998), she renewed her recording contract with Arista Records.[11] She released her fifth studio album Just Whitney in 2002, and the Christmas-themed One Wish: The Holiday Album in 2003. In 2009, Houston released her seventh studio album, I Look to You.
On February 11, 2012, Houston died of unknown causes at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.[12]...
1963–1976: Early life
Whitney Houston was born in what was then a middle-income neighborhood in Newark, New Jersey, the third and youngest child of Army serviceman and entertainment executive John Russell Houston, Jr. (September 13, 1920 – February 2, 2003), and gospel singer Cissy Houston (née Drinkard).[13] Her mother, along with cousins Dionne Warwick and Dee Dee Warwick and godmother Aretha Franklin were all notable figures in the gospel, rhythm and blues, pop, and soul genres. Houston was raised a Baptist, but was also exposed to the Pentecostal church. After the 1967 Newark riots, the family moved to a middle class area in East Orange, New Jersey when she was four.[13]
At the age of 11, Houston began to follow in her mother's footsteps and started performing as a soloist in the junior gospel choir at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, where she also learned to play the piano.[14] Her first solo performance in the church was "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah."[15]
When Houston was a teenager, she attended a Catholic girls high school, Mount Saint Dominic Academy, where she met her best friend Robyn Crawford, whom she describes as the "sister she never had."[16] While Houston was still in school, her mother continued to teach her how to sing.[9] In addition to her mother, Franklin, and Warwick, Houston was also exposed to the music of Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, and Roberta Flack, most of whom would have an impact on her as a singer and performer.[17]
NEW Whitney Houston - I Look To You - Music Videos
"Los Angeles (CNN) -- Legendary pop singer Whitney Houston was found dead Saturday at a Beverly Hills, California, hotel, officials said. She was 48.
The entertainer, whose incredible talent was discovered at an early age, was pronounced dead at 3:55 p.m. (6:55 p.m. ET) at the Beverly Hilton hotel despite resuscitation efforts, a police spokesman said.
Beverly Hills Police Lt. Mark Rosen said there were "no obvious signs of criminal intent" and that the cause of her death is being investigated.
Houston's bodyguard found her body, said Courtney Barnes, publicist for hip-hop artist Ray J, who was dating the pop diva.
According to her official website, Houston sold more than 170 million albums, singles and videos. But she also struggled with addiction problems over the years.
Houston, whose hits included "The Greatest Love of All," died on the eve of the 54th annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. She had performed as late as Thursday night at a pre-Grammy event in the area. A pre-Grammy party was scheduled
Music producer Jimmy Jam, after conversations with those heading up to Sunday's night show, told CNN that he believes the event will change significantly -- including a tribute to the singer.
The entertainer recently returned to a movie set for "Sparkle," a remake of the 1976 hit, which was loosely based on the story of The Supremes. It is scheduled be released nationwide in August, according to Sony Pictures. It was her first movie role since 1996's "The Preacher's Wife."
News of her death elicited a flood of reaction from fans and fellow celebrities alike.
Singer Aretha Franklin said, "I just can't talk about it now. It's so stunning and unbelievable. I couldn't believe what I was reading coming across the TV screen. My heart goes out to Cissy (Houston's mother), her daughter Bobbi Kris, her family and Bobby (Brown)."
Dolly Parton, who wrote "I Will Always Love You," said, "mine is only one of the millions of hearts broken over the death of Whitney Houston. I will always be grateful and in awe of the wonderful performance she did on my song and I can truly say from the bottom of my heart, 'Whitney, I will always love you. You will be missed.'"
Another entertainment legend, Quincy Jones, said he was "absolutely heartbroken" by the news. "She was a true original and a talent beyond compare," he said.
Houston's body of work included a string of Billboard No. 1 hits in the 1980s, including "Saving All My Love for You," "How Will I Know," "The Greatest Love of All," "Where Do Broken Hearts Go," and "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)."
Billboard put her soundtrack to the 1992 movie "The Bodyguard" as one of the top 10 biggest-selling albums of all time. She also starred in the film with Kevin Costner. The soundtrack included the hit,"I Will Always Love You."
Whitney Houston was born on August 9, 1963, in Newark, New Jersey.
Famed music producer Clive Davis reportedly spotted Houston 20 years later in a New York nightclub, signing her on the spot, according to her website. Davis steered Houston's career for more than 25 years, also serving as a mentor.
Just Thursday, Davis told CNN's "Piers Morgan Tonight" that, with Houston, "I saw a depth and a range and soul ... that rarely ranks at the top level. And that's why we've been working together ever since."
The singer's rendition of the national anthem at the 1991 Super Bowl, days into the first Persian Gulf War, earned raves and cemented her place in the American musical landscape.
After "The Bodyguard," Houston went on to appear in several more films in the 1990s, including "Waiting to Exhale."
In 2000, Houston earned her sixth Grammy for best female R&B performance and, a month later, she was named female artist of the decade at the "Soul Train" Music Awards.
Her career stalled, however, in subsequent years as she entered rehab for addiction problems.
Houston took a hiatus for several years before releasing her first album in seven years, "I Look to You," in 2009.
"I just took a break, which sometimes you have to," said Houston. "You have to know when to slow that train down and kind of just sit back and relax for a minute."
In May 2011, Houston got help for her much-publicized struggle with drugs and alcohol, her representative said at the time.
In a 2009 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Houston recalled how her mother arrived one day at her doorstep at her daughter's house with sheriff's officers and a court order in a drug intervention. She talked about doing cocaine and smoking marijuana.
"(My mother) says, 'I have a court (injunction) here,'" Houston said. "Either you do it my way, or we're just not going to do this at all. We are both going to go on TV, and you're going to retire.'"
Houston had a high-profile and tumultuous marriage to Bobby Brown, a former "New Edition" star who has had multiple brushes with the law.
The couple appeared together in the mid-2000s on the reality show "Being Bobby Brown." They had one child together, Bobbi Kristina.
Houston was the cousin of Dionne Warwick, another acclaimed performer.
Singer Lionel Richie told CNN that Houston was one of the best.
"She had that voice that could just turn a story, a melody into magical notes," Richie said.
CNN's Denise Quan and Alan Duke contributed to this report." Whitney Houston autopsy completed
Published February 12, 2012
| FoxNews.com "LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County Coroner's Office said Sunday afternoon that an autopsy on pop icon Whitney Houston's body has been completed, but official results have been placed on hold, pending toxicology tests.
Los Angeles Deputy Coroner Ed Winter said at a press conference that the tests could take six to eight weeks to process.
Winter added that the Beverly Hills Police Department had requested a "security hold" on the results of the coroner's investigation, meaning no further details will be made available until the inquiry is complete.
He confirmed earlier comments made by police that "no foul play is suspected."
He also confirmed that Houston was found Saturday afternoon in a bath tub in her room at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
Prescription drugs had been found in the Beverly Hills Hilton hotel room where Houston's lifeless body was discovered Saturday afternoon just hours before a huge Grammy party she was to attend.
Police discovered a half dozen bottles of medication in Houston's room, TMZ reported, adding that family members said Houston had been taking the prescription drug Xanax, which is often used to treat anxiety.
When combined with alcohol, Xanax can cause drowsiness. Houston was reportedly found in her bathtub -- TMZ says her head was underwater -- and could not be revived by paramedics after being removed from the tub.
No alcohol was found in the preliminary sweep of Houston's room, TMZ reports, but there were multiple reports that Houston had been drinking with friends the night before at the hotel.
Houston had also attended rehearsals for the Grammys on Thursday, coaching singers Brandy and Monica, according to a person who was at the event but was not authorized to speak publicly about it. The person said Houston looked disheveled, was sweating profusely and liquor and cigarettes could be smelled on her breath.
She was also observed behaving "erratically" earlier in the week at a Los Angeles club, according to multiple reports.
Houston's body was removed from the hotel early Sunday morning, hours after the Grammy awards party she was there to attend had taken place four floors below her room.
Houston was 48.
Once pop music's undisputed queen, her voice and image had been ravaged by decades of drug use, erratic behavior and a tumultuous marriage to singer Bobby Brown.
Houston's death on the eve of the Grammy Awards sent shock waves through the music industry, with many stars expressing shock and sadness.
Brown reportedly broke down backstage before a show with his band New Edition in Southhaven, a few miles south of Memphis.
Brown skipped the first song of the concert, but appeared onstage for the second. He shouted, "I love you, Whitney. The hardest thing for me to do is to come on this stage." He then blew a kiss to the sky with visibly teary eyes.
Aretha Franklin, her godmother, said in a short statement: "I just can't talk about it now. It's so stunning and unbelievable. I couldn't believe what I was reading coming across the TV screen."
Houston's death will likely put a damper on Sunday's Grammy awards, music's biggest night of the year. Jennifer Hudson and Chaka Khan will perform a tribute to Houston at the awards, according to reports.
Grammy executive producer Ken Erhlich said event organizers believed Hudson -- an Academy Award-winning actress and Grammy Award-winning artist -- could perform a "respectful musical tribute" to Houston, the Los Angeles Times reported.
"It's too fresh in everyone's memory to do more at this time, but we would be remiss if we didn't recognize Whitney's remarkable contribution to music fans in general, and, in particular, her close ties with the Grammy telecast and her Grammy wins and nominations over the years," Ehrlich told the newspaper.
At her peak, Houston was the golden girl of the music industry. From the middle 1980s to the late 1990s, she was one of the world's best-selling artists. She wowed audiences with effortless, powerful, and peerless vocals that were rooted in the black church but made palatable to the masses with a pop sheen.
Her success carried her beyond music to movies, where she starred in hits like "The Bodyguard" and "Waiting to Exhale."
She had the perfect voice, and the perfect image: a gorgeous singer who had sex appeal but was never overtly sexual, who maintained perfect poise.
"Six-time Grammy winner Whitney Houston was one of the world's greatest pop singers of all time who leaves behind a robust musical soundtrack spanning the past three decades," Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy said in a statement.
"Her powerful voice graced many memorable and award-winning songs. A light has been dimmed in our music community today, and we extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, fans and all who have been touched by her beautiful voice," he said.
Houston influenced a generation of younger singers, from Christina Aguilera to Mariah Carey, who, when she debuted, sounded so much like Houston that many thought it was Houston.
But by the end of her career, Houston became a stunning cautionary tale of the toll of drug use. Her album sales plummeted and the hits stopped coming; her once-serene image was shattered by a wild demeanor and bizarre public appearances. She confessed to abusing cocaine, marijuana and pills, and her once pristine voice became raspy and hoarse, unable to hit the high notes as she had during her prime.
"The biggest devil is me. I'm either my best friend or my worst enemy," Houston told ABC's Diane Sawyer in an infamous 2002 interview with then-husband Brown by her side.
Houston staged what seemed to be a successful comeback with the 2009 album "I Look To You." The album debuted on the top of the charts, and would eventually go platinum.
Things soon fell apart. A concert to promote the album on "Good Morning America" went awry as Houston's voice sounded ragged and off-key. She blamed an interview with Winfrey for straining her voice.
A world tour launched overseas, however, only confirmed suspicions that Houston had lost her treasured gift, as she failed to hit notes and left many fans unimpressed; some walked out.
Canceled concert dates raised speculation that she may have been abusing drugs, but she denied those claims and said she was in great shape, blaming illness for cancellations.
The Associated Press and Newscore contributed to this report.
A closer look at Bobbi Kristina Brown
Anderson Cooper 360|Added on February 13, 2012
"A closer look at Bobbi Kristina Brown, the daughter of Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown. CNN's Tom Foreman reports."
"LOS ANGELES - Minneapoils native and music producer Jimmy Jam played a big role in putting together this year's Grammy Awards.
On Monday, Jam talked with KARE 11's Julie Nelson at his Los Angeles office about how Grammy producers went about changing the awards show after singer Whitney Houston died the night before.
Jam said he didn't work with Houston professionally, but knew her socially. He said she was a kind and thoughtful person who sent him and his wife matching Tiffany's cereals bowls when their twins were born.
(Copyright 2012 by KARE. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.) ..
Whitney Houston and Kelly Price: Whitney's last ever performance, Jesus
"The night before she died Whitney Houston performed in Los Angeles with Kelly Price, singing Jesus Loves Me. Report by Lisa Snell. ..
"LOS ANGELES (ANS) -- One of the outstanding female vocalists of all time had roots in the church and continued to profess her faith in Jesus Christ until her tragic death at age 48.
Houston at Super Bowl 1991
“Our hearts are broken,” Pastor Joe A. Carter said Sunday, before a packed service at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey, where Houston’s inspired gift was first recognized. “How saddened we are at the death of one of the greatest voices of the modern age.”
Houston began to sing with the church’s junior gospel choir at age 11. Years later, her mother, Cissy Houston, is still a devoted member of the church.
“I’ll never forget her right here standing at the New Hope Church, hearing her sing, ‘He Would Not Come Down,’” Pastor Carter said, “hearing her sing the praises of Jesus Christ.”
In a rare appearance on “Primetime” December 4, 2002 with Diane Sawyer, Houston revealed her struggle to overcome drug addiction, which involved a spiritual battle for her heart. Houston admitted she had used alcohol, marijuana, cocaine and pills in the past, but said the biggest “devil” was not the drugs, but herself.
"It’s my heart. It’s what I desire, what I want and what I don’t want. Nobody makes me do anything. I’m my best friend and my worst enemy,” she confessed.
In the interview, she admitted that drug use brought her close to death’s door. “I got as close as it gets, but I know people who have come closer,” she said.
Sawyer pressed the pop diva to say her “bad days” were behind her. "I know I’m on the right path because I’m back home where I started,” Houston said. “I can’t tell you it’s all going to be perfect.”
“I can tell you I’m not self-destructive,” she continued. “I’m not a person who wants to die. I’m a person who has life and wants to live.”
Then Houston opened a small window to her faith. .. more....
-Memorial Service
Costner: Her burden made her great
CNN|Added on February 18, 2012
" LEXINGTON, Ky. - The congregation of Southland Christian Church is being asked to send letters of love and support to troubled pop star Britney Spears, described by the pastor as having made "devastating life choices."
"Take a few minutes and write a note to Britney Spears," pastor John Weece said in a sermon and in a blog on the church Web site. "No preaching. No criticizing. Just love. As a church, let's love Britney the way Jesus loves her."
Weece said the idea came as he watched repeated reports of Spears' reported problems with drugs and alcohol and the loss of custody of her children.
"If she were your next-door neighbor in the same situation without the money and success, wouldn't you care about her problems? Wouldn't you pray for her and offer her support and encouragement?" he asked members of the church.
Cindy Willison, the church's director of communications, was still collecting the letters on Friday and looking for the best way to get them directly to Spears.
"This is an opportunity for us to reach out to someone who probably doesn't have a lot of people in her life that care for her as a person," Willison said.
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