After a post-biopic summer hiatus, "Reading Michael Jackson" is back with Season 3! Having already covered Michael's books in Seasons 1 and 2, this season we will focus on Michael's most well-known, yet routinely under-appreciated writing: his lyrics.

As a songwriter and lyricist Michael tackled themes of inspiration, heartbreak, global unity, humanitarianism, media, social commentary, sex, violence, spirituality, systemic racism, personal growth, love, vulnerability, and more. Yet as an artist, the shine of his aura and his talents as a singer and dancer often lend to his strengths as a songwriter being overlooked, if not entirely ignored.

As the premiere of Season 3, this episode will cover my reasoning and decision for choosing Michael's lyrics as our focus this season, as well as my general parameters for picking songs to cover. Next week we will kick off with episode 1, with a full reading and analysis of the lyrics to one of Michael' greatest songs.

If you have requests for specific songs to be covered this season, please leave a comment or send an email to readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com.

In this special bonus episode of Reading Michael Jackson, we celebrate Michael's 68th birthday with a deep dive into the true meaning behind the creation of his Neverland Ranch, as well as his humanitarian legacy. Featuring interview clips from Neverland's Head of Security Violet Gaitan Booker, Amusement Park Manager Al Scanlan, and Audio support Brad Sundberg, as well as clips from Michael Jackson's own interviews, this episode focuses on the true heart of Neverland, and honoring Michael Jackson's dream of healing the world.

Links and resources referenced in episode:

Paris Jackson on Call Her Daddy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jR8-dzLECUE&t=562s

Paul Dwyer's Humanitarian Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xW2YG8HjZxE&t=584s

Humanitarian Book: https://www.humanitarianmj.com/

"Big Al" Interview, Humanitarian Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHddfdVHMZE&t=2567s

Brand Sundberg Interview, MJCast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3Jh7jNbA7k&t=5018s

Violent Gaitan Booker, MJCast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUP60S9I-JM&t=1460s

Steve Harvey Interview, Michael Jackson, 2001: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RW5poJgHXU4

Rabbi Shmuley Boteach Transcripts with Michael Jackson: https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/the-michael-jackson-tapes-a-tragic-icon-reveals-his-soul-in-intimate-conversation/734582/#edition=5556084&idiq=1723326

Jennifer Love Hewitt on Jimmy Kimmel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCWnQ0vE5d4

Humanitarian fan initiative: https://www.michaeljacksonslegacy.org/

Seventeen years ago today Michael Jackson passed away and the world descended into a collective grief. Renowned poet Maya Angelou composed the poem "We Had Him" to honor Michael's life, legacy, and the gift of his presence on earth.

In today's special June 25th episode of Reading Michael Jackson, join me for a reading and discussion of Angelou's beautiful tribute to Michael, as well as a segment on the many ways we may honor Michael, and his impact, in our own lives.

For questions or comments email readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com

"We Had Him" - https://allpoetry.com/poem/14326539-We-Had-Him-by-Maya-Angelou

June 25th, 2025 Episode of RMJ: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6oKjtR8PKoCBT7LqfqpX0T?si=SX6PWtx5S8qXSzl4je40nw