The King of Style: Dressing Michael Jackson

 "I love experienced people. I love people who are phenomenally talented. I love
people who've worked so hard and been so courageous and are the leaders in their fields.
For me to meet somebody like that and learn from them and share words
with them — to me that's magic. To work together." ~ Michael Jackson
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Michael Bush had traveled the world on tour with Michael Jackson many times over the near twenty five years he worked for MJJ as his dresser and artisan of many of his costumes and clothes. He had recently again traveled the world from Japan to Europe and back to the U.S. on a whirl wind book signing tour for the poignant, beautifully written and amazingly stunning book, “The King of Style: Dressing Michael Jackson.” There have been several close friends to Michael whose books I have also relished to read; however I was very much looking forward to this book in particular. Michael Bush was the closest to Michael in a very personal way as Michael’s dresser both on and off stage. Following him along online as he traveled the world on his book tour I realized that the biggest perk for the MJ fans was to  talk with Michael Bush one on one. I had so many questions.

So it was on this clear brisk fall November morning my dear friend Robyn and I embarked on a Michaeling journey as we typically do. We hit the California freeways early to attempt to beat the traffic. Eager to garner a decent parking spot we arrived early to Julien’s Auction showroom in Beverly Hills. Emerging from the elevator to the Julien’s lobby we excitedly chuckled to ourselves over our anxious and a bit too early arrival. Anticipating the need to wait out on the patio until opening we turned the lobby corner from the elevators to pleasantly see neatly suited guards amiably open the glass lobby doors as they ushered us in. Yes! Happily they were expecting eager fans just like us. Darren Julien the owner, and Martin Nolan the Executive Director warmly greeted us, waving us in. We said our hellos to Darren and Martin now familiar friends as we have spent many hours visiting Julien’s for past auctions and preview parties. They have graciously allowed us long hours of perusing up close and personal Michael Jackson’s items and costumes understanding that for so many of us this will be the very closest we would ever get to Michael Jackson. I very much appreciate and honor our friendship with Julien’s. They are always welcoming and friendly to MJ fans and very protective of Michael Jackson and his legacy. 

Standing at the counter in a gold tone and black zebra, psychedelic print jacket with metal studded cowboy boots and spurs was Mr. Michael Lee Bush. These awesome cowboy boots I found such an appropriate statement for the kick ass way he has taken on and promoted his beautiful book in spite of the unnecessary, cruel mudslinging he has had to endure in the process. Yup Bush was ready to kick some book signing butt and with a grin on his face and twinkle in his eye greeted us ready for the MJ fan filled day.


This was Monday, Nov. 19, 2012. The first day of Michael Bush’s book signing in Los Angeles which I had marked on my calendar for sometime. The culmination of the tour would be the Tompkins-Bush VIP Preview Party on Wednesday, Nov. 28th. Then the final auction of the costumes on Sunday, Dec. 2nd. Fans from all over the world were flying in. Today however was our day to see up close and personal Michael Jackson’s exquisitely designed and scrupulously handcrafted costumes by Dennis Tompkins and Michael Bush the designers and crafters of much of Michael Jackson’s wardrobe. Both of these wonderful men created right along side MJ forming THE most dynamic, iconic, fashion trio in history. The purveyors and innovators of style who brought to fruition MJ’s magical fashion icon history. The three masters weaved a magical hold on the world throughout the 80s and 90s branding Michael Jackson via his clothes into the mind set of the world's eye. No one had ever accomplished this before and no one ever will again. For decades this man, Michael Bush, was close to Michael Jackson on a daily basis as he traveled around the world. I remember watching the TV fascinated, stopping everything to watch in curiosity and awe as Michael Bush explained Michael’s wardrobe on Entertainment Tonight during the History tour. I sat mesmerized and remember thinking, "Damn... that was not a long enough interview. They should have showed more!"



We stood for only a moment inside the front doors saying hello when Martin asked, “Have you met Michael Bush?” He in turn warmly smiled, greeting us with handshakes. Happily we responded, “Hello Michael!”, like we had just run into an old friend. He is such an easy person to talk to. I can readily see why MJ felt so comfortable with him as he is gentle, kind, patient, funny and very giving of himself to the fans. He dove into conversation with us revealing that Michael called him, Bush. He proudly displayed his exquisite book filled with amazingly superb, high quality pictures and wonderful heartfelt stories of precious memories of the years with his beloved boss and friend. 

I have to say that spending time with Michael Bush is like a warm hug.

I was nervous to ask many questions... however they all disappeared from memory as I stood in front of him. Yet... the conversation flowed so freely it didn’t matter. I just let them all go... and we just talked. He shared about the Dirty Diana shirt and how MJ had on a jacket that just wasn’t working with the wind machine. It was too heavy and didn’t flow during rehearsal so he left the stage, went back stage to ask for a different one. Then looked at Bush spying the white shirt he was wearing, which Dennis Tompkins had made for him. Thus the Dirty Diana shirt was born... off the back of Bush onto the stage with MJ. Yes we all have to agree it flowed purrrfectly with the dance and MJ’s wind machine. In talking to Martin I learn the Dirty Diana shirt is actually there at the exhibit... in the back. Martin takes us to it so we can see it in person as he tells us it can't be put on display and needs to be redressed as MJ wore it for proper display, the material is also voile and over the years has become delicate. However we are very lucky to get an up close look at "THE Dirty Diana" shirt. (full story on page 61 in the book)

Autry Museum 2010

Reminding him I had met him, Dennis Tompkins and Karen Faye at the Autry Museum when their exhibit first opened to the public for MJ’s birthday celebration only a year after his passing we talked about that exhibit. It was good to learn it will be there indefinitely. That was an amazing day as well. Freely speaking with him that day for a brief period he shared about MJ’s “glow” and how MJ would just call him randomly from the back seat of his SUV somewhere in the world, at anytime of the day or night and sing a bit of genius song running thru his ever creating mind and then just hang up. I simply love these wonderfully gilded MJ stories. Years before at the Autry Michael Bush had been very reserved, uncomfortable, shy of standing front and center, and only freely shared one on one. His grief was palpable and decidedly to me, he more so than both Dennis Tompkins and Karen Faye was very uncomfortable being photographed especially in a group or talking to a group of fans. Today he reiterated how he would dress Michael all those years and push him out the door into the public. His/their place was behind the scenes and that was where he was always much more comfortable... in the back ground. Now though here he stood a different man. He had just traveled the world on book tour, he had grown, his grief not so heavy on his shoulders and heart. Here the man I was looking at was healing from his deep sorrow and loss. This creative venture, a sharing of his heart and a rebirth of his creativity expressed for both Dennis and MJJ had clearly been a healing and cathartic process for him. He shared how MJ enjoyed meeting with the fans and looking into their eyes, confiding he never wanted to be out in front but now he enjoyed it as he now understood what MJ saw in their eyes, how MJ felt when he looked into the eyes of the fans around the world and saw that look of love and admiration in their eyes. Today I looked into Michael Bush’s eyes and he was not the starkly grieving man I met on that day at the Autry. His eyes this day had a renewed sparkle, life after deep sorrow not only over loosing Michael Jackson but his partner Dennis Tompkins.

His desire to tell this story himself is totally understandable and made perfect sense to me, having experienced the recent losses in his life. There is no one better to tell it than Michael Bush. Definitely no one I’d rather hear it from. This was the twinkling eyed, quiet man with the warm smile, silly sense of humor and quick wit the world watched for years attentively, humbly assisting Michael on stage. It was a pleasure and comfort to see he had survived his grief and regained his joy. Creating is such a cathartic process and clearly had been just that for Michael Bush as he fulfilled Michael’s wish to create a book about Michael’s clothes. The book that together both Dennis Tompkins and Michael Bush had begun many years before when Michael was still alive. They had both worked on this book after Michael’s death. They had worked together talking about it with MJ; however there were always pressing projects and issues, other priorities which pushed it to the back burner. Now it was Michael Bush’s honor and privilege to bring it beautifully to fruition for both of them. Much like many people around the world who visit loved ones who have passed away he was honored and blessed to visit both MJJ’s and Dennis’ graves at Forest Lawn Glendale, share his heart, reading to them from the book. A project complete, come full circle. Sharing the joy of a beautiful job birthed and completed out of pure LOVE, in conjunction with the wishes of both his dear beloved friends. What an honor!

We walked along with Bush through the exhibit listening to his stories. Many he confirmed were in the book. I had not fully read the book yet, so to hear him personally bring them to life as we gazed at the glorious wall of impeccably crafted MJ jackets was simply incredible. We listened as he talked, stopping and laughing as he shared with us a funny Michael story about how he loved to do little things on stage to mess with him. Michael knew he didn’t like the spot light. However part of his job was to assist Michael on stage with costume changes. Bush would come out on stage to assist MJ as he stood back from the spotlight between songs. He’d undo his straps on his leg guards or help him with a jacket change. This particular time he was down on one knee in the shadows aiding Michael and MJ purposely moved a few steps into the spot light where Bush had to move along with him to get his work done, suddenly Bush was in the bright spot light too! Seen by the audience, wide eyed and frozen in fear. Of course the minute MJ stepped into the spot light the crowd would roar. Michael Bush’s eyes grew big like a deer in headlights and he became red and flustered. Michael laughed! He thought it was hilarious and giggling uproariously at the look on his face. Bush was not pleased. Although now today he readily laughs about it.

When we had first entered the showroom the public relations people brought out his beaded jacket with the MJ faces on it that will be donated for auction at the end of the tour. He handed me his zebra psychedelic jacket to hold while he slipped it on. Suddenly I was the clothes assistant. Just inside the collar the Dennis Tompkins and Michael Bush label was sewn and stood out in contrast to the bright royal blue satin lining. I was so happy I had met Dennis Tompkins at the Autry that first summer after MJ’s death. He was so down to earth and just the nicest man with a great sense of humor. Silly to some maybe but for me holding that jacket allowed me to feel closer to MJ and Dennis somehow. I walked around with his jacket for hours that day unable to put it down. Many people tried on Michael Bush’s beaded jacket for pictures with him including the children. Once the children tried it on I felt free to ask. Finally I reluctantly relinquished my clutch of the zebra jacket as Michael Bush helped me try on his beaded jacket. I’m sure I seemed like a crazy, stalker fan who might abscond with his zebra jacket although I’d never do such a thing. Ahhh well it gave Robyn and me something to laugh about later, and we certainly did. As Michael Bush helped me into his jacket I was thinking these are the skilled hands that helped Michael Jackson countless times into all those jackets all those years and now here he is helping me try on his jacket. It was mesmerizing and an honor. Michael Bush’s generosity of spirit with the MJ fans was not ever more clearly shown as when he lit up with the children as they tried on his jacket. He remarked about the children with a twinkle in his eye, “This is what it’s all about. This is gold for me”, forever cementing my admiration for Michael Bush.



The one thing that is certain when it comes to our Michael Jackson adventures there is always laughter. The joy of Michael Jackson we share goes deep, which is such contrast as to why we were brought together or why we attend these events. Even as we stood overwhelmed, senses overload by all we were looking at and listening to I could not help but think of the life that Michael lived, the paradoxical extremes. On stage the polarizing commanding force over 100,000 people became a painfully shy man one on one off stage. The funny prankster who loved to laugh and joke whose heart broke and dissolved to tears for the disadvantaged, down trodden, the environment, the earth and animals. The world traveler sharing music and LOVE around the globe several times over who was unbearably lonely and isolated, a prisoner of his own fame. In his death those extremes clearly are still a roller coaster of emotion. Elated joy and celebration of a genius life so well lived surrounds all things Michael Jackson, every adventure, every journey coincides with feelings of a broken heart, a deeply cutting absence, a missing of the man of music and love which will never leave. We are just people drawn together over the loss of Michael Jackson, yet here beautiful friendships and great joy have blossomed. This is the cycle of life. This is the wish of Michael brought to fruition... to heal the world, bring LOVE into the world. MJ’s wish fulfilled aided by God’s masterful touch, the maestro joining lives together, connecting and intertwining hearts in LOVE around the globe. 

Michael Bush shared about the very painful experience when he dressed Michael for the last time... for his burial. As he talked his eyes were a window to the pain he still carries in his heart about that experience. “Who else could do it? I did it for my friend. I had to be the one to dress him for the last time. No one else could dress him.” He revealed MJJ’s favorite jacket, the pearl jacket from the History tour could not be found so he and Dennis set to work crafting a new one. This one however held a special gift for MJ. He shared with us as we stood in the Julien’s showroom that Michael from the beginning of their long relationship had always loved the bling, the dust, the sparkly, the magic.

His favorite Disney character was not in fact Peter Pan but Tinker Bell because that is where the magic started. It was Tinkerbell’s magic dust that made it all happen. Michael simply LOVED Tinker Bell and her magic dust. He would show up in the designers room and say, “Bush dust me!” "Bush sling some dust!" Michael Bush would pull out the sparkly glittery sequins and MJ would just brush through them with his fingers watching the sparkle effect, enthralled by the light, transcending to another magical place. He’d play with the stones and discuss the magic of the dust. When Michael would try on clothes he’d say, “Bush sling some dust.” Michael Bush knew exactly what that meant... there needed to be lots of sequins, crystals, glitter and bling on that jacket or costume. So Dennis Tompkins and Michael Bush ‘Dusted MJ’ just as he would have wished by creating something very special for Michael, sewing it into his very last favorite pearl jacket. A beautiful, shiny, crystal rhinestone Tinker Bell sewn inside the left side jacket. Tinker Bell rests here for all eternity over MJJ’s heart. As Bush dressed MJJ for that one last time he carefully closed Michael’s jacket over his chest where Tinker Bell and her Magic Dust now lay directly over Michael’s heart protecting him and bringing him Tinker Bell's Magic Dust... For All Time.


As Michael Bush shared this story I could feel his pain yet also his pride in the fact that he personally gave this gift to his friend, a gift of such a deeply resplendent personal wish one last time. I believe simply no one else on God’s earth could have accomplished such a beautifully meaningful gesture providing such a personal crowning gift of LOVE for Michael Jackson. Hearing this story blessed me deeply. We all stood frozen. My feet felt riveted to the floor like lead. Unable to speak at first picturing Michael laying fastidiously dressed in his resplendent pearl jacket with Tinker Bell protecting his heart for all eternity. Tears collectively filling our eyes we all seemed to take a deep cleansing breath at the same time, including Michael Bush. To hear this story from someone, one of the last of a creative trio which will be known for all of entertainment history as the trio who created “The Fashion Icon - Michael Jackson” was mind blowing to me. To know that MJ was lovingly, sensitively cared for as the King he most assuredly was in those last hours as he was dressed for eternal splendor brings a deep lasting comfort and for me.  Brings some level of the closure which I personally have been searching for.

While telling this story Michael Bush’s eyes welled up with tears as did ours. MJ had endured so much on this earth. God bless Michael Bush as he was a man so blessed to accompany and live an extraordinary life so very close to the King of Pop, Rock, Soul and LOVE and through the years brought him so much joy and happiness in the beautiful clothes he designed with Dennis Tompkins and as he dressed MJ on a regular basis. He knew MJ well.... very well. He protected him until the very last day possible. Yet here he stood with us average MJ fans sharing the same broken heart. His humbleness, friendliness and generosity of spirit was so apparent.


I was reminded of Greg Phillanganes’ story to the fans at Siedah’s breakfast at Westlake about how when MJ would perform in concert many times he performed just for the band. He loved to see their reaction. How he would inevitably perform a move or serious of moves that shocked and blew the minds of band members and singers, leaving them to look at one another and ask, “Did you just see that? What was THAT? How did he do that?” So much so that many times they’d forget what they were doing and freeze, having to catch themselves and remind themselves where they were and to continue playing. Here too in his stupendous time living near this extraordinary man Michael Bush was also left so many times with his mouth hanging open as Michael pushed him to learn, to stretch, to reach forever deeper to a greater creativity. To profoundly achieve at a sensationally, spectacular, worldwide level the personal best visions, ideas and dreams of Michael Jackson. For me as I stood speaking to Michael Bush it made perfect sense to me that he write this book. Absolutely no one could write it better, explain it better or share these stories. I feel Michael Jackson and Dennis Tompkins would be very proud and approving of this wonderful cathartic result. 

The fan interviewing Michael Bush asked about the military jackets inquiring why MJ settled on that look. Bush divulged a conversation MJ had with him about the reasoning behind the sensational military style. First and foremost the conclusion was every man looks great in a uniform. A uniform commands attention. Michael also stated to Bush, “If I can win the women I’m in.” As he said those words we looked at one another and laughed, voicing, “Well MJ certainly succeeded in winning the women!” Bush continued telling us that many military style jackets were created not just one military look taking MJ's broad shoulders and enhancing them with the military style along with his narrow waist. One military jacket in particular, black with braiding was another of MJ’s favorites. He wore this one to meet President Bush Sr. at the White House. On the chest near the heart he wore his ‘dust’, a large, cluster, star burst pin. This pin became much discussion between MJ and Elizabeth Taylor as she loved it and insisted on having it. So MJ had one just like it made for her which thrilled her and she cherished. 

We stayed as long as possible and listened to story after story, just following along as fans talked, filmed and interviewed Michael Bush. I finally personally was able to sneak in a question about how many colors of the bad shirt there were as it has been a topic of discussion in the MJFSC group recently. Bush’s answer was there were several: silver, black, red and royal blue very similar to the lining of his zebra jacket I was holding. He explained that they settled on the silver color as the main color worn by MJ on tour because the black color receded, disappearing on stage. The effect in the black color from a distance for the audience allowed them to only see MJ’s head dancing around the stage. The silver showed him up much better just like glittery socks at a distance on stage. MJ was always concerned about the fans at the back of the audience and wanted to give everyone a great show.

 The Beat It jacket was discussed. There were different Beat It jackets over the years including the incredible eel skin Beat It jacket above. The plastic Beat It jacket was too hot for MJ at the end of the night because it didn't breath when he danced. Michael Bush pointed out the wear from many performances on one particular Beat It jacket. It was really ‘beat’ so to speak. Michael gave his Beat It jackets a whipping on stage taking them off and slamming them to the stage and stomping on them as he danced in his performance. After each show he would say to Bush, “You’ll need to fix my zippers tonight.” Bush would stay up many late nights and early mornings painstakingly repairing the zippers which took the beating on stage restoring them for the next night’s show. As he pointed to the favorite of MJ's Beat It jackets the neoprene with the glittery effect in the material and with zippers showing wear he explained that MJ was a perfectionist and insisted that all his jackets and costumes needed to be just as they were in the very first show, for every show. That way everyone received the same high quality performance. That was how Michael Jackson always performed giving his very best to every show and every audience. Michael Bush clearly beamed as he explained how he took pride in his beautifully detailed work. He smiled at me as he stressed he didn’t mind doing those repairs spending many, many late nights repairing those zippers. Saying yes he’d be bleary eyed and it was tedious work fixing them over and over; however he clearly took pride in the fact that he was a part of helping MJ give the very best show possible each time. (full story on page 94 in the book)

The royal blue jacket with gold accents I had never seen before. Michael Bush told us it was a dinner jacket which MJJ wore to greet visitors at home and when he was on tour in hotels. In essence MJJ's comfortable parlor jacket.

The leather yellow looking Thriller jacket he pointed out glowed in the dark during concerts which brought to mind many memories of seeing MJ on stage singing Thriller, then disappearing in a fiery magic box only to reappear on the cherry picker moments later.

Michael Bush shared when MJJ wasn't wearing loafers he wore street boots and MJJ always had Bush make them with a one inch lift to make him look taller. Always loved these boots on MJ.... sigh. 




Robyn Starkand's beautiful video of the Tompkins Bush Exhibit:

Remembering finally one of my many questions which had evaporated from my mind I asked about the suits designed for the 2005 trial. They were simply exquisite. I asked if MJ had requested anything special. Michael Bush said they had used all sorts of materials including a shower curtain for the vests to bring color and happiness into MJJ’s life during the trial, to lift his spirits. MJ had requested not to use plastic again as it was too hot in the courtroom and didn't breath. He also shared the D.A. insisted the beautiful jewel chain with the crowns and charms which hung near MJJ’s waist be removed. He was forbidden to wear this into court stating they were giving some sort of imagined message to the public. The 777 was also not allowed to be worn in any fashion as it was considered too close to the numbers 666 and was also supposed to be giving some sort of message to the world. The ignorance and persecution MJJ had to endure was absolutely shameful. It brought me comfort to know these two loving gentleman continually looked after Michael and endeavored to make each day he endured throughout the trial just a bit brighter. We all know how regal and noble MJ looked in those meticulously designed suits. Previously at the Autry Michael Bush shared that dressing him each morning in those suits they were able to at least bring some happiness to MJJ and a smile to his face before he stepped out to endure each day of court during the trial.



A spectacular look into MJ’s genius was revealed as Michael shared about the plan for the Beat It jacket in TII. MJ’s plan was for it to literally go up in a whoosh of flames. There was much discussion and work done to create a jacket that would burn but not burn the floor or anything else. We see Michael talk about this in the TII rehearsals, “Let it BURN!” The fire department was called on to take part in this plan, sprinklers would need to be installed and everything needed to be up to fire code. There was a plan to have the fire department stand by for each performance. The material needed to be specially treated, fire retardant. It had to be ‘Michael Jackson Fire'! Only Michael Jackson would stage ‘beat’ his jacket, set his jacket on fire in a big way and yet not burn a thing! Michael Jackson Genius and Magic! 

There were many things that Michael Bush was working on for This Is It with Michael Jackson. They were creating a gamut of fashion marvels and magic for the fans. He shared that these costumes were in process when MJ died and many went uncompleted. This was a day of sighs... impulsively, spontaneous big sighs... If only...

Michael Bush revealed that everyone was hoping with all their hearts that Michael would make it to London where new doctors would have been assigned while Conrad Murray went about his normal playing around and womanizing. There would have been competent medical staff caring for Michael and many believe if he had made it to London MJ would still be alive today. Again sadness gripped my heart... If only...

There again... the heart ache... the tears... the disappointment... the emptiness. My eyes met Michael Bush’s eyes when he shared this... no words. Only a deep, heart breaking, gut wrenching sigh. The possibilities of ‘What If’ clouding my mind and heart. He nodded recognizing the pain. Yes Michael Bush was Michael’s confidant, designer, dresser, creative fashion facilitator and friend for close to twenty five years; however clearly he was also very similarly like us, a huge fan and his heart has been broken on levels we fans could never imagine. We will never know the degree of loss he feels and has felt for his dear beloved friend. God bless you Mr. Bush. 



There was a time when MJ generously gave away a jacket and then asked for another just like it to be made. That is when both Dennis and Michael decided they needed to photograph each item extensively in case it ever needed to be replaced rather than panic trying to remember the details of the gifted item. This is when it became their practice to photograph each item in detail. They also started the practice of making two, three and sometimes four of the same jacket for back ups. When Michael saw these photos of his clothes he was thrilled. Michael told him many, many years ago when the clothes first started to be photographed, “Bush I have given you the tools. You need to write a book.”  The result the stunning coffee table book “King of Style” which we were all there to purchase and also have Michael Bush sign. Also set to raise money for specific charities in both Dennis and MJ’s memories. I was very happy to spend the money on this book knowing that the suffering and needy would be aided from my purchase. That their lives would improve or become more joyful as a result of my small purchase. What an honor to support Michael Bush, to be apart of something so beautifully altruistic in Michael Jackson’s and Dennis Tompkins’ memories... so Mike Like.

Dennis Tompkins and Michael Bush both worked on "King of Style" together over the years. After Michael’s death they both decided they needed to complete the book which had been the idea of Michael Jackson. The photographs which had been taken were gathered and the core idea of the book had taken root and been discussed. Over and over it had been put on the back burner as tours and concerts or the trial where new costumes or clothing became the priority, needing to be crafted. Always something else more important took precedence. Truly and sadly a book like this can be completed for a person of the level and stature of Michael Jackson only after his death. For in life the story never ends... the creating never ends... the fashion never ends. So it was that Dennis and Michael followed MJJ’s wish after his death and worked to complete this labor of love in his memory. Michael Bush brought this book to fruition not only in memory of Michael Jackson at his directive to “write a book”, but also for his dear partner, Dennis Tompkins, who passed away on December 2, 2011. This tribute book to both MJJ and Dennis was released in conjunction with a full exhibit of the costumes they crafted for MJJ. Ultimately to be auctioned off at one of the most successful Julien’s auctions ever held. However and notably this auction did not take place before Michael Jackson’s children chose which costumes they wanted to keep for their personal collection. Also a museum is set to be established by the Estate of Michael Jackson at Mandalay Bay in Vegas along with the permanent Cirque show of Immortal in 2013. 

Ultimately and appropriately Dennis Tompkins picked the date of the auction two years before the auction took place. Coincidentally and fittingly the day of the final auction of the costumes fell on the anniversary date of his passing. I can see him smiling now.

Martin Nolan, Michael Bush, unknown happy lady sandwiched in and Darren Julien

Jalles Franca and Michael Bush

 There was joy as always at every MJ gathering.

Jalles Franca an MJ Vegas impersonator,
his beautiful wife Kaylan and Debbie Jackson.

The VIP Preview party fell on Wed, Nov. 28th. It was a very happy, crowded fun affair. As usual Julien’s went all out to embrace the MJ fans. There was a crush, a sea of people to preview the costumes, meet Michael Bush and happily imbibe in the excellent hors d'oeuvres and drinks. There were not only MJ fans present but also serious collectors, museum curators, charity representatives and celebrities. It was so much fun mingling. Seeing so many familiar friendly faces who had traveled many miles to attend. Especially Debbie Jackson from New Zealand, my good friend who is just a hoot! As well as sweet, caring Irina from Moscow, Russia. There was a long seemingly never ending line of party goers holding Michael Bush’s beautiful book in hand waiting for his autograph and a few words with him. He was so gracious and patient with us all pressing in on him... pushing forward, taking pictures. Time after time he patiently took a few moments to speak to each one, asking questions, answering questions.

I was drawn back to this jacket over and over. The design and craftsmanship is just spectacular as it is on all of the costumes and jackets. This is one of the simpler jackets; however I just kept looking at and picturing MJ in it just like this... his broad shoulders and big gorgeous smile... a happy time for him.

While mingling I took the time to take a second close look at each superbly crafted jacket just as I had done on the day of the book signing earlier in the week. In each jacket and costume I saw MJJ’s face... saw him smiling, waving, saw his broad shoulders, his slim waist and long dancers legs, his big smile and warm brown MJ eyes, his curls. Eliciting again the sadness of why we were gathered in the first place. The bittersweet over shadowing the feelings of joy. A roller coaster of emotion hit me then I forced myself to snap back to the here and now, the celebration of MJJ’s life and what these costumes and the money they raise will mean for the charities involved.

There are two main charities which have great meaning to Michael Bush and will benefit from the sale of these items, Guide Dogs of America and the Nathan Adelson Hospice in Las Vegas www.nah.org. This time honored practice of auctioning off MJJ items and clothes for charity was established by MJJ himself. He became very notably the biggest celebrity philanthropist in Guinness world history giving a record setting $billions to the most charities in the world. Michael Bush continues to carry this tradition forward with this auction in MJJ’s memory. 

Michael Bush and guide dog in training Fred.

Lorrie Bernson from Guide Dogs of America, Carter and Michael Bush

Lorrie Bernson and sweet Carter

--- To my delight the Guide Dogs of America were present and I was able to speak with their different representatives at length. This is when I met Lorrie Bernson who is legally blind and her entrusted seeing eye guide dog, Carter, as well as another guide dog trainer, Glyn, and his beautiful guide dog in training, Fred. Fred who seemed to have just outgrown the roly-poly puppy stage is a puppy in training for only 9 months now. He will spend a total of two and half years in training before he graduates to aid a human in need. He will learn many phenomenal everyday life saving skills. Both Golden Labrador Retrievers, Fred is a soft and regal soul. Carter is noble, staunchly loving, protective and steadfast. Both, including puppy Fred, have a look of chosen nobility and appointed purpose in their eyes. These wise and gentle dogs are keenly aware of the environment and activity around them and of the job at hand. Even young dog, Fred, seemed to know his job is of the utmost importance and that he has a special assignment to attend to in life, ready, faithfully determined to fulfill his calling. I thought to myself if only humans could be less self absorbed and show such commitment to caring and love, the world would be a much better place. I could have spent hours down on the floor with just these dogs petting them and getting to know them. However they had a job to do at this party. They are not just pets but on the job 24/7. I asked Michael Bush if I could have a picture with him and the dogs. He immediately popped down on one knee and looked Fred in the eye, his face lit up and he beamed with joy. The happiness radiating from his face saying it all. The same light in his eyes as when the children were giggling and trying on his jacket. Clearly he has a love of animals and children so similar to MJJ.

Michael Bush commented to me, “Not only did MJJ give me the tools to write the book but to raise money for people that can't pay medical bills or for medicine and to be able to support the seeing eye dog foundation affording puppies for blind human beings that did not get the gift of sight that I did and have every morning I wake up. The people that will never get to see Michael dance and entertain them. These people struggle through out life on a daily, hourly basis. I hope the first puppy we get we can name him ‘Thriller’ not only in MJJ’s honor but for the 'thrill' the person will get indirectly from MJJ’s gift of music and dance.”



I was thrilled myself to learn there was a guide dog graduation on Dec. 15th which Lorrie and Hillary from Julien’s invited me to. Hillary a member of the Julien’s staff attends these amazing guide dog graduations on a regular basis. I will share more about this after I attend. I’m really looking forward to this day. 

---  The second charity I was pleased to learn from Nan and Michele, who were very good friends of Dennis Tompkins and Michael Bush is the Nathan Adelson Hospice in Las Vegas (www.nah.org). This hospice has been in place helping the suffering and terminally ill with support, care, assistance and pain management for over 30 years. The money donated to this hospice will go to help those who can’t afford medical care or to purchase medicine. This charity too is very dear to Michael Bush’s heart. 

--- A third charity benefiting from the sale of every King of Style book purchased a portion of the sales of the book will also be donated to MusicCares, a nonprofit organization operated by The Recording Academy, which provides services and resources to members of the music community in times of need.

--- A fourth charity benefiting from the sale of the book King of Style in conjunction with the publisher, Insight Editions is Roots of Peace. It is wonderful to know that the purchase of this book will help the environment. This is something I feel MJ would definitely approve of.

As printed at the back of the book:
"Insight Editions in association with Roots of Peace will plant two trees for each tree used in the manufacturing of the book. Roots of Peace is an internationally renowned humanitarian organization dedicated to eradicating land mines worldwide and converting war-torn lands into productive farms and wildlife habitats. Roots of Peace will plant two million fruit and nut trees in Afghanistan and provide farmers there with the skills and support neccessary for sustainable land use."
                              ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Auctioneer, Tim Luke, gives fair warning for last bid of $160,000
for the crystal glove by bidder 462

MJ's Madonna Date Night Academy Award Jacket
MJ asked Dennis and Bush to find out what she was wearing
and had it made to match Madonna's dress.

Final bid on White House Jacket, bidder 462

Julien's Tompkins Bush King of Style Window Display

The auction was held on Sunday, Dec. 2. After bolstering my morning self with a couple of savory caffeine enhanced Frappuccinos I arrived at Julien’s to find my friend Debbie from New Zealand had saved me a place in the front. I checked in, collected my paddle and catalog. Having planned ahead I hoped to try to win one of the sewing machines. Jackets and most of the items were out of range for me but the sewing machines were right up my alley. For me it would have been absolutely awesome to own the machine Michael Bush and Dennis Tompkins worked endless hours on as they created the beautiful costumes for MJJ. The item where they turned the creative ideas magically from sketch and pattern to reality. I laughed to myself as I thought about how I could only hope just maybe some of that talent would flow through the machine to me like MJJ's magic pixie dust. The auction was long, no breaks given this time as there was a lot of ground to cover. It was exciting and exhilarating to watch live the bidding on MJJ’s jackets, gloves and items bring in over $5 million. The reality and totality of this dollar amount simply doesn’t penetrate my brain. It’s hard for the average everyday person to wrap their head around that number; however I am thrilled for Michael Bush, Julien's and all the charities which will benefit in MJJ's memory.

Many times over bidder 462 out bid all the rest for iconic jackets and glittery gloves. After a few wins in a row I turned to suss out who bidder 462 was, attempting to give a congratulatory smile. I found him somber, not even needing to raise his paddle while bidding but only giving a small nod. There was no emotion, no eye contact with anyone except with the auctioneer when a bid was raised. He kept his head down, he was all business only conferring quietly with his friend at his side. I decided he must be a representative for Donald Trump or Justin Beiber, both MJ lovers, when it was whispered that he was representing for a New York bidder and his dollar limit seemed to be bottomless. Debbie and I concurred if not representing for them then he was definitely a buyer sent by someone influential and wealthy. Surely he was not a fan or MJJ lover as no one could win so many amazingly iconic items and never even bat an eyelash or show any emotion. I laughed and chuckled to myself deciding he was the 'auction hit man'. He was definitely there to do a job which only made me wonder with concern if MJJ’s items would be purchased by someone who would respect, love and care for them. With each iconic jacket or item he bid on the energy in the room exponentially rose, the air filled with electricity as the price climbed higher and higher and higher. There was no out bidding him. If he wanted an item he shot down every opposing bid and he won it. That was that!

Later I was amazed to learn on Face Book that I had been present in the room watching and experiencing this moment in history as Lady Gaga the person from N.Y. he represented euphorically won all the MJJ booty. 
Congratulations Lady Gaga!

Not long after the auction Lady Gaga’s representative (the auction hit man), Brandon Maxwell, tweeted:

Brandon Maxwell ‏@BrandonVance
Amazing to represent @ladygaga today, a woman who will love, take care of, and preserve the 55 historical pieces she collected today!

@BrandonVance @ladygaga I was at the auction today! Was amazing to watch 462 in action! Congrats! So happy some1 who LUVS MJ hz his things!


Lady Gaga a huge Michael Jackson fan also expressed her love and respect for Michael Jackson when she tweeted her picture and a statement:


Lady Gaga ‏@ladygaga
 The 55 pieces I collected today will be archived & expertly cared for in the spirit & love of Michael Jackson, his bravery, and fans worldwide



Finally my time for the sewing machine came. I had originally told myself I wasn’t going to bid on anything. Then I rationalized the amount of money I had to spend and that a portion of it would go to help very worthy charities. I readied my paddle #99 on the chair next to me reminding myself I had a very minimal amount of money to spend and could not get carried away. Strategically planning to myself... I’d wait until the last bid fair warning alert, raise my paddle at the last minute, then let the chips fall where they may. You never know unless you try. The bidding started. Then it was over before I could raise my paddle. I felt like I was moving in slow motion, the air thick like glue my hand went for the paddle... or did it? Like lighting, leaving me sitting there in a daze I heard, “Sold!”. The sewing machine was gone. Again I readied myself for the second of the two sewing machines I wanted to bid on and then again the stud attachment machine... the same thing. Both disappearing before my leaden arm could raise my paddle. I thought, “What? Am I made of stone?” I picked up my paddle to see if my arm actually worked... yes it did. Then the auctioneer commented to the winner, “And, Sir, you may be the only one who knows how to work that machine. Congratulations!” I thought, “NO! I do but you go too damn fast!!” This was the first auction I’d ever tried to bid in and clearly I have a lot to learn. I laughed at myself thinking, “NOVICE! Note to self... change of plan... next time make the first bid not the last! Duh!” It was all over so fast it made my head spin. Seriously though I know everything happens for a reason so I accepted it and cheerfully moved on. The day was full of energy and very exciting. My friend, Debbie, was thrilled to win two robes. One a beautiful red Michael Jackson robe and a blue Heal The World robe to add to her personal museum in Auckland, New Zealand. They will go nicely with the other two black MJ's Dangerous robes which she won at a previous Julien's auction. 

Me in my MJ History Tour jacket a couple of days later at the gates of Neverland
That is the 'new guard' Gunner I'm speaking to.
A beautiful dog, a Long Haired Griffen from the UK,
belonging to one of the guards.

I was not supposed to win those sewing machines and clearly God had another idea. I found out why two days later while out Michaeling with Debbie on Hollywood Blvd. when I found the most amazing original History Tour jacket calling my name. This time I was not going to let it get away from me. God always has a plan. Merry Christmas to me! So my donation to the charities will take place separately from the auction and every time I give I will give in memory of MJJ and Dennis Tompkins. Heal the World!

In the end, the Julien’s final tally for the Tompkins and Bush Collection raised more than $5 million.  A new record... MJJ still setting records. WoW!! And this may very well be another Guinness World Record for Michael Jackson! He would be proud of that I'm certain. What an amazing tribute to both Michael Jackson and Dennis Tompkins made possible by Michael Bush and Julien's. Thank you!
An excerpt from the Julien’s Auction website from Michael Bush:

“You know Dennis picked the date of this auction when we first began this process and ironically it was the exact date in which he passed two years ago. It’s as if Michael is still working his magic from up above,” said Michael Bush, fashion designer and author of King of Style: Dressing Michael Jackson. “I am so honored to know that museums, respected collectors and the fans were able to obtain a special piece of Michael Jackson today at Julien’s Auctions as I know they will be cherished for many years to come.”


To purchase "King of Style: Dressing Michael Jackson"
please go to this Amazon link:http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_13?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=king%20of%20style%20dressing%20michael%20jackson

~~~~~~~~

An interesting article written in tribute to Dennis Tompkins after his passing:


http://www.legendarymichaeljackson.nl/?p=7132





You may enjoy reading the story on 'Michael's Heart' about Dennis Tompkins' and Michael Bush's exhibit at the Autry Museum in June 2010: How The West Was Worn
http://mjbliss.blogspot.com/2010/10/how-west-was-worn-by-michael-jackson.html














Siedah Breakfast - Westlake - Aug. 15, 2012

It was early morning, something I am not accustomed to lately as I have become a night owl staying up into the wee morning hours writing. The old adage I lovingly preached to my teenage children came to mind, “You can’t soar with the eagles in the morning if you’re hootin’ with the owls at night.” Moving slowly just after sun up on two hours sleep I began my day. My mindset... I MUST make it on time. Looking forward to this day with high expectation for sometime I didn’t want to be late to one of this year’s most special gatherings. I found myself dressed and out the door in a daze, pushing my very favorite all time magical elixir the mocha Starbucks frappaccino. This was a two morning frappaccino even though breakfast was promised. I had downed them both in a flash and was now feeling human, a bit more alive. Soon I was disembarking in the now familiar parking lot line up at Westlake Studios. Today was the day Siedah Garrett would be meeting fans at Westlake Studios where she and Michael Jackson recorded “I Can’t Stop Loving You.” 

Cursing my new found body clock I was pinching myself and wishing I felt better, more awake for this day as the MJ fans gathered in the parking lot. Immediately as I climbed from my car I heard the ever present cacophony of languages often heard at MJ gatherings of any sort. International voices greeting my dull almost jet lagged ears, followed by the laughing, the greetings and the beautiful smiles. Michael Jackson’s unifying language of LOVE between us all, drawing us from all over the world to this time and space at Westlake Studios, each of us anxious to meet beautiful Siedah Garrett, some for the first time. Now my senses awoke with the smiles of new found common friendship. Mingling and getting to know one another I learned there were several there I knew from Face Book. We were given a warm, bubbly greeting from Jacqueline Lennon (Yes initials JL and no not related to John) and Ray Brown (no not related to James) who both emerged smiling from the backdoor studio door that Michael walked through so many times in the 8 years he spent recording at Westlake Studios. As they approached I couldn’t help but picture Michael also walking out the same door carrying Bubbles as he had been his constant companion on many occasions in this very same spot at Westlake. I thought of the day I stood outside the Westlake door in the rain in awe of the fact I even stood at the same door Michael had entered to record and now here I was passing through the threshold for a third visit inside this now very famous spot on earth. Again I pinched myself.

          We were invited into the lobby area moving our mingling and talking inside. The anticipation rose while we waited for Siedah to greet us wondering what was in store. Then she was introduced and stepped into the room. Instantaneously the atmosphere in the lobby changed, the level of chatter rose, the energy rose. There stood Siedah. Even more beautiful in person, her effervescent presence and smile lighting up the room. I wondered what it must have been like with her energy next to Michael’s. She introduced herself and shook hands with all the fans. Immediately I felt a common bond as she shared that as a musician she is a night person, not used to getting up so early. That she was okay after drinking a few few cups of coffee. I laughed out loud knowing the feeling of being a night owl. Excited I was able once again meet her... this time I was not a squealing crazy fan making no sense what-so-ever rambling on and on as I had been last December when I met her for the first time at the Los Angeles MJIWT premier. You will all be happy to know, and I was very happy with myself; albeit maybe it stemmed from a feeling of exhaustion, but I calmly shook her hand and looked her in the eye as I spoke to her. I conducted myself with grownup decorum and responsible, respectful behavior. I shook her hand, said hello and told her I’d met her at Staples Center for MJIWT and was so happy to be there to see her again. However... inside I was yelling “Ohhhh Myyyy God!!! It’s Siedah Garrett holding my hand and saying hello to me!! AGAIN!!” She was gracious, kind and smiled from the inside out. Having just watched the summer Olympics I couldn’t help but think as I greeted her that she looks like an Olympian, so fit and incredibly in shape. I didn’t want to hold up the line so I moved on toward the inner most part of the studio for the tour portion where I was honored to meet Eric Nuri, Siedah’s manager again. We shook hands as he said hello and very much to my surprise learned he remembered me and my name from our meeting at Staples, which in a way was unnerving as I was pretty much, shall we say... an “excited” fan that night. Even Tito Jackson moved down a seat from my “exuberant” self and my good friend, Robyn, after intermission. Eric was very genuine and sweet to me and made me feel very much appreciated as we talked. Then I was able to say hello again to Al Machera and Steve Burdick the owners of Westlake who greeted me with arms open wide and big hugs. Their professional openness and friendliness creates such a feeling of family at Westlake which clearly reflects in all their employees. It’s was really good to see them all again.

After initial greetings with Siedah we are lured toward the inner workings of Studio D. THIS is where the world’s best of the best, the very top of those best being Michael Jackson, have been recorded and still today continue to record as this is still a working studio. We are then led by Ray Brown on a nostalgic, sentimental journey through Michael Jackson’s landmark studio. I already know the drill as this is my third tour; however I’m still just as excited as if on my first. This is the only studio in the world that can rightfully claim that Michael Jackson recorded the Off The Wall, Thriller, Bad and Dangerous albums within it’s walls. Here everywhere you look Michael is honored in this special place. MJ pictures, posters, gold and platinum records adorn the walls and entice you forward.

Bubbles' window where he watched Michael work below.

Recording studio view out Bubbles' window, set up for the breakfast.

MJ with Bubbles. Not a picture from Westlake. So precious!

We are taken for the short tour, the Siedah breakfast version. I am so excited to be back again more relaxed and very happy for the opportunity to snap the picture of the Bubbles window which I missed last time. Sparking my imagination the Bubbles room is one of my favorite places at Westlake. Visions of Bubbles sitting in the window sill gazing down below at Michael while he works, sings and dances fill my mind. It’s in this room I look around and feel Michael’s freely given love for his adorable pet chimp, picture them just hanging out, Michael giggling, smiling and playing with Bubbles who was more like a son in some ways for him at the time. Here I feel all the huge love Michael carried for the children of the world, the huge heart of love he shared with Bubbles and all his pets before he had his own children. 

Ben the Westlake Engineer

Siedah sharing about Man In The Mirror

Ray leads us all to gather as a group in front of the heart and soul of the studio... the soundboard. Today friendly Ben the engineer rules over the sound. This is where Bruce Swedien worked his magic blending and mixing sounds, while recording with Michael, Siedah and Quincy.

Listening to those who personally knew Michael Jackson share their experiences with him fills me with such joy. These precious, fun and inspirational stories about the real man behind the scenes are like gold to me.

Here, Sid, as Quincy Jones calls her joins us in the room, the very same room where she met Michael for the very first time. Siedah’s energy is simply contagious her smile lighting up the room. Her presence commands attention as she stands behind the soundboard, we all grow quiet anticipating her words. I think about how powerful, how absolutely amazing it must have been to see and hear them both on stage together. Michael’s glow and energy mixed with Siedah’s. To me she was the very best duet partner he ever sang with in concert. Her effervescent joy and love for Michael over flows from her every pore as she freely shares her heart of love for Michael confiding, with a giggle, that as a young girl, throughout her entire childhood she had dreamed that Michael would one day be her husband. Charmingly, like an old friend, she relayed to us her personal story about writing Man In The Mirror and how it just ‘poured out’ of her from above, her nervous but determined delivery of the demo cassette to Quincy in the middle of a business meeting at his home, his awe struck reaction and then Michael’s reaction, how Quincy called her to tell her it was the best song he’d heard in ten years and then how MJ got on the phone to speak to her. Just like a fan she was screaming on the inside, “Oh My God!! I’m talking to Michael Jackson!! My husband!!” but calm, cool, collected and professional on the phone. I so identified with this as I had just done the same thing with her when I shook her hand in the lobby... well not the husband part.

She expressed the privileged fact, which her incredible talent has earned her, that NO one else on this earth can claim, that this is THE song that made Michael Jackson want to meet the person who wrote it. Humbly and with overflowing gratitude she shared that this song and the wonderful fact that Michael Jackson loved it pulled her from the brink of extinction. Some how I wonder if that truly could have ever been the case as God has always had his hand on Siedah. Just as God had a calling for Michael... the two from the beginning of time, brought together for a heavenly divine appointment. She described her first actual meeting with Michael which evoked the same inner feelings of massive excitement, however she was able to stay calm and collected. Her deep respect for Michael was very apparent as she expressed how humble he was, not ever all about himself, always interested in learning about others. He openly expressed he simply loved her voice, asking her questions, giving her many compliments. She expounded how much it took her back when he stated that he wanted to sing like her. She thought he’d be so different... he was humble. Sharing, "He made you feel like he had as much to learn from you as you did from him." She couldn’t believe that Michael Jackson was standing there saying he wanted to sing like her. She laughed out loud as she shared she had stood there when he said those words thinking to herself, "I just knew NONE of my friends would EVER believe that Michael Jackson was saying he wanted to sing like ME!"

She was asked by Quincy to write five stanzas for Man In the Mirror for Michael to choose from and waited anxiously to see which one he’d choose, simply ecstatic to learn he chose her favorite which we all know and love today... “When you close your heart you close your mind.”  Her enthusiasm is absolutely contagious, after all the years of working with Michael awe, respect and wonderment still emanate when she speaks about working with him. In fact clearly the tragedy of his death has seated her respect and admiration deeper, stronger than ever. In this we identify, each in our own way as we also stand in awe sharing our own deep-seated feelings of LOVE and respect for Michael. I looked around the room at nodding heads, smiling faces... thoughts no doubt of Michael as she talked.  Siedah shared that when Michael was in the studio recording there was SO much energy in the studio it was just “CRAZY” and how incredibly fun it always was. She giggled as she told the story of how Michael was dressed in his white t-shirt, red corduroy shirt, black pants and loafers but had on two different colored socks, one brown and one green. She laughed and joked with him about his socks not matching and he chided that it was dark in the room when he was dressing that morning. The next time they met he made sure to tell her that his socks matched. Although he had on the same colored clothes as before he proudly showed off his matching socks. Laughing, pointing to his bright sky blue socks he said, “My socks match, Miss Gary.” She ribbed him, “Yeah but nothing else does!”  To round off this magical time at the soundboard Ben then played the original demo version of Man in the Mirror that Michael himself heard for the very first time! The feeling was incredible... yes we were hearing what Michael heard for the very first time so many years before.

Siedah shared that after a concert a woman, Penny, Kenny Ortega’s assistant approached her asking her if she knew Bill W. She said no and learned that this is a greeting AA members give. Bill W. was the founder of AA, Alcoholics Anonymous, and that she needed to tell her a story. She conveyed a very heartfelt story that the song Siedah wrote, Man In The Mirror, was instrumental in saving her life. She had planned her suicide but this song began to play and it played and played. It filled her mind and the words began to sink in, take root and as they did they gave her hope and she no longer wanted to hurt herself. This day, Siedah shared she learned the power that music has in people’s lives.

We now moved on from the soundboard to the hot breakfast feast set before us. A plethora of food to choose from: juices, coffee, eggs, potatoes, bacon, sausage, fruit, french toast, sweet rolls and more. Yet I found myself not hungry... too much emotion flowing through me so I took a small portion with some fruit on a plate and generous glass of orange juice then took a seat near the front. There were large round banquet tables filling the recording studio today with lovely orchid center pieces. The beautiful ebony piano was in place near the front. Immediately as my eyes landed on the piano I recalled that this is the same piano that Paul McCartney played while recording with Michael. We all enjoyed our food while Siedah took her seat at the front of the room. Before long as we finished up our breakfast Greg Phillinganes arrived with his precious little girl and his beautiful girlfriend, Jory Steinberg, who is also an incredible vocalist in MJIWT Cirque show. Siedah greeted Greg and his daughter using the nick names, ‘Mouse’ and ‘Mini Mouse.’ Mouse, a nick name Michael, Quincy, Bruce and Siedah gave him which then naturally rolled down to “Mini Mouse” when Greg's daughter was born. The room is filled now with amazing talent. Greg is a hoot, immediately joking around, very friendly and open with all the fans; however what impresses me more than Greg’s amazing talent, fun spirit and wit, elevating him in my eyes to another new level is his obvious love and affection for his little girl. She adores her daddy and clearly he protectively adores too.

The two of them Siedah and Greg begin to share stories about Michael. They both shared at concerts on tour Michael would be on stage and he would be performing not just for the audience but also for the band. They would be watching him as if the audience would just so happen to be there, many times blowing them away. They would literally be so awe struck they would stare, slack jawed at MJ and literally forget what they were doing, having to catch themselves, remind themselves... “Oh yeah I’m suppose to be playing! I’m in the band!!” Thinking, “Oh My God what was that? What did he just do?” It was not uncommon in the middle of a concert for them to look at each other like “Did you just see that?” Greg emphatically said Michael never failed to do something new in each performance to amaze them. He talked about recording with MJ at the Beverly Westlake Studio across from Beverly Center. They had some down time and Michael said, “Hey, Greg, do you want to go across the street and go shopping?” Greg of course said, “Yes, sure” but was thinking to himself, “How on earth are we going to be able to go shopping? Michael Jackson doesn’t just ‘go shopping’.” Michael then proceeded to pull out and put on a big afro wig and disguise. They then walked together across the street to the Beverly Center, went up the escalator and spent the afternoon shopping at the mall. Greg talked about how COOL it was to be walking across the street with Michael Jackson and how he looked around and thought, “If these people only KNEW who was walking in this cross walk”.... but they didn’t and they spent the rest of the afternoon shopping. The only time they had someone recognize them was when Michael pulled out his credit card to pay in a store, the cashier looked at it like, “Huh?” when she read his name, then looked up at MJ and back at the card and back at him very closely... then realizing who he was... dumbfounded she silently rang up the sale, they took the purchase and walked out. She never said a word. They smiled at each other and left the store undetected by other shoppers.

Watching Siedah share about singing with Michael brought a smile, looking around everywhere people were smiling. She shared how thrilled she was to sing the entire first half of Man In The Mirror on the recording with just Michael before the choir came in. In my mind I hear their voices blending so beautifully. Especially poignant was when Siedah and Greg talked about how on the Bad tour at the end of the night after singing, dancing and performing for two hours Michael would close the show every night with Man In The Mirror and the crowd of 70,000 people would hold up lit lighters like torches, waving them in the air, the whole stadium filled with light, the audience would sing along with Michael so loud the band couldn’t hear themselves.

Siedah and Greg giving each other knowing looks, shoulder taps and nodding in complete agreement emphatically stated, “OH! And on tour you NEVER wanted to be staying in the same hotel as Michael!” All night long you’d hear “MICHAELLLL!” MICHAELLL!” and people singing You Are The World outside the window. One time Greg said he went to the window with MJ and the fans screamed as he pointed at MJ and then they screamed again when MJ pointed at him. He then shared they had seen the new Wembly Bad DVD, both nodding, saying, "It is amazing, absolute, raw Michael singing his brains out and dancing like a demon.” They both shared that on the Bad tour there were the greats who came to see Michael like: Lady Diana, Eric Clapton, Barry Gibbs and more. They would all be focused on his show and brilliance. When he performed you could see pure joy in his face and the very end of the show which had gone on for two hours was always so simple. He would gather various age kids and then just simply walk off the stage... so genuine and simple. 

Sharing relaxed banter as if just hanging out with friends Sieda talks of one time when she was sitting at the studio soundboard waiting. No one was there so she took out her knitting and began knitting away. Then she heard a song playing over the speakers. Quincy came in the room and asked her, “Do you like this song?” She said, “Yes” and Q pointed to the door and said, “Well go on in there then.” So she went into the recording side of the studio with MJ following behind her. There were two mics and two music stands set up. This was when they recorded, “I Can’t Stop Loving You.” She jokingly looked at us with the total ‘fan face, gob-smacked stare’ and said, “I had goose bumps. There I was singing THAT duet to my husband!” She also said she was just staring at MJ as he sang with his eyes closed and that, “It was such a RUSH!” After Michael passed it was really weird for her to sing the song without him and it wasn’t until she performed it the first time she realized she didn’t even know his lyrics. She joked with us telling us the inside story that in practice the two of them would always sing “I just can’t stop buying shoes.” MJ was the one who added, “You know I do” to the song and Siedah asked him, “Why do you sing that?” His answer, “I just like how it sounds.” I had to nod in agreement... me too.

A great MJ trivia fact Siedah shared was that once on the game show Password one of the questions was, “Who is the only female to ever record a duet with Michael Jackson who was not a family member?” Answer: Siedah holds this distinction. Fans wanted to know if at the Grammy awards did Michael plan the part where Andre Crouch went over and helped him up from the stage floor during Man In The Mirror... Siedah said, “No, it was impromptu. They never really knew what Michael would do in a performance.” Another fan wanted to know if she came up with 'Shamone'... she distinctly said, “No. That was ALL MJ.” One fan asked about the blonde wig she surprised MJ with on stage... she laughed and said yes there was a blonde wig and also a magenta wig in Japan. Also one time a record demo came in to the studio for Michael to listen to. He listened to A side. The B side was a lullaby for the artist’s child not ever meant to be played for MJ but MJ listened to it and when he heard it, he loved it and recorded it... the song “Human Nature.”

Then the tears welled up as Siedah played for us, for the public for the very first time her tribute to Michael. Her new song that she wrote as her love letter to Michael. This song she explained is a love song from her to him written specifically for him. It tells of how he enriched her life and her music and tells the story of how they met. I was so caught up and lost in the song that I couldn’t take notes so I don’t have the lyrics correct. I can’t wait until it’s released to hear it again. It is simply beautiful. The song a follow up to “I Can’t Stop Loving You” is simply titled, “Keep On Loving You” The only lyrics I managed to write (hopefully correctly) before falling under the enraptured spell of the melody and words were, “Remember for the rest of my life... some times I feel I loved then... and I love still... always have and always will... for the rest of my life I’m gonna love you... plays like the sound track from another life and time.” A collective sigh filled the room as it ended, the song bringing us to our feet with passionate, appreciative applause. An incredible honor to hear for the first time this beautiful, moving tribute of LOVE to Michael.  

Bruce Swedien joined the fun via skype from Florida where he owns his home which contains a super star studio filled with more gold and platinum records than most museums and right next to those awards are stuffed toy roosters. Bruce makes us all laugh. He is a big teddy bear of a man who loved Michael Jackson and still loves Michael with every fiber of his being. He is such a fun and jovial man I instantly could see why Michael loved him so much. His respect for Michael is so overwhelming at times he looses himself in emotion, rendering him speechless. Siedah and Greg enjoyed joking with him asking him to share about a present MJ once gave him... a white rooster named... of all things, Billie Jean, telling us all, "MJ had a great sense of humor." Siedah asked Bruce to show everyone the incredible mic she loves to record on. A mic that is wrapped in wood. There are only three in the world and Siedah proudly reveals that she recently recorded her new song in Florida on Bruce’s special mic, the NU-47 which has such a beautiful, warm sound. Bruce became very excited as he starts giving us all the details of the mic. It was so cute as Siedah jokingly breaks him off saying, “Ok Bruce that's enough. We got it.” Bruce laughed as he realized he got carried away. It was heartwarming as it reminded me of when I talk about MJ to non-fans. It did go pretty much over my head but what I did understand was the only other people in the world with a NU-47 mic are Ramses (I may have this name wrong) and Bjork and it is made in Helsinki, Finland. I chuckled to myself as I thought I did a pretty good job at getting those details as the more he talked about the mic the faster he talked... hopefully these few details are right.

Here is a bit more info on Bruce's NU-47 mic project.
 http://www.nu47.com/menu1.html

Bruce shared with us all about his dogs, Gordy and Boo Boo, the Great Dane that he says, “Owns the joint.” He smiled a big warm smile as he showed us a clip of the dogs running around the house. He talked about his chickens and rooster, Elvis. Siedah was drooling thinking about and talking about their farm fresh eggs. Both Greg and Siedah were raving about the best Swedish meatballs ever made by Bruce’s wife, Bea, which made us all want to visit for dinner. They all agreed in unison she is a great cook. Her home cooked meals are very high on the agenda when they visit. I laughed as I could see Greg figuring in his head when his next visit would be. Siedah asked Bruce to tell us about his museum and on a roll he joked back, “What?! You think I belong in a museum?” Before talking about the museum walls of his studio, the gold and platinum records or working with Michael, Bruce prefaced his sharing so lovingly and touchingly stating, "Any man who wants to be a success needs to have a wife like my, Bea." Everyone including the men sighed and a collective "awwhhhh" filled the room. I immediately thought how Bea was truly blessed to have such love and thoughtfulness in her life as well and how they so beautifully compliment each other. I could see the success of their long lasting, happy marriage, like a rare gem in this world... let alone show business. It was a very touching, beautiful moment of a man sharing his heart of love for the love of his life. Yes LOVE still does exist in this world.

A fan asked about the Bruce Swedien recording method and how different it is today from how they recorded for Michael. He responded with a giant spitting ‘raspberry’ sound. We all laughed in agreement as we know nothing today compares. He shared he will have a new ‘tell all’ book coming out soon which will 'tell all' about the 'Bruce Swedien method of recording.' In answer to the question Greg also became animated in exasperation lifting his hands extending them through the air, stretched out side to side in a large sweeping box motion saying, “This is how Michael’s music sounds” and then bringing in his hands very close together with a shrug said... “and this is how the music is recorded today.” Indicating there is no comparison, no depth... there are no layers.

I asked Bruce what was one of his favorite memories of Michael. He said there were so many he couldn’t pick one but then the conversation flowed to a time when there was a meeting during the Wiz, the limo pulled up for MJ. Q and Bruce ran, piled in and it drove away as a decoy. The fans thought MJ was also in the limo but instead at the very same time as they were zipping to jump into the limo Bea had piled MJ in the back seat of her Bronco where he lay on the floor as she drove him away to his condo undetected. A fan then asked Bruce what he would do next in his career and his answer, “Well I’ve recorded with three of the top vocalists, Joe Williams and the Count Basie Band, Michael Jackson and Siedah Garrett... after recording those three... I don’t need to do anymore. I’m done.”

Then a question was asked, “What is the best song from all of MJ’s entire recorded work that has not been released?” Bruce did not want to commit on that answer however Greg very excitedly jumped at this answer stating he had recently worked on all the masters for the latest Behind The Mask compilation and there was one song that stuck out in his mind as simply amazing, “A Place Without No Name.” Waving his arms wide filling the room saying, “It sounds like forty vocals creating a massive wall of sound!” I nodded in agreement as I have heard this song. Michael rarely did remakes but this one from America of A Horse With No Name is simply amazing and definitely Michael’s alone. There is nothing out there like it today. 

Michael Jackson - A Place Without No Name
Thank you for this great video Robyn Starkand

Siedah, Jory and Greg's precious daughter

Someone in the audience asked if Greg would do his Stevie Wonder impersonation at the piano. The room filled with chuckles as he spontaneously gave us a tad bit of uncanny Stevie Wonder head swaying while sitting at the table with his daughter on his lap, eating his breakfast. Then we asked if he would play something on the piano, he obligingly moved to the piano and played both “I Can’t Stop Loving You” and “Man In The Mirror.” Siedah holding her hand to her heart expressed, “No one can play the song the way Greg plays it.” He was the person who played on the original recordings with Michael and Siedah.

Siedah then stepped to the piano and sang Man In the Mirror for us. I sat there mesmerized, amazed, listening, drinking in the moment. Greg Phillinganes, Michael's music director in person only feet away, playing the rich beautiful sounding piano, masterfully touching the keys and Siedah’s beautiful one of a kind voice, with no mic, just the piano and Siedah's incredible voice filling the room. Tears filled my eyes and the emptiness that so often dwells within every Michaeling experience filled my heart.

One more time... the only thing missing to make this moment in time absolutely perfect... was Michael. Confirming this feeling Siedah shared that some nights still, out on the road, or just anywhere, she'll hear one of his songs or see his picture or have a memory and he is still everywhere and she misses him everyday.

Thank you Siedah Garrett, Greg Phillinganes, Bruce Swedien, Jory Steinberg, Eric Nuri and everyone at Westlake Studios for this amazing and wonderful experience.

Thank you for this life long cherished memory.

Siedah - The same duet mic!!

Video from Siedah with highlights from the breakfast.

Click on the link below to read my Michael's Heart, Thriller Studio Tour story from June 2012.
Enjoy! In this story there is much more info about the full Thriller Studo Tour at both Westlake Studio D in Santa Monica and Studio A on Beverly Blvd.:

http://mjbliss.blogspot.com/2012/07/thriller-studio-tour-june-28-29-2012.html