Michael Jackson’s 65th Birthday Celebration

Happy Birthday Michael With L.O.V.E. from Denmark & Sweden

It’s the summer of 1979 and I’m driving around the San Fernando Valley, which just so happens to be where Michael Jackson lives in Encino with his family. I am listening to his Off The Wall album, released August 31, 1979 on cassette tape in my white Volvo with red interior and a custom set of JBL speakers that rocked my world.

No matter how many times I would rewind the tape, it was never enough. The first time I heard Michael Jackson’s falsetto voice was in 1969 on the Jackson Five hit, I Want You Back, the first of four singles that went to number one. They were destined for greatness.

Today is August 29, 2023 and I am still listening to Michael’s music. Forty-four years later, the album still sounds as fresh today as it did then.

This is the magic of Michael Jackson, the young boy from Gary, Indiana who had a dream of being the greatest entertainer in the world, and he accomplished exactly that. Michael’s role models were Jackie Wilson, James Brown & Diana Ross, to name a few. By the time Michael released Off The Wall when he was 21 years old, he had been singing and dancing professionally for 13 years.

As I make my way with the intense Los Angeles heat and bumper to bumper traffic on the 101 freeway South to Forest Lawn Glendale, what makes me happy is hearing Michael Jackson’s voice singing to me.

Today we celebrate what would’ve been Michael’s 65th birthday. Michael Jackson: a young boy with a dream who soared to the stars and kept smiling even when malevolent forces tried to take away his light. His destiny would shape music forever. He sang and danced his way into our hearts. What I remember beyond his music most of all was his kindness. Michael’s talent was not only music but a generous, giving, compassionate heart. Michael said “I hate to see suffering. I hate to see people in need and I feel good God gave me a gift and I have to use it responsibly by giving back and I’ll do it until I have pennies left or the good lord calls me home.”

Here is a list of his philanthropic gifts.

Michael Jackson’s Humanitarian Work

Happy 65th Birthday Michael From Chinese Fans

I am grateful that I was alive when Michael Jackson walked this earth. What a time to be witness to the genius of ground breaking musical short films that became etched in our collective consciousness. Short films like Beat it, Billie Jean, and Thriller kept all eyes on Michael. I was mesmerized then. I am mesmerized now. Michael accomplished in his short 50 years, some of the greatest musical achievements of all time.

If only Michael could’ve been allowed to do what he was sent here to do, which was to create music. Instead when he became the biggest star in the world, he had to waste precious energy and time to fend off false allegations created only to extort money from him. Now the vultures, are not only buzzing around but have landed again and are still trying to feed off of his more than $2 billion funded estate. California has gone medieval putting a dead man on trial who can’t defend himself.

Today would’ve been Michael’s 65th birthday. We celebrate the man, the music, and his elevated consciousness that created music like We Are The World, Earth Song & Another Part Of Me.

Every year that I have the opportunity to be witness to the outpouring of love with cards, flowers, and hand written notes, I am moved to tears by not only what Michael created, but what he left behind, which was nothing more than L.O.V.E.

Always look forward to seeing the group card from some of the Japanese fans. So much love.

Happy 65th Birthday! We Love You Forever
Miyuki Amano From Tokyo

May the world be forever filled with the music you left behind.
Yae Kojima from Japan

**Chrisse Soukaï** – Flew from Guadeloupe in the French Caribbean. She discovered Michael after his death.

To Michael, Ever remembered ever loved
Martine – France

Fourteen Years Without Michael Jackson

Today is the 14th year without Michael Jackson walking our planet and this is the most difficult blog I have ever written to commemorate him as my mother, who was sick on and off for four months, after spending 42 years institutionalized after being left brain damaged by her second husband, took her last inhale on March 18, 2023. It’s only been three months and one week ago that my mother left her physical body.

I stop at the familiar gate entrance to Forest Lawn Glendale. My heart is heavy as I have been struggling with grief and sadness. Being at Forest Lawn surrounds me with the love for Michael Jackson and sharing my blog is my way of connecting with his fans across the world who can’t travel to Los Angeles for the anniversary of June 25.

The first friends I met at Forest Lawn Glendale were Siren and Brenda Jenkyns, who traveled from Canada to pay their respects to Michael. Siren showed me her water color paintings as well as her icon pieces. Siren takes the archetype of the tarot and paints her own version.

Siren with her handmade card at Forest Lawn Glendale.

Brenda Jenkyns crocheted this tiny Michael doll. Brenda said she practiced at first and in a week in evenings made this doll. The passion behind artwork like this moves me every year.

This tri-fold card was created by Constance Pierce, an art professor. Like myself and many of us who were unmistakably affected after Michael’s death, she was struck in the heart in 2009.

Created by Constance Pierce, an art professor who was struck in the heart in 2009, after Michael died.

Joke Smelt traveled from the Netherlands to honor Michael. Her friend Krystal was a Michael Jackson fan and they used to travel to Los Angeles together. She got sick and died last year.

Joke Smelt from the Netherlands holding a photograph of her friend Krystal, who always traveled with her to Forest Lawn. Krystal became sick and died.

My heart was hurting when my mother was isolated due to covid, now because she is no longer physically here but if seeing these photos helps someone else, then today I have helped to spread love and kindness and that was truly the embodiment of who Michael Jackson was. He was a messenger of kindness and the most creative soul to have ever lived. These expressions of love and creativity give me faith and peace that he touched so many with not only his music but his beautiful, giving, caring heart. He is missed more than ever fourteen years later.

Siren’s watercolor The Magician (Master alchemist)

Siren watercolor The Hierophant (World teacher, soul teacher)

Siren watercolor The Chariot (Vehicle to your dreams)

Siren’s watercolor The Hermit (The soul seeker, contemplative one)

Sirens’s watercolor Death (Change endings, completion)

Siren’s watercolor The Tower (soul shattering, transformation, change)

Siren’s watercolor Judgement (discernment and wisdom)

I love the cards from the Japanese fans. All the tiny details make me smile.

Brenda Jenkins organized roses for Michael this year.

Multi colored roses organized by Brenda Jenkyns. Beautiful to see in person this year.

The Japanese fans do an incredible display of love every year.

Heal the World with L.O.V.E from Denmark and Sweden

I love the colors in this arrangement made at The Glendale Florist.

Remembering Michael 2023 – Big Love From Japan

Love the sentiment from Emma from Croatia

One of Siren’s Icon art pieces. This creation took her 3 months. In person, these living works of art are almost a vortex into the soul.

Another one of Siren’s icon art creations that was a commission.

Dear Michael, Thank you deeply for leading my soul to do charity in Africa – that is a blessing over my life. I am so grateful. Please help me to protect Happy and his children and Amarya and his little family in Uganda. So God’s light shine over them with grace and love. Always love. We love you from heaven and back Michael. You walked in Jesus’ footsteps and showed us the way. For that we can never thank you enough.
Blessings from Elon, Happy and Amanya Norway – Uganda family

Forest Lawn Glendale : Michael’s final resting place

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This is Michael. Any guess who he is named after?

On October 7, 1969 Motown Records released “I Want You Back.” I was nine years old the first time I heard Michael Jackson’s falsetto voice singing this eventual number one song. All these decades later, I find it an honor to be an advocate of Michael Jackson. Michael was the embodiment of love, compassion, and forgiveness. Just like my mother.

Michael, we want you back.

Michael Jackson’s 64th Birthday

As I made my way to Glendale Forest Lawn Memorial Park, I wondered what in the world I would write about Michael Jackson, that I haven’t written before. On a sunny Los Angeles day, the traffic kept me from getting there too easily and I listened to Michael singing early 70’s songs in my car.

Up the winding road to the Holly Terrace Grand Mausoleum, I came upon a sea of hand-made cards, flowers, balloons, a stand up figure of Michael and there I saw my friend Andrea from Dusseldorf, Germany who flew in the celebrate Michael. With her, she carried boxes of cupcakes decorated with sunflowers, Michael’s favorite flower. She ordered them early to hand out to the fans that showed up today. I felt myself getting emotional and even though I wasn’t going to try to get a blog out today, I decided I would for the fans around the world as I always do. For me, it’s easy to get to Glendale to honor Michael. But the cards always move me and I figured fans would want to see the love.

I met two fans who were sitting on the grass near Holly Terrace and we could feel a lovely breeze. We had a short talk about Michael. How he would be 64 years old today and wondered what we would think about our world today.

I saw cards from friends around the world and some from others I do not know. But what I could feel, no matter who made the card, was the love that is still felt for Michael Jackson, 14 years after he has left this planet. Heal The World, Michael sang. We are the World Michael sang. And, his grand opus, Earth Song. If you don’t know who Michael was, just listen to the music and everything he was is revealed in his songs. For all the fans who made the cards and flew to Los Angeles to honor Michael and to the fans who couldn’t be here today, and the ones that keep advocating for him on Twitter, like Andjustice4 some, this is for you. Michael would be moved to tears to see the outpouring of love for him, just as I have.

Thirteen Years Without Michael Jackson

As I made my way up the familiar road to Michael Jackson’s final resting place, I wondered what I would write about this year. Then, I saw Miyuki Amano, my friend from Japan. We both reached out to hug one another. It has been two years since she was able to travel to Los Angeles because of Covid. I met Miyuki at Forest Lawn Glendale on June 25, 2010. That was the first year that I started paying my respects to Michael and creating a blog to share with fans around the globe. My heart has been heavy lately and I hoped and knew that by heading to Forest Lawn, the magic there would help. Being around my MJ friends is healing.

Miyuki’s handmade MJ dolls were in front of a sign from Japan as the glaring hot sun was beating down. I asked Miyuki if I could make a photo of her with her dolls in the shade. It’s my favorite place to make photos at Forest Lawn because of the green grass, trees and hills in the background and I love the subdued light next to the tree. “Yes, of course you may.”

She gathered all her dolls in a bag that she put on her shoulder. After showing her the tree I liked, she started to set the dolls up in a way she liked. When I first met her, she wasn’t creating the dolls but rather was traveling from Tokyo with store bought MJ dolls. As she set up the dolls, I asked her how long it takes her to create them. “One month takes each doll with the body, clothes, shoes, everything.” Hardest to make is Remember The Time Doll.” She speaks such wonderful English. It would be so great to be able to speak Japanese the way Miyuki speaks English. “Do you check the dolls in your luggage” I asked, already knowing the answer. “No, I carry them in a backpack. I’m worried to put them in luggage.” she responded.

Miyuki Amano next to my favorite tree at Forest Lawn, Glendale

Every year since 2010 Miyuki travels to Forest Lawn to pay her respects. “I couldn’t come for two years. I’m so appreciative of my friends. I would send my card with friends.” A group of Michael fans in Japan would gather handmade cards for him and send them to Forest Lawn Glendale.

Card from fans in Japan – I love these colors

Miyuki’s passion for Michael always moves me to tears and is part of what inspires me to create this blog: so I can share it with fans around the globe who love Michael and cannot travel to Los Angeles. I asked her to help me create my annual MJ doll photo. Thirteen years later, the Thriller doll is missing its shoes and the Billie Jean doll have seen better days but these little dolls still make me smile.

Next I see my friend Siren. This year Siren has created multiple drawings of Michael. For years, before I knew who the artist was, I would resonate with her drawings. Finally, around 2014, I met the mystery artist and was inspired by her story. Her heart is wide open and pure.

Siren and I spoke of the spiritual discovery of Michael and our journeys. “I started to be afraid to look too hard because I didn’t want my bubble to burst but the closer you look, the more you uncover the vault of love. That vault of love is so huge of a love. It was like expanded love, oneness, universal. I couldn’t contain it. Too much for my mind and body. As I studied about Michael, I expanded. It’s not intellectual, it strikes the soul and bursts the heart open. It took me two years to unravel the threads until my mind could believe what happened.” We agreed that the pain alters us, suffering gives us an opportunity for healing. Siren continued. “Michael felt everything. He had a capacity for emotion that he would transmute into his art. We can transmute dark emotions. We are all here to learn from the anger. ” We spoke about his History album and the songs that he created after the false allegations in 1993.

And, Brenda, who traveled with Siren from Canada came over to hug me and we made a photograph as well. It felt good seeing my old friends. Brenda’s artwork is so beautiful to see up close. Her details and colors are so bright and lovely. It made me smile and happy to see her and the latest art.

Camilla Peadilla from Los Angeles created this series of photos of Michael’s smile.

It’s been thirteen years without Michael Jackson and today, more than ever, I find it encouraging to see people come from different parts of the world to celebrate him all these years later. The creativity behind the cards, paintings, letters and flowers inspire me and it feels good to be outside, amongst other people who could feel the love that this man carried within and shared with his music. Michael wasn’t just one of the greatest artists to walk this earth. He was a kind, compassionate, generous, heart centered, loving and forgiving soul. He teaches us what’s important. We have gone through some dark times the last two years and being at Forest Lawn today gave me a breath of fresh air. I’m grateful I discovered Michael Jackson and the community that he touched. We all have a different story of how we came to know his magic. Mine started after I broke a few ribs on Iron Man 2 the day Michael took his last breath. Sharing our stories brings us together in love which is all Michael ever wanted to do: heal the world. Now, more than ever, our world needs healing and being around others who understood his mission, helps heal my heart.

Karma Train Has Made a Stop

Michael Jackson taught me what media bias is and the karma train has made another stop. Not one single solitary media outlet has reported the fact that James Safechucks’ multi million dollar posthumous lawsuit was thrown out of court again. This time it was dismissed with no fake technicalities as an excuse either. That makes two different judges who ruled for dismissal. Channel 4 is financing director of Leaving Neverland Dan Reed to be there.

Not one media outlet would publish anything pro about Michael after the Leaving Neverland mockumentary, fakeumentary. The media flooded the public consciousness with MJ guilt bullshit all over again.

Michael Jackson was always innocent from Evan Chandler’s extortion case in 1993 to the Me Too Arvizo’s in 2005 to the attempt from Wade Robson who not only was the first witness for the defense in the 2005 trial but whose attempt to obtain millions from Michael’s children’s inheritance was thrown out of court in 2013 as the lies were so preposterous that the judge said no one could believe them. Two white men slandered a dead black man, the media treated their allegations as fact without offering a platform to the defense of the dead black man.

No more dirt being thrown at Michael’s name with false accusations. The accusers were after money, they were always after money. Michael has been proven innocent multiple times, the accusers discredited and caught in lies multiple times and the only reason “Leaving Neverland” was made and released was because he’s not alive to defend himself.

Unless you have read “Conspiracy” by Aphrodite Jones or “Redemption” by Geraldine Hughes, unless you have read the court transcripts and the police reports and the FBI report and watched Square One on Prime and truly researched the truth of the witch hunt against this man, as I have for ten years, then you don’t know the truth.

You do not know the truth about Michael Jackson, you only know the lies the media force fed the public for 27 years. It’s time to stop judging someone based on media propanganda. Michael Jackson was a loving, giving, compassionate person whose only goal was to create music and heal the world. He gave away 500 million dollars to various charities in an attempt to heal the world. All Michael Jackson accusers from Evan Chandler to the Me Too Arvizos to James Safechuck and Wade Robson were after money. As Michael wrote in “Money” – “They don’t care they’d kill for the money.” Let’s stop with the slander against a dead black man who is not here to defend himself.

I leave you with this. In 1994, Michael Jackson was responsible for the life-saving surgery for Tamás Farkas (previously Béla, 28) by paying for his liver transplant in Brussels. They stayed in touch until Michael’s death. It was a rare occasion when Jackson’s charitable act received publicity and media attention. This is who Michael Jackson was.

https://dailynewshungary.com/the-hungarian-son-of-michael-jackson-still-has-the-teddy-bear-the-star-gave-to-him-video/

UPDATE: April 20, 2021: Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mark A. Young has tentatively dismissed the last of the cases brought by choreographer Wade Robson against the Estate of Michael Jackson. On this final ruling, the judge’s decision was “no triable issue.”

Final ruling: April 27, 2021: Dismissed again, for the 3rd time. Robson’s cases against Jackson and his estate came out of a left field claim that he was sexually abused when he was a child. Troubling and suspicious as Robson testified in Jackson’s defense in his 2005 trial and continued to sing his praises, even after he died. Only after the estate rejected him to work on the Michael Jackson “One” show, did Robson make the claims. Leaving Neverland was filled with so many holes, that it was debunked within the first month of release.

Celebrating Love on Michael Jackson’s 62 Birthday

The truth is I wasn’t going to blog on the anniversary of Michael Jackson’s 62nd birthday this year. Not only have we been in a heat wave in Los Angeles but I have been trying to manage with my mother locked down in a nursing facility, left brain damaged from her second husband’s abuse. For the past six months, she has not been allowed visitors but I have been given permission to see her from a gate for 25 minutes, in the sun, with traffic whizzing by, two times a week. The isolation is getting to her as she does not understand why she has no visitors coming inside even though I have tried to explain the situation to her. She asks me to “come inside”, “let’s go” “vamanos” and “open the gate.” Finding a perfectly ripe avocado made me happy, because it’s the only food they allow me to bring her.

The medical director of the facility told me “We need your voice, don’t back down” so I haven’t but it’s exhausting. Then, to make matters worse, I was told that the facility working with the Dept. of Health would open up a safe, social distanced arrangement where family can visit without endangering the residents, staff or visitors at the end of August. There were 5 new cases in a building in the same campus two weeks ago, so the residents have been locked down once again.

In place of boredom, I offer my mother spontaneity. In place of loneliness, I offer companionship. Instead of feeling helpless, being able to visit with my mother gave me the opportunity to take care of another human being. I look forward to the day that will we set them free from this tyranny.

As I pulled into Forest Lawn Glendale, I was wondering if Michael would be remembered this year as more people tend to visit on the anniversary of his death, rather than his birthday. As I saw the intricate, creative cards and the stunning arrangement of flowers, I knew I had to share these photographs with his fans so here I am again.

Michael Lutkes originally from Dusseldorf, now living in Los Angeles, created this painting.

From Russia – We Just Can’t Stop Loving You

The fans in Denmark designed this Neverland boat. It was stunning to see the details such as the sail with tiny sunflowers.

Someone created a birthday cupcake extravaganza. The creativity of Michael Jackson fans never fails to astound me.

This stand up from the History era was lovely.

The beauty of Siren’s card always capture me, year after year.

Back side of Siren’s card. Siren started painting after Michael died. Her art and writing are from her heart.

The care, passion, creativity of these cards are so healing to see in person.

Helena Ong – Malaysia

My heart is filled with sorrow because of my mother’s isolation and if I can bring a smile to someone in the world, sharing the love I am witness to at Forest Lawn, then I have accomplished something meaningful today. No one understood this better than Michael Jackson, whose genuine love and caring for humanity was part of why he touched so many hearts around the globe. Michael Jackson was the embodiment of love, kindness, caring and the most creative soul to ever walk this planet.

Seeing my friends Gloria Lopez and Marty Theis brought so much warmth to my hurting heart.

Finally, last but not least, the love between Gloria and her fiancé, is so heart affirming.

Michael Jackson – The King of Light and Love 11 Years Later

After ten years of blogging about Michael Jackson on the anniversary of his death, I had decided last year, that I would not be writing a blog on June 25 anymore. I felt that I had nothing more to say that I hadn’t already said before. And then this year, covid.

As I pulled into Forest Lawn Glendale, I started to feel a sense of peace in my heart chakra. It’s as if my body knows I am heading into a place of healing and love and I need that now, more than I can ever remember. My mother is in a nursing facility, left brain damaged from her second husband’s abuse, and for the past four months, has not been allowed visitors from family. I managed to get permission to see her from a gate and the experience has been exhausting knowing how isolated and lonely she has been. The last few times she has asked me why I can’t come inside and I have tried to explain to her even though it makes no sense. Yesterday on my 25 minute visit, she asked “is this all” meaning am I ever going to be able to come in, brought me to tears. She held onto the large avocado I brought her as if it was the only thing in the world she could hold onto. Then, to make matters worse, I was told that the Dept. of Health said if she did not have a covid test once a week for a month, that she would be isolated in her tiny bedroom. Last night I could not sleep thinking about how painful this has been for her and all the elders, in a similar situation across the U.S. I prayed to my father and Michael, to help me find someone to help me set them free from this tyranny.

I arrived to the familiar place where cards and flowers are placed and must admit it was not the same without all the red roses that Robyn Starkand organized for the past ten years. However, I saw Silvily, setting up cards from fans around the world. Seeing Silvily Thomas touched my heart, someone I know and love from the “soldiers of love” community and I felt myself getting emotional. I told Silvily I was not going to create a blog this year but after seeing the cards, roses and sunflowers, I changed my mind.

Forest Lawn Glendale – near Michael’s final resting place.

From Russia
We Love You Forever, Michael

I just love how the fans continue to show their love, year after year, for Michael Jackson.

It’s not the same this year without Robyn Starkand’s One Rose for Michael Jackson but these roses were lovely to see.

Michael always said “I Love You More” when someone said “I Love You.”

One of my favorite set ups, which was placed behind the area of Michael’s final resting place.

I love the quiet, peace, serenity of all the trees.

Tiziana Schellino from Italy made this gorgeous, detailed, homemade card.

Another stunning homemade card from Carol H.

Every year Siren’s cards, paintings and drawings touch something inside of me and this year was no different.

Beautiful soul Irina Eropolova is usually here every year. I was happy to see her gorgeous card!

Wow! Another amazing, creative card by Isabelle Vicente

Eleven years later and why am I still moved to write about Michael Jackson? Because now, more than ever, we need to love and care for each other and the fans that normally travel from all over the world to come pay their respects to him, cannot travel this year. My heart is heavy because of my mother’s isolation and if I can bring a smile to someone in the world, sharing the love I am witness to at Forest Lawn, then I have accomplished something meaningful today. No one understood this better than Michael Jackson, who would visit children’s orphanages as well as sick and dying children, before and after his concerts.

Last year I meet Ada Lu who came from Beijing in April 2019 to study communications at USC. Look at all the handmade gifts she made for Michael. The creativity amongst MJ fans has astounded me for the past decade.

All handmade by Ada Lu – who came to Los Angeles from Beijing in April 2019 and studies communications at USC.

My MJ sister, Ada Lu with her homemade cards.

Here is Kenna Flowers, who has been a fan since she was a baby. “I was born in 1985. Always been a fan of Michael Joseph Jackson. I remember this day eleven years ago. I screamed. I feel really close to him. I always have and always will.” Then, she shares, as if she has to say it outloud, “I was adopted. This is my mother behind me. There’s just a lot. I wish sometimes, no disrespect, I wish I could know where I come from. I think she would be hurt if I tried to find out.” “I understand” I said as I hoped to hold a space for her to feel safe. Behind our masks, we were both crying.

Kenna Flowers born in 1985, has been a fan since she was a baby.

My friend Gloria and I met and I was so happy to meet her at Forest Lawn, along with Eric, another heart centered soul. Her heart is so beautiful and I went back to Forest Lawn in the afternoon, just to see her. As I was returning to FL after driving back home to get the majority of my blog created, Eric saw me and said “Everyone is in the back. There is a circle of love.” A circle of love is what this entire planet needs right now.

Here’s a card from Lola Anderson in front of Michael’s resting place.

Michael Jackson was a kind, generous man with courage, character, perseverance and he was a social activist who created art to last for all time. Thank g-d for his humanity. He made us better people, less judgemental. The way he loved to help people, his mission to help others was Michael’s walk. He is missed, all over the globe as millions of us felt he was the king of light and love and I feel blessed to have walked on the earth when he did.

Michael’s friend, Elizabeth Taylor’s final resting place.

Photographer Douglas Kirkland crosses us over the finish line for He Threw the Last Punch Too Hard book

Every year in January, I head to Photo LA, and have been doing this since the 90’s. While walking around and looking at the photographs, exhibitions, and books, I was dreaming that one day I would be able to take my lifelong love of books and photography and combine those loves to create books of my numerous and varied projects.

On January 18, 2014, I waited in line with dozens of people, who were waiting to get a signed copy of Douglas Kirkland’s December 16, 2013 recently released book, “A Life in Pictures : The Douglas Kirkland Monograph.” For all my photography friends, you know who Douglas is. For others, you may not know his name but you know his photographs. Yes, the iconic photograph of Marilyn Monroe draped only in a white sheet, was created by Douglas as Marilyn drank Dom Perignon and listened to Frank Sinatra. Not to mention many classic photographs such as Elizabeth Taylor, Robert Mitchum, Dustin Hoffman, Judy Garland with a tear rolling down her cheek, Audrey Hepburn smiling looking as if she has a secret, Ann Margaret on a motorcycle and Cher on roller skates in 1979. This legendary photographer’s book is a manifesto of his whole career. It’s his journey from a passionate teenager in Canada taking photographs with his box camera, and following his dreams to the twenty something photojournalist who worked for Life and Look magazine and had the guts to ask Elizabeth Taylor, who was the world’s leading lady actress, if he could photograph her. He was the only photographer invited to the 1983 Michael Jackson Thriller shoot.

Douglas’s story is about the passion of a young man, the drive, dedication and hard work of following your dreams. Even though he heard comments like “Doug, I think it’s time you should start settling down and forget all this New York photography stuff”, he listened to his heart not family and friends. He is a living legend but bigger than the legend is his heart of gold.

As I made my way to the table where he was sitting, I told him about the project I was working on for 5 years. He had written in his book that a friend of his had told him that if you wanted to contact someone that you really respected, you should write a series of very earnest letters expressing your feelings for their work and your desire to meet them and that you would get through to them. Douglas wrote to Irving Penn three times before he received a response. He ended up with a job working for Mr. Penn.

After Douglas signed my book, I handed him my 1961 Rolleiflex 2.8F and asked him to make a photo of me. Then, I asked if he would look at my project on my mother who has brain damage from domestic violence, which was called “Forgiveness and Compassion” at the time. I asked him if he could help me. He handed me his business card and told me to write to him. I wrote him an earnest, heartfelt letter and six months later I was in his Hollywood Hills home along with his beautiful wife, Francoise. On his coffee table and book shelves was the biggest photography book collections I had ever seen. He spent two hours carefully looking at all my porfolios I had brought and told me when he saw “Forgiveness and Compassion”, “when you make a book on this project, I will buy one.”

Douglas helped cement my belief that you have to ask for what you want. I wrote to him three times about my Kickstarter campaign. After writing to him two times in the last month, I knew I hadn’t heard from him because he was working and it turns out him and his wife were in Rome for the premiere of his documentary “That Click” the night before!

At 3:13am, I received an email from Francoise telling me “I think you have reached your goal, Greetings from Rome. We are at the film festival presenting the documentary about Douglas “That Click” premiered last night, was a triumph.” Douglas and Francoise had generously backed my project, pushing it to its goal!

Not only did I begin photographing nearly 5 decades ago, but I have succeeded in my first Kickstarter backing successfully. I am partnering with FotoEvidence, who gave me the honor of a finalist award in the first FotoEvidence W (Women) Award. FotoEvidence is a publishing house that creates photo books to draw attention to human rights violations, and assaults on human dignity wherever they may occur. As a side note, my book editor,Régina Monfort, worked for Irving Penn for seven years.

By photographing my mother for ten years, I laid the ghost. It feels like poetry that Douglas Kirkland, the man who succeeded beyond his wildest dreams in his dream of being a photographer, and taught me to keep trying and never give up, brought my Kickstarter to the finish line with a generous backing. This story is for all the dreamers. Keep going and the longer it takes, it just means the project isn’t ready yet. Don’t give up your dreams, ever. Being able to tell my mother’s story feels as if a weight is lifted from my soul. I’ve been carrying this around since I was nine years old. One of my writing teachers, Joyce Maynard taught me to “write like you’re an orphan.” That’s one of the aims of this book, to tell the truth.

Photograph of Hannah Kozak at Photo LA, January 18, 2014 created by Douglas Kirkland with Rolleiflex 2.8F and expired Kodak Portra 400 film.

Here is the iconic photograph that Douglas Kirkland made of Marilyn Monroe in 1961, a year before her death.

Here is the first set up at the shoot with Marilyn Monroe. I always loved this photograph of Douglas. It shows the spectacular and brilliant angle he used to photograph Marilyn Monroe.

Douglas Kirkland spent a month touring with Judy Garland & created this iconic photo in 1961.

Douglas met Audrey Hepburn when she was nearly 40. This famous photo is a promotional still for her 1966 heist movie “How To Steal A Million” by Douglas Kirkland, Paris 1965

The exceptional lenticular cover design of the Douglas Kirkland “Michael Jackson: The Making of Thriller” book

I love what Douglas captured here as Michael is behind the scenes during the making of “Thriller

Michael Jackson behind the scenes during the making of “Thriller”

Douglas creates magic moments during the making of “Thriller”

Michael Jackson with make-up artist, Rick Baker.

Insert showing autograph from Douglas Kirkland on his “A Life In Pictures” book:

The inscription Douglas wrote on January 14, 2014 at Photo LA. Even his handwriting is poetic.

If you want to study one of the great masters of photography, this is a great book to do so. Douglas Kirkland’s 7 pound masterpiece: “A Life in Pictures”

Michael Jackson: The Making of “Thriller” 4 days/1983

Douglas Kirkland’s written words to me on his “Michael Jackson: The Making of Thriller 4 days/1983” book with inscription Douglas Kirkland wrote at his home in the Hollywood Hills – 19 June 2014

Love the unusual composition Kirkland choose to make the photograph of me.

Mr. Kirkland signing my copy of his incredible book.

Douglas Kirkland poses for me at Photo LA.

Michael Jackson – The King of Light and Love 10 Years Later

June 25, 2009. I heard the news that Michael Jackson had died as I was driving from the San Fernando Valley to Downtown Los Angeles for work. I had been hired as a stunt person to work in a scene on Iron Man 2. At that point, I had been a stunt woman for 25 years. As I drove, I tried to make sense of what I had heard. Michael Jackson dead? I had been a fan since I was ten years old and his music was the soundtrack to my life.

The scene in the film called for myself and two other stunt women to run away from the giant robots that were chasing the pedestrians. The director yelled “Action!” As we ran, one of the stuntmen landed squarely on top of me on the stairs. The wind was knocked out of me immediately and it became hard for me to breathe. We set up for another take and I realized something was wrong. I didn’t say anything to the stunt coordinator as we did another take but I would find out days later that I had broken ribs.

That injury began a journey of researching, writing, watching YouTube videos, reading books and finding out who the real Michael Jackson was, not the lies the media tried to force feed us on a steady diet. I discovered what I had known since I was ten years old. Michael was a special soul with higher consciousness who was truly gifted with a beautiful heart. A heart that made him other centered, almost to a fault. Everyone loves their own children but Michael loved all children. He loved children in a godly, innocent way and would eventually be crucified for it.

There is no place in American culture that allows for a grown man to have a home which he named Neverland Ranch. A 2500 acre escape from the masses always pulling on him, literally and figuratively. In a February 17, 1983 Rolling Stone Magazine interview he said it hurt being pulled on. “Being mobbed hurts. You feel like you’re spaghetti among thousands of hands. They’re just ripping you and pulling your hair. And you feel that any moment you’re gonna just break.” Some may choose to judge him because he preferred climbing trees to playing football, and the company of children to adults who always wanted something from him. He gave so much. All he wanted was to spread love and peace, especially to those who had very little.

Michael delighted in elementary things like riding roller coasters with children, water fights with over-sized squirt guns, and animals that loved unconditionally. This simple love of life caused those with darkness and blackness in their hearts to judge him. For those who didn’t feel love in our sometimes loveless world, he showed us not to be scared to love. When you told him you loved him, he didn’t say, “love you” or “love ya”. He always said “I love you more.”

On the tenth anniversary of Michael’s passing, I am once again, like every year before, moved to tears by the outpouring of handmade cards, teddy bears, sunflowers, giant arrangements of flowers and fans I haven’t met and even more that I have, from all around the globe.

Spanish & English – Facts Don’t Lie – People Do.

Angela – 19 year old who came with her cousin Ella, 5 years old. They both admire MJ. He is their biggest inspiration. He’s inspired Angela in so many ways from music, singing, arts to being a humanitarian and making a difference. Ella wishes to do the same in the future.

Ella reminded me of my cousin Vered when she was 5 years old. I gifted her with one of my MJ dolls. She loved it immediately.

Rieko Iwanaga spotted me and asked if I remembered her from 2016. Yes! I can never forget her smile!

Dan Lu, Luring Lei from China. Dan studies at USC – Global Communications. She shared with me she has wanted to make her own documentary on the truth about Michael for 10 years.

Dan Lu – from China.
“I have loved Michael since I was 10 years old.”

One Rose for Michael Jackson has 18,757 red and white long stem roses for him this year. They blanket him, as he cared for others around the world with his humanitarian efforts.

Marcela Torres, Liz Johnson – Buenos Aires, Argentina

Brenda Jenkyns from Canada, Lidia originally from Russia.

Forest Lawn Glendale in a blanket of roses for Michael Jackson.

What a treat to meet Liz Johnson, who flew from Buenos Aires, Argentina to pay her respects to Michael. She was here one other time in 2014. We spoke about how Michael was loved around the world and yet I felt the United States judged him harshly and tried to imprison him even though both allegations were proven to be blackmail. She told me “Nadie es propheta en su tierra.” “A prophet is never known/accepted in his hometown. “

We both agreed Michael’s death was a spiritual awakening which caused millions of people around the world to speak the same language, the language of love. I met Marty Theis who, with his beautiful smile said “We are here to change the world.” I also met Jordan, who grew up in China and now lives in New York. Jordan shared with me that she discovered Michael when she was three years old. The first false allegations in 1993 made her decide to become a lawyer. “He died the day I graduated college. I was going to come and meet him.” she said.

Michael Jackson was the greatest entertainer this world has ever seen. The gathering at Forest Lawn shows that having a kind heart and caring about others, is never, ever out of style.In this selfie obsessed, look-at-me-culture, now, more than ever, Michael’s care for humanity was both a breath of fresh air and testament to his heart and it is why he will always be remembered. This isn’t just fan worship, it’s people resonating with L.O.V.E and higher consciousness. Michael was tuned into the suffering of others. Even in his death, his will stipulated that part of his earnings should go to charities for children.

Michael’s consciousness was elevated and that’s what we tuned into and made him loved, more than anything. Darkness falls across the land but the love Michael Jackson spread around the world is testament to the power of caring about someone else, being kind, generous, gracious, loving, heart centered, and never forgetting the endless possibilities of grace available to us as human beings. Michael lived his life as a masterpiece, bringing the world together as one.

Michael Jackson Bad board signed by fans.

I love this card from Patricia Alvarado A from La Paz, Bolivia.
Mi dulce morenito:
Se cumplen 10 años de tu partida al cielo…Pero siempre serás uno de mis ejemplos a seguir, Gracias por tu música maravillosa, tu dulce voz, tus piecitos mágicos y tu corazón de oro. I love you more!!

Another board signed with photo from the Bad era.

Look at the stunning artwork created by Siren.

I set up my MJ Thriller doll next to this card from Myrna – from Mexico.

The creativity of Michael Jackson fans never fails to surprise me.

Look at this beautiful sketching from Elin Fogstad – Norway

The beauty of the words from Sissa Margarita – Mexico.

Card from Josee Grimard from Montreal, Canada.

Here is Siren, whose artwork is soulful and beautiful. Siren, along with Brenda, are the two MJ fans that flew to Sundance this year to be in support of Michael.

One of the fans left this SuperBear and hand written note for Michael.

I’m keeping her name private. She moved me to tears.

I will end my blog with a Self Portrait w/Siren’s beautiful art. Siren creates from her heart and I have always loved her art, even before I knew who she was.

Lights, camera, fiction! Leaving Neverland Has Been Derailed

© hannah kozak — Michael Jackson’s 1982 Thriller Album

Lights, camera, fiction!

Leaving Neverland is anti-Michael Jackson programming at its zenith, a clearly fraudulent movie that is collapsing daily—even hourly as journalists, activists, and writers such as Keya Morgan, Mike Smallcomb, Charles Thomson, Kerry Ward, Raven Woods and John Ziegler fire more cannonballs and Reeds’ ship continues to sink. We continue debunking everything from its major plot points to its minute details.

Leaving Neverland was never about what truly happened at Neverland Ranch or about alleged victims of sexual abuse. It was meant as a smear campaign against Michael Jackson. And as the movie’s credibility continues to fall apart, I’m left with so many questions… Like, why is the U.K. press covering director Dan Reed’s faux pas but the U.S. media is ignoring the whole ordeal? Why hasn’t Oprah, who publicly promoted the film, made a public statement about the lies that have since been uncovered since it opened? Who supported this movie? Who financed it?

Defending Michael Jackson doesn’t make you crazy and stating tabloid headlines doesn’t make you woke either. The story of Leaving Neverland is a painted upon, crazy canvas of lies, frauds, and players with an agenda. The movie itself is a plot to bring down the world’s greatest entertainer ever.

And you shouldn’t buy it—I would know.

I watched my mother be abused by her second husband for five years on weekends from the ages of nine to fourteen until she ended up in intensive care at UCLA with brain damage. She has spent thirty-nine years of her life in aging facilities. That’s a fact.

As someone who has a background with abuse, I resent the lies meant to pull on our hearts with the end goal of a financial payoff. I’m also a photojournalist. To document my father’s survival of eight Nazi forced labor camps during the Holocaust, I spent more than eight years on and off conducting research. Reed said he did three weeks of research for Leaving Neverland. I know it takes more time than that.

So, unlike the movie, let’s get some facts straight:

1) Wade Robson insisted Michael was trying to turn him against women in the movie. Meanwhile, Robson asked Michael to properly introduce him to Michael’s niece, Brandi, after they met on a commercial for Michael. Brandi and Wade had a relationship for more than seven years, during the time Michael was allegedly abusing him. This throws off the narrative, doesn’t it?

2) Wade never stayed behind in Neverland alone with Michael while his family went to the Grand Canyon. In her 1993 deposition and during the 2005 trial, Wade’s mother testified that the whole family, including Wade, went on that trip.

3) James Safechuck’s lawsuit against the Michael Jackson estate claimed abuse from 1988-1992. But the train station where Safechuck vividly described this daily abuse didn’t even exist during that time period. Dan Reed admitted days ago that Safechuck committed perjury because the train station only acquired permits for construction in 1993 before opening for use in 1994.

So Robson and Safechuck are not victims. They made up allegations to sue for hundreds of millions and lied repeatedly in court to try to get money. And it’s evident now that Reed has placed himself firmly in the driving seat of these allegations.

The deterioration of Michael Jackson’s reputation and well-being during the 2005 trials wasn’t enough for the media. The American federal judicial system found Michael Jackson innocent, but years later films like Leaving Neverland are still attacking him and spreading lies that he can no longer respond to because he is no longer with us.

Michael Jackson was a globally renowned black icon. He broke barriers between racism and religion and was a true humanitarian. As I wrote in January, try as some people might to put another nail in Michaels coffin, his dedicated fans and followers know the truth: Michael was a kindhearted man.

Michael Jackson was a fan of P.T. Barnum and believed he was put here to entertain and the show must go on. This movie is a three-ring circus and the show must not go on. This house of cards is falling down.

The Dalai Lama recently said: “We have to learn how to use our time properly. It’s important to make our lives meaningful. Bullying and cheating others may give a short-term return, but leaves a nagging sense of unease. Money doesn’t yield real satisfaction, whereas compassion does.”

I’m going with the Dalai Lama and the compassion that Michael Jackson showed us while he was on this planet. We need more compassionate hearts, not people getting on board a train of lies.

Michael Jackson had a soft heart in a cruel world. Like him, I will continue to stand up for what I believe in, as I have for the past ten years. Even if it’s not always popular, it is the only truth in my heart.

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