Every disaster needs a theme song; big disasters call for big egos; or, in a much less cynical vein, artists turn to art when they feel compelled by circumstances to give of themselves.
Either way, new Persian Gulf resident Michael Jackson has announced through the melodiously-named Raymone K. Bain that he will be "reaching out to other recording superstars asking that they join him" on a recording project with the working title "From the Bottom of My Heart" to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina. He intends to record this record within the next two weeks.
Jackson was a driving force (and co-writer with Lionel Richie) behind USA for Africa's "We Are the World," the superstar collaboration from '85 that raised millions in aid for that drought-stricken continent.
"It pains me to watch the human suffering taking place in the Gulf Region of my country," says Mr. Jackson. "My heart and prayers go out to every individual who has had to endure the pain and suffering caused by this tragedy. I will be reaching out to others within the music industry, to join me in helping to bring relief and hope to these resilient people who have lost everything."
The song will be recorded on 2 Seas Records, a label owned by Prince Abdulla Hamad Alkhalifa of Bahrain, hence the project title "From the Gulf to the Gulf."
"All proceeds from the sale will be donated to the victims of Hurricane Katrina," according to the statement.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Temple Stark
The song could be called "Freak Out."
I wonder how many people will download it for free rather than buy it?
2 - steve
michael should take in all of the refugee children from Katrina. Im sure he has room at the neverland ranch.
3 - Marc Long
Just Michael Jackson showing the real Humanitarian he is. Always been a shame he is not more well known for all the good he has done. People still trying to bring him down but he still stands tall. Good man MJ.Innocent.
4 - Al Barger
Right, Marc. If MJ's humanitarian work isn't known, it ain't because he hasn't had a dozen pr flaks working full time to publicize it.
I'd be interested in what kind of name stars would even be willing to have anything to do with Michael at this point to be on a record. I'd predict it'd end up being Michael and a bunch of C and D list singers.
5 - Laurel
I hope Mr. Jackson is more careful about who he chooses to work on this song. He recorded a charity single after 9/11 but nobody wanted to release it because the producer had also produced a great deal of pornography.
6 - Beatitbillyboy
What a creep!
If he wants to help, he should go to jail and take his child-molester punishment.
Videotape the whole thing and give the proceeds to charity.
7 - ellie wooler
Some people are so cynical,surely any effort to raise money is positive rather than negative??? He cant win can he- if he didnt do something people would say hes not a humanitrian any more but if he does try to help then apparantely its for his own gain??? All you cynical doubters need to get a life & stop being so pessimistic and negative!!!!
8 - Bob A. Booey
Haven't we already suffered enough?
That is all.
9 - Eric Olsen
I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt until we see how it plays out: you never know, maybe it will be a good song
10 - txgrrl
Leave it to Michael Jackson to try and capitalize on a tragedy. I would call this a transparent attempt to resurrect a career that is in shamble's under the guise of "a charitable deed". Selfserving pedophile loser...I wish he'd disappear off the face of the earth.
11 - emma johnson
To the people that refer to MJ as a 'criminal' or 'paedophile', the fact is HE WAS FOUND INNOCENT IN A COURT OF LAW!! So why cant you just give him the benefit of the doubt?? He is recording a charity single which will raise money TO HELP PEOPLE!!! Since when has this been a bad thing...? Stop this nasty vindictive vendetta and leave him alone!!!
12 - steve
emma, you and I know that anyone without a bottomless pit of money would be rotting in jail right now. he bought his innocence just as OJ did.
13 - Eric Olsen
of course the other side of that is they wouldn't have prosecuted such a relatively weak case if the accused hadn't been Michael Jackson, but that's a separate matter. I think it's always best to give contributors the benefit of the doubt until there is reason to think otherwise. Of course MJ is an egomaniacal mutant, but that isn't unusual in showbiz
14 - gerard
Meanwhile... I have written a song and so far, can't get any air play because I am not a "signed artist". I didn't do it for the money. Just had something to say. I know the production quality isn't great, but the words are truly "from the heart". Please listen. If you like it, pass it on. If you don't, tell me about it, please.
Words:
Music:
Thanks,
Gerard
15 - eriqo
Gerard C. Faucheux,
I couldn't believe myself for actually considering to listen to your song. I wasn't dissapointed. Its a pretty good song and i think that everyone here should take their time to listen to it.
16 - eriqo
Oh, do you have other songs or is that the only one?
17 - Gerard
By day, I work in Information Services. I have a few other songs, but have not tried to do anything with them.
For now, getting this song heard -- getting the message out -- is my only goal.
Thanks for the encouragement! Please pass the link along to others.
Gerard
18 - Eric Olsen
it is good to find fans!
19 - RJ
Well, I'm sure this is mostly in order for MJ to become "respectable" again. But, still, it's for a good cause, and it might even be a decent song...
20 - Eric Olsen
I agree RJ, you never know. I have never questioned the genuinity of his altruism, just other things
21 - Scott Butki
As a living disaster I'm sure MJ has much to draw on for this song.
22 - Eric Olsen
chortle!
23 - Bob A. Booey
Guffaw!
That is all.
24 - Nick
Michael Jackson is a wonderful person. He has very good songs and dance moves. I'm sure this song would be good as well. I love you Michael.
25 - Bob A. Booey
Was this cleaned up to avoid the feds?
My guffaw is still buzz-killed by the vicious and violent Anthony Grande. I think the Elephant Man would like a word with you, Anthony.
That is all.