Michael Jackson: Before He Was King
Michael Jackson, Before He Was King
Michael Jackson was an incredible entertainer. Some of us are even lucky enough to remember his performance on the 25th Anniversary Celebration of Motown on TV. Jackson’s famous moonwalk stole the show and he received rave reviews for his dancing expertise. As the news of Jackson’s untimely demise spread the world felt a sense of shock and mourning .
Photographer Todd Gray worked with Michael Jackson for several years before Jackson requested that he become his personal photographer, a relationship that would encompass the singer’s performances with the Jacksons through the release of his smash solo albums Off the Wall and Thriller.
Newman Communications had the pleasure to work with Todd Gray, providing him with a radio audience on networks across the country to discuss his years with the “gloved one”. Reaching a multitude of listeners, Gray talked on the USA Radio Network,Cable Radio Network, The Family Network and numerous power stations from New York to Oregon.
Gray’s collection of unseen, intimate, and joyful pictures of Michael taken over a span of 10 years reveal him at home, with his family and fans, in career-making live performances, and the on the “Beat It” video shoot.
Gray, a young black man not much older than Jackson at the time they met, brings unique insights to his time with the singer, contributing stories and context to the images, presenting a rare, intimate portrait of Jackson at a creative peak as he grew from a brilliantly talented young man into a pop icon.
Todd Gray photographed Michael Jackson over a period of 10 years, often as Jackson’s chosen photographer. He has shot numerous album covers and directed music videos, and his photo-based artwork is in the permanent collections of museums in the U.S. and abroad. He is currently a professor of art and photography at Cal State University, Long Beach, and lives in Los Angeles.
Michael Jackson was a rare and talented performer who was known as “the King Of Pop” and we here at Newman Communications, are pleased to provide some insight into the life of this man “Before He Was King”
Filed under: Entertainment, Music, Site News
February 16th, 2011 at 12:40 am
Wow,I adore Mr.Jackson! He was the most talented to ever do it! We will never have someone like Michael Jackson! RIP to the GREATEST!