Man in the Music: The Creative Life and Work of Michael Jackson [Hardcover]

Joseph Vogel (Author), Anthony DeCurtis (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2011

"Joseph Vogel has brilliantly cracked the DNA, the code of the work, the artistry of Michael Joseph Jackson. This is the book I have been long awaiting -- a pointed, intelligent dissection of an epic body of work."  -Spike Lee

Over his four decades in the public spotlight, Michael Jackson dazzled audiences, broke down barriers, and transformed popular music. Yet his brilliance as an artist has often been overshadowed by the tabloid frenzy that surrounded his unusual life. Now author Joseph Vogel returns to to the albums, songs and videos that made the King of Pop a cultural force in the first place. From Off the Wall and Thriller, to Bad, Dangerous, HIStory and beyond, Vogel takes us deep inside Jackson's vast musical catalog. Each song is carefully considered, from well-known classics like "Billie Jean" and "Beat It" to lesser-known standouts like "Stranger in Moscow" and "Who Is It."

Meticulously researched and documented, Man in the Music draws on hundreds of sources, including news archives, reviews, Jackson's own words, and interviews with key collaborators. With each chapter, Vogel takes the reader back in time, placing the music in its social and historical context, discussing its relation to Jackson's personal life, and revealing never-before-heard stories from the studio. Featuring a foreword by Rolling Stone contributing editor Anthony DeCurtis and a wealth of color photos, this unique book provides the first comprehensive assessment of the "man in the music."

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A thoroughly enjoyable analysis of the music and life of the most popular musician of an era." -Library Journal

"Immerses readers in a chronological exploration of Michael Jackson's remarkable solo career. Chapter by chapter and literally song by song, [Vogel] discusses Jackson's albums, videos, dances, cinematic influences, musical heroes, idiosyncrasies, and artistic transformations...Readers will enjoy." -Publishers Weekly

"Man in the Music is a sensitive, perceptive, comprehensive and compelling exploration of the creative genius of Michael Jackson.  The author provides a special insight into the imagination and magic of perhaps the greatest musical artist of our time.  All who love Michael Jackson will appreciate this original work." —Thomas A. Mesereau, Jr.

"The most thorough and accurate portrayal of Michael's musical life I've ever seen." -Brad Buxer, Music Director for Dangerous and HIStory World Tours

"Man in the Music is thankfully all about just that — the music. Vogel takes the reader album-by-album, song-by-song and examines in exhaustive detail how Jackson produced a lifetime’s worth of music that became a soundtrack to the lives of millions…. Each song Jackson recorded during his solo career is examined with a critical eye. It’s a fascinating read and really a must-have for any Jackson fan." -Mike Householder, Associated Press

About the Author

Joseph Vogel is the author of three books, including Man in the Music: The Creative Life and Work of Michael Jackson. His work has appeared in The Atlantic, The Huffington Post, and PopMatters, among other publications. Vogel has been interviewed by numerous national media outlets, including NPR, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Forbes, The Michael Eric Dyson Show, Democracy Now, and the Associated Press. He currently resides in Rochester, New York.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Sterling (November 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402779380
• ISBN-13: 978-1402779381
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 1.1 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (88 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #54,772 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #2 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( J ) > Jackson, Michael

More About the Author

Joseph Vogel is the author of five books, including Man in the Music: The Creative Life and Work of Michael Jackson and The Obama Movement. His work has appeared in The Atlantic, The Huffington Post, and PopMatters, among other publications. His writing interests lie at the intersection of American music, literature, film and popular culture. Vogel's books and articles have been translated into over a dozen languages. In 2012, he was featured in Spike Lee's critically acclaimed documentary, Michael Jackson: Bad 25. He currently lives in New York where he teaches at the University of Rochester.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

94 of 95 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Best Books Ever Written on Michael October 22, 2011

By Rebecca Rockwell

Format:Hardcover

As a passionately devoted Michael Jackson fan (I was blessed enough to have been able to attend his memorial at the Staples Center), and as a musician and fellow published writer, there are many things I could say about this book. But I think the main thing that needs to be said is that in writing a book that focuses on Michael's work rather than attempting to dissect his personal life, Joseph Vogel has, I feel, more accurately and honestly captured who Michael was than any tawdry or dirt-dishing biography ever has or could. Michael WAS his music, and the music was Michael. It's time we all took a minute to give the man's unquestionable musical genius some credit without picking apart every scandalized lie he was beaten down with in the press. This book makes the reader remember just WHY Michael was the one and only King of Pop; unfortunately it also makes his loss all the more painful and deeply felt. We as fans lost a genius singer, songwriter, musician and dancer; the associates interviewed in this book lost a mentor, teacher and FRIEND. Thank you, Mr. Vogel, for writing a well-written, well-crafted and thorough book that should have been written years ago, and for presenting it in a way that makes it easier for people to understand a man who was so greatly misunderstood in life. I wish Michael were still alive to appreciate the gesture. He would have loved this book!

42 of 42 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally a great book focusing on MJ's music October 21, 2011

By happyforever

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

There are so many books talking about Michael Jackson but very few are focusing fully on his music. Michael Jackson is an artist which people tend to forget. This book reminds people about this fact and focus only on his music and creating process. The pictures and printing are all nice. Most important, it gives lots of information about MJ's records as solo artist. For all time, I always wanted to find a book that will analyze MJ's songs. This is the book I was looking for for so long. I just wish that MJ actually can saw this published when he was alive. People should really go back an relive MJ's music and cherish his genius. For MJ fans, this is a must buy. For general public, it tell you the Michael Jackson as a professional artist.

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I love this book October 22, 2011

By trudy

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I love this book, it takes you through a journey that allows you to see the creative process that Micheal goes through to write his music.
It is an intellectual book about the mans music.