It was exactly 10 years ago that This Is It was released. When Kenny, Travis and I were first asked to come in by Sony to view the raw footage, I didn’t know what to expect. I hadn’t seen anything during rehearsals. My main focus was making sure the music was what MJ needed it to be. Suffice to say, I don’t think we even got through 5 minutes or so without all of us becoming quite emotional. It’s been 10 years since I’ve watched the film. (It’s a personal choice) Although, I know every frame, I physically lived it. Some things were just not able to be captured by cameras. I’m choosing to hold on to those off camera moments. Nevertheless, I’m still so grateful for the film. We made it for the fans. It was an honor project, not a glory project. So many around the world have told us how this film has helped them cope with MJ’s passing. And for that, I’m so unbelievably grateful. 🙌🏾 M~ #thisisit
MJ changed my life, years before I even started working with him. Seeing a successful kid who came from a similar area like me. And, looked like me when I was a kid, made me feel like I could be successful too! #imagematters Little did I know I’d actually work with the inspiration! Gratitude 🙏🏾 HBD🎉 dude. You sure are missed! M~ (Michael Jackson & Michael Bearden working on stage. This Is It rehearsals 2009)
So, this time a year ago, I was rehearsing these two for the Oscars. (I’ve worked on many Oscars shows!) However, this performance ended up being one of the most magical performances I’ve been part of in my long career. Blessed! 🙌🏾 I never know how so many candid photos seem to appear seemingly out of nowhere. ☺️ When working with mega stars, there always seem to be cameras present somewhere. I’m used to that. But, I really appreciate this particular capture. It shows a real human moment. In the midst of the weight and gravity of the event that was to come the next day, we were still able to find time to have some fun with it! Trust your gift! M~ (fun fact: On the day of the show run through, I played Gaga so the Director could get his shots. I played piano. Did not sing tho. Lol 😂)
I have no words! Healing energy to his wife, daughters, family and all who loved him. 🙏🏾 M~ #kobe 💜💛
Back at it with these two. Some people you just work with. Then there are those you create magic with! M~ @richysquirrel
CONGRATS to the songbird Mimi on her 19th number one hit! 🎉🍾🎊🎶 I don’t know if everyone understands how truly difficult that is to do! Especially with a song that was released about 25 years ago! We took this pic, a few years after the record was released, at the very first VH1 Divas concert. (I was there working with Aretha actually. Blessed life 🙌🏾) I remember when Mariah and Walter Affanassief went into the studio to work on that Christmas record. I was living in NYC at the time. It was the talk of the industry. Now it’s the most played record every Christmas! What an amazing achievement! Just wanted to say so publicly! M~ #mariahcarey 🦋
CONGRATS to the songbird Mimi on her 19th number one hit! 🎉🍾🎊🎶 I don’t know if everyone understands how truly difficult that is to do! Especially with a song that was released about 25 years ago! We took this pic, a few years after the record was released, at the very first VH1 Divas concert. (I was there working with Aretha actually. Blessed life 🙌🏾) I remember when Mariah and Walter Affanassief went into the studio to work on that Christmas record. I was living in NYC at the time. It was the talk of the industry. Now it’s the most played record every Christmas! What an amazing achievement! Just wanted to say so publicly! M~ #mariahcarey 🦋
A lot of regular users of IG may not know who this icon is. But, HBD🎉♐️ to one of the legends of this business. Mr. Dick VanDyke! One of the nicest and most talented greats I’ve ever met in this business. He’s 94 today. Wow! I love getting a chance to meet and speak to those who helped shape this business. So much wisdom. Priceless! Enjoy and many more sir! M~ #dickvandykeshow #dickvandyke #chittychittybangbang #marypoppins
HBD🎉63 to one of the nicest people I’ve ever met in this business! @tomhanks – A Photographer caught us in mid discussion. We chatted up for quite a while too. Just a really beautiful human being. BIG music fan too. . Love all the series he’s doing on CNN too. (The 80’s, 90’s, 2000’s etc…) very well done! Despite what so many believe, not everyone in Hollywood is horrible! Some people really are who they seem to be! Enjoy! And many more Tom! M~ (I can’t believe my journey sometimes! ☺️ from the south side of Chicago to heights once dreamed! 🙌🏾)
HBD🎉🎉 @mileycyrus!! I’ve worked with many young artists in this business. I have to say, I always look forward to working with this one whenever I get the chance. Miley brings it! Every time! Even in soundcheck! So refreshing to be around that in today’s music business. Enjoy! Keep rising Miley! 🙌🏾 M~
HBD🎉 to the homie Slash! When I was working on This Is It, MJ had the idea he wanted to include various artists in the show on certain nights. We had a select list of artists we were thinking about having perform specific songs on the show. (I’ll elaborate more on that another time. Like in the book. ☺️) MJ told me he wanted me to reach out the Slash to see what he would like to do. I did. He’s like the nicest superstar rock dude ever! Lol ☺️ Some time after MJ passed, Slash and I spoke on the phone at length. It was a beautiful call. Like I said, one of the nicest guys ever in his crazy business! Even played with my band on the late night talk show Lopez Tonight a couple times. Good times! Enjoy! And many more! @slash M~
If you’re creative, create. Don’t let anyone put you in a box. More importantly, don’t put yourself in a box! I’ve done a LOT in music. If you know you know. I’ve also done a lot of film work. As a composer, (check the IMDb) As a musician on scores (shaft, baby boy, four brothers, off the top of my head) Also on camera, (Maid in Manhattan, A Star Is Born, more) However, This new film I’m doing is the first one I have a little role in. Not big, but fun nonetheless. I’m not a practicing actor. And, I wouldn’t even disrespect everyone who’s really out here doing that. But, that doesn’t mean that if you have an opportunity to stretch yourself as a creative, you shouldn’t do it. That’s how you stay in this game a long time. Do EVERYTHING! And, really try to be good at it too. ☺️ I’m also scoring the film. Blessed life! 🙌🏾 M~
These two brilliant people! I’ve known @randyjackson more years than I’ll admit on social media. ☺️ And, those who know, @iamorianthi is my sister for life! We’re here donating our time and talents to a great cause. We can ALL do something! Pick a problem, issue, or something that moves you to change, and just help! 🙌🏾 M~ ( I’m also a #globalgoodwillambassador for the #unitednations ) #dosomething 🙌🏾
These two brilliant people! I’ve known @randyjackson more years than I’ll admit on social media. ☺️ And, those who know, @iamorianthi is my sister for life! We’re here donating our time and talents to a great cause. We can ALL do something! Pick a problem, issue, or something that moves you to change, and just help! 🙌🏾 M~ ( I’m also a #globalgoodwillambassador for the #unitednations ) #dosomething 🙌🏾
HBD🎉72 to legendary Queen guitarist, and all around super nice human being, Brian May! I first met Brian years ago when I was living in NYC. I worked with him a few times and even got a chance to work with him and the remaining members of Queen! (That’s a long story. It’ll be in the book too. 😉☺️) Ran into him at the Oscars this year. (I was Music Director for Bradley and Gaga’s performance of ‘Shallow’) He’s still the same nice dude! And, still playing his ass off!! Fun fact: He once gave me one of his guitar picks. Which isn’t a proper pick at all. It’s an english coin. ☺️ Enjoy Brian! And many more! M~ #birthday #ogfriday #fbf
HBD🎉72 to legendary Queen guitarist, and all around super nice human being, Brian May! I first met Brian years ago when I was living in NYC. I worked with him a few times and even got a chance to work with him and the remaining members of Queen! (That’s a long story. It’ll be in the book too. 😉☺️) Ran into him at the Oscars this year. (I was Music Director for Bradley and Gaga’s performance of ‘Shallow’) He’s still the same nice dude! And, still playing his ass off!! Fun fact: He once gave me one of his guitar picks. Which isn’t a proper pick at all. It’s an english coin. ☺️ Enjoy Brian! And many more! M~ #birthday #ogfriday #fbf
HBD🎉72 to legendary Queen guitarist, and all around super nice human being, Brian May! I first met Brian years ago when I was living in NYC. I worked with him a few times and even got a chance to work with him and the remaining members of Queen! (That’s a long story. It’ll be in the book too. 😉☺️) Ran into him at the Oscars this year. (I was Music Director for Bradley and Gaga’s performance of ‘Shallow’) He’s still the same nice dude! And, still playing his ass off!! Fun fact: He once gave me one of his guitar picks. Which isn’t a proper pick at all. It’s an english coin. ☺️ Enjoy Brian! And many more! M~ #birthday #ogfriday #fbf
HBD 70🎉🎉 Bruuuuuuuce! And many more. I’m lucky and honored to have performed with Bruce a few times. The nicest dude ever! And, always gives it 1000%!! Even in soundcheck! M~ (pic 1-backstage at Obama’s 1st inauguration, pic 2- on stage with Bruce (right corner) in Los Angeles)
HBD 70🎉🎉 Bruuuuuuuce! And many more. I’m lucky and honored to have performed with Bruce a few times. The nicest dude ever! And, always gives it 1000%!! Even in soundcheck! M~ (pic 1-backstage at Obama’s 1st inauguration, pic 2- on stage with Bruce (right corner) in Los Angeles)
Big HBD🎉🎉 to the legend Neil Young! As a kid growing up on the south side of Chicago, the radio, and records were my close friends. Waaaaay before smart phones, social media and streaming. And for me, it didn’t matter what the genre was, or what color the artist was. I just loved music. ALL music! Still do. So imagine getting a call from a rock icon asking you to arrange and conduct an 80 + piece orchestra, and co-produce one of his records. 😳 It was yet another very surreal time in my whirlwind of a career I’ve had so far! If nothing else, I’m living proof you can come from anywhere and do anything if you believe you can! Enjoy 🎉Neil. And many more! (1/ me and Neil in studio. 2/ me and Neil at console. 3/ Neil’s classic record he signed for me! 4/ Neil thanking me for my work on his record. With the great Al Schmitt engineering. ☺️) s/o to the great Niko Bolas for making it all happen!
Big HBD🎉🎉 to the legend Neil Young! As a kid growing up on the south side of Chicago, the radio, and records were my close friends. Waaaaay before smart phones, social media and streaming. And for me, it didn’t matter what the genre was, or what color the artist was. I just loved music. ALL music! Still do. So imagine getting a call from a rock icon asking you to arrange and conduct an 80 + piece orchestra, and co-produce one of his records. 😳 It was yet another very surreal time in my whirlwind of a career I’ve had so far! If nothing else, I’m living proof you can come from anywhere and do anything if you believe you can! Enjoy 🎉Neil. And many more! (1/ me and Neil in studio. 2/ me and Neil at console. 3/ Neil’s classic record he signed for me! 4/ Neil thanking me for my work on his record. With the great Al Schmitt engineering. ☺️) s/o to the great Niko Bolas for making it all happen!
Big HBD🎉🎉 to the legend Neil Young! As a kid growing up on the south side of Chicago, the radio, and records were my close friends. Waaaaay before smart phones, social media and streaming. And for me, it didn’t matter what the genre was, or what color the artist was. I just loved music. ALL music! Still do. So imagine getting a call from a rock icon asking you to arrange and conduct an 80 + piece orchestra, and co-produce one of his records. 😳 It was yet another very surreal time in my whirlwind of a career I’ve had so far! If nothing else, I’m living proof you can come from anywhere and do anything if you believe you can! Enjoy 🎉Neil. And many more! (1/ me and Neil in studio. 2/ me and Neil at console. 3/ Neil’s classic record he signed for me! 4/ Neil thanking me for my work on his record. With the great Al Schmitt engineering. ☺️) s/o to the great Niko Bolas for making it all happen!
Big HBD🎉🎉 to the legend Neil Young! As a kid growing up on the south side of Chicago, the radio, and records were my close friends. Waaaaay before smart phones, social media and streaming. And for me, it didn’t matter what the genre was, or what color the artist was. I just loved music. ALL music! Still do. So imagine getting a call from a rock icon asking you to arrange and conduct an 80 + piece orchestra, and co-produce one of his records. 😳 It was yet another very surreal time in my whirlwind of a career I’ve had so far! If nothing else, I’m living proof you can come from anywhere and do anything if you believe you can! Enjoy 🎉Neil. And many more! (1/ me and Neil in studio. 2/ me and Neil at console. 3/ Neil’s classic record he signed for me! 4/ Neil thanking me for my work on his record. With the great Al Schmitt engineering. ☺️) s/o to the great Niko Bolas for making it all happen!
HBD🎉🎉 to my home girl (ChiTown represent!) The wonderfully talented and lovely @iamjhud! It’s amazing to see you still thriving. Still shining. You’ve been through so much. Keep rising! 👊🏾 Enjoy your born day! ☺️ M~
