Michael Jackson has been back in the news lately, after the release of the documentary, Leaving Neverland. New allegations have been made. It’s difficult viewing, as a human, let alone a fan. I have only watched half so far. It’s very graphic.
R Kelly has also hit the news again. Allegations have plagued this man for years. More people are coming forward so he decided, to tell his side of the story, in a televised interview. He had a little bit of a melt down and to see him so aggressive and agitated was awful.
Radio stations are pulling songs, from these two men, off the air. It is horrible to think that, behind the talent, lies a darker past. I don’t know if the allegations are true. I want them to be false but that doesn’t mean they are.
When I listen to their songs now, I know I don’t feel the same. Rather than just enjoying the song, or laughing at their nostalgic memories; I think of the news. The details of the alleged crimes and the faces, of those breaking their silence. It has forever changed how I listen to the music and perhaps it should. What if the fans are wrong? What if the men behind the music are guilty?
Are they just innocent victims of their fame and their professional legacies, left in ruins for money? Or are we so in awe of these recording artists, that we can’t and don’t want to believe, that there were crimes committed here?
Aside from Michael Jackson and R Kelly, I used to listen to a singer called Aaron Hall. Back in the early 90s, when RnB music was superb; Aaron Hall was one of the best and most talented vocalists. As a member of the band Guy and solo, he was simply outstanding. Now in his 50s, the man with the immaculate suit and stunning vocals, is actually quite vile. I stumbled on an interview with him recently and I was completely shocked. The graphic profanity and disrespect, towards women and other artists, was shocking. Turns out he was more Nasty Man remix, than the gentleman, who wrote 1993’s ‘The Truth’ album. The reality was so disappointing, I was so upset. Believe me, I know that there are bigger things to get upset about but damn.
So can you separate the art from the artist?
The dilemma is the songs have come to mean, more than the individual, who produced them. The artist is a human being, with flaws and issues and in the case of MJ and R Kelly, possible criminal records. The argument is that, we may not associate with these people, or condone their actions but by streaming their music and buying their CDs etc; we are still lining their pockets. I miss being young and naive at times. When it was all about the music and artists were just incredibly talented, without any of this unsavoury crap. I bought into the fantasy of the lyrics and the showmanship; the reality is a bitter pill to swallow.
I was so blissfully ignorant to the music world, outside of my CD player, until 1996 when Tupac Shakur died; shortly followed by Biggie Smalls the following year. My preferred genre of music, has continued to be peppered with tragedy, right up to present day. The untimely deaths of Luther Vandross, Teddy Pendergrass, Lisa Lopez (TLC), Aaliyah, Tony Thompson (Hi-Five), Charmayne Maxwell (Brownstone) and Nate Dogg; are a sad reminder of how cruel life can be, whether your famous or not.
Years from now, generations of people, will still be listening to their songs. Their music is what will be remembered, their legacy intact. I’m not sure, if the same can be said for Michael Jackson and R Kelly. Time will tell if their musical legacy endures and indeed whether it should.
We might never know the truth. Whatever the case, I can’t help but feel sad, when I hear one of their tracks now. It’s hard to listen to a wholesome song like ‘Man in the Mirror’ or I Believe I Can Fly’ and not feel like some damage has already been done. The R Kelly investigation is on going and all over the media. Michael Jackson has been dead, nearly 10 years and is still being pursued, by individuals claiming abuse. He had his home raided, he was investigated, went to court and found innocent but still here we are. He can no longer defend himself and if he were here, how many times would he have to continually defend himself?
As for Aaron Hall…’I Miss You’. Not the man you are, the man I hoped you were.