Even a few hours after the death of the King of Pop, signs were everywhere to pay homage to the late Michael Jackson, who died of cardiac arrest Thursday June 25. Radio stations are playing more of his songs and remixes in marathons, more specials are being played on TV about his life and music career, and even stores are turning it into a profit. There are CD collections and other Jackson paraphernalia moved into special exhibits for sale for collectors. While at a Borders I saw several music collections out together not that long after the news was passed. With the media hot on the topic, it is only a matter of time before Michael Jackson books start up with the actual stories behind the music of his life.
One week later we are starting to see this progress. According to Yahoo news there will be a release of what are called “instant books” on Michael Jackson as soon as possible. People and Life Magazine are both putting together commemorative editions which are to be ready in August. There will also be tribute books from Triumph books and Whitman Publishing. Both are tentatively called Michael Jackson and are due out as early as this week!
Another will also be penned by Ian Halperin. Ian Halperin is a journalist who has written about various musicians such as Kurt Cobain and Celine Dion, and has been writing on a Michael Jackson book since the time of his death. This book is titled Unmasked: The Final Years of Michael Jackson, and is one that is said to be out at the end of the month.
We can expect many more books on the late singer, without a doubt. But, who will be writing them? Will Jackson’s own family members tell their side as the people who truly knew him and take advantage of the profit? Either way, people are looking for the stories that come from the inside. They are looking to read about the things that no one knew about Michael Jackson before.