Episode 91 – The Dangerous Philosophies of Michael Jackson Part 1
Abstract: In this episode, Elizabeth and Karin start with a series about The Dangerous Philosophies of Michael Jackson: His Music, His Persona, and His Artistic Afterlife. They go through it chapter by chapter. They start with the preamble, forewords, the Selected Chronology and Chapter 1: Introduction: Reading, Writing, and Rewriting. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth […]
MJ Studies Today CXXV
Abstract: In this month’s MJ Studies Today column, Kerry Hennigan looks at the song “Human Nature” in light of the recently released short film and the song’s appearance in the Michael biopic where it is featured in a recreation of the Jacksons’ Victory Tour. Originally conceived by Steve Porcaro, with additional lyrics by John Bettis, […]
Episode 90 – An Academic Perspective on the Michael Biopic
Abstract: In this episode, Elizabeth and Karin discuss the biopic Michael in relation to cinematography, narratives, acting, performance and more. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 90 – An Academic Perspective on the Michael Biopic” Podcast, Michael Jackson’s Dream Lives On: An Academic Conversation, 13 no. 3 (2026). Published electronically 24/04/26. https://michaeljacksonstudies.org/episode-90-an-academic-perspective-on-the-michael-biopic The Journal of Michael […]
MJ Studies Today CXXIV
Abstract: This month’s MJ Studies Today column examines human rights with particular reference to the experiences of Michael Jackson. Drawing on the articles of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, columnist Kerry Hennigan notes that fame does not shield individuals from violations of dignity, privacy, and fair treatment, but may instead intensify such […]
MJ Studies Today CXXIII
Abstract: The official Michael Jackson Broadway musical, MJ: the Musical recently celebrated its 4th anniversary at the Neil Simon Theatre in New York City. Since its premier, there has been a North American touring production, a London production and a German production in Hamburg. MJ Studies Today columnist Kerry Hennigan finally caught up with the show […]
Episode 89 – How to Write an Academic Book Review
Abstract: In this episode, Elizabeth and Karin discuss how to write an academic book review in a rigorous manner. They discuss this based on the recent academic book review Karin wrote of Michael Jackson’s Radical Aesthetic by Willa Stillwater. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 89 – How to Write an Academic Book […]
MJ Studies Today CXXII
Abstract: Joseph Vogel, an author well-known to Michael Jackson researchers, has produced a new book focused on the short film for Jackson’s song “Black or White.” The television premiere of the film (a.k.a. music video) in November 1991, brought howls of protests from those viewers who could not understand the “panther dance” coda. MJ Studies […]
Episode 88 – Past-Present-Future Book 8
Abstract: In this episode, Karin and Elizabeth go back to last year, discuss the present and give some insight into the future. We discuss the essays, podcast episodes and the columns published in the past year. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 88 – Past, Present, Future Book 8” Podcast, Michael Jackson’s Dream Lives […]
Academic Book Review – Michael Jackson’s Radical Aesthetic
Bibliographic Header Opening Framing The two volumes are structured theatrically, divided into acts. Volume One opens with a “Prelude: Telling, Untelling, and Retelling,” followed by Act One: The Early Films, Act Two: A Time of Crisis, and a concluding Codetta. Volume Two reprises the framework of Telling, Untelling, and Retelling, moving into Act Three: A […]
MJ Studies Today CXXI
Abstract: This month, MJ Studies Today columnist Kerry Hennigan provides a personal view of the recently upgraded version of Michael Jackson’s short film for the song “Give In To Me.” Jackson’s 1991 album Dangerous provided a wealth of material ranging from the understated anthem “Heal the World” to undeniably sensual songs like “In the Closet” […]