Abstract: This month’s MJ Studies Today continues the Halloween theme from last month. Columnist Kerry Hennigan considers the impact of the annual #ThrillerChallenge organised by Michael Jackson fans to redress what they consider a major deficiency in Billboard’s top singles chart: to get the “Thriller” single to number one across multiple formats and charts. Column […]
In this episode, Elizabeth and Karin discuss the essay, Sentenced to Neverland: Michael Jackson, Peter Pan, and Queer Futurity by Amy C. Billone. This essay is published in Michael Jackson: Grasping the Spectacle, edited by Christopher R. Smit. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 85 – Sentenced to Neverland Podcast, Michael Jackson’s Dream Lives […]
Abstract: This month, MJ Studies Today columnist Kerry Hennigan looks back on events she attended in past years at which Michael Jackson’s contributions to the Halloween season were celebrated. From Hollywood to Los Olivos, and all over the world, fans have enjoyed the annual reminder that Jackson is not only the King of Pop, but […]
In part 2 of our discussion about Margo Jefferson, we discuss articles from the Guardian and her essay in the catalogue of the On the Wall exhibition. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 83 – part 1 – On Michael Jackson” Podcast, Michael Jackson’s Dream Lives On: An Academic Conversation, 12 no. 4 (2025). […]
Abstract: This month Kerry Hennigan looks at the variety of career choices and attitudes in Michael Jackson’s now-adult children, Prince, Paris and Bigi. This article was prompted by Paris Jackson’s recent comments with respect to the forthcoming biopic which purports to tell the life story of her beloved father. Paris’ opinions on officially sanctioned projects […]
In this episode, Elizabeth and Karin review the books written by Margo Jefferson, On Michael Jackson, editions 2007 and 2018. This is part 1 of the discussion; the next one is about articles in The Guardian and the catalogue of the On the Wall exhibition. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 83 – […]
Abstract: This month’s MJ Studies Today column looks at Michael Jackson’s career in the late 1980s at a time when the artist was becoming increasingly frustrated by the tabloid media’s focus on the rumours, tall stories, and fabrications about his life. This included fantastical PT Barnam-style stunts such as his supposed interest in buying the […]
Abstract: When working on new material for his 1987 album Bad, Michael Jackson wrote a song about the experience of fame, the media and the pressures of being a successful show business professional. Called, appropriately, “The Price of Fame,” a demo of the song was released in 2012 on the 25th anniversary reissue of Bad. […]
In Episode 82, our Anniversary episode, Elizabeth and Karin discuss the essay Michael Jackson’s Gesamtkunstwerk: Artistic Interrelation, Immersion, and Interactivity From the Studio to the Stadium by Sylvia J. Martin. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 82 – Gesamtkunstwerk” Podcast, Michael Jackson’s Dream Lives On: An Academic Conversation, 12 no. 4 (2025). Published electronically […]
Abstract: Many fans of Michael Jackson collect books about the pop icon, wanting to read as much as they can about his life and career. Referencing titles from her own collection, MJ Studies Today columnist Kerry Hennigan finds that biographies presenting a factual portrait of the King of Pop are a rarity. Similarly, critical analysis […]