Little Boy Lost

With the passing of Michael Jackson, America's beloved pop star, I felt compelled to reprint an article I worked on with one of his former neighbors, George Putnam - radio legend - who passed not long ago himself. Blessings to the family and R.I.P., MJ!

One Reporter's Opinion: Little Boy Lost
By George Putnam

Friday, Nov. 21, 2003

It is this reporter's opinion that the latest charges, the latest allegations, involving pop star Michael Jackson give scandal-hungry America and the world something over which to salivate. I remind you, these are allegations – multiple charges of child molestation. Nowhere do I see in these charges mention of intercourse or rape. But again, let us recall that in America one is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

I'll never forget the day that the Jackson 5 moved into our neighborhood in the mountains above Beverly Hills. It was the Jacksons' first home of any consequence. It was formerly the home of Paul Ziffren, the Democratic Party bigwig. Our cluster included Ernie and Edie Kovacs, Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Benny Carter, Jimmy Darren, Rona Barrett and a host of others.

It was my privilege to welcome the Jackson 5 to our community above Cold Water Canyon on Cherokee Lane, Bowmont Drive and Kimridge Road.

When they arrived, they clustered around my convertible and we became instant friends. They were so young and so small and so outgoing, but out of this humble beginning came fame and fortune ... and in the case of the young star, Michael Jackson, a little kid – arrested development and brilliant talent.

Within a few years came agents, sycophants, flesh peddlers and all of those who attempt to further themselves with the fame and fortune of the Jacksons. And let's not forget the star-crazed fans, among them parents eager for their children's association with young Michael.

Then came the charges and the rumors: Why wasn't Michael married? Why were so many youngsters accompanying his every move? Who fathered his children? In interviews Michael foolishly but innocently spoke of kids sleeping in his bedroom, being welcomed with parental approval, and the visits to Neverland.

Michael became freakish in his behavior. The bleached skin, facial surgery, his attempt to look first like Diana Ross and then like Elizabeth Taylor. And with it all, the baby voice, the Peter Pan approach to never growing up.

Michael spoke of his associations with kids quite openly, saying he shared a bedroom but always denying any sexual involvement. He stated that he slept on the floor of his bedroom while youngsters slept in his bed. But, you ask, what about the 1993 payoff and the hushed charges?

And here we go again with the same allegations – multiple charges of child molestation. And now he's 45 years old.

With eager law enforcement individuals openly stating, "We didn't get Jackson in 1993, we'll get him this time," one can only recall that early meeting with the Jackson 5 at their first home in Hollywood in the hills above Beverly Hills and the arrested development of Peter Pan.

Where are the sycophants? The moneygrubbers? Those who should be protecting him? Where are those who should be protecting Michael Jackson against himself and his own pitiful way of life?

Never in all these charges do we hear the word cruelty – not to humans, not to his enclave of animals, not to anyone. Never do we hear anything but love and worshipful adoration and devotion to children. After all, he is one of them.

One can only conclude by his behavior that Michael is, in his own mind, living in Never Never Land – while the world beyond the gates of his ranch looks on in disgust, imagining all manner of sexual scenarios.

As for myself, I can only recall what I saw, what I witnessed, in those bright and shining stars of yesteryear and wonder, sadly, where has Michael gone?

We have a frailty in dealing with the famous in America. We build them up beyond their own talents or human capabilities and then seek the chinks in their armor and set about to destroy them and watch them get up off the canvas to fight again.

The story is made to order for our crazed media, and law enforcement is already talking about three to eight years in jail when what Michael really needs is extended psychoanalysis.

This helpless waif, this lost soul, warrants our pity, not our judgment. What happened to our little tap-dancing kid? Where did he go? It's a sad, sad American tragedy, the story of Michael Jackson.

* * * * * *

The legendary George Putnam was 89 years young and a veteran of 69 years as a reporter, broadcaster and commentator ... and still going strong. George was part of the all-star line-up of Southern California's KPLS Radio – Hot Talk AM 830. Click here for George's complete bio

What Happened to Vincent's Ear?

Did Gauguin Slash Off Vincent van Gogh’s Ear? - that's the question of a century of speculating. There is a new claim that it was actually Paul Gauguin who cut off Vincent's ear with his epee.

I wrote about this in a song years ago:

(Gauguin) Wrestling with the Angel
[for Paul Gauguin]

Wrestling with the Angel in a crimson field;
Jacob's in a stranglehold. His heart was never healed.
And the spirit of the dead keeps watch.

Oh, Olympia... just throw caution to the wind!
Manao Tupapau, you're defenseless.
Oh, Olympia... you're the gilded masterpiece.
And the envy of all the world.

Visions of the Sermon - Day of God is near.
The Yellow Christ is crucified and Vincent's lost his ear.
And the spirit of the dead keeps watch.

He struggled to be recognized, failing to achieve,
He left to find his passions, to live what he believed.
His paintings are alive, his soul wrestles to be freed.
He battles with his demons, but can't unplant the seed.

Where do we come from?
What are we?
Where are we going?
How are we gonna get there?

o-BOMB-a!

I've lost faith in our new president. I gave him the benefit of the doubt in my blog on inauguration day... but today I am ashamed of him. For him or any other American to go to another country and put down the country that I love is dispicable! Calling us 'arrogant, dismissive, derisive'... how dare he! I've had my doubts about Obama since I'd watched him deny knowing about Reverend Wright's anti-American "sermons" while attending that church for 20 years. But this is a stab in the heart of every American, all our troops, not to mention each and every soldier that paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. This arrogant, egomaniac has been granted TOO much power for any one man and we're all going to suffer for the way he is making America look weak. And we're all going to suffer, as will our children and their children - for the trillions he's spending putting us further and further in debt. He should be ashamed of himself!

Grammy's Best for a Change!

Now THIS is a change we can believe in! Last night's Grammy's actually highlighted REAL talent - musicians and performers who can sing and play their instruments - instead of a show featuring flashy dancers with hot bods.

It was fun, exciting, historic and colourful - not the usual ego-fest featuring 90% rap and hip hop. From U2's live debut of their just-released single 'Get On Your Boots' to Album of the Year winners, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss - every performance was thrilling and exhilarating. I thought the most moving ones were Jennifer Hudson's 'You Pulled Me Through,' Kid Rock's rousing 'Amen,' Coldplay and Carrie Underwood, featuring her rock lady lead guitarist.

I liked that they didn't have a host stumbling through teleprompter gaffs and cheeky one-liners; and, thank heavens, there were very few mentions of politics or the Big 'O.' What, with live performances by Paul McCartney, Al Green, Smoky Robinson and "the Duke" from The Four Tops, Neil Diamond... you can't go wrong! It didn't seem like an awards show, but rather a showcase of great talent... very refreshing.

Of course, we had to stomach way too much Justin Timberlake; Gwyneth Paltrow gushing over not her own husband's band, but Radiohead; that prepubescent egomaniac dimwit Miley Cyrus; and that dingbat 'I Kissed a Girl' chick flopping around on stage like a rag doll... but overall, the Grammy's reminded me why America is the great bastion of the best music on earth.

Welcome, Mr. President and First Lady Obama

I didn't have time to watch all the festivities today between all the calls and e-mails I was getting from the media all day... but I watched a few moments of the Obamas dancing. What a sight! Michelle looked gorgeous and Obama, quite dashing. It was fun to watch and exciting to think of all the possibilities of a new era. I wish them the best and God speed, happiness, health and strength to solve all the many problems we face in our country.

Obvioiusly the First Lady of Soul hasn't lost that golden voice. It was wonderful to hear Aretha sing, "My Country 'Tis of Thee..."

Let's all have faith in the future and get behind our new president so we can build a stronger America. Good luck, Obamas! God bless!

A Fond and Loving Farewell

I read this transcript of a Rush Limbaugh caller today. I think it's only fitting for me to re-post this today as President Bush leaves office. My sentiments exactly.

I want to bid my commander-in-chief a fond and loving farewell, and I'm probably going to get emotional because, "I want to thank you, Mr. President, George Walker Bush, for keeping us all safe. I can truly say this: You have read those intelligence reports. You know and you have always known the attempts that this enemy has made on our own soil throughout your entire presidency. You truly have protected us. You love our families. You love our sons, our daughters, our nieces, and especially our nephews, as if they were your own, and it's a testament of how you were raised: so humble and so proud. Wealthy or not, you're one of the most humble men, you and your father, that I think this country has ever known."

The Passing of Andrew Wyeth

The passing of one of the 20th century's greatest American artists, Andrew Wyeth, reminds me of my own roots in art - having studied some of his great techniques in art class as a youth. Below is an excellent article and a link to his biography.

Andrew Wyeth's Problematic Legacy: Andrew Wyeth, who died today at 91 at his home in Chadds Ford, PA, was the great problem of American modern art. He was a problem first because he so completely refused to be modern in any terms that the art world cared about or could stomach. Long after it was no longer fashionable or even permissible to practice a flinty, granular realism, Wyeth went on making pictures with the kind of brushwork that specified the world in almost molecular detail. That his technical capabilities were so apparent only made it more annoying to some critics that he wouldn't turn his back on them. Virtuosity of that kind was something that we almost wanted to get off the table, an embarrassing reminder of pleasures that painting had to shed if it was to move forward into the brave new world of Modernism and everything that came after. [more...]

Biography: Andrew Wyeth: A Secret Life by Richard Meryman

What is an "A-Lister"?

You hear it everywhere on tabloid shows - a new rating system they've invented to tell us who THEY think are the most valuable Hollywood so-called "stars" - to influence us to believe these people are greater than they are. When I hear them refer to certain people as "A-listers," sometimes I'm taken aback. What IS this new rating system tabloidists have invented? Is it something political? Are public relations firms PAYING for these so-called ratings? I'd like to know! Because the "A-listers" they chase after and talk about non-stop appear to be average, mediocre people with very little talent, with one differentiating factor: something they've done has caused them to be chased by paparazzi; they're famous for being famous. Do these so-called "A-listers" have any proven track record or any great accomplishments? For the most part, I've observed that those who garner all this attention haven't the accomplishments commensurate with the attention they're getting. So what is this media-driven ratings system? I wonder.

What John Lennon Meant by "Imagine"

I've been a fan of John Lennon's music since I was born. I was intensely inspired by his gift and his incredible way of fusing universal thoughts with gorgeous melodies. To me, he was magical and phenomenal. He inspired me like no other artist. But, as I grew older and more aware, I was astounded by the hate people felt toward him - the resentment, the jealousy. Mostly I was confused and baffled that people could possibly reinterpret his beautiful song "Imagine" to be anything but a positive anthem.

I've thought about it for many years and having read almost every book and article ever written on John Lennon (to a point) - especially about his political problems - I felt I was informed enough to comment on the topic... but, then, right wing and left wing people came along bringing all the divisiveness in our society - and all the arguments and frustration - I'm sure it would be a nightmare for John Lennon, who, in the '70s was frustrated enough to eschew all social, political or financial involvements 'til his untimely death. I just stopped thinking about it. I stopped listening to his music. I stopped feeling his pain and the pain of his assassination. I wanted to find a resolution and could not go on listening to John's words and music until a real solution revealed itself to me.

That solution came today. A friend sent me this wonderful video: a song John Lennon loved and performed ("Stand By Me"), which, I believe, has achieved (via technology) what John Lennon loved, prayed and hoped for in his lifetime. "This globe-spanning YouTube video is inspiring. It comes from 'Playing For Change.' The group provides resources and education to musicians around the world. The goal is to promote peace and connect people through music. This video represents that mission perfectly. A film crew traveled the world with a single song. At each stop they found musicians to play "Stand by Me." The musicians added their own voice and talents to the song. When edited together, it creates a global ensemble." Go here to watch the video now.

They say John Lennon was a political activist... but he wasn't. The words to his masterpiece, "Imagine" have been misinterpreted widely and politicized. There were the billboard events ["War is Over (If You Want it)"] which John and Yoko carried out around the world for their peace campaign... and the bed-ins in Amsterdam when they were married. (In a staged publicity stunt, they used the media's usual hounding of them as an opportunity to campaign for world peace and speak out against the Vietnam War. Later, this would prompt an extensive FBI investigation into the supposed covert, anti-American activities of John Lennon, someone with whom Nixon was growing more and more agitated. But John Lennon was simply using Gandhi's principles and techniques of nonviolent action to express the concepts in his own music.) These ideas represented to me a really practical way to create and use art and music to heal the world.

Watching John Lennon heal himself and thus, heal others through his art, had a great influence on me; because of his brand of raw expression, I underwent a long series of healings that began a year before he was assassinated. Even his death would inspire music in me, just as it caught the imagination of the rest of the world. I wrote a song in tribute to him: "Let's Save the Human Race," based on Yoko's statement: "John loved and prayed for the human race; let's do the same for him."

AMAs: Slick Bods, Great Hair, No Talent

I'm glad I'm not the ONLY one who was disappointed watching the American Music Awards. Here's a blog that pretty much says it all.

Over the past year or two, I rarely even bother to watch these music awards shows any more because they're so annoying and disappointing. Last night I noticed a lot of slick bodies, great hair and makeup, but mostly mediocre talent - or lack thereof. The songs are forgettable; and when they're not lip-synching, they're off key; it's just plain boring and uninspiring. It just seems to be all about fashion, dancing and stripper poles.

From the whiney Rihanna singing, to the tribal dancing Beyonce, to those no-talent Pussy Cat women doing stripper routines with their ass cheeks hanging out... I was annoyed the entire time (I couldn't stomach the whole show). And how about those Jonas kids and their whiney whimpery out-of-tune singing? Too bad these 21st century Beatle wannabes didn't sound as good as they looked. But the biggest disappointment for me was Annie Lennox live - she's such a brilliant singer! What happened to her voice??

I didn't have to watch Miley Cyrus to know what she'd do - she's always the same: annoying. She needs to go to school and learn a few skills and hone her minimal talent. And what was with that eye patch on Rihanna? I was hoping they'd take it off halfway through the song and they did... that was the highlight of her performance. I thought that Natasha was good, but her hair was really irritating to watch with the wind machines blowing it in her face.

All in all, it was totally forgettable and disappointing. No great songs. No great artists to remember.