Man in the Music

The Creative Life and Work of Michael Jackson

By: Joseph Vogel

Narrated by: Keith Sellon-Wright

For half a century, Michael Jackson’s music has been an indelible part of our cultural consciousness. Landmark albums such as Off the Wall and Thriller shattered records, broke racial barriers, amassed awards, and set a new standard for popular music. While his songs continue to be played in nearly every corner of the world, however, they have rarely been given serious critical attention. The first book dedicated solely to exploring his creative work, Man in the Music guides us through an unparalleled analysis of Jackson’s recordings, album by album, from his trailblazing work with Quincy Jones to his later collaborations with Teddy Riley, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, and Rodney Jerkins. Drawing on rare archival material and on dozens of original interviews with the collaborators, engineers, producers, and songwriters who helped bring the artist’s music into the world, Jackson expert and acclaimed cultural critic Joseph Vogel reveals the inspirations, demos, studio sessions, technological advances, setbacks and breakthroughs, failures and triumphs, that gave rise to an immortal body of work.

Critic reviews

“Brilliantly cracks the DNA of Michael Joseph Jackson. . . . A pointed, intelligent dissection of an epic body of work.” —Spike Lee

“The only comprehensive and critical rundown of Jackson’s solo material.”—Rolling Stone

“A must-have for any Jackson fan. . . . A fascinating read. . . . Each song Jackson recorded during his solo career is examined with a critical eye.” —Associated Press

“Don’t be surprised if it makes you go back and listen . . . with a whole new outlook on the King of Pop.”—Zack O'Malley Greenburg, author of Michael Jackson, Inc.

“This is the kind of book about Michael Jackson’s music, artistry, and creativity that really needed to be written—and Joseph Vogel has done it and done it very well. I am absolutely floored by Joe’s in-depth research and perceptive insight into what made Michael the one-of-a-kind, recording-breaking King of Pop. And—amazingly enough—even I learned a lot!”—J. Randy Taraborrelli, author of Michael Jackson: The Magic and the Madness

“[Man in the Music] celebrates Michael’s songs and artistry in a wonderful journey through his music.”—Jermaine Jackson

THOUGHT PROCESS

LOVE EVERY ASPECT OF HIS IMAGINATION. NO ONE THINKS OR THOUGHT LIKE HIM. I WISH HE LIVED FOR MORE.

Great body of work

A fascinating window into what made Michael Jackson of interest in the first place. Sad life and some I’ll advised decisions on his end but great, great entertainer and musician.

Highly recommend

This edition has been updated (2019)!

I'm only in the foreword, but 20 minutes in, the book *is* conscious of Jackson's personal life, its (considerable) shortcomings, including the recent Netflix documentary.

Really enjoying so far. Very well written - broad in scope but delightful in detail. Will update after completing.

Thank you

This is a must for any fan, musician, performer,or songwriter. Brilliant. Thanks for bringing the music back to Michael Jackson. Much needed

MJ the artist

I love the insight stories of the technicity and work ethics and environment of MJ.
The craft man, the accomplished artist , this side of it is personality, the man at work.
This is what we should know about MJ.
it's all I ever wanted to read about him.