Not much new in this book that we haven’t heard before, as the author traces Michael’s humble beginnings from Gary Indiana all the way to the top of the charts as the “King of Pop”. Michael Jackson easily became the number one entertainer in the world for most of his career, even has, he became more and more eccentric, going through an almost metamorphosis of an average looking African-American boy, to someone who had changed his facial features, especially, color of his skin, but yet still managed to be one of the greatest entertainers ever.
As he got older, especially confronting the allegations of sexual abuse against minors, and the press constantly, prying into his private life, he became more and more paranoid and reliant upon drugs, and an apparent effort to keep him in a world that he felt more comfortable with. Of course, he lost control of a lot of his private life, has his “handlers” began to take advantage of the situation that they were confronted with.
His personal doctor, was at his bedside during the moment that Michael Jackson passed away, after he had administered a sleeping agent to help Michael sleep.
Michael Jackson died at the relatively young age of 50 years old, and became even more wealthy in death, than he was in life.
It’s a shame in the tragedy that such a great talent had to pass away so early, but he will live forever in the minds of all of us who grew up loving him and his music as this iconic figure who entertained us in a way that very few ever could.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
[email protected]
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at [email protected] and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
