Three songs from the late Michael Jackson’s 2010 album, “Michael,” were suddenly removed from YouTube, Apple Music and other streaming services. The songs have been the subject of an ongoing lawsuit against Sony Music, alleging that Jackson did not sing them.
On Wednesday, a spokesperson from Jackson’s official website addressed the issue with Behind the Mask, a Jackson fan forum run by Greg Spinks. While confirming that the three tracks were formally removed and could not be purchased or streamed by Sony Music, it “had nothing to do with their authenticity.”
“Keep Your Head Up,” “Monster,” featuring 50 Cent, and “Breaking News” — three of the 10 songs on the first posthumous album released in 2010, a year following the death of the King of Pop — are no longer posted on Jackson’s official YouTube channel. They are still available via reposts from other channels. Meanwhile, “Michael” is available on Apple Music with only seven songs. The three songs in question are no longer available for purchase. On Spotify, the three melodies are darkened in gray and unable to be streamed.
“The Estate and Sony Music believe the continuing conversation about the tracks is distracting the fan community and casual Michael Jackson listeners from focusing their attention where it should be — on Michael’s legendary and deep music catalog,” the MJ Online Team spokesperson said.
Here the full email sent to Greg:
*******
Hello Greg,
Great to be introduced to you. Chuck from the MJ Online team here.
In response to your question, I can confirm that the three Cascio tracks on the 2010 album Michael are no longer being made available by Sony Music for purchase or streaming but I should point out that the removal of these three songs has nothing to do with their authenticity. The Estate and Sony Music believe the continuing conversation about the tracks is distracting the fan community and casual Michael Jackson listeners from focusing their attention where it should be – on Michael’s legendary and deep music catalog.
The fans have so much to celebrate in 2022 and beyond with regards to the vibrant legacy of Michael Jackson. We believe Michael will continue to make many new, first-time fans of all ages but it is up to all of us as the MJFam to focus on the things where we want the attention of those new to Michael’s legacy to be. We hope you share your love of Michael with the world so that the MJFam community continues to grow even further.
For instance, fans may want to continue to share the success of MJ the Musical, which won four Tony Awards including best lead actor and best choreography. As was reported by AP and picked up by other media outlets, MJ saw the biggest bump in sales out of all Broadway shows the week after the Tony Awards and a US tour is kicking off in Chicago in July 2023. And, of course, the immensely popular Michael Jackson ONE show continues in Las Vegas.
I am personally excited about the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic. I am also looking forward to the campaign to celebrate the 40th anniversary in November of Thriller, the biggest selling album in history. I hope you share my excitement with what’s coming soon in the world of Michael Jackson.
Please reach out to me with further comments or questions. We appreciate your email and continuing support of Michael Jackson and his incredible legacy.
Thank you,
Chuck – MJ Online Team
*******
SOURCE: Behind the Mask
