Rahman producing Michael Jackson tribute album
Rahman producing Michael Jackson tribute album
By Rajan Zed
Oscar winner A.R. Rahman is reportedly developing an album in memory of entertainment icon Michael Jackson, which will include musicians from all over the world
According to reports, besides Rahman’s original creations, it will also include few recreated Michael Jackson numbers. Rahman collaborated with Michael on a track titled Ekam Satyam in 1999.
Rahman met Michael after the last Oscars in Los Angeles (USA) and says about the meeting: “…we vibed very well…He was concerned about developmental issues such as Global Warming and about wars and its damages to the human community. He asked me to compose a unity anthem on the likes of "We are the World” for him. I nodded in awe ...!” Michael showed him a five second example of his dance moves, about which Rahman says: “It was like a lightning strike”.
Rahman is reportedly not talking much about the album yet due to the concern that it might jeopardize his plans. He is said to be making trips from India to USA regarding this project.
Welcoming this project, acclaimed Indo-American statesman Rajan Zed says that Michael Jackson had a special bond with India and Hinduism. He reportedly learned how to meditate and he was vegetarian. He could explain the significance of Hindu deities Ganesha and Nataraja. According to reports, he was reading India’s first Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore’s poems during the last days of his life. When Michael left India after Mumbai concert in 1996, he wrote: “…You are my special love, India. Forever, may God always bless you”, Zed, who is chairperson of Indo-American Leadership Confederation, stated in Nevada (USA) today.
Rahman, who has reportedly recorded sales of over 300 million, was called “Mozart of Madras'' by Time magazine. Rahman sees music “as a way to connect to spirituality and embrace it” and for “creating harmony in troubled times”.
ENDS