Update On The Michael Jackson Opus

As reported earlier, the Michael Jackson Opus, a book that is the only new biography of the star to be sanctioned by his estate, will be published on December 7, 2009. The oversized, 400-page tribute will be driven by photos but also will include essays, illustrations and poetry (see previous news item here.)

Also included in the book will be personal artwork and sketches drawn by Michael himself. A picture, drawn by a 13 year old Jackson in 1971, is clearly a protest against the Vietnam War and shows troops taking a hill, backed up by blazing aircraft. This sketch, along with a portrait drawn by Jackson during his 1988 Bad tour, is among thousands of pieces of material that have been unearthed for inclusion in the Michael Jackson Opus.

About two dozen researchers have begun the daunting task of going through Jackson's personal notebooks and boxes, as well as other material from collectors around the world, and hope to find lyrics, notes and drawings to be included in the Opus that have never been seen before.

A note left by Jackson to a French artist he had commissioned has been unearthed as part of the search and will be seen by many fans as an eerie omen. Quoting Michelangelo, the Renaissance artist, Jackson wrote:

I know the creator will go, but his work survives, that is why, to escape death I attempt to bind my soul to my work.”

Jackson adds:

“Dedication, Will, Belief creates all things, Believe. MJ.”

A picture of a boy’s face quickly drawn in pen by Jackson on the Rome leg of his 1988 tour has been found. He reportedly told friends: “Look at the eyes, look at the eyes.” The drawing is signed “Boyhood M.J. 88 Italy.”

Also included is a photograph of the singer in Minneapolis in May 1988 which he had framed and hung in the game room of his Neverland ranch. He told friends that it was one of his favorite performance photographs.

Karl Fowler, chief executive of Opus Media Group, met Jackson in the weeks before his death and said the singer was, “literally jumping up and down with excitement” when he learned of the Opus plan.

Mr. Fowler said:

Our researchers are hard at work as we speak looking at so much rich and varied material from Michael Jackson’s life and career, with photographs, art, letters and drawings such as this one. We know there are lyrics and notes on songs that he wrote that have never been seen before.”

Source: MJFC / timesonline.co.uk / Special thanks to Jana for bringing this to our attention!