CoCo Lee Remembers Michael

CoCo Lee and Michael in Seoul on 25 June 1999

A Chinese American, CoCo Lee has an international singing career after becoming successful in Taiwan. She is best known for her song "A love before time: for the Chinese Kung Fu epic"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon". The song was nominated for Academy Award for best song which she performed at an Oscar ceremony in 2001.

Like many others, Lee grew up with Michael's music. His music influenced her hugely as a singer, she's also one of a lucky few who knew Michael personally. When she first heard about Michael's death, she simply could not believe it. Saddened by the news, she recounted her time with the King of Pop to a Hong Kong newspaper in 2009. Describing him as a really nice and kind person who had lots of empathy for others, with a pure and childlike innocence.

Lee recalled her first meeting with her idol Michael Jackson, which was arranged by her manager Jim Morey(Michael's former manager), when she was a guest performer at the "Michael Jackson and Friends" benefit concert in Seoul, South Korea in 1999. "Michael really like my name and kept calling CoCo! CoCo! He was very sweet and friendly!" said Lee.

After she moved to Beverly Hills in 2003, her good friend and a director neighbour who knew Michael well, invited her to go along to visit Michael for a two day vacation at Neverland Ranch. At breakfast, Michael said to Lee: "My home is your home!" Being the biggest star on the planet, there wasn't any super star attitude in him. He even confided in her about his skin problems and sought her advice. They spent most of the time in his game arcade, playing basketballs, and game machines. If any rude words were spoken by his director friend, he would cover his ears like a child and say: "I'm not listening!" That evening, Michael invited Lee to listen to his brand new version of Thriller Remix. Lee described the excitement on his face as just as sweet as a child.

Lee later received more invitations from Michael, one was a group vacation to Miami, another was to watch a MJ's special on TV together with his family and friends at the Beverly Hills Hotel in La. His two elder children loved playing with her, she still kept her old mobile phone which contains a photo of Michael taken by his children.

Michael's private party with family and friends

"There will never be anther talent like him again, he was a super star, and I'm just so fortunate to have known him!" Lee added. Those were her precious memories of the King of Pop, includes this rare photo of her and Michael backstage at the "Michael Jackson and Friends" benefit concert in Seoul, dated 25 June 1999. Who would have thought that just a decade later on this date, the world would lose a greatest entertainer of our era.

Lee later payed tribute to Michael by performing some of his classic songs at the Walt Disney Hall in La. She also attended the grand opening ceremony of the MJ Gallery at Ponte 16 Macau in Asia in 2010.

R.I.P Michael Jackson.

©2012 PeiLing

Source: http://music.yule.sohu.com/20090702/n264911120.shtml
             http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYCmo1wRlh8

Michael Jackson Embarked On The Asia Dangerous Tour With China Airlines

       

China Airlines Oct. 1993 "Dynasty" magazine featured Michael Jackson 

                   
             

Many thanks to "MJinmyheart" for sharing this great magazine article about Michael Jackson on the Taiwan MJ fan site last year. The article was published in Chinese in 1993 and gives some rare glimpses of the King of Pop days before the news of the 1st child abuse allegation broke. This was soon to overshadow the rest of his Dangerous tour. I've summarised the article in English below:

The background:

As people know Michael Jackson came to Taiwan in 93' for the Dangerous Tour. What many people may not be aware of was that before he began the Asian leg of the Dangerous tour, he briefly flew into Taiwan before departing to Bangkok for his first concert. He flew China Airlines, a Taiwanese based company.

The China Airlines "Dynasty Magazine" featured Michael in their October issue, it was not only about his Taipei concert, but also revealed details of him as the the airline's secret VIP passenger.

Possibly to confuse the press, instead of flying his own private jet to Bangkok, Michael set off for Bangkok a day earlier than planned, via San Francisco to Taipei for the connection flight to Bangkok. To avoid the unnecessary press attention, the schedule was kept confidential, it was only leaked to the Taiwanese press the next day by passengers who recognised Michael, and later confirmed by the Airlines.

Extracts from the article reveal the cabin crews on meeting Michael Jackson...

Without anyone noticing, Michael Jackson was the last passenger at the last minute to board the China Airlines CI-003 from San Francisco wearing his hat and surgical mask. He sat at the front by the window in the first class cabin with his agent (Michael's security Bill Bray). He arrived at the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport around 19.30pm on 21st August. Michael was greeted on board by the company head of the public relations Mr. Luo and other senior members before they briefly took a walk "sightseeing" the transfer area.

Luo recalled that Michael kept praising the display of the hallway, walking back and forth a few times, excited like a big kid, he seemed to be very happy to be on the island of Taiwan for the first time. Mr. Luo spent nearly an hour talking with Michael, he later spoke of his amazement at how child like, well mannered and easy going that he was. Michael's long thick eyelashes and charming big brown eyes were most memorable.

At 20.30 before all other passengers, Michael boarded the next plane CI-065 heading to Bangkok, unknown to the cabin crew. As usual they were busy preparing for taking off, when they unexpectedly saw Michael, the whole crew were in complete disbelief! Michael who apparently owned 4 private jets, recognised the plane that he was traveling in as the brand new MD-11!

However, the first crew members on the CI-003 included chief cabin Mr. Zhang, air attendance Ms. Zhu and Ms. Liu who had flown in with the pop icon via San Francisco, they felt exceptionally honoured to meet Michael. All complimented on his charm and good manners after spending time with him on the long haul flight.

Zhang recalled that after Michael boarded the plane, he expressed his wish to catch up on some sleep, as he had not slept the previous night due to various things to do with his tour. After the plane took off, he soon fell asleep for 5-6 hours. Zhang was surprised that a super star such as Michael Jackson, appeared to be so kind, pure and innocent, which was beyond his expectation. After Michael woke up, he went into the kitchen to check things out and chatted to everyone, he even got himself some children's toys and stickers. There was no doubt that he really adored children, when he was asked to sign a photo of an air attendant's two year old daughter, Michael took as long as 5 seconds looking at the photo before putting the pen down.

Zhu said that the crew were excited to meet Michael, but only herself alongside with colleague Liu were privileged to look after him. Michael chatted to them a lot, and often showed his appreciation for their work. Michael was not a big eater, he preferred vegetarian food, so he didn't eat much on the flight. He mainly accepted almonds and peanut type snacks. Zhu said Michael wasn't fussy about wine glasses, he had white wine in a coffee cup, and only had an apple and yogurt for breakfast. The crew also noted his caring side, when he woke up in the dark just before breakfast, trying not to disturb other passengers while looking out of the window, he thoughtfully covered up his head and the window with a blanket to stop the light coming in.

Liu also recalled some memorable moments with Michael. She gave Michael orange juice after he asked for her recommendation, she also let Michael borrow her "Polo" fragrance to spray himself, and even gave Michael her China Airlines Eagle badge, pinning it on Michael's shirt after he had shown his admiration for it. But for Liu, the most memorable moment with the King of Pop was when she was putting a blanket on him ready for sleep, and wished him a good dream, Michael was moved by the gesture, sincerely like a boy, and said to her "I love you", which really warmed her heart....

Apart from a few hours sleep, the rest of the time Michael was actively chatting to the crew, looking through the window, playing poker with his agent and reading the airline magazine. He even bought a toy plane watch.

The plane journey went very smoothly, Michael didn't forget to pay compliments to the chief pilot Mr. Cao. He cheered as soon as the plane landed, his child like spirit was contagious, all the other passengers were soon cheering along with him!

Before getting off the plane, lots of passengers and the crew couldn't resist asking Michael for his autograph which he was happy to give. Senior air attendants later commented about their years of experience in dealing with international stars, Michael was the most sincere and approachable, something they would never forget!

It was a very rare occasion for Michael to be on board a commercial flight. He was especially grateful for the excellent service he received from the flight attendants, and expressed that he would fly China Airlines again if the opportunity arose. In fact, his agent did just that the next day, by cancelling his original booking with other airlines and again flying with China Airlines back to the US!

©2011 PeiLing
                 

Above: Michael with chief pilot Mr. Cao
Below: Michael leaving Taiwan at the airport after the Taipei Dangerous tour
in September 1993

                   

Michael with Chief cabin Mr. Zhang and air attendant Ms. Zhu 

             

Michael leaving Taiwan at the airport for the next Dangerous tour city Fukuoka, Japan
on September 07, 1993.

The magazine coverage of the Taipei Dangerous tour concerts in Taiwan
that took place on 04, 06 September 1993.

               

                  
       

(Update) A precious photo for the Airlines and its members to remember Michael

Music Promoter in Taiwan Remembers Michael

Yu Kuang is a pop music promoter and concert agent, who invited Michael Jackson to Taiwan for the Dangerous tour in 1993. He appeared visibly upset during a TV news appearance when the news of Michael Jackson's death broke last June. He expressed that he was in shock and very upset at the news of Michael's passing. and paid his tribute to Michael Jackson as one of most iconic and influential artist in the music world. A rare talent that may not happen again for generations.

Dangerous tour Taipei promotional poster

During Yu's career, he was the first person to bring Western pop music to Taiwan since the 1960's. He began with radio and television and also had a music magazine. From 1982 onwards the government began to liberalise the political system, rules were gradually more relaxed in various social and culture aspects. Yu started to bring in European and American big name pop and rock bands. However, he's best remembered for bringing Michael Jackson to Taipei for the Dangerous tour in 1993, in which time, the culture climate was ready to embrace him.

Yu put in great effort to secure the opportunity of Michael Jackson coming to Taiwan for the first time. He did everything he could to meet all the requirements including sorting out a large capacity stadium, and sponsors, which convinced the agent and finally enabled the concerts to take place and be a huge success.

However, the Dangerous tour in Asia was eventful. Just after Michael kicked off the Asian leg of the tour in Bangkok on the 24th August, the first child abuse accusation against him was made public. Two performances in Thailand and Singapore had to be cancelled because Michael suffered from acute dehydration and exhaustion due to the emotional stress cause by the accusation. Though the tour was heavily insured. Yu was relieved when Michael finally landed at the airport in Taipei on 3rd September, with his friend Elizabeth Taylor who had flown out to support him. The original dates for the Dangerous tour concerts in Taipei were rescheduled for the 4th and 5th September.

Yu Kuang music magazine MJ's Taipei
Dangerous tour special edition

Being the most iconic pop star to ever visit the country at the time, the media frenzy and coverage was unprecedented. Screaming fans surrounded Michael's hotel, calling his name and pursuing him everywhere he went, hoping to get a glimpse of him. Michael's amazing super stardom and presence had made a real impression, he was back at his best in Taipei. His outstanding live performances set a new standard in the country and he certainly lived up the name 'King of Pop'. Even after the event, Michael was talked about in the media for 3 months!

After the Dangerous tour in Taipei, Michael showed his appreciation by sending Yu a copy of his favourite portrait of himself 'The Book' as a gift to thank Yu for all his effort and help. Michael came back for the History tour 3 years later in October 1996, which was then organized by anther agent in Taiwan. There were two performances in Taipei, and one in Kaohsiung, which was to become Michael's final world tour.

Yu met Michael on 3 different occasions. He recalled when meeting Michael for the first time, noticing his nose was just like the Disney cartoon character Peter Pan's, with the tip of nose slightly tilted, Michael did refer to himself as Peter Pan in the past. "He was very friendly with a very soft voice, like a whisper, and very shy, like a little boy." The Michael Jackson he knew was simple, pure and had a childlike innocence, but on stage Michael was a super star. He remembered that Michael especially requested the 'King of Pop' title had to be included on the promotional posters, clearly showing that Michael was very confident that he was definitely the 'King of Pop'! Yu remember bringing some children to meet Michael after he expressed his wish to meet some local children. With the children Michael has a "natural, heartfelt joy that came from within" said Yu.

Yu even met with Michael's family, when his parents and brothers flew out to Taiwan to offer support due to the accusation. Yu recalled how he waited in a room with Michael's Dad and brothers for 'an appointment', which was the extent of protection from his bodyguards. To Yu, loneliness seemed to play a prominent part in Michael's life.

After Michael's sudden death, Yu's biggest regret was that he was not able to help Michael tour China, Yu felt he had let Michael down. Michael had briefly visited mainland China and Hong Kong as a tourist during the Bad Tour back in the late 80's, he was fascinated by the culture and people. According to Yu, Michael had very strong desire to perform in China, during his 93' Dangerous tour in Taiwan, Michael had personally asked for Yu's assistance to help him achieve this ambition. When Michael returned to Taiwan 3 years later for the History tour, he arranged to meet with Yu, again raising the proposal of going into China, and even signed contract with Yu as indefinite priority agent to co-ordinate his future performance in China.

In fact, according to insiders there was a Chinese Mainland company in close contact with the Dangerous tour organizer. Beijing was going to be one of the stops along side Taipei, (even Hong Kong was on the list but was later cancelled, the reasons may have been because of not having a big enough stadium, or the noise concern by local residents) in the end, the Beijing tour did not happen. It was in a different time and there was lots of speculation as to why, but one reason known to Yu was that after the relevant authority had seen Michael's music video and material that had forwarded to them, the response was that they didn't think that one of Michael's dance routines (grabbing his crouch) was in line with Chinese Custom! Yu exclusively told the Chinese Nanfang Daily reporter during an interview.

Since the announcement of Michael's O2 'This is it' concert, Yu had been in talks with a Chinese concert agent that intended to bring the show to the mainland. Yu suggested to wait until the end of the London concerts before pursuing it further. Yu never thought Michael would pass away so suddenly, the Chinese tour would sadly never become a reality for Michael. Taiwan turned out to be the only Chinese country and region that Michael had performed in. Millions of mainland Chinese fans regretfully will never see the King of Pop live in concert on Chinese soil.

Rest in peace, forever the King of Pop!

©2010 PeiLing

Source: Taiwan CTI News, Taiwan Liberty Times. Chinese Nanfang Daily

Relevant reading : When Michael Jackson Visited Mainland China