sonya's journal
Legendary superstar Michael Jackson was mourned and celebrated at an emotional memorial service July 7, 2009 in Los Angeles at the Staples Center. The iconic King of Pop, 50, died June 25 of cardiac arrest, but toxicology reports are still pending.
Michael Jackson was recognized as the world’s most celebrated performer.
As a fan of Michael Jackson and The Jackson 5 since I was a young child, words cannot express the emotions I’ve felt since hearing of Michael’s death. Michael was the first entertainer I loved and his music impacted my life like no other entertainer’s music. Although I was quite young when Michael Jackson came on the scene, I remember listening, dancing and singing to “ABC,” “Stop The Love You Save,” “Never Can Say Goodbye,” “Dancing Machine,” and many more Jackson 5 hit songs throughout my childhood years. I also put posters on my bedroom wall of Michael and framed his pictures - asking my mother if I could marry the singer. “Maybe later,” she would tell me. “He’s too old for you right now though.” While my crush spread like wildfire amongst my family - causing my brother and boy cousins to tease me, I was not swayed in my affection for Michael and The Jackson 5. Little did I know that marrying Michael Jackson was the dream of most young girls my age and older.
At one point, I remember my brother and I pretending to be The Jackson 5’s cousins (because of my brother’s resemblance to Marlon - with his big afro), but I soon realized that I’d rather be the wife rather than the cousin. Although I obviously did not marry Michael or any of the Jacksons, I can honestly say that my crush on Michael Jackson was one of the main reasons I became an entertainment reporter and writer.
I had begun reading Right On magazine in my early adolescent years and I became obsessed with reading about the interesting, talented and beautiful family called the Jacksons who lived in California. After failing at attempts to get Michael to respond to letters I had written him, I realized that the only way to get to Michael (or to be in his presence) was to interview him - to become a reporter.
When I was in high school, I started honing my talents to become the next editor of some magazine - just so I could interview Michael Jackson and The Jacksons. But it wasn’t happening soon enough. Since Knoxville, where I attended the University of Tennessee, was more of a sports town than an entertainment town, I began writing for a sports magazine about college football players. But I also managed to get an internship with a local TV station where I saw how editors and reporters conducted business and got interviews. I also found out that the more I read, the more knowledgeable I became.
As a young, sophisticated college girl with passion and tenacity, I decided that I would do research to find out how I could meet The Jacksons while they were on the 1984 Victory Tour. I was determined to go to the concerts (and I attended two in Knoxville and two Atlanta). Yes, I became obsessed with The Jacksons - their music, their dances, and their history - and with meeting them, of course. One day as I read the USA Today newspaper, I stumbled upon a name of a woman named Beverly Paige, who was the Jackson’s publicist at the time. When I made a call to her office telling her that I was a writer and that I wanted to put in a request to interview Michael Jackson, she gave me some answer, but it wasn’t affirmative. I was a little crushed, but I wasn’t discouraged. Ms. Paige had probably detected the youth in my voice, so for the next few weeks I practiced sounding like an adult. I wanted to be old enough to be taken seriously as a writer.
Although I had gone to the Victory Tour in Knoxville, when I heard that a date had been added to Atlanta, I was determined to be there - front and center - at my hometown stadium, cheering the Jacksons on.
The insert below is my actual unedited diary from my Victory Tour experience in 1984 (after The Jackson’s Atlanta performance). Although I never got to interview Michael Jackson, throughout the years I have managed to be in very close proximity to him at awards shows like The American Music Awards and The Soul Train Awards. I’m including a few pictures that I took of the King of Pop at those awards shows. I even took a picture of Michael leaving an awards show in a Rolls Royce while everybody was looking for him elsewhere.
Although Michael is no longer here on earth, he will, indeed, live forever. And I thank him for giving me the passion I probably never would have had to become an entertainment writer - had it not been for his music. I also thank him for so many wonderful musical memories that will always stay in my heart. Thank you, Michael Jackson.
R.I.P.
Sonya Jenkins
Michael Jackson was recognized as the world’s most celebrated performer.
As a fan of Michael Jackson and The Jackson 5 since I was a young child, words cannot express the emotions I’ve felt since hearing of Michael’s death. Michael was the first entertainer I loved and his music impacted my life like no other entertainer’s music. Although I was quite young when Michael Jackson came on the scene, I remember listening, dancing and singing to “ABC,” “Stop The Love You Save,” “Never Can Say Goodbye,” “Dancing Machine,” and many more Jackson 5 hit songs throughout my childhood years. I also put posters on my bedroom wall of Michael and framed his pictures - asking my mother if I could marry the singer. “Maybe later,” she would tell me. “He’s too old for you right now though.” While my crush spread like wildfire amongst my family - causing my brother and boy cousins to tease me, I was not swayed in my affection for Michael and The Jackson 5. Little did I know that marrying Michael Jackson was the dream of most young girls my age and older.
At one point, I remember my brother and I pretending to be The Jackson 5’s cousins (because of my brother’s resemblance to Marlon - with his big afro), but I soon realized that I’d rather be the wife rather than the cousin. Although I obviously did not marry Michael or any of the Jacksons, I can honestly say that my crush on Michael Jackson was one of the main reasons I became an entertainment reporter and writer.
I had begun reading Right On magazine in my early adolescent years and I became obsessed with reading about the interesting, talented and beautiful family called the Jacksons who lived in California. After failing at attempts to get Michael to respond to letters I had written him, I realized that the only way to get to Michael (or to be in his presence) was to interview him - to become a reporter.
When I was in high school, I started honing my talents to become the next editor of some magazine - just so I could interview Michael Jackson and The Jacksons. But it wasn’t happening soon enough. Since Knoxville, where I attended the University of Tennessee, was more of a sports town than an entertainment town, I began writing for a sports magazine about college football players. But I also managed to get an internship with a local TV station where I saw how editors and reporters conducted business and got interviews. I also found out that the more I read, the more knowledgeable I became.
As a young, sophisticated college girl with passion and tenacity, I decided that I would do research to find out how I could meet The Jacksons while they were on the 1984 Victory Tour. I was determined to go to the concerts (and I attended two in Knoxville and two Atlanta). Yes, I became obsessed with The Jacksons - their music, their dances, and their history - and with meeting them, of course. One day as I read the USA Today newspaper, I stumbled upon a name of a woman named Beverly Paige, who was the Jackson’s publicist at the time. When I made a call to her office telling her that I was a writer and that I wanted to put in a request to interview Michael Jackson, she gave me some answer, but it wasn’t affirmative. I was a little crushed, but I wasn’t discouraged. Ms. Paige had probably detected the youth in my voice, so for the next few weeks I practiced sounding like an adult. I wanted to be old enough to be taken seriously as a writer.
Although I had gone to the Victory Tour in Knoxville, when I heard that a date had been added to Atlanta, I was determined to be there - front and center - at my hometown stadium, cheering the Jacksons on.
The insert below is my actual unedited diary from my Victory Tour experience in 1984 (after The Jackson’s Atlanta performance). Although I never got to interview Michael Jackson, throughout the years I have managed to be in very close proximity to him at awards shows like The American Music Awards and The Soul Train Awards. I’m including a few pictures that I took of the King of Pop at those awards shows. I even took a picture of Michael leaving an awards show in a Rolls Royce while everybody was looking for him elsewhere.
Although Michael is no longer here on earth, he will, indeed, live forever. And I thank him for giving me the passion I probably never would have had to become an entertainment writer - had it not been for his music. I also thank him for so many wonderful musical memories that will always stay in my heart. Thank you, Michael Jackson.
R.I.P.
Sonya Jenkins
Michael @ Soul Train Awards in the 90s
On October 26th, a sunny Friday I arrived in Atlanta feeling very anxious. I did not hesitate in pursuing my desire to meet The Jacksons and go to the concert. As a matter of fact, that was the only reason that I had come home, and I was determined to make my trip worthwhile!
After wandering around the Hyatt Regency hotel for more than 4 hours, and being tempted to “give up and go home” many times, exciting things finally began to happen. I attended a press conference where Joe Jackson (the famous father) appeared and spoke briefly about the distribution of free tickets to underprivileged kids in Atlanta, and I searched for Beverly Paige (The Jackson’s representative) by asking a few people with the entourage if they knew her. This was not a time for being shy and timid, because I could see that I was on the right track. “Be Bold Sonya,” I thought to myself over and over again.
I decided to follow a man who looked of importance on the elevator to see what floor he got off on, and when he got off, I pressed that floor number (19) as I was riding back down the elevator. The elevator door opened and to my surprise there stood the man who looked important and Marlon Jackson. I had no problem in recognizing him. He had on dark shades, a light colored jacket, and he was groomed very well. My pupils dilated and I said “Hi, Marlon!” After realizing that I had recognized him, Marlon extended his hand, spoke to me and asked “How are you?” I was so enthralled, that I could hardly speak. However, I did ask Marlon if I could take a picture of him, but he and the man that was with him (which I later learned was his security guard) explained that he was late for an interview and needed to hurry.
After they left on the elevator that I had gotten off, I jumped around enthusiastically, hoping that no one could see me. I was more than overjoyed! Shortly after meeting Marlon, the man that was with him came back up to the 19th floor and I asked him if he knew Beverly Paige. After talking to him for a while about my idea, he asked me why was I so nervous, and I replied “I don’t know.” But goodness, it wasn’t everyday that I walked right into one of The Jacksons! Wasn’t my nervousness justifiable?
I suppose I made a good impression on Mr. James Anderson (Marlon’s security guard) because he led me right up to the 24th floor, which was a private floor for The Jacksons and for people who were closely linked to The Jacksons. I felt very relaxed while I was in the presence of James, Janet Henry (the costumer for The Jacksons), and other people passing by. I found myself laughing more than anything else, and everyone seemed so down-to-earth. One of the people who passed right by me was Jackie Jackson. He was slightly limping, and he wore sweat pants. I got the impulse to ask him to pose for a picture, but I deleted the idea because I did not want to appear like an avid fan. I tried my best to keep “cool.”
Beverly Paige (The Jackson’s representative) gave me 2 free tickets to the concert and told me to call her the next day. I felt like doing a cartwheel and split because things were going so well for me. My nervous feelings left, and I introduced myself to Joe Jackson and talked to him briefly before leaving the hotel.
The concert was just as “mind-boggling” and energizing as the other two concerts that I had attended in Knoxville, and I must admit that people did look around at me a little strangely when I answered Michael’s question even before he had asked it. In case you are wondering what question he asked it was “Can I come down there?” I had already answered “Yes, you can come down here.” Maybe the people thought I was psychic or something.
When the concert was over, my cousin, Dedric, and I made our way out of the stadium to wait on our ride. Realizing that my dream had become a reality, I closed my eyes and said a prayer of thanks to Jesus. I was on “cloud nine!”
On Saturday, October 27th, my friend and college partner Kim arrived in Atlanta on Trailways. I had called her the night before to tell her about my “dream come true” and because of her eagerness to join in on the excitement, she put everything aside and came to Atlanta.
Remembering that Beverly Paige had told me to call her, I thought it would be better to make a personal appearance, so Kim and I went to The Hyatt Regency hotel around 5:00p.m.
My faith began to waiver when I saw James Anderson and he replied “What are you doing back down here again? There is no way that you are going to the concert again tonight.” I looked at him without saying a word, after all, I had not even mentioned anything about going to the concert. Again, James Anderson lead Kim and I up to a private floor (the 22nd this time) and when Beverly Paige came in the room James said “Look who is back down here again,” pointing at me. “Tell her that she is not going to the concert again.”
Beverly Paige shook her head as to say “no,” but deep within I knew that Kim and I would be in The Atlanta Stadium enjoying the concert. Not only did we attend the concert that night, but we were given backstage passes (all area access) to the stadium, and we met Marlon’s wife and many more people. I felt like a star! We were even invited back to the hotel after the concert to mingle. Of course we went back! My curls had fallen in my hair and my eyes were blood-shot from lack of sleep, but I really didn’t care. I had not eaten in 2 days because of my enthusiasm, but I felt sensational! Food could wait!
A few minutes after me, Kim, and 7 other people arrived in James’ room, Randy Jackson made a brief appearance before going to a meeting. He waved at everybody and said “hi.” My eyes lit up, and my heart almost melted. He had on straight-legged blue jeans and a sleeveless vest.
After The Jackson’s meeting, which seemed to last almost 2 hours, I went to get some ice from the ice machine and I saw Tito Jackson standing in the hallway with his blue robe on. I introduced myself to him by saying “Hi Tito, my name is Sonya.” He shook my hand, and said “Hi Sondra,” and smiled. I told Tito that I had enjoyed the concert and I went to get my ice. By this time, I felt at ease about meeting The Jacksons in person, and I was very calm. I had learned that Michael Jackson was staying at a completely different hotel (The Carlton Ritz), so I knew that I would not find him roaming around in his robe. I wish he was though.
Around 3:00a.m. Randy Jackson came back in the room that we were in. I was introduced to him, and like Marlon and Tito, he shook my hand. More than anything, Randy observed and smiled, however, he did participate in the balloon throwing with James Anderson and Mike, the man who works with Tito. Randy, James, and Mike filled balloons with water and threw them out at people who were walking along the streets. They all laughed fervently, and I couldn’t help but laugh at them. They looked like three silly kids!
As Kim and I got ready to leave, James Anderson put on his jacket and Randy Jackson put on his jacket and shades. At 5:00 a.m. in the morning they were going to visit Michael Jackson at the Carlton Ritz hotel. I wondered what Michael Jackson was doing up at 5 o’clock in the morning. I wondered what Michael was like, and I wondered why he stayed in a different hotel. However, I was too exhausted to search for answers, so Kim and I said goodbye to everybody and went home.
In summation, I must say that I got exceedingly abundantly more than I had ever expected! I have attended 4 Victory tour concerts (3 free). I met and talked to Marlon, Tito, Randy, and saw Jackie. I met and talked to Joe Jackson, and I met many more interesting and helpful people during the process. I must say that “All things are possible to those who believe.” But I am not satisfied because I still did not meet Michael Jackson or Jermaine, therefore the time will come when I will have that opportunity!
After wandering around the Hyatt Regency hotel for more than 4 hours, and being tempted to “give up and go home” many times, exciting things finally began to happen. I attended a press conference where Joe Jackson (the famous father) appeared and spoke briefly about the distribution of free tickets to underprivileged kids in Atlanta, and I searched for Beverly Paige (The Jackson’s representative) by asking a few people with the entourage if they knew her. This was not a time for being shy and timid, because I could see that I was on the right track. “Be Bold Sonya,” I thought to myself over and over again.
I decided to follow a man who looked of importance on the elevator to see what floor he got off on, and when he got off, I pressed that floor number (19) as I was riding back down the elevator. The elevator door opened and to my surprise there stood the man who looked important and Marlon Jackson. I had no problem in recognizing him. He had on dark shades, a light colored jacket, and he was groomed very well. My pupils dilated and I said “Hi, Marlon!” After realizing that I had recognized him, Marlon extended his hand, spoke to me and asked “How are you?” I was so enthralled, that I could hardly speak. However, I did ask Marlon if I could take a picture of him, but he and the man that was with him (which I later learned was his security guard) explained that he was late for an interview and needed to hurry.
After they left on the elevator that I had gotten off, I jumped around enthusiastically, hoping that no one could see me. I was more than overjoyed! Shortly after meeting Marlon, the man that was with him came back up to the 19th floor and I asked him if he knew Beverly Paige. After talking to him for a while about my idea, he asked me why was I so nervous, and I replied “I don’t know.” But goodness, it wasn’t everyday that I walked right into one of The Jacksons! Wasn’t my nervousness justifiable?
I suppose I made a good impression on Mr. James Anderson (Marlon’s security guard) because he led me right up to the 24th floor, which was a private floor for The Jacksons and for people who were closely linked to The Jacksons. I felt very relaxed while I was in the presence of James, Janet Henry (the costumer for The Jacksons), and other people passing by. I found myself laughing more than anything else, and everyone seemed so down-to-earth. One of the people who passed right by me was Jackie Jackson. He was slightly limping, and he wore sweat pants. I got the impulse to ask him to pose for a picture, but I deleted the idea because I did not want to appear like an avid fan. I tried my best to keep “cool.”
Beverly Paige (The Jackson’s representative) gave me 2 free tickets to the concert and told me to call her the next day. I felt like doing a cartwheel and split because things were going so well for me. My nervous feelings left, and I introduced myself to Joe Jackson and talked to him briefly before leaving the hotel.
The concert was just as “mind-boggling” and energizing as the other two concerts that I had attended in Knoxville, and I must admit that people did look around at me a little strangely when I answered Michael’s question even before he had asked it. In case you are wondering what question he asked it was “Can I come down there?” I had already answered “Yes, you can come down here.” Maybe the people thought I was psychic or something.
When the concert was over, my cousin, Dedric, and I made our way out of the stadium to wait on our ride. Realizing that my dream had become a reality, I closed my eyes and said a prayer of thanks to Jesus. I was on “cloud nine!”
On Saturday, October 27th, my friend and college partner Kim arrived in Atlanta on Trailways. I had called her the night before to tell her about my “dream come true” and because of her eagerness to join in on the excitement, she put everything aside and came to Atlanta.
Remembering that Beverly Paige had told me to call her, I thought it would be better to make a personal appearance, so Kim and I went to The Hyatt Regency hotel around 5:00p.m.
My faith began to waiver when I saw James Anderson and he replied “What are you doing back down here again? There is no way that you are going to the concert again tonight.” I looked at him without saying a word, after all, I had not even mentioned anything about going to the concert. Again, James Anderson lead Kim and I up to a private floor (the 22nd this time) and when Beverly Paige came in the room James said “Look who is back down here again,” pointing at me. “Tell her that she is not going to the concert again.”
Beverly Paige shook her head as to say “no,” but deep within I knew that Kim and I would be in The Atlanta Stadium enjoying the concert. Not only did we attend the concert that night, but we were given backstage passes (all area access) to the stadium, and we met Marlon’s wife and many more people. I felt like a star! We were even invited back to the hotel after the concert to mingle. Of course we went back! My curls had fallen in my hair and my eyes were blood-shot from lack of sleep, but I really didn’t care. I had not eaten in 2 days because of my enthusiasm, but I felt sensational! Food could wait!
A few minutes after me, Kim, and 7 other people arrived in James’ room, Randy Jackson made a brief appearance before going to a meeting. He waved at everybody and said “hi.” My eyes lit up, and my heart almost melted. He had on straight-legged blue jeans and a sleeveless vest.
After The Jackson’s meeting, which seemed to last almost 2 hours, I went to get some ice from the ice machine and I saw Tito Jackson standing in the hallway with his blue robe on. I introduced myself to him by saying “Hi Tito, my name is Sonya.” He shook my hand, and said “Hi Sondra,” and smiled. I told Tito that I had enjoyed the concert and I went to get my ice. By this time, I felt at ease about meeting The Jacksons in person, and I was very calm. I had learned that Michael Jackson was staying at a completely different hotel (The Carlton Ritz), so I knew that I would not find him roaming around in his robe. I wish he was though.
Around 3:00a.m. Randy Jackson came back in the room that we were in. I was introduced to him, and like Marlon and Tito, he shook my hand. More than anything, Randy observed and smiled, however, he did participate in the balloon throwing with James Anderson and Mike, the man who works with Tito. Randy, James, and Mike filled balloons with water and threw them out at people who were walking along the streets. They all laughed fervently, and I couldn’t help but laugh at them. They looked like three silly kids!
As Kim and I got ready to leave, James Anderson put on his jacket and Randy Jackson put on his jacket and shades. At 5:00 a.m. in the morning they were going to visit Michael Jackson at the Carlton Ritz hotel. I wondered what Michael Jackson was doing up at 5 o’clock in the morning. I wondered what Michael was like, and I wondered why he stayed in a different hotel. However, I was too exhausted to search for answers, so Kim and I said goodbye to everybody and went home.
In summation, I must say that I got exceedingly abundantly more than I had ever expected! I have attended 4 Victory tour concerts (3 free). I met and talked to Marlon, Tito, Randy, and saw Jackie. I met and talked to Joe Jackson, and I met many more interesting and helpful people during the process. I must say that “All things are possible to those who believe.” But I am not satisfied because I still did not meet Michael Jackson or Jermaine, therefore the time will come when I will have that opportunity!
Michael Jackson looks in my direction after coming backstage at The American Music Awards
Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson on the cover of EBONY Magazine December 1984
Michael Jackson
My Cherished ticket to the Victory Tour
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Sonya's Journal
Remembering The Greatest Entertainer That Ever Lived
Remembering The Greatest Entertainer That Ever Lived
Sonya Jenkins’ Diary - November 10, 1984
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