Harold's Blog

Michael Jackson: Rest In Peace

2009-06-29T14:53:00Z

The world has come together over Michael Jackson's death. His music is being played 24-7 and the circumstances of his death are the subject of many television news programs. I suspect there will be some sordid unfortunate scenarios when the story of his final days is uncovered. Let's be honest, that's how the man lived his life. Full of drama. When I found out he died, I could not speak for about a half-hour. My mind was racing backwards. The Jackson 5 was my first concert - I was about 9 years old and went with my parents - Suit and tie. My first album was ABC - Given to me by my sister and her husband. In particular, I thought of being in college. The album Thriller was a backdrop to my Fraternity days. Who would have thought that some years later during my professional life, I would have the chance to witness Michael Jackson in person. As a producer for VH1, I produced a behind-the-scenes project with Michael and Janet Jackson on the making of their "Scream" video. To date, it's still the most expensive video ever made. It was a trip to witness him and his sister make pop cultural history. A couple of years later, I found myself with the Jackson 5 in Cleveland, Ohio when the group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Despite Michael's incredible talent and devotion around the world, he absolutely had this creepy side about him. His skin color and self-mutilation, little boys, questionable marriages and drug use were woven throughout his life story. His musical legacy is important, but while I won't be discussing it, I think it's fair to delve into these other parts of his life as well.

The sad part is, we're not going to get to hear any new music from this man. Maybe there's a secret vault with unheard tracks out there.

God bless MJ, his family and especially his kids. I hope he's finally at peace.

Here I am with the Jackson FOUR and VH1 team at the Rock and Roll Hall of Induction ceremony in Cleveland. I think it was in 1998. MJ was in another room. I guess the King of Pop was camera shy.

American Idol rigged???

2009-05-27T22:29:00Z

It was reported in today's New York Times

that AT&T may have helped sway the vote in this year's American Idol finale by offering free blocks of text votes to fans of winner, Kris Allen. Only problem, they didn't offer the same deal to any of runner-up, Adam Lambert's fans. Scandal? Maybe? Maybe Not. But it continues the debate of 'did the most talented contestant' win this year? There was unprecedented buzz about runner-up Adam Lambert: Is he or isn't he? Could it be that giant AT&T had some issues with Adam's 'talent'? What could they have possible been worried about if he won? Something's up if AT&T was determined to dole out potentially hundreds of free text messages to assure a more mainstream winner. Oh yes, let's not forget AT&T is a major sponsor of the FOX TV juggernaut. I gotta say, Adam Lambert is one helluva trooper. That guy has put up with more crap for being 'outside the box.' Let's see who puts their money where their mouths are when the Allen and Lambert release their albums. My bets on Adam. Maybe AT&T's CEO, Randall L. Stephenson can shine some light on this. I'll send him a note and let you know what I hear.

Harold

Ed Bradley Tribute

2009-05-27T21:31:00Z

The below letter was actually written almost two years ago, Ed Bradley was and continues to be one of my inspirations...

July 17, 2007

Hello Colleagues --

I had the opportunity to attend the memorial for Ed Bradley this past Tuesday. The celebration of this famed African-American journalist was a spiritual event and I'm so happy / so happy I was able to share in it.

I first met Mr. Bradley in the early 90's during my first tv gig as a Production Secretary for CBS News: 48 Hours. Like many entry-level 'kids' we were often borrowed to work on other productions. One week Dan Rather was on vacation and Mr. Bradley was called to fill in as host of the Evening News. By divine intervention, I was assigned to work with the Evening News team that week - answering phones, collating and handing scripts to talent, etc...

When Mr. Bradley would come to the set, a group of young, ambitious and awestruck black 'kids' throughout the broadcast center would sneak away from their assigned post to get a glimpse of "that famous 60 Minutes correspondent" as he flawlessly reported the news of the day, live, to the country. I vividly remember my friend Lisa and me telling Mr. Bradley how much we admired Dan, but we LOVED seeing him in that chair. He laughed and thanked us and also asked us to tell him more about ourselves. I'm sure I told him something about growing up in Colorado and never dreaming I would have met someone like him. Life is good.

It would be 15 years later that Ed Bradley would play a pivotal role in my career...

After 'growing pains' and much 'dues paying' I found myself at MTV Networks:VH1 in line to be promoted to Supervising Producer of my department -- (You ever had one of those jobs, where you're doing the job, but don't have the title and certainly not getting paid for it???) One of my first challenges as Acting-Supervisor was to assemble and lead a creative team to produce a special project on New Orleans Jazzfest. Everybody was excited, but the stakes were high to bring back a polished segment that fulfilled our creative mission, would be appropriate for the VH1 audience and of course, makes the bosses, marketing, affiliates, programming, press and 'whoever else' happy...

There was a lot to juggle in New Orleans - among them new talent, a local crew, local production assistants and a quite testy Jazzfest guide - we couldn't shoot a piece of tape without her permission. We were getting some good footage of the Jazzfest and the interviews with the musicians were okay, but as the head honcho, deep down I knew we needed more -- we had sizzle, but I wasn't sure if we had the steak... After lunch we gathered behind one the big tents to talk about how things were going. I knew we needed that 'one thing' to bring it all together. The next thing we knew, this distinguished man in shorts and a tee drove by us in a golf cart. It was Ed Bradley - Mr. Jazz. Mr. New Orleans. Mr. Perfect. We were no fools. This was a unique and special opportunity. We graciously asked the vacationing 60 Minutes man if he would answer a couple of questions for us on-camera. He told us to 'get it together.' Sitting gracefully in that golf cart, Mr. Bradley passionately described the significance of Jazzfest, New Orleans and jazz music. He was flawless. Everything came together.

The piece aired the following week. It was a home run. The team and I were complimented from above and below and everyone mentioned how Ed Bradley's interview made it extra special. Indeed, there were a lot of components that made that Jazzfest project a success, but Mr. Bradley's participation that day, gave us all determination and inspiration. No doubt. -- A week later I had 'lunch' with my boss and was formerly offered the position. I got my title and a few more bucks. Ta da.

----
At the memorial there were so many wonderful words shared about Ed Bradley's life and career -- He made a positive impact on many lives. He has set the standard for my achievements - integrity, quality and passion. It's going to take some time getting used to him not being physically with us, but his spirit and legacy continues.

Harold Abrams
harold@brandnewdaydesigns.com
http://brandnewdaydesigns.com/

What is a 'President' anyway?

2008-11-16T01:00:00Z

So now that Barack Obama has got the job -- I was thinking, sure Mr. Obama has made history and no doubt he is a breath of fresh air that we all need, but as the President-elect starts to take care of business and transition into the "most powerful man in the world," I think more than ever, we are going to discover just what a 'President' does. I mean, right now there's talk of Mr. Obama selecting his executive team to help him run the country. What an opportunity for all of us to realize the responsibilities of this important office. Because of Mr. Obama's achievement I think we're going to be watching and listening to his every move and also watching the outcome and reactions to a 'president's' decisions unlike we've done before.

It's crazy. What an exciting time to learn more about how our country works and the responsibilities of the people we elect to take care of us. I know this is a scary time right now; particularly the economy. I'm not sure what's going to happen, but I agree with a comment I heard Gloria Steinem say recently, "I feel like I have a future again."

It's been a while since I had a President I could look up to. God bless President-elect Obama.

Leader Wannabees...

2008-06-24T14:08:00Z

Recognizing True Leadership. That's the title of one of my hero's editorials -- Mr. Earl Graves, Sr., the Publisher of Black Enterprise magazine. I'm so inspired by Mr. Graves words each and every month. This man clearly loves his community and not only cares that we make a way for ourselves, but gives us the tools to make it happen. I value true 'leadership' and Mr. Graves brings it home in his message: While "leadership is highly valued in our society...it's far more than fame and fortune...leadership boils down to one thing; the ability to positively affect others."

Check out Mr. Graves entire 'Publisher Page' in the June 2008 edition of Black Enterprise - the one with the incredible Ms. Oprah Winfrey on the cover!

Make It Happen

2008-05-10T03:49:00Z

Mariah sang a song a bunch of years ago "Make It Happen" which I fire up on my ipod every now and then. The lyrics 'if you believe in yourself and know what you want' and 'you must be strong, baby just hold on' have always inspired me to not give up. I've made up my own 'quick poem'... 'If I give up today, I'll have nothing to do tomorrow.' Among the many lessons I've learned over the past years include: It takes hard work to 'make it happen' and 'trust yourself.' In addition to sharing my art with the world, I hope you'll appreciate my insight on the people and current events happening in our lives and I look forward to hearing from you.