Reflecting On Michael Jackson & Writing ‘Man In The Mirror’ | Siedah Garrett.

In the world of music, few names resonate as profoundly as Michael Jackson. His influence transcended genres, cultures, and generations, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of millions. Among the many artists who contributed to his legacy is Siedah Garrett, a talented songwriter and vocalist whose journey intertwined with Jackson’s in a remarkable way. This is the story of how Garrett came to write “Man in the Mirror,” a song that not only changed her life but also became an anthem for change and self-reflection.

Siedah Garrett’s journey began in a modest setting, where she nurtured her passion for music. Growing up in Los Angeles, she was surrounded by the vibrant sounds of the city, which fueled her desire to create. After signing a five-year contract with the legendary producer Quincy Jones, Garrett found herself in a whirlwind of creativity and pressure. However, the initial years were challenging. She spent two and a half years submitting songs, trying to fulfill her contractual obligations, but nothing seemed to resonate. It was a time of uncertainty, and she often questioned her place in the music industry.

One fateful day, Garrett attended a meeting with other songwriters at Quincy Jones’s home. Arriving late, she felt out of place as she quietly took notes on what Quincy wanted for the upcoming album. It was during this meeting that the seeds of “Man in the Mirror” were planted. Garrett recalled the moment vividly, describing how she felt compelled to create something meaningful. She approached her writing partner, Glen Ballard, and shared Quincy’s request for a song for Michael Jackson. They decided to brainstorm ideas, but Garrett was haunted by a phrase that had come to her two years prior during a songwriting session with jazz pianist John Beasley.

As she flipped through her lyric book, the phrase “the man in the mirror” jumped out at her. It was a moment of inspiration that ignited her creativity. She began to write feverishly, pouring her heart and soul into the lyrics. The song took shape quickly, and by the end of their writing session, Garrett and Ballard had a demo they believed in. They were excited but anxious about how Quincy and Michael would respond.

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That Friday evening, Garrett felt an overwhelming urge to share their creation with Quincy. Despite it being late, she called him, eager to get his feedback. Quincy, busy with a meeting, promised to listen to the song on Monday. However, Garrett’s excitement couldn’t wait, and she decided to drop off the cassette at Quincy’s house. When Quincy listened to the demo, he was blown away. He called Garrett, exclaiming that it was the best song he had heard in a decade. However, there was a catch: Michael had a history of only recording songs he had written himself.

Garrett’s heart sank, but Quincy reassured her that if Michael didn’t record it, he would consider it for his own album with James Ingram. While she appreciated Ingram’s talent, her heart was set on Michael. Days later, Quincy called with good news: they were in the studio recording “Man in the Mirror.” However, Michael had concerns about the chorus and wanted to discuss it with Garrett.

When Michael Jackson himself got on the phone, Garrett was starstruck. She had admired him for years, and now he was expressing his love for her song. Their conversation was a blend of excitement and nerves, but Michael’s genuine appreciation for the song and her voice made her feel validated as a songwriter. She had always wanted to create something meaningful for him, something that would resonate with the world, and now she had the chance.

As they worked together in the studio, Garrett got to know Michael on a personal level. She found him to be incredibly intelligent and deeply aware of the struggles faced by Black people in America. Their conversations were enlightening, and Garrett realized that Michael was not just a superstar; he was a person who sought to understand the world around him. He was a sponge, absorbing knowledge and experiences from those around him, always striving to improve himself and his art.

The recording sessions for “Man in the Mirror” were intense but rewarding. Garrett felt a sense of pride knowing that she was contributing to a song that would have a global impact. When the song was released, it became an instant sensation, resonating with audiences around the world. Garrett’s heart swelled with pride as she watched the song take on a life of its own.

However, her journey with Michael Jackson was not without its challenges. She had initially rehearsed for the “Bad” tour but ultimately decided to pursue her own music career. This decision led to Sheryl Crow stepping into her place on the tour, a move that Garrett would later reflect on with a mix of regret and understanding. She had written “Man in the Mirror” specifically for Michael’s “Bad” album, and when the next album, “Dangerous,” was in the works, she was eager to write another song for him. Unfortunately, her publisher discouraged her, insisting that it was unlikely for a songwriter to have two songs on Michael’s albums back-to-back.

Despite the setbacks, Garrett remained determined. She cherished the moments spent on stage with Michael, especially during performances of “Man in the Mirror.” The energy of the crowd, the sea of BIC lighters illuminating the night, and the powerful message of the song created an unforgettable experience. It was a time when music had the power to unite people, and Garrett felt honored to be a part of it.

Reflecting on her time with Michael, Garrett recalled the joy and laughter they shared. She remembered a particular moment when she decided to spice things up during a performance by wearing a wig. Michael’s reaction was priceless; he couldn’t stop laughing, and it created a lighthearted atmosphere that made their performances even more enjoyable. These moments of camaraderie and friendship were what Garrett cherished most about her time with the King of Pop.

As the years went by, Garrett continued to witness the impact of “Man in the Mirror.” The song became an anthem for change, inspiring countless individuals to reflect on their own lives and the world around them. Garrett was proud to see how the song transcended language barriers, resonating with people from all walks of life. She often marveled at how individuals who didn’t speak English could sing along to the lyrics, a testament to the universal message of the song.

Even after Michael’s passing, Garrett felt his presence in the world. She recognized that his legacy lived on through his music and the lives he touched. As a Black woman from Compton, she never imagined that she would tour the world with the biggest pop star on the planet. Her journey was a testament to the power of dreams and the importance of following one’s passion.

In her reflections, Garrett expressed a deep appreciation for Michael Jackson. She wished she had more opportunities to convey her gratitude to him for the impact he had on her life and career. The experiences they shared, the music they created, and the messages they spread were a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity.

As she concluded her story, Garrett emphasized the importance of following one’s dreams and believing in oneself. She wanted every little girl with a dream in her heart to know that anything is possible. Her journey with Michael Jackson was a reminder that music has the power to change lives, inspire change, and create connections that transcend time and space.

In the end, Siedah Garrett’s story is not just about writing a song; it’s about the journey of self-discovery, the power of collaboration, and the impact of music on the world. “Man in the Mirror” remains a timeless anthem, a call to action for individuals to reflect on their lives and make a difference. Through her experiences, Garrett has shown that dreams can come true, and that the power of music can change the world, one note at a time.