Subsequent to learning about Michael's passing, Barry Manilow shared some fond memories of the entertainer in an exclusive interview with "Entertainment Tonight back in 2009. Barry was a featured performer in a tribute to Michael at the 1984 "American música Awards" alongside Kenny Rogers and good friend, Diana Ross. According to Barry, he met Michael por way of their good disc jockey and televisão personality, Dick Clark, a week prior to the awards ceremony. As stated por Barry, Michael got in touch with Dick Clark and asked if he could set up a meeting between the two of them because Michael was a big fã of his; in addition, to asking Barry to take part in the tribute given his honor, and he told Michael he would do it. As stated por Barry in his interview, the world was a beautiful place knowing people like Michael was in the world, and acknowledged that he was also one the greatest entertainers who ever lived; as well, as offering his condolensces to his family.
“There’s too much pressure, pressure, pressure … pressure everywhere I turn …” a diary entry dated Nov. 17, 2008 is alleged to say in part.
“I don’t know who I am, not anmore (sp). Maybe I’m just a father to my children. Maybe I’m washed up.
“The drugs are (illegible) a toll … (illegible) … I’m not addict. But I can’t stop …
“If Elvis … (illegible) … so can I.
“I’ll have a ‘heart attack’ from drugs like he did (yeah, right!)
“I’ll come back, but only when I’m ready. Bigger than Elvis in ‘69.
“Maybe 2009 at Christmas. Or maybe the New ano is better.
“A back-from-dead tour, a real Thriller. But I have to rest. I’m tired. I’m not (thinking) clearly.
“It’s the drugs.
“A lot of fãs still amor me. (Some) people hate me. Thing (sp) will be different (after this) …”
“I don’t know who I am, not anmore (sp). Maybe I’m just a father to my children. Maybe I’m washed up.
“The drugs are (illegible) a toll … (illegible) … I’m not addict. But I can’t stop …
“If Elvis … (illegible) … so can I.
“I’ll have a ‘heart attack’ from drugs like he did (yeah, right!)
“I’ll come back, but only when I’m ready. Bigger than Elvis in ‘69.
“Maybe 2009 at Christmas. Or maybe the New ano is better.
“A back-from-dead tour, a real Thriller. But I have to rest. I’m tired. I’m not (thinking) clearly.
“It’s the drugs.
“A lot of fãs still amor me. (Some) people hate me. Thing (sp) will be different (after this) …”