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The man who is largely credited with being the brains behind Michael Jackson's adult solo success has no plans to pay "The King of Pop" respect at his funeral.
"No, not at all, not at all," Quincy Jones replied when asked whether he was attending the memorial. His reason: "Because it's going to be, like, 9 million people there, and it's not what I want to see."
The 27-time Grammy Award-winning music producer, who tapped Jackson to star in the glitzy film adaption of the Broadway's musical 'The Wiz' in 1977, crafted his seminal 'Off the Wall' album and followed it up with the historical 'Thriller' set."It's surrealistic," Jones, 76, told Details magazine's Web site. "I don't know how to process it at all."
In the past, the 'Soul Bossa Nova' creator swore off funerals because too many of his close friends have passed on. But when it comes to Jackson's memorial, Jones is steering clear.
"My condolences and love I've already sent to the family," he added. "But being there with 10 million people is not my idea of a tribute to somebody you were so close to -- who's got a part of your soul. Our souls were joined, you know. And a piece of it goes with him."
According to published reports, a private family service will be held July 7 at Forest Lawn in Los Angeles. A motorcade will reportedly then go to the Staples Center complex in downtown Los Angeles, where the public memorial will be held.
Jackson died of an apparent cardiac arrest on June 25. He was 50.
Mel B Pictures
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
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In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
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In this undated image released by Oxfam Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008, British singer Mel B participates in the 'In My Name' global campaign calling for action against poverty and demanding world leaders keep their promises on millennium development goals. (AP Photo/Oxfam, HO) ** NO SALES **
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In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl Mel B, left, serves as the emcee at a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. Mel B wears a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. The woman at right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Ultimo Scottish designer lingerie brand founder Michelle Mone (L) and pop singer Melanie Brown pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and singer Aubrey O'Day (R) poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown, Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard, singer Aubrey O'Day and TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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Comments: (77)
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By: SHINE on 7/09/2009 4:30AM
INOCENT TIL PROVEN GUILTY GET IT...WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE OUT HERE ARE YOU FORGETTING OR DO YOU UNDERSTAND THAT THIS MAN WAS FOUND NOT GUILTY OF ANYTHING...LET GOD BE HIS JUDGE AND TIL YOU CAN WALK ON WATER~~~I WILL CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR ANYONE THAT SITS IN JUDGEMENT ON ANYONE ENCLUDING MICHAEL FOR THERE IS ONLY ONE THAT CAN JUDGE HIM AND IT IS NOT ANY OF US...
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By: KIMM on 7/08/2009 8:25PM
I THINK IT IS WRONG THAT QUINCY JONES DID NOT ATTEND. HE COULD'VE WENT TO THE PRIVATE SERVICE. HE JUST TRYING TO MAKE AN EXCUSE. BEING AROUND A LOT OF PEOPLE MUST HAVE JUST STARTED TO BOHTER HIM..... PRIVATE SERVICE WOULD HAD BEEN JUST AS GOOD
R.I.P MJ
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By: lisa wilbourn on 7/08/2009 9:23PM
First, Michael Jackson gave 200% percent on that stage. He was hurting inside and out. None of us no
his pain. Please don't just a book by it cover, unless you have read it. (or walking in his shoes)Michael was in alot of pain, but he never let it show on the stage. You think he was the first? he was not and he will not be the last. It very very easy to get hook on prescription drugs. Who don't have any medical in the medicine cabinet is lying. I feel sorry for the family and children they was not able to get Michael Jackson the help he need. Because, he was a star they never said no. We still love you Michael, you are still somebody father, son , brother. We know you was hurt so God toke you home to be close to him and get the rest you deserve. Rest in Peace Mr. Michael Jackson we love you forever, and we will never lose site of you dream and you music will living on forever.
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By: MsSepia on 7/09/2009 10:45AM
Respect! Most people probably can not begin to comprehend the depth of the relationship both Quincy Jones and Diana Ross had with Michael. Their pain is immeasurable, I am sure. These days technology makes so much possible, including invading the privacy of others. Quincy and Diana need to be left alone to deal with their grief any way that they see fit. I respect them both and I respect their right to grieve away from the public eye.
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By: Thirdchildsongs on 7/10/2009 12:08PM
Quincy's comments regarding whether Michael didn't want to be Black....what does that say about Quincy and all those white women he married/and or had children with what's his reason. A man who was still gorgeous right into his 60's, and all you can say about the white women in his life were that they were white. Michael might have also been affected by certain inferior beliefs--from the time he and his family was exposed to white Hollywood(a different era)--that to be a global figure in his arena he couldn't simply look like a Black man. However, when he made the video Remember the Time, he correctly knew what the people then looked like. Kanye West and others in the 21st century still show Jesus as being white. Where is that description in the bible I know Jesus appearance being Black is, for example: Daniel 7:9, 10:6, Revelation 1:13-15 On the TV show The Game, character Malik says that, "you know Santa Claus is white", we had shows during the 70's like Good Times, and Martin that would use a Black santa claus. A lot of us especially those of us being raised by cable and network TV, and today's radio personalities are going backwards--like since the early 50's and before--not forward. Michael knew who created the music of today the geniuses and pioneers of jazz, blues, RB, soul, gospel, rap/hiphop, etc.; including him & his siblings, and none of them were non-Black. About his skin condition their are videos of his where you can see the dark patch on his right hand and dark marks on his left upper arm(where he's wearing a white t-shirt). Regarding the paternity of his children see pictures of Quincy's children. O.J. Simpson youngest children. Cindy Birdsong, formerly of the Supremes first son with her then white husband. Just look at some of the celebrities who are married/and or have children with a white person; including, the star of the TV show Prison Break, who says either that he's Black or his father is. Michael's children do not look typically white. Especially, his sons, and the youngest one with those eyes, nose, and mouth and those huge hands and feet(like his father had) for a child his age, and his natural shyness. Even their skintone--look at their hands. Their DNA would have to prove to me otherwise. Another thing, whenever Michael gave his perspective about history or culture and our contributions he was certainly Black. And he might have also,( using his own interpretation) copying the white rock stars(mostly of the past) as far as make-up, and changeable facial prothetics for added affects. It didn't matter he was still Michael Jackson that was the genius, beauty, and wonder of the man, the G.O.A.T...there will never be another like him, and you're know that 50 years from now and counting.
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By: Carol on 7/15/2009 10:30AM
Heck, I wouldn't go to a pedophile's funeral, either !!
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By: Sarah on 7/16/2009 12:28AM
It's SO wrong!!! How can you say MJ's got a piece of your soul when you didn't even have the courtesy to show respect IN PERSON! I am SO disappointed in you Quincy!
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