Beyonce, Usher, Chris Brown, Ciara: when it comes to recognizing artists whose art and sound prominently reflects the influence of Michael Jackson, it's easy to identify those (and similar) incredible pop/R&B superstars. But you don't often hear names like Kirk Franklin, Kierra Sheard, Tonex, or Deitrick Haddon -- gospel artists who have masterfully woven the influence and sound of Michael Jackson into their art and Black spirituality. Join the Users as we discuss Michael Jackson's early roots in the Black American gospel music tradition and how the sound of Black gospel and spiritual music shaped MJs sound and art -- and how it helped influenced a generation of transformative and consequential Black gospel artists. The Gospel According to Michael is *most especially* a showing of love to the handclapping, foot stompin' members of the #MJFAM! For others, it's a look into a rich tradition that served as a foundational template for the art and career of Michael Jackson. Happy #BHM2024. Black Michael Jackson Content Creators to Follow (not exhaustive, drop those @s in the comments for the ones we missed)! 1. MJFanGirl on X @MJFanGirlBLOG 2. Midnight on X @midnightaugmoon 3. ithl123 on twitter @ithl123 4. Chris Lacy on X @ChrisLacy0215 5. Mother Rose on X @therosegawden 6. MoonSpeaksTV on X @MoonSpeaksTV 7. jaywonder: on X @jaywonder1987 8. NicolesViews on X @BLKLiberation84 ___________________________________________________ Dick Gregory Stand-up Clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SrBghsx2zo Jackson State University (Sonic Boom of the South) Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JSUBands Usher 2024 Superbowl Halftime Show Performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hYbrdC_-s8 Lift Every Voice and Sing (Kirk Franklin): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCAOZGRby_U Can you Feel It (remix by Kirk Franklin): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFwiwLO0zhg Kierra Sheard - You Are: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBuL7u2tSrQ Deitrick Haddon - This is The Day : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxDiE-y1XtM Tonex - Alive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzK5ChyaNTw