June 25, 2009: The day, some say, the music stopped playing. The industry cracked and quaked, its trembling felt all over the globe. People gathered around television sets. Others resumed sipping their coffees at cafes because they simply did not believe the news. Tears dripped from the faces of little girls in Japan. City slickers from Brooklyn and “The Boogie Down Bronx”—middle-aged men who grew up witnessing the heart and soul of the American dream in the Jackson Five’s first television performance during the Miss Black America broadcast—were left in disbelief.
The “King of Pop” was dead.
Michael Jackson—christened the “King of Pop” by his following of fans, friends, critics, fellow luminaries and the music world at large—left behind an unsurpassable legacy with the living world. It’s a legacy that Who’s Bad, the world’s top selling Michael Jackson Tribute band, is dedicated to carrying on through impeccable choreography and musicianship.
Who’s Bad was formed in 2004 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. During its 9-year existence, the band has traveled all over North America, Europe, Asia and South America, performing in some of the world’s most famous venues, including China’s Ningbo’s Grand Theatre and Hunan Grand Theatre, LA’s Gibson Amphitheatre and The House of Blues franchise across the US.
(Photo by Curtis Brown) Michael’s music continues to travel far and wide, bringing people together. Strangers bond over the “Thriller” dance moves. They work at mastering the moonwalk. They know his story, can recognize his lyrics and acknowledge his musical ingenuity. The world remains amazed over his video narratives, each of which create a telling moment in pop culture never to be forgotten.
Who’s Bad’s leading “Michaels” Joseph Bell and Taalib York strive to unite fans with his transcendental spirit. The two are the only known Michael Jackson performers to both dance and provide authentic vocals on stage.
Hartford, Connecticut native Joseph Bell, who got his start singing and dancing for Walt Disney World, has worked with a credited team in order to perfect his performance as Michael. He has worked with Travis Payne, lead choreographer of Michael Jackson’s “THIS IS IT” tour and Frank Gatson, choreographer for Beyonce Knowles. He also danced in Michael’s original “Smooth Criminal” music video.
Brooklyn native Taalib York started studying his idol at the age of seven. York is of Afro-Arab descent, and began singing songs in Arabic and English. He has written and co-written for a variety of artists under prominent labels such as Motown and Def Jam records and has choreographed for award-winning dance teams.
Who’s Bad will be at the historic Riviera Theatre in North Tonawanda tomorrow. Tickets are $28 for adults and $13 for children 10 and under. The show starts at 8 pm. Don't miss out. For more information on Who’s Bad, visit here.
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