Michael Jackson Lives On With New Tribute Single Set For Release on August 28th, 2010

Michael Jackson Lives On With New Tribute Single Set For Release on August 28th, 2010

It’s not everyday one gets to pay tribute to a legend, but when the first recording of “I’ll Live On” came across record executive Steve Popovich Jr’s desk, he knew he had something special. The song, first written as a country demo, seamlessly conveyed the poignant feelings of loss and of hope and with friend, former Attic Records President, Al Mair; the track was given new life…and a new purpose.

Hearing the song as an anthem to pay homage to a life lost, brought one person to mind for Steve Popovich, Jr, -Michael Jackson. Steve’s father, Steve Popovich Sr. (owner of Cleveland International Records of Meatloaf, Bat Out of Hell fame) was in 1974 working as VP of A&R for Epic Records. During that time, Steve Sr. was responsible for signing such celebrated acts as Boston, Cheap Trick, Tom Jones and several of the Jacksons, including Michael. Having this intimate connection to the pop icon, led Steve Popovich, Jr. to these thoughts:

“I first heard the song, “I’ll Live On” about six years ago from the writer, a dear friend, Linda Hargrove. Linda is a great, great songwriter, whose songs have been recorded by many Country artists over the years. At the time she sent me the song it lyrically had nothing to do with Michael Jackson. The song was originally based on her own experience of losing somebody close. When I first heard it, it gave me goose bumps. It was very powerful and its message is universally heartfelt! In my opinion, it’s one of the greatest chorus’ ever written in modern music. It doesn’t matter what country you live, this is a song everyone can relate to. Once I heard of Michael’s passing, I called Linda and told her that we needed to change the verses lyrically as a salute to Michael and through her brilliance she was able to accomplish that. In about a week, she had sent me the rewrite and as they say, the rest is history.”

Once the song was completed, Awesome Productions and producers James Bradshaw and Jason “Daheala” Quenneville eagerly got on board. The goal was to find the ideal voice to lift the song to the heights it needed to go. Juno Award winning singer, Simone Denny was the perfect choice. As part of the platinum selling duo, Love Inc., Denny’s richly emotional and powerful vocal stylings instantly took the song from heartfelt to cathartic. Says Denny of the experience, “I owe my love of music to Michael Jackson. He created magic whether on stage or in-studio. Every aspect of Michael Jackson’s career inspired me as a kid to pursue a career in music. It’s an honor to have the chance to honour Michael’s incredible legacy. What Michael has left with me personally as an artist is a passion and love for music that will never die. Thank You Michael!”

“I’ll Live On” is set to be released digitally on Michael Jackson’s upcoming birthday, August 28th on Awesome/EMI. A portion of the proceeds from the song will be donated to the Children’s Wish Foundation.