A Moment of Silence

79 Comments

I was on my tour bus when I heard the news that Michael Jackson had been rushed to the hospital. Almost immediately it seemed as though the world held its breath, hanging on the words of the media outlets they trusted to tell them he was going to pull through. I received a flurry of text messages and phone calls. I did my best to hold back tears when CNN finally confirmed his passing, and I honored his contribution to history with a moment of silence at my show in Atlanta that night:

The reverence I experienced in the room at that moment will stay with me for life.

The end of this clip shows me reverting back to my childhood for a moment during soundcheck. For a few seconds, I took off my cool and became the little boy that believed I could be just like him. I’m sure many of us can remember what came over us when we saw Michael perform. We wanted to dance like he did – to feel the exhilaration and pass on the electricity that we’d just experienced. I appreciate Michael’s contribution to my life. In many ways his music, videos, and live performances lit the spark in me to pursue the career path that I chose as a young teenager. His ability to bring people together in peace and celebration serves as a standard to which we as entertainers are all measured.

 

Posted: June 27th, 2009 | Under: Inspiration, Live

79 Comments on “A Moment of Silence”

  1. 1 Stephen Donald said at 2:13 am on June 27th, 2009:

    WOW! the way the crowd fell into silence in a matter of seconds is emotionaly powerfull

  2. 2 Carrington CaliBoy Barbour said at 2:14 am on June 27th, 2009:

    Yea this was pure and sincere… You reminded me of what i was doing all last night… Dancing to the rhythm of “his” beat. R.I.L. (love) MJ

  3. 3 Tyron Rosheuvel said at 2:20 am on June 27th, 2009:

    As mentioned on twitter:

    “You need two things to accomplish that. Talent and respect. Both MJ and yourself have plenty. My heart goes out to you, Ryan.”

  4. 4 Jose Luis said at 2:26 am on June 27th, 2009:

    Jose Luis I’ve realized that one person can effect the world with musical talents then a part of my life is to do the same for as many people I can with just being me, being human, making errors so I can correct or have others be knowledgeable about and not make mistakes like me! Music is the key of our lives, it moves us in so many emotional ways! Rememeber that, not all of us are able to move millions but im happy to move 1!

  5. 5 Tenzin Maentschung said at 2:29 am on June 27th, 2009:

    BRING RYAN LESLIE TO ZURICH!

    RIP MJ

  6. 6 Twitted by apolonia_milan said at 2:34 am on June 27th, 2009:

    [...] This post was Twitted by apolonia_milan [...]

  7. 7 Brandon Fletcher said at 2:35 am on June 27th, 2009:

    HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA @ the end! i just spit water all over my screen! wasn’t expecting that!

  8. 8 Henry Wulff said at 2:43 am on June 27th, 2009:

    I really feel with you R-Les. M.J. was more than an Entertainer.
    He was a motivator & brother.
    But now I believe he is in a better place, where all his pain is gone!

    Before I forget I heared you would right a tribute song for Michael,too. Is that true?

  9. 9 Sadia Afzal said at 2:45 am on June 27th, 2009:

    R.I.P MJ we will all miss you!! Michaels music influenced and inspired many artists…

    Ryan, you should cover Billie Jean….

  10. 10 Matt Swain said at 2:45 am on June 27th, 2009:

    Man, the end of that clip took me back to my childhood.
    Everyone thought there were M.J.
    God bless his soul.

  11. 11 Marq C said at 2:46 am on June 27th, 2009:

    Man, I gotta get to one of these live shows & absorb everything that’s useful. RIP The KING of Pop. Check da tweets(www.Twitter.com/MARQ_C) & da tube(www.YouTube.com/MarqCTV) for some more R-LES!

  12. 12 Noelle Ntsama Ayuk said at 2:55 am on June 27th, 2009:

    Although he is gone to a better place, Micheal Jackson will live forever in this world through his music.

  13. 13 Dexter Mark Crawford Jr said at 3:01 am on June 27th, 2009:

    MJ will truly be miss… We’re blessed enough to still have his music to hold to…

  14. 14 Tobias Marx said at 5:08 am on June 27th, 2009:

    Simply great Ryan. Didn’t know you can dance like the king. Thank’s for sharing all this man.

  15. 15 Facebook User said at 5:11 am on June 27th, 2009:

    Very powerful. Now it’s up to artists like you Ryan Leslie, to keep MJ in our hearts and in the hearts of the younger generation. But I’m sure he will live forever. We love you, Michael.

  16. 16 Leo Sylejmani said at 5:23 am on June 27th, 2009:

    ohhh maaaaannn what a concert… but where’s the moonwalk mr. leslie ;-) no for real… you’re the greatest man…

    R.I.P. Michael Jackson our King of Pop

  17. 17 Denise Behler said at 5:34 am on June 27th, 2009:

    Love your energy!

    RIP Michael Jackson

  18. 18 Tony Blount said at 6:42 am on June 27th, 2009:

    Please do a Michael Jackson tribute song! Only you could do it right.

  19. 19 Facebook User said at 6:59 am on June 27th, 2009:

    I was there for the concert, you absolutely killed it. The performance was great, and you earned a lot of people’s respect by the end of the performance. If you added the MJ tribute I think the crowd would have went crazy. Much love. R-LES FOR PRES ALL DAY!

  20. 20 Jimmy Zamani said at 7:04 am on June 27th, 2009:

    PLEASE MAKE A TRIBUTE SONG RYAN :D

  21. 21 Tahkyia Willis said at 7:12 am on June 27th, 2009:

    You know Ryan, we are the same age, and love the same thing. Music. I know for me, he was the first artist I fell in love with…not only for his music, but for him as a man. His work for people and children touched me as a child. I work with kids because of him….love music because of him. At 13 Aaliyah came into my life..and she added to my passion for making a change through music. About 3 years ago…you came into my life and it felt like God had sent me a new inspiration. Strive to be better, make people smile with my music. It is never about money or fame, but about the way you make people feel in their heart. Michael is now my 2nd Angel….all I have left now is you. God be with you on this tour…and may you make new fans and supporters in every city. T.

  22. 22 ReUp Spot said at 7:20 am on June 27th, 2009:

    Thanks for the night in Richmond Ryan, sorry the crowd was laid back…wish they were more into it. I was standing for you.
    That was the second time i’ve seen you live, hope to make it a third very soon.
    -Vick Slate

  23. 23 Abdel Rbib said at 7:23 am on June 27th, 2009:

    nice moves

  24. 24 Giulio Cesare Grande said at 7:24 am on June 27th, 2009:

    Thanks Ryan for your Tribute to the King of POP
    R I P Michael

  25. 25 Sharnitha Simmons said at 7:43 am on June 27th, 2009:

    you are a great artist the video was great now i’m going to add u to my favorites list cuz not all artist care about their fans the way that you do

  26. 26 Facebook User said at 7:51 am on June 27th, 2009:

    New MJ Tribute Song/Video

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVuVz5uQ3RI

    R.I.P Michael..

  27. 27 Elizabeth K Gonzalez said at 9:04 am on June 27th, 2009:

    u are amazing Ryan!! Love your work!!! When r u performing in FL?? or just hangin out down here??? lolz

  28. 28 Victor A Slate said at 9:05 am on June 27th, 2009:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEJzlHT1DAw&feature=player_embedded

    ryan yesterday in richmond

  29. 29 Yamill Vallecillo said at 9:34 am on June 27th, 2009:

    Rest in Peace Michael. It looks like you had the place rockin’ that night bro. I also didn’t expect that last dance at the end! keep making moves!

  30. 30 Patrick Jones said at 9:37 am on June 27th, 2009:

    This is a very nice gift to the game. The perfect tribute to Michael Jackson too early passing away. Remain as humble as you are and focused on your music career. Would love to meet you one day in person. Not too many great artists come along these days but you are truly one of them. I wish you all the best on tour great concerts and all the power you need. Looking forward to that day to see you play in concert in Zurich, Switzerland. God bless you! Patrick

  31. 31 Ariel Bosque said at 9:46 am on June 27th, 2009:

    I was at this show and for an hour Ryan you put me in a place where the tragic events of the day couldn’t reach me. It says alot about what music can do for the soul. Michael knew this and you carry his spirit and charisma as a performer. Thank you and long live the KING, in our minds, our hearts and souls.

  32. 32 Chris Owens said at 10:38 am on June 27th, 2009:

    You Always Baffle me!

  33. 33 Facebook User said at 10:46 am on June 27th, 2009:

    Hey Ryan. I was there at the concert that night and I thought that you did a wonderful job! And in paying respects to MJ was heart felt as well. Keep doing your thing and it was a pleasure meeting you Thursday night. Keep doing your thing!

  34. 34 Claude Deuce Harris Jr. said at 10:56 am on June 27th, 2009:

    I was honored to be there and it felt like a changing of the guard!
    You Rock Ryan and the moment of silence to The King was necessary!

  35. 35 Mitchell Stuart said at 11:18 am on June 27th, 2009:

    Michael Jackson R.I.P.

    He must have been a great inspiration for Ryan too !

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHADU-8kmu8

  36. 36 Ana Lidia Mata said at 11:42 am on June 27th, 2009:

    You did it BAD in your last clip. MJ still has many generations to influence. There is no end to his legacy.

    A

  37. 37 Christopher Blink Stanton said at 12:02 pm on June 27th, 2009:

    you betta do that ryan. thats absolutely mezmorizing. its artist like you who make me believe there is still hope that straight-raw talented musicians still exist. and i thank you for that. :)

    MJ being gone is the greatest loss in music, period.

    god bless you, Mj and his family.

    much peace and love :)

  38. 38 Zowi Stapleton said at 12:13 pm on June 27th, 2009:

    Thanks RL. while you are still here, you are appreciated.

  39. 39 Carlos Morales said at 12:28 pm on June 27th, 2009:

    That was beautiful R-Les.. He was an inspiration to us all.. his music lives through all of us.

  40. 40 Heather Stanley said at 12:39 pm on June 27th, 2009:

    Ryan,
    You couldn’t have said it better. We lost a great man that could NEVER be replaced. Yet, many more will come and reflect his image.

  41. 41 Ali Meer said at 12:57 pm on June 27th, 2009:

    speechless… that was one hella sick concert right there… Ryan is the Man!!

    i still remember how i was doing the moonwalk when i was a little kid lol….

    Thank you MJ for the time you spent with us.

    God Bless you Michael…

  42. 42 Kristopher Suares said at 1:26 pm on June 27th, 2009:

    Good job on paying your respects. R.I.P. to the greatest to ever do it

  43. 43 James CookieFace Scales said at 1:42 pm on June 27th, 2009:

    “We been together for such a long time love music, music and me! Dont care whether our songs rhyme love music, music and me!”

    R.I.P Micheal Jackson!

  44. 44 Kyle Brandon Chong said at 2:33 pm on June 27th, 2009:

    R-Les!!!! Awesome ending… Music would have died with Michael if we didn’t have Ryan Leslie.

  45. 45 Jonathan Li said at 4:45 pm on June 27th, 2009:

    Ryan…you are simply amazing…genius to say the least. I respect everything that you do. I loved music so much..but when i listened to you, i loved music so much more

  46. 46 Facebook User said at 5:29 pm on June 27th, 2009:

    I was there and your performance was second to none! I appreciated your tribute (the only one given that night) to Michael Jackson! EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE!!!

  47. 47 Facebook User said at 5:32 pm on June 27th, 2009:

    this vid was excellent. thank you mr. leslie for this. i appreciate you. i appreaciate michael jackson for what he has done and what he has left. the original game changer.

  48. 48 Karimah Farrell said at 6:22 pm on June 27th, 2009:

    Wow…that silence was intense Ryan…gave me chills….!

    Nice MJ dance moves btw =D
    x

  49. 49 Ashley M. Brown said at 10:58 pm on June 27th, 2009:

    I hate I couldn’t be at this show, and I am glad to see that someone showed their real emotions and did not care what other people felt.There is nothing better than genuine and sincere concern for another human being.

  50. 50 Michele Darden said at 11:03 pm on June 27th, 2009:

    Yes, Michael Jackson was a great artist. But I want you to know that I saw you at the HOB in Orlando on 6/24. Your performance was awesome. The energy that you and musicians displayed showed the passion that you have for the gift of music. I loved the way the you directed your band. It has been a long time since I have seen energy like you showed on stage. I just want to encourage you. Stay focused and don’t let this business drag you down. Stay true to yourself and always remember the positive words that your grandmother said (I heard you talk about her the other night) You too have the ability to transcend barriers! God bless!

  51. 51 Kensuke Kuboi said at 12:41 am on June 28th, 2009:

    hi,ryan…

    i love Michael,too.
    so i made a remix of King of Pop.
    ‘Remember The Time TND Remix’, check this out.
    i remember him forever and ever.

    R.I.P. MJ.
    much luv from tokyo

    check this link
    http://www.myspace.com/tndtyo

  52. 52 Jordan Blucher said at 2:57 am on June 28th, 2009:

    TRUE ARTIST HE’LL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERD AS THE GREATEST, KING OF POP..

    I RESPECT WHAT YOU DONE RYAN, MOMENT OF SILENCE IS WELL EARNED!!

  53. 53 Jay Robin said at 10:09 am on June 28th, 2009:

    Love this video. Stay tuned
    Jay Robin from Germany

  54. 54 Facebook User said at 10:37 am on June 28th, 2009:

    ..that moment of silence was intense! MJ will NEVER be forgotten…

  55. 55 Terry Runnin said at 1:00 am on June 29th, 2009:

    as you said ” I did my best to hold back tears when CNN finally confirmed his passing” you did your best to hold back? hmmmm…

    i think you know what im hinting at.
    That was the King we Lost.

    all that “Im a man/Star i dont cry shit” is BS.
    you have a pretty high IQ sir.
    im a little disappointed you conveyed the message that crying especially at a time like this is not Ok.

    Still a fan. 209!

  56. 56 Alec Danun said at 5:31 am on June 29th, 2009:

    Respect!

    M.J. R.i.P

  57. 57 Martina Jansen said at 10:59 am on June 29th, 2009:

    you’ve found the right words to describe what happened to the world: it’s lost its greatest genious.
    he has been so important for everyone who loves music and dance.
    michael, we love you.
    R.I.P.

  58. 58 Enrico Chacon said at 3:48 pm on June 29th, 2009:

    Leslie…i have beat from you (rock u) and Michael Jacksons acappella…i was heard all the time. Ill want to send this song on e-mail..but i dont know how can i send to you.

    Great Video:-)

  59. 59 Lauren Singleton said at 7:00 pm on June 29th, 2009:

    I was at the show in Atlanta, and that moment of silence was incredible! It almost brought me to tears.

    You did your thing on the stage, though after seeing the end of the video, you should’ve busted out those dance moves during your performance! :-)

  60. 60 Joshua Elder said at 3:24 pm on June 30th, 2009:

    He showed music is all about changing the world and bringing people together . . . You have also showed people that the purpose of music is to motivate and inspire people to go for their dreams and help those in need

  61. 61 Facebook User said at 6:21 am on July 1st, 2009:

    Whattup greatest alive?

    -Myspace-
    give me ur opinion on my music:
    http://www.myspace.com/miamidreams

  62. 62 Denise Behler said at 7:30 am on July 1st, 2009:

    http://www.ryanleslieweb.net
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    We’re bringing the latest news, pictures and media for all Ryan Leslie fans!

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  63. 63 Tymesia MzTy'nicole Mason said at 2:24 pm on July 1st, 2009:

    …Excellent Artist GREAT Quality music…Gibberish should be released its so creative!!! Need to see you more!!! Muah! Good Luck! (I wish Rescue you was on the album!!!)*~*Mz.Ty*~*

  64. 64 Dutch Briggs said at 3:41 pm on July 1st, 2009:

    With that said…

    The baton has been past on to you and many other artist with gifts and talents like yourself.

    “Life has a wierd way of playing chess”.

    Much Strength goes out.

  65. 65 Melanie Bonilla said at 7:02 pm on July 1st, 2009:

    ur a great artist and i believe in what u said about us wanting to be like Michael..i respect ur talent because not only do i here some of MJ in ur work but u made it ur own and it sounds awesome..never stop no matter what..can’t wait for ur next album!!! =-D..btw love love love the track “you’re not my girl”…the repeat button has never stopped!! lol

  66. 66 Deborah Ware said at 8:45 pm on July 1st, 2009:

    Hi Ryan,
    You are a great artist to listen to when relaxing and thinking about everything that surrounds you. I heard you over the radio in the ATL and you stated that you do answer your fans when the make a comment or send you an email, so I felt like I wouldn’t be wasting my time. I am an independent artist in the ATL trying to get to be great like you. Check out myspace.com/angelquotakadeborah and my facebook page also.

  67. 67 Desmond Godbolt said at 11:26 pm on July 1st, 2009:

    ey ryan if he hasnt in the past, im pretty sure michael would love to congradulate yuh and encourage you to keep reaching for greatness due to your creativity and originality.. you encourage many of us to take what ever it is that we love to do and reach for the all time high…keep doin ya thing bigg dogg..next selection is def a movement!

    dez from jersey

  68. 68 Bettye Simmons-Lamar said at 10:01 pm on July 2nd, 2009:

    I can’t say enough how refreshing you work is. You’re a 1 man band. I saw your production vids on YouTube and you remind me so much of Prince. To do what you do takes much effort. You’re the smartest man in the music industry at this point.

    You have great style musically and in fashion. “Your handsome too”.

    And by all means go with G.O.A.T. I can hear the concert crowds chanting GOAT, GOAT, as you perform on stage and bring Him out like B.B. King does Lucille. LOL!

  69. 69 Jennifer Collier said at 1:25 am on July 3rd, 2009:

    Saw you in concert tonight in Dallas. I wAs somewhat familiar with a couple of songs from radio play but not you. You got on stage and killed it. When I got home I researched your work and found out that you are brilliant! I bought your cd. You’re my new “addiction”. Good luck and much success.
    God bless!

  70. 70 Karimah Farrell said at 6:47 pm on July 4th, 2009:

    My heart hurts watchin that…God I wish I was in the U.S.!

  71. 71 Bettye Simmons-Lamar said at 11:05 pm on July 4th, 2009:

    I wish I could have come to the Essence festival! I’m sure it was off the rocker!

  72. 72 Roderick Michael Kelly said at 1:49 am on July 7th, 2009:

    ~Excuse the long post i just wanted to Speak out a little on the subject…~

    You mentioned a feeling that the world held its breath…i felt the same exact way, i remember staring at the TV for almost an hour watching for any fragment of an update from various news channels, when they announced his passing i was in shock, and honestly…i’m still kind of in shock, i just started to move on just a little about 2 days ago and accept the fact, i’m only 19, but i remember since i was like 4 watching videos and concerts or specials that highlighted his career and watching Micheal Jackson, My Idol, in awe every time, i have watched the 5 hour Jackson 5 American Dream Mini series around 37 times, and although i am a young rapper i HIGHLY respect the melodies and song arrangements he’s created in his life….he was and always will be my Idol, and even though he’s gone his spirit remains stronger than ever apparently..R.I.P Micheal Jackson.

  73. 73 Danielle Walker said at 4:49 pm on July 7th, 2009:

    CRAZY vibe…Fareal RYAN YOU NEED TO COME TO PITTSBURGH>>>but yes M.j. is the greatest. . .many artists can not even fathom the skill, talent, or character of this man. . .and your SPINS lol did him honor. . .keep up the good work. . .

  74. 74 Shireen Rahimi said at 9:17 pm on July 12th, 2009:

    R.les, you have mad gigs!!

  75. 75 Soulful St said at 6:19 pm on July 20th, 2009:

    You are the definition of a True Artist….
    Check me out..
    Real recognizes real!

    http://www.reverbnation.com/soulful

  76. 76 Levi Mitchell said at 2:43 pm on July 26th, 2009:

    hey Ryan whats up if you did one from your track called out of the blue that would be great cause some unforgettable moments in life sometimes happen out of the blue if you know what i mean oh and before i forget M.J was my hero too his spark is still lit in my heart now and forever R.I.P M.J

  77. 77 Xavier DeJesus said at 11:28 am on August 13th, 2009:

    Thats wats up Ryan..u had 2 show respects 2 tha best there was in tha music Business…RIP MJ

  78. 78 Christopher Benitez said at 9:20 am on August 17th, 2009:

    Man You Did MJ Justice…Godbless your Passion and your skills…I am a Academic Mentor at A real dope youth center and these kids love your work…Much Love to you my man I am sure your family is truly happy for you and if they are not they should be ashamed lol… keep the music flowing in life we can be on the right track but if were not moving forward on it then we will just get trampled just a genuine statement… I know your to busy to reply to anyone so I figure I just let you absorb what I am saying. On another note This is How its Suppose to be… because god planned it that way for you. Peace and Love

  79. 79 Facebook User said at 9:31 pm on August 21st, 2009:

    I absolutely adore your voice and music.. and it doesn’t help that I have a HUGE crush on you.. ugh.. I never have crushes on artists cuz its of no use.. so this kinda sucks! maybe one day you will notice me too :)

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