Home (La Toya Jackson song)
Encyclopedia
"Home" is a sentimental ballad by La Toya Jackson
which first appeared on the 2003 promotional copy her album Startin' Over. Jackson released the single in late July 2009 in dedication to her younger brother, Michael Jackson
, who died on June 25. All proceeds will go to AIDS Project Los Angeles
, one of Michael's favorite charities.
signature tune "Homeward Bound
." The lyrics hint at Jackson's exile from the family in the early 1990s when she was under the control of abusive manager Jack Gordon. Jackson expresses remorse over the "many years that we let pass" having been "parted by the fame we grew to only know." The song alludes also to La Toya's affectionate pet name for Michael, "Joker."
on July 28, 2009. The release was first announced on the website of Jackson's record label, Bungalo Records.
"Home" was originally not intended to be a single. A different song called "Love, Honor and Obey" was announced in March 2009 to be the lead single for Jackson's long-anticipated album, Startin' Over, which was completed in late 2008. In light of Michael Jackson's sudden death
, Bungalo Records
put it on hold in favor of releasing "Home" as a charity single in support of one of the late singer's philanthropic causes.
La Toya Jackson insisted that "All the proceeds go to one of his organizations. One of the organizations I picked was the AIDS Project LA. When you download the song, "Home," on Itunes, I want every penny to there." She added, "It means a lot to me because, as you all know, my brother has given to so many organizations, and this is one of the organizations he's been giving to for over 10 years."
Bungalo president Paul Ring commented, "We felt that to move forward releasing La Toya's album as planned without recognizing Michael's tragic passing was inappropriate. After consulting with La Toya, we decided that both Bungalo and Ja-Tail Records would not earn any profit, but rather donate all of our time, energy, and proceeds to one of MJ's favorite charities, APLA. We feel that the song and La Toya are amazing and to be able to raise awareness and funds for this organization is exactly what Michael would have approved of!"
, her first in over twenty years, on July 26, 2009 directed by Eric Bute with cinematography by Reed Smoot
. The clip was shot at Disney's Golden Oak Ranch
in Santa Clarita, California
. The video was released online via Itunes
on August 31. Access Hollywood
officially debuted the clip on September 1, 2009.
The video features Jackson both as a child and as an adult in various tributes to her late brother such as climbing trees, blowing bubbles and playing on a tree swing.
As Jackson sits on the branch of a large oak tree, she can be seen holding a programme given out at the Michael Jackson's memorial service on July 7, 2009.
La Toya Jackson
La Toya Yvonne Jackson is an American singer-songwriter, musician, author, television personality, actress, businesswoman, philanthropist, activist and former model. She is the fifth child of the Jackson family...
which first appeared on the 2003 promotional copy her album Startin' Over. Jackson released the single in late July 2009 in dedication to her younger brother, Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records...
, who died on June 25. All proceeds will go to AIDS Project Los Angeles
AIDS Project Los Angeles
AIDS Project Los Angeles is a 5013 non-profit organization, "dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by AIDS disease, reducing the incidence of HIV infection, and advocating for fair and effective HIV-related public policy."...
, one of Michael's favorite charities.
Song information
"Home" is an autobiographical song describing life in the Jackson family and the closeness once shared among Jackson and her siblings. A press release describes the song as being "written with affection about her childhood memories and based on the premise that no matter where you are or what you are going through in your life, you can always go Home." It is notable for a bursting refrain reminiscent of the achingly climactic verse heard in Simon and Garfunkel'sSimon and Garfunkel
Simon & Garfunkel are an American duo consisting of singer-songwriter Paul Simon and singer Art Garfunkel. They formed the group Tom & Jerry in 1957 and had their first success with the minor hit "Hey, Schoolgirl". As Simon & Garfunkel, the duo rose to fame in 1965, largely on the strength of the...
signature tune "Homeward Bound
Homeward Bound (song)
"Homeward Bound" is an American folk song written by Paul Simon, performed by Simon and Garfunkel, produced by Bob Johnston and recorded on December 14, 1965. The song describes his longing to return home, both to his then girlfriend, Kathy Chitty in Brentwood, Essex, England, and to return to the...
." The lyrics hint at Jackson's exile from the family in the early 1990s when she was under the control of abusive manager Jack Gordon. Jackson expresses remorse over the "many years that we let pass" having been "parted by the fame we grew to only know." The song alludes also to La Toya's affectionate pet name for Michael, "Joker."
Release
"Home" was released on iTunesITunes Store
The iTunes Store is a software-based online digital media store operated by Apple. Opening as the iTunes Music Store on April 28, 2003, with over 200,000 items to purchase, it is, as of April 2008, the number-one music vendor in the United States...
on July 28, 2009. The release was first announced on the website of Jackson's record label, Bungalo Records.
"Home" was originally not intended to be a single. A different song called "Love, Honor and Obey" was announced in March 2009 to be the lead single for Jackson's long-anticipated album, Startin' Over, which was completed in late 2008. In light of Michael Jackson's sudden death
Death of Michael Jackson
On June 25, 2009, American singer Michael Jackson died of acute propofol intoxication after he suffered a respiratory arrest at his home in the Holmby Hills neighborhood in Los Angeles. His personal physician, Conrad Murray, said he found Jackson in his room, not breathing, but with a faint pulse,...
, Bungalo Records
Bungalo Records
Bungalo Records is an American independent record label established in 2000 and distributed through Universal Music Group Distribution. -Current Artists:*Nikki Bates*Bam Rogers *Big Gov*Boondock*Agnes Chan...
put it on hold in favor of releasing "Home" as a charity single in support of one of the late singer's philanthropic causes.
La Toya Jackson insisted that "All the proceeds go to one of his organizations. One of the organizations I picked was the AIDS Project LA. When you download the song, "Home," on Itunes, I want every penny to there." She added, "It means a lot to me because, as you all know, my brother has given to so many organizations, and this is one of the organizations he's been giving to for over 10 years."
Bungalo president Paul Ring commented, "We felt that to move forward releasing La Toya's album as planned without recognizing Michael's tragic passing was inappropriate. After consulting with La Toya, we decided that both Bungalo and Ja-Tail Records would not earn any profit, but rather donate all of our time, energy, and proceeds to one of MJ's favorite charities, APLA. We feel that the song and La Toya are amazing and to be able to raise awareness and funds for this organization is exactly what Michael would have approved of!"
Music video
Jackson filmed a music videoMusic video
A music video or song video is a short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings...
, her first in over twenty years, on July 26, 2009 directed by Eric Bute with cinematography by Reed Smoot
Reed Smoot (cinematographer)
Reed P. Smoot A.S.C. is a United States cinematographer associated with many successful IMAX documentaries and theme park rides.Less recently, he did the cinematography for The Great American Cowboy, which won the 1973 Academy Award for best documentary feature.Smoot is a Latter-day Saint...
. The clip was shot at Disney's Golden Oak Ranch
Golden Oak Ranch
The Walt Disney Company’s Golden Oak Ranch is a movie ranch that serves as an interior and exterior filming location. The ranch is off of Placerita Canyon Road in Canyon Country, California, less than an hour north of Los Angeles; its entrance is about from Placerita Canyon Road's intersection...
in Santa Clarita, California
Santa Clarita, California
Santa Clarita is the fourth largest city in Los Angeles County, California, United States and the twenty-fourth largest city in the state of California. The 2010 US Census reported the city's population grew 16.7% from the year 2000 to 176,320 residents. It is located about northwest of downtown...
. The video was released online via Itunes
ITunes
iTunes is a media player computer program, used for playing, downloading, and organizing digital music and video files on desktop computers. It can also manage contents on iPod, iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad....
on August 31. Access Hollywood
Access Hollywood
Access Hollywood is a weekday television entertainment news program covering events and celebrities in the entertainment industry. It was created by former Entertainment Tonight executive producer Jim Van Messel, and is currently directed by Robert Silverstein. In previous years, Doug Dougherty and...
officially debuted the clip on September 1, 2009.
The video features Jackson both as a child and as an adult in various tributes to her late brother such as climbing trees, blowing bubbles and playing on a tree swing.
As Jackson sits on the branch of a large oak tree, she can be seen holding a programme given out at the Michael Jackson's memorial service on July 7, 2009.