An unreleased Michael Jackson album, based on the poetry of Scottish poet Robert Burns, has surfaced once again. The album, which was first revealed four years ago by former TV Celebrity David Guest, sees the poetry transformed into show tunes that were originally destined to become a musical.
The musical, which was to be directed by Gene Kelly and produced by actor Anthony Perkins was set to get underway, however the death of Jackson halted this process completely. David Guest told the BBC that “We went to his recording studio at the [Jackson] family house in Encino, where all the Jacksons grew up, and we took about eight or 10 of Burns’ poems and we put them to contemporary music, things like ‘A Red, Red Rose’ and ‘Ae Fond Kiss’ and the story of ‘Tam O’Shanter’.”
Since then, David Guest has taken the recordings of these songs, and begun discussions with the Robert Burns museum concerning donation. Spokesperson of the organisation in control of the Burns’ museum have released the following statement. “We understand there was some discussion about the donation of some musical materials. If it goes ahead it will be an exciting addition.”
Hopefully this album will eventually see the light of day.
