September 25, 2009 12:00 PM
- Text
"Michael Jackson Tapes" Details Excesses
(AP)
A new book by Michael Jackson's former spiritual adviser says the pop superstar feared the ravages of old age and appeared to be abusing prescription drugs and cosmetic surgery nearly a decade before his death.
"The Michael Jackson Tapes" doesn't break much new ground, but its author, Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, provides firsthand detail in Jackson's voice about the excesses and obsessions the world glimpsed through the entertainer's public facade.
"The Michael Jackson Tapes: A Tragic Icon
Reveals His Soul in Intimate Conversation" (Vanguard Press)
Boteach says the book is based on 30 hours of taped interviews with the entertainer.
In it, Jackson is portrayed as an aging superstar, addicted to fame and drugs, who lacks the willpower to make changes needed to give his life new meaning.
Jackson died June 25. His death is being treated as a homicide.
"The Michael Jackson Tapes" doesn't break much new ground, but its author, Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, provides firsthand detail in Jackson's voice about the excesses and obsessions the world glimpsed through the entertainer's public facade.
"The Michael Jackson Tapes: A Tragic Icon
Reveals His Soul in Intimate Conversation" (Vanguard Press)
Boteach says the book is based on 30 hours of taped interviews with the entertainer.
In it, Jackson is portrayed as an aging superstar, addicted to fame and drugs, who lacks the willpower to make changes needed to give his life new meaning.
Jackson died June 25. His death is being treated as a homicide.
Popular Now in Entertainment
- Beyonce, Jay-Z post photos of Blue Ivy Carter
- Leslie Carter dead at 25
- Zsa Zsa at 95: Husband releases birthday photos
- "Idol": Carrey's daughter out, and then disaster
- Beyonce shows off her post-baby body
- Madonna stalker escapes from mental hospital
- Macaulay Culkin through the years
- Gender-bending model a runway sensation
- Schwarzenegger, Stallone have hospital run-in
- Only Denzel can rescue "Safe House"
- "The Vow": What the critics are saying
- George Clooney on his longest practical joke
- Macaulay Culkin is in good health, says rep
- Target to release "Breaking Dawn" DVD at midnight
- Will Ferrell delivers hilarious NBA player intros
- Bobbi Kristina on alleged coke snorting photos
- Madonna stalker caught by Los Angeles police
Latest CBS News Headlines
on Facebook
on CBS News
- Reactions to Whitney Houston's death
- Report: Japan emperor to have heart bypass surgery
- Man to face Alabama trial in wife's diving death
- Jokinen, Iginla lift Flames over Canucks in SO
on Facebook
- Adele sings a cappella for Anderson Cooper
- Occupy protestors kicked out of CPAC
- CPAC: Will Sarah Palin spring a surprise?
- Beyonce and Jay-Z post first photos of Blue Ivy Carter
on CBS News






