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Understanding the History and Mystery of Michael R. Jackson
Season 5 · Episode 2

Understanding the History and Mystery of Michael R. Jackson

Playwright, lyricist and composer Michael R. Jackson breaks down the emotional journey behind “Memory Song.”

American Masters: Creative Spark

October 14, 202126m 41s

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Show Notes

“A Strange Loop” has a lot to say in a one-act show. The metafictional musical is playwright, lyricist and composer Michael R. Jackson’s meditation on self-perception, race, sexuality, art, faith, identity and everything in between. The off-Broadway success of this ambitious work earned Jackson the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. He breaks down the emotional journey behind “Memory Song” - the first song he ever wrote music and lyrics to and the penultimate song in “A Strange Loop.”


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