Slurring Jackson talked about hospital for kids
LOS ANGELES -- Six weeks before Michael Jackson died, his doctor recorded the semi-comatose superstar mumbling what might have been his farewell address to the world.
In a slow, slurred voice, clearly under the influence of sedatives, Jackson spoke about leaving a performance legacy bigger than Elvis or The Beatles and building a fabulous hospital for children with proceeds from his "This Is It" comeback concerts.
"Elvis didn't do it. Beatles didn't do it. We have to be phenomenal." Jackson is heard saying on the tape.
Jackson, known for donating huge amounts to children's charities, said his vision was driven by his love of children. In his ramblings, he envisioned the hospital would be big enough to aid a million children, with a movie theater and game room. "That will be remembered more than my performances," he said. "My performances will be up there helping my children and always be my dream. I love them. I love them because I didn't have a childhood ... I feel their pain. I feel their hurt. I can deal with it."
The full tape of the May 10, 2009, soliloquy by Jackson was played for the first time Wednesday during the involuntary manslaughter trial of Dr. Conrad Murray. A portion of the recording was played last week during the prosecution's opening statement.
The more than four-minute audio recording was found on Murray's cellphone by forensic digital expert Stephen Marx. There was no indication why Murray made the recording.
The tape was played by prosecutors to show that Murray knew for weeks how Jackson was reacting to heavy sedatives the doctor was administering to help his patient sleep.
