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My 15th Birthday Present: Meeting Michael
When I was growing up, I was one of the biggest Michael Jackson fans ever. I went to all the L.A. concerts and would listen to all the Jacksons' records over and over.
For my 15th birthday in 1979, my dad (jazz arranger Pete Rugolo) called his friend Quincy Jones and asked him if he could introduce us. Quincy mentioned he was just starting to record an album with Michael called "Off the Wall" and invited me to spend the day with him at the recording studio.
I don't think I have ever been more excited to meet anybody in my life. Michael was so sweet to me. He knew I was a big fan and let me watch him record the song "Get on the Floor."
I had another big moment when he invited his friend Karen Carpenter to join us for a while. At the end of the day, he took the temporary cover of the album and signed it "To Gina, much love in the '80s." I was thrilled because I knew I could brag about it for a whole new decade.
I have stayed such a loyal fan even to this day that practically every good friend I had in high school and college called me today to check in and share a memory about him with me.
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Juan Manuel Aleman Fernandez Says
Hi Gina. I am Juan Manuel from Spain but I was born in Cuba. I am 44 years old and for me your dad is the greatest musician ever in USA. I am a great fan of your father. Michael was a miracle but your father is a musical genius of one time when music was the first thing not today that the merchandise is all and talent is poor. One of my dreams will be to know your father some day. I've got all his Mercury LPs and play it near daily. Well Gina, thank you very very much for give the oportunity to write about one of the best artist is the recording music of all time. PETE RUGOLO.
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MariaK Says
Nice reflection, I'm a big Karen Carpenter fan.. free games
Stefani Williams Says
Gina,
So funny! (I'm so glad to see this post.) Yes, Gina, I thought about YOU...and Stacy...and that time in our lives when we would sit around at lunch at Westlake talking about Michael Jackson, and trying out his moves. It really is such a vivid memory! I can recall distinct conversations, and the excitement even though it wasn't me ...but that someone close to us was getting a chance to meet Michael Jackson. That "Off the Wall" tour was the first concert I went to without my parents.
I looked your name up this a.m. as you appeared in my dreams last night. (Isn't that funny!) Hope life is treating you well! I cannot believe how much emotion his death brought up for me, and how many really fond memories, of which you were a part.
Stefani
Alejandro Says
Hi Gina! I'm Alejandro from Uruguay (South America).
I'm a member of Leadsister.com (Karen Carpenter Site), and one of the guys posted there your article. I was so thrilled while reading your post! Lucky you!
I love Michael, I cried like a kid the other day (and I'm 36!). I'm a Carpenters'fan too. I wonder if you could tell me more about when you met Karen, and then I'll copy and paste your story on the forum I belong. Or you coul come and visit us, and share that story with other Carpenters' fans.
Thank You! Blessings to you!
Jake Says
So Michael Jackson invited Karen Carpenter to the studio? Was this in NYC?
Details!! :) I'm a big Karen Carpenter fan.
Gina Rugolo Says
That is so sweet of you to mention my dad. He is 93 and doing well.
I just watched the last 10 minutes of the BET Awards and it was so touching about Michael.
Gina
Marc Flanagan Says
Gina,
A nice reflection. I never heard anyone say that MJ was anything but kind and obviously he had an outsized talent and outsized troubles. It's hard not to be affected when you hear his music.
Marc
PS
I am a big fan of your Dad. I number "Something Cool" in my top ten favorite listens...plus The Four Freshmen liked to say your Dad's name..."Si si, Pete Rugolo".
PSS I write Guest blogs here as well.