Spinner

Jay Brannan's 'Man in the Mirror' Tribute

When Spinner asked cover song specialist Jay Brannan for his reaction to Michael Jackson's passing, he went one better. The singer-songwriter and 'Shortbus' star sat down in his New York apartment and recorded a touching acoustic take on this 1998 classic.



Brannan tells Spinner, "Whether or not you're a Michael Jackson fan, at least one of his songs, if not many, is bound to evoke the memory of a certain time, a certain place or certain people in your life. His songs earmark pages in the lives of billions of complete strangers across the globe. I find that pretty extraordinary." And we found his tribute pretty extraordinary.

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104 Comments

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Aurelien

1987, not 1998...
I cried so much that morning. This video was like a comfy shoulder. Well done, Jay.

August 02 2011 at 6:24 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Angie

Way to go, Jay! You did an awesome job--love your voice.

July 08 2009 at 1:43 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Claudette Daley

people need to stop talk negative about mj he was a wonderful person he was and is loved my millions and will be missed greatly.

July 08 2009 at 8:17 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Paula

Beautiful --- I love Michael too

July 08 2009 at 12:03 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
debferard

Beautiful!!
This is so true....
Regardless of all accusations, he was a human being and God loves him no matter what!!

The only one with the right to judge anyone is God!!
And I do not care who likes this comment or not!!
God is the only one that has the right to judge people.
So, take a look at yourself my friend before you start to judge others, if in fact, you are judging others.
Sounds like most people are not doing that on here which is good.

Jay, you did a fantastic job with this song!! I think I will replay it again!!! It makes me smile.....
Oh yeah, I smile a lot, and NO I am not whacky, I am just a happy soul!

July 08 2009 at 12:02 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Hopie

My Heart goes out to the Jackson Family. Their is a special angel around each and every one of you.
I will miss Micheal I been a fan from the begining and always will be one.

God Bless and stay strong.

July 07 2009 at 11:56 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
bluegoose46

I will miss Michael Jackson, but his music will be forever. I believe that he was a good person. People
who have to criticize are usually hiding something themselves. Judge not, lest ye be judged...............

Jay, loved your version of the song.

Michael, you have eternal peace now.

July 07 2009 at 11:51 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Toniette

Wow Excellant we need singers like you to stay motivated to keep the songs alive.

July 07 2009 at 11:25 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Mary

As stated in the memorial, in this country we are considered innocent until proven guilty, he was never proven guilty.

July 07 2009 at 10:34 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Mary

I just want to say that I was sad to hear about the death of both. We all knew that Farrah was fighting a terrible disease, Michael was a shock to the whole world. RIP Michael and Farrah.

July 07 2009 at 10:30 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply