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83 Minutes
On June 25th 2009, the world was rocked by the tragic, shocking news that Michael Jackson – the biggest and most influential music icon since Elvis Presley – was pronounced dead on arrival at a Los Angeles hospital. He was just 50 years old. As the news reverberated around the world, it was accompanied by even more shocking and controversial information – a sickening revelation to Jackson’s millions of fans – that Jackson had died in the care of his personal physician Dr Conrad Murray a whole 83 Minutes before Murray put a 911 call in to emergency services.
In this, a comprehensive and truly horrifying account of those crucial minutes, Murray’s frantic attempts to cover his tracks and revive his client before the truth could be revealed and laid bare. This is a compelling, multi-perspective tracking of all involved at the scene and the roles they played in the events surrounding Jackson’s tragic passing. The shocking cocktail of drugs employed to keep Jackson alive, administered by Murray himself; the harrowing and squalid conditions in which this troubled musical genius ended his life, are accurately described from official court transcripts and documentation.
A powerful and compelling account of the brutal truth behind the rumours.
In this, a comprehensive and truly horrifying account of those crucial minutes, Murray’s frantic attempts to cover his tracks and revive his client before the truth could be revealed and laid bare. This is a compelling, multi-perspective tracking of all involved at the scene and the roles they played in the events surrounding Jackson’s tragic passing. The shocking cocktail of drugs employed to keep Jackson alive, administered by Murray himself; the harrowing and squalid conditions in which this troubled musical genius ended his life, are accurately described from official court transcripts and documentation.
A powerful and compelling account of the brutal truth behind the rumours.
272 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2015
45 people are currently reading
330 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
August 3, 2017
This book begins with a basic biography of Michael Jackson. I actually knew very little about his life, so I found it very interesting, but, if you are a big fan, you will probably know everything recounted in the first chapters. However, for readers with less background information, this helps set the scene and explain about how Jackson became so reliant on painkillers and prescription medication, which culminated in his untimely death at the age of just fifty.
At the time of his death, it is no exaggeration to say that Michael Jackson was literally drowning in debt. Holed up in a house rented for him by the company who had signed him up to do a series of concerts in London’s O2 Arena, you cannot help but feel terribly sad about the unfolding tragedy, which you could almost feel coming even as a spectator. Beset by lawsuits, a constant target for the press and badly advised, he was so desperate to make money that he ended up agreeing to perform concerts he was obviously not mentally, or physically, well enough to cope with.
When the London concerts were delayed, his promoters tried ‘tough love,’ (or ‘threats’) to try to force him into coming to rehearsals. Meanwhile, his personal physician, Dr Conrad Murray was also under pressure to get Jackson to perform. It was a dangerous combination of a financially beleaguered Michael Jackson feeling under pressure – having signed to do ten shows, he never noticed that the company could increase this to further shows, and, when tickets started selling, they did so, causing Jackson to panic – and a doctor who was also financially embarrassed and reliant on the money he could make by going on tour with the singer to avoid ruin.
So desperate was everyone in this scenario, that really nobody seemed to consider Jackson’s obviously bizarre and unstable behaviour and his damaging reliance on surgery and medicine. Some raised concerns, such as his make-up artist, who felt she was not listened to when she told his management about how cold he felt, how he shook and shivered and failed to eat properly; losing weight and yet about to embark on a gruelling series of shows. The drug which, eventually killed Jackson, Propofol, is usually administered by an anaesthetist in hospital. Murray was a cardiologist who failed to give Jackson considered advice, failed to protect him and gave in to his demands for drugs which he should not have received because it was in his interests that Jackson did what the promoters were demanding.
This takes you through the details of Michael Jackson’s final days, the hours leading up to his death and the court case against Conrad Murray. The room Jackson died in was so full of medical paraphernalia, and he was so underweight, that paramedics thought he was a hospice patient when they first saw him. The whole book is shocking, saddening and tragic. At times difficult to read but, like all of Michael Jackson’s life, riveting.
October 19, 2015
Bit of an unnecessary rundown of MJ's life in the first few chapters, which doesn't tell us anything previous biographies don't already and certainly doesn't question their biases and some of their inaccuracies. That said, the coverage of Michael's last few months and in particular the night of his death is a good summary of the trial against Conrad Murray (not to mention the subsequent one against AEG). As a result it's a tough read, especially for fans like me but also for anyone on the side of self-flagellating creativity and its desperate vulnerability in the face of evil, ultra-cynical money-hungry shits.
March 16, 2018
I give it a solid 3 stars as there was nothing earth shattering that I haven't heard before. Having said that, the book was pretty repetitive at points.
As a Michael Jackson fan, there is nothing to really add. It's just a sad story.
As a Michael Jackson fan, there is nothing to really add. It's just a sad story.
June 19, 2024
A very detailed, thoughtful examination of the circumstances of Michael Jackson’s death - and a look at the long road that led to the inevitable tragedy. For fans of the King of Pop, this is a must. It covers a lot of his childhood and big career moments that most would already know - but when linked up together and considered on reflection, it makes it all the more powerful how sad and tragic his life ultimately was.
July 4, 2016
I don't know how you make such an interesting topic so tedious. Repetitive and boring.
October 31, 2016
Found on the shelf of new acquisitions at my local library, this book called to me. Michael Jackson, the King of Pop music, was at his peak when my eldest daughter (now 44) was in middle school. Her father even hired a Michael Jackson impersonator for her birthday party. Later, he spent hundreds of dollars for concert tickets. They were seated way up high away from the stage, but my daughter could always say that she saw Michael Jackson.
And, there was a lot to see. His incredible range and depth of emotion shown when singing, and then his moon walk dancing, plus the jeweled glove and sparkling costumes made him a very special artist in deed. No one can rightfully state that he was not talented. And, sadly, few can say that he was not troubled.
While focusing on the sad, sad events that were in place leading to his death, this book also notes the steep downward spiral of Jackson's life and addiction to drugs after the pedophile allegations brought a shining light on his inability to judge what was and wasn't appropriate, and what the public perceptions would and would not tolerate even in the glittering life of a super star.
Tragically, he died at the age of 50 from an overdose of various drugs, one of which should never have been allowed out of the setting of a hospital operating room. Diprivan/(propofol) a milky narcotic liquid is used intravenously under strict guidelines.
When a series of circumstances aligned in a row, Jackson's life was set in place to end. Broke, and in debt in the millions of dollars, though he hadn't performed in a serious concert engagement in twelve years, AEG Live enticed Jackson to perform a series of concerts in London, England. Michael was unaware that he signed for 50 concerts. And, the magic 50 concerts for a 50 year old addict who was seriously underweight and psychologically impaired never occurred.
In reality, too compromised, Jackson was not even able to show up during many of the scheduled rehearsals. The night/late evening of his death, he was in top form, dancing and singing like days of yore. In a scary alignment, after performing his last dance, Jackson noted "This is the final curtain call!"
Acutely aware that Jackson was in trouble, the producer met with AEG Live and told them of the mental and physical compromised condition, pleading that at the least they should obtain a prominent psychiatrist for him.
Millions of dollars were already spent by the production company, and the Jackson family would later sue AEG Live stating their placement of Dr. Conrad Murray to watch over Jackson's health, and their pressure on both Jackson and Murray to get the show on the road, was a direct cause of Jackson's death.
On the fatal night of over medication, Jackson, as usual, had a difficult time sleeping. Pleading with Murray to give him multiple medications, he finally encouraged the use of Propofal. When 25 mg of the substance were injected, there was a grave interaction of this chemical added to all the previous ones.
Murray's cell phone proved that he had left the Jackson bedroom for an inordinate amount of time. When Murray returned, Jackson was not breathing. In a state of panic an ambulance was not called in a timely manner. To late, Jackson was already dead.
It would be easy to judge Michael Jackson as a deviate pervert, who also was a drug addict. But the fact is that he settled out of court the first time a parent made an accusation, setting in line a precedent for others to follow. He was found innocent when taken to court. Still, the dominoes were in place for the fact that on June 25, 2009, Michael Jackson died of acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication at his home on North Carolwood Drive in the Holmby Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles.
Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011 and was given a four year prison sentence, of which he only was in jail for two years. The Jackson family was not successful in their law suit against AEG Live and it was ruled they were not guilty of pushing Jackson to the limit.
Personally, I remember the joy my daughter had as a pre teen learning all the words to his songs. As the last page was turned on this book/this story, I am left with supreme sadness.
And, there was a lot to see. His incredible range and depth of emotion shown when singing, and then his moon walk dancing, plus the jeweled glove and sparkling costumes made him a very special artist in deed. No one can rightfully state that he was not talented. And, sadly, few can say that he was not troubled.
While focusing on the sad, sad events that were in place leading to his death, this book also notes the steep downward spiral of Jackson's life and addiction to drugs after the pedophile allegations brought a shining light on his inability to judge what was and wasn't appropriate, and what the public perceptions would and would not tolerate even in the glittering life of a super star.
Tragically, he died at the age of 50 from an overdose of various drugs, one of which should never have been allowed out of the setting of a hospital operating room. Diprivan/(propofol) a milky narcotic liquid is used intravenously under strict guidelines.
When a series of circumstances aligned in a row, Jackson's life was set in place to end. Broke, and in debt in the millions of dollars, though he hadn't performed in a serious concert engagement in twelve years, AEG Live enticed Jackson to perform a series of concerts in London, England. Michael was unaware that he signed for 50 concerts. And, the magic 50 concerts for a 50 year old addict who was seriously underweight and psychologically impaired never occurred.
In reality, too compromised, Jackson was not even able to show up during many of the scheduled rehearsals. The night/late evening of his death, he was in top form, dancing and singing like days of yore. In a scary alignment, after performing his last dance, Jackson noted "This is the final curtain call!"
Acutely aware that Jackson was in trouble, the producer met with AEG Live and told them of the mental and physical compromised condition, pleading that at the least they should obtain a prominent psychiatrist for him.
Millions of dollars were already spent by the production company, and the Jackson family would later sue AEG Live stating their placement of Dr. Conrad Murray to watch over Jackson's health, and their pressure on both Jackson and Murray to get the show on the road, was a direct cause of Jackson's death.
On the fatal night of over medication, Jackson, as usual, had a difficult time sleeping. Pleading with Murray to give him multiple medications, he finally encouraged the use of Propofal. When 25 mg of the substance were injected, there was a grave interaction of this chemical added to all the previous ones.
Murray's cell phone proved that he had left the Jackson bedroom for an inordinate amount of time. When Murray returned, Jackson was not breathing. In a state of panic an ambulance was not called in a timely manner. To late, Jackson was already dead.
It would be easy to judge Michael Jackson as a deviate pervert, who also was a drug addict. But the fact is that he settled out of court the first time a parent made an accusation, setting in line a precedent for others to follow. He was found innocent when taken to court. Still, the dominoes were in place for the fact that on June 25, 2009, Michael Jackson died of acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication at his home on North Carolwood Drive in the Holmby Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles.
Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011 and was given a four year prison sentence, of which he only was in jail for two years. The Jackson family was not successful in their law suit against AEG Live and it was ruled they were not guilty of pushing Jackson to the limit.
Personally, I remember the joy my daughter had as a pre teen learning all the words to his songs. As the last page was turned on this book/this story, I am left with supreme sadness.
July 9, 2016
Many spoilers afoot.
When I first picked up this book, I thought it would be exploitative. When a famous star dies, that's what the books and articles tend to be. But 83 Minutes is far from that. It's a well-researched book that surprises and saddens.
The first part is dedicated to Jackson's career, though most fans, even casual ones, will know all those facts already. Then we get to the days, minutes and years that preceded his untimely demise.
The trouble for Michael Jackson began when he burned his scalp in a fire during the Pepsi ad in 1984. It was an ad Jackson didn't even want to do. Here was a man who had never taken drugs, but was forced to because he was in terrible pain. And an addiction -- or rather several addictions -- were born.
He began seeking out Demerol and benzos. For me, the most shocking revelation was that he had plastic surgery not because he was solely disatisfied with his looks but because it was a legitimate way to get painkillers. In addition to painkillers, he becomes hooked on Propofol after being given it one night when he is in such pain he can't sleep. Propofol is a drug never meant for home use. It is given during surgery. That's the rule. But the rules don't apply when you're famous and sometimes that can bite you in the ass. Because the rules are there for a reason.
Into this mess walks the worst person imaginable, Conrad Murray. A man into debt up to his eyeballs, willing to do anything to alleviate it. Willing to give Michael Jackson Propofol knowing how very dangerous that is. Knowing better than any of us what that can do to the superstar if it goes wrong. And yet he gives it to him. And yet he does several things that are unconscionable the night of Jackson's death. And he gets little jail time for doing so.
Murray's not the only villain. Jackson's family see him as a human ATM. The concert promoters are scum who push him when they see he can't be pushed to do these concerts. And Jackson is hard on himself, wanting to please the fans and get back to better shape financially. It all ends in and adds up to tragedy, the death of one of the most talented men the pop world's ever seen.
83 Minutes is a cautionary tale if ever there was one. It's also fascinating, brings up a lot of issues about fame and will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout. Sometimes, it's a bit dry, but always well-researched and never tabloidy. The only thing I wish they'd discussed more was how Jackson fell into such trouble with his sleep. But maybe there was limited info on that.
A great book about a great man. Worth reading, but it'll haunt you for quite some time.
When I first picked up this book, I thought it would be exploitative. When a famous star dies, that's what the books and articles tend to be. But 83 Minutes is far from that. It's a well-researched book that surprises and saddens.
The first part is dedicated to Jackson's career, though most fans, even casual ones, will know all those facts already. Then we get to the days, minutes and years that preceded his untimely demise.
The trouble for Michael Jackson began when he burned his scalp in a fire during the Pepsi ad in 1984. It was an ad Jackson didn't even want to do. Here was a man who had never taken drugs, but was forced to because he was in terrible pain. And an addiction -- or rather several addictions -- were born.
He began seeking out Demerol and benzos. For me, the most shocking revelation was that he had plastic surgery not because he was solely disatisfied with his looks but because it was a legitimate way to get painkillers. In addition to painkillers, he becomes hooked on Propofol after being given it one night when he is in such pain he can't sleep. Propofol is a drug never meant for home use. It is given during surgery. That's the rule. But the rules don't apply when you're famous and sometimes that can bite you in the ass. Because the rules are there for a reason.
Into this mess walks the worst person imaginable, Conrad Murray. A man into debt up to his eyeballs, willing to do anything to alleviate it. Willing to give Michael Jackson Propofol knowing how very dangerous that is. Knowing better than any of us what that can do to the superstar if it goes wrong. And yet he gives it to him. And yet he does several things that are unconscionable the night of Jackson's death. And he gets little jail time for doing so.
Murray's not the only villain. Jackson's family see him as a human ATM. The concert promoters are scum who push him when they see he can't be pushed to do these concerts. And Jackson is hard on himself, wanting to please the fans and get back to better shape financially. It all ends in and adds up to tragedy, the death of one of the most talented men the pop world's ever seen.
83 Minutes is a cautionary tale if ever there was one. It's also fascinating, brings up a lot of issues about fame and will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout. Sometimes, it's a bit dry, but always well-researched and never tabloidy. The only thing I wish they'd discussed more was how Jackson fell into such trouble with his sleep. But maybe there was limited info on that.
A great book about a great man. Worth reading, but it'll haunt you for quite some time.
January 5, 2017
My son got to watch Micheal Jackson's Thriller music video at school and interested in Micheal Jackson. I went to our library to look for books on Micheal and stumbled across this one. It looked interesting so I gave it a try.
The book goes into a lot of detail building up to the last 83 minutes of Micheal's life. In my opinion too much build up. I was really just interested in the last 83 minutes.
I learned a lot about Micheal. His financial successes and lack of managing those funds. He went to a dermatologist a lot for various Botox treatments, but it was suspected that the real reason he went was a fix of Demerol.
Micheal had great difficulty sleeping and had quite a cocktail of sedatives that he used on a regular basis. To me it seemed a very scary mix of drugs to take at one time. One of those was Propofol, the drug that doctors use when you go in for a colonoscopy. Dr Murray was a cardiologist and not an anesthetist. He administered this drug on a regular basis. It was suggested in the book that when he realized Micheal was not going to cooperate signing a contract affecting Dr Murray's pay that he gave a lethal dose to Micheal. Also the findings show that he was not as careful in administering the drug as he should of been.
I was surprised to find out how Dr Murray handled the situation. It was about cleaning up the evidence before calling 911.
The book also had a very thorough end notes section that showed detail information of where facts were gathered for the book. I found this very interesting as well.
The book goes into a lot of detail building up to the last 83 minutes of Micheal's life. In my opinion too much build up. I was really just interested in the last 83 minutes.
I learned a lot about Micheal. His financial successes and lack of managing those funds. He went to a dermatologist a lot for various Botox treatments, but it was suspected that the real reason he went was a fix of Demerol.
Micheal had great difficulty sleeping and had quite a cocktail of sedatives that he used on a regular basis. To me it seemed a very scary mix of drugs to take at one time. One of those was Propofol, the drug that doctors use when you go in for a colonoscopy. Dr Murray was a cardiologist and not an anesthetist. He administered this drug on a regular basis. It was suggested in the book that when he realized Micheal was not going to cooperate signing a contract affecting Dr Murray's pay that he gave a lethal dose to Micheal. Also the findings show that he was not as careful in administering the drug as he should of been.
I was surprised to find out how Dr Murray handled the situation. It was about cleaning up the evidence before calling 911.
The book also had a very thorough end notes section that showed detail information of where facts were gathered for the book. I found this very interesting as well.
October 23, 2016
An interesting, factual, well researched tale of the life, demise and death of MJ. What could have been, what might have been and what definitely was. The 83 minutes refers to the period of him beginning to die to being pronounced and the story leading up to it is a heartbreaking one, of a mad genius, corrupted and preyed upon, by selfish vultures ready to cash in on his talent. With no-one he could trust around him, including his family, his fate was inevitable. This book tries to unpick how it happened and does it unbiasedly.
July 9, 2016
The first half of this book is laborious. I do, however, see the relevance it has to the second half. There was far too much detail and speculation for me personally coupled with the fact it was a spontaneous library selection rather than a genre which appeals to me. A good book of its type.
Read
February 9, 2017Very interesting to hear some of the details of what happened. Very sad to think that such a talent had to rely on so many medications in order to fall asleep. Some information was repetitive, but I was able to overlook that.
October 28, 2019
An in-depth look into the death of Michael Jackson, and not just the 83 minutes before he was declared deceased. Lots of information about his life, the tour he was about to embark on, family, and the sycophants around him. A quick, fascinating, and sad read.
December 7, 2016
Wow, fascinating. Michael never had a chance. Tragic, tragic story.
January 21, 2017
Good read. A little scary at the negligent behavior of a cardiologist in the care of his patient. Great read for anyone who likes true crime, medicine and The King of Pop
August 15, 2019
Repetitive and redundant once you get into the meat of it. The history leading up to where he was when he died was helpful. The ridiculous and inaccurate medical information was beyond annoying (he felt a femoral pulse in the neck, seriously?). But it left me super angry that this doctor got off with involuntary manslaughter and released after 2 years. Medical malpractice, gross neglect, arrogance and fear led to a very tragic and unnecessary death. Murray deserved a harsher charge and sentence.
October 16, 2023
As a lover of memoirs and biographies, I couldn’t resist this book. Not Pulitzer quality writing, to be sure, but definitely filled with painstaking research and fact checking. I’m always curious about major events in hindsight, and it’s clear that Michael Jackson was headed for a tragic end—it was just a question of when. This book explores all the events and choices leading up to Jackson’s drug overdose; from a years-long addiction to a passel of self-serving doctors and unscrupulous yes-men. The unfolding events, while ghoulish, certainly kept me reading.
March 31, 2024
A very difficult read. The authors (I use this term loosely) have so many medical errors, and quite a few grammatical ones too, it was painful to get through. The hardest part was the way the storyline jumped back and forth and repeated the exact same point, sometimes verbatim. I do feel that I understand more about Michael Jackson as a person with a lot of pain and addiction, but no groundbreaking revelations came from this book.
May 16, 2019
I'm torn on how to rate this book. On one hand, it was informative. It didn't go in detail all the way back through his childhood, which I was grateful for. It was highly informative, which was another plus in the book's favor. But on the other hand it was repetitive, long winded, and MY GOD, the footnotes. On average 70 footnotes in every chapter! OVERKILL. 3 stars.
December 2, 2023
I have always loved Jackson, one of the biggest icons ever. Theirs a lot in this book I didn’t know and I think it’s great to see some of the clauses in contracts for the this is it tour. A lot of inside info I think is great to know. If only AEG Live had done background checks on the Dr - he most likely will still be alive.
If you like MJ you will 100% like this book, what a good read
If you like MJ you will 100% like this book, what a good read
July 16, 2019
This is an eye opening read into the 83 minutes surrounding Michael Jackson’s death as well as the before, during and after actions and non actions which led to it.
Read my full review -> http://bookworminglife.com/83-minutes/
Read my full review -> http://bookworminglife.com/83-minutes/
April 9, 2023
Although somewhat repetitive in certain details, the story was compelling, and I was truly shocked by the behavior of some of the doctors involved. As the reader, I wished I could somehow insert myself into the timeline and stop what was happening. A tragic true story.
November 29, 2023
MJ was definitely the King of Pop. His death was tragic and a devastating loss to the entertainment world. This book was a compelling read and a horrific account of his last minutes of his life. RIP Michael Jackson
July 25, 2018
Very repetitive which makes for an easy read. The author floats some interesting conspiracy theories.
September 20, 2018
Investigative journalism at it's best..
January 15, 2019
Good read! Can't put the book down.
July 6, 2019
Very disappointing, I loved their Freddie Mercury book but this book was terrible. I felt the information to be sparse and uninteresting.
May 10, 2020
Not the most well-written, but an interesting insight into Jackson's life and death.
April 30, 2023
Worth reading—what an incredibly sad story. It could have used another edit and was quite repetitive at times.
July 28, 2023
A tale of greed.
August 24, 2023
Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews