Michael Jackson Leaves Behind Two Unfinished Albums

At the time of his death, the icon was developing separate pop and instrumental albums

The world may never have the chance to hear the music Michael Jackson was working on at the time of his death, but at least we get to hear about it.

Jackson collaborators spoke to Billboard about two very different albums the King of Pop was developing: one in his fame-making pop genre and also a more surprising foray into the instrumental classical vein.

Composer David Michael Frank worked with Jackson back in 1989 on a TV special and two months ago received a call from the star's assistant about collaborating again. Frank, who recalls being impressed with Jackson's knowledge of classical music, says: "He had two demos of two pieces he'd written, but they weren't complete. For one of them, he had a whole section of it done in his head. He had not recorded it. He hummed it to me as I sat at the keyboard in his pool house and we figured out the chords."

Fast-forward to a few weeks ago, when Jackson checked in with Frank on his recordings and went on to brainstorm about a possible jazz track. Sadly, this rarely seen side of Jackson may never be made public.

"I guess this recording I made is the only copy that exists of this music," muses Frank. "I hope one day his family will decide to record this music as a tribute and show the world the depth of his artistry."

Another Jackson collaborator, keyboardist Greg Phillinganes, last spoke to Jackson in March and attempts to dispel rumors that the star was riddled with health problems around the time of his death.

"He still had a good voice and never had a problem singing," explains Phillinganes. "There were questions about him being able to pull off the tour on the choreography side, but sources working with him told me he was dancing all the time, every day, and was very focused, excited and committed to making this tour the best it could be."

Phillinganes goes on, insisting that Jackson fully lived up to his reputation as an incredible performer.

"It was the biggest comeback of his career, arguably the biggest comeback in pop music—even bigger than Elvis," the musician says. "He never did anything half-assed, which is what originally got him to the stature he had."

___________

Be there as the world says good-bye to the King of Pop. Watch the Michael Jackson memorial on Tuesday at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT live on E! and E! Online