Michael Jackson and the Cascio's

After watching the Oprah show featuring the Cascio's, I wanted to learn more of this MJ's 'second family' of whom Michael had known for more than twenty-five years, as I am one of those who had very little knowledge of them, almost nil really, and seeing them and hearing their MJ accounts, what a revelation for me... and so here are some more bits and pieces I found from other sites;

 "To me, Michael was more than a superstar entertainer: he was a brother, a father figure and probably the most loving person I have ever met. With all that has been written and said about Michael, what has been missing are his countless acts of anonymous kindness that I witnessed to those in the most desperate situations. ... Michael, we love you. You are the true Peter Pan."

--- Frank Cascio

source: http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/MichaelJackson/story?id=7968002&page=5

"Michael Jackson yearned for normalcy..."

For one of the most famous men in the world, simple housecleaning was an escape from the hectic and isolated life that came with being Michael Jackson.

Longtime Jackson friend Frank Cascio, 28, told "Good Morning America" today that the King of Pop would just show up at his family's New Jersey home in hopes of capturing a sense of normalcy.

"And he would come with no security and nannies," Cascio said. "That's when he was himself."

Cascio said Jackson paid his family such a visit earlier this year and got a lot of joy from the pleasures of a simpler life.

"He would even help my mom vacuum the rug," he said. "He would, like, help clean up the house. And he was just a real human being."

Cascio said the two would even sneak off to hit the local stores or have dinner unnoticed.

"Sometimes we would sneak out ... with no security," he said. "And I would get him all dressed up in disguises."

"You know," Cascio continued, "everyone can walk down the street and go shopping. And, you know, we take that for granted, but he could never do that."

Cascio also praised Jackson as "the perfect father."

"He was the greatest father in the world to those kids," he said.

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source: http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/MichaelJackson/story?id=8020392&page=1

'Mr. Dominic Cascio who owns il Michelangelo Restaurant in Boonton Township, NJ told me (Tommy Garrett) exclusively, "We loved Michael. He was a genius and a beautiful person.  I've known Michael for twenty seven years and all I can say is he was not only a friend of ours, but he was part of our family. I don't know anyone as warm and caring as Michael Jackson and he will be missed. Michael was a real genuine person, who cared deeply for others. Our hearts are broken."  Mr. Cascio added, "We pray for Michael's children."'

source: http://www.canyon-news.com/artman2/publish/On_the_Industry_1168/This_Week_in_Hollywoodland062809.php

MJ with his 'second family'

ADDENDUM:
And here's something to look forward to;  MJ'S "Secret" Work Tapes with the Cascio's 
"But now sources tell me that there were “work tapes” made during the Cascio sessions. These aren’t outtakes of the songs, but tapes running in the studio while Michael discussed what was going on with Eddie Cascio and other members of the Cascio family. Jackson’s own kids even make cameo appearances on the tapes. At some point, the work tapes will be released, although it’s unclear by whom. The main thing is, there’s plenty of evidence of Michael Jackson working with Eddie Cascio.

Still, it’s nice to know that the tapes prove once and for all what was going on in the Cascios’ home studio in the summer of 2007. It’s truly, without a doubt, Michael Jackson on the recordings."

--- Roger Friedman

source:http://www.showbiz411.com/2010/11/14/michael-jackson-secret-work-tapes-will-prove-its-his-voice-on-tracks