Local Musician Performed With Michael Jackson

JACKSONVILLE, FL - The passing of Michael Jackson brings bittersweet memories for a local musician who performed on three world tours with the King of Pop.

"We used to sell out Madison Square Garden four nights in a row," said Roderick McMorries, in a display room of the Stellers Gallery in San Marco.

Many can talk of a brush with fame, but trumpet player McMorries has an entire life's canvas filled with memories of performing on stage with the Jacksons.

"I've carried the experience of a lifetime. It's like a once in a lifetime experience to have stood on the stage with THEN a living legend," said McMorries.

And he has the photos and album cover to prove it.

"You were able to stand on the stage in Madison Square Garden for four nights in a row with thousands of people and just, you know, the Beatles were there. The Rolling Stones were there previously, and large acts and we were on stage with Michael Jackson!"

Now, his portfolio is bittersweet, but cherished every day.

"It never gets old. It never gets old. It's just...it takes you back. It's like watching your kids grow up and you pull the old pictures out and you can remember every experience. And it was a wonderful experience!"

Even the tour passes are part of his personal treasure that will someday be his own legacy.

"It's not to be sold. Those are my experiences and it's just like Mike left a legacy behind, I want to be able to leave that for my kids and their kids. It's something that you don't give away!"

McMorries says he had no idea just how big a thing he was a part of. Like a fine wine, the experience has grown better with age.

"But here, 30 years later and you look at the impact that he's made on the industry and just being a humanitarian, and you think to yourself, and you lay awake at night and you dream and you say, 'I was a part of history!'"

When he is not sharing artwork with Stellers Gallery customers, Rod McMorries continues to perform locally with the band KTG.

CLICK HERE to view the band's website.

CLICK HERE to read about today's memorial.

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