'You Are Not Alone'

The sounds coming from the bandstand in Handy Park just across from my Beale St. office are so familiar to me after three years that I often tune them out. This afternoon, my ears were primed for receptivity because the park had come alive after a winter respite.

I recognized the lead voices running through selections of blues and R&B. Then I heard something that made me look out the window. It was different voice, a much younger voice, a Michael Jackson-sounding voice. I mean the Michael of the early years.

My view is such that I could only see half of the performer. So, I took a break and walked over to the park. The “voice” was through by then, counting money collected in a “Tip the band” bucket.

The “voice” had ventured to the park with an equally small friend, who was riding a bicycle. As they exited, newly earned fans stopped the “voice.” They hugged him and had him sing into their phone to someone on the other end that they were determined had to hear the “voice.” He obliged.

I later encountered the “voice” further up Beale St. This time he was on the bike. “Was that you singing in the park,” I asked. “Yes,” he said, nodding.

I gave him my “tip” – enough for him and his companion. “What’s your name,” I asked. “Kevione,” he said.

Kevione is 9 years old. And the song he was singing in the park? “Michael Jackson. ‘You are not alone,’” he said.

Back in my office, I did a Google search and I found the words I first heard Kevione sing. Check out these opening lyrics:

“You Are Not Alone”

Another day has gone
I’m still all alone
How could this be
You’re not here with me
You never said goodbye
Someone tell me why
Did you have to go
And leave my world so cold