Mourning "Michaels"

I just realized that I mourned for three consecutive "Michael musicians" in the past months.

Mike Francis, born Francesco Puccioni, died last January.

Francis M, born Francis Michael Magalona, died last March.

Michael Jackson, born Michael Joseph Jackson, died last June.

So ok, Mike Francis was a stage name, and Francis M never really used the Michael in his name, pero wala lang. Napansin ko lang.

In each case, a part of my childhood died along with their passing. But that's the beauty of music - it lives forever.

Remembering Mike Francis (1961-2009)

I remember watching Mike Francis at Glorietta sometime 2004 or 2005. Even though I was alone then and I didn't really grow up to his music, I pretty much enjoyed the gig. He had some of the coolest laid back tunes of the 80's. It was only today that I was made aware that he wasn't really that famous outside of Italy and Manila. Glad we got to enjoy his music, though.

Rest in peace, Francesco Puccioni.

Listen to some of Mike Francis' songs at my Multiply.

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80s pop icon Mike Francis dead
By Gerry Plaza
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 03:41:00 02/02/2009

MANILA, Philippines—Mike Francis, international pop sensation in the 1980s passed away Friday due to a lingering illness. He was 47.

The Florence-born Francis, or Francesco Puccioni, had been particularly a favorite in Manila with his name figuring in the top acts during the heydays of electronic pop from 1985-1987, with such hits as “Friends” with Ami Stewart, “Survivor” with Belen Thomas, and his stirring solo “Let Me In.”

His only live album, “Mike Francis Live in Manila” that featured his highly successful 1989 gig at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, proves how his music was well-received in the country.

A greatest hits compilation, “The Very Best of Mike Francis” featuring a mix of his Italian and English hits, was released seven days before his death in Italy.