The Ink and the Melody
by Joseph Barbera
Joseph Barbera recalls his meetings with Michael Jackson during the production of a Tom and Jerry movie. Their meeting reveals Jackson's admiration for Barbera's cartoons and shows how art can offer comfort, companionship and inspiration even to a highly successful person.
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- Meeting: Joseph Barbera meets Michael Jackson during work connected with the Tom and Jerry movie.
- Collaboration: Barbera initially imagines Jackson singing a song for the feature.
- Drawing: Barbera sketches 'Bowling Alley Cat' while Jackson watches with admiration.
- Childhood: Jackson's later autograph message reveals how much Barbera's cartoons meant to him when he was young.
- Theme: Art can comfort, inspire and remain meaningful throughout life.
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Barbera's creative work
Joseph Barbera describes his role as a creative consultant during the production of a Tom and Jerry movie. He calls the experience one of the best times of his life. During this period he has a series of meetings with Michael Jackson.
The meeting with Michael Jackson
Jackson contacts Barbera about the possibility of working together. Barbera thinks of having Jackson sing a song for the Tom and Jerry feature. Jackson is interested in whether Barbera really created the cartoon series and asks about his work.
The drawing session
Barbera gives Jackson a demonstration by sketching his favourite cartoon, 'Bowling Alley Cat'. Jackson watches closely and reacts with excitement. The meeting becomes a warm exchange between two creative personalities.
Art as comfort
Jackson's autograph message to Barbera thanks him for the many cartoon friends he gave him as a child and says they were all he had. The memory shows that Barbera's art had provided companionship during Jackson's childhood. The chapter therefore emphasizes the emotional power of creative work.