Gone Too Soon

Album: Dangerous (1991)
Charted: 33
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was the ninth single released from Jackson's 1991 album Dangerous in the UK.
  • This song, which was written by Larry Grossman and Buz Kohan, was dedicated to AIDS victim Ryan White. The American teenager became a national poster child for HIV/AIDS in the United States after being expelled from school because of his infection. Jackson befriended Ryan prior to his death.
  • Jackson performed this song at former President Bill Clinton's first inauguration ball on January 20, 1993.
  • This was produced by Michael Jackson and co-produced by Bruce Swedien, who mixed some of the Dangerous tracks.
  • R&B and hip-hop producer Teddy Riley worked on many of the songs on Dangerous. He commented to Musicradar.com: "I think he was trying to reinvent himself and become more credible; more commercial and he achieves that here. It reminds me of a more worldly version of She's Out Of My Life."
  • R&B singer-songwriter Usher performed this song at Jackson's memorial service on July 7, 2009.

Comments: 7

  • Chad Eicher from Apple Creek, OhioI loved that song so very much. If I chose to perform that song, I would dedicate it to my mom or one of my best friends whom I loved very much. I wished I could sing it onstage to Michael's brother, Jermaine Jackson.
  • Austin Vigho from Rivers StateI Love you All
  • Miles from Vancouver, CanadaI performed this song at karaoke in honor of my friend Kathryn who I only knew for the last three months of her life. She was doing very well when I first met her and died of an aneurysm, which I didn't know about until two months after it happened. Performing that song, of course, was a one-time event.
  • Betty from Bedford, OhThis song makes you think of all the people that have gone too soon. Everytime I hear it, it brings memories of my grandmother who died way too young and too soon. I miss you Grandma!!
  • Sara from Silver Spring, MdWhen one hears the song today one wonders if Michael Jackson had a sixth sense.
  • Judy from Orlando, FlSorry Teddy, he was always "credible"...there are those who will always hate him, but most will always love him and for the undecided, the facts are out there, just look.
  • Chris from California, CaI cry now everytime I listen to this song.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Rickie Lee Jones

Rickie Lee JonesSongwriter Interviews

Rickie Lee Jones on songwriting, social media, and how she's handling Trump.

Amy Lee of Evanescence

Amy Lee of EvanescenceSongwriter Interviews

The Evanescence frontwoman on the songs that have shifted meaning and her foray into kids' music.

Dick Wagner (Alice Cooper/Lou Reed)

Dick Wagner (Alice Cooper/Lou Reed)Songwriter Interviews

The co-writer/guitarist on many Alice Cooper hits, Dick was also Lou Reed's axeman on the Rock n' Roll Animal album.

Amanda Palmer

Amanda PalmerSongwriter Interviews

Call us crazy, but we like it when an artist comes around who doesn't mesh with the status quo.

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse Pop

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse PopSong Writing

Songs that seem to glorify violence against women are often misinterpreted - but not always.

Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, Heaven And Hell

Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, Heaven And HellSongwriter Interviews

Guitarist Tony Iommi on the "Iron Man" riff, the definitive Black Sabbath song, and how Ozzy and Dio compared as songwriters.