The many faces of Michael Jackson: Fascinating portraits of men and women who earn a living by impersonating the late King of Pop



Michael Jackson slipped into eternity more than four years ago, but his legend lives on in part thanks to his numerous impersonators.

In her new book of photos and essays The Michael Jacksons, photographer Lorena Turner collected portraits and stories of men and women from across the U.S. who pretend to be the late King of Pop for a living.

Turner, who teaches photography in the Communication Department at California State Polytechnic University, has spent the past four years tracking down 35 Michael Jackson tribute artists and look-alike.

Striking resemblance: Lorena Turner's new book The Michael Jacksons features portraits of 35 impersonators of the late King of Pop, among them Hollywood tribute artist Jovan Rameau (pictured)

Female facsimile: Jen Amerson, a divorced mother of two from Florence, North Carolina, helps support her family by perming as Michael Jackson at birthday parties and events in North Carolina

Turner, who teaches photography in the Communication Department at California State Polytechnic University, has spent the past four years tracking down Jackson lookalikes

According to the description of the monograph, currently available for pre-order, the Jackson doppelgangers come from multiple age groups, races and socio-economic backgrounds, and hail from large cities and small towns alike.

'To them, Michael Jackson is a lifestyle and a place to focus both their personal and professional aspirations,' the explanation reads.

Turner, who divides her time between New York and Los Angeles, said she was inspired to embark upon the journey to document the lives of Michael Jackson 'representers' after visiting Harlem for the singer's memorial in 2009, according to Slate Magazine.

There were many Jackson look-alikes in attendance, and the crowd that turned out to honor the pop idol were reacting to the facsimiles as if they were the real thing.

A short time after her visit, Turner discovered an entire Michael Jackson subculture populated with impersonators and tribute artists from all walks of life united by their undying passion for the late singer.



Big dreams: J. Michael Lucas used to perform in Las Vegas Harrah's 'Legends in Concert' show, but he aspires to become a singer and dancer in his own right

Claim to fame: Christof Ryulin was the stand-in for Jackson's silhouette on the poster for the film This Is It

Impersonator Jovan Rameau has traveled the world in the guise of Michael Jackson. Three days a week, he works on Hollywood Boulevard earning $400 to $500 a day.

When Turner first met Rameau, he was trying to save money to put on a play about his life as a Haitian immigrant and Jackson look-alike.

Christof Ryulin’s claim to fame is that the Las Vegas impersonator, who is known by his stage name Hollywood MJ Christof, was the stand-in for Jackson on the poster for the film This Is It.

Charles ‘Scooby’ James, of Queens, New York, owns a small production company and earns a living by performing in Times Square and at birthday parties around Brooklyn and Queens.

During the summer months, Jen Amerson, a divorced mother of two from Florence, North Carolina, dons her red leather jacket and fedora, and transforms herself into Michael Jackson, performing as a tribute artist at birthday parties and local events to help support her family.



Street artist: Charles 'Scooby' James earns a living by performing in Times Square and at birthday parties around Brooklyn and Queens

Career change: After working as a Jackson tribute artist in Las Vegas, Brandon Hunt returned to his hometown of Fort Worth, Texas, and was hired as an actor at a murder mystery company

For Brandon Hunt, his career as an impersonator started after someone had complimented him on his Jackson Halloween costume. After plying his trade in Las Vegas, Hunt returned to his hometown of Fort Worth, Texas, and was hired as an actor at a murder mystery company.

While most Jackson impersonators limit themselves to performing the star’s signature dance moves and mimicking his mannerisms, J. Michael Lucas also sings.