Download Michael Jackson’s “When We Grow Up” Video

In November 1972, the album and picture book Free to Be... You and Me was released. This album and book was a project by the Ms. Foundation for Women, aiming for gender equality and also helping children accept their individual personality traits—through stories and songs read by famous stars.

Two years later, on March 11, 1974, a special titled Free to Be... You and Me aired on ABC. The special won a prestigious Emmy Award. Michael Jackson, at age 16, was one of the artists who performed that day. He performed the song When We Grow Up alongside Roberta Flack in the form of a music video. Previously, this song had been recorded by Diana Ross for an album.

Download this music video here.

This album was the idea of actress Marlo Thomas, and even after forty years, it remains beloved by the hearts of mothers and fathers who consider it a great guide for their children.

Thomas recently said: "There are still mothers and fathers among us who think their children shouldn’t have freedom of action and should be exactly what they want them to be. If every person were free to be what they truly are, then we would never see suicides among gay teenagers. We still don’t fully understand the true concept of freedom... Many men have told me how the song 'It's Alright to Cry' from this album changed their lives. Boys also have the right to play with dolls—they also have the right to cry."

Source: eMJey.com / National Public Radio