Jake Harper
There have been two notable female guitarists who have worked with Michael Jackson. The first is Jennifer Batten, an American guitarist, session musician, and solo artist. She played with Jackson for a decade, from 1987 to 1997, and appeared on all three of his world tours during that time. The second is Orianthi, an Australian guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Orianthi gained recognition as Jackson's lead guitarist and performed with him during his final rehearsal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Jennifer Batten |
| Date of Birth | 29 November 1957 |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Guitarist, session musician, solo artist |
| Work with Michael Jackson | Lead guitarist for Michael Jackson's world tours: Bad (1987-1989), Dangerous (1992), and HIStory (1996-1997) |
| Other Notable Work | Recorded with Jeff Beck, Michael Sembello; music video appearances with Jeff Beck, Michael Jackson, Natalie Cole, Sara Hickman, Miguel Mateos, Jason Becker; wrote two music books and created guitar courses |
| Name | Orianthi Penny Panagaris |
| Date of Birth | 22 January 1985 |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Occupation | Guitarist, singer, songwriter |
| Work with Michael Jackson | Lead guitarist on "I Just Can't Stop Loving You", "Monster"; performed at Jackson's memorial and in the film "Michael Jackson's This Is It" |
| Other Notable Work | Recorded for Bollywood film Rockstar, performed with Michael Bolton, Dave Stewart, James Durbin, Chris Brown; collaborated with Richie Sambora, Alice Cooper |
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What You'll Learn
Jennifer Batten played with Michael Jackson for 10 years
Jennifer Batten is an American guitarist, session musician, and solo artist. She was born on November 29, 1957, and started playing the guitar at the age of eight. From 1987 to 1997, she played on all three of Michael Jackson's world tours, including the Bad World Tour, Dangerous World Tour, and HIStory World Tour. She also appeared in Jackson's 1993 Super Bowl halftime performance, which was aired to over 1.3 billion people in 86 countries.
Batten's career with Jackson spanned ten years, from 1987 to 1997. During this time, she also worked on other projects. She released her debut album, "Above, Below, and Beyond," in 1992. This album was produced by former Stevie Wonder guitarist Michael Sembello. In addition to her work with Jackson, Batten has also toured and recorded with Jeff Beck, appearing on his albums Who Else! and You Had It Coming. She has also worked with other notable artists such as Uli Jon Roth and Andy Timmons.
Batten is known for her unique playing style and her use of the two-handed tapping technique, which she began experimenting with in 1978. She has also written two music books: "Two Hand Rock" and "The Transcribed Guitar Solos of Peter Sprague." In addition to her musical pursuits, Batten is a travelling nomad who has performed on some of the largest stages in the world with some of the biggest stars.
Even after her time with Jackson, Batten continued to be associated with him and his legacy. In 2019, she worked on a tribute to Michael Jackson, ten years after his death. For this show, she collaborated with LaVelle Smith Jr., Jackson's long-time choreographer and dancer. Batten has also been a part of the Michael Jackson musical, "This is Michael," which has toured worldwide with live performances in Europe and Latin America.
Batten's time with Michael Jackson was undoubtedly a significant part of her career. It not only showcased her talent as a guitarist but also provided her with opportunities to work with other renowned artists. Her work with Jackson and her subsequent collaborations have solidified her place in the music industry as a talented and versatile musician.
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Batten has released three solo albums
Michael Jackson's guitarist, Jennifer Batten, has released three solo albums. She is an American guitarist, session musician, and solo artist. She played with Jackson for ten years, from 1987 to 1997, and was part of all three of his world tours during that time.
Batten's first album, "Above, Below and Beyond," was released in 1992 and produced by former Stevie Wonder guitarist Michael Sembello. The album showcases Batten's forward-thinking compositions, with songs that are both wild and inventive. Her second album, "Jennifer Batten's Tribal Rage: Momentum," was released in 1997 and was influenced by worldbeat rhythms. This album further solidified her reputation as a talented and innovative guitarist and composer.
Batten's third solo album, "Whatever," was released on CD and DVD in Japan in 2007 and worldwide in 2008. This album demonstrated her continued evolution as a musician, blending her unique style with diverse musical influences. In addition to her solo albums, Batten has also appeared on recordings with other renowned artists such as Jeff Beck and Michael Sembello. She has also written two music books and several instructional guitar courses, sharing her expertise and techniques with aspiring guitarists.
Batten's solo work showcases her exceptional talent, creativity, and versatility as a musician. Her solo albums have received acclaim for their unique sound and her masterful guitar skills. She continues to tour and perform, both as a solo artist and in collaboration with other renowned musicians, constantly pushing the boundaries of her craft and inspiring a new generation of guitarists. With her distinctive style and unwavering passion for music, Batten has solidified her place as one of the most influential guitarists of her generation.
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Orianthi Panagaris was Michael Jackson's guitarist
Orianthi Panagaris, born Orianthi Penny Panagaris, is an Australian guitarist, singer, and songwriter. She was born in Adelaide, Australia, in January 1985. Orianthi began her musical journey at a young age, starting with the piano at three and transitioning to the acoustic guitar at six. At eleven, she developed an interest in the electric guitar and pursued her passion further.
Orianthi is known for her work as a guitarist for various stars, including Michael Bolton, Dave Stewart, and James Durbin. She has also made notable television appearances, such as performing with Chris Brown at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards. In addition, she spent a significant amount of time touring with Dave Stewart between 2013 and 2015.
One of Orianthi's notable collaborations was with the late Michael Jackson. She played and sang at Jackson's memorial, which was globally televised live on July 7, 2009. Orianthi also appears in the film "Michael Jackson's This Is It," which offers a behind-the-scenes look at the rehearsals for Jackson's tour, showcasing her talent alongside the King of Pop.
Orianthi's skills as a guitarist are highly regarded. In 2009, she was named one of the "12 Greatest Female Electric Guitarists" by Elle magazine. Additionally, she received the 2010 Breakthrough Guitarist of the Year award from Guitar International magazine. Her talent has taken her on a journey from Australia to the global stage, performing and collaborating with renowned artists.
Orianthi's work with Michael Jackson is a testament to her talent and versatility as a musician. While she is known primarily as a guitarist, her ability to sing and play multiple instruments showcases her diverse skills. Orianthi's collaboration with Jackson, along with her other endeavours, has solidified her place in the music industry as a talented and respected artist.
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Orianthi is from Adelaide, Australia
Orianthi Penny Panagaris, known professionally as Orianthi, is an Australian guitarist, singer, and songwriter. She was born in Adelaide, Australia, on 22 January 1985, to a Greek father. Orianthi began her musical journey at a very young age, starting with piano lessons at just three years old. Encouraged by her father, she transitioned to the acoustic guitar at six years old and later took up the electric guitar at eleven. She also studied classical guitar.
Orianthi's talent and passion for music led her to pursue it academically. She initially attended Mercedes College before moving to Cabra Dominican College. She also spent a brief period at St Peter's Collegiate Girls' School. Orianthi's dedication to her craft set her on a path to becoming one of the greatest guitarists of her generation.
Adelaide, Australia, is where Orianthi's musical journey began, and it played a pivotal role in her development as an artist. At the age of 14, she seized a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity when she received a personal invitation from Carlos Santana, one of her musical idols, to attend his soundcheck in Adelaide. This invitation came about after Orianthi sent Santana demos of her electric guitar playing, along with a biography and classical guitar pieces.
Being from Adelaide, Orianthi had the chance to connect with Santana when he visited the city. This connection not only inspired her but also opened doors to future collaborations and opportunities. It's safe to say that growing up in Adelaide, Australia, helped shape Orianthi's career and contributed to her success as a renowned guitarist and musician.
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Orianthi has also worked with Alice Cooper
Orianthi Penny Panagaris, known mononymously as Orianthi, is an Australian guitarist, singer and songwriter. She was born in Adelaide, Australia, to a Greek father. Orianthi began playing piano at the age of three, and at the encouragement of her father, moved to acoustic guitar at the age of six. When she was eleven, she took up electric guitar.
Orianthi has worked with several notable artists throughout her career. She was Michael Jackson's lead guitarist and was present at all rehearsals for his This Is It concerts before his death. She has also worked with Alice Cooper, playing with Cooper's band between 2011 and 2014. In late 2024, it was announced that Orianthi would be rejoining Alice Cooper for the Too Close for Comfort Tour in February 2025, filling in for Nita Strauss. However, Orianthi later had to cancel this tour due to a leg injury.
Orianthi has also worked with other notable artists such as Carrie Underwood, Steve Vai, Carlos Santana, and Dave Stewart. She has appeared on various television shows and awards ceremonies, including the 51st annual Grammy Awards and the 2009 American Music Awards. In addition to her collaborations, Orianthi has released several solo albums and singles. Her 2009 debut single "According to You" peaked at No. 3 in Japan, No. 8 in Australia, and No. 17 in the US. Her second album, Believe, was released worldwide in late 2009.
Orianthi has received recognition for her guitar skills, being named one of the "12 Greatest Female Electric Guitarists" by Elle magazine in 2009 and winning the "2010 Breakthrough Guitarist of the Year" award hosted by Guitar International magazine. She has also appeared in commercials and movie soundtracks, showcasing her versatility as an artist.
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Frequently asked questions
Michael Jackson had two notable female guitarists, Jennifer Batten and Orianthi Panagaris.
Jennifer Batten is an American guitarist, session musician, and solo artist. She was Michael Jackson's guitarist for a decade, playing in all three of his world tours. She has also released three studio albums and written two music books.
Orianthi is an Australian guitarist, singer, and songwriter. She was Michael Jackson's lead guitarist and played at his memorial. She has also recorded music for Bollywood and appeared on American Idol.
Yes, Nita Strauss, who played with Alice Cooper, is another notable female guitarist.
