Tribute Page for Michael Baksh

Michael Baksh

Family Tribute:

WHAT COLOR IS A SOUL?

Words by Michael Baksh
Music by Baksh/Crane/Maher/Currie
Copyright 2000

I don’t understand
How they can judge a man
He’s a different skin
How can they know who he is inside?

I don’t understand this,
The pride and prejudice
They don’t think it’s wrong
It’s been this way for far too long

We’ve got to change the way we teach
Got to change the way we preach
We’ve got to change the way we live
We’ve got to change the way we give

Chorus:

Oh, what color is a soul?
Won’t somebody tell me
Oh, what color is a soul?

Look at the children
They don’t see black
They don’t see white
They play together
How do they learn to hate and fight?

We’ve got to change the way we share
Got to change the way we care
We’ve got to change the things we say
We’ve got to change the way we pray

Chorus:

Oh, what color is a soul?
Won’t somebody tell me
Oh, what color is a soul?

Now’s the time for changing
Gotta do what needs to be done
Our lives may need rearranging
We’ve got to come together as one.

Michael Baksh: Abba Aficionado

Michael Baksh would turn up the stereo after dinner at his home in Englewood, N.J., and swing his wife, Christina, and their two young children, Ava and James, to the sounds of Abba. They would dance until they dropped. "It wasn’t every night," said Mrs. Basch. "But it was a lot of nights. It was a lot of fun. He really appreciated his life."

Mr. Baksh, 36, a Pakistani immigrant who grew up in Washington Heights, loved all kinds of music.

He even wrote songs and performed with a rock band, Sage, in the early 90’s. The band recorded a dozen or so songs, including "What Color Is A Soul?" which was played at his memorial service last month.

Mr. Baksh had just started his first day as an insurance executive at Marsh & McLennan on Sept. 11.

An exuberant man, with dark handsome looks, he could be hard to forget.

He caught his future wife’s eye in a geology class at Hunter College in 1985. She introduced herself, and asked him out for a soda.

During their courtship, they went dancing every weekend.

first

page 1 of 1

last

I worked with Mike in the 90s at Def Jam Records, right in the same office, same room about ten feet from him for a couple of years. He was always kind, smiling and soft spoken. He always was impeccably dressed and I felt that his love for his family was ran very deep. He was the only man I knew who bought an entire outfit for his then fiance, now widow, Christina..right down to the shoes. Very romantic. I was very saddened, as was everyone who worked with him to hear about his passing, it made it all that much more personal for me. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, on this the anniversary of the tragedy. Simone

Simone Reyes, 9/11/2009 4:38:56 PM

I knew Michael we were classmate. Mike was a very friendly, easy going person. He and Emmitt wrote our Senior class song. It was sad to hear news that Mike had died on 9/11. Having someone closed died was very hard for me. I'm sure it has been for his wife and children. I was told that he lead a beautiful life, That he loves very much his wife and his kids. I will remember him dearly and look forward to seeing him with a big smile and happy like always when our Lord Jesus comes in is glory.

Cinthya Sanchez-Torres, 9/11/2008 2:10:19 PM

I went to school with Michael also at Greater NY Academy. He graduated the class before mine. I wasn't as close to him as others, but I always remember him being so nice and pleasant to be around. When I was told about a week after the attacks that it was Michael's FIRST day on the 94th floor of WTC Tower 1, I was in shock. I mean... I KNEW this guy! I, too worked in the towers in the 90's and ironically, so did my Dad in the 70's when they were first built so this has been very personal to me. But then to hear that someone I went to school with was actually there.... it was very painful. Michael was a fine example of a Christian, a gentleman and just an all-around nice guy. He didn't deserve such a horrific death, but I know that he now rests in peace and is smiling in heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones always. God bless....

Ruth Nunez, 9/11/2007 10:08:06 PM

I got to know Mike at Greater NY Academy High School in Woodside, Queens. Being a friendly, easy going person; it was easy to become buddies with him. I remember Mike for his cheerful demeanor that was contagious and for being one of the few that all the finicky high school kids genuinely liked to be around. Although we lost contact after high school, I was confident that his life would be one of successes. From the few bits of info I've been able to gather about him via the web, it's comforting to know it was. I trust that his example shines through the family that survives him.

Gaspar Cruz, 9/11/2006 10:21:43 AM

I knew Mike Baksh mostly in the late 1980's and early 1990's. We worked together at Chrysalis Records and I recruited Mike to come work with me at the old Def Jam Recordings. He loved music and was kind and generous man. We'd gone our separate ways but the world is a lesser place without Mike.

Charles D'Atri, 9/12/2003 3:47:00 AM

first

page 1 of 1

last