To finish off Chapter 5, this week we take on an especially large chunk of Moonwalk. We kick off with Michael's detailed recollection of Motown 25 and the massive success he saw immediately thereafter. As the window to promote the Thriller album began to close, he explains his decision to self-fund and produce the creation of the "Thriller" short film. He shares details about his relationship with Frank Dileo, as well as John Branca, who would go onto become the executor of his estate many years later. Michael also touches upon the evolution of his appearance, defending his changing look to an often critical public. In discussion, I go deep into all of these points and then some, considering how Michael's obsession with perfection may have been rooted in childhood pain, his challenges with his appearance, as well as his choice not disclose his vitiligo, and of course the music and iconography that defined this era of his life and career!

I hope you enjoy another long one today! For questions or comments email readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com.

As we continue Chapter 5 of Moonwalk, Michael takes us through the creation of the entire album by sharing his intentions for writing Beat It and his vision for (and experience of creating) the short film, the creative tension of perfecting the Thriller album as a whole, and more! But in the discussion portion of this episode, I try to take it a step deeper. How and why does Michael continue to gain younger fans? What did the creative tension mean when it came to Michael and Quincy's relationship? How did Michael himself contribute to the creation of Human Nature, even if he was not the songwriter? How did Michael's evolved perspective on the world shape the song and video for Beat It? We dive into all of these aspects of his creative process (and genius) in this episode!

For questions or comments please email readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com

Some of the clips included:

Babyface (not LA Reid, as I misquoted) discussing MJ vs. other artists: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1QYY6D8HA0

Eddie Van Halen discussing "Beat It": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YePluFoYSYE

Michael's Human Nature Demo:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acYbpNfMCEk&list=RDacYbpNfMCEk&start_radio=1

This week's episode of Reading Michael Jackson kicks off with a hefty intro covering topics of Michael's supposed "inexperience" with relationships, the recent passing of "She's Out of My Life" writer Tom Bahler and a clip of a recent interview he gave about Michael, a statement from Harry Styles about not "giving back" when it comes to music (and how I relate that back to Michael), and why, despite many attempted dethronings, there will never be another Michael Jackson

Then, for this week's excerpt of Moonwalk, we kick off Chapter 5 which explores the creation of Thriller. Michael talks about his workstyle, his confidence, and his "manifestation" of Thriller as the biggest selling album of all time. He additionally opens up about his purchase of The Beatles catalog and his relationship with Paul McCartney and his creative choices around their collaborations.

In the discussion portion of the episode, we discuss Michael's creative process with clips from the 1993 Mexico Deposition and the solo demo for "The Girl is Mine," Michael's goals when it came to buying The Beatles catalog and the many false narratives that persist around that choice.

Links for clips shared today:

Tom Bahler Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIkP_XuIDeY

The Mexico Deposition: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xd6L9io4sYM

The Girl is Mine Demo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94zKXFbMsCs

As we finish chapter 4 of Moonwalk, this extra long episode of Reading Michael Jackson goes deep into some of the most sensitive topics Michael discusses in his autobiography. While much of the chapter explores his creative process for Off the Wall, on a more personal note Michael explores his relationships with women, his views on love, sex, and connection, how closed off he feels from every day life experiences, and why he aims to be "the first Black King." Sharing clips of Michael's tearful recording of "She's Out of My Life," Maureen McCormick's confession of being "in love" with a teenage Michael, and reading Michael's handwritten note about his plans to take over the music industry, this episode is packed full of thoughtful discussion!

Michael's Handwritten Notes from 1987: https://www.mjvibe.com/michael-jacksons-hand-written-notes-from-1987/

She's Out of My Life Alternate Studio Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ww1mdAyREFo&list=PL46p8WlIN3xFfCFRSe5X1Djs4sEhnZfC7&index=137

Maureen McCormick's Interview on Being In Love with Michael Jackson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ktcdq3tIxoU

We are officially over halfway through Season 2 as well as our reading and discussion of Moonwalk. With 2 months left until the release of the Michael Jackson biopic, we still have plenty to cover from his autobiography. In this week's episode, we kick off Chapter 4 with Michael sharing some insights into his relationship with Quincy Jones, and their early partnership in recording Off the Wall. In addition. we learn more about the Jacksons recording of the Destiny album, and some of the tremendous pressure Michael felt from both his family and his loved ones to make decisions in their best interests.

In the discussion portion of this episode, we review some of the issues Michael faced with collaborators spreading different narratives to the public, than what Michael himself remembered happening regarding their collaboration. This is an ongoing issue with Michael's legacy, and one that is easy to spot when we begin to take notice. We also discuss the emotional turmoil for Michael of firing Joseph Jackson as his manager, as well as his fear of letting his family down.

Some sources discussed this episode!

MJ Vibe article about Munich Shrine: https://www.mjvibe.com/michael-jackson-munich-shrine-in-the-news-again/

MjCast Destiny Album Roundtable: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4x5VWAvUvN42ULzJZ5tlJd?si=BtgFBOz6QdGtx2QMrCZfTg

For questions or comments email readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com

In this week's episode of Reading Michael Jackson we kick off with a brief reflection on the changing discourse around Michael Jackson's innocence in light of current events. While Michael's image has been attacked for decades, social media is moving the public toward a more positive view of Michael. We can only hope that this trend is not short-lived, and the public continues to become more educated on Michael, including by continuing to learn his story in his own words.

This week, we wrap up Chapter 3 of Moonwalk with Michael telling us about his experience working on The Wiz, falling in love with film, and meeting Quincy Jones. While this is a shorter section, there is still plenty to talk about! Michael's relationships with Stephanie Mills and Diana Ross, the pressures he faced as the creative force behind his family, and his drive to "transform" just beginning to manifest.

For questions or comments email readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com

In this special Valentine's Day bonus episode we are reflecting on the full length of Michael's career through the many love songs he released throughout his lifetime! Join me for this career retrospective including clips of his hits, demo recordings, live performances, and deep cuts, lyrical analysis, and the non-stop intensity of what it means to be a female Michael Jackson fan. This episode is a break from our current season so sit back, relax, get comfortable, and get cozy as we indulge in all things Michael Jackson and L.O.V.E!

For questions or comments email readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com

Links to some of the songs, performances, and interviews mentioned in today's episode!

Interview with Marsha Ambrosius (Butterflies songwriter): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63TiZp9FXsM

Demo for "In the Closet": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLJy5FHW-tU

Mama's Pearl Live in Indiana: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjT7TrwNyMw

Dream Away Demo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xc958VceWCo

In this week's episode of Reading Michael Jackson we start with a brief discussion about the value of studying The Jackson 5 and The Jacksons discography for all Michael Jackson fans, before finishing our read of Chapter 3 of Moonwalk.

In this segment, Michael tells the story of the Jacksons initial transition away from Motown including the emotional struggle with losing Jermaine as a member of the group and establishing their own sound as the new rebranded "Jacksons." Michael shares what he learned from working on the Jackson's Variety TV show, collaborating with producers Gamble and Huff, before finally seeking permission from the Epic for the Jackson to produce their own album.

In the discussion portion, we reflect on Michael's very intentional approach to his own celebrity and the driving philosophy that too much accessibility to your audience will lead to over-exposure. These insights are significant in how we can understand Michael's later relationship to fame. We also review Michael's early relationship to songwriting and vulnerability in music, and more!

For questions or comments please email readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com