Tag Archives: James Porte

146: Cascio Tracks Removal Roundtable

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On November 8, 2010, Sony Music and the Estate of Michael Jackson unveiled the first song from their new Michael Jackson album in a worldwide premiere via michaeljackson.com. The song, called “Breaking News,” was said to have been written and produced by Eddie Cascio, James Porte and Michael Jackson. But there was one problem… The Jackson family, several of Michael’s former collaborators, and thousands of fans around the world believed the track was fake, with vocals sung by an impostor.

Five weeks after the premiere, “Breaking News” and two other songs also believed to be fakes were commercially released on the album, simply titled “Michael”. Despite the ongoing protests of fans around the world (including The MJCast), the album would remain commercially available in music stores, via online retailers and on streaming platforms for nearly twelve years. One fan in particular, Vera Serova, filed a class action lawsuit against the Estate, Sony, Cascio, Porte and their production company in 2014, which remains unresolved to this day.

Finally, in 2022, the three tracks in question have been removed from digital platforms.

In this conversation, host Jamon Bull is joined by author and Cascio track expert Damien Shields, studio engineer Dan Villalobos, award-winning journalist Charles Thomson, and Friends of the Show James Alay and Samar Habib. The panel discusses the impact of the Cascio Tracks, the long-running lawsuit to have them removed, emerging news that the songs have been removed, and also a statement from the Michael Jackson Estate’s online team that they have removed the songs from sale not because of their legitimacy, but because they have been distracting fans from buying more posthumous products.

This episode was edited by Charlie Carter.

Participants
• Jamon Bull
• Damien Shields
• Dan Villalobos
• James Alay
• Charles Thomson
• Samar Habib

Additional Links
• The MJCast’s Remove the Cascio Tracks Now campaign
• #TheMJCast067: Joseph Vogel Special
• Damien Shields’s website, with a section dedicated to the Cascio Tracks.
• Damien’s upcoming Faking Michael podcast
• Damien’s book, Michael Jackson: Songs & Stories From The Vault

Connect with us
• TheMJCast.com
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• YouTube

If you have feedback on this Michael Jackson podcast episode, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.com. Keep Michaeling!

Remove Cascio Tracks Now

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Eight years ago, on November 8th, 2010, Sony Music and the Estate of Michael Jackson ignored the express wishes of the Jackson family, Michael’s collaborators and his loyal fans. They released a track that they falsely stated was sung by the King of Pop, the Eddie Cascio and James Porte produced ‘Breaking News’. Five weeks later, the song and two other fakes were commercially released on an album sold to millions of fans around the world. The album, ‘Michael’, is still available for purchase through physical and digital retailers, bringing continual profits to those who were complicit in the fraud.

The time has come to once again raise our voice as one and remind Sony Music and the Estate that we will not stand for such disrespect and vandalism of Michael Jackson’s artistic legacy. Demand change. Demand they #RemoveCascioTracksNOW. We will continue our call to action through December 14th, the eight year anniversary of the ‘Michael’ album’s release, at which time we will request a formal response from Sony & the Estate. If sending an email, include the following recipients.

Sony Music CEO
Rob Stringer (rob.stringer@sonymusic.com)

Michael Jackson Estate Co-Executors
John Branca (johnb@ziffrenlaw.com)
John McClain (jmcclain2004@aol.com)

Michael Jackson Estate & Sony Music Attorneys
Howard Weitzman (hweitzman@kwikalaw.com)
Zia Modabber (zia.modabber@kattenlaw.com)

For sample email text, please feel free to personalise the below.

—

Dear Rob, John, John, Howard and Zia,

December 14th will mark the eighth anniversary since the release of Michael Jackson’s first posthumous album, ‘Michael’.

My name is [insert name here]. Unfortunately, I’m not writing to you today to express joy around your representation of the greatest entertainer who ever lived, like I’d one day hope to be able to, but to express my disappointment that there are still fake Michael Jackson songs for sale at retail outlets (online and physical) around the world even after eight years of protest from Michael’s family and fans.
The songs I am referring to are known as the Cascio tracks, a set of songs written, produced and arranged by Eddie Cascio and James Porte, sung on by vocal impersonator Jason Cupeta AKA Jason Malachi, and then sold to Sony Music. Three of them; Breaking News, Keep Your Head Up and Monster, were included on Michael’s titular debut posthumous album in 2010. I’m sure you’re aware of the controversy that ensued after ‘Breaking News’ premiered on www.michaeljackson.com eight years ago.
Regardless, any member of Michael’s family that has spoken out about this issue has said the songs are fake (including some of his beneficiaries). Most of Michael’s studio collaborators have confirmed the same thing and thousands upon thousands of his fans, yet the songs remain for sale. It concerns me greatly that Sony and Michael’s estate executors continue to defend the people who are responsible for this fraud, instead of defending Michael’s own beneficiaries and Michael’s artistic legacy itself.
This is an affront to what Michael stood for as an artist. He publicly stated he wanted to immortalise himself through his work. Michael deserves much better than this. So here’s what I am asking for…
1) All three Cascio tracks are permanently removed from sale in all retail stores around the world (digital and physical).
2) The Estate of Michael Jackson & Sony Music release public statements apologising to fans for selling fake Michael Jackson songs.
3) Fans who wish to receive a refund for the 2010 ‘Michael’ album are offered one.
I appreciate the position you found yourself in, in 2010. In fact, many fans agree that the Estate and Sony are victims of the Porte/Cascio fraud too. Im sure there were contracts signed, but I see no excuse for ignoring the advice of Michael’s own mother, a beneficiary to his Estate. The right choice would have been to not include the songs on the Michael album and to challenge Eddie Cascio and James Porte in court, but alas, it’s not too late to do the right thing, even though eight years have passed.
I hope that I don’t need to send a similar email to this one in the future, but I will continue to contact you until this matter is resolved. I would really appreciate a reply from someone this time. Let’s open the lines of communication around this.


Sincerely,

[Insert name here]

“Cause there’s a time when you’re right and you know you must fight.” – Michael Jackson.

Jamon Bull

053: You Don’t Feel it Coming?

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Episode 053 of The MJCast sees Jamon teaming up with co-host Charles Thomson and debut guest host Greg Spinks in Q’s absence. The boys begin the show by discussing follow-up around Paris Jackson’s debut as a television actress on Star and a brief update on the Cascio case. Headline news items include 3T’s retraction of their lawsuit against Radar Online, Jason Malachi’s return to the music scene, Tito Jackson’s new single, Kingvention 2017 and The Jacksons Glastonbury announcement. Jamon, Charles and Greg then discuss Michael’s alleged interest in playing Professor X in the X-Men movies, Paris Jackson presenting at the GLAAD Awards, Charles’ new favourite song by The Weeknd, new footage of Michael Jackson and finally HLN’s Michael Jackson episode of How It Really Happened. The main discussion topic of this episode is Greg Spinks’ history as an MJ fan and the previously untold story of his creation, the greatest Michael Jackson forum that ever was (in Jamon’s estimation), Maximum Jackson. We hope you enjoy this episode of the internet’s premiere podcast on all things Michael Jackson and the Jackson family.

Follow Up
• Episode 053 of The MJCast is dedicated to the mother of Taj, Taryll and TJ Jackson, Dee Dee Jackson. Please consider making a donation to the Dee Dee Jackson Foundation in her honour.
• Paris Jackson makes her TV acting debut on Star. See a brief interview with her here.
• Vera Serova challenges Eddie Cascio, James Porte & Angelikson’s request for reimbursement of their legal fees. Relevant court documents are the March, 2017 docs here.

News
• 3T retract their lawsuit against Radar Online
• Jason Malachi is back on the music scene
• Tito Jackson has dropped his new single When The Magic Happens (feat. Jocelyn Brown)
• Kingvention 2017 tickets are now on sale
• The Jacksons expand their U.K. show dates to include Glastonbury festival
• Michel Jackson wanted to play Professor X in the X-Men films
• Paris Jackson to present at the GLAAD Awards
• The Weeknd releases he new Jacksons inspired video for I Feel It Coming (feat. Daft Punk)
• Shana Mangatal is releasing rare videos of Michael Jackson on her YouTube channel including videos of Michael with Ryan White, Michael on the Bad World Tour and on the set of In The Closet
• HLN air their Michael Jackson episode of How It Really Happened

Main Discussion Topic
• Greg Spinks’ history as a fan and the untold story behind Maximum Jackson

Finds of the Week
• Jamon Bull – The Many Typefaces of Michael Jackson
• Charles Thomson – The Jacksons – I’ll Be There (Live in Antwerp, 2012)
• Greg Spinks – Prince Jackson’s new MJ inspired tattoo

Additional Links
• Greg Spinks’ Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts
• Charles Thomson’s Facebook, Twitter and website
• Maximum Jackson’s closure announcement and in-depth article
• Paris Jackson: Inside Her Calculated Rise to Fame article
• Miss Castaway and the Island Girls IMDb page
• The Jacksons Night of the Proms full performance live in Antwerp
• Footage of Michael Jackson visiting Stan Lee in 1999
• The Jacksons – Can You Feel It short film
• The Weeknd – D.D.
• The Prince episode of HLN’s How It Really Happened
• Ian Halperin’s Unmasked – The Final Years of Michael Jackson book
• Rush Hour 2 on iTunes
• Michael Jackson – You Rock My World video and hilarious review
• Red Dragon special feature with Brett Ratner, Anthony Hopkins and Michael Jackson
• Damien Shields’ website and Xscape Origins book
• Alvin and the Chipmunks Billie Jean video
• Nada Basheer’s book review of Michael Bush’s King of Style: Dressing Michel Jackson

Music Breaks & Ads
• Michael Jackson – Human Nature (Louis La Roche Remix)
• 3T – Anything (Cool Out Urban Remix)
• Tame Impala – Stranger In Moscow
• Michael Jackson – Who Is It (Divyns Remix)

Connect with Us
• TheMJCast.com
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• YouTube

If you have any thoughts, opinions, or feedback on the show, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.com. Keep Michaeling!

Episode 021 – Man Crush Monday

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Episode 021 - Mancrush Monday YouTube ArtQ and Jamon are joined by guest host Jacob Rathjen to discuss all things Michael Jackson! On Episode 021 of The MJCast, the boys discuss CNN’s publication of rare, behind-the-scenes Thriller photos, a never before seen MJ Pepsi commercial and Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s Lip Sync Battle performance of Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation. Following this, legal correspondent Charles Thomson Skypes in to discuss exclusive breaking news regarding the class action lawsuit Vera Serova is bringing against Sony Music, Eddie Cascio and others for the 2010 posthumous album, Michael. Q shares some insights around Disney’s decision to close Captain EO at EPCOT followed by an update on Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney’s Say Say Say [2015 Remix] song and competition. Q, Jamon and Jacob also talk about the recent leak of the 2010 Much Too Soon stems, Stephanie Mills and Emmanual Lewis’ recent media insights into their time with Michael Jackson, Tito’s upcoming charity gig, the latest on the Billboard Music Awards Hologram court case and a fascinating ‘top ten MJ music video’s’ countdown from WatchMojo.com. As our major discussion topic, we discuss the recently leaked and never before seen Michael Jackson concert during the Dangerous World Tour in Bremen, with help from friend of the show, Anthony King. We hope you enjoy Episode 021 of the internet’s premiere Michael Jackson podcast, The MJCast.

News
Rare ‘behind the scenes’ photographs of the making of the Thriller short film have been published by CNN. They can be found in the Michael Jackson: The Making of Thriller book by legendary photography Douglas Kirkland.
A ‘new’ Michael Jackson and Pepsi commercial has leaked…featuring never before heard music! Find more out about Pepsi ad series The Chase at Anthony King’s website.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt performs Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation on Lip Sync Battle.
UK Journalist and The MJCast Legal Correspondent Charles Thomson unpacks the latest court documents regarding the Serova Vs. Sony/Branca/Cascio/Porte/MJJ Productions/Angelikson case. The relevant court documents can be accessed as a PDF here. The ‘Cascio Case’ continues amidst a newly released Times Union interview with Eddie Cascio on his relationship and work with Michael Jackson.
Michael Jackson and Disney’s sci-fi short film Captain EO is to play at EPCOT for the very last time on December 6th, 2015. Listen to Captain EO: The Complete Experience from EPCOT Legacy here and watch the making of Captain EO here.
The 12″ vinyl and cd single versions of Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney’s Say Say Say [2015 Remix] are out! Fans can also enter into a remix competition using the instrumental version of the track.
Stems for the 2010 version of the Michael Jackson song Much Too Soon have leaked. Listen to Australian guitarist Tommy Emmanuel discussing the recording of his guitar parts here.
Gospel/R&B singer and Broadway actress Stephanie Mills reveals she dated the King of Pop!
Emmanuel Lewis discusses his friendship with Michael Jackson in this radio interview.
Tito Jackson is set to perform at a Canadian charity event for the Donald Berman Maimonides Geriatric Centre.
The Michael Jackson Estate has been dismissed as a defendant from the Billboard Awards/Hologram lawsuit.
WatchMojo.com’s Top 10 MJ Videos countdown

Discussion Topic
Michael Jackson’s Dangerous World Tour concert in Bremen has leaked in full thanks to MJBeats. Watch Part I and Part II. Special thanks to Anthony King for his audio contribution analysing the show and thanks to Jackson Trader for information on Michael’s Dangerous World Tour.

Finds of the Week
Q – Annie’s personal story of Michael the humanitarian
Jamon – Michael Jackson’s Smooth Criminal [Annie Mix] from The Bad Mixes official promo album
Jacob – Haywire’s cover of Smooth Criminal

Additional Links
Jacob Rathjen’s Twitter and YouTube pages
Charles Thomson’s official website, Twitter and Facebook pages
Anthony King’s official website, Twitter and Facebook pages
The Jackson 5’s Alpha Bits cereal commercial
Michael’s Dream Foundation charity
Rea Day’s Facebook page. Check it out for some amazing Michael Jackson inspired art!
The Dangerous Video Megamix found on the VHS version of Dangerous: The Short Films.

Connect With Us
TheMJCast.com
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
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YouTube

If you have any thoughts, opinions, or feedback on the show, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.com. Michael On!