085: For all the YANA Lovers Out There?

After hosting four (epic!) back-to-back special episodes, Jamon takes a well-deserved break, handing the reins over to Q, Elise, and Damien Shields, who catch up on more than a month’s worth of MJ and Jackson Family news. They revisit The MJCast’s recent interview with Judith Hill, and look ahead to events planned for MJ’s birthday on August 29th, including a screening of Moonwalker at the British Film Institute, as well as developments around the Estate’s ‘Diamond Celebration’, which include partnering with The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation and the release of a vinyl anthology box set.

In other news, Michael has been making appearances on tracks by major recording artists, including Christina Aguilera’s ‘Maria’, and Drake’s ‘Don’t Matter To Me’, which has earned Michael Jackson his 30th Hot 100 Top 10 Billboard hit. Plus, developments are in the works for a Broadway show based around Michael’s music, and Omer Bhatti reveals the long-rumoured original golden Invincible album cover artwork. In Jackson family news, Janet continues her big year by receiving the first ever Impact Award at Radio Disney Music Awards, and reports are circulating that she is collaborating with Bruno Mars, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis on her new album. Lastly, be sure to check out the Michael Jackson Academic Studies courses, which have recently been made available for free online.

Q and Elise also get a chance to ask Damien about the revised and expanded edition of his book, Michael Jackson: Songs & Stories From The Vault (previously titled Xscape Origins), and about the progress on his “A Truth Untold” project.

News
A new German-language book about Michael has been released, Make That Change: Michael Jackson: Botschaft und Schicksal eines spirituellen Revolutionärs (Message and Fate of a Spiritual Revolutionary) by Sophia Pade and Armin Risi.
• Reports are circulating that Janet Jackson is to collaborate with Bruno Mars, as well as Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis for new album.
• New Christina Aguilera song, “Maria, featuring an MJ sample.
• The Michael Jackson Estate is set to partner with The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation for Michael’s “Diamond” birthday celebration.
• Janet Jackson receives the first ever Impact Award at Radio Disney Music Awards and gives another inspirational acceptance speech.
• A Michael Jackson Broadway show may be coming in 2020, organised by the Estate and Columbia Live Stage.
• New Drake song with previously-unreleased MJ vocals, “Don’t Matter to Me“, which has earned Michael his 30th “Hot 100 Top 10” Billboard hit.
• London’s prestigious British Film Institute has announced a screening of Moonwalker on August 29th for Michael Jackson’s birthday.
• The National Portrait Gallery has opened its Michael Jackson – On the Wall exhibition, which will be travelling to France later this year.
• Fashion house Balmain launches its Spring 2019 Menswear collection featuring Michael Jackson-inspired designs from designer Olivier Rousteing.
• SWG (Single White Glove) has released a new (10 minute long!) You Are Not Alone Extended Mix. Enjoy, YANA-heads!
• Omar Bhatti reveals the long rumoured original golden Invincible album cover artwork.
• MJAS have just made all their courses available for free.
• MJ60 Birthday events: What’s happening? Let us know details! Organise something yourself!
• Most of MJ’s albums are to be officially re-released as picture discs in a US$175 vinyl anthology box set. (No BOTDF!)
• Elise shares a few Los Angeles MJ Week stories.

Main Discussion Topic
Damien Shields discusses his new edition of Michael Jackson: Songs & Stories From The Vault (previously titled Xscape Origins).
• Check out Damien’s original appearance on The MJCast about the first edition of his book; The MJCast – Episode 008: Xscape Origins Special
• Damien also brings us up to speed on A Truth Untold

Finds of the Week
Q – Soundtrack (iTunes) for the film “Love, Simon”, which features the Jackson 5 Christmas classic, “Someday at Christmas”. (Check out the film, it’s great!)
• Elise – MJ FAQ by Kit O’Toole.
• Damien – ?

Ad & Music Breaks
Mike Tompkins feat. Michael Jackson – Don’t Matter To Me (Remix)
Michael Jackson – Maria (You Were the Only One) [Emile Haynie Remix from the Michael Jackson Remix Suite album]
Moonwalker cinema promo
The Jacksons – Wondering Who (Nick* Deluxe Mix)
Janet Jackson – Nasty (Nick* Cool Summer Redux)

Correspondent Appearances
Janneke van der Linden of Jackson Source (Jackson family Correspondent)
Steven Hodges of MJFFC (Charity Correspondent)

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If you have any thoughts, opinions, or 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.comKeep Michaeling!

084: Judith Hill Special

Jamon and Charles host this week’s episode, and welcome a very special guest to the show; Grammy Award-winning soul and R&B star Judith Hill. Judith first captured the world’s attention in 2009, when she performed at Michael Jackson’s Staples Centre memorial service. Prior to Michael’s passing, she had been selected as the lead female soloist in Michael’s band for his ‘This Is It’ residency at the O2, and would have been his duet partner in every show. Those rehearsals are featured in the ‘This Is It’ film.

Judith has also toured with Stevie Wonder, Prince, Josh Groban, John Legend, and was a contestant on The Voice. She featured extensively in the Oscar-winning documentary ’20 Feet From Stardom’, and won a Grammy Award for her contributions to its soundtrack. In 2015, she released her fantastic debut solo album, ‘Back In Time’, produced by her friend and mentor, Prince. Judith has recently released her new funk-laden single The Pepper Club, which she’ll undoubtedly be performing her Summer Tour in Europe, which will run through this month. Judith has a new album and stage musical called Golden Child due later this year.

Jamon and Charles are thrilled to have this chance to discuss Judith’s memories about working with legends Michael Jackson and Prince, her experience as a recording artist, and her upcoming projects.

Additional Links
Judith Hill’s website, YouTube channel, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
• Summer Tour dates in Europe
• Judith’s debut album, ‘Back In Time’ on her website and on Apple Music.
Video for Back In Time (Behind-The-Scenes at Paisley Park)
• Michael Jackson’s This Is It

Ad & Music Breaks
Michael Jackson and Judith Hill – I Just Can’t Stop Loving You (Live in This Is It Rehearsals)
Judith Hill – I Will Always Be Missing You
Judith Hill – Cry, Cry, Cry
Judith Hill – The Pepper Club

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If you have any thoughts, opinions, or 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.comStay BAD!

082: June 25th Special with Damien Shields and TJ

June 25th, 2018 marks the ninth anniversary of Michael Jackson’s tragic passing. Jamon and Q are joined by their long-time MJ mates, Damien Shields and TJ, to celebrate and honour the King of Pop. This episode is one of inevitable sadness, but also a time to share good memories and even a laugh or two. Friends since they were teenagers, the ‘Awesome Foursome’ reflect on their childhood fandoms, the birth of their friendship, and how they came up with the original seed of an idea that would become The MJCast. As this is TJ’s first time on the show, he tells his fan story. This episode also features memories about Michael Jackson from previous guests and correspondents, along with tribute songs.

Damien Shields last appeared on The MJCast way back in Season Two, though, as regular listeners know, his work is referenced often on the show. Damien is the author of the book Xscape Origins, runs A Truth Untoldwhich investigates the truth around the posthumous Michael album, and has published a wide range of articles related to Michael Jackson. He plans to release an updated version of Xscape Origins this year, and has some new projects in the works, as well.

TJ is an Aussie MJ fan best known for his “Aussie English translation” videos on YouTube. His open letter, “To The Bullies”, was featured in the 2011 book, It Gets Better, alongside a myriad of inspirational contributors such as Chaz Bono, Darren Hayes, Ellen Degeneres, and President Barack Obama. His latest video is a half hour documentary, “The Michael Jackson Trial: One of the Most Shameful Episodes In Journalistic History”, based on the incredible article by Charles Thomson.

Main Discussion Topics
Thoughts on The MJCast’s interview with Aphrodite Jones.
• Special memories of Michael Jackson.
• TJ’s fan story.
• The MJCast’s origin story!

Finds of the Week
Damien Shields – Trevor Nelson: Thriller (Michael Jackson’s Masterpiece)
TJ – Michael Trapson: Thriller Remake (The Grave)

Additional Links
Damien Shields‘ website & Twitter.
• A Truth Untold‘s Twitter.
• Xscape Origins‘ website.
• TJ’s TabloidJunk YouTube channel and Twitter.
The MJCast – Episode 027: Sony/ATV Purchase Roundtable (Damien’s last appearance on The MJCast)
The MJCast – Episode 008: Xscape Origins Special

Ad & Music Breaks
Akon – Cry Out of Joy
The Commodores – Nightshift 2010 (A Tribute to Michael Jackson)
• Judith Hill – I Will Always Be Missing You on YouTube and Apple Music
• Scott and Michelle Dalziel – Timeless on YouTube and Apple Music

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If you have any thoughts, opinions, or 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.comKeep Michaeling!