105: Don’t Forget Your Lanyard

Q and Elise are running the show today, with Jamon taking a much-needed break after featuring on twelve back-to-back episodes in a row. It’s been such a busy first half of the year that this is Elise’s first show appearance on Season 5! She’s thrilled to be back for lots of news updates and discussion with Q.

In this regular episode, the team covers Joe Vogel’s new edition of Man In the Music, Jafaar Jackson’s debut single and music video, Paris Jackson’s latest TV role, John Branca’s version of the highs and lows as co-executor of the Michael Jackson Estate for the past decade, and updates on the lawsuit being filed by French MJ fans against Robson and Safechuck. Elise will also talk about some of the recent #MJWeek events she was able to attend in California. And, as their main discussion topic, Q and Elise chat about two amazing new documentary films, which they encourage all fans to watch and share: LaVelle Smith Jr.’s “The Man Behind the Dance”, as well as Paul Dwyer’s “Humanitarian – The Real Michael Jackson”.

This episode also includes updates from The MJCast correspondents Steven (MJFFC), Janneke (Jackson Source), and Courtney & Kam (Janet Today, Janet Tomorrow, Janet Forever).

News
• Joe Vogel confirms the release of a new version of Man in the Music in August.
• John Branca participates in an interview with ABC on the last ten years as the Michael Jackson Estate’s co-executor.
• Weird Al Yankovic drops Michael Jackson parodies from his show set lists.
• Jafaar Jackson releases his debut single and video, “Got Me Singing”.
• Paris Jackson steals the show in a new “Scream” reboot.
• French fans are suing Wade Robson and James Safechuck.
• Gallery Different in London to host “Michael: HIS_story” exhibition in August.

Main Discussion Topic
• LaVelle Smith Jr.’s The Man Behind the Dance documentary review.
• Australian fan Paul Dwyer’s Humanitarian – The Real Michael Jackson documentary review.

Finds of the Week
• Q – Recent fan catch-up in Perth, and upcoming MJ birthday lunch on Saturday, August 31, at noon, at Dome Cafe Belmont.
• Elise – Her #MJFieldTrip to see an MJ mural in San Diego, California (made out of Post-It notes!) based on the Jeff Koons sculpture of Michael Jackson and Bubbles.

Additional Links
• More dates coming up for In The Studio with MJ.
• The MJCast – Episode 015: Brad Sundberg Special
• The MJCast – Episode 052: Michael Prince Special
• The MJCast – Episode 064: Vincent Paterson Special
• The MJCast – Episode 100: Brad Buxer Special

Ad & Music Breaks
• The Jacksons – Walk Right Now (Nick* Redux)
• Michael Jackson – It’s the Falling In Love (The Reflex Revision)
• Michael Jackson (feat. Akon vs. Halsey) – Hold My Colors [Deelirious Mashup]

Correspondent Appearances
• Steven Hodges of MJFFC (Charity Correspondent)
• Janneke van der Linden of Jackson Source (Jackson family Correspondent)
• Courtney and Cam of Janet Today, Janet Tomorrow, Janet Forever podcast (Janet Jackson Correspondent)

Connect with Us
TheMJCast.com
Facebook
Twitter
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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!

077: Let’s Make HIStory Special with Brice Najar

Q flies solo today, welcoming returning guest Brice Najar back on the show, along with his wonderful wife, Laetitia Latouche. Brice is well-known in the Michael Jackson community for his books on The Jacksons and the King of Pop, but this discussion is focused on his most recent book, Let’s Make HIStory. Najar’s book goes into detail about the recording of Michael’s brilliant HIStory album. Based around interviews with key collaborators, the book is a comprehensive and fascinating look into the creation of a masterpiece.

Q, Brice, and Laetitia discuss what makes Let’s Make HIStory an important contribution to Michael Jackson literature, why the HIStory era is of particular significance, what it was like to interview collaborators, the process of getting this book published, and surprises that Brice discovered along the way. Brice and Laetitia also talk about MJ Music Day in France, and how that event came together.

Links
• Brice Najar’s website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.
• Brice Najar’s books: Let’s Make HIStoryMichael Jackson: itinéraire d’un passionné and The Jacksons: Musicographie 1976 – 1989.
• Michael Jackson’s 1995 Wetten Dass performance
• Michael Jackson’s 1996 Brit Awards performance
• Brice Najar’s interview with photographer Steven Paul Whitsitt
• Brice’s favorite MJ books: Moonwalk, Mike Smallcombe’s Making Michael, • Isabelle Petitjean’s Dangerous – from Mark Ryden to Michael Jackson and Xscape Origins by Damien Shields.
• MJ Music Day and Association On The Line’s website

Music Breaks & Ads
• Michael Jackson – Scream (feat. Janet Jackson) [Dave ‘Jam’ Hall Extended Urban Remix]
• Michael Jackson – Stranger in Moscow (Classic Mix)
• Michael Jackson – They Don’t Care About Us (Uncensored Olodum Cut)

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!

075: I’m a Strange Guy

Welcome to Season Four of The MJCast! After a long (but much-needed!) winter break, hosts Jamon and Q are excited to be back to discuss everything that’s been happening in the world of Michael Jackson and the Jackson family, and to look ahead to the year to come. The guys kick things off by discussing Paramount Network’s Lip Sync Battle: Michael Jackson Celebration, Paris Jackson’s ‘soundtrack to her life’, and the Kickstarter campaign for the Moonwalkers documentary, which explores the world of MJ tribute artists. And, looking ahead to events happening in 2018, British fans can check out the London Portrait Gallery’s ‘On the Wall’ exhibition, while fans around the world can see The Jacksons, who have announced new concert dates, and 3T, who will be attending the 5th Annual MJ Day in Paris on August 29th, as well as performing on September 1st. Plus, Janet Jackson will perform alongside MJ luminary Teddy Riley at the Essence Festival happening this July. To round this segment of the show out, Q offers a touching reflection on the late MJ fan, Mustafa.

As they launch this new season, Jamon and Q also have some exciting announcements. Going forward, the team is expanding with correspondents, several of whom you’ve heard on previous episodes. They will be the official reporters on particular aspects of MJ news, history, and the fan community, and will be involved in episodes regularly. Two featured correspondents on this episode include Steven Hodges of Michael Jackson Fans For Charity (MJFFC) and Janneke van der Linden of Jackson Source. And, the team is pleased to announce that Elise Capron has joined The MJCast as Web Assistant. Her work will be focused around shownotes, and you’ll also be seeing her on social media, so feel free to say hi! Elise tells her fan story and talks a bit about the market for MJ-related books. Plus, Q covers his recent visit to the MJ HIStory statue in the Netherlands, and his visit with Janneke van der Linden of Jackson Source.

News
• 
Paramount Network launches with Lip Sync Battle: Michael Jackson Celebration
• Paris Jackson creates the soundtrack to her life
• 
Moonwalkers documentary on Kickstarter
• London Portrait Gallery ‘On the Wall’ exhibition coming to London
• The Jacksons have a range of upcoming concert dates
• 3T to perform in Paris on the 1st of September after attending the 5th annual ‘MJ Day’ on August 29th
• Janet Jackson to perform at 2018’s Essence Festival from the 5th – 8th of July
• Mustafa’s story

Main Discussion Topic
• 
Introducing some of The MJCast Correspondents! More to come next episode…
• Legal Correspondent – Charlie Thomson
• Jackson Family Correspondent – Janne Van Der Linden of Jackson Source
• Charity Correspondent – Steven Hodges of MJ Fans for Charity
• Live Performance Correspondent – Anthony King
• Elise Capron’s fan story
• Q’s travel stories

Finds of the Week
• 
Jamon – Michael Jackson – Ride With Me
• Q – Brittany Spanos’ Rolling Stone article; How Michael and Janet Jackson created the New Black Rock Star
• 
Elise – Joseph Vogel’s new article in The Guardian; Black and White: How Dangerous Kicked off Michael Jackson’s Race Paradox and Bryan Alexander’s USA Today article on Paris Jackson in the new film; Gringo

Additional Links
• 
Elise Capron’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram pages
• Episode 073 – Season Three Mixtape
• Episode 074 – J Q&A
• Episode 058 – Vindication Day Special (Pirates in Neverland: The Michael Jackson Allegations)
• Episode 052 – Michael Prince Special
• Jaafar Jackson’s a cappella vocal video on Instagram
• Moonwalk Talks – Episode 027: “Moonwalkers Documentary” via the web and Apple Podcasts
• Episode 054 – CJ DeVillar Special

Music Breaks & Ads
• 
Michael Jackson – Workin’ Day and Night (SWG Extended Mix)
• Michael Jackson – In The Closet (KaiD’s 80’s Remix)
• Brandy – It’s Not Worth It (feat. Michael Jackson)

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.comKeep Michaeling!

072: Season Three Christmas Special

Once again it’s time for Jamon and Q to wrap up the current season of The MJCast podcast, have a little break to recharge, and then come back with our next season in the new year. Without you all tuning in to our little podcast, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do, so thank-you for listening!

Jamon and Q start this episode with a wrap up of the past year at The MJCast and it’s been a big one! They share their favourite moments as it proves too hard to pick just one each.

The boys then offer their final news segment for 2017, covering Paris Jackson’s covershoot and interview for L’uomo Vogue, the recent trademark filings of the Michael Jackson Estate and 2018 concert date announcement for 3T in Italy and France before hearing directly from Jackson Family Correspondent Janneke of Jackson Source about Jermaine Jackson sharing the stage with his sons Jaafar and Jermajesty. Jaafar Jackson also features in the current issue of D’Scene magazine. Wrapping up 2017 news, the fellas cover the recent announcement that The Estate and Sony have extended their business partnership results in an expected response from MJ fans the world over and the newly released Blood on the Dancefloor X Dangerous extended mix. Ending on some good news, Jamon and Q explore the latest development in the Wade Robson molestation allegation court case, which has resulted in a dismissal!

Our Season Three highlights reel features clips from our special episodes this year, with appearances by Tito Jackson, Michael Prince, CJ DeViller, Remixed by Nick*, Ryan Michaels and Charles Thomson, Isabelle Petitjean, Brice Najar, Jonathan “Sugarfoot” Moffett, Vincent Paterson, Hector Barjot, Joseph Vogel, Ola Ray, and most recently, Andy Healy, and Chris Lacy. Then, what’s next for The MJCast? Jamon and Q drop some hints!

Again, thank-you for your support and listenership of The MJCast, it’s been a heck of a ride this year, but we appreciate you being with us for the journey, and look forward to bringing you a new season in 2018. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones, and best wishes for a wonderful 2018 new year!

Follow Up
• 
Year in review
• 
‘How Michael should be remembered’ segment now shifting to June 25th episodes

News
• 
Paris Jackson follows in her father’s footsteps and works with L’uomo Vogue for a photoshoot
• Michael Jackson’s estate files a trademark application for the phrase “Neverland Ranch” for a number of entertainment services, including a museum
• 
Apple’s CEO & founder Steve Jobs loved listening to Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean while doing photoshoots, according to former publicist
• 
3T are set to perform live in Naples on Michael Jackson Day 2017 and Paris, in September of 2018
• 
Jermaine Jackson performs with sons on stage in the Netherlands at the Max Proms event
• 
Exclusive interview with Jafaar Jackson in D’Scene Magazine
• 
Michael Jackson Estate and Sony Music extend partnership
• Listen to an extended version of the Blood on the Dance Floor X Dangerous (The White Panda Extended Mix)
• 
Wade Robson’s child molestation allegations have been thrown out of court by Judge Beckloff

Season Three Highlights
• 
Episode 050 – Tito Jackson Special
• Episode 052 – Michael Prince Special
• Episode 054 – CJ DeVillar Special
• Episode 058 – Vindication Day Special (Pirates in Neverland: The Michael Jackson Allegations)
• Episode 059 – June 25th Special with Isabelle Petitjean and Brice Najar
• Episode 061 – Jonathan ‘Sugarfoot’ Moffett Special
• Episode 064 – Vincent Paterson Special 
• Episode 065 – Hector Barjot Special
• Episode 067 – Joseph Vogel Special
• Episode 068 – Thriller Night Special with Ola Ray
• Episode 071 – MJ101 Special: Bad 30

Music Breaks & Ads
• 
Jackson 5 – Up on the House Top (DJ Spinna Re-Edit)
• 3T – I Need You (Christmas Mix)
• Jackson 5 – Someday at Christmas (Stripped Mix)
• La Toya Jackson sings Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer

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.comKeep Michaeling!

059: June 25th Special with Isabelle Petitjean and Brice Najar

Eight years ago today on June 25th, 2009 the King of Pop, Michael Jackson tragically passed away amidst preparations for what was to be his final concert tour, This Is It. For fans the world over, the pain still lingers… Each year we come together on this day to remember, honour and reflect on the magical life that was Michael Jackson’s and the love and timeless art he gave to the world. This year, hosts Q and Jason Garcia are lucky enough to be joined by two special guests for The MJCast’s 2017 June 25th episode. Being renowned authors, passionate Michael Jackson scholars, event organisers and…how could we forget…French, our two guests have so much in common that this episode can’t help but be a positive and heart warming reflection on Michael’s life.

Isabelle Petitjean, a classically-trained musician and a teacher of music, is a university academic specializing in Afro-American popular music and particularly in the work of Michael Jackson. She holds a master’s degree and a research mastership in musicology, and is currently preparing a doctorate on Michael Jackson at the University of Paris IV – Paris Sorbonne. She has written multiple books on Michael Jackson including Dangerous: From Mark Ryden to Michael Jackson – Pop Culture in the Pantheon of Fine Arts and Michael Jackson: il état une voix.

Brice Najar is the author of three books about Michael Jackson’s music. The first tackles the subject of his solo discography, through his singles released between 1979 and 2008. The second discusses the albums he recorded with The Jacksons from 1976 to 1989. Both books can be read independently but also compliment one another. In his latest work, Let’s Make HIStory, Brice offers a collection of interviews with some of Michael’s key collaborators  for his 1995 epic double album of the same name.

In addition to being authors in their own right, Brice and Isabelle have joined forces to put together Association On The Line. A group that’s organising unique and unmissable Michael Jackson related events. For its very first occasion, MJ Music Day, Brice and Isabelle are presenting an opportunity to meet musical director Brad Buxer and sound engineer Michael Prince who were both close collaborative partners and friends with the King of Pop. This exceptional and first-of-its-kind visit in France will lead attendees through Michael Jackson’s music at its most intimate and will offer plenty of unique anecdotes about his songs, personality and life. Guests will also experience the HIStory World Tour from behind-the-scenes and discover the secrets of the Jackson sound with the exclusive preview of King of Sound, a documentary by Gareth Maynard about Bruce Swedien. More than a master-class or a conference, this will be a genuine opportunity to share a friendly moment and talk to those men who were very special to Michael Jackson. Brice Najar, Isabelle Petitjean and fellow prominent French MJ fan Hector Barjot will also be there along with other Jackson exhibitors.

Later in the episode, listener submissions are played around how Michael should be remembered. Thank-you to all contributors who submitted audio. For fans who are struggling during this time of year, we hope this episode acts as a way for you to connect with other MJ fans around the world. In this episode there are moments of joy and moments of sadness, but through it all, remember that we are all fans of Michael. We will carry on his message of love and positivity as a way of honouring his memory and everything that he gave to the world. Together we will Michael on!

Links
• 
Isabelle Petitjean’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.
• 
Isabelle Petitjean’s Dangerous: From Mark Ryden to Michael Jackson – Pop Culture in the Pantheon of Fine Arts and Michael Jackson: il état une voix books
• Brice Najar’s website, Facebook and Twitter pages.
• Brice Najar’s Michael Jackson: itinéraire d’un passionné, The Jacksons: Musicographie 1976 – 1989 and Let’s Make HIStory books
• MJ Music Day
• The MJCast en Español – Episodio 014: Isabelle Petitjean Special (English Version)

Music Breaks & Ads
• 
Michael Jackson ONE – Human Nature/Never Can Say Goodbye
• RIZ – The Light Went Out Tonight
• Shah Rukh Khan – We Lived in His World (A Tribute to Michael Jackson)
• The Game (feat. Chris Brown) – Better on the Other Side (Michael Jackson Tribute)
• Michael Jackson – This Is It (Ben Liebrand Oldskool 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.comKeep Michaeling!

052: Michael Prince Special

Michael Prince worked with Michael Jackson from the mid 90’s onwards, eventually becoming Jackson’s closest studio engineer, a man whom was trusted to capture the King of Pop’s most personal creative visions. From the HIStory World Tour, to the Invincible album, to the beautiful charity single What More Can I Give and right up until This Is It and the final studio songs Michael Jackson was working on, Michael Prince was involved.

Links
• 
Michael Prince’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
• Legs Diamond’s Facebook and iTunes
• Charles Thomson’s Facebook, Twitter and website
• James Alay’s Facebook and Instagram
• Los Lobos – La Bamba
• Damien Shields’ One Night Only article
• Michael Jackson’s HIStory World Tour live in Munich, Germany
• Michael Jackson’s Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix album
• Michael Jackson’s 30th Anniversary Celebration concert
• Michael Jackson’s I Am A Loser (Demo) and Damien Shields’ article
• Michael Jackson’s A Place With No Name and Damien Shields’ article
• Michael Jackson – What More Can I Give
• Michael Jackson – One More Chance
• Michael Jackson – Hollywood Tonight
• Michael Jackson – Best of Joy (Acapella)
• Michael Jackson’s Hold My Hand (feat. Akon) and Damien Shields’s article
• Michael Jackson – Xscape
• Can’t Get Your Weight Off Of Me leaked snippet
• Michael Prince and LaVelle Smith Jr. on Piers Morgan Tonight

Music Breaks & Ads
• 
Michael Jackson – Blue Gangsta (Demo)
• Michael Jackson – One More Chance (Night & Day Uptempo R&B Remix)
• Michael Jackson – I Am A Loser (Demo)
• Michael Jackson – Hollywood Tonight (Demo)
• Michael Jackson – Best Of Joy (Acoustic) by Nick* and CMCC

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.comMichael On!

Thanks to listener Cody Covington, we now have a full transcript available for this episode. Our deepest thanks and gratitude, Cody.