089: John Barnes Special

The MJCast’s Elise Capron and Jamon Bull are honoured to interview renowned musician, arranger, songwriter and mixer John Barnes, who has worked with an incredibly wide range of the world’s top musicians and entertainers, including, of course, the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

John has been recording music since the early ’70s, and has collaborated with artists such as Marvin Gaye, The Miracles, Lionel Richie, Celine Dion, Diana Ross, and many more. He first teamed up with the Jackson family in the early ’80s, playing synthesizer and handling arrangements on The Jacksons’ Victory album. He also worked independently with Janet and Jermaine during this time.

Captain EO
and the Bad album marked the beginning of John’s deep involvement in Michael Jackson’s solo career. While Quincy Jones and Bruce Swedien were working at Westlake, John, Matt Forger, and Bill Bottrell spent their days at Michael’s private home studio at Hayvenhurst, bringing to fruition Michael’s own musical creations. John took on many different roles in the creative process. He was a musician, programmer, and developed ideas from the group up alongside Michael, including co-writing ‘We Are Here to Change the World’.

John worked with Michael in his later years as well, and spent time with him in Bahrain following the 2005 criminal trial in which he was found not guilty. Not only was John a crucial member of MJ’s creative team, but he has also had a major impact on the popular music landscape as we know it, both as a traditional musician and with his revolutionary work with synth sound programming. Today, John continues his work in the music industry as the CEO of Innersound Studios.

Additional Links
• 
John’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.
• Janet Jackson – Don’t Stand Another Chance
• U.S.A for Africa – We Are the World
• Michael Jackson’s Captain EO film
• The infamous 1983 James Brown concert where both Michael Jackson and Prince were called up on stage.
• 
Michael Jackson – I Have This Dream (Instrumental)

Ad & Music Breaks
• Michael Jackson – Al Capone
• Michael Jackson – We Are Here to Change the World
• Michael Jackson – We are the World (Demo)

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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.comMichael on!

083: Reflections on Joseph Jackson Roundtable

On June 27th, 2018, the patriarch of the Jackson family, Joseph Walter Jackson, passed away. Jamon and Q welcome return guest Taj Jackson to discuss memories of his grandfather, and to set the record straight regarding the way the way the media has handled news of Joe’s passing. For this very special roundtable episode, the guys are also joined by The MJCast’s Jackson Family Correspondent, Janneke van der Linden, and Legal Correspondent, Charles Thomson.

Joe Jackson, also known as ‘The Hawk’, started life with a rough childhood in Arkansas. He married Katherine Scruse, and fathered ten children with her, all while working two jobs, one at a steel mill and another as a welder, imbuing his children with a love of music and performance. Joe quickly started managing his son’s blossoming musical careers, and, though he became known for ruling the group with an iron fist, loved ones say his fire only sprang from wanting the very best for his children. He pushed his sons to achieve greater and greater heights, from local talent shows, to national competitions, to Steeltown Records, Motown, and international stardom.

Joe was a complex and sometimes controversial figure, but he is remembered now, by his family members, for his amazing will and the sacrifices he made to help his sons reach incredible levels of success. He was also there for his son, Michael, through many of the hardest years of his life, particularly during the 2005 trial and in the lead up to Michael’s ill-fated This Is It tour.

The MJCast’s entire team offer their condolences to the Jackson family on their loss, and thank Taj for sharing his memories. May Joe rest in peace.

Additional Links
Taj Jackson’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages
Charles Thomson’s Facebook, Twitter and website
• Janneke van der Linden’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram pages and Website
• The MJCast – Episode 020: Taj Jackson Special on themjcast.com and Apple Podcasts
• The MJCast – Episode 050: Tito Jackson Special on themjcast.com and Apple Podcasts
• Michael Jackson’s 2001 Oxford University speech
• Joseph Jackson’s 2014 TV One interview

Ad & Music Breaks
The Jacksons – I’ll Be There (Live at Motown 25)
• Michael Jackson – To Make My Father Proud 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.comMichael on!

048: Season Two Christmas Special

Merry Christmas, listeners. Here’s our Season Two Christmas Special. What a year it’s been for all of us here at The MJCast! We can barely believe that we’re at the end of our second season. After two years of podcasting, it’s still shocking to us that our little news and discussion show on Michael Jackson and the Jacksons has been received so well. Thank-you so much to everyone who has made what we do possible. We recently put together this Season Two Christmas Special for MJ fans to enjoy over their holidays. Q and Jamon kick the show off with a year in review discussion around all things 2016 and Q shares his recent experiences at the Dangerous 25 celebrations in Melbourne, Australia. Following this, the boys discuss the major MJ headlines including MJ Beats’ leak of the HIStory World Tour concert in Basel, a new MJ101 book, Janet Jackson’s baby and finally new photos from the You Are Not Alone shoot.

After the news, Jamon and Q then reminisce on the special episodes of Season Two, making sure to play some of their favourite highlight clips. To round the show off, a special audio montage is played which features special guest’s answers to the question how should Michael Jackson be remembered? Next up, our Season Two blooper reel! Finally, Jamon and Q discuss their hopes and dreams for Season Three of The MJCast and give a few special shout outs and thank-yous.

Listeners, have a happy holidays with family and friends. Share love on Christmas Day and be safe. Following this final show for 2016 and Season Two of The MJCast, we look forward to returning in February 2017 with Season Three. Until then, have yourself a merry little Christmas…

Follow Up
• Year in review
• 
Q’s Dangerous 25 experiences in Melbourne

News
• MJ Beats has shared never-before-seen HIStory World Tour footage from Basel, Switzerland.
• Andy Healy’s new book in the MJ101 series; Dangerous 101 is out soon.
• 
Has Janet Jackson had her baby yet?
• New photos of Michael Jackson from the You Are Not Alone shoot have leaked.

Special Highlights
• Episode 026 – Diana Walczak Special
• Episode 030 – Rob Hoffman Special
• Episode 031 – Making Michael Special with Mike Smallcombe
• Episode 033 – Vindication Day Special with Scott Ross
• Episode 034 – June 25th Special feat. Kevin Stea
• Episode 035 – MJ101 Special: The Performances
• Episode 044 – World Music Awards 2006 10th Anniversary Special
• Episode 047 – The Dangerous Philosophies of Michael Jackson Special with Elizabeth Amisu and Karin Merx

Additional Links
• Q’s footage from the Dangerous 25 celebration in Melbourne, Australia
• Jackson 5’s Christmas Album
• Michael Jackson’s Dream Lives On podcast web page and iTunes page
• Moonwalk Talks’ websiteTwitter and iTunes pages
• MJ Book Club’s Facebook and Twitter pages
• Michael Jackson Australia’s Facebook page
• Kingvention’s website and Facebook page
• Michael: The Last Photoshoots’ Facebook page
• Kerry Anderson’s Facebook page
• The MJCast’s Cascio Case court documents page
• Daily Michael’s page on the Estate vs. IRS lawsuit
• Pierre et Gilles Wikipedia page
• Michael Jackson – Blood On The Dance Floor (8mm Version)
• Michael Jackson – Blood On The Dance Floor (Refugee Camp Mix)

Music Breaks & Ads
• Disneyland Paris – Magic Everywhere (Christmas Version)
• Michael Jackson – Remember The Time (Funk LeBlanc Remix)
• Jackson 5 – Christmas Medley
• Jackson Source
• Jackson 5 – Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer (Stripped Mix)
• Jackson 5 – Give Love On Christmas Day (Group A Capella Version)

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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!

Episode 039 – A Kind of Deflated Pepsi Logo

episode-039-a-kind-of-deflated-pepsi-logo-show-art

On Episode 039 of The MJCast, Charles Thomson joins Jamon as a guest host in Q’s absence along with Samar of The Michael Jackson Academia Project. The guys begin the show with a follow-up discussion around meaningful music, especially in regards to the new Black Eyed Peas song #WHEREStheLOVE before delving into news items including the imminent Michael Jackson documentary The Last Photoshoots, Orianthi‘s possible involvement in a new posthumous project, an MJ costume exhibition at the African American History Museum and Paris Jackson’s new Facebook page. Following this, the global release of 3T’s new album Chapter III and their two upcoming Amsterdam shows are discussed before detailing the latest developments in the Cascio Case. The main discussion topic for this episode is Charles’ and Samar’s fan stories, and the current and future work of The Michael Jackson Academia Project.

Follow Up

News

  • Craig Williams hints that The Last Photoshoots documentary is imminent.
  • This Is It guitarist Orianthi says she’s involved in a new posthumous MJ project.
  • Michael Jackson costumes are to be included in an inaugural exhibition at the African American History Museum in Washington.
  • Paris Jackson has launched her new Facebook page.
  • 3T are to release their new album Chapter III globally on September 10th and perform at a recently announced once off concert The Celebration of Chapter III on the 17th of September.
  • Cascio Case update – Angelikson defendants file a demurrer to the fraud cause of action and Sony and the Estate are trying to make Judge Jones rule on the anti-SLAPP motion through the court of appeals.

Main Discussion Topic 

Finds of the Week

Additional Links

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Episode 036 – The Other Bernie Sanders

Episode 036 - The Other Bernie Sanders Show Art

Episode 036 of The MJCast is dedicated to Scott Devlin who recently passed away after a brave battle with cancer. We hope you are at peace now, Scott. Our thoughts are with your family. Michael-on forever, our MJ brother…

slack_for_ios_upload-2

Ale and her friend Marisa with Michael Jackson collaborators Brad Buxer, Michael Prince, Brian Vibberts and Brad Sundberg at the recent MJU experience.

Jamon and Q are joined by Mexican mega-fan Ale Huerta to cover all the latest MJ news. Jamon, Q & Ale kick things off by talking about The MJCast’s recent interview with The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies, Sean Lennon’s bizarre new song  which references Michael Jackson’s relationship with Bubbles the chimp and Janet Jackson’s new photoshoot for Emirates Woman. Following this, the group discusses Susan Fast’s book Michael Jackson’s Dangerous (33 1/3) winning a major literary award, the new Omer Bhatti and Prince Jackson music video for Automatic and new music by Taryll Jackson of 3T. Next, Sony Music Japan’s re-release of Michael Jackson and The Jackson’s music catalogue on Blu-Spec CD 2, the Cascio family are back at it again with unreleased MJ music being auctioned off and blockbuster developments in the case that Eddie Cascio is named in. The group also discuss a range of new seminars and conventions coming featuring Michael Jackson collaborators such as LaVelle Smith Jr., Bruce Swedien and Vincent Patterson before moving into talking about a range of new photo, music and video leaks featuring Michael Jackson. The major discussion topic for this week is all around Ale’s recent trip to Brad Sundberg‘s MJU seminars, Michael’s final resting place at Forrest Lawn and Neverland Valley Ranch.

News

Main Discussion Topic 

  • Ale’s recent trip to Brad Sundberg‘s MJU experience, Michael’s final resting place at Forrest Lawn and Neverland Valley Ranch. You can also see video from the trip here and here.

Finds of the Week

Additional Links

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Mary Elizabeth Frye Poem

Episode 035 – MJ101 Special: The Performances

Episode 035 - MJ101 Special - The Performances Show Art

On Episode 035 of The MJCast, Jamon and Q are joined by prominent Michael Jackson author Andy Healy. Andy has been writing on Michael for a number of years with his MJ101 series. Starting back with his debut MJ101 book in 2013 called Greatest Songs (which counts down his picks for the 101 best Michael Jackson songs) he then branched off and released other supplementary books in the 101 lineup, including The Short Films, The Remixes, Off The Wall and HIS2ORY.

ipadpro101Andy’s books are not only known for providing great factual detail and deep opinions around Michael’s art, but getting conversations going between fans around what Michael’s best work actually is.

Today, as an exclusive for The MJCast, we are proud to announce the launch of Andy’s brand new entry in the MJ101 series, The Performances. Listen to this latest episode of The MJCast which features a fascinating interview with Andy Healy to learn about his early years as a fan, his writing process, his own thoughts and opinions on Michael’s catalogue and of course lots of great detail around his new book…

Links

Music Breaks & Ads

  • Jackson Source
  • Michael Jackson – Scream (SWA Mix)
  • Michael Jackson – Rock With You (SWA Mix)
  • The Jacksons – Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground) [SWA Mix]

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mj101journey

Episode 034 – June 25th Special feat. Kevin Stea

Episode 034 - June 25th Special feat. Kevin Stea Show Art

Seven years ago today on June 25th, 2009 the King of Pop, Michael Jackson tragically and unexpectedly passed away amidst preparations and rehearsals for his final live concert tour, This Is It. For fans around the world, the pain still lingers on… It’s times like today the fan community comes together 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.

Joking on the set

World renowned dancer, singer, actor, model, director and choreographer Kevin Stea joins us on this special episode to celebrate Michael’s life and to reflect on his time working with the King of Pop. Kevin collaborated with Michael on the Black or White and Blood on the Dance Floor short films and also the MTV 10th Anniversary Special. Not only has Kevin worked with Michael Jackson but he’s also worked extensively with other industry luminaries such as Prince, Madonna, Rihanna, George Michael, David Bowie, Lady Gaga and many, many more.

Following a conversation with Kevin, Q, Jamon and guest host Paul Black explore Paul’s experiences in Los Angeles prior to Michael’s death in 2009 and during the week leading up his Memorial before handing over to some of our listeners to discuss how Michael should be remembered. Thank-you to all contributors who submitted audio. We are also honoured to have been able to use this episode as a way to debut a beautiful spoken word poem by Angela Kande Forever and the brand new Remixed by Nick* Michael Jackson track Jam (Nick* Redux).

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.

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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!

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A 2016 piece by artist and Michael Jackson collaborator Nate Giorgio.

Episode 032 – Dammn Baby, Dammn Indeed

Episode 032 - Dammn Baby, Dammn Indeed Show Art

Welcome to Episode 032 of The MJCast. On this episode, Jamon and Q talk all about LaVelle Smith Jr. and Bryan Loren‘s upcoming Michael Jackson seminars, Apollo Theatre‘s education program on Michael’s solo career, Kingvention 2016 and a new book by the prolific Michael Jackson author Chris Cadman called Off The Wall For the Record. Following this, the boys delve into 3T‘s upcoming September gig in Amsterdam, Tito Jackson‘s new single Get It Baby (feat. Big Daddy Kane), Janet Jackson‘s new music video for Dammn Baby before covering some heavier news topics such as Pulse Evolution‘s new virtual Michael Jackson model, an update from Charles Thomson on the Cascio Case and the Michael Jackson Estate’s 4th annual birthday bash in Las Vegas. The major discussion topic for this episode is the Chinese release of the official Michael Jackson book Dancing the Dream.

News

  • LaVelle Smith Jr. shows new footage from the 1995 MTV rehearsals and unveils his upcoming Michael Jackson seminars.
  • Songwriter and record producer Bryan Loren will be hosting a seminar September 26th. View the official trailer here.
  • Apollo Theatre‘s education program on Michael Jackson’s epic years.
  • Kingvention 2016‘s official website and their ticket page.
  • Chris Cadman has released Off the Wall For the Record. Check it out at Amazon and Book Depository.
  • 3T are set to perform a one time only concert in The Netherlands.
  • Tito Jackson has release his new single Get It Baby (feat. Big Daddy Kane) on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify and Amazon.
  • Janet Jackson has dropped a video for the next Unbreakable single Dammn Baby. Check it this behind the scenes video courtesy of Rolling Stone.
  • Pulse Evolution Corporation reveals that they are working on a new virtual Michael Jackson digital model. MJVibe continues to update us on developments.
  • New footage has been released of Michael Jackson in Japan during 2007.
  • Michael Jackson’s daughter Paris reveals a new Dangerous tattoo on her Instagram page.
  • The 4th annual official Michael Jackson ‘birthday bash’ has been announced.

Main Discussion Topic 

  • Michael Jackson’s Dancing the Dream has been released in Chinese for the first time.

Finds of the Week

  • Jamon – Penn State staff gets the proposal of her life!
  • Q –  Make-A-Wish Foundation’s How Meeting Michael Jackson Changed Her Life video

Additional Links

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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!

Episode 031 – Making Michael Special with Mike Smallcombe

Making Michael Special with Mike Smallcombe Show Art

On this special episode of The MJCast, Q and guest host Jason Garcia interview author Mike Smallcombe on his new book Making Michael. Topics include Mike’s own history, the writing and publication process, his experiences in talking with over sixty Michael Jackson collaborators and also his thoughts and opinions around many aspects of Michael’s career.

0bda52_e691823156184024973f2740ce25b857As explained on Mike’s website, “Making Michael delves deep inside the career of one of the most successful, enigmatic and controversial entertainers of all time: Michael Jackson. Side-stepping sensationalism, journalist Mike Smallcombe enters uncharted territory as he takes you behind the scenes to reveal the real Jackson, a man few people ever got to know. Interviewing over sixty of Jackson’s associates including managers, lawyers, music executives, producers, musicians and engineers – many of whom are speaking about their experiences publicly for the first time – he provides exclusive access to one of the biggest-selling recording artists in history. Featuring a foreword by Matt Forger, one of Jackson’s longest serving and most loyal collaborators, Making Michael takes readers into the studio with the King of Pop, charting the creation of record-breaking albums including Thriller, Bad, Dangerous and HIStory and the twists and turns that occurred along the way. Untold stories, revelations and secrets finally see the light of day as Jackson’s career outside the studio is also examined. Smallcombe remains objective and doesn’t shy away from exploring the fall outs, Jackson’s relentless pursuit of perfectionism and a cutthroat shrewdness and competitiveness few knew existed.”

Overall, this is a fantastic book on the breadth of Michael’s artistic career, and a brilliant achievement by Smallcombe. If you’re interested in learning more about the art that Michael gave to the world, and back story behind the art’s conception and creation, pick up a copy of Making Michael today.

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Episode 023 – Christmas Extravaganza!

Episode 023 - Christmas Extravaganza! YouTube Art

Merry Christmas, listeners. What a year it’s been for The MJCast! It astounds us to think how much success we’ve had over this past twelve months. We’d never have guessed our little Michael Jackson podcast would have been received so well. Thank-you from the bottom of our hearts. We recently put together this Christmas Extravaganza episode for everyone to enjoy over their holidays. With such a long running time (over five hours), we’d suggest you listen to it in portions rather than in one sitting. Though if you want to binge out on The MJCast, feel free to do that as well! In this episode, Jamon and Q kick things off with a brief discussion around the latest MJ news, including Thriller achieving 30x multi-platinum status, a possible new biopic on Michael Jackson (but this time from the point of view of Bubbles the chimp) and Spike Lee’s new artwork for his upcoming documentary, Michael Jackson’s Journey from Motown to Off the Wall. Following this, Jamon and Q reflect back on the year that’s been through taking the listener on a journey through some of their favourite clips from each of the previous twenty-two episodes. They follow this up with a chat around their favourite MJ and the Jacksons related products from the year before closing out the show with their hopes and wishes for 2016. Keep your ears open for the post show Season One gag reel after the outro music!

Honestly though…thank-you for making this show what it is. The MJCast wouldn’t have come as far as it has without the support of the listeners and guests. We are committed to honouring and furthering Michael Jackson and his family’s impact and legacy and look forward to an even more amazing second season in 2016 with extensive commentary on all things MJ and interviews with more special guests. Keep an eye on our social networks, as we will still be very active on them keeping our audience informed of any developments in the MJ world. From everyone here at The MJCast…best wishes for your holiday season. Stay safe, look out for each other and spread L.O.V.E. and happiness wherever you can.

News

  • According to the RIAA, Michael Jackson’s Thriller has become the first ever 30x multi-platinum selling album. See ‘announcement’ here.
  • Is there a new biopic on Michael Jackson coming…but narrated by Bubbles?
  • The artwork for Spike Lee’s new MJ documentary Michael Jackson’s Journey from Motown to Off the Wall is here!

Discussion Topic

  • Jamon and Q take a look back at the last twenty-two episodes of The MJCast…providing commentary on some of their favourite moments before reflecting on their favourite Michael Jackson and Jacksons related products of 2015. We also talk about our future hopes for our podcast.

Additional Links

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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 and merry Christmas!