Tag Archives: Dangerous

176: Brad Sundberg Q&A

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Brad Sundberg joins Elise Capron and Paul Black for an episode packed with listener-submitted questions, as well as a discussion around Brad’s exciting upcoming seminar events, including his tour through Australia and New Zealand.

Brad worked with Michael Jackson as one of his engineers and his Technical Director for nearly 18 years, starting with Captain EO in 1985. He worked on the BAD, Dangerous, HIStory, and Blood On The Dance Floor albums, and was also responsible for nearly all the music and video systems installed in every corner of the Neverland Valley Ranch property. For more than a decade, Brad has been running In the Studio with MJ, immersive seminars which take place around the world, and which give fan insights into working with The King of Pop in the studio.

For this conversation, The MJCast gave listeners a chance to submit questions to this key MJ collaborator. Brad addresses topics across the board, from details about MJ’s creative process and time in the studio, to Brad’s thoughts around Michael’s legacy, to how the seminars have evolved over the years, and what he has planned in the future.

The MJCast wants to thank everyone who contributed questions — we wish we could have included each and every submission all in our chat!

Questions
1) Paul Black (Email) – It’s been 8 years since you were last in Australia with your seminars, can you tell us how the sessions have evolved, and what differences people can expect this time around?
2) Samuel French (Twitter) – what keeps you motivated to keep going with the Seminars – they are a huge investment of your time for little financial return? … and will we ever see you and Brad Buxer in London? I will be there like a shot! Blessings to you
3) Julia de Vreede (Facebook) – Can’t wait for this episode! 💕 Brad travels all around the world for “in the studio with MJ”. I’m curious what his experiences are meeting fans from different cultures across the globe. In what way does he experience Michaels positive and humble spirit traveling around the world? 😊.
4) Alexandre (Twitter) – Hi Brad, thank you for your seminars, I love them. From the moment you worked with Bruce, and continued for many years, how did your responsibilities evolve, once you were no longer on coffee duty? Did Bruce like to have control or did you have the opportunity to take on more?
5) Alexandre (Twitter) – Sounds like one of Bruce’s greatest asset was his ears. If when playing back a track, Michael said “hurt me”, would you all be running for cover to protect your ears?
6) Gratian Dimech (Facebook) – Hi Brad, I think Michael’s vocals at the end of Earth Song are the greatest a singer has ever recorded. Were you present for that moment? What in your opinion was the greatest vocal you ever witnessed/ worked on by him? Thanks!
7) Jamon Bull (Bluesky) – How involved was Teddy Riley in the Dangerous sessions? Did you witness Michael and Teddy working in the studio together and crafting tracks?
8) Jamon Bull (Bluesky) – Was there ever a released Michael song during your time, where you got the sense he wasn’t fully happy with the finished product? Famously, Michael is on the record feeling that way about WBSS.
9) Andrew Greene (Facebook) – Brad, Michael was known for pushing boundaries with his work. Can you share a behind-the-scenes story where a last-minute technical challenge forced you to innovate on the fly—and how that unexpected fix ultimately elevated the project you were working on?
10) Louis La Roche (Email) – Hey Brad, having been in the room whilst working on the History album, can you tell us if there’s any stories you have of Jam & Lewis at that time? They seem to be absent from a lot of conversations about the album, despite the fact they worked on the 4 songs ‘Scream’, ‘Tabloid Junkie’, ‘2 Bad’ and ‘History’ (5 if you count ‘Is It Scary’). Love what you do, and thanks for doing a seminar in London back in 2018, it was a delight.
11) ConnorJakeElder (Instagram) – Hi Brad, did you ever get to discuss “TDCAU” with Michael, did he ever discuss his thoughts or opinions when recording the track? P.S I’m hoping he let you know the ad libs near the end of the song. It’s a long debated lyric in the fan community. “don’t you sit back and watch the beating” is the widely accepted phrase he uses.
12) JayKay (Twitter) – Michael is a well known jokester, were there any moments where he played any pranks on you, or did something that made you crack up along with him? Or similarly did you do something to make him laugh uncontrollably? Thank you Brad for keeping his legacy alive.
13) ljp4681 (Instagram) – Michael was known for his mischief making-did he ever play a memorable  prank on you and what was it?
14) etebeye (Instagram) – In one of your videos, Michael was drinking tea from a mug with the spoon still in it. Was there a time he spilled liquid on the board or broke studio equipment? What format did Michael prefer to listen to music on and did he have a soft spot for vinyl records?
15) ChacoWorldMusic (Instagram) – MJ seemed to embody music as natural as breathing. He didn’t need to play instruments but there are contradictory testimonials and credits of him doing it.  Did Brad ever witness MJ playing an instrument? Was the grand piano at Neverland properly maintained in tune? Did he own other musical instruments?
16) ljp4681 (Instagram) – When you were recording Michael’s lead vocals, were you ever overwhelmed that you made a mistake/forgot to do something while recording? Thanks! xxx
17) Alexandre (Twitter) – The second verse of Smooth Criminal is longer in Moonwalker than on the album or any subsequent mixes for the single. Was it part of the original recording, and maybe cut to fit the song on the vinyl, or was it recorded for the movie?
18) DomoBoy92 (Instagram) – Michael had an almost supernatural ability to layer harmonies and create entire arrangements using just his voice. Can you recall a session where he built a song purely from his vocal ideas before instruments were added?
19) Porter_Wolfff (Instagram) – Graham king (producer of the biopic) interviewed people who knew mj to develop the script. Considering they revamped Neverland for the film, did they contact you for any insights about the music systems, the Neverland collection or any other insights you might have?    
20) Gareth Morton (Facebook) – Could you ask Brad to expand on a comment he made recently in a radio interview, where he said that Michael was not aging well and that he didn’t expect Michael to live beyond 50 years of age. I realise the sensitive nature of this question and have no issues with Brads beliefs around this. I was simply intrigued to know more about why he thought this, and does he wonder if he could have done something to intervene in the months before Michael passed.
21) nagyito_alatt_podcast (Instagram) – How is your book coming along and who is your favourite Hungarian podcaster 😛 ? But most importantly, what was it like to work with Engelbert Humperdinck (this is a serious question, seriously).
22) Porter_Wolfff (Instagram) – Can you update us on your book?
23) EnviJordan (Instagram) – Would you ever make a documentary to capture all of the information shared in the “In The Studio” seminars? Using the studio footage and everything else. So fans of future generations can still learn and enjoy?
24) DaneThomson8 (Instagram) – What was it like when an album was finished? What would be the final finishing touch in the studio? Did Michael ever have some kind of celebration at the end or would he retreat and relax?
25) Camila Maele Ruud (Facebook) – Hi Brad. Firstly, thank you for keeping MJs legacy alive, you are incredible. Question, – What do you wish the future generations would learn about Michael, so that they will understand him and what he stood for ? 🙏 
26) Paul Dwyer (Facebook) – I’d love to know if Brad was witness to any of MJ’s humanitarian efforts. Did any sick or u deprived families or children visit the studios or did he accompany MJ on any hospital visits or did MJ ever speak to him about this side of his work? 🏽
27) Hanan Loukili (Twitter) – How do you feel about this consistent obsessive attempt by the media to tarnish MJ as a human being and therefore deminish his legacy?
28) Paul Rizzo (Facebook) – Does it hurt or annoy you when you see MJ tribute artist/impersonators performing songs like Chicago 1945 after the theft/leak?
29) ConnorJakeElder (Instagram) – Did Michael ever discuss his thoughts on Walt Disney with you, I know you both shared a love for Disney. Keen to hear if Michael ever spoke in depth about Walt with you, Brad.
30) SimonPaulWilkie (Instagram) – Could you name one thing while working with Michael in a studio environment that made it different compared to other work environments you’ve experienced?
31) sentrone0 (Twitter) – Why wasn’t Someone Put Your Hand Out on the Dangerous album? Personally think it’s one of the best songs from that era.
32) Emmet Gates (Twitter) – With the benefit of hindsight, which songs do you think didn’t fit thematically on Bad/Dangerous/History and should’ve been excluded?
33) Eddie Santos (Twitter) – Favorite song on history?
34) Jamon Bull (Bluesky) – Michael Jackson and Donald Trump were hanging out during the HIStory era. Do you have any insight into just how close the two of them were?
35) Maksim (Twitter) – What is your favorite memory of your time with him? Any specific moment you would like ppl to know.

This episode was edited by Paul Black.

Additional Links
• TheMJCast 063: Q Q&A
• TheMJCast 069: C Q&A
• TheMJCast 074: J Q&A
• TheMJCast 099: Leaving Neverland Q&A
• TheMJCast 130: An Evening With Charlie and Jamon
• TheMJCast 147: The Big British Q&A
• TheMJCast 159: E Q&A
• In the Studio with MJ on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
• Brad’s website and seminar tickets.

Like this episode?
• If you have the means, consider a donation in any amount through PayPal to help cover our costs of creating the show. All proceeds go towards online running costs, upgrading equipment, and charity donations.
• We also have an official merchandise shop. Support The MJCast and Michael Jackson all at the same time by buying some of our fun merch.
• Learn all about the various ways you can support and engage with The MJCast through visiting our website.

Connect with Us
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• X
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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. Stay BAD!

162: Bob Jenkis Special

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Bob Jenkis, award-winning filmmaker and editor, joins Jamon Bull and Paul Black for an in-depth interview about his career and his work with Michael Jackson.

Jenkis is an icon in the world of music videos, film and advertising, and is known for shaping the look of modern film editing. Working in the industry since before the dawn of MTV, he has edited clips and cut music videos for an incredibly wide range of music legends, including Janet Jackson, Madonna, Prince, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, James Brown, and many, many more. He has also been deeply involved in the production of large-scale network television specials and concerts.

His long-running relationship with Michael Jackson began in the early 1990s, when he made spots for the “Dangerous” album—work which was used later as the opening to Jackson’s European Tour, his “Live In Bucharest” concert film, and was included in two compilations of music videos under the title “Brace Yourself.” Jenkis also edited “Live from Bucharest”, an epic task he completed in only 10 days before it aired on HBO. He continued to work on a number of projects for the King of Pop over the years including never-before-seen versions of Ghosts and the HIStory teaser, and concluded his time working with Michael by consulting on promo spots for “This Is It” just months before Jackson’s passing in 2009.

In this deep-dive chat, Jamon and Paul get the inside scoop on all of these incredible moments in Michael Jackson history, as well as rare insights into the technical elements of these massive projects.

This episode was edited by Charlie Carter.

Additional Links
• Bob Jenkis’ website.

Like this episode?
• If you have the means, consider a donation in any amount through PayPal to help cover our costs. All proceeds go towards online running costs, upgrading equipment, and charity donations. Learn all about the various ways you can support The MJCast through visiting our website.
• We also have an official merchandise shop. Support The MJCast and Michael Jackson all at the same time by buying some of our fun merch.

Connect with Us
• TheMJCast.com
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Mastodon
• Twitter
• Threads
• 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!

151: Matt Forger Special (Part 2)

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Matt Forger, legendary studio engineer and Michael Jackson collaborator, joins co-hosts Jamon Bull and Charles Thomson for Part 2 of an extensive interview in celebration of Thriller’s 40th anniversary, Blood on the Dance Floor’s 25th anniversary, and marking 150 episodes of The MJCast.

Forger is an icon in the music industry. He recorded classic Michael Jackson songs for the albums Thriller, Bad, Dangerous, HIStory, and Blood on the Dance Floor, worked on Captain EO, and much more. Not only was Forger a crucial player in shaping many of music history’s most important tracks, but he worked with the King of Pop during his creative and commercial peak. He also worked closely with other well-known Jackson studio collaborators and innovators such as John Barnes and Brad Buxer. Forger, through his technical wizardry, helped Michael Jackson push the boundaries of pop music, creating songs and experiences that will live on for generations to come.

These are the stories behind the songs.

This episode was edited by Jamon Bull.

Additional Links
• The MJCast 142: Reflections on John Barnes Roundtable
• The MJCast 089: John Barnes Special

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!

150: Matt Forger Special (Part 1)

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Matt Forger, legendary studio engineer and Michael Jackson collaborator, joins co-hosts Jamon Bull and Charles Thomson for an extensive interview in celebration of Thriller’s 40th anniversary, Blood on the Dance Floor’s 25th anniversary, and marking 150 episodes of The MJCast. This is the team’s first two-part interview, which will be continued in #TheMJCast151.

Forger is an icon in the music industry. He recorded classic Michael Jackson songs for the albums Thriller, Bad, Dangerous, HIStory, and Blood on the Dance Floor, worked on Captain EO, and much more. Not only was Forger a crucial player in shaping many of music history’s most important tracks, but he worked with the King of Pop during his creative and commercial peak. He also worked closely with other well-known Jackson studio collaborators and innovators such as John Barnes and Brad Buxer. Forger, through his technical wizardry, helped Michael Jackson push the boundaries of pop music, creating songs and experiences that will live on for generations to come.

These are the stories behind the songs.

The entire MJCast team would like to thank our listeners, from the bottom of our hearts, for all the support and engagement through 150 episodes of interviews and fan discussion. We could not do this without you, and cherish the community we’ve built, all for honoring the legacy of the King of Pop!

This episode was edited by Jamon Bull.

Additional Links
• The MJCast 142: Reflections on John Barnes Roundtable
• The MJCast 089: John Barnes Special

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!

130: An Evening With Charlie and Jamon

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It’s been far too long since The MJCast had a good old fashioned Q&A episode, so the team is bringing this format back with host Jamon Bull and everyone’s favorite Brit, Charles Thomson! The guys received over 80 questions, with no topics barred, covering everything from their favorite songs, to fan experiences, to insights on legal proceedings. We so appreciate all of our MJ Fam who submitted questions (and wish we could have gotten to each and every question), and hope you enjoy this fascinating, deep-dive chat about all things MJ!

“The Pale Prince of Peculiarity”
1) Can you tell us what you know about MJ‘s relationship with Sony? What went wrong and why did he hate them so much at the end of his life? It‘s a really confusing topic for me.

Annie
2) If the planet was about to be blown up by an evil super villain, and the only way to save humanity was for Charles Thomson to perform either Heal The World, The Lost Children or I Just Can’t Stop Loving You – which one would he choose?

Neil G
3) There have been reports of a MJ movie in the works. Is this a good idea? If so, who should play Michael?

Tom Rujitermann
4) Do you think it’s possible that Taj’s series could change the minds of many people? Or do you feel Michael has been so dehumanised that people will never be able to see past what the media portrays?

Curtis Roberton
5) Invincible is Michael’s last album and probably worst in eyes of a lot of people. But for me, it’s one of his best. I have friends who aren’t MJ fans and I have shown them the Invincible album and they think it’s amazing and start downloading the album, almost like a lost MJ album. What positives can you say about Invincible?
6) During This Is It, there are moments where MJ looks fragile and ill, like the start of The Way You Make Me Feel. Later on, when MJ is in the blue, he looks on top form, same with They Don’t Care About Us–he looks great and on form? Why is this?

Gillian Rice
7) How often does Charles listen to Michael’s music? And what are his top 3 songs?

Wendy
8) Can you tell us what you know about all of the aftermath of Michael’s injuries during the 1999 concert? Like medically, how was he treated, how did people around him respond to it, and more?
9) Do you think Dan Egghead Reed Is going to make Leaving Neverland 2?

?
10) Do you like John Branca, and tell me all the reasons why not?

Bob
11) Were you surprised that the court dismissed the James Safechuck lawsuit?

Jonny
12) Any idea why MJ used to let Prince have his hair bleached at such a young age? Always wondered and unsure if it has ever been answered. Very young age to colour a child’s hair. Maybe the freedom of expression he allowed his children behind closed doors?

Bella
13) Are you ever going to do the estate roundtable episode you’ve been teasing us with for years?

Genevieve Castello Branco
14) Marcos Cabota’s documentary “Sonic Fantasy” is completed, but he’s facing legal issues to release it. Any details about such legal issues, which probably involve Bruce Swedien’s estate?

Bob
15) Off the Wall or Purple Rain?

Captain Blackthorne
16) Which song has Michael’s most impressive vocal performance? My vote it for Earth Song or Billie Jean.
17) Do we know any details about the “lost classical album” that Michael worked on before his passing?

Marni Cochrane
18) Dear Charles, what is the most interesting or surprising thing you learnt about MJ, his life and/or his work while working on the documentary with Taj and other collaborators, which was totally new to you?

Anita
19) How do we manage that Jamon and Elise will be invited to the next Halloween party hosted by the Jackson family?

Dane Thomson
20) What has shaped your views on life throughout your years?

“Oprah”
21) If MJ Estate approached you with an olive branch and ask for your help and input, what are the top 5 list of things that you like to immediately work on and do?

“Billie Jean”
22) Which MJCast special episode is your favorite why?

Constantinos
23) Top 5 guests who you would love to interview in the near future?
24) Would you like one day to create your own visual documentary to combine all your special interviews?

MJJQ
25) Out of each of Michael’s full length solo albums (OTW, Thriller, Bad, Dangerous, HIStory and Invincible), could you choose 1 track which is your personal favourite, and on the other hand, an unreleased demo or outtake song which could replace your least favourite track on each album – with short explanations as to why.

“James Brown”
26) Does anyone know what happened to the Vogue documentary that had a preview on YouTube and why it was never released?
27) How do you feel about supposed friends of MJ such as Quincy, some of the Ross family, etc, still openly supporting Oprah? Or do you think Oprah is just so big that it’s career suicide to come out against her?

Kieran Kibble
28) What are your top 3 MJ short films and why? Thanks for all the work you guys do in supporting Michael’s legacy.

Ben
29) What motivates you both to still remain active in the MJ fan community all these years later?

Dorsa
30) If you had to choose one documentary/book that captures the whole essence of Michael Jackson, which one would it be?

Suzie
31) If you had a time machine and could make two trips to the past, one to any MJ performance and one to any moment in Michael’s life where you could use your time to speak with him personally (and maybe warn him of certain things), which moments in time would you choose?

Debi T
32) How do you as hosts of The MJCast who have interviewed several members of the Jackson family feel about reports coming from the bodyguards, Randall Sullivan, and others that Michael’s family were a bunch of grifters during his life and after his death?

Mira Kontar
33) What are the best arguments to make when discussing Michael’s status as the greatest entertainer? I see weak arguments like he makes people faint or he can just stand there and entertain us, which doesn’t hold when discussing skill-set. I have my own answer, but I’d like to hear yours.

Dexter Williams
34) Between catching snippets of the Chauvin trial on television, and seeing discourse and comments about it on social media, I’ve wondered what effect having filmed MJ’s 2005 trial would have had. Do you think, in hindsight, that filming/broadcasting the 2005 trial on television would have hurt or harmed MJ’s reputation as far as the general public is concerned?

Shawn Clarence
35) If you had access to Michael’s vault and could release ONE Definitive Project, what would part/parts of Michael would you showcase and why?
36) Jamon, if you could sit in the studio and watch Michael record a song what would it be?

Additional Links
• The MJCast 063: Q Q&A
• The MJCast 069: C Q&A
• The MJCast 074: J Q&A
• The MJCast 099: Leaving Neverland Q&A

Sponsors
• Thank you to our anonymous listener, whose donation to The MJCast has allowed us to give back to Children International.
• The MJCast’s official shop. Support The MJCast and Michael Jackson all at the same time by buying some of our merchandise.

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!

124: Travis Payne Special

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Travis Payne, one of Michael Jackson’s most significant, long-time collaborators, joins host Jamon Bull for a very special interview. A world-renowned choreographer, director, and producer, Payne worked closely with Jackson beginning in the “Dangerous” era, all the way until Jackson’s tragic passing in 2009. Over the course of his career, Payne has been honored with the MTV Video Music Award for Best Choreography four times, and is the recipient of a wide range of other nominations and awards, many of them related to his work on seminal Jackson projects, such as “Dangerous”, “Scream”, and “Ghosts”. Payne toured with Jackson on the “Dangerous” and “HIStory” World Tours, and was involved in many special performances as well, including the phenomenal 1995 MTV Music Video Awards and the ill-fated HBO Special, “One Night Only”. In 2009, Payne was brought on board as Choreographer for “This Is It”, working directly alongside Jackson and Kenny Ortega to conceive of the much-anticipated comeback concerts. After Jackson’s passing, Payne was extensively and intimately involved in the making of the “This Is It” film, serving as its Associate Producer.

In this in-depth discussion, the guys chat about Payne’s experience working with the King of Pop, choreographing some of music history’s most iconic videos, and getting to know MJ well over the course of many years. Plus, Payne gives frank insights into the “This Is It” era—a time which still remains shrouded in mystery and controversy for many fans.

Additional Links
• Travis Payne’s Twitter, Instagram and website.

Sponsors
• Crack Corn – Delicious premium puff corn.
• The MJCast’s official shop. Support The MJCast and Michael Jackson all at the same time by buying some of our merchandise.

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!

118: Steven Paul Whitsitt Special

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Steven Paul Whitsitt joins host Jamon Bull (and launches The MJCast’s #HIStory25 celebration) for a deep-dive discussion about Steven’s incredible experience as the King of Pop’s personal photographer. Growing up near Detroit, the music of Motown had a huge influence on Steven’s life from an early age and shaped his career as a photographer and photojournalist. He has shot album covers, music video stills, and concerts for many iconic musicians, including, Steve Miller, Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews Band and Willie Nelson. Steven has also published his work in a wide range of internationally well-known magazines. But his most memorable music industry experience was as Michael Jackson’s personal photographer. During their years working together, he shot publicity portraits and stills for the “Scream, “Childhood” and “You Are Not Alone” videos, as well as single covers. Michael entrusted Steven to work with him on capturing a range of events, including private moments. Plus, The Official Michael Jackson Opus features Steven’s photography.

The guys discuss how Steven got into photography, how he came to work with Jackson, what it was like during the HIStory studio sessions and the “Scream” video shoot, as well as Jackson’s personal photography preferences, Steven’s insights into Jackson as a person, and much, much more.

Additional Links
• Steven Paul Whitsitt’s main website, fashion website, Facebook, and Instagram.
• Selected, professional-quality Michael Jackson photography available for a limited time through Steven’s online shop, in collaboration with MJ Music Day. Please note: These photos are formatted for European standard sizing. If you are based anywhere other than Europe and are interested in purchasing a photo, contact Steven in advance so that he can adjust the print size.

Ad Breaks
• Audible – Great audiobooks.
• The MJCast’s official shop. Support The MJCast and Michael Jackson all at the same time by buying some of our merchandise.

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. Stay BAD!

100: Brad Buxer Special

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To celebrate The MJCast’s 100th episode, Jamon and Q put the focus back on music and welcome a particularly special guest, Brad Buxer. Buxer was one of Michael Jackson’s key artistic collaborators, who worked with Jackson for 20 years, from the Dangerous album onwards, and who would become one of his closest producers, musicians, and songwriters. Along with Michael Prince, there was no one else who Michael Jackson trusted more to capture his most personal creative visions.

The guys dive into an incredible, in-depth discussion with Buxer about his early life and music career working with icons such as Stevie Wonder, how he first came to work with Jackson, what it was like creating the Dangerous, HIStory, Blood on the Dance Floor, and Invincible albums, his role as Musical Director for both the Dangerous and HIStory World Tours, the experience of playing music and writing songs with Jackson, insights into Jackson’s life as a father, details about working together in the final years of Jackson’s life, his thoughts on unreleased tracks, and much more.

In addition, The MJCast is honored to have received many congratulations from previous guests on the show, whose audio snippets are included in this episode.

It’s been an amazing run so far, and incredible to watch the show evolve and grow. The MJCast team couldn’t be prouder to be well into Season 5. Jamon, Q, and Elise want to thank each and every listener, supporter, guest, and friend who has been part of this experience. We look forward to our next 100 episodes!

Additional Links
• “Brad, what are you gonna do?” clip.
• Michael Jackson beatboxing clip collection.
• Michael Jackson HIStory World Tour Munich 1997 concert footage.
• Michael Jackson and Friends charity concert, Germany.
• “A Night at the Apollo” Democratic National Convention performance.
• “Blood on the Dance Floor” official video.
• Michael Jackson interview with Geraldo Rivera.
• “In the Back”, from The Ultimate Collection.

Music Breaks
• Michael Jackson – Heal the World (7″ Edit)
• Michael Jackson – Dangerous (Live From A Night at the Apollo, 2002)
• Michael Jackson – Days In Gloucestershire (Demo)

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

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.com. Keep Michaeling!

088: Janet Got Busy

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After a whirlwind summer of Jackson events, anniversaries, and special guests, Jamon and Q catch up on lots of news and developments in the world of Michael Jackson! On this episode, the guys welcome first-time guests Courtney and Kam, who co-host the Janet Jackson podcast, Janet Today, Janet Tomorrow, Janet Forever. The podcasting foursome chat about the story behind the new podcast, as well as updates in the world of Janet, including the buzz around her fantastic new single, ‘Made For Now’.

On the Jackson news front, the team discusses the recent media explosion around the Cascio Case, and the upcoming, limited-series podcast by Damien Shields, titled Faking Michael, which will document the history of the fraudulent tracks. They also chat about new books by Anthony King, Richard Lecocq & Francois Allard, and Vincent Paterson; the upcoming Quincy Jones documentary showing on Netflix; and the one-week run of “Thriller 3D” in IMAX theaters. Plus, they recap events at the Diamond Celebration in Las Vegas, and get updates from The MJCast correspondents.

News
• Official Michael Jackson merchandise was been released by Culture Kings in Australia. Oh, and Cotton On.
• Anthony King has released his first book on Michael Jackson, called Michael Jackson & Classical Music.
• Richard Lecocq & Francois Allard’s book Michael Jackson – All the Songs: The Story Behind Every Track is due for release on October 23rd
• Netflix lands a Quincy Jones documentary for September 21 release.
• Vincent Paterson’s autobiography, Icônes et Instincts is now available in French. The English version is coming soon!
• Jacksonville students to benefit from 1984 donation from Michael Jackson for scholarships.
• The article, ’60 Years of Michael Jackson, The Fashion Icon’, appears in Britain’s VOGUE magazine.
• Damien Shields launches a teaser trailer for his Faking Michael podcast.
• Frank Cascio’s book to be turned into mini-series
• Cascio Case media explosion and updates
• ‘Thriller 3D’ to play in IMAX theatres for a one-week run
• Diamond Celebration discussion
• Audio from the ‘Diamond Celebration’ Q&A with John Branca in Las Vegas
• Janet’s throwback video to MJ’s Remember the Time

Main Discussion Topic
• Janet! Janet Jackson releases a new single and two new music videos for ‘Made For Now (feat. Daddy Yankee)’
• Janet’s recent performance on Jimmy Fallon

Finds of the Week
• Jamon – Mark Ryden shares a YouTube video in which he discusses making a frame for his original Dangerous album art piece. His original design sketches of the frame are also available here.
• Q – A video that listener (and legendary Aussie MJ tribute artist) Paul Rizzo posted, comparing the original release and the Number Ones DVD release of the film clips for Blood On The Dance Floor, and the differences between them!

Additional Links
• iTunes and Twitter for the Janet Today, Janet Tomorrow, Janet Forever podcast.
• Janet discusses motherhood and learning to love her body on Eonline!e!
• CBS Executive Les Moonves was obsessed with ruining Janet Jackson’s career article from Huffington Post.

Ad & Music Breaks
• The Jacksons – State of Shock (Remixed by Nick* Redux)
• Nathan Jay – Take Me Away (feat. Michael Jackson)
• Janet Jackson – If (Haus of Glitch 2018 Mix)
• Janet Jackson – Made For Now (feat. Daddy Yankee) [Trace Adam Remix]

Correspondent Appearances
• Janneke van der Linden of Jackson Source (Jackson family Correspondent)
• Charles Thomson (Legal Correspondent)
• Steven Hodges of MJFFC (Charity Correspondent)
• Serena Butler gives a special report on the Diamond Celebration events and Q&A with John Branca.

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

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.com. Keep Michaeling!

087: Happy 60th Birthday MJ!

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On this episode celebrating Michael Jackson’s 60th birthday, Q, Elise and Jamon go on a trip down memory lane with special guest Sean Fitzgerald, who was part of the team who ran The Magic World of Michael Jackson Fan Club in the U.S. from 1989-1995. Sean recreates the incredible moments he experienced during this golden era for MJ fans, such as attending Michael’s fabled Bad World Tour shows at Madison Square Garden and having front-row access to the filming of MTV’s 10th Anniversary Special, where Michael performed Black or White and Will You Be There for the first time. He also talks about the infamous 1995 HBO Beacon Theatre show that was cancelled when Michael fell ill and organising ‘MichaelFest’ fan gatherings.

Plus, Sean goes into detail about his fan club’s very positive relationship with MJJ Productions, who invited Sean and other fan club organizers to their LA office on multiple occasions. Sean also gives interesting insight into how the fan community was organised pre-internet, and how that time contrasts to the online community today.

Sean Fitzgerald is based in New York, and now works in marketing. He’s been married to his high-school sweetheart (who is also an MJ fan!) for 27 years, and they have five children together. Sean is also very active in Church ministries (prison ministry, youth ministry and bible study) and has multiple degrees in Theology. He still has many very personal items from his collection of MJ memorabilia, including a range of items signed personally from Michael Jackson.

The MJCast can’t imagine a better way to celebrate sixty years of Michael than with these fantastic memories.

Additional Links
• The Barking Lot (Elise’s other passion in life, besides MJ!)
• The Jacksons perform You Are not Alone as a tribute to Joe Jackson at a recent concert in Southern California.
• Michael Jackson – Black or White video
• Michael Jackson’s performance at MTV’s 10th Anniversary Special
• Behind the scenes at MTV’s 10th Anniversary Special
• Sean Fitzgerald’s email address. You can contact him here!

Ad & Music Breaks
• Broadway United – We Are The World
• Bad Tour New York ‘88 E.T. Report
• Michael Jackson – Black or White (DJ KaktuZ Atmospheric Remix)
• Michael Jackson – Will You Be There (SWG Studio Mix)

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

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.com. Stay BAD!