086: Dick Zimmerman Special

Q and Jamon are excited to welcome to the show renowned photographer and artist Dick Zimmerman, best known in the Michael Jackson fan community for his iconic portrait of Michael used for the Thriller album cover, which is said to be the most distributed portrait in history.

Zimmerman, known as ‘The Image Maker’, has, in over 45 years as an artist, captured the images of a wide range of celebrated entertainers, dignitaries and politicians, including everyone from Jane Fonda, Tom Cruise, John Travolta, Mick Jagger, Robin Williams and of course, La Toya, Janet and Michael Jackson.


Originally from New York, Zimmerman studied painting at the School of Visual Arts, the Parsons School of Design, New York University, the Brooklyn Museum, and throughout Europe, including the Musee D’orsay. His work has been featured in Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, CNN, NBC’s ‘The Today Show’, ABC’s ‘Access Hollywood’, ‘Dr. Drew’ and more.

The guys chat with Zimmerman about his background as an artist, the concept development behind the Thriller cover, working with Michael, and his new DVD package, ‘Memories of Michael, the Thriller Cover Session Interview’.

Additional Links
• Dick Zimmerman’s website, Facebook and Twitter pages.
• Dick’s blog post about meeting Salvador Dali and his wife Gala
• Dick Zimmerman’s interview with Dr. Drew
• Dick’s Fan Club Art Gallery website, which includes giclee prints available for sale.
• Information on his DVD, ‘Memories of Michael: The Thriller Cover Session Interview’, which includes a limited-edition art booklet.
• ’35th Anniversary of the Thriller Photo Session’ interview.

Ad & Music Breaks
• 
Michael Jackson – P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) [SWG Original Mix]
• Michael Jackson – Beat It (SWG Extended Mix)
• Michael Jackson – Thriller (Louis La Roche Mix)

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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!

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!

076: MJ101 Special: Thriller 35

In celebration of the recent 35th anniversary of Thriller and the accompanying MJ101 eBook, Jamon and Q have returning guests Andy Healy and Chris Lacy back on the show for an in-depth, track-by-track discussion of the album for the first special episode of Season Four.

Andy, creator of the free MJ101 eBook series, and Chris, a long-time fan, dancer and Albumism contributor, share their insights and stories alongside Jamon and Q as they take a deep dive into the world of Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Thriller remains the world’s best-selling album and has inspired more than three decades worth of iconic dance moves and fashion. Through this discussion of each track, the guys get to the heart of how Thriller changed pop culture, and the world.

Links
• 
MJ101: Thriller
• The official MJ101 website and Twitter page
• Andy Healy’s articles on Albumism
• Chris Lacy’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages
• Chris Lacy’s articles on Albumism
• Michael Jackson’s Thriller on Apple iTunes
• Michael Jackson’s Thriller 25 (Deluxe Edition) on Apple iTunes
• Michael Jackson’s 1982 26th Annual Grammy Awards acceptance speeches
• Michael Jackson discussing his moving cultural experience after visiting Dakar, Senegal in Jet Magazine
• 
Michael Jackson – Wanna Be Startin’ Something (12″ Version)
• The Mexico Deposition
• Paul McCartney’s Pipes of Peace (Deluxe Edition) album on Apple iTunes
• Paul McCartney – Say Say Say (feat. Michael Jackson)
• Michael Jackson – Thriller (SWG Extended Mix)
• Michael Jackson – Thriller (Louis La Roche Remix)
• Michael Jackson – Thriller Megamix (SWG)
• Michael Jackson – Starlight (Demo)
• Rick James – Give It To Me Baby
• Michael Jackson – Thriller
• Vincent Price’s full voice over session for Thriller
• The MJCast – Episode 064: Vincent Paterson Special vis Apple Podcasts and the web
• The MJCast – Episode 068: Thriller Night Special with Ola Ray via Apple Podcasts and the web
• Michael Jackson – Beat It
• Brittany Spanos’ Rolling Stone article; How Michael and Janet Jackson created the New Black Rock Star
• Michael Jackson – Billie Jean
• Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (12″ Version)
• David Marchese’s The Vulture article; Quincy Jones, In Conversation
• Jon and Vangelis – State of Independence
• Donna Summer – State of Independence
• Footage of Michael Jackson singing background vocals on Donna Summer’s ‘State of Independence’ along with Lionel Richie, Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder and others.
• 
Hall and Oates interview discussing Michael Jackson being inspired by their work
• Steve Porcaro interview discussing the story behind Human Nature
• SWV – Right Here
• Quincy Jones discusses the story behind The Lady In My Life

Music Breaks & Ads
• 
Michael Jackson – The Girl Is Mine (Demo)
• Original U.S. Thriller TV ad
• Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (SWG Extended Mix)
• Michael Jackson – Lady In My Life (Extended Version)

Connect with Us
• TheMJCast.com
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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.com. Michael on!

070: Nobody Gonna be Payin’ Us

Q and Jamon are back in the saddle and ready to discuss all things Michael Jackson and the Jackson family! The fellas kick things off with some discussion around a previously unseen version of the Victory album cover, Michael’s influence across the hip-hop genre, Tito Jackson’s interview around unreleased Michael music and a recent Dee Dee Jackson Foundation and Heal Los Angeles Fundraiser. Q and Jamon then delve into the new Blood on the Dancefloor X Dangerous (The White Panda Mash-up) remix, Paris Jackson’s Melbourne Cup visit, Janet’s State of the World Tour and Out100 Gala appearance and Austin Brown’s new EP Canyon Sessions. To round out the news, the boys update listeners on Katherine Jackson’s position as guardian of Bigi ‘Blanket’ Jackson, Mike Smallcombe and Andy Healy’s book announcements and the Dangerous World Tour (Live in Oslo) leak. The main discussion topic for this episode is all around Q and Jamon’s thoughts on the CBS TV special Michael Jackson’s Halloween.

P.s. We apologise for the audio issues on Jamon’s vocal throughout this episode. He needs a new mic chord!

News
• 
Michael Whelan, illustrator of the Victory album cover, has revealed two early concepts for the design
• MJ’s influence across hip-hop video
• Tito Jackson gives an interview around unreleased Michael Jackson music
• Dee Dee Jackson/Heal Los Angeles fundraiser event takes place at Hayvenhurst for Halloween
• Sony have released a new mash-up video for Blood on the Dance Floor X Dangerous (The White Panda Mash-up)
• Paris Jackson visits Australia for the Melbourne Cup and suffers terrible treatment by Australian media, and also some great media here, here and here.
• Janet Jackson attends official LA #SOTW Tour after-party and performs at Hollywood Bowl with Jackson’s in attendance. Reunites with previous dancers for If, Scream & Rhythm Nation medley.
• Janet Jackson honoured with the 2017 music icon award at the Out100 Gala
• Austin Brown releases a new EP titled Canyon Sessions
• Katherine Jackson resigns as guardian of Bigi Jackson
• Mike Smallcombe is set to release a revised version of Making Michael
• Andy Healy’s Bad 30 101 is available for download
• Michael Jackson’s Dangerous World Tour (Live in Oslo, 1992) has leaked
• LaVelle Smith Jr shares footage of Michael’s 2002 “A Night at the Apollo” lip-synced performance of Heal the World
• Stance launches official Thriller socks range
• Director John Singleton shares memories of working with Michael
• Jermaine Jackson performs on Dutch TV show Tijd voor MAX as well as engaging in some interviews while in the Netherlands.

Main Discussion Topic
• 
Michael Jackson’s Halloween

Finds of the Week
• 
Q – Sammy Davis Jr. Sings Michael Jackson’s Bad
• Jamon – Michael Jackson – You Are Not Alone (Full Length Mix)

Additional Links
• 
Moranbah. Where Jamon lives.
• 
Did Prince Cause The Jacksons to Remove Dove from Victory Album Cover?
• Michael Jackson at HOT 97’s Summer Jam with Jay-Z in 2002
• The Notorious BIG – Unbelievable
• The Jackson’s Legacy book

Music Breaks & Ads
• 
Michael Jackson – Smooth Criminal (BlkPanther SOLO Orchestral Mix)
• Janet Jackson – No Sleeep (Even When You Sleep ’86 Remix)
• Moonwalk TV ad
• Michael Jackson – Workin’ Day and Night (Live in Oslo, 1992)

Connect with Us
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TheMJCast.com
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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!

068: Thriller Night Special with Ola Ray

Thirty-five years after Thriller album’s release, Michael Jackson’s titular short film remains a Halloween staple. To mark the anniversary, Q and Jamon are joined on this special episode by none other than Michael’s Thriller co-star, Ola Ray.

In 1983, it seemed like every young woman wanted to be Ola Ray, strutting hand-in-hand with the King of Pop at the zenith of his career. But in this exclusive chat with The MJCast, Ola talks about the dark side of Hollywood. Among her revelations is that she was high the first time she joined Michael on the set of the video.

After discussing her brief friendship with Michael – including the last time she ever saw him – Ola speaks of her annoyance and not being invited to Sony/Estate events organised to mark Thriller’s 35th anniversary, and also gives an insight into her ongoing legal action against the Estate over its alleged failure to pay her the royalties demanded by her contract.

Additionally, Ola gives listeners a preview of her upcoming book, The Thrill Of It All, in which she says she will spill the beans about her time as one of Hugh Hefner’s playmates and – in the wake of the recent litany of allegations against various powerful men in Hollywood – claims she will expose how she was taken advantage of as a young, aspiring actress.

Links
• 
Ola Maria Ray’s Instagram and Facebook pages
• 
The MJCast – Episode 019: Thriller Night Halloween Special with LaVelle Smith Jr.
• The MJCast – Episode 043: Thriller Night Special feat. CJ DeVillar
• The MJCast – Episode 064: Vincent Patterson Special
• Ola Ray’s Playmate of the Day page
• Michael Jackson’s Thriller short film
• The Making of Michael Jackson’s Thriller
• Michael discusses Thriller on MTV’s ‘100 Greatest Videos Ever Made’ TV special
• The MJCast – Episode 066: Long Hair Don’t Care
• MJ’s Halloween Crypt; a terrific MJ/Halloween playlist free on Soundcloud by listener @DoggoneLover88

Ad & Music Breaks
• 
Michael Jackson – PYT (The Reflex Edit)
• Michael Jackson – Thriller (Louis La Roche Remix)
• Michael Jackson – Threatened (Nick* Crook County Remix)
• Taylor Davis – Thriller

Connect with Us
• TheMJCast.com
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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!

066: Long Hair Don’t Care

This episode of The MJCast is dedicated to the victims of the September 19th Central Mexico Earthquake, which has killed more than 300 people to date and those who are suffering in hurricane ravaged Puerta Rico. You can pitch in here and here respectively. A massive recovery effort is underway in Mexico City and Puerta Rico. The MJCast wishes host of The MJCast en Español Ale Huerta and her friends and family all the best…

It’s nearly Halloween and, aptly, John Branca has coughed and spluttered back into action to gift us with a trio of new projects. The first is a compilation CD of songs that are Halloween-themed and also of songs which aren’t Halloween-themed. The tracklist includes Ghosts, Thriller, Torture… and Dirty Diana and Scream.

The second new project, given a preview at Comic Con in New York, is a cartoon about a jeri curl-sporting dog set to ‘reimagined’ Michael Jackson songs. The third is a 3D conversion of Thriller which featured the wrong music at its London premiere.

Two of these peak Michael Jackson Estate offerings – the CD and the new version of Thriller – were launched in recent weeks with a series of invite-only fan parties. After screening the music videos for several of the songs on the CD, John Branca and John Landis teamed up for some Q&As. So fans were treated to the sight of an unconvincing plastic dummy serving as a proxy Michael Jackson. They also saw the Torture video.

Co-host Charles Thomson and friend of the show Paul Black appear on this episode to discuss these latest Estate releases after Jamon and Q’s round-up of all the hottest news.

News
• 
Michael’s Aviator sunglasses have been reimagined after 35 years.
• 
3T have performed at the We Love 90s Festival in the Netherlands.
• 
A series of projects have taken place to mark 30 years of the Bad album, including The MJCast en Espanol’s first roundtable episode, a new article by Albumism and a new MJ101 eBook by Andy Healy.
• 
Some new footage has leaked from the Dangerous Tour in Copenhagen.
• 
A new HIStory Tour concert, from Johannesburg, has leaked.
• 
A new audio documentary has been released about Janet Jackson’s work with Jam & Lewis.
• 
Janet Jackson has kicked off her State of the World Tour in Houston and visited homeless shelters for the victims of Hurricane Harvey.
• 
Paris Jackson has been announced as an ambassador for the Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation.
• 
ABC 20/20 has aired a documentary about the murder of Tito Jackson’s ex-wife Dee Dee, about which her sons – 3T – are unhappy.
• 
London’s National Portrait Gallery has announced an exhibition of artwork inspired by Michael Jackson, to be held in summer 2018.
• 
Behind the scenes footage of Nahko Bear’s new music video, featuring Paris Jackson, has been released.
• 
Taryll Jackson has released Start It All Over Again.
• 
Chart Masters has published an article detailing how many units the Thriller album has actually sold.
• 
A collector claims he has a rare copy of Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker Sega game, featuring Thriller.
• 
Chinese billionaire Jack Ma, CEO of the Alibaba Group, has performed some Michael Jackson dance moves.

Main Discussion Topic
• 
Sony and the Michael Jackson Estate have marked the release of a new Michael Jackson compilation CD with a series of fan parties, featuring screenings of Thriller 3D.

Finds of the Week
• 
Jamon – Annemaree Latour’s article; ‘Scream’ Shows that the Michael Jackson Estate Needs to Raise the Bar
• Q – Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker – Sega Genesis (Angry Video Game Nerd Episode 63)

Additional Links
• TDR Explorer Podcast
• Anthony King’s website, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube pages
• 
Michael Jackson’s What More Can I Give video
• Michael Jackson’s Todo Para Ti video
• Michael Jackson thanking people for making Todo Para Ti
• 
Janet Fresno’s Janet Jackson concert review
• Janet tour footage one, two and three
• Janet Jackson’s Unbreakable album
• Janet Jackson’s upcoming tour dates
• Karen O’Halloran’s Facebook page and MJ Book Club Twitter page
• Michael Jackson’s Scream album
• Michael Jackson’s Ghosts short film
• Michael Jackson’s Thriller short film
• Michael Jackson’s Thriller album
• Michael Jackson’s Thriller 25 album
• Martin Nessi’s interview on creating the sound mix for Thriller 3D
• 
Michael Jackson’s ThrillerCast podcast
• JD’s Twitter and YouTube accounts

Music Breaks & Ads
• 
Michael Jackson – Todo Para Ti
• 
Janet Jackson – Night/Dammn Baby (JRay Remix)
• Michael Jackson – Thriller (SWG Extended Mix)
• Grover Washington Jr – I Can’t Help It
• Original TV ad for Michael Jackson’s Thriller album
• 
Michael Jackson announces Thriller 25
• 
Thriller 25 TV ad

Connect with Us
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• Facebook
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• 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!

064: Vincent Paterson Special

Choreographer Vincent Patterson was at Michael Jackson’s side for many of the key moments which helped cement his status as an entertainment legend, first working with Michael as an assistant choreographer and lead dancer on the pioneering Beat It and Thriller music video shoots. When it came time to devise the videos for Michael’s next album, Bad, Vincent was brought back into the fold, working on the short films for The Way You Make Me Feel, Speed Demon, Dirty Diana and Smooth Criminal.

But it wasn’t just short films he collaborated on with Michael. He also helped shape some of the most historic live performances of Michael’s career, from directing the Bad World Tour to helping to choreograph Michael’s 1988 Grammy Awards performance.

Vincent’s association with Michael continued throughout the 1990s. He choreographed for the Black or White music video and Michael’s MTV 10th anniversary performance, helped devise Michael’s groundbreaking Superbowl half-time show and directed the Blood on the Dance Floor music video.

Today he joins Jamon and Q to discuss Michael Jackson as both an artist and a man, explaining their collaborative working process and telling the stories behind some of pop culture’s most historic moments. He also discusses his involvement in the documentary, The Man Behind the Throne, which is the focus of his work with Michael Jackson, Madonna and other celebrities.

Links
• 
Vincent Patterson’s website, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube
• Madonna’s Blonde Ambition World Tour
• Strike a Pose documentary trailer
• Mikail Baryshnikov in Giselle
• Alvin Ailey – Cry
• Evita film trailer
• Michael Jackson – Beat It
• Making of Michael Jackson’s Beat It
• Michael Jackson – Thriller
• Making of Michael Jackson’s Thriller
• Michael Jackson – Black or White
• Making of Michael Jackson’s Black or White
• Michael Jackson – Smooth Criminal
• Making of Michael Jackson’s Smooth Criminal
• Girl Hunt Ballet from Fred Astaire’s Bandwagon
• The Man Behind the Throne documentary website
• The MJCast – Episode 011: June 25th Special with Darren Hayes

Music Breaks & Ads
• 
Michael Jackson – For All Time (Eric Hudson Remix)
• Cyrano, Esq – Peace For Your Soul (Michael Jackson Tribute)
• LaToya Jackson – Home
• Michael Jackson Orchestral Medley – London Symphony Orchestra

Connect with Us
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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!

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

063: Q Q&A

Just when you thought things were getting back to normal, Jamon has deserted ship again, leaving Q to man the deck single-handed. Luckily, Q is more than capable of entertaining himself while Jamon isn’t looking.

In this solo episode, Q answers questions submitted by you, our loyal listeners. Episode 062 was the fastest-downloaded regular news episode in the show’s history, so Q felt Episode 063 would be the perfect opportunity to engage in a little back and forth with our ever-growing audience.

Topics ranged from MJ in the movies to what Q would do if if was manning the fort over at the MJ Estate, instead of here at The MJCast.

From Lina Yakoub:
• 
Who are three actors you think would be able to channel Michael the best in a movie (could be singers as well)?
• 
What already existing movie roles do you think Michael possibly could have played?
• 
Do you have any exciting guests on upcoming episodes and, if so, could you give us a few hints on who they may be?

From live-tweeting queen Carley (@MJIsMyGoldenBoy):
• 
Which MJ songs have you not listened to ever since MJ’s passing?
• 
What were the highlights of seeing MJOne?

From Lyne Tyler (@FmrMTLr):
• 
A common complaint with fellow fans is the lack of available materials from the Jacksons’ touring years. As we gripe about not having the Destiny, Triumph or Victory tours on any media, we never ask who owns the rights to those tours. Is it the band (ie. The Jacksons) or another entity? The MJ Estate may not have full ownership and may therefore not be to blame for not releasing them. I personally have no clue and thought you may have insight.
• 
My second question relates to your outstanding work in putting this podcast together. Without revealing your secret sauce, as you all seem to make it so easy, how do you manage to produce such a high quality show with consistent topics and without speaking over each other? How much prep time is involved and how do your respective significant others feel about the time we steal away from them? I love them all for sharing you with us so generously.
• 
One last question. Can we get Mr Thomson to live tweet more? He is priceless.

From Kory Wise:
• 
If you could go back to witness one moment from Michael’s life or career, what would it be and why?

From Reny SanLuis:
• 
If you could own any piece of MJ memorabilia, what would it be and why
• 
If you were in charge of the MJ Estate, what would be the first MJ item/thing that you would put out or do for the public?
• 
If you could go back in time and watch Michael create a signature moment during his stellar career, what would it be and why?
• 
The famous Oprah Winfrey question: What do you know for sure?

From Ashley White (@1958TO4EVER):
• 
Do you know what happened to the tsunami relief song Michael was working on around 2005, that he was shown working on in the Geraldo Riviera interview?
• 
Do you think we will get a remastered Thriller on Blu-Ray as a result of Thriller 3D coming to cinemas?

Additional Links
• 
The Dark Knight Trilogy – Falcone + Dr Crane/Scarecrow – Own It Now
• Pacific Rim – Jaeger Pilot suit up scene
• Episode 026 – Diana Walczak Special
• Michael Jackson’s Oxford Union speech
• Michael Jackson and Geraldo Riviera in the studio in 2005
• Episode 029 – Season One’s Q&A show

Music Breaks & Ads
• 
Michael Jackson One OST – 2000 Watts/Jam SuperMix
• Michael Jackson vs Lady Gaga – The King of ArtPop Megamix (by Robin Skouteris)
• Michael Jackson – The Legendary Megamix (by Robin Skouteris)
• Janet Jackson – Dammn Baby (Noodles Remix) (by @DJNoodles)

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!

062: They Didn’t Need an Expert to Say That

Jamon is back from his paternity leave, rejoining Q to co-host Episode 062 after a few months off. They are joined by recurring guest host and legal correspondent Charles Thomson, plus lifelong MJ fan Angela Kande. Charles and Angela discuss their recent visits to Santa Maria, Forest Lawn and the Jacksons’ 50th Anniversary Tour, before helping Jamon and Q dissect all of the latest MJ and Jackson family news.

After the news, Jamon and Q first delve into Angela’s fan story, where she shares some of her most vivid memories from the ‘frontline’ of MJ fandom in the 1990s and 2000s. In addition to attending the HIStory Tour in 1997 and the World Music Awards in 2006, Angela spent time at Michael’s hotels and other places he visited during his trips to the UK. She recalls the lows (like witnessing a photographer assault Michael outside a recording studio) and the highs (like bagging a seat right behind Michael at a London theatre) of her time spent in Michael’s orbit. She also discusses the origins of her spoken word poem ‘Legacy’, about the impact of Michael’s death on his fan community.

The hosts then turn their attention to Charles. Despite first appearing on the MJCast in Episode 002 and having been a frequent contributor ever since, Jamon and Q recently realised they had never asked Charles some of the key questions they usually ask guests during their first appearances on the show. What begins as a simple interview about Charles’ favourite songs, albums, videos and concerts turns into an emotional discussion about what Michael means to his fans – and the wider world – and how the fan community must fight for his legacy as his Estate allows it to crumble.

This episode marks Angela’s first ‘live’ appearance on the MJCast, although she did appear as one of Charles’ interviewees in his World Music Awards 10th Anniversary Special last year.

News
• 
Michael’s Estate announces a one-off cartoon, ‘Michael Jackson’s Halloween’, featuring ‘reimagined’ versions of his music.
• 
A 3D version of Thriller, plus the Making of Thriller documentary, are to be shown at the Venice Film Festival.
• 
Producer Teddy Riley, a major contributor to Michael’s Dangerous album, discusses his time in the studio with Michael in a new two-and-a-half interview.
• 
Remixed by Nick* has made a large number of his Michael Jackson remixes available for download.
• 
Jimmy Safechuck’s posthumous demands for money over alleged abuse by Michael have been thrown out of court by a judge, and Wade Robson’s case looks set to follow.
• 
Quincy Jones has been awarded more than $9million by a jury after he sued the Michael Jackson Estate for underpaying him.
• 
An attempt by Frank Cascio to auction a CD of fake Michael Jackson songs for upwards of $50,000 has been called off – but the disc remains available for private sale.
• 
Jermaine Jackson performs at the grand finale of BBC talent contest Pitch Battle.
• 
Michael Jackson’s Thriller has been used as the soundtrack to the new trailer for Stranger Things – Season Two, after producers were eventually able to secure the rights.
• 
Michael Jackson’s Estate has granted Sony, a company Michael despised, continued permission to control the licensing of his music.
• 
New transcripts from the class action lawsuit over the release of fake Michael Jackson songs reveal a judge has accused lawyers for Sony, MJJ Productions and the MJ Estate of throwing their co-defendants under a bus by conceding they may have been duped into selling bogus material.
• 
Michael’s son Prince has produced a music video for Swedish singer Nano.
• 
Filmmaker Spike Lee has announced his latest Brooklyn Loves MJ street party.
• 
The Grammy Museum in Los Angeles has added new Michael Jackson exhibits to its collection.

Main Discussion Topic
• 
Angela and Charles’ fan stories

Additional Links
• 
MJFFC Global Birthday Party
• Charles previously discussed elements of his fan story in Episode 039, with fellow guest Sam Habib.
• 
Michael’s circular moonwalk on the Victory Tour.
• 
Angela Kande’s spoken word poem ‘Legacy’.
• 
Angela’s previous MJCast appearance, in Episode 44 – The World Music Awards 2006 10th Anniversary Special.
• 
Angela’s Twitter page.

Music Breaks & Ads
• 
Michael Jackson’s Perfume/Cologne Commercial
• BJ Griffin & Jason Brown – The Way You Make Me Feel Cover
• Michael Jackson – Midnight Groove
• Miles Davis – Human Nature
• Michael Jackson – With a Child’s Heart (Stripped Mix)

Connect with Us
• 
TheMJCast.com
• Facebook
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• 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!

060: The Laura Comedy Hour

Laura Nicholson returns to guest host with Jason and Q, and this time she has the chance to share her fan story! This is followed by a range of news stories, reactions to and our reviews of the Lifetime TV film starring Navi, Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland, details around what you’ll need to send in for an upcoming Q&A episode, finds of the week and some sweet, sweet tunes.

News
• 
Association On The Line is hosting the MJ Music Day event in Paris, France.
• 
New Who Is It concept art has apparently leaked.
• 
Michael Jackson themed Egyptian movie Sheik Jackson is on the way.
• 
Prince Jackson attends the 2017 Billboard Music Awards and presents Drake with the Top Artist Award.
• 
Shana Mangatal has released never before seen footage from the original Ghosts shoot, with an interesting back story around it.
• 
Janet Jackson reportedly set to document divorce, motherhood and more on Netflix special.
• MJ’s nephew, Austin Brown, collaborates with fraudster Eddie Cascio.
• 
Iconic Michael Jackson film from photo sessions needs $500 000 to be developed.
• 
Michael Jackson fan loses home in London’s Grenfell Tower Fire tragedy.
• 
Thriller 3D to be released in the US this summer.
• 
Review of The Jacksons Glastonbury performance from their 50th Anniversary tour
• 
TJ and Frances Jackson launch The Family Rules, a platform with blogs, posts, Q&A videos on marriage, children and family.
• 
Paris Jackson appears in The xx’s new short film, I Dare You.

Main Discussion Topic
• 
Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland. The good, the bad and the ugly.

Finds of the Week
• 
Jason – How to Make Michael Jackson’s Scream
• Q – Sean Kenneth O’Hara’s HelpHOPELive Kidney Transplant Fund campaign
• 
Laura – Touch of Brass Big Band – Thriller (Arranged by Neil Finn)
• Jamon – “Most Difficult Mix Ever” – Mixing Michael Jackson’s They Don’t Care About Us

Additional Links
• 
Laura Nicholson on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube
• The Michael Jackson Estate issues a press release about Lifetime and Netflix MJ films
• 
Jankins of Moonwalk Talks podcast does a terrific in-depth review in his Episode 023
• YouTube review of Searching for Neverland from listener Aaron Clements

Music Breaks & Ads
• 
Jackson 5 – I Want You Back (Accents Bring the Sun Remix)
• Michael Jackson – P.Y.T. (The Reflex Revision)
• Michael Jackson – Liberian Girl (Master Chic Mix)
• Jackson 5 – Alpha Bits Commercial
• Michael Jackson – Human Nature (Cover)

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!