117: Howard Bloom Special

Howard Bloom joins host Elise Capron for her first solo episode to discuss his time working as Michael Jackson’s publicist in the 1980’s, during the Victory era. Though Bloom grew up as full-blown science nerd who knew nothing about popular music, he fell into the music world through magazine publishing, and, in 1976, founded what would become one of the biggest PR firms in the music industry during the ’70s and ’80s. He helped build or sustain the careers of more than 100 rock and roll icons, including Prince, Bob Marley, Joan Jett, ZZ Top, Bette Midler, Billy Joel, and, of course, Michael Jackson.

Howard and Elise discuss his fascinating and unusual journey into music, how he came to work with the Jackson family, and dig deep into Howard’s philosophies around what made Michael Jackson so seemingly magical—a concept Howard describes as “finding the gods within”. They also chat about Howard’s new book, which goes even further into his many great stories, Einstein, Michael Jackson, & Me: A Search for Soul in the Power Pits of Rock and Roll.

Additional Links
• Howard Bloom’s website, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube channel.
• Buy Howard’s new book here.

Ad Breaks
• 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.

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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. Keep Michaeling!

106: That’s Why I Do the Hashtags

Jamon is back after a short break, joining Q to discuss updates in the world of Michael Jackson and the Jackson family. In this regular episode, the guys chat about a wide range of topics, from the disappointing news that Leaving Neverland has been nominated for several Emmy Awards, to the much happier news that Michael Jackson may have a place on the “Walk of Fame” in Dubai, and the gorgeous new MJ statue which has been erected by fans in Zhengzhou, in Central China’s Henan Province. Plus, they discuss Andy Healy’s 35th anniversary retrospective article on the Victory album, as well as a really fun new episode of “Moonwalk Talks” (glad to have you back, Jankins!). The team also announces upcoming MJ 61st birthday events happening around the world, and, for their main discussion topic, the dive into the question of what the Michael Jackson Estate should do next.

News
• Leaving Neverland has been nominated for five Emmy Awards.
Andy Healy drops a retrospective article on the Victory album for its 35th anniversary.
• Jankins has returned to the world of Michael Jackson podcasting with a tongue-in-cheek episode of Moonwalk Talks on Michael being a Jedi.
• Dubai’s “Walk of Fame” could soon include Michael Jackson. Vote here! (Nominations close at midnight (GST) on Wednesday, 31 July 2019.)
• Chinese fans of Michael Jackson have erected a statue of Michael and held a concert in Zhengzhou, Central China’s Henan Province to commemorate his death. Video of the event.
• Michael Jackson Birthday events: (if you know about more, be sure to share them online!)
• São Paulo, Brazil: Sunday 25 August. MJ Celebration Party on Paulista Avenue, dancing covers, tributes, games and contests. For more details, contact @DanielJackson7 on twitter.
• London, England: Wednesday 28 August (2pm-5:30pm), Thursday 29 August (11am-6:30pm), Friday 30 August (11am-6pm), Saturday 31 August (11am-2pm). At Gallery Different, “Michael: HIS_story” exhibition. Admission £3
• Las Vegas, Nevada: Wednesday 28 August. Casual fan dinner, Slice of Vegas, 7pm, paid event (you pay for your own dinner).
• Las Vegas, Nevada: Thursday 29 August. MJ Fan Meet and Greet afternoon tea. RiRa Irish Pub at Mandalay Bay, 11am, $35 per person, limited tickets.
• Las Vegas, Nevada: Thursday 29 August. Michael Jackson ONE celebration at Mandalay Bay, paid event.
• Las Vegas, Nevada: Friday 30 August. MJLive at Stratosphere Hotel Casino. Showtime 7pm. Paid event, tickets must be purchased.
• Santa Monica, California: Saturday 31 August. Private buffet-style candlelight dinner and Bad concert film screening at fan Davina Baham‘s residence. Paid event in the way of a $5-$10 cover charge to help pay for the food and drinks.
• Perth, Australia: Saturday 31 August. MJ Birthday Charity Lunch, 12-5pm, Dome café Belmont (next to the Reading Cinemas). Please bring a charity donation of a gold coin, and of course if you’re eating and drinking you’ll need to buy your own foods and drinks.
• Brussels, Belgium: In the Studio with MJ, 3 days of events! Friday 30 August (6-9pm), MJ Birthday Remix seminar; Saturday 31 August (11am – 8pm), Brad Sundberg, Brad Buxer AND Michael Prince seminar; Sunday 1 September (11am – 8pm) In the Studio With MJ 2019 seminar + The Tour of Neverland. Tickets and event details.
• Copenhagen, Denmark: Saturday, 31 August. Info here or contact @MooWalkersDK on twitter for more info if needed!
Zurich, Switzerland: Saturday 21 September. Michael Jackson Night at the Mundwerk Club. Doors open at 7pm, party and performances from 9pm (there may be a club cover charge for this). Follow @jackson_ch the Swiss MJ community twitter for more.
• Washington, DC, USA: Wednesday, 28 August. A play, “The Night Michael Jackson Died”, which “seeks to reclaim the legacy of Michael Jackson”, followed by an MJ-themed dance party. Tickets available here.

Main Discussion Topic
• What should the MJ Estate do next?

Finds of the Week
• Jamon – Michael Jackson’s You Rock My World covered By Justin Lee Schultz on a talk box
• Q – Annamaria’s amazing Michael and Janet art on Twitter and Instagram

Additional Links
• Michael Jackson, Take Two: The Footage You Were Never Meant to See

Ad & Music Breaks
• Janet Jackson – One More Chance
• Jaafar Jackson – Got Me Singing
• Michael Jackson – They Don’t Care About Us (Nick* Crook County Remix)

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If you have any thoughts, opinions, or feedback on this Michael Jackson podcast episode, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.comKeep Michaeling!

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!

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)

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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!

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
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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!