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"Scholastic Awards" Magazine Interview

Date of publication confirmed in Chris Cadman’s “Michael Jackson the Maestro”

“Scholastic Awards” magazine (May 15, 1972), From Chris Cadman’s “Michael Jackson the Maestro” (article summary/quotes)

Bob Jones, who would eventually go on to be Michael’s, Vice President of Communications, quickly jumped in on the first question asked by Rauseo, on whether the group were active in the civil rights movement.

“Hold it right there. They aren’t active in any movements, and we don’t want you creating any illusions.”

The Jackson 5’s strategy, which would carry on throughout their career was to unite all colours and creeds with their music, and that’s what very much happened. Jackie shared his thoughts on this:

“Look, we appeal to both black and white. You can see little kids and adults at our concerts, and we play for all of them. We don’t make black music or white music, or kid music or adult music; we make our sound for everybody.”

To Rauseo, it was Jermaine who came across as the most serious musician, although on the day of the interview Rauseo was scared witless as he was confronted by the site of ‘Crusher’ his pet snake.

Michael came across as a level headed young man as Rauseo spoke briefly with him. Although, mainly the focus of attention of the group, Michael didn’t as he put it, hog the limelight.

So where did the feeling come from in the songs he sang about love:

“When I’m singing about a girl, and I call her my sweet little sunflower, all I do is picture girls who I’ve known like that.”

At the time of the interview The Jackson 5 were preparing to introduce Randy to the group, which would see him feature more prominently on TV and at their concerts.