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Charlie Tuna Radio Interview

Charlie Tuna, radio host, "K-Earth 101" (June 25, 2012) (archived)

The photo [Image 1] is 14 year old Michael Jackson with me in 1973, at my Woodland Hills studio, for my first interview with Michael. Michael came alone that day with no entourage or publicity team, and notice the word “Love” on the front of his T-Shirt. That’s what Michael was all about from the beginning!

Transcript

Charlie Tuna: My sit down interview with Michael Jackson when he was only 14 years old. One on one in studio, no entourage surrounding him and we talked about everything including-

[Interview Begins]

Charlie Tuna: How many years had you put in prior to Diana Ross discovering you?

Michael Jackson:   Before?

Charlie Tuna:  mmm huh. Before she discovered you?

Michael Jackson: About uh...2 years

Charlie Tuna:  Had you had a lot of long hours or work or..

MJ: Yes

CT: Did it all just kind of fall into…?

MJ:  Yes, we'd come home from school and head to the instruments.  People would look in from the windows and watch. Like in that area everybody they tried to make a group. But a couple of weeks later they would break up. We were the main one that stayed together.

[Clip Ends]

Charlie Tuna: A 14 year old Michael Jackson and I were talking about possible career alternatives, other options in case he wasn't a singer.

Michael Jackson:  Showbiz I guess or or run track

Charlie Tuna: You like track?  What are your events?

Michael Jackson:  I don't have any events.  I just know I'm fast!

Charlie Tuna: [Laughs]