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"Soul" Magazine Interview

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

“Soul” magazine (December 20, 1976), from Chris Cadman’s “Michael Jackson the Maestro” (article summary/quotes)

With The Jacksons TV series having just hit the airwaves in America, the Jackson sisters, Rebbie, La Toya and little Janet were now part of the publicity drive to promote the first batch of shows. Sitting in on this Soul Train interview were Rebbie and La Toya.

Maureen, aka Rebbie to her family, had been devoting her time to Jehovah’s Witness, as well as sewing and interior decorating, of which she had been helping brother Marlon and his wife Carol on with their home.

Rebbie joined the family on their Las Vegas dates, coming out of her own secure family unit to appear.

La Toya enjoyed being with her family and being on stage with them. She said she found it hard having a boyfriend as she didn’t trust anyone, but was not worried about the situation.

Michael, having just arrived back from a recording session with his brothers, joined in with Tito’s observation of black music being categorised when it shouldn’t be.

“That’s true. But black radio stations won’t play white music. Well, they’re just beginning to. And they won’t let white artists play on Soul Train. But then white people are the ones who set up the rules.”

The brothers were all open to branch out into other things away from music. Randy was keen to try acting. Michael joked:

“Yeah he wants to be another Mantan Moreland. Another Stepin Fetchit.”