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"Right On!" Magazine Interview

Interview with Cynthia Horner, the third editor of "Right On!"

August, 1977

Cynthia: You're on your way to New York to film "The Wiz". Do you think this will be the beginning of a career in films?

Michael: Not really, just once in a while.

Cynthia: Will you appear throughout the movie?

Michael: Yes.

Cynthia: How long will you be in New York?

Michael: Probably six months. I'll stay in an apartment with my sister LaToya.

Cynthia: Did you have to audition?

Michael: No. The director, Sidney Lumet, called our office and said they wanted me.

Cynthia: So, you responded right away. Was there any doubt whether you'd do it?

Michael: I thought about it. I knew about the film way before. I had spoken to Diana Ross about it. I thought it would be great to do it, because the director is one of the hottest in the country. He did "Network" and "Dog Day Afternoon". I also liked the play very much and saw it seven times.

Cynthia: Who's doing the musical score?

Michael: Quincy Jones. I'm excited, because he's great!

Cynthia: The Jacksons are working on a new album, "Destiny". How will it differ from the Epic albums Gamble and Huff produced for you and the brothers?

Michael: The album will be very funky.

Cynthia: If your fans scream for you during concerts, do you notice?

Michael: Yes, especially if it's during out slow numbers like "Ben". But there's so many screams going on, especially during the fast songs that when you get near the edge of the stage, your ears hurt.

Cynthia: What are some of the things the fans have done to try to meet you during concerts?

Michael: Some of the girls hid in our closets in the hotel rooms. Some want to touch us, some want to kiss us, and others just attack us and scream.

Cynthia: Do you ever see some of the same fans twice when you're traveling?

Michael: Yes. A lot follow us around from place to place.