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"Rock and Soul" Magazine Interview

Date range (Early June - August) assessed from the fact that the interview takes place “just after the completion of The Jacksons ‘Goin’ Places’ album (recording finished around August) and his arrival in New York to film ‘The Wiz’ (Early June)” (Chris Cadman)

“Rock and Soul Magazine” (November 1977), from Chris Cadman’s “Michael Jackson the Maestro” (article summary/quotes)

On Jackson penned songs on Goin’ Places:

“Yes we wrote two songs on the album – words and music. Jackie and Marlon wrote ‘Do What You Wanna.’ It’s a mellow in between like ‘Never Can Say Goodbye.’ It’s not fast, nor slow. We all wrote ‘Different Kind Of Lady.’ It’s very funky, it’s fast – you can really dance to it, you can really get down.”

On writing:

“Yes my favorite activity is writing songs.”

On his day off:

“I just relax at home with my family and friends. I like to ride around on my bike, look at my video tapes, and read.”

On his type of girl: “I prefer the quiet type. I like girls who are friendly, nice and beautiful in every way. I don’t like when people gossip or talk bad about others or judge people before they know them.”

Favourite musicians and Stevie Wonder:

“I really like Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Diana Ross, The Bee Gees, Ohio Players and Wild Cherry. Stevie is special – very special ‘cause he’s super, super, super talented. I’ve worked with him lots of times. We recorded lots of songs and I’ve learned a lot from him – by singing with him in sessions and just by talking with him. I just listen to the words on his album to know how bright he is.”

Memorable moments to date:

“Meeting the Queen Mother of England. We gave a command performance for her about five years ago. It was a lot of fun. Liberace, Carol Channing and Elton John were also on the show. After it was over she said, ‘You gentlemen are splendid. I honestly enjoyed you. Keep up the good work.”

Advice to any aspiring youngster wanting to go into show business:

“The most important thing is to keep listening. Keep watching and learning. Don’t get discouraged and give up. Keep trying.”

“Rock & Soul” magazine (March 1983) (Possible recollection from author)

In the interim, my mind wandered back to a time in August of 1977 when I had a long, intimate talk with Michael. He was considering taking a role in a film, "The Wiz", and his main attraction to the part was the fact that a man he’d literally worshiped all his life--Quincy Jones--was hired to do the musical score. Usually ultra-conservative in his actions during an interview, I nearly lost consciousness from the sheer shock when Michael grabbed my arm and shaking my body (down to the ground?) with excitement as he hissed: “Can you believe it?? Quincy Jones! He's greaaaaaat!“ My mind snapped back to the present as Quincy agreed to answer one more question about Michael‘s new album, something about Michael‘s "quirky lyrics" and distant personal approach with his lead vocals.