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"Fab 208" Magazine Interview

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

Chris Cadman, “Michael Jackson the Maestro” (Summary / Quotes)

Michael spoke with Rob Jones in November, 1978, for Radio Luxembourg but when the sound from the transatlantic call was poor for his listeners to hear, FAB208 magazine published an edited version in their magazine. Michael talked about a variety of subjects from his early introduction to music from his parents, performing for the Queen and making The Wiz.

His favorite songs at that particular time were The Emotions, ‘Best Of My Love’ and ‘Got To Give It Up’ by Marvin Gaye.

Did he find producing with his brothers difficult?

“No, not at all, because when we are producing our songs we become more free and more happy. You see, all our lives we’ve always wanted to do it.”

Did Michael and his brothers do many takes of the songs?

“No, no, not often, in fact very, very seldom. If you do it over and over sometimes you lose the feeling and spirit.”

Michael said that he didn’t have a girlfriend but had two special girls in his life, Clare and Anne.

What was his favorite Jackson single?

“My one favorite would be Ben. That song is demanded all over the world wherever we go. Everywhere they must hear Ben.”

Speaking about the writers of the song, Michael said:

“With Monty Sharp, who wrote Ben; we’re doing some things together now. He’s a great writer, Monty Sharp, and Don Black.” *Please note Michael may have got mixed up in the interview here where he mentions Monty Sharp. I think he may have meant Walter Scharf.

Michael’s favorite TV show at the time was ‘Wild Kingdom.’