Michael Jackson’s Radio Interview With Reverend Jesse Jackson

Michael Jackson, on a radio program titled “From Gary to Greatness,” broadcast at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 27, spoke with Reverend Jesse Jackson.

[Refers to Michael Jackson’s birthplace, “Gary.”]

Jesse Jackson has been connected with the Jackson family since 1968, and since the allegations were raised, he has prayed for Michael every day during phone calls. Jesse Jackson said that Michael Jackson had become the target of a “zealous and enthusiastic prosecutor,” while the case has been fading day by day.

Michael Jackson broke the silence that defendants in criminal cases usually keep, and once again emphasized his innocence. He compared himself to other “Black heroes” such as Nelson Mandela and former boxing champion Jack Johnson, who were victims of false accusations.

Regarding his physical condition, Michael said that since he was hit by the shower in early March, he has felt severe pain, but that he is otherwise completely healthy.

“I was coming out from under the shower when I fell onto the chest shelf and my lungs were badly injured.”

Michael said the incident caused him to vomit, and the pain from the impact was so severe that it once made him cry in the courtroom. He added that he is under medical supervision.

When Jesse mentioned how thin he is, Michael said he was never a big overeater, and that has always worried his mother and others—including Elizabeth Taylor. He said Elizabeth Taylor would sometimes prepare food for him because he has trouble eating.

He continued, “Please. I don’t want anyone to think that I’m dying of hunger.” He immediately added, “I’m completely healthy.”

Michael also talked about how he always keeps his figure in shape:

“I have a strong belief in natural foods and vegetarianism. Natural medicines instead of chemical drugs.”

The King of Pop also denied rumors about his bankruptcy.

“That is in no way true. This is another one of their many conspiracies to upset me.”

He also referred to a conspiracy to take control of his catalogs, which include the rights to Beatles and Elvis Presley songs. However, he did not provide details and said he is prohibited from discussing specifics about anything related to his case.

Michael said that his prayers help him get through the court sessions.

“I get my strength from God. I have a great deal of faith in God.”

Michael spent the first forty minutes of this radio interview talking about his career and family, Motown, the people who influenced him—such as Diana Ross, James Brown, Jackie Wilson, Sammy Davis Jr, the Beatles—his bittersweet memories from before he became famous, and how, when he was a child, he used to dance to the rhythm of a washing machine.

Michael talked about leaving school after four or five years of studying there, and said that a private tutor taught him so he could also keep up with the demanding, intensive music recording schedule. He said he grew up in a house full of music.

“There was a park across from the recording studio.” He continued, “We could hear the kids shouting, and also the sound of basketballs being thrown. I felt a kind of sadness because I wanted to go to the park, but I knew I had a different job to do.”

He said he thinks people who become famous from childhood try to recover the childhood they lost.

“That’s why you see things like amusement parks and stuff in my house. But I like doing it to help kids who aren’t as fortunate as I am—kids who are sick, kids in poor neighborhoods, so they can see mountains, play, watch movies, or eat ice cream.”

He talked about one of his childhood memories:

“When I was little, Fred Astaire always told me that in his heart he believed that one day I would become a special star. I always looked at him as if to say, ‘What are you talking about?’ But he could see (the future).”

He also talked about the Moonwalk dance:

“Kids who live in poor neighborhoods have, more than anyone else on Earth, a wonderful feeling for the rhythm of songs. I learned many ideas by watching these Black kids. I saw a kid sliding backward. In my mind, I did that move, then I went to my room in a hotel in Encino and started doing the same move—dancing and perfecting it. I’m sure my career began in the Black community. I have no doubt.”

When Jesse asked him about the worst and best events of his life, Michael said:

“The worst event of my life is what I’m going through right now.”

And when asked about the best event of his life, he said:

“I’ve always seen writings on walls saying ‘disco is disgusting’… Disco was only a way to make people dance. But it got so many fans that society started opposing it… I love one of Tchaikovsky’s albums, ‘The Nutcracker Suite.’ All the songs in this album are incredible. I made a promise to myself: ‘I want to make an album where every song becomes a popular hit.’”

“This album won eight Grammy Awards and, so far, it has been the best-selling album of all time.”

Michael said that after his innocence is proven in court, he will restart his plan to build a family villa in Africa.

At the end, Michael addressed his fans:

“In every corner of the world, with every nationality, with every race, with every language, I love you from the depths of my heart, and I’m grateful for your prayers and for the fact that you understand me. Thank you for your prayers and your good intentions. Please be patient and don’t leave me alone—believe in me because I am completely innocent. But know that many conspiracies are underway.”

Source: Washington Post / Chicago Tribune / Associated Press