26 March 2005 - Michael Jackson’s Radio Interview with Reverend Jesse Jackson

Michael Jackson appeared on a radio program titled " From Gary to Greatness " that aired at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, 27 March, where he 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 been praying for Michael every day during phone calls. Jesse Jackson said that Michael Jackson had become the target of a “zealous prosecutor,” while the case grows weaker every 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 had been victims of false accusations.

Speaking about his physical condition, Michael said that since he had been under a cold shower in early March, he had been in severe pain, but that he was otherwise completely healthy.
" I was coming out of the shower and I fell onto my chest, and my lungs were badly injured. "

Michael said the incident made him vomit, and the pain from the impact was so intense that it once brought him to tears in the courtroom. He added that he was under a doctor’s care.

When Jesse noted how thin he was, Michael said he had never been a overeater, and that this had always worried his mother and others—including Elizabeth Taylor. He said Elizabeth Taylor would sometimes prepare food for him because he had 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 said that when it comes to how he always keeps his figure in shape, he believes in:
" I’m a big believer in natural foods and vegetarianism. Natural medicines instead of chemical drugs. "

The King of Pop also denied rumors about his bankruptcy.
" This is absolutely not true. This is just another one of their very elaborate plots to upset me. "

He also referred to a plot to acquire his catalogs, which include the rights to Beatles and Elvis Presley songs as well. However, he did not provide details and said that he was prohibited from discussing 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 lot of faith in God. "

Michael spent the first forty minutes of this radio interview talking about his career and family—Motown, the people who inspired 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 would dance to the rhythm of a washing machine.

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

" There was a park right across from the recording studio. " he continued, " We could hear the kids shouting, and also the sound of a basketball 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 believes that people who become famous from childhood try to reclaim the childhood they lost.
" That’s why you see things like an amusement park and things like that in my home. But I want to do it to help kids who aren’t any happier than I was—kids who are sick, kids in poor neighborhoods—so they can see mountains, play, watch movies, or have ice cream. "

Speaking 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 very special star. I always looked at him like, what are you saying? 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, an incredible feeling for the rhythm of songs. I learned a lot of ideas just by watching these 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 work 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 in my life is exactly what I’m going through right now. " He said the best event in his life was:
" I’ve always seen things written on walls that said, ‘Hate-filled disco’... Disco was just a way to get people to dance. But it had gained so many fans that the community was starting to oppose it... I love one of Tchaikovsky’s albums, ‘The Nutcracker Suite.’ Every song on this album is incredible. I made a promise to myself: ‘I want to make an album where every song becomes a hit.’ "

" This album won eight Grammy Awards and, so far, it’s been the best-selling album of all those times. "

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

In closing, Michael addressed his fans:
" No matter where you are on earth, with any nationality, any race, any language—you are loved by me from the depths of my heart, and I’m grateful for your prayers and for the fact that you understand me. I’m thankful for your prayers and your good intentions. Please be patient and don’t leave me alone—have faith in me—because I am completely innocent. But know that many plots are underway. "