Michael Jackson and That Tiger Kid

You previously read an interview with the photographer of the cover art for the immortal Thriller album on this page.

Dick Zimmerman, who took off his white suit so that Michael could wear it and be photographed, says that Michael was shy that day—but when he saw the tiger cub that had been brought into the studio, he felt at ease.

"He could interact with and connect to animals in a very special way, which was truly fascinating. I got the strong feeling that he preferred to spend his time with that tiger cub rather than with the strangers who were in the room.

Michael was extraordinary, and maybe in a hundred or a thousand years from now the world will understand that.

The tiger cub was named “Little William / Little William,” and he was even more restless than Michael, but Michael’s gentle personality and spirit helped the tiger cub feel comfortable. The interaction and coordination between Michael and that tiger cub amazed every member of the group. On that day, 300 photos were taken, and at the end of the day, Michael and William were inseparable."

You know that Michael’s outfit in this photo belonged to Dick Zimmerman, the photographer. But have you ever wondered why Michael rejected many of the clothes that had been prepared in the studio for the photoshoot and chose Zimmerman’s outfit?

At that time, the album title had not yet been chosen. “Thriller” was supposed to be called “Star Light,” and this bright, shiny white suit matched that title perfectly.

Zimmerman says, who would have thought that years later his white suit would be considered the best clothing choice for the Thriller album cover—and that it would become so lasting, famous, and legendary?

Source: eMJey.com / Dick Zimmerman