In 1978, a man named Michael Jackson released “Blame It On The Boogie”. But not that Michael Jackson. In fact, he didn’t even go by that name. He was known professionally as Mick Jackson.
He recorded the song in 1977 and he had planned to sell it to Stevie Wonder. Then it got into the hands of The Jacksons’ manager and the “other” Michael Jackson sang lead with his brothers on the smash hit we know today.
I couldn’t believe the chances of one MJ making a song and another MJ singing it. Then I found out the real name of Madlib’s brother, Oh No, was also Michael Jackson. I know it’s not a unique combination of names – Michael and Jackson – but I’d never heard of any besides the King of Pop.
And that got me thinking. There must be loads of Michael Jackson’s out there who are still alive. So this series is dedicated to them. The first in the series is an American talk radio host born in London.
Based in LA, this Michael Jackson was best known for his calm demeanour and wide range of topical shows amongst his “shock jock” peers. His popularity and an illustrious career earned him an MBE and a French Legion of Merit Award. He was also inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2003 and got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
He was also the voice of Alfred Pennyworth in the two-part animated film, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns.