Torchde Team | August 29, 2020
Recently discovered writings from Michael Jackson quotes his fury over worldwide racism and injustice. Jackson also speaks on racism in the music industry and how its inspired his unmatched legendary success. “I want what’s fair. I want all races to love as one.” Jackson wrote.
Jackson writes about the titles of musicians like Elvis, Springsteen, and the Beatles and how they were regarded as “the best”- admitting they were good, but were “not better singers or dancers” than other black musicians of that time.
“Throughout history white men have always branded the pages of history with great white hopes, putting whites over blacks as nobles.” Jackson blames the media for this depiction. “The difference is whites control the press, the media, and they can make the public believe whatever they desire – I will change this NOW.” – Michael Jackson quotes in newly found letter.
Michael Jackson and Rolling Stone
In 1979 Jackson was a household name promoting hits from Off The Wall. The album made history by becoming the first album by a solo artist to spawn four Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 hits. “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” earned Jackson his first Grammy win for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.
Despite Jackson’s massive success at that time, Rolling Stone magazine refused to do a cover story about him. Referencing the Rolling Stone cover of Jackson in 1971 when he was 11 yrs old, the rejection letter states:
“Michael Jackson has, in fact, been on the cover of Rolling Stone, contrary to your statement in your recent letter to me. We would very much like to do a major piece on Michael Jackson, but feel it is not a cover story.”
Jackson would later catapult with Thriller, forcing Rolling Stone to place him on the front cover in 1983. Unfortunately, being an international black superstar in the world of ‘white media’ has a negative impact. In 1987, Rolling Stone featured a tabloid story with Jackson on the cover displaying him as a cartoon character titled: Is Michael Jackson For Real? The article praised his creative genius and success of the Bad album, but attacked Jackson’s personality and lifestyle. The outlets that Jackson made successful would later spread tabloid lies and gossip about him.
Battling MTV
Jackson also experienced resistance from MTV playing videos for Beat It and Billie Jean. The station rarely played black artists in the early 80’s, let alone in rotation. Black musicians were only showcased between 2 and 6 in the morning. MTV executives, recounts the popular story that CBS Records president Walter Yetnikoff threatened to pull his artists from MTV if “Billie Jean” wasn’t put in rotation.
MTV VJ Mark Goodman, was questioned by David Bowie on the limitations of black artist and why they weren’t featured regularly on MTV. Goodman’s response gave away the companies bias towards black entertainers when he said: “We have to try and do what we think not only New York and Los Angeles will appreciate, but also Poughkeepsie or the Midwest, pick some town in the Midwest that would be scared to death by Prince, which we’re playing, or a string of other black faces. We have to play the type of music the entire country would like.”
“I am not prejudiced, it’s just time for the first Black King, now.” – Michael Jackson
The popularity of Thriller and Billie Jean forced MTV to reconsider their policies on black music. Jackson’s videos appeal to all races and age groups all over the world – he’s the driving force behind visual albums and music videos today. Jackson is branded as the King of Pop – though many feel that title in itself is too limiting for the megastar.
Watch the iconic music video that started it all – Billie Jean.