club 30's with mjfangirl- a Michael Jackson Fan Podcast

this is an older episode but worth listening to, as it was a previous Youtube only episode! Today we have an exclusive interview with one of the most trusted names in Michael Jackson collecting.In this video, I sit down with Jonathan, owner of MJ Market, to go inside the world of Michael Jackson memorabilia, from rare collectibles to the hard truth about autograph authenticity.We break down how serious collectors authenticate Michael Jackson autographs, what separates real memorabilia from fakes, and why certain items hold long-term value while others don’t. Jonathan shares real-world experience from the collector market, including common mistakes fans make and what to look for before spending serious money.Whether you’re just starting your collection or already deep in the hobby, this conversation will help you collect smarter, avoid costly errors, and understand what truly makes Michael Jackson memorabilia valuable.Visit michaeljacksonmarket.com and get money off your first order using code MJFANGIRL . Instagram, facebook, twitter @mjfangirlblogMy amazon storefont: https://www.amazon.com/shop/mjfangirl...Patreon:   / mjfangirl  Podcast on Spotify "Club 30s with MJFANGIRL- a Michael Jackson podcast"Business Inquiries - [email protected]

Michael Jackson is one of the most misunderstood artists in history. In this episode, MJ scholar Elizabeth Amisu joins mjfangirl to help separate fact from decades of myths about his songwriting, dancing, business decisions, and creative genius.Michael Jackson ACADEMIC STUDIES COURSES with Elizabeth Amisu: https://onlineartseducation.co.uk/course/dangerous-philosophies-of-michael-jackson-online-course/https://elizabethamisu.com/From claims that Michael didn’t write his own music, to the idea that others created his sound, to persistent misunderstandings about the moonwalk, Thriller, and his role as a businessman, this conversation takes a closer look at what’s actually true (and why so many myths continue to circulate today)!Elizabeth Amisu, author of The Dangerous Philosophies of Michael Jackson, brings an academic lens to Michael’s creative process, musicianship, choreography, and legacy. Together, we examine how tabloid narratives, oversimplification, and cultural bias have shaped public perception, often overshadowing Michael’s innovation, discipline, and artistic intelligence.This episode also explores why Thriller was not an overnight success, how Michael approached songwriting and arrangement, the difference between inventing and popularizing dance moves, and why his business decisions including music publishing, changed the industry forever.With the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic bringing renewed attention to his life and work, this is the perfect moment to revisit the facts, challenge long-held assumptions, and understand Michael Jackson beyond the myths.TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Why Michael Jackson is so misunderstood01:18 – Separating fact from decades of MJ myths04:32 – “Michael Jackson didn’t write his own songs” - DEBUNKED08:42 – Solomon’s firsthand story recording “Can You Feel It” with Michael11:15 – Did Quincy Jones create Michael Jackson's sound?22:15 – Musicianship without reading music26:40 – The moonwalk: invention vs. popularization28:55 – Why that Motown 25 moment changed everything30:00 – Michael Jackson Academic Courses35:05 – How Michael strategically built Thriller’s legacy45:00 – The Beatles catalog myth51:30 – The biopic and Michael’s lasting legacy✩ SHOP MY FAVORITE Michael Jackson PRODUCTS & MUST- HAVES! https://www.youtube.com/@MJFANGIRLTV/store✩ Contact & SocialsInstagram, facebook, twitter @mjfangirlblogMy amazon storefont: https://www.amazon.com/shop/mjfangirlblogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/MjfangirlPodcast on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music: “Club 30s with MJFANGIRL- a Michael Jackson podcast”Business Inquiries - [email protected]

In this episode of Club 30s with mjfangirl, we’re going behind the scenes with Ricko Baird, one of the select dancers who worked closest with Michael Jackson — including serving as MJ’s body double in You Rock My World and performing with him in the Michael Jackson & Friends shows. Ricko opens up about the shocking truth behind moments fans have never heard about before: being chosen out of more than 3,000 dancers to perform with Michael, what really happened during the Earth Song bridge collapse, how the choreography for You Rock My World changed on set, and which moments weren’t actually Michael on camera. He also talks about the intensity Michael brought to rehearsals, the experience of becoming “Adult MJ” in Thriller Live, and how all of these experiences shaped his transition into creating his own music today. If you love Michael Jackson, behind-the-scenes stories, early-2000s short films, or rare insights from the dancers who helped bring MJ’s visions to life, this interview is packed with details you won’t want to miss.Make sure to check out Ricko’s music at rickobaird.com and support his independent artistry. Follow him on Facebook at Ricko Baird and Instagram @ricko_baird TIMESTAMPS00:00 — Introduction: Who is Ricko Baird?02:24 — Early Life, Training & Becoming a Professional Dancer04:09 — Landing His First Big Jobs & Moving to L.A.05:00 — The Nerve-wracking Day Michael Jackson Walked Into Rehearsal07:14 — Dancing Right Beside Michael Jackson08:12 — Auditioning for Michael Jackson & Friends 09:58 — Traveling with MJ: Seoul, Munich & Experiencing MJ Mania11:26 — Dangerous Live Clip Reaction & The Iconic “Flip” Moment13:30 — What Michael Was Like in Rehearsal vs. Onstage15:00 — Backstage at MJ Shows: Focus, Intensity & Perfection17:20 — Earth Song, The Bridge Collapse & What Really Happened19:10 — The Aftermath: Was Michael Hurt? What Did the Crew Do?25:44 — You Rock My World: How Ricko Got the Call27:30 — On Set with MJ, Chris Tucker & Marlon Brando29:36 — The Dance Sequence: What Got Cut & What Fans Never Saw32:31 — Ricko Reveals When He Was MJ’s Body Double36:00 — The Movement Study: Matching Michael’s Style Perfectly39:02 — Becoming “Adult Michael” in Thriller Live41:50 — Touring the World as Michael in London & International Shows46:00 — Ricko’s Transition Into a Solo Recording Artist48:00 — Inside His Album Frequency & the Vision Behind the Music50:00 — Music Video “Believe” Clip + Creative Process54:00 — Ricko Baird's Music53:15 — One Michael Jackson Moment Fans Would Be Shocked to Know56:25 — Final Thoughts + Where to Follow Ricko Baird✩ SHOP MY FAVORITE Michael Jackson PRODUCTS & MUST- HAVES! https://www.youtube.com/@MJFANGIRLTV/store✩ Contact & SocialsInstagram, facebook, twitter @mjfangirlblogMy amazon storefont: https://www.amazon.com/shop/mjfangirlblogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/MjfangirlPodcast on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music: “Club 30s with MJFANGIRL- a Michael Jackson podcast”Business Inquiries - [email protected]

In today’s episode, I sit down with the incredible Mother Diva to explore the rarely told, deeply important history of Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5. From their early days in Gary, Indiana to the years of grinding through Chicago’s music scene before Motown ever opened its doors. Mother Diva shares exclusive stories about the Jackson family’s earliest performances, the real origins of the Jackson 5 name, their first recordings at Steeltown, the truth behind Motown rejecting them eight times, and the powerful role Chicago played in developing their sound.00:00 – Welcome + Introducing Mother Diva01:08 – Mother Diva’s background in Chicago & MJ community work02:09 – “Supporter vs Fan” and how advocacy shaped her MJ mission03:19 – The REAL early history of Michael Jackson & the Jackson family06:03 – How the Jackson Brothers formed in Gary, Indiana11:40 – How Tito’s guitar incident changed everything for the group14:55 – The TRUE origin of the name “Jackson 5”17:02 – Chicago’s Regal Theater era & early talent show domination21:05 – Big Boy, Steeltown Records & the first Jackson 5 record deal26:12 – Motown rejects the Jackson 5 eight times?! What really happened34:30 – Quincy Jones, Chicago roots & guiding Michael’s early genius44:50 – Street dancers, the backslide & how the “moonwalk” got its name48:55 – Honoring the Jackson legacy: holidays, activism & community events55:25 – Where to follow and support Mother Diva + closing✩ Contact & SocialsInstagram, facebook, twitter @mjfangirlblogMy amazon storefont: https://www.amazon.com/shop/mjfangirlblogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/MjfangirlPodcast on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music: “Club 30s with MJFANGIRL- a Michael Jackson podcast”Business Inquiries - [email protected]

Michael Jackson’s Bad Tour in Japan (1987) was the beginning of a new era and his first-ever solo world tour. In this episode, we take a deep dive into how Japan became the launchpad for Michael Jackson’s global domination during the Bad era. From his sold-out shows in Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka to the passionate energy of Japanese fans, this is where Michael’s evolution as a solo performer truly came to life.Later in the episode, we’re joined by illustrator/photographer Sharon Robinson, who shares her unbelievable story of capturing rare Bad Tour photos, and later giving them to Michael Jackson himself. She reveals what it was like to witness MJ’s magic up close... from the adrenaline of those first Japan shows to the unforgettable energy inside the Tokyo Dome in 1988.If you’re a fan of Michael Jackson’s live performances, Bad era style, or just love hearing behind-the-scenes stories from those who were there, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Timestamps00:00 – Intro: Why the Bad Tour in Japan is legendary01:00 – Michael Jackson’s connection to Japan02:30 – The energy of MJ’s first solo tour04:00 – Eddie Garcia’s story: “Go out there and hurt ‘em!”06:15 – How Japan shaped the Bad Tour08:20 – Michael Jackson's influence & Japanese fan culture10:00 – The full Bad Tour Japan setlist14:00 – Backstage Bad Tour moments and tour prep17:00 – Live singing, dancing, and chemistry20:30 – The magic of “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)”21:00 – Guest interview with Sharon Robinson23:00 – How Sharon captured Michael Jackson live30:00 – Giving her photos to MJ himself40:00 – The 1988 Tokyo Dome shows50:00 – Legacy of the Bad Tour & unseen MJ momentsJoin our community of Michael Jackson fans at Club 30's https://www.patreon.com/mjfangirl