Michael Jackson Memories: Part One

If you're around for long enough, you suddenly find that everyday events become legendary over time. For large chunks of my working life I have been fortunate to work in radio. In the early '80's I had the privilege of working for BRMB Radio, then the most successful radio station in the Midlands. There wasn't much competition, mind, in those days. Anyway, to Michael Jackson. Most people who worked at BRMB then - and maybe now! - will remember this story.

My last radio studio. A bit more advanced than MP1!

The boy-wonder record rep for Sony - then CBS, I think - was Bobby Hermon. He was, and occasionally as a freelancer, still is, a colossus amongst what were known as 'record pluggers'. There's a whole story there, but that is for later. Michael had just signed his first solo record deal and so Bobby was hiking Michael on a promotional tour of what was known as the 'Big Five' commercial radio stations in the UK, mainly based in the metropolitan areas.

Michael J, as you know, had a fairly high voice. We all know this now, but then we didn't. We were his first set of interviews. Bobby bought Michael into what was known as studio MP1 (we think it might have meant Music Production 1. There were some sweet anachronisms with early BRMB. We were all a bit BBC in those days. The D.J's office had a plaque on the door that said 'Announcers'! Or was it Presenters. Memory dims...)

So the morning show presenter - let's call him Steven, to protect the shocked - stands to greet Michael. Bobby introduces Steven to Michael.

"Hi Steven", squeaked Michael.
And Steven, being an Announcer and thinking Michael is having a bit of a joke, squeaks back "Hi Michael!"

I left the studio at this point. Forever etched on my memory is an image of Steven laughing, thinking he's joining in a great joke, and Bobby H looking horrified. Michael seemed not to notice...