MJ, SAINT OR SINNER?

It's no news that Michael Jackson passed away on 25th June, 2009. Riding a media blitz in his lifetime - from the curious and down to the outright outrageous - but what is often not well known is the array of few persons who truly understood and helped to shape the creative genius of the famed King of Pop. One such person is Jeffrey Daniel.

Dance icon since starting out on the floors of Don Cornelius' American Soul Train, singer with the mega star soul group Shalamar, Jeffrey was also the presenter of 6:20 Soul Train in the United Kingdom many years ago. Then he toured for several years with the Shalamar duo of Howard Hewitt and Jody Watley. producing hit songs like Friends, Night to Remember, I can Make You Feel Good, Second Time Around...And then, Michael Jackson flew him across the Atlantic to learn the Moonwalk. Shalamar still performs, now with Carolyn Griffie in place of Jody Watley (playing to a full house at the London O2 Arena on 30th October 2009).

Before Michael's passing Jeffrey spoke with Yemi Ogunshola, Editor of Good Times International magazine, on all the above and the enigma of Michael Jackson. Excerpts follow.

Where are you from?

Los Angeles, California, USA.

What were your defining moments with the group Shalamar?

There were a few of them. But I would have to say: the acceptance that we started receiving on a world-wide level.

What are your memories of the British version of American Soul Train?

It was called the 6:20 Soul Train. 6:20 Soul Train ran in 1985 and I was the host. I don't know...because it was so different from the American Soul Train, but we were all glad that in England, in London (I didn't grow up in London)...it was a good outlet for young England - black, white, regardless, Asian, whatever. I think a lot of people really got into it. I don't know if it was being produced, directed the way that I would have wanted to do that type of programme but, never-the-less, it helped get a format for people like The Loose Ends, 5-Star, and some of the UK-based groups.

Which artiste or group inspired you the most?

I would have to say the Jacksons, because when I was younger, growing up in junior high and high school, there wasn't many types...In today's market there are many young groups. Its very young driven...And the Jacksons were people I could relate to because they were my age. So, I would have to say: The Jacksons. .../ Next Page (2)