How a Young Michael Jackson Amazed Berry Gordy | Oprah’s Master Class | Oprah Winfrey Network

Summary

The transcript recounts the story of discovering Michael Jackson as a young prodigy. Initially reluctant to watch a kids' group, the speaker is captivated by Michael’s extraordinary talent and stage presence during an audition. Despite his age, Michael performs with the soul and skill of a seasoned artist, impressing even seasoned musicians. Recognizing his potential, the speaker helps craft songs suitable for a child’s voice, leading to iconic hits like 'I’ll Be There.' The narrative highlights Michael’s unique blend of childhood innocence and artistic mastery, his early passion for music, and the historic success of his first records with the group, showcasing his lasting impact on music history.

Takeaways

• 😀 Susanne introduced the speaker to a kids' music group despite initial resistance.
• 😀 The speaker initially did not want to work with a kids' group, preferring established artists like Stevie Wonder.
• 😀 The audition revealed a talented young performer who amazed everyone with his skills.
• 😀 The child performed a James Brown-style routine, showing exceptional mastery for his age.
• 😀 Despite his stage confidence, the child was quiet and shy offstage, observing carefully.
• 😀 The speaker recognized the child’s extraordinary talent, describing him as an 'old man in a kid's body.'
• 😀 The speaker helped create a melody suitable for a child, leading to songs like 'Love You Save' and 'I'll Be There.'
• 😀 The group achieved unprecedented success, with their first four records hitting number one.
• 😀 Suzanne contributed by designing their appearance, including hats and outfits for shows like the Sullivan Show.
• 😀 Michael, the child star, occasionally complained about his childhood, but the speaker reminded him of the privilege of pursuing his passion.
• 😀 The experience highlighted the importance of early passion and lifelong dedication to one's craft.

Q & A

Who initially persuaded the speaker to attend the kids group audition?

Susanne the Pass encouraged the speaker to attend the audition, insisting that they would love the group.

What was the speaker's initial attitude toward kids groups?

The speaker was not interested in kids groups and felt they did not have time for them, citing previous experience with Stevie Wonder as an example.

How did the speaker react upon seeing Michael perform at the audition?

The speaker was impressed by Michael's performance, noting that he had the skill and energy of an experienced performer, despite being only 7 or 8 years old.

What unique observation did the speaker make about Michael after his performance?

The speaker observed that Michael was very quiet and shy offstage, contrasting with his confident and skilled performance onstage, which led them to describe him as an 'old man in a kid's body.'

What challenge did the speaker face when deciding to sign the kids group?

The speaker was initially unsure because Michael, a young child, was performing songs with the maturity of someone much older, which made it difficult to determine how to market the group.

What approach did the speaker take to develop music suitable for the kids group?

The speaker created a melody appropriate for a child to sing, which led to the creation of songs like 'The Love You Save' and 'I'll Be There.'

What notable achievement did the kids group accomplish with their first four records?

All of the group's first four records went to number one, an unprecedented feat for a music group.

What role did Susanne the Pass play in the group's success besides introducing them?

Susanne the Pass was responsible for styling the group, including dressing them in little hats for performances like the Sullivan Show.

How did Michael express his feelings about his childhood, and how did the speaker respond?

Michael would sometimes complain about his childhood, but the speaker reassured him that he was fortunate to be doing what he loved at a young age.

What overall impression did the speaker have of Michael's talent and passion?

The speaker viewed Michael as exceptionally talented and passionate, possessing a rare maturity and drive for his age, which contributed to his long-lasting success.

What significance did the speaker attribute to the group's early achievements in music history?

The speaker highlighted that the group's early success—having their first four records reach number one—was a major historical achievement, unmatched by other groups for its time.