Stories in the Room: Michael Jackson's Thriller Album

In this episode Lorraine shares her perspective on why the “Thriller” video was a game changer that influenced every video moving forward, how Michael was into using special effects and dramatic costumes to bring out the character of the song. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this segment The Waters Family tells us about the evolution of the recording process over the last five decades, working with Quincy Jones, singing on Thriller and plenty of stories about Rick James, Paul Simon… and of course Michael Jackson. Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this segment Matt tells us that Michael loved to watch comedy films and how he discovered the musical tools he would need to take people on the emotional journey he had in mind. Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Steve tells us how important it was for him to incorporate atmospheric sounds in his "Human Nature" demo, and comments how Quincy and Michael developed their cinematic approach while producing Thriller. Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this segment Greg talks about his long relationship with the Jacksons as musician, friend and arranger for hits such as "Blame It on the Boogie","Shake Your Body..." and "Can You Feel It". Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this segment Matt tells us how Michael liked to share his love of exploration and discovery with the contributors in the room while making Thriller. It was always a fun-filled creative environment. Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode Greg and Anthony perform together showing us how the Minimoog sound and part was created for the chorus in “Thriller” and how Greg's embellishments made Michael want to dance. Quincy knew that Rod Temperton's arrangement would deliver nuances that make all the difference in a production. And Quincy also created a bond of trust and feeling of family between all the musician’s...

In this segment Matt tells us that no one had a greater work ethic than Michael and that he studied many great historical figures. We also learn how important dancing to old and new songs was to Michael as an artist. He was a Rhythm Machine that could dance all day long! Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/pri...

In this episode Lorraine shares the sequence of events that led up to the making of the “Thriller” video. It started with Michael Jackson and Michael Peters getting together to work out the the choreography. It was a challenge for dancers when the the video was shot on a cold night, with take after take with in makeup and high heels on concrete. Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com Advertising Inquirie...

In this segment Steve shows us the custom equipment he used with synthesizers and drum machines long before MIDI, his data storage switcher and how he created expressive music using electronic instruments. Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this segment we hear how Quincy was open to the ideas of the musicians to discover what worked best for the song...while Michael was always asking how it can be better. That’s a combination that leads to excellence! Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this segment Matt tells us how he had never heard anything like the songs on Thriller. He tells us about Rod Temperton’s realization to name the album Thriller and how Rod had a fully orchestrated vision (down to the note) about what the album could be. Quincy was the perfect person that could cast the right musicians to make it happen…like a film director. Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com Adver...

In this segment Larry tells about us how the Seawind horn section worked with Quincy Jones on I heard That and The Wiz , his first job playing keyboards, being inspired by Michael Brecker and learning from Quincy how to get the best out of each musician. Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode Anthony shows how the beat and groove for “Thriller” was programmed on the LinnDrum machine and that special sound chips were made especially for the song. Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode we get a broader understanding of Lorraine’s history, dancing to the Oscar winning song “Shaft" next to Issac Hayes at the Academy Awards and the huge difference of performing on live television, versus years later performing for music videos such as “Thriller”. The crowd watching the filming was screaming Michael’s name in between takes. It gave the dancers so much energy and f...

In this segment we'll hear about The Waters Family participation on countless Motown hits, performing with the Jackson 5, working on The Brothers Johnson albums with Quincy Jones and unexpected magical moments in the studio with Michael. Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode we discuss the Fender Rhodes keyboard parts Greg Phillinganes played on the song “Thriller”, the riffs he made up on the spot and other effects that were used while playing the song. And, we all knew when working on a session with Quincy there would be a lot of fun, great music and great food! Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Priva...

In this segment Paul shares the importance of great teachers and mentors, his desire to learn, the joy of playing guitar, and how all the years of practice led to his successful career. Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this segment Greg compares and contrasts the differences he's experienced over the last four decades regarding songwriting, tracking with musicians, and how music is consumed. Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this segment The Waters Family tells us about the magic they witnessed when such a high level of talented songwriters, musicians and arrangers were carefully assembled by Quincy Jones. We discuss how the studio bubble was a “safe” and spiritual place for Michael to create in… and the goal was to out do himself. Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands...

In this segment Paul describes a magical time where only the best songs made it on the album, with a collaborative recording experience, with inspired musicians, and the industries top engineers right next to you to capture it. Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this segment Steve talks about the importance of finding the right synth for the job and playing the beautiful Yamaha GS-1 piano on "Human Nature". Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this segment Matt tells us about Michael’s desire to make the best music. Thriller was a coming of age time for Michael as a singer, songwriter, and student of business. He found executive mentors who helped him create a mechanism to realize the ideas in his head. Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this segment we discuss why Thriller surpassed even what Elvis and the Beatles accomplished, why the world fell in love with Michael and how being in the room where it was conceived affected our lives forever. Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this segment we learn the focus was simply to strive for excellence - to make a great record, with great songs, with great players and with the joy that comes from the freedom to express oneself. Michael had so many parts in his head and Quincy kept it all on track. Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/priva...