Stories in the Room: Michael Jackson's Thriller Album

In this segment we discuss Michael singing Human Nature in one take, moonwalking in the studio, loud playbacks, the contributions of engineer Bruce Swedien and the inspired lyrics created by John Bettis. Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com

In this segment The Waters Family recalls their experience singing “Wanna Be “Startin’ Somethin’”, Michael Jackson’s photogenic side, his early drawings and how he contributed to their creativity. Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com

In this segment Matt talks about the importance of having a great team that starts with the songwriter and ends with the mastering engineer. We’ll also discuss a random event one night that led to the creation of the hit single PYT. Quincy has a unique ability to recognize great ideas that might be hidden to others. Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com

In this segment Steve Porcaro shares with us where the beautiful inspiration for the song "Human Nature" came from and how the "B side" of the cassette demo was Fortuitously heard by Quincy Jones. Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com

In this segment Paul discusses his first instruments (including drums), the importance of having a variety of guitar options and how Quincy and Bruce would orchestrate his multiple parts. He'll even demonstrate a few licks for us. Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com

In this segment, Greg Phillinganes is in the studio reviewing the bass, drums and keyboards used on Thriller, the recording process with Michael, Quincy, Rod Temperton and Bruce Swedien and Greg even performs the song Thriller on the original instruments while singing along. Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com

In this segment Matt discusses the initially slow sales of the the Thriller album and it’s ensuing meteoric rise to the top of the charts where it remained for over a year. He reveals how the record company tried to stop the song “Thriller” from being released as a single or a video. Cut to 40 years later, thousands of people are still dancing in unison around the globe. Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com

In this segment The Waters Family tells us about the fun times recording with Michael at home in Encino and watching him communicate with his llama, boa constrictor and exotic birds. Michael also had a great sense of humor and was a prankster. We’ll even hear a brief rendition of the “Mama Se, Mama Sa” vocal part from Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” (@5:03) Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com

In this segment Greg tells us about the working process with Rod Temperton, Vincent Price, Van Halen and how the love that Quincy created in the room played a key role in getting the best performances out of everyone. Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com

Stories In The Room is a new podcast series that features conversations with songwriters, producers, engineers and musicians about their shared trust, fear and joy creating music together in the recording studio bubble. You’ll not only learn how the songs were written, performed and recorded, but you’ll also hear the untold back stories about the people behind the studio magic. Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com