The King of Pop, a Boa Constrictor, and Motown Magic: Suzanne de Passe’s Untold Stories
In an exclusive interview, Motown legend Suzanne de Passe reveals shocking stories about Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, and the birth of pop music’s greatest icons.
Michael’s Unexpected Houseguest
Picture this: Michael Jackson shows up at your door with a boa constrictor. What do you do?
For Suzanne de Passe, soon-to-be Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, this was reality. The former Motown Productions president recently shared this wild tale:
- Jackson arrived at her condo with his pet boa, Muscles
- De Passe was NOT thrilled about the slithery visitor
- After some negotiation, Muscles ended up in a pillowcase on the couch
- Meanwhile, Jackson watched videos of his childhood performances
“It was just another day with Michael,” de Passe laughed.
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The Jackson 5: Almost the One that Got Away
Did you know? The Jackson 5 almost never happened. De Passe revealed:
- Motown founder Barry Gordy initially refused to sign child acts
- It took de Passe TWO WEEKS to convince Gordy to meet the Jacksons
- Gordy’s initial reaction: “Kids? We don’t want any kid acts at Motown!”
Imagine a world without “ABC” or “I Want You Back.” Thanks to de Passe’s persistence, we don’t have to.
Diana Ross: Yellow Rolls-Royce and Unexpected Performances
De Passe’s friendship with Diana Ross led to some unforgettable moments:
- Ross would visit de Passe’s Martha’s Vineyard home in a yellow Rolls-Royce
- At Motown’s 25th anniversary show, Ross spontaneously joined Adam Ant on stage
- This same show featured Michael Jackson’s first public moonwalk
The Commodores: A Near Miss
Even hitmakers have rough starts. De Passe shared:
- The Commodores (featuring Lionel Richie) struggled to find their first hit
- Motown executives wanted to drop the band
- Barry Gordy’s philosophy: “If our artists don’t have a hit, it’s our fault.”
- De Passe’s dedication led to their breakthrough with “Machine Gun”
Why This Matters
Suzanne de Passe’s stories offer a rare glimpse into the birth of pop music as we know it. Her 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction celebrates a career that shaped the soundtrack of generations.
As we honor de Passe’s legacy, we’re reminded that behind every chart-topping hit and iconic performance, there’s often an unsung hero making the magic happen.
What’s your favorite Motown memory? Share in the comments below!
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