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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