By Rondell Conway

Yesterday on his weekly radio show, NONFICTION, acclaimed journalist/hip-hop activist Harry Allen hosted an insightful segment dedicated to the life and music of Michael Jackson. Our very own music writer Michael Gonzales was a guest on the show. Listen and learn.

If you’re not familiar with the name Harry Allen, get familiar. Mr. Allen is an accomplished journalist and hip-hop activist with a long time affiliation to hip-hop super group, Public Enemy. Mr Allen has also written for various publications including, The Village Voice, Essence, Spin and Vibe.

Ethnomusicologist Dr. Kyra Gaunt also joined the conversation and Michael Gonzales touched on his brilliant piece, “Remembering The Times: Memories of Mike,” among other things.

Some highlights:

Gonzales recalls his first Michael Jackson concert.

Quincy Jones almost didn’t produce Off The Wall.

MTV’s early reluctance to air Michael Jackson videos.

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I’m was too young to remember much of the stories they told, but great stuff here.

For more from Harry Allen checkout his blog Media Assassin. You can tune into NONFICTION every Friday afternoon on WBAI radio/99.5 FM.

death . Michael Jackson . R&B . Soul Soul Summary