Media Team
Shalamar’s legendary performer Jeffrey Daniel made a stunning revelation during a recent interview on Channels TV, confirming that he was the creative mind behind Michael Jackson’s groundbreaking moonwalk.
Regarded as a trailblazer in dance innovation, Daniel originally introduced the backslide—a precursor to the moonwalk—into the pop culture lexicon through his electrifying performances.
Before rising to fame with Shalamar, he co-founded the dance troupe Eclipse, where his dynamic choreography caught the attention of audiences on shows like Soul Train.
“It’s amusing how things come full circle,” Daniel remarked. “Michael first witnessed the backslide during my Soul Train performance with Eclipse in 1979.”
He recounted how Jackson, fascinated by the move, later visited Disneyland to see his act live. “He brought Janet along, and they watched us from backstage before he asked me to teach him.”
Their collaboration spanned decades, with Daniel choreographing hits like ‘Beat It’ and contributing to cinematic projects such as ‘Ghosts’. He even traveled to Brazil for Jackson’s ‘They Don’t Really Care About Us’. “For 20 years, I worked beside him—right up to my role at MJJ Music as A&R.”
In an unexpected twist, Daniel discovered he and Jackson were long-lost cousins—a fact unknown during their years of partnership. “In 2008, my father revealed our family tree. Suddenly, I realized I was related to the Jacksons.”
Today, he cherishes the bond, frequently connecting with Janet, Jermaine, and Randy Jackson as family. “We always greet each other as cousins now.”
Michael Jackson’s influence on music and dance remains unparalleled, with ‘Thriller’ standing as history’s top-selling album. Behind his legendary moves was Daniel’s visionary choreography, leaving an indelible mark on pop culture.
