The Michael Jackson Reel
Judy Cheeks
Christina Chaffin
Nov. 24, 2016
Nov. 24, 2016
Judy Cheeks
"We're Gonna Change Our Style" - Written by Judy Cheeks and Clay Drayton
"We're Gonna Change Our Style" - Written by Judy Cheeks and Clay Drayton
Judy Cheeks shares words on what it was like working in the studio with Michael Jackson on the song "We're Gonna Change Our Style". The song was released on the Jackson 5's final album, Joyful Jukebox Music in 1976, before joining Epic Records and becoming the Jacksons.
"I co-wrote a song for the Jackson 5 with Clay Drayton called 'We're Gonna Change Our Style', just before the Jackson 5 left Motown. At the time, I wrote several songs for Jobete Music and Hal Davis thought this one was special for the group.
I put together a demo of 'We're Gonna Change Our Style' and that's how the Jackson 5 learned the song. I only had the pleasure of meeting Michael once, but I will never forget how hard-working he was. I could tell he had practiced the song and was a very serious professional because when he arrived at the studio that day, he was ready and recorded his lead vocals very quickly. While Michael recorded his vocals for the song, his brothers were shooting hoops on the Motown basketball court. (The Motown basketball court was either there or at a facility close to the studio. I can't remember). But Michael was working so hard that day and I remember sensing that he must have been wishing that he could play basketball with his brothers. He was truly a very serious artist." |