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Lionel on Michael
With best friends like Lenny Kravitz and Denzel Washington you'd think Lionel Ritchie would have other stories to recall than his time with Michael Jackson.
- By Kelly Crane, Staff Reporter
- Published: 22:43 June 27, 2009
With best friends like Lenny Kravitz and Denzel Washington you'd think Lionel Ritchie would have other stories to recall than his time with Michael Jackson.
But during an interview with tabloid! last year, Jackson was a hot topic of conversation for the singer who considered him one of his closest friends.
"I remember when I first met Michael Jackson he was seven years old. I told him that I'd stick to the dance moves everybody could do and he could do the rest.
"The Jackson 5 were incredible. I used to call Michael 'the Midget' - because that's exactly what he was. But the strange thing was he was a kid doing things a 35-year-old man would usually do. But then they'd come off stage and be kids again. They would have pillow fights, put itching powder in your pants and ice cubes in your shoes and then you'd remember they are just kids. I don't see him quite as much anymore, but we still stay in contact.
"He is nervous about how the world sees him and we [his friends] try and let him know he is still very-much loved and respected by so many people out there."
Laughing almost hysterically, Lionel explained about a few of the disguises Michael would use to come to his concerts. "He used to come to my concerts and I always busted him.
"Last time he came to a concert he sat on the front row as Michael Jackson and I busted him again because I just couldn't help myself. I said, that's Michael Jackson right there. What are you doing here?
"Well, it's either that or a guy dressed up like Michael Jackson so obviously it's Michael Jackson."
Rumours are already circulating that Lionel will perform at Jackson's funeral, a date for which has not yet been announced.
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