Apparently, Michael Jackson’s Tour Food Obsession Was Fried Chicken!
I was today years old when I found out that the King of Pop had an thing for this particular brand of fried chicken.
During a recent conversation, a friend casually dropped a little nugget of information on my head. When I say “casually”, I mean they said the factoid and just kept it moving like this was common knowledge. Or maybe because, given who I am and what I do, they assumed that I already knew? Either way, color me shocked when they said:
“Just like Michael Jackson’s obsession with KFC...”
The words flowed from their lips with such ease. Like it was a phrase they had uttered a thousand times before. And maybe it was! But as for me, this was revolutionary information.
“Wait, wait, what?! Michael Jackson?! The vocal lead of the family of Jehovah’s Witness who, ironically, made some of the best Christmas tunes of all-time?! THAT MICHAEL?! He loved, Kentucky Fried Chicken?” Yes, I was so surprised that I called KFC by its full government name! So, I did what any completely shocked person with a data plan would do—whip out my phone and typed “Was Michael Jackson obsessed with KFC?”
In my search for information about Michael’s alleged obsession of KFC, I came across an article from Mirror UK, that talked about an upcoming—unsanctioned—biography about Michael Jackson. In the article, it said that Tito’s little brother had two standing requests when it came to tour food:
Cans of Diet Coke filled with white wine. Which, given his aforementioned connection to Jehovah’s Witness and previous willingness to slide that religion to the side in order to get up in them Christmas guts, makes sense that this was something he’d try to hide.
KFC for friggin’ breakfast. Specifically, KFC’s original chicken breasts with mashed potatoes, corn, biscuits, scrambled eggs with strawberry jelly, gravy and “spray butter" for breakfast. FOR BREAKFAST, Y’ALL!
The article goes on to explain that these request were gleaned from “passenger profile” records found from 2003. For those of you who are not familiar with such a phrase, don’t worry, I wasn’t either. But apparently it’s a dossier that private plane companies utilize to keep up with the travel preferences of their discerning clients.
That got me thinking about an article I wrote, a while back, for this very newsletter. For those of you who have been riding with me for a while, you may remember an article I posted about Martin Luther King, Jr’s love of quilly—a dessert his mother would make for him comprised of gelatin, stale macaroons, and heavy whipping cream. I was supposed to do a part two of that article, where I attempted to make quilly but I just never built up the stomach for it and, honestly, I hoped y’all would forget so I wouldn’t have to do it. #WhyLie Anyway, the moral of this KFC story—for me—is two-fold. For one: while I have had the privilege of dinning on some world-class food prepared by world-class chefs and in some absolutely gorgeous locations, like Mike, I ain’t too proud to hit up a fast food joint. You can catch me at the counter of a Waffle House or the Checker’s drive-thru should the spirit lead me in that direction.
GETTIN' QUILLY WITH IT.
A friend sent me an article that discussed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s love of soul food. It was particularly interesting to me because—DUH, of course it would—but also, it’s a side of him that (in my opinion) doesn’t get talked about as much as it should. He was a leader, yes, but he was also a Black man from the South. And food plays …
And secondly: it made me wonder what foods and/or beverages other Black celebrities are into that may shock the masses? And by “shocked” I mean, that we either wouldn’t expect them to have an obsession for something as basic as KFC (see: MJ) or that they have a favorite that is out of the ordinary (see: MLK). If you know of any random Black celebrity food preferences, let me know in the comments! It might inspire another newsletter post.
In the meantime, check out this week’s round-up of Black Food News! And, if by chance, you are still doing some last minute shopping for the foodie in your life—and want to buy Black—check out last week’s gift guide article. May it be of service in your time of need. I also have some tickets left of for my five-course dinner, done in partnership with Charleston Wine + Food. Feel free to scoop and score if you want to attend THE BEST EVENT at the entire week-long celebration of food and drink. Ok, on to the news! And lastly, I decided to stop waiting for the perfect sceniro and just start interviewing people for my very neglected YouTube Channel. Watch my interview with Gia Cooper aka THE YELLA CAKE DEBATER, at the end.
With love & respect,
KJ
BLACK FOOD NEWS is a bulletin of interesting Black food news and information from around the African Diaspora. If you want your Black food news to be added to a future newsletter, please send a press release to news@blackfoodfridays.com for consideration.
NFL Hall of Fame Wide Receiver, Randy Moss, is opening a fried chicken spot in Miami at the top of the year. Y’all trying to go? (Black Enterprise)
This came out at the beginning of the month but it’s still worth checking out! In North Carolina, there is a Black Farmer bought the plantation his family was enslaved on. Talk about a reclamation project! (The Bitter Southerner)
James Harden’s restaurant, 13 by James Harden, is being sued by the family of a man killed by someone who, they alleged, was over-served alcohol before taking the wheel. (Black Enterprise)
Ever wondered why the price of oxtail is so damn high? Watch this video. (Business Insider YouTube)
University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff to host seven monthly workshops, on the HBCU’s campus farm, to train a future generation of small farmers. (Black Enterprise)
Steph Curry just dropped a new bourbon, and for some reason, that mug cost $950 a bottle! (Robb Report)
Apparently, these 14 items are the WORST things to bring to a Black Christmas party. (The Root)
Enjoy my VERY impromptu conversation with Gia Cooper. If you aren’t aware, she the Black woman from North Carolina who recently went very viral over her passionate debate, with her brother, over what makes a cake “yellow”. If you enjoy it, please share and make sure you subscribe to the channel while you’re watching! Thank you and please make sure you support a Black owned, food and beverage business today.
The story of Michael Jackson reminds me of my mom, she liked KFC as well. Michael and my mom are from Indiana maybe that has something to do with it. 😂
Hey girl hey...so listen, there's a book I think you would like. I won a book giveaway and received High on the Hog by Jessica B Harris. I figured a foodie like yourself would be interested in a book about the History of Soul Food from Africa to America. Sister Harris also has another book, A Kwanzaa Keepsake and Cookbook. The recipes are cultural to Africa and ties into Kwanzaa. Check them out if you haven't already. Happy Holidays!