Kaylah Walton
Michael Jackson’s influence on music during the 20th century is undeniable. The ‘King of Pop’ crafted a career that left an indelible mark and has continued to resonate with fans worldwide since his passing. While many are familiar with his extensive catalog, there are always new discoveries to be made, including some previously unreleased tracks.
Recently, the discovery of these hidden gems came not from a traditional music setting, but through an unconventional avenue. An American named Gregg Musgrove, a former officer of the California Highway Patrol with a passion for treasure hunting, stumbled upon something special connected to the legendary artist.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Musgrove’s recent treasure hunting led to an unforeseen acquisition of a storage unit once owned by music producer and singer Bryan Loren. While investigating its contents, Musgrove and a friend uncovered cassettes labeled with Jackson’s name.
These tapes unveiled 12 unreleased tracks from the late 1980s, including a song titled ‘Don’t Believe It’, which reflects the media’s portrayal of Jackson at that time. Another noteworthy track is a rap collaboration with LL Cool J called ‘Truth on Youth’, showcasing Jackson’s versatility.
“Listening to Michael Jackson’s voice was a surreal experience”
Additionally, the tapes include conversations between Michael Jackson and Bryan Loren, where they discuss the creative process behind the music. Musgrove expressed his excitement, stating, “I get goosebumps because no one has heard it before (…) Listening to Michael Jackson talk and joke was a surreal experience,” in an interview with the media.
The anticipated value of these recordings is astonishing, reaching into the seven-figure range. Musgrove has reached out to Jackson’s family regarding the materials, who have refrained from purchasing the collection but confirmed their ownership of the copyrights. There are now discussions about the possibility of Musgrove putting these rare tracks up for auction.
