‘I Worked With Michael Jackson For Over 20yrs, Never Knew We Were Related’. Jeffrey Daniels Of Shalamar (pics)

Jeffrey Daniel, a renowned member of the legendary group Shalamar, has shared a stunning revelation about his connection to the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

According to Daniel, he worked with Michael for nearly two decades, contributing to his artistry and performances, yet never realized that they were actually related by blood.

Speaking on his long-standing relationship with Michael Jackson, Daniel recounted how their paths crossed in the music industry and developed into a professional collaboration. Known as a dancer, singer, and choreographer, Daniel was instrumental in shaping some of Michael’s most iconic dance styles, including introducing the world to moves like the “backslide,” which later evolved into what fans call the moonwalk.

Jeffrey Daniel, a celebrated dancer and member of the American R&B group Shalamar, has disclosed how he was responsible for introducing pop icon Michael Jackson to the world-famous moonwalk dance move.

In a candid conversation on Channels Television on Thursday, Daniel recounted how his unique dance style caught Jackson’s attention in the late 1970s. The dancer, widely recognised as a trailblazer in pop choreography, explained that he first showcased the move—originally known as the “backslide”—on the iconic American dance show, Soul Train.

“Well, I mean, it’s funny because now it’s in a totally new context. Michael saw me doing the backslide in ’79 on Soul Train,” Daniel said.

Before joining Shalamar, Daniel had formed a group called Eclipse, which frequently appeared on dance platforms, pushing the boundaries of choreography. It was during one of these performances that Jackson first noticed Daniel’s innovative footwork.

According to him, the King of Pop later visited Disneyland in 1980 to watch his group perform. “He brought little Janet Jackson and they stood in the wing and watched us dance. Then he asked me to teach him to dance,” Daniel recalled.

Over the years, the partnership between Jackson and Daniel grew into a creative alliance. Daniel went on to choreograph some of Jackson’s most iconic music videos, including Beat It and Smooth Criminal. He also travelled with Jackson to Brazil for the video of They Don’t Really Care About Us and contributed to the making of Ghosts.

“I worked with Michael over a 20-year period,” Daniel explained. “We created, we shared ideas, and I was privileged to be a part of his journey. But all that time, I never knew we were related. It was only later that I discovered the family connection.”

“Because my father didn’t raise me, but in 2008, my father showed me my family tree, and I found out that I’m Michael’s cousin. So all the years we were working together, I never knew that we were related to the Jacksons,” he said.

The revelation has added a new layer of intrigue to the relationship between the two entertainers. While the details of their family ties were not immediately obvious, Daniel noted that discovering this connection made him reflect on the bond they unknowingly shared beyond music and dance.

Daniel explained that he later bonded with other members of the Jackson family, including Jermaine, Janet, Randy, and Rebbie, noting that they now affectionately refer to each other as cousins.

Fans have described this story as both astonishing and heartwarming, considering the level of influence Daniel had on Michael Jackson’s career. His work with Shalamar in the late 1970s and early 1980s had already established him as a pioneer in dance and performance. When Michael Jackson sought to redefine himself as the ultimate entertainer, Daniel was among those he leaned on to bring fresh ideas and innovations.