Music executive shares rare memories of discovering The Jackson 5 and decades of friendship
Suzanne de Passe has opened up about her long friendship with Michael Jackson and shared the affectionate nickname she used for him for many years.
Speaking with People Magazine at the premiere of Michael, de Passe reflected on first discovering The Jackson 5 in the late 1960s.
She recalled being invited by producer Bobby Taylor to watch a young group perform while working with Berry Gordy.
According to de Passe, the group performed several songs a cappella and immediately impressed her. She said she later urged Gordy to see them despite his initial hesitation about signing a child act.
Her persistence paid off, and once Gordy saw the group, it marked the beginning of their rise to fame.
De Passe also shared personal memories of Michael during the early touring years, saying he was still very much a playful child despite sudden stardom.
She remembered him hiding in her room behind curtains or in closets before jumping out to surprise her.
Because of those playful moments, she said she called Michael “Casper” for the next three decades, and he always responded to the nickname.
She also revealed that Marlon Jackson was nicknamed “Dudley,” referencing Dudley Do-Right because of his rule-following nature.
De Passe also praised Jaafar Jackson for his role in the upcoming film, saying his performance was central to bringing the project to life.
