Latest news with #JacksonFive
Wall Street Journal
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wall Street Journal
A Welcome Dose of Nostalgia
Joseph Epstein seldom misses the mark, but his counsel to 'Ask Your Doctor About the Mute Button' (op-ed, May 20) to avoid health-related TV ads seems misguided. Prescription drug commercials are a musical trip down memory lane. The Jackson Five's 'ABC' repurposed to sell Trelegy, Fleetwood Mac's 'Go Your Own Way' touting greater independence for COPD patients using Anoro, Pilot's song 'Magic' urging us to believe in 'Oh Oh Oh Ozempic,' War's 'Low Rider' describing how macular degeneration is slowed by Izervay. Pop music purists may object, but it makes a little money for the aging artists—or whoever they've sold their song catalog to—and you can always download the original later. My two cents: Don't mute the ads; sing along.
News.com.au
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Duchess of Sussex posts risky video of daughter to Instagram
The royal family are absolute champions at being as contradictory as possible. King Charles has been banging on about green causes and composting since the Jackson Five all had their original faces — and yet he also flies by gas-guzzling private jet. Prince William has valiantly fought to save African wildlife for nearly 20 years now — and yet is well known to enjoy a jolly weekend blasting small birds out of the sky while done up in hunting tweed. Don't tell Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, but on this front, she is perfectly in lock-step with her now never-seen British in-laws. What is abundantly clear is that on the contrarian, complicated front the duchess is playing to royal standard. Over the weekend, Meghan shared a video on Instagram of her making jam with her daughter, Princess Lilibet in which the three-year-old is heard speaking for the very first time. 'What do we think Lili?' the duchess asks in the clip, to which the off-camera tiny princess replies (very poetically) in a clear American accent, 'I think it's beautiful.' Cue the appropriate gasps that the little girl, despite being the seventh in line for the UK throne, has a crystal clear Californian lilt. What is far more interesting is not what Lili sounds like but that we have heard her voice at all. Lili and older brother Prince Archie, five, have increasingly become starring presences on their mother's Instagram feed – while at the same time the duchess and husband Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex have stepped up their campaign against the damage done to children by social media. If your brow is scrunched, if you are uttering a confused 'huh?', if you are squinting at the screen trying to quite make sense of all this, you are not alone. What Meghan is doing right now feels a bit like she's trying to ride a unicycle on a tightrope while juggling bunches of organic kale. The events of last week alone perfectly sum up the competing if not seemingly paradoxical things that the duchess is trying to do, all at the same time. On April 23, Meghan and Harry were in New York where they opened the Lost Screen Memorial, an installation commemorating 50 young people who have lost their lives to social media harms. 'Life is better off social media,' Harry said at the event. 'We're just grateful that our kids are too young to be on social media at this point'. And yet four days later, over on Instagram, there was Lili making jam with her mother thus sparking international headlines. You see the tricky, very fine line that Meghan is trying to walk. Much of this year has seen the duchess in marketing mode, having, on January 1st, dived back into the murky waters of social media. The ever industrious duchess had her renamed lifestyle company, As Ever, (which sells the world's most useless foodstuff, her much derided flower sprinkles, herbal teas, a crepe mix and her much ballyhooed spreads) and a TV show, With Love, Meghan to vigorously promo and push. Central to this commercial push is establishing her image as one all about idyllic homemaking, of bright sunshine and joie de vire and fizzing drinks on wisteria-clad terraces, not a care in the world like what worrying about Harry had been doing in his shed for the last three hours. Especially over the last two months, Archie and Lili have been a part of this brand story. Of late, Meghan's Instagram has shown the little prince and princess smelling the roses in the family's Montecito garden, baking cookies, hugging their mother while she picked garden produce, and Lili playing a game given to her tennis superstar and the duchess' longtime friend Serena Williams, though the kids' faces are never shown. However at the same time, Harry and Meghan have been loudly railing against the threat that social media can pose for young people. Their Archewell Foundation launched The Parents Network to provide support for mums and dads doing battle on this digital front lines in 2023, has partnered with the Social media Victims Law Centre and helping co-found of the Responsible Technology Youth Power Fund. Harry especially has become a vocal critic of social media, saying only last week, 'The easiest thing to say is to keep your kids away from social media'. Last year the duke, at various events, warned that smartphones are 'stealing young people's childhood', talked how apps have ' been specifically designed to hook and keep children online for as long as possible, mindless scrolling' and has warned of an 'epidemic' of anxiety, depression and social isolation connected to social media use. It's strong – and highly necessary – alarm bell ringing stuff. But this work also runs directly head on into Meghan's seemingly enthusiastic embracing of Instagram, and her regular inclusion of her kids, albeit a limited, controlled capacity. For example, in New York at the opening of the Lost Screen Memorial Meghan said, 'our children are in harm's way by what's happening online'. And then went back to Los Angeles and shared the jam video. It has a certain air of that line from Romeo and Juliet – 'My only love sprung from my only hate'. I'm not saying the Duchess of Sussex should not be on social media nor should she scrupulously keep her kids off her feed – the impulse to share sweet snaps and cute moments from family life is part and parcel of modern parenting. But the balancing act that the 43-year-old mother of two is a nerve-racking, highly challenging one. The duchess has shown she is intent on juggling all of these competing interests, of being able to market her homemaking nous on Instagram, including glimpses of her children, while also seeking to protect their privacy while also campaigning against the dangers of online harms. Let it never be said that Meghan is a woman who takes the easy or the simple road. And let it never be said she's served a piece of toast without those damn flower sprinkles.
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
Biggest feature film shot entirely in Wales released today
ONE of Hollywood's poshest hotels had an unexpected guest. A global icon was relaxing in his executive suite, preparing for the party of all parties and the concert of all concerts. Outside, Keith Williams, from Neath in South Wales, padlocked his rusty old bicycle in the bike rack. The two-wheeler was all he could afford as he tried to make a name for himself, creating ideas for pop videos. Surely bands could do more than just stand there, strumming, he told everyone. Could they maybe act out a story? Keith nipped into the toilet to adjust his plastic yellow bow tie and bright red spectacles. He was ready. What was this invitation all about? He glanced again and again at the mysterious, gold-embossed invitation card. Just the address and time. Was it a prank? Burly bodyguards appeared and ushered Keith along a grand corridor to a suite fit only for millionaires. Keith peered into the lavish surroundings. There, waiting with his entourage, was Elton John. Megastar of the 1980s. 'I saw you cycling down Santa Monica Boulevard, dear, and wondered whether I should knock you down in my Bentley,' Elton joked. Memories came flooding back. The last time Keith and Elton had met was five years earlier at the star's house in Windsor. Keith was sleeping on a bedroom floor while he worked on videos for Elton's early tracks. Now the great man had seen Keith's credits on MTV. Was Keith's video really the first to appear on the groundbreaking channel? Yes, it was. The video to promote the hit by the Buggles, Video Killed the Radio Star, was all down to the aspiring Welshman. The evening had only just begun. Keith was ushered downstairs by elevator to the hotel car park, where a chauffeur awaited. His car was due to follow Elton's limo as it snaked out of the hotel grounds. A hefty police escort had been assembled with red flashing lights, blaring sirens, helmeted cops on motorbikes and more officers holding back traffic at junctions. Their destination: The Universal Amphitheatre, venue for the evening's concert. Keith Williams and Elton John Keith found himself in the middle of a pre-concert party. Elton appeared in a massive purple wig. His new wife, Renate, was there too, smiling gracefully at everyone. A dazzling Indian buffet had been prepared by leading chefs, especially flown over from England. The concert was beyond spectacular, with Elton performing at the peak of his career. It was far from a one-off reunion. Keith could look forward to thoughtful birthday cards, sent on the dot from Elton every year. Thriller Keith's telephone started to ring non-stop. Soon after arriving in Hollywood, with his dream of creating pop videos for the stars, a music producer was on the line. News of that MTV video was spreading. 'Have you heard of Michael Jackson?' 'Er…no…who's he?' 'One of the Jackson Five.' 'Oh, I'm not really into Motown.' 'He's gone solo. He's got a new album coming out. Something called Thriller. Sounds promising. Needs storylines for the videos.' 'I'm up for that,' Keith answered enthusiastically. 'Have a listen to two of the tracks. Billie Jean and Beat It, they're called.' Keith Williams and Michael Jackson on the set of Billie Jean Another chauffeur-driven limo appeared, whisking Keith to Michael's home in Encino, an upmarket part of Los Angeles. Inside the palatial property, there were flowers everywhere. Michael appeared, gliding into the reception lounge as if on roller skates. When Michael spoke, Keith stared at him, aghast. No one had told Keith that Michael talked in a high-pitched squeak, like Mickey Mouse. Keith's pitch for the video was tricky, as he tried to keep a straight face. Keith had listened to Michael singing on the two tracks, but they sounded like a normal, impressive singing voice. 'Hey, you're talented, I really like those ideas,' Michael squeaked. On the set of Billie Jean, a surprise lay in store. Michael approached Keith. What did the star want on such a busy day? 'Can I touch you on the forehead?' Keith was mystified, never having had such a request before. 'Sure,' Keith nodded, allowing Michael to prod his brow. Michael smiled, then walked back onto the set to continue singing. What was all that about? It turned out that Michael was a fan of ET, in fact anything by director Steven Spielberg; touching the forehead was all the rage in LA. Keith had just had a close encounter with a future giant of the music industry. Keith Williams with Bonnie Tyler filming Holding Out For A Hero Keith was now a long way from Neath. Back home in his bedroom, he recalled how he wasn't allowed to put up posters of his idols. Now he was being whisked from exotic location to exotic location, working with them, and calling the shots. Soon, Keith was filming Holding Out for a Hero with Bonnie Tyler when the downdraught from the helicopter almost blew her over the edge of the Grand Canyon. She was reluctant to venture close to the sheer drop again. Luckily, Keith's mum, living just up the road in Skewen, had sent over some Valium for her son. Keith gave a pill to Bonnie, and she was able to perform her worldwide hit on the edge of a precipice. His next phone call with an emerging singer proved to be fruitful, but there was a downside. 'Hello, is that Madonna?' 'Hi, Madonna here.' 'Hi, I'm Keith.' 'Keith?' 'Keith from Neath. It's in…it's in Wales.' 'You're the guy who does the videos? You're from…Wales?' 'Yes, and I know you're going to be very famous in Wales!' A few ideas from Keith, delivered to the bamboozled Madonna, and then: 'Oh, I like that…oh, I like that.' Keith Williams credit on Madonna's 'Borderline' single Keith composed the video story for her 1984 hit, Borderline. Madonna plays the girlfriend of a Hispanic man. Keith's idea was to break taboos about interracial relationships. All was not plain sailing with Madonna, though. Keith had no idea she was going to be a global sensation and pursued other projects instead of sticking with her. Also, he was given custody of the master tape for another future hit. Keith admits in his book…he lost it. Calls from agents flooded in. The promotional video for the Ghostbusters film was Keith's creation. Then, another call out of the blue from a prominent agent. 'Would you be free to meet Barbra Streisand?' 'Let me check my diary.' A microsecond later: 'Yes, I appear to be free.' The next day, a black limousine pulled up, whisking Keith along the Pacific Coast Highway to Ms Streisand's beach residence in Malibu. Five residences, actually. Not on the beach itself; her estate was set well back, lying at the end of a one-track lane. Streisland, more like it, Keith thought. Barbra appeared at the door. 'Would you like some coffee?' Keith took a while to get his head around sitting in Barbra Streisand's kitchen while she put the kettle on. As they discussed potential videos, Barbra paused and said: 'You're brilliant.' Keith wanted to know what she did with so many houses. 'Well last night, I had dinner in the house over there, I had a bath in another, and then slept in this one!' The Bee Gees, Donna Summer, Billy Idol, Phil Collins and so many stars of the '80s used Keith's concepts for their videos. Olivia Newton-John adored the Welsh 'ideas man', taking him all over the world on her video shoots while he came up with more and more story outlines for her. Olivia Newton John with Keith Williams Keith was thrilled to be credited as the writer on Olivia's Twist of Fate collection of music videos in 1983. That was some honour, working with Olivia and John Travolta. Keith's many other memories include Tina Turner on his lap in the back of an opulent limousine, glugging from a rapidly emptying champagne bottle, and sheer elation as one of his videos made it to No. 1 in America. One of the funniest incidents in a tragic and shocking situation stayed with Keith, and he related the story many times. TV presenter Peter Ivers was bludgeoned to death with a hammer in Los Angeles. Keith was dragged into the affair because one of his best friends, David Jove, happened to be a main suspect. The late Mr Jove was also implicated in a drugs bust involving the Rolling Stones in England. Actor Paul Michael Glaser, who knew Peter Ivers well, turned up at the crime scene, heartbroken over the brutal crime. A rookie cop recognised Paul, who starred as Detective Dave Starsky in the all-action TV cop series, 'Starsky and Hutch'. 'Excuse me sir, what should we be doing to find the killer?' the rookie asked Starsky, loud enough for everyone to hear. 'I don't know!' Paul Michael Glaser replied as laughter was disguised as polite coughs. 'I'm not a real cop. I'm an actor!' Keith Williams died in 2023 at the age of 73. He had written his memoir, The Boy Who Went to Hollywood, including many of these fascinating stories and more. His friend and collaborator, Disney producer Paul de Vos, decided that Keith's escapades in Los Angeles would make a fascinating book. With more than a little help from Paul's friends, Keith's adventurous life is now published for music fans to read. The Boy Who Went to Hollywood was an Amazon hot new release and bestseller as soon as it came out. Keith would be delighted to read the reviews! The Boy Who Went to Hollywood is edited by David Meikle and Paul de Vos. You can purchase it HERE Article by David Meikle The Boy Who Went To Hollywood – the story of Keith Williams
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! ABBA magic at the Torch
ONE of Hollywood's poshest hotels had an unexpected guest. A global icon was relaxing in his executive suite, preparing for the party of all parties and the concert of all concerts. Outside, Keith Williams, from Neath in South Wales, padlocked his rusty old bicycle in the bike rack. The two-wheeler was all he could afford as he tried to make a name for himself, creating ideas for pop videos. Surely bands could do more than just stand there, strumming, he told everyone. Could they maybe act out a story? Keith nipped into the toilet to adjust his plastic yellow bow tie and bright red spectacles. He was ready. What was this invitation all about? He glanced again and again at the mysterious, gold-embossed invitation card. Just the address and time. Was it a prank? Burly bodyguards appeared and ushered Keith along a grand corridor to a suite fit only for millionaires. Keith peered into the lavish surroundings. There, waiting with his entourage, was Elton John. Megastar of the 1980s. 'I saw you cycling down Santa Monica Boulevard, dear, and wondered whether I should knock you down in my Bentley,' Elton joked. Memories came flooding back. The last time Keith and Elton had met was five years earlier at the star's house in Windsor. Keith was sleeping on a bedroom floor while he worked on videos for Elton's early tracks. Now the great man had seen Keith's credits on MTV. Was Keith's video really the first to appear on the groundbreaking channel? Yes, it was. The video to promote the hit by the Buggles, Video Killed the Radio Star, was all down to the aspiring Welshman. The evening had only just begun. Keith was ushered downstairs by elevator to the hotel car park, where a chauffeur awaited. His car was due to follow Elton's limo as it snaked out of the hotel grounds. A hefty police escort had been assembled with red flashing lights, blaring sirens, helmeted cops on motorbikes and more officers holding back traffic at junctions. Their destination: The Universal Amphitheatre, venue for the evening's concert. Keith Williams and Elton John Keith found himself in the middle of a pre-concert party. Elton appeared in a massive purple wig. His new wife, Renate, was there too, smiling gracefully at everyone. A dazzling Indian buffet had been prepared by leading chefs, especially flown over from England. The concert was beyond spectacular, with Elton performing at the peak of his career. It was far from a one-off reunion. Keith could look forward to thoughtful birthday cards, sent on the dot from Elton every year. Thriller Keith's telephone started to ring non-stop. Soon after arriving in Hollywood, with his dream of creating pop videos for the stars, a music producer was on the line. News of that MTV video was spreading. 'Have you heard of Michael Jackson?' 'Er…no…who's he?' 'One of the Jackson Five.' 'Oh, I'm not really into Motown.' 'He's gone solo. He's got a new album coming out. Something called Thriller. Sounds promising. Needs storylines for the videos.' 'I'm up for that,' Keith answered enthusiastically. 'Have a listen to two of the tracks. Billie Jean and Beat It, they're called.' Keith Williams and Michael Jackson on the set of Billie Jean Another chauffeur-driven limo appeared, whisking Keith to Michael's home in Encino, an upmarket part of Los Angeles. Inside the palatial property, there were flowers everywhere. Michael appeared, gliding into the reception lounge as if on roller skates. When Michael spoke, Keith stared at him, aghast. No one had told Keith that Michael talked in a high-pitched squeak, like Mickey Mouse. Keith's pitch for the video was tricky, as he tried to keep a straight face. Keith had listened to Michael singing on the two tracks, but they sounded like a normal, impressive singing voice. 'Hey, you're talented, I really like those ideas,' Michael squeaked. On the set of Billie Jean, a surprise lay in store. Michael approached Keith. What did the star want on such a busy day? 'Can I touch you on the forehead?' Keith was mystified, never having had such a request before. 'Sure,' Keith nodded, allowing Michael to prod his brow. Michael smiled, then walked back onto the set to continue singing. What was all that about? It turned out that Michael was a fan of ET, in fact anything by director Steven Spielberg; touching the forehead was all the rage in LA. Keith had just had a close encounter with a future giant of the music industry. Keith Williams with Bonnie Tyler filming Holding Out For A Hero Keith was now a long way from Neath. Back home in his bedroom, he recalled how he wasn't allowed to put up posters of his idols. Now he was being whisked from exotic location to exotic location, working with them, and calling the shots. Soon, Keith was filming Holding Out for a Hero with Bonnie Tyler when the downdraught from the helicopter almost blew her over the edge of the Grand Canyon. She was reluctant to venture close to the sheer drop again. Luckily, Keith's mum, living just up the road in Skewen, had sent over some Valium for her son. Keith gave a pill to Bonnie, and she was able to perform her worldwide hit on the edge of a precipice. His next phone call with an emerging singer proved to be fruitful, but there was a downside. 'Hello, is that Madonna?' 'Hi, Madonna here.' 'Hi, I'm Keith.' 'Keith?' 'Keith from Neath. It's in…it's in Wales.' 'You're the guy who does the videos? You're from…Wales?' 'Yes, and I know you're going to be very famous in Wales!' A few ideas from Keith, delivered to the bamboozled Madonna, and then: 'Oh, I like that…oh, I like that.' Keith Williams credit on Madonna's 'Borderline' single Keith composed the video story for her 1984 hit, Borderline. Madonna plays the girlfriend of a Hispanic man. Keith's idea was to break taboos about interracial relationships. All was not plain sailing with Madonna, though. Keith had no idea she was going to be a global sensation and pursued other projects instead of sticking with her. Also, he was given custody of the master tape for another future hit. Keith admits in his book…he lost it. Calls from agents flooded in. The promotional video for the Ghostbusters film was Keith's creation. Then, another call out of the blue from a prominent agent. 'Would you be free to meet Barbra Streisand?' 'Let me check my diary.' A microsecond later: 'Yes, I appear to be free.' The next day, a black limousine pulled up, whisking Keith along the Pacific Coast Highway to Ms Streisand's beach residence in Malibu. Five residences, actually. Not on the beach itself; her estate was set well back, lying at the end of a one-track lane. Streisland, more like it, Keith thought. Barbra appeared at the door. 'Would you like some coffee?' Keith took a while to get his head around sitting in Barbra Streisand's kitchen while she put the kettle on. As they discussed potential videos, Barbra paused and said: 'You're brilliant.' Keith wanted to know what she did with so many houses. 'Well last night, I had dinner in the house over there, I had a bath in another, and then slept in this one!' The Bee Gees, Donna Summer, Billy Idol, Phil Collins and so many stars of the '80s used Keith's concepts for their videos. Olivia Newton-John adored the Welsh 'ideas man', taking him all over the world on her video shoots while he came up with more and more story outlines for her. Olivia Newton John with Keith Williams Keith was thrilled to be credited as the writer on Olivia's Twist of Fate collection of music videos in 1983. That was some honour, working with Olivia and John Travolta. Keith's many other memories include Tina Turner on his lap in the back of an opulent limousine, glugging from a rapidly emptying champagne bottle, and sheer elation as one of his videos made it to No. 1 in America. One of the funniest incidents in a tragic and shocking situation stayed with Keith, and he related the story many times. TV presenter Peter Ivers was bludgeoned to death with a hammer in Los Angeles. Keith was dragged into the affair because one of his best friends, David Jove, happened to be a main suspect. The late Mr Jove was also implicated in a drugs bust involving the Rolling Stones in England. Actor Paul Michael Glaser, who knew Peter Ivers well, turned up at the crime scene, heartbroken over the brutal crime. A rookie cop recognised Paul, who starred as Detective Dave Starsky in the all-action TV cop series, 'Starsky and Hutch'. 'Excuse me sir, what should we be doing to find the killer?' the rookie asked Starsky, loud enough for everyone to hear. 'I don't know!' Paul Michael Glaser replied as laughter was disguised as polite coughs. 'I'm not a real cop. I'm an actor!' Keith Williams died in 2023 at the age of 73. He had written his memoir, The Boy Who Went to Hollywood, including many of these fascinating stories and more. His friend and collaborator, Disney producer Paul de Vos, decided that Keith's escapades in Los Angeles would make a fascinating book. With more than a little help from Paul's friends, Keith's adventurous life is now published for music fans to read. The Boy Who Went to Hollywood was an Amazon hot new release and bestseller as soon as it came out. Keith would be delighted to read the reviews! The Boy Who Went to Hollywood is edited by David Meikle and Paul de Vos. You can purchase it HERE Article by David Meikle The Boy Who Went To Hollywood – the story of Keith Williams
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
Paddle steamer Waverley returns to Pembrokeshire ports this summer
ONE of Hollywood's poshest hotels had an unexpected guest. A global icon was relaxing in his executive suite, preparing for the party of all parties and the concert of all concerts. Outside, Keith Williams, from Neath in South Wales, padlocked his rusty old bicycle in the bike rack. The two-wheeler was all he could afford as he tried to make a name for himself, creating ideas for pop videos. Surely bands could do more than just stand there, strumming, he told everyone. Could they maybe act out a story? Keith nipped into the toilet to adjust his plastic yellow bow tie and bright red spectacles. He was ready. What was this invitation all about? He glanced again and again at the mysterious, gold-embossed invitation card. Just the address and time. Was it a prank? Burly bodyguards appeared and ushered Keith along a grand corridor to a suite fit only for millionaires. Keith peered into the lavish surroundings. There, waiting with his entourage, was Elton John. Megastar of the 1980s. 'I saw you cycling down Santa Monica Boulevard, dear, and wondered whether I should knock you down in my Bentley,' Elton joked. Memories came flooding back. The last time Keith and Elton had met was five years earlier at the star's house in Windsor. Keith was sleeping on a bedroom floor while he worked on videos for Elton's early tracks. Now the great man had seen Keith's credits on MTV. Was Keith's video really the first to appear on the groundbreaking channel? Yes, it was. The video to promote the hit by the Buggles, Video Killed the Radio Star, was all down to the aspiring Welshman. The evening had only just begun. Keith was ushered downstairs by elevator to the hotel car park, where a chauffeur awaited. His car was due to follow Elton's limo as it snaked out of the hotel grounds. A hefty police escort had been assembled with red flashing lights, blaring sirens, helmeted cops on motorbikes and more officers holding back traffic at junctions. Their destination: The Universal Amphitheatre, venue for the evening's concert. Keith Williams and Elton John Keith found himself in the middle of a pre-concert party. Elton appeared in a massive purple wig. His new wife, Renate, was there too, smiling gracefully at everyone. A dazzling Indian buffet had been prepared by leading chefs, especially flown over from England. The concert was beyond spectacular, with Elton performing at the peak of his career. It was far from a one-off reunion. Keith could look forward to thoughtful birthday cards, sent on the dot from Elton every year. Thriller Keith's telephone started to ring non-stop. Soon after arriving in Hollywood, with his dream of creating pop videos for the stars, a music producer was on the line. News of that MTV video was spreading. 'Have you heard of Michael Jackson?' 'Er…no…who's he?' 'One of the Jackson Five.' 'Oh, I'm not really into Motown.' 'He's gone solo. He's got a new album coming out. Something called Thriller. Sounds promising. Needs storylines for the videos.' 'I'm up for that,' Keith answered enthusiastically. 'Have a listen to two of the tracks. Billie Jean and Beat It, they're called.' Keith Williams and Michael Jackson on the set of Billie Jean Another chauffeur-driven limo appeared, whisking Keith to Michael's home in Encino, an upmarket part of Los Angeles. Inside the palatial property, there were flowers everywhere. Michael appeared, gliding into the reception lounge as if on roller skates. When Michael spoke, Keith stared at him, aghast. No one had told Keith that Michael talked in a high-pitched squeak, like Mickey Mouse. Keith's pitch for the video was tricky, as he tried to keep a straight face. Keith had listened to Michael singing on the two tracks, but they sounded like a normal, impressive singing voice. 'Hey, you're talented, I really like those ideas,' Michael squeaked. On the set of Billie Jean, a surprise lay in store. Michael approached Keith. What did the star want on such a busy day? 'Can I touch you on the forehead?' Keith was mystified, never having had such a request before. 'Sure,' Keith nodded, allowing Michael to prod his brow. Michael smiled, then walked back onto the set to continue singing. What was all that about? It turned out that Michael was a fan of ET, in fact anything by director Steven Spielberg; touching the forehead was all the rage in LA. Keith had just had a close encounter with a future giant of the music industry. Keith Williams with Bonnie Tyler filming Holding Out For A Hero Keith was now a long way from Neath. Back home in his bedroom, he recalled how he wasn't allowed to put up posters of his idols. Now he was being whisked from exotic location to exotic location, working with them, and calling the shots. Soon, Keith was filming Holding Out for a Hero with Bonnie Tyler when the downdraught from the helicopter almost blew her over the edge of the Grand Canyon. She was reluctant to venture close to the sheer drop again. Luckily, Keith's mum, living just up the road in Skewen, had sent over some Valium for her son. Keith gave a pill to Bonnie, and she was able to perform her worldwide hit on the edge of a precipice. His next phone call with an emerging singer proved to be fruitful, but there was a downside. 'Hello, is that Madonna?' 'Hi, Madonna here.' 'Hi, I'm Keith.' 'Keith?' 'Keith from Neath. It's in…it's in Wales.' 'You're the guy who does the videos? You're from…Wales?' 'Yes, and I know you're going to be very famous in Wales!' A few ideas from Keith, delivered to the bamboozled Madonna, and then: 'Oh, I like that…oh, I like that.' Keith Williams credit on Madonna's 'Borderline' single Keith composed the video story for her 1984 hit, Borderline. Madonna plays the girlfriend of a Hispanic man. Keith's idea was to break taboos about interracial relationships. All was not plain sailing with Madonna, though. Keith had no idea she was going to be a global sensation and pursued other projects instead of sticking with her. Also, he was given custody of the master tape for another future hit. Keith admits in his book…he lost it. Calls from agents flooded in. The promotional video for the Ghostbusters film was Keith's creation. Then, another call out of the blue from a prominent agent. 'Would you be free to meet Barbra Streisand?' 'Let me check my diary.' A microsecond later: 'Yes, I appear to be free.' The next day, a black limousine pulled up, whisking Keith along the Pacific Coast Highway to Ms Streisand's beach residence in Malibu. Five residences, actually. Not on the beach itself; her estate was set well back, lying at the end of a one-track lane. Streisland, more like it, Keith thought. Barbra appeared at the door. 'Would you like some coffee?' Keith took a while to get his head around sitting in Barbra Streisand's kitchen while she put the kettle on. As they discussed potential videos, Barbra paused and said: 'You're brilliant.' Keith wanted to know what she did with so many houses. 'Well last night, I had dinner in the house over there, I had a bath in another, and then slept in this one!' The Bee Gees, Donna Summer, Billy Idol, Phil Collins and so many stars of the '80s used Keith's concepts for their videos. Olivia Newton-John adored the Welsh 'ideas man', taking him all over the world on her video shoots while he came up with more and more story outlines for her. Olivia Newton John with Keith Williams Keith was thrilled to be credited as the writer on Olivia's Twist of Fate collection of music videos in 1983. That was some honour, working with Olivia and John Travolta. Keith's many other memories include Tina Turner on his lap in the back of an opulent limousine, glugging from a rapidly emptying champagne bottle, and sheer elation as one of his videos made it to No. 1 in America. One of the funniest incidents in a tragic and shocking situation stayed with Keith, and he related the story many times. TV presenter Peter Ivers was bludgeoned to death with a hammer in Los Angeles. Keith was dragged into the affair because one of his best friends, David Jove, happened to be a main suspect. The late Mr Jove was also implicated in a drugs bust involving the Rolling Stones in England. Actor Paul Michael Glaser, who knew Peter Ivers well, turned up at the crime scene, heartbroken over the brutal crime. A rookie cop recognised Paul, who starred as Detective Dave Starsky in the all-action TV cop series, 'Starsky and Hutch'. 'Excuse me sir, what should we be doing to find the killer?' the rookie asked Starsky, loud enough for everyone to hear. 'I don't know!' Paul Michael Glaser replied as laughter was disguised as polite coughs. 'I'm not a real cop. I'm an actor!' Keith Williams died in 2023 at the age of 73. He had written his memoir, The Boy Who Went to Hollywood, including many of these fascinating stories and more. His friend and collaborator, Disney producer Paul de Vos, decided that Keith's escapades in Los Angeles would make a fascinating book. With more than a little help from Paul's friends, Keith's adventurous life is now published for music fans to read. The Boy Who Went to Hollywood was an Amazon hot new release and bestseller as soon as it came out. Keith would be delighted to read the reviews! The Boy Who Went to Hollywood is edited by David Meikle and Paul de Vos. You can purchase it HERE Article by David Meikle The Boy Who Went To Hollywood – the story of Keith Williams
