What was it really like to work for the King of Pop? Imagine getting a secret call to audition for Michael Jackson himself and that is the incredible true story of guitarist Jennifer Batten. She was chosen for his band and traveled the world with him. Now you can hear her tell the story. Get ready for an exclusive look behind the magic of Michael Jackson’s concerts.
Jennifer Batten was teaching guitar in Los Angeles when she got the life-changing call. Michael Jackson’s team contacted her school looking for players for an audition. She was one of only two people selected to try out and the audition was just her and a video camera. She impressed them by playing a difficult jazz song and the famous solo from Beat It. She got the gig and spent over a month rehearsing with the band before she even met Michael. You can see her play that famous solo in another video.
Jennifer Batten’s Michael Jackson Story
Fans find her story amazing. It shows how talent and a little luck can create a dream job and her experience proves that Michael Jackson valued incredible skill and a strong work ethic in everyone he worked with.
The other video shows Jennifer Batten performing the iconic Beat It guitar solo live on stage. This was the solo she had to learn for her audition and she played it perfectly for Michael Jackson on his world tours for many years. Her job was to play the solo originally recorded by the famous guitarist Eddie Van Halen and she played it so well she even had to remind Van Halen how to play it years later.
jennifer batten – MJ – Beat It solo
Both videos show Jennifer Batten’s amazing journey with Michael Jackson. Her story tells how she got the job and the live video shows her doing that job perfectly. Together they give a full picture of her role as his guitarist and this shows the high level of talent Michael Jackson required for his spectacular live shows.
You can find more of Michael Jackson’s iconic music videos on his official YouTube channel. Watch his incredible performances and listen to his timeless songs that continue to thrill fans across the world.