Pharrell Reveals on Howard Stern Show That Michael Jackson Rejected His Tracks

Pharrell Reveals on Howard Stern Show That Michael Jackson Rejected His Tracks

 

Pharrell Williams, the multi-talented producer, singer, and fashion mogul, recently opened up about a significant moment in his career during an appearance on *The Howard Stern Show*. In a candid conversation, Pharrell shared that he once pitched several tracks to none other than the King of Pop, Michael Jackson — only for the legendary artist to reject them.

The revelation came as Pharrell discussed his early years in the music industry, and how he initially tried to break into the world of iconic artists. He recounted the excitement of working on some new material in the studio, feeling confident that he had crafted music that could resonate with one of the biggest names in pop. However, despite Pharrell’s efforts, the songs didn’t make the cut, a humbling experience for the artist, who at the time was still carving out his place in the music world.

In his conversation with Stern, Pharrell described the moment with a mixture of humility and reflection. “I sent some tracks to Michael, and he didn’t like them,” Pharrell admitted. “It wasn’t a big deal. I mean, I understood. Michael Jackson is Michael Jackson. His standards were higher than anyone’s, and he wasn’t just going to take anything.” Pharrell went on to explain that he viewed the rejection as part of the process of growing as an artist, rather than a failure.

Pharrell’s career has been marked by his distinct blend of creativity and his ability to create timeless hits across genres, from his work with *The Neptunes* to his solo albums and collaborations with artists like Jay-Z, Beyoncé, and Daft Punk. Yet, even with such a distinguished track record, working with Michael Jackson was an experience Pharrell still looks back on as a formative moment.

The tracks Pharrell submitted to Jackson, although not revealed to the public, were reportedly in line with Pharrell’s signature style — a mix of funk, soul, and cutting-edge production. Jackson, who was known for his meticulous approach to music and his keen sense of what would work for his iconic sound, ultimately decided that the tracks didn’t fit into his vision at the time. Despite this, Pharrell stressed that there were no hard feelings between him and Jackson, highlighting that the rejection was simply a part of the high-stakes nature of the music business.

Pharrell also touched on his respect for Jackson’s legendary career, recounting how he admired Michael not just as an artist, but as a person. “Michael was just on a different level. His entire aura, his energy, it was unlike anything I had ever experienced,” Pharrell said. “It was a big moment for me. It made me want to work harder.”

The conversation about his experience with Michael Jackson also gave Pharrell the opportunity to reflect on how much the music industry has changed over the years. He noted that, in the past, making connections and getting an opportunity to pitch music to superstars like Jackson was a rare and difficult task. Today, however, the digital age and platforms like social media have democratized access to the industry, allowing up-and-coming artists a chance to connect directly with their idols and peers.

Despite the setback with Michael Jackson, Pharrell’s career has gone on to achieve even greater heights. He has since become one of the most influential figures in the music world, known not only for his production skills but for his forward-thinking approach to sound. He has collaborated with a wide range of artists and has been a driving force behind some of the biggest hits of the 21st century, from *Happy* to *Get Lucky*.

Pharrell’s story of pitching to Michael Jackson and facing rejection serves as a reminder that even the most successful artists have had to overcome setbacks. His ability to bounce back and continue pushing the boundaries of creativity speaks to his resilience and passion for music. It’s clear that while he may not have made it onto Jackson’s album, the experience undoubtedly played a role in shaping the artist Pharrell would become.