A pioneering singer-songwriter and dancer who popularized moonwalking and robotic dance moves, inspiring generations of performers, including Michael Jackson.
Jeffrey Daniel is an American dancer, singer-songwriter, and choreographer, best known for being a founding member of the R&B vocal group Shalamar. He is also renowned for teaching Michael Jackson the moonwalk, a dance move that would become one of the King of Pop's signature gestures.
Daniel was born in Los Angeles in 1955 and began his career as a dancer on the popular TV show Soul Train. He went on to work with notable musicians and dancers such as Shabba Doo, Popin Pete, and The Electric Boogaloos.
In 1982, Daniel performed the backslide, a physically complicated dance technique, on British television during a performance of Shalamar's "A Night to Remember" on Top of the Pops. This was almost a year before Michael Jackson moonwalked on the Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever television broadcast.
According to La Toya Jackson, Michael Jackson was a fan of Daniel's dancing and sought him out. Jackson soon met and hired Daniel, learning from him and incorporating the moonwalk into his own repertoire.
Daniel gives credit to several people who inspired him, including Don Campbell, one of the earliest Soul Train dancers, and Tyrone Proctor, a premier Waack dancer who taught Daniel the style of dance known as Waacking.
Daniel, along with Jody Watley and Howard Hewett, formed the soul-funk group Shalamar, which had several hit songs including "A Night to Remember," "The Second Time Around," and "I Can Make You Feel Good."
Daniel has been recognized for his contributions to music and dance, including being a judge on the first three seasons of Nigerian Idol.
In the 1980s, Daniel was a regular on the London club scene, where he was often seen with celebrities such as Boy George.
Daniel's influence on Michael Jackson's dancing style has had a lasting impact on pop culture, with the moonwalk becoming an iconic move in music and dance.
Jeffrey Daniel's contributions to music and dance have left a lasting legacy, inspiring generations of dancers and musicians. His work with Michael Jackson has cemented his place in music history, and his influence continues to be felt today.
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