A manifesto written by the late Michael Jackson in 1979 has been revealed, revealing the then-21 year old’s aspirations for his career and his future.
The manifesto was uncovered by CBS’ 60 Minutes while touring a top secret warehouse of his personal belongings.
It’s located on the back of a tour itinerary and it spells out what Jackson hoped to become as an entertainer.
He writes "MJ will be my new name. No more Michael Jackson. I want a whole new character, a whole new look. I should be a tottally [sic] different person. People should never think of me as the kid who sang "ABC," [or] "I Want You Back." I should be a new, incredible actor/singer/dancer that will shock the world. I will do no interviews. I will be magic. I will be a perfectionist, a researcher, a trainer, a masterer [sic]. I will be better than every great actor roped into one."
NY Daily News notes the letter was preserved by archivist Karen Langford.
The same year the manifesto was written, Jackson released the solo album Off the Wall and that catapulted his superstardom.