Elijah Rhea Johnson knows exactly what it takes to play Michael Jackson. After all, the Broadway newcomer embodies the late, great King of Pop eight shows a week in MJ: The Musical (now playing at the Neil Simon Theatre).
“Performing night after night as the iconic Michael Jackson is amazing, exhausting, fulfilling, magical,” the actor says of telling the story of Jackson’s life each night in the hit jukebox musical. “His music was the music of my childhood and my inspiration to pursue a career in entertainment.”
While Johnson performs classics like “Billie Jean,” “Smooth Criminal,” “Bad” and “Thriller” during the show, the pre-show playlist he blasts in the dressing room is filled with deeper cuts from Jackson’s catalog, like “I Can’t Help It,” an early top 10 single from Off the Wall co-written by Stevie Wonder, and “Break of Dawn,” a highlight off Jackson’s final studio album, Invincible.
Elsewhere on the playlist, the Broadway star picks out some of his favorite songs by the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Steve Lacy, Amy Winehouse and more.
Below, Johnson takes us through his pre-show playlist — including multiple tracks by Childish Gambino and a recent hit he declares Lamar’s “song of the summer.”
1. Michael Jackson – “I Can’t Help It”
This is one of my favorite MJ songs, and it helps me get into his vibe/musical mindset before a show.
2. Childish Gambino – “Survive” feat. Chlöe
One of my favorite songs off of Childish Gambino’s newest album Bando Stone & The New World. It’s such a vibe.
3. Michael Jackson – “Break of Dawn”
Another MJ song. He was deep in his R&B bag with this one, and it’s perfect post-show to relax.
4. Bryson Tiller – “Ciao!”
Love, love this song and Bryson’s last album [Bryson Tiller (2024)], so I really love to put it into the rotation.
5. Steve Lacy – “Sunshine” feat. Fousheé
Steve Lacy is one of my fav artists of the last decade. Honestly, half of this list could have been his songs.
6. Victoria Monét – “Alright”
An amazing record produced by the legendary Kaytranada. Possibly record of the year, in my opinion.
7. Kendrick Lamar – “Not Like Us”
Kendrick won song of the summer with this one, period.
8. Amy Winehouse – “Love Is a Losing Game”
Amy was such an amazing, tragic artist we lost way too soon. I’m always inspired by her lyrics and her passion.
9. Kendrick Lamar – “euphoria”
Another fantastic record from Kendrick this summer. This song just gets me hype.
10. Childish Gambino – “Psilocybae (Millennial Love)” feat. 21 Savage, Ink & Kadhja Bonet
One of my fave songs ever. If you haven’t heard it, please listen. It’s an experience.
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