'Late Summer 1994, 421 West 54th Street, New York, Hit Factory Recording Studio, 6th floor. Michael Jackson's HIStory project was in full swing.
We had studios running in New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Minneapolis, sometimes up to 13 rooms running at the same time.
The tapes were being sent to the other side of the country, there was a lot of pressure as we advanced towards the finish line.
So Michael had an idea.
He wanted to record a Christmas song.
A song composed by John Williams for the soundtrack of Forgotten Me.
A song that ... had already been recorded.
That didn't stop Michael—he wanted to record it.
We quickly recorded the song (it probably took less than a day), but the highlight of the song is a children's choir. We had already assembled a children's choir in New York and I had the director's number in hand. Michael asked me to set a date when the choir could come in and sort out the details. Pretty easy.
We marked the choir (about 20 children, as I recall) for a three-hour session, to sing the Christmas song.
That almost certainly wouldn't get on the album.
But Michael wanted to do it.
By this time, I had already organized numerous sessions like these, ensuring that the room was perfect, Bruce Swedien's microphones would be well positioned etc.
But Michael wanted this session to be a little more special...
MJ — "Brad, we need to decorate the studio."
I - "Decorate? I really don't think that's necessary because they're only going to be here for three hours."
MJ — "We need to decorate. For Christmas!"
I -- "I don't know if we can find Christmas ornaments this time of year in stores..."
MJ —"Brad, we need to decorate."
(I went to a New York prop company, decorated the studio with artificial snow, a sleigh, a giant nativity scene, Christmas trees, lights, etc.)
A few days later...
I -- "... the décor is a bit exaggerated. But is it good?"
MJ — "Yes, now we need the children's choir and their families."
I —" But they're only going to stay here for three..."
MJ —" Yes, but remember, to call their families. I want them here.''
I -- "I'm going to provide everything...''
MJ —" And is everything ready for the Christmas choir?"
I -- "Ummm, yes. It's already snowing in the studio and we have a big company to organize meals."
MJ — "What about the gifts?"
I 'you know it's not real Christmas, right?''
MJ — "I've already decided which gifts to give them. Gameboys! With all the games and batteries!"
I -- "How many...?"
MJ — "For every singer and his brothers and sisters!"
A day later
...
MJ — "Are we ready for the Christmas choir?"
I -- 'Yes, we're ready! We have decorations, food and gifts — and we can record it now!''
MJ — "We need a Santa!"
I -- "OK, slow down. I don't know if I can find a Santa Claus in New York in the summer. I'm sorry."
MJ — "Brad, YOU're going to be Santa Claus!"
I -- "That's not going to happen! But I can call ..."
MJ — "Brad — YOU're going to be Santa Claus!"
I in a Santa costume complete with my trusty elves Brian and Rachel distributed the gifts and had one of the most memorable days in a recording studio imaginable.
I -- "Merry Christmas Michael."
MJ — "Merry Christmas Brad!"
— by Brad Sundberg worked with Michael Jackson on numerous personal and professional projects