Jeffrey Glenn Daniel, born on August 24, 1955, in Los Angeles, is a multifaceted American talent known for his exceptional contributions to dance, music, and choreography. As a founding member of the iconic R&B group Shalamar, Daniel has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Beyond his illustrious career, he now lends his expertise as a judge on the Nigerian Idol series. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the life, career, and achievements of Jeffrey Daniel.
Jeffrey Daniel Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Jeffrey Daniel received his early education in the vibrant city where his passion for performance first took root. He later attended a prestigious institution for his high school education, laying the foundation for his future in the entertainment industry.
Jeffrey Daniel Career Milestones
Jeffrey Daniel’s journey in the entertainment world spans several decades, marked by his remarkable dance skills and collaborations with esteemed artists and dancers. Notably, he introduced the “backslide,” a physically demanding dance move now famously known as the “moonwalk,” during a performance of Shalamar’s “A Night to Remember” on British television.
This iconic move gained popularity in 1982, a year before Michael Jackson’s historic performance on the Motown 25 special. Daniel’s contribution to dance was further celebrated as he performed as a backup dancer on the renowned show, Soul Train, where he garnered admiration from none other than Michael Jackson himself.
Influences and Collaborations
Daniel attributes his success to influential figures like Don Campbell, the creator of the “Locker” dance, and Tyrone Proctor, a pioneer of the “Waacking” dance style. Additionally, his partnership with Cleveland Moses Jr. on Soul Train played a pivotal role in shaping his artistic journey.
Collaborating with Michael Jackson
In 1987, Jeffrey Daniel’s exceptional talents caught the eye of Michael Jackson, leading to a fruitful collaboration. He worked closely with Vincent Paterson, the main choreographer, on iconic videos like “Bad” and “Smooth Criminal.” Alongside his fellow dancers Geron “Caszper” Candidate and Derek “Cooley” Jackson/Jaxson, Daniel showcased his extraordinary skills.
Beyond Dance: Consulting and Advising
Recognizing Daniel’s profound understanding of music and dance, he was brought on board as a consultant by MJJ Productions, a record company associated with Michael Jackson. His expertise contributed to the success of artists like Brownstone, 3T, and Men of Vizion.
Global Influence and Multiculturalism
Having moved to Japan, Daniel’s impact extended internationally. Michael Jackson personally flew him back to the United States, highlighting the global reach of his talents. Today, he calls Lagos, Abuja, London, and Osaka home, showcasing his proficiency in languages like Cantonese and Japanese.
Continued Success and Collaborations
Jeffrey Daniel’s influence in the entertainment industry remains undeniable. He has collaborated with a plethora of renowned artists including Vanessa Williams, Paul McCartney, Babyface, LL Cool J, Sheena Easton, and The Go-Go’s.
Jeffrey Daniel Personal Life and Achievements
In 1980, Daniel married American R&B singer Stephanie Mills, though the union eventually ended in divorce in 1983. His professional journey with Shalamar has been complemented by a revival of live performances since 2002. Additionally, he has served as a judge on Nigerian Idol for three seasons.
Conclusion
Jeffrey Daniel’s impact on the entertainment world is nothing short of legendary. From revolutionizing dance moves to collaborating with some of the biggest names in music, his influence spans generations. As a judge on Nigerian Idol, he continues to inspire aspiring artists and leave an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.
FAQs:
Q1: What is Jeffrey Daniel’s net worth? A1: Jeffrey Daniel’s net worth is estimated at $3.5 million.
Q2: Who are some of the artists Jeffrey Daniel has collaborated with? A2: Jeffrey Daniel has collaborated with artists like Vanessa Williams, Paul McCartney, Babyface, LL Cool J, Sheena Easton, and The Go-Go’s.
Q3: How did Jeffrey Daniel’s iconic moonwalk come about? A3: Jeffrey Daniel introduced the moonwalk, originally known as the “backslide,” during a performance of Shalamar’s “A Night to Remember” on British television in 1982.
Q4: Where does Jeffrey Daniel currently reside? A4: Jeffrey Daniel currently divides his time between Lagos, Abuja, London, and Osaka, showcasing his multicultural background and fluency in languages like Cantonese and Japanese.
