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How Jackson Got His Glove

Singer was transfixed after spotting film editor working with one glove on

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 27, 2009 7:52 AM CDT

(Newser) – Some of the mysteries that surrounded Michael Jackson may never be solved, but the glove enigma can be cleared up right now, John Kehe writes at the Christian Science Monitor. Kehe designed the video for the Jackson 5's Can You Feel It in 1980 and took Jackson on a tour of the production facilities, where the singer spotted an editor checking film—and wearing a single white glove to avoid leaving fingerprints as he ran film through his fingers.

Film editors routinely kept boxes of disposal gloves on the editing bench in those days, Kehe writes. "Michael, who hadn't shown any particular enthusiasm for the tour so far, seemed suddenly transfixed by the glove," Kehe recalls. He "politely asked a number of questions about it, concluding with, 'Could you spare one?'" The glove—customized with sequins—appeared on Jackson's hand when he sang Billy Jean at a TV special in 1983. "The rest, they say, is HIStory."

[Images (4)]

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Michael Jackson's custom designed white spandex, right hand glove, almost went on auction in April before the singer stopped the sale. (AP Photo/Julien's Auctions, Shaan Kokin)in)

Michael Jackson's White crystal glove and Moonwalker belt are on display at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York's Times Square. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

Michael Jackson sports his trademark glove as he performs "Billie Jean" during his "30th Anniversary Celebration, The Solo Years" concert at New York's Madison Square Garden in 2001. (AP Photo/Beth A. Keiser )

Music star Michael Jackson performs in London, 1993. (Getty Images)

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Michael Jackson's love of gloves dated back to a tour of the production house making this video for "Can You Feel It." (JRGouda)

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How Jackson Got His Glove