She’s ballsy, irreverent, and still thoughtful—everything you love about Madonna. Venture back to 1991 with this epic conversation between The Advocate‘s Don Shewey and the woman who taught America how to vogue.
The interview took place at her house in the Hollywood Hills section of Los Angeles one afternoon in March between rehearsals for her appearance on the Academy Awards show. Although she made no effort to hide her lack of enthusiasm to talk to the press, she was a dream to interview. She never declared anything “off-the-record” (although she did call the next morning requesting that The Advocate not print the astonishing title of the song she’s supposed to be writing with Michael Jackson).
Talking about Michael…
I keep telling Michael Jackson, “I’d love to turn Jose and Luis on to you for a week.” They pull you out of the shoe box that you’re in. Anybody who’s in a shoe box in the closet cannot be in one after hanging around with Luis and Jose. Or me, for that matter.
I have this whole vision about Michael. We’re considering working on a song together. I would like to completely redo his whole image, give him a Caesar—you know, the really short haircut—and I want to get him out of those buckly boots and all that stuff. What I want him to do is go to New York and hang out for a week with the House of Extravaganza [a group of voguers]. They could give him a new style. I’ve already asked Jose and Luis if they would do it. They’re thrilled and ready. I said, “Could you give this guy a makeover for me?” because I think that’s what he really needs.
Is he up for it?
I don’t know. He’s up for a couple of things that surprise me. The thing is, I’m not going to get together and do some stupid ballad or love duet—no one’s going to buy it, first of all. I said, “Look, Michael, if you want to do something with me, you have to be willing to go all the way or I’m not going to do it.” He keeps saying yes.
