RTÉ Radio 1 is to broadcast a special documentary about Michael Jackson’s Irish driver Ray O’Hara.
The station has made the show, as part of the Documentary on One series, featuring the taxi driver who found Michael Jackson in the back of his cab one day in 2006. He went on to be appointed his offcial driver for almost six months when Jacko came to live and record at Grouse Lodge studios in County Westmeath.
“The first few days I was in shock. I kept looking in the mirror to be sure the guy in the back really was Michael Jackson,” said Ray.
Michael Jackson’s Irish Driver is the story of a humble cabbie thrown into exceptional circumstances but who rose to the challenge as he became not only driver but bodyguard. The two men would become friends as Ray, acting as Michael’s guide, brought him and his family to visit local play centres, bowling alleys, cinemas, and pubs. Incredibly word didn’t get out as the owners of the businesses the singer visited chose to stay silent. When a delivery man spotted Jackson in a local bowling alley, the owner assured him the man in the funny hat was not Michael Jackson but just “a fella from Tullamore who thinks he’s Michael Jackson”.
“I didn’t charge Michael Jackson anything extra. Just the usual daily rate I would any customer,” said Ray O’Hara.
Radio 1 is airing the doc on Saturday 12th October at 2pm.
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