The Wiz (film) a threat to the Jacksons group cohesion. Cohen moved Michael and his sister La Toya Jackson into a Manhattan apartment, allowing him to be on his own for the first time. During the production, he became a frequent visitor to New York's famous Studio 54. Jackson was dedicated to the Scarecrow role, and watched videotapes of gazelles, cheetahs and panthers in order to learn graceful movements for his part. The long hours of uncomfortable prosthetic makeup by Stan Winston did not bother him. During the production of the film, Jackson asked Quincy Jones who he would recommend as a producer
Diana Ross Sings Songs from The Wiz with newcomer Shanice Williams reprising Ross' role of Dorothy (originally played by Stephanie Mills in the original Broadway play) in the television special that was seen by 11.5 million viewers on NBC. "All songs written by Charlie Smalls, unless otherwise noted." Diana Ross Sings Songs from The Wiz Diana Ross Sings Songs from The Wiz is an album by Diana Ross, released by Motown Records/Universal on November 27, 2015. The album features Ross' versions of songs from the film version of the musical "The Wiz", in which she starred along with Michael Jackson. The songs were originally recorded in 1978,