Bill Bray
Born 1925
Died November 2005 (aged 80)
Occupation Security detail officer
Years active 1971–1996
Known for Head of security of Michael Jackson

Bill Bray (1925 – November 2005) was an American security detail officer best known for his long association with singer Michael Jackson. He worked for the Jackson family for more than two decades and later became Michael's head of security. Bray regularly accompanied Michael during concerts, tours, and public appearances, and was widely recognized for his close working relationship with the singer. He retired from his position in 1996 after many years with the Jackson organization.

Early career

Bill Bray was a retired Los Angeles Police Department chief security officer who began working with the Jackson 5 during early 1971.[1][2] Over the following decades, he became one of Michael Jackson's closest associates and served as the singer's head of security during the height of his career.[3]

Working for Michael Jackson

Bray was hired by Joseph 'Joe' Jackson in 1971 and worked with Michael Jackson until 1996, accompanying him during concerts, recording sessions, tours and public appearances.[1] His name appeared as head of security for the Victory Tour (1984; for the Jackson 5), Bad (1987-1989), Dangerous (1992-1993), and HIStory World Tour (1996-1997).[4]

In 1988 autobiography Moonwalk, Jackson described Bray as "very careful and immensely professional" and wrote that he traveled with him everywhere.[5] The Rolling Stone later described Bray as Jackson's "top bodyguard" and one of his closest confidants.[6] According to Jackson, Bray closely supervised security arrangements and often remained with him during tours and overseas travel.[5] Author Shmuley Boteach later wrote that Bray sometimes kept Jackson isolated inside hotel rooms for security reasons while making travel preparations for upcoming tour stops.[7]

Former associates and members of Jackson's security staff also mentioned Bray in later accounts discussing Jackson's private life and travel arrangements during the late 1980s and early 1990s.[8] Some accounts described Bray as one of the people responsible for coordinating security and handling guests traveling with Jackson during international trips.[8] Bray retired from working with Jackson in 1996 after more than two decades with the singer's organization.[4] Reports published after his retirement stated that Jackson continued helping Bray financially during his later years, including assisting with medical expenses.[4]

Personal life and death

Several publications described Bray as a "father" figure to Jackson because of the singer's difficult relationship with his father Joseph.[6][3] In a handwritten letter written during the early 1992, Jackson thanked Bray for supporting him throughout his life and stated that he did not know what would have happened without him.[9][10]

"Bill, it's been a long long road, we have traveled throughout the years, concerts tours, meeting dignitaries, kings and queens of countries, touring around the world twice, making people happy through the gift and love of music. I'm coming of age now and really realize the importance of true love. Joseph never ever had time for me, he only saw me as always for him to make money, and as you know, mother [Katherine] was a perfect mother but I never was with her, my childhood was on stage away from mother. What I'm simply trying to say is thank you for being a father. I don't know what would have happened to me if you were not around. I love you."

— Michael Jackson, 1992

Bray died in November 2005, at the age of 80.[2][11] Following his death, Jackson released a statement describing Bray as a longtime friend, mentor and trusted adviser.[4]

In other media

Bray is portrayed by actor KeiLyn Durrel Jones in the biographical film Michael (2026).[12]

References

  1. ^ a b Colburn, Randall (April 29, 2026). "Who is Bill Bray? All about the security guard who Michael Jackson considered a 'father'". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  2. ^ a b McArdle, Tommy (April 24, 2026). "Who Is Bill Bray? All About Michael Jackson's Longtime Security Guard". People.com. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  3. ^ a b Davids, Brian (May 4, 2026). "'Michael' Breakout KeiLyn Durrel Jones Explains Why the New Ending Was an "Astonishing Dream Come True"". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  4. ^ a b c d "Bill Bray, second father of Michael". Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  5. ^ a b Michael Jackson (1988). Moonwalk.
  6. ^ a b Ressner, Jeffrey (April 6, 1989). "Stand by Me: Inside the World of Rock & Roll Bodyguards". Rolling Stone. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  7. ^ Shmuley Boteach (2009). The Michael Jackson Tapes.
  8. ^ a b Bill Whitfield and Javon Beard (2011). Remember the Time: Protecting Michael Jackson in His Final Days.
  9. ^ Staff, T. M. Z. (March 7, 2019). "Michael Jackson Letter Thanking Security for 'Being a Father' Hits Auction". TMZ. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  10. ^ Ch, Devin (February 28, 2024). "Michael Jackson Credited His Longtime Bodyguard With Subbing In As "His Father"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  11. ^ "Who was Bill Bray? The truth about Michael Jackson's protector". Hindustan Times. May 9, 2026. Retrieved May 9, 2026.
  12. ^ "Meet Bill Bray, the longtime security guard KeiLyn Durrel plays in 'Michael'". Geo News. April 25, 2026. Retrieved May 8, 2026.