How I Became Friends with an 80's Pop Star

It was a Monday in March 2026 when I first learned that with Michael Camacho, former member of 80’s pop duo Sly Fox, there’s no such thing as a quick phone call. And you don’t want it to be.

Sly Fox, consisting of Gary “Mudbone” Cooper and Michael Camacho, released their debut album “Let’s Go All the Way” in 1985. By the following Summer, the title track was making major waves, going Top 10 in multiple countries and ultimately becoming a quintessential 80’s anthem. The duo was now experiencing real commercial success. They toured their music around the world, eventually disbanded, and are still celebrated at 80’s throwback parties, in montages and in playlists.

Ten years after the release of “Let’s Go All the Way,” I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. At the age of 22, I got hired onto a local radio station’s Promotions staff. I have always had an immense fixation on music, pop culture, and the music industry. My boss, Katie Walters (now one of my dearest friends and who I credit for my DJ career), served as Promotions Director. Each year, Katie threw “The 80’s Party,” a charity fundraiser for a women’s recovery center, hosted at Highlands Country Club in Ft. Thomas, Kentucky. The acts were legendary. I once smoked a cigarette with Tommy Tutone. In 2018, Michael Camacho performed. The dance floor was packed all night, a bunch of money was raised, and he put on one hell of a show.

As our careers evolved, we found ourselves as a two-person Promotions staff at iHeartRadio in 2026. In March, Katie came to me with an interesting request. “My good friend Michael Camacho released a new song and wants to start growing his social media. I gave him your number.” Admittedly, I wasn’t super familiar with Sly Fox. I knew the song (who doesn’t?), but I was a 90’s/2000’s kid. I am old enough to have a CD collection, but I grew up a far cry removed from the height of MTV and big hair. Regardless, I figured I’d hop on a phone call and share some of my social media expertise.

Immediately, I was enthralled with Michael’s energy. A positive, upbeat, through-and-through New Yorker, Michael is equal parts talent and a vessel of life experiences. In one phone call, I learned about the rise and fall of Sly Fox, Michael’s solo career, his passion for dogs, his friendship with the late David Bowie, his journey with sobriety, his love of jazz music, stories from the tour bus, and his unwavering dedication for making a splash in the new landscape of the music industry. He was equally impressed with my pulse on modern media- hashtags, podcasts, streaming, content creation… the types of things a musician didn’t have to think about even 20 years ago, let alone in the 80’s.

So, I put together a social media plan for Michael. Content strategies, video ideas, ways to engage an online audience. I knew right away that while music runs through his blood, his storytelling is his secret weapon. Over the next few months, I watched as he navigated the world of TikTok and Instagram, posting story times and throwback videos and snippets from his latest music video. On the surface, the goal was to promote his latest song. “Just Your Love,” a passionate, groovy and romantic ballad, blends the best parts of Michael’s musical experience. A little jazzy, a little reminiscent of the 80’s, a catchy melody, complete with rich instruments and an undeniable vocal. But it was very clear that there is way more to the story. Michael is dedicated to helping animals, to encouraging those in recovery, to sharing his stories and experiences- not for relevance or engagement, but because of sheer sentiment.

It would be a disservice to insinuate that Michael’s success came and went with Sly Fox. In the time since the duo split, Michael released a solo album- 2007’s jazz album “Just For You,” (my favorite track on the record is “Hey You”). Michael opened and operated a beloved jazz bar in New York City. Rue-B, open from 1999 until 2021, was a hub for history, connection and a shared love of music. He has starred in films, like 2026’s “On Paper,” a thriller in which Michael plays a Police Chief. He takes pride in every role, every venture, and every opportunity with the same passion that he felt all those years ago with Sly Fox. He doesn’t shy away from his struggles with substance abuse. In the late 90’s and early 2000’s, he says the industry and Hollywood got the better of him. Sobriety is a huge pillar of his story and he believes that being honest about it can help others. When asked how he feels about being branded a “One-Hit Wonder,” Michael says “at least we were a One-Hit Wonder. Most people are No-Hit Wonders.”

Each time we speak on the phone, I am able to gather more insight into one of the most creative and energetic people I’ve ever met. His stories are captivating- David Bowie’s friendship and mentorship, building a makeshift patio for his jazz bar during the 2020 pandemic, or the time an MTV interviewer struck a chord and he got in trouble with his record label. His enthusiasm is palpable: “Bobby, we’re going to make this big and we’re both going to be making more money. Let’s do this!” I respond, “Let’s go all the way!” He texts Katie and I in a group chat, psyched about the ideas we put together, complimenting my insight, and ready to tackle each idea with a confidence that would almost make it impossible for him not to succeed. We discuss going on podcasts, posting more content, writing pitches for music reviewers, utilizing connections.

And it’s easy to understand why Michael is so confident in this song. Because it’s a f***ing good song. What he may not realize is that he is perhaps helping me more than I am helping him. As a 30-year-old who recently lost my job in radio, with a handful of creative projects that rarely make it past my inner circle, witnessing Michael’s get-after-it attitude is nothing short of inspiring. He is extremely complimentary of the work I’ve done for him, and the encouragement chips away at my imposter syndrome. His love of art, people, and connection is something I value more than I can put into words. Because what else is life about if not expressing ourselves and connecting with others? On a Thursday afternoon in July, we take a phone call and recalibrate our game plan. I mention writing a piece, and before I even finish my sentence he says “Don’t even ask me. Just do it. And whatever else you need to know is all yours.” Immediately after hanging up, I turn on his jazz album and get to writing.

I’ve never stepped away from a conversation with Michael without feeling a fire under me. A fire for his career, a fire for my career. If Sly Fox was an unlikely duo, I never would have thought I’d have such a fascinating dude on speed dial. We plan to regroup after the weekend, and to start putting our ideas to action. Katie has been an integral piece of the puzzle with her long history in the business and her equally monumental work ethic. Getting your name and song out there is no small feat, but given his rich history, talent and charisma, I have no doubt that he will accomplish a well-deserved renaissance. The world needs Michael Camacho, and he’s ready to go all the way.