DEES DOESN’T

Every pop deejay in the country probably is playing Michael Jackson’s new single--everyone except KIIS-FM morning man Rick Dees. Dees complains that as long as the Gloved One won’t grant him an interview, he won’t play “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You.”

(Dees has even cued up the song, then yanked it off, accompanied by loud, scratching sound-effects.)

Don’t worry--the station is still giving the song plenty of airtime. KIIS music director Jack Silver says, “We’re banging the hell” out of the record the rest of the day.

So how does management feel about Dees’ mini-boycott? “I wish Rick would play the song,” Silver said. “But he’s been playing Michael’s records since 1969 and he thinks Michael should make time for an interview. Let’s face it--Rick is the No. 1 morning personality in the No. 2 market in the country. And you don’t get to be No. 1 unless you know what you’re doing. And he’s definitely serious about this.”

Silver is convinced that Jackson is aware of Dees’ pique: “Michael listens all the time. In fact, his manager called to complain that Michael thought the record’s chorus sounded muddy when he heard it the other day.”

What if Jackson gave an interview to Dees’ Power 106 arch-rival, Jay Thomas? “Oh, I wouldn’t want to be around if that happened,” Silver laughed. “I have a weak heart.”