Today in MJJ HIStory

1969 - Motown releases the first album of the Jackson 5, Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5.

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The album featured 12 songs, and only single was “I Want You Back”. The album was a successful debut worldwide, charting at number 5 in the US pop charts, in february 1970, and #1 in the R&B chart, number 16 in the UK and staying in the charts for four weeks. It sells more 600000 copies in the United States, an exceptionnal number for a first LP.

The majority of the album was produced by Bobby Taylor, true discoverer of the group, and the Corporation™ in 1968 in Chicago. The Corporation™ would work on The Jackson 5’s next seven albums for Motown. During spring and summer 1969, the latter chose to make them sing soul music standards, in order to coach them, but also to prove to the Motown big boss, Berry Gordy, their capacities.

So, besides the anthem I Want You Back, produced by The Corporation (Gordy, Perren, Mizell, Richards), the album contains several covers from the Detroit's compagny : The Four Top's Standing in the Shadows of Love, Stevie Wonder's My Cherie Amour, The Temptations' (I Know) I'm Losing You, a wonderful treatment of Smokey Robinson's Who's Lovin' You, but also a Walt Disney Them, in album's opening, Zip A Dee Doo Dah, and Sly & the Family Stone's Stand!. The album also includes one of their debut Steeltown songs, You've Changed.

All instrumentation was made before the 5 brothers stepped in the studio, to the great displeasure of Tito and Jermaine, who didn't play guitar and bass. When, in 1976, Michael was asked why this LP was called "Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5", he responds : "That's it, Diana didn't discovered us, but it was made to believe it. As she presented us to the public, it's not really a lie".

In order to promote the album, the Jackson 5 made their second important tv appearance, in the famous Ed Sullivan Show, with the well advised eye of Diana Ross, from that time, a name forever associated with the Jackson 5.

1975 - The Jackson 5 in concert, San Carlos, California.

1979 - The Jacksons' Destiny tour was concluded at the Forum in Englewood in Los Angeles, USA.

The second leg of the Jacksons' Destiny tour began in New Orleans on October 2nd, while Off The Wall was climbing up the charts, and songs from the new album were added to the set list to keep the show up to date.

When the tour ended with a series of shows at The Forum in Los Angeles, the last one being on December 18, 1979, Michael wanted to stop touring altogether. Besides the nose injury, he had suffered voice trouble that forced some shows to be canceled.

With Off The Wall now a certified hit, his career was truly beginning to eclipse that of the group's, which only served to deepen the already growing divisions between him and his brothers.

The whole Jackson family attends the concert and Michael is presented with platinum records for Off The Wall.

1988 - Michael perform 5th of 9 dates at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo during the Japanese leg of Bad tour.

1989 - Reports confirmed that Michael's planned greatest hits album, "Decade", was shelved due to an avalanche of new material, prompting thoughts of a brand new album instead, much to the delight of his fans.

1992 - Michael visits Disneyland Tokyo.

1993 - Gone Too Soon reached #33 in the UK singles chart, which was released on December 1, 1993—World AIDS Day—as the 9th and final single from the Dangerous album. It become Michael's 9th Top 40 hit from the one album (Dangerous).

1995 - Michael goes resting at Disneyland Paris in Marne-la-Vallee, France, taking with him the Cascio kids (Frank, Eddie, Dominic Jr, Aldo & Marie Nicole) and nephews.

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2004 - Michael open the gates of Neverland to over 200 children, inviting them for a holiday party, to enjoy a day at his fairy-tale ranch; to play on the amusement park rides and miniature train ride, see its zoo, and watch movies.
Dressed in an impeccable black suit with swirling white embroidery at the shoulders (and the ubiquitous umbrella), Michael personally welcomed the children home, basking in their adoration, he greeted them saying: "I and my family are wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful, Happy New Year!"

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For many children it was a dream come true when they met Michael Jackson. Some of the enthusiastic statements heard from the smiling faces of the children, ages 3 years to 17 years, sounded as follows:
"This has made our Christmas."

“This is a dream come true.”

"To us, Michael Jackson is bigger than Santa Claus."

“Never in our wildest imaginations did we think that we would get a chance to say hello to Michael Jackson.”

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Filed under  //   1969   1975   1979   1989   1992   1993   1995   2004  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1978 - The Jacksons released their third album on the Epic label, DESTINY, on December 17, 1978. Having parted ways with the Gamble & Huff production team (1977’s Goin’ Places was a poor seller), Michael and his brothers had more creative control than ever.

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Destiny album eventually peaked at #11 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart and #3 on the Billboard Black Albums chart and went on to platinum status cementing it as the first RIAA-certified platinum seller by the Jacksons as most of their Motown recordings were uncertifiable despite their huge success on the charts, and over 2 million copies worldwide.

A party was held to celebrate the album's success and to present the group with a platinum copy of Destiny. Los Angeles mayor Tom Bradley declared "Jacksons Day" and a celebration was held in a bank vault specially equipped with a dance floor at the City National Bank of Beverly Hills, Michael's date for the occasion was Tatum O'Neal, his first real love, as Michael says, "after Diana."

All of the songs on Destiny, with the exception of one, was written by the Jacksons, or by Michael and Randy. Michael and Randy wrote together most often because they were the only two brothers still living at home. The only song on the album that was not written by the Jacksons was the first single, "Blame It On The Boogie", which was co-written by Michael Jackson. This Michael Jackson however, is white and from England. Despite its catchy disco beat and lyrics, "Blame It On The Boogie" reached only a disappointing #54 on the pop singles chart. The single did however, reach #3 on the black singles chart.

The most successful single from Destiny was the 2nd release, "Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground", co-written by Michael and Randy, became a signature tune of the disco age. This infectious dance tune peaked at #7 on the pop singles chart and #3 on the black singles chart. Michael, in a rare interview for a radio program, recalled writing the song with Randy. "Randy was going around the house humming a tune and I liked it. I asked him what it was and he said, 'It's nothing.' I said, 'No, it's something.'" Michael went on to write the melody and lyrics for "Shake Tour Body". "I don't know where it came from. God, I say."

"Through the ages, the peacock has been honoured and praised for its attractive, illustrious beauty. In all the bird family, the peacock is the only species that integrates all colours into one, and displays this radiance of fire only when in love. We like the peacock, try to integrate all races into one, through the love and power of music." [from dedication also included on "Triumph" written by Michael and Jackie Jackson for Peacock Productions]

1988 - Michael perform 4th of 9 dates at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo during the Japanese leg of Bad tour.

1992 - Michael perform 3rd of 8 dates at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo during the Japanese leg of Dangerous tour attending 45,000 fans.

1996 - Michael perform HIStory concert at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo dattending 45,000 fans.

1997 - Michael visits british boxer Prince Naseem at a gymnasium in New York. While in New York, he meets Puff Daddy to speak of a possible collaboration together.

Filed under  //   1978   1988   1992   1996   1997  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1978 - The Jacksons perform Shake Your Body, Destiny & Things I Do For You at American Bandstand.

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In his sky blue outfit, Michael was now suddenly much taller and thinner than he was in Blame It On The Boogie just one year earlier.

1979 - The Jacksons perform Destiny tour in Oakland, USA.

2003 - Michael Jackson's album Number Ones was certified Gold by the RIAA.

Filed under  //   1978   1979   2003  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1973 - Jermaine Jackson marries Hazel Gordy, 1973.

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Jermaine Jackson became the second member of the Jackson 5 to get engaged, but this time the circumstances involved the group more closely. On December 15, 1973, Jermaine married Hazel Gordy, the only daughter of Motown boss Berry Gordy. The lavish wedding was compared by some to the recent royal wedding of British Princess Anne, and was proclaimed “the wedding of the century” by Ebony magazine.

Katherine Jackson had left the family home a month earlier, distressed by her husband’s ongoing extra-marital affairs. She came back in time for the wedding, and put on her game face for the occasion, leaving most of the guests unaware of the reality behind the matter.

1979 - The Jacksons perform Destiny tour in San Diego, USA.

1992 - Michael visits Sega Enterprises and discusses a new project.

1996 - Michael perform HIStory concert at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo dattending 45,000 fans.

2007 - Michael takes Prince, Paris & Blanket to a shopping spree in Las Vegas. They rerently came back to the city staying at the PALMS Hotel & Casino

Filed under  //   1973   1979   1992   1996   2007  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1969 - Four days before the release of their debute album, the Jackson 5ive made a huge splash with their second national television appearance, on the Ed Sullivan Show.

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Once again, they brought the house down, starting with Stand and Who’s Lovin’ You, and then closing the deal with I Want You Back, Michael charming the country decked out in a funky purple fedora

The Jackson 5’s first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show was on 4th of December, 1969. Ed Sullivan was known for having an eye for talent and was very particular about the acts he presented. The Ed Sullivan show was a major breakthrough for The Jackson 5, who performed "Stand!", "Who's Lovin' You" and "I Want You Back", with Michael in front wearing a striking magenta hat. They would be invited back to perform another set in May 1970.

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To promote their new single, the Jackson 5ive appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show. They performed I Want You Back and Who's Lovin' You.
In 1988, Michael narrated a collection of film clips covering his career for Entertainment Tonight which included a clip of this performance. "I remember this was the Ed Sullivan Show. As young as I was, I never felt shy while performing. It was what I did and what I came into the world to do."

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1979 - The Jacksons perform Destiny tour in Phoenix, USA.

1991 - Michael Jackson's DANGEROUS debuts at #1 on Billboard's pop albums chart.

1992 - Michael perform 2nd of 8 dates at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo during the Japanese leg of Dangerous tour attending 45,000 fans.

1993 - Michael Jackson's single "Gone Too Soon" was released.

2008 - Michael is spotted wearing a Zorro mask while shopping in Los Angeles.


2010 - The Michael Jackson album MICHAEL was released by Epic Records.

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MICHAEL is the first release in 9 years of new material by one of music's most beloved icons whose artistry continues to touch new generations of fans. The album contains ten tracks,newly completed by an esteemed group of producers along with Michael Jackson. While primarily focused on songs that Michael worked on recently, there are also earlier compelling tracks that Michael had a desire to bring to fruition.

Breaking News was the first song from the album to be released to the public and was available for radio airplay. The song was recorded in New Jersey in 2007 and according to Sony, the song was "recently brought to completion." Other tracks were recorded at studios in Las Vegas and Los Angeles with various unidentified collaborators.

The first official single, Hold My Hand, recorded in Las Vegas in 2007, was released globally on Monday, November 15. The album contains two songs that were written during the Thriller era, Behind the Mask and Much Too Soon. The song (I Like) The Way You Love Me previously appeared on The Ultimate Collection (2004) with the title The Way You Love Me. For MICHAEL, the song has been remixed and more vocals have been added. The song Best Of Joy is one of the last that Michael recorded during his lifetime, having written and recorded it in 2009.

Track Listing:
  • Hold My Hand(Duet with Akon)
  • Hollywood Tonight
  • Keep Your Head Up
  • (I Like) The Way You Love Me
  • Monster(Featuring 50 Cent)
  • Best Of Joy
  • Breaking News
  • (I Can't Make It) Another Day (Featuring Lenny Kravitz)
  • Behind The Mask
  • Much Too Soon
Filed under  //   1969   1979   1991   1992   1993   2008   2010  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1979 - The Jacksons perform Destiny tour in San Bernadino, US.

1984 - Michael make a donation to the Brotman Medical Center which renamed its burn ward in his honor at the Brotman Medical Center in Culver City, Ca. Michael visits the burn victims at the ward, him having been admitted there previously for head injuries, derived from a stage pyrotechnics incident during filming the commercial for Pepsi along with his brothers.

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Among the victims, he meets 23-year old mechanic, Keith Perry, burned over 90 percent of his body in a car crash. The surgeons declare that Jackson’s visit at Perry’s bedside was the main reason he had pulled through: "Michael encouraged him, talking to him for hours", says Los Angeles hospital spokesman, Judy Davis.

2000 - News break that Michael Jackson will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for his achievements as a solo artist on March 19, 2001: "I am thrilled and humbled to receive this great honor.”, he declares on the news. “I could not ask to be in better company than the list of fellow inductees. Each and every one is a master from whom I have learned. My sincere thanks to the rock and roll historians and experts who have chosen me.”

2001 - "USA Today" Magazine Interview

On rumors created by tabloid press:

“I don’t pay any attention. The fans know the tabloid garbage is crap. They always say to me, “Let’s have a tabloid burning”. It’s terrible to try to assassinate one’s character. I’ve had people come to me, and after meeting me, they start crying. I say, ‘Why are you crying?’, they say, “Because I thought you’d be stuck up, but you’re the nicest person’. I say, ‘Who gave you this judgement?’. They tell me they read it. I tell them, “Don’t you believe what you read”. […] I’ve done so much [refuting] in the past. I did the most watched TV interview in history with Oprah Winfrey [in 1993]. But [the media] tend to want to twist what you say and judge you. I want to keep it on the music and on the art. […]”

On his “King of Pop” title:

“I never self-proclaimed myself to be anything. If I called up Elizabeth Taylor right now, she would tell you that she coined the phrase. She was introducing me, I think, at the American Music Awards and said in her own words – it wasn’t in the script – ‘”I’m a personal fan, and, in my opinion, he is the king of pop, rock and soul”. Then the press started saying “King of Pop” and the fans started. This self-proclaimed garbage, I don’t know who said that.”

On touring:

“[…] Physically, touring takes a lot of you. When I’m on stage, it’s like a two-hour marathon. I weigh myself before and after each show, and I lose a good 10 pounds. Sweat is all over the stage. Then you get to your hotel and the adrenaline is at its zenith and you can’t fall asleep. And you’ve got a show the next day. It’s tough.”

On his music:

“I never think about themes [for my music]. I let the music create itself. I like it to be a potpourri of all kinds of sounds, all kinds of colors, something for everybody, from the farmer in Ireland to the lady who scrubs toilets in Harlem.”

On fatherhood:

“[Fatherhood has changed me] in a huge way. You have to value your time differently, no doubt about it. It's your responsibility to make sure they're taken care of and raised properly with good manners. But I refuse to let any of it get in the way of the music or the dance or the performing. I have to play two different roles. I always wanted to have a big family, ever since I was in school. I was always telling my father I would outdo him. He had 10 children. I would love to have like 11 or 12 myself.”

On coping with being a famous artist/parent and the implications of it on his children and his fans:

“You do the best you can. You don’t isolate them from other children. There will be other kids at the school [on my property]. I let them go out into the world. But they can’t always go with me. We get mobbed and attacked. When we were in Africa, Prince saw a mob attack in a huge shopping mall. People broke so much stuff, running and screaming. My biggest fear is that fans will hurt themselves and they do. I’ve seen glass break, blood, ambulances.”
On what he has taught his children:

"[…] I try to make sure they’re respectful and honorable and kind to everybody."
On what his children have taught him:

"A lot. [Parenthood] reminds you to do what the Bible has always taught us. When the apostles were arguing among themselves over who was the greatest in Jesus’ eyes, he said, "None of you", and called over a little boy and said, "Until you humble yourself like this child." It reminds you to be kind and humble and to see things through the eyes of children with a childlike wonderment. I still have that. I’m still fascinated by the clouds and the sunset. I was making wishes on the rainbow yesterday. I saw the meteor shower. I made a wish every time I saw a shooting star."

On missing out on his childhood and using his pain to create art:

“It’s not anger, it’s pain [due to this]. People see me at the amusement park or with other kids having fun, and they don’t stop and think, “He never had that chance when he was little.” I never had the chance to do the fun things kids do: sleepovers, parties, trick-or-treat. There was no Christmas, no holiday celebrating. So now you try to compensate for some of that loss. […] That’s what makes greatness. You have to have that tragedy, that pain to pull from. That’s what makes a clown great. You can see he’s hurting behind the masquerade. He’s something else externally. Chaplin did that so beautifully, better than anyone. I can play off those moments, too. I’ve been through the fire many times.”

On his pastime activities:

“I like to do silly things; water-ballon fights, pie fights, egg fights. […] I don’t think I’ll ever grow out of that. […] I just love it.”

On being adulated and his purpose on earth:

“It’s always a good feeling. I never take it for granted. I’m never puffed up with pride or think I’m better than the next-door neighbor. To be loved is a wonderful thing. That is the main reason I do this. I feel compelled to do it, to give people some sense of escapism, a treat to the eye and the ear. I think it’s the reason I’m here.”
On his personal wish:

"Peace and love for the children."

On the difficulty of coping with having a famous parent:

“If you look back in history, it’s the same with anybody who’s achieved wonderful things. I know the Disney family well, and Walt’s daughters used to tell me it was difficult when they were in school. Kids would say, “I hate Walt Disney. He’s not even funny. We don’t watch him” Charlie Chaplin’s kids, who I know well, had to take their children out of school. They were being teased. ‘Your grandfather is stupid. He’s not funny. We don’t like him.” He was a genius! So you have to deal with this jealousy. They think they’re hurting you. Nothing could hurt me. […]”
On his plans to build theme parks in Europe and Africa:

"We’re still working on a couple of projects. I can’t say right now where. I love theme parks. I love seeing children coming together, having a good time with their parents. It’s not like it used to be, when you put your kids on the merry-go-round, and sat on the bench eating peanuts. Now you enjoy it with them. It builds a unity to the family."

Filed under  //   1979   1984   2000   2001  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1992 - Michael resumed the Dangerous World Tour on 12th December 1992, with a series of eight sold-out dates at Japan's Tokyo Dome. For much of 1993, however, he put the tour 'on hold', so he could concentrate on other projects.

1996 - Michael perform HIStory concert at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo dattending 45,000 fans.

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On a longer stop from HIStory tour in Japan, in December, 1996, Jackson appears at Tower Records on December 12, where he is welcomed by fans with flowers. He takes part in a Hand In Cement Ceremony where he set his hand and signature in plaster for a plaque to be displayed in the store permanently.

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Michael also makes a brief speech there: "Hello, thank you very much for having me. I just want you to know I love you all very much and I'm glad to be back in Japan. Thank you." After which he sinks his hand in cement while fans chant "You Are Not Alone", wipes his hand with a towel and proceeds: "You, guys, sound beautiful singing. Harmony. [smiles] I just want to say thank again for having me here and I'm very happy to be back in Japan and I love you more. I love you more. Thank you."



1998 - Michael attended the Grand Opening of Sun International's US$ 450 million "Royal Towers of Atlantis Resort" on Paradise Island in the Bahamas.

"Celebration of Atlantis Rising" for 1,600 invited guests was an unforgettable event culminating in a spectacular fireworks display, a thundering, brilliantly choreographed extravaganza by Fireworks by Grucci.

The monumental bash featuring a surprise performances by Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole, Tevin Campbell, James Ingram, Stephanie Mills, N-Tyce and others, was a party for the ages.

Michael performing Heal The World

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Guests at the grand opening ceremonies included Leonardo di Caprio, Julia Roberts, Oprah Winfrey, Alfre Woodard, Sidney Poitier, Lee Majors, Donald Trump, Carmen Electra, Chris Noth, Denzel and Pauletta Washington, Quincy Jones, Ivana Trump, Jimmy Buffet, Julia Ormond, Keri Russell, Larry Flynt, Ashford & Simpson, Robin Leach, and dozens of others.

Michael performed Heal The World - a short, impromptu live performance when he was handed a microphone and asked to sing which, somewhat reluctantly, he did.

Filed under  //   1992   1996   1998  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1988 - Michael perform third of 9 dates at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo during the Japanese leg of Bad tour.

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At one of these last concerts in Japan, Michael met backstage with two young fans and their parents. 9 year old Ayana Takada was the 4 millionth fan to attend the Bad tour. Michael met with her and her brother and presented her with a certificate to commemorate the now record breaking attendance figure. The Bad tour had played to the largest audience ever, 4 million people.

Michael greets 4 millionth fan.
Ayana Takada, a 9-year-old who says she's been listening to the music of Michael Jackson as long as she can remember, was selected Sunday as the 4 millionth person to attend a concert of Jackson's world tour.
Jackson, who opened the last leg of his world tour in Tokyo Friday night, brought the girl on stage during his performance Sunday and presented her with a certificate commemorating the event.
he Bad tour had played to the largest audience ever, by the time he winds up his 12-nation tour, the rock star is expected to have performed before a record 4.4 million fans, according Jackson's tour organizers.
Jackson, 30, embarked on his first international solo tour in Japan in September 1987, playing before sold-out crowds in 14 concerts.
her brother Taisuke Takada

1989 - MTV award for Thriller as the Greatest Video in the History of the World was presented to Michael when he made a surprise appearance on the Arsenio Hall Show.

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This was a dream come true for Hall who had earlier told an interviewer he hoped Michael Jackson would make an appearance on his show, even if it was a very brief appearance, just to say, "I don't do TV!" Hall's guest was Eddie Murphy. Murphy had been chosen by MTV viewers as the Humor God of the 80's. Michael made a special appearance on the show to surprise Murphy and present him with the award. Murphy then surprised Michael by presenting him with the video award.

After the audience's deafening applause to Michael's unannounced appearance subsided, Michael, dressed in red and black, spoke only briefly from behind his dark glasses: "Presented to the King of Comedy, of all time, the King." Michael handed the award to Eddie and hugged him. Eddie then presented Michael with his video award: "Viewers Award fo Michael Jackson for the Greatest Video in the History of all Videos, 'Thriller'". With no mike, michael smiled big and waved to the crowd before walking off the set.



20O8 - On exiting an antique shop in Beverly Hills, California on December 11, 2008, and answering a few other quick questions, Michael Jackson is reported to have told several onlookers that, at his children’s request, he would be donating Christmas presents to charity this year, supposedly to shelters around the country, aiding those affected by the economy crisis situation.
Filed under  //   1988   1989   2008  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1979 - Michael Jackson's album "Off The Wall" was certified Gold and Platinum by the RIAA.

1983 - Michael's 7th single to reach the top 10 in 1983 was Say Say Say. With Say Say Say becoming his 7th top 10 single in 1983, Michael broke records previously held by Elvis Presley and the Beatles for the most top 10 singles in one year. The single went to #1 on the Hot 100 the week of December 10, 1983, and stayed for 6 weeks. It peaked at #2 on the black chart.

1988 - Michael perform the second of 9 dates at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo during the Japanese leg of Bad tour.

Michael Jackson won Best Male Artist and Best Album Of The Year (for "Bad") at the NAACP 21st Image Awards. The show was broadcast on January 14, 1989.

1992 - At a press conference at the American Consulate, Michael accepts a cheque of $100 000 for Heal The World.

At the American Consulate of Japan, Pepsi rewards Michael's contributions by way of his "Heal The World" organization with a check for 100,000 dollars.

At the American Consulate of Japan - where he is recompensed by Pepsi for his "HTWF" contributions – he makes a speech in which he extols children’s inspirational intelligence and its healing qualities. He states: "Thank you. I’m very happy to be here in Japan again. It’s very nice to see all the children […]. The innocence of children represents to me the source of infinite creativity, and I feel that this is where all my creativity comes from. This is not an intellectual kind of intelligence, but an intelligence that is full of wonder, magic, mystery and adventure. In this intelligence, there is love, there is trust, there is joy and there is beauty. It is the kind of intelligence that will heal the world. That is why I am here and that is why we are here. Thank you very much. I love you."

1993 - Michael proved all the sceptics wrong by returning home to the United States.

1995 - Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley separated. They had been married in May 1994. They were divorced, citing irreconcilable differences, on January 18, 1996.

1996 - Michael performs HIStory concert at Asia World City in Parañaque, Philippines attending 40,000 fans.

Filed under  //   1979   1983   1988   1992   1993   1995   1996  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1972 - Michael and the Jackson 5 make an appearance in the Watts Christmas Parade in Los Angeles, California, and they serve as honorary chairmen. The parade is televised the following day on KTLA.

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1979 - The Jacksons perform Destiny tour in Vancouver, Canada.

1984 - The Victory tour end in Los Angeles, California at Dodger Stadium on December 9 in front of 55,000 fans, and be Michael’s last tour with the brothers.

On July 6, 1984, The Jacksons' "Victory" tour's opening concert was performed at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Reunited with Jermaine, The Jacksons did 55 shows over the course of 5 months, criss-crossing America and Canada with the most ambitious design and execution ever created for the concert stage. It took 4 months to construct it.

On December 9, 1984 the group performed the last concert of the "Victory" tour. During "Shake Your Body [Down To The Ground]", Michael announced his split from The Jacksons.

The Victory tour wrapped up with six sold-out shows at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. A grueling task, Michael was traveling separately from his brothers and had minimal contact with any of them offstage.

Still, they were apparently caught off guard when Michael announced at the final show, on December 9, 1984, that it was his last performance with the Jacksons. This time, he really meant it.

The tour grossed a record of US$ 75 million and was the biggest tour any group had ever done, in huge outdoor stadiums. Over 2 million people came to see The Jacksons. And thanks to Michael Jackson, for the first time Pepsi-Cola overtook their arch-rivals, Coca-Cola.

Michael donated all his performance money from this tour to charity. "For me, that was what the 'Victory' tour was all about - giving back", he says later.

1988 - Michael perform first of 9 dates at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo during the Japanese leg of Bad tour.

After a few weeks of rest and recuperation, the tour headed back to Japan, where it all started over one year earlier. 9 concerts were scheduled between December 9 and 26 in the Tokyo dome. All 405,000 seats sold out months in advance. Michael returned to Japan to end his tour because, "I appreciate the support that my Japanese friends and fans have shown me." The 405,000 fans who attended Michael's 2nd set of concerts in Japan, combined with the 450,000 who saw his first set of shows there, makes Michael Jackson's 1987-1988 World Tour the largest tour ever in Japan. The total attendance of 855,000 fans is said to be 4 times greater than that of any other Japanese tour.

1992 - Michael Jackson receives 1992 Billboard Awards for #1 worldwide single and #1 worldwide album, the first time an artist has ever achieved both in the same year. Michael accepts two awards through a video presentation filmed earlier with Phil Collins at Neverland.



Michael Jackson delivers a brief discourse on being honored with the Billboard Artist Award for "Number One World Single" ("Black Or White") and Album ("Dangerous") on occasion of the Billboard Awards: In a taped presentation from his Neverland Ranch, Jackson declares: "I am honored to be recognized by "Billboard", which is considered to be the bible of the industry. Nothing would have prevented me from sharing this special occasion other than "Heal The World" and my commitment to tour on its behalf. My heartfelt thanks to "Billboard", to the children, and to my fans in general. Your support over the years has been an inspiration. Thank you so much." Jackson also wins a special award commemorating 10 years since "Thriller" was released: "Wow... Thank you", he says. "I'm further touched by your saluting my efforts and, more importantly, that 'Thriller' is remembered after a decade. I love you all." Jackson then announces "a special performance of 'Black Or White'" in his absence - taped and edited - from the Wembley Stadium in London, England.

Michael arrives in Tokyo and checks in the Capitol Hotel.

1996 - Michael Jackson's Earth Song debuted at #1 in UK, it remains Jackson's best-selling single and was the UK's 1995 Christmas number-one single.

Earth Song was Michael's second instant #1 in the UK, following Black Or White in 1991. It logged six weeks at the top, easily the best showing for a MJ single, and became his first single to shift a million copies in the UK alone, earning a BPI Platinum sales award. Despite the massive success of You Are Not Alone, Michael's previous single, Earth Song wasn't issued as a single in the States – nor, curiously, was any other song until June 1996, when They Don’t Care About Us was released.

2002 - The "Annual Billboard Awards" awarded Michael with a special Billboard award for his 1982 album "Thriller" [Epic], which spent more weeks at No. 1 [37] than any other.

Actor/comedian Chris Tucker was on hand at Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch to present the King of Pop with his award. "I'm very honored, very happy," Jackson said. "I thank my fans around the world. I couldn't be me without you."

After much speculation, Michael Jackson did indeed appear at the 2002 Billboard Music Awards via a satellite feed from his Neverland Valley Ranch. Michael received a special award to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of his best-selling recording, 'Thriller,' which spent more weeks at No. 1 (37 weeks) than any other album in the history of The Billboard 200.

Comedian Chris Tucker, who appeared via satellite with Michael, was on hand to present Michael with this prestigious award.

Cedric: All right everybody, it's that time. We're about to take a trip to the Neverland Ranch with my friend, Chris Tucker-y'all.

[goes to Neverland Theater]

Chris Tucker: Twenty years ago Michael Jackson was already a successful artist with seven number one hits to his name, four with the Jackson 5 and three on his own. But nobody was prepared for what would come next ... [in Michael's voice] 'cause this is Thriller, Thriller ... [vocal sound effects]

Michael Jackson: [laughing]

Chris Tucker: Sorry. 'Thriller' stayed on the Billboard 200 for nearly two years, spending a record 37 weeks at number one. It won dozens of awards including a record 8 Grammies. He gave me one of them. It set another Billboard record when seven of his nine tracks reached the top ten and Michael became the first artist at Billboard chart history to simultaneously and single handily album charts both on black and pop charts. I messed that up, I know y'all seen it but that's all right.
[shows parts of 'Thriller' video and live, 'Beat It' video and live, 'Billie Jean' video and live and back to 'Thriller' video]

Chris Tucker: Quite simply, 'Thriller' still remains the biggest selling album in the history of the world, period. That's why I'm thrilled to present this award to the King Of Pop, Michael Jackson.

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Michael Jackson: Thank you so much. I'm very honored. I'm very happy. I thank all of the people that appreciate my work. I thank the Billboard Awards. I've always admired you. And to the fans around the world, I love you. I couldn't be me without you. Thank to God. Chris Tucker your my favorite.

Chris Tucker: Could I keep the award for a couple days?

Michael Jackson: Yeah, we gotta share it.

Chris Tucker: At my house?

Michael Jackson: No, we have to share it.

Chris Tucker: Where can I stay at Neverland?

Michael Jackson: Anywhere you wanna stay.

Chris Tucker: All right, I'm in cabin three.

Michael Jackson: [laughing] Okay. Thank you so much!

Chris Tucker: Thanks y'all.

[commercial break]

Cedric: Hey, what's up y'all? They told me they still have Michael Jackson on the wire. Where Mike at? What's up, Michael?

Michael Jackson: I'm here.

Cedric: Hey what's up, Michael?

Michael Jackson: Hey, how are you?

Cedric: That's the King right there, bro. How you doin' man? Mike, I just wanna ask a question that's been on everybody's mind I'm sure, I know it's on mine. Mike, where's Bubbles at Mike? How the monkey doin'? Ain't nobody heard from the monkey in a while Mike. How the monkey doin' Mike?

Michael Jackson: [laughing] He's at Chris Tucker's house.

Cedric: Chris Tucker got the monkey. Man, right on man.

Chris Tucker: What's up brother?

Michael Jackson: I'm a big fan of yours by the way.

Cedric: Right on Mike, big fan here too Mike. I know all the songs.

Chris Tucker: [talking like Michael] Me too Cedric, I love you!

Cedric: You know this maaaaaaan.

Michael Jackson: [laughing quietly] You know this man.

Cedric: Right on, Chris Tucker and Michael Jackson, the new 'Rush Hour'.

Chris Tucker: Let's do it! Forget Jackie!!

Michael Jackson: [laughing]

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