Today in MJJ HIStory

1972 - Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 perform a concert at an NAACP fund-raising dinner at Hollywood, Palladium, California, at the 6th annual Black Image Awards. The Jackson 5 won the NAACP Image Award for Best Singing Group.

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1979 - The Jacksons perform Destiny tour in Houston, Texas

1984 - The Jacksons perform Victory tour at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada attending 42,000.

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Michael Jackson is made an honorary member of the New Westminster Police Department during his hush-hush visit to New Westminster while in British Columbia, Canada. Appointed PC 49, he swears as a police constable to "serve the Queen and cause the peace to be kept and preserved".

The King of Pop received Badge 49 during his visit to the Royal City.

"He was very quiet. He was very soft-spoken. He almost seemed introverted," said retired police officer Ken McIntosh, who attended the gathering at city hall. "By that time he was a big star."

Jackson's visit was arranged by former police chief Jack Fordham, who was an inspector for the department at that time. He learned Jackson was a big soccer fan and contacted Jackson's publicists to let them know the police department ran a soccer school.

Prior to Jackson's visit to city hall, a couple of New Westminster police cars were deployed to Jackson's Vancouver hotel. They escorted the Dodge van he and his companions were riding in back to New Westminster.

"You wouldn't have known he was here," said Det. Const. Mike Macfarlane, one of the officers in attendance. "That was one of the prerequisites."

At New Westminster City Hall, Jackson appeared on the front stairs of city hall with a group of local police officers for a photo opportunity.

"It was amazing for Michael Jackson to be there, We didn't know he'd want us to go up and down the stairs." McIntosh said.

Jackson, who provided the police officers with sunglasses, requested that he film himself walking up and down the stairs of city hall with the officers. It's unknown whether Jackson ever used the video footage shot that day.

The visit and filming took place on a Sunday, so city hall was closed. The activity caught the attention of some people passing by on Royal Avenue and people in the rooftop restaurant or bar that was located in the Royal Towers Hotel at the time.

While police officers sometimes run into celebrities when doing movie callouts, Macfarlane said they rarely encounter people of Jackson's star power and have a chance to work alongside them. At the end the visit, Jackson shook each officer's hand.

"I am not a big Michael Jackson fan. At that time you couldn't help ... but be somewhat awed, Here he was in New Westminster." Macfarlane said.
While the visit had been arranged ahead of time, Macfarlane recalls it coming together at the last moment to prevent any leaks. CKNW reporter George Garrett, respected by Lower Mainland police forces, was tipped off about the visit and provided the photos featured in The Record.
"He gave us a (soccer) ball that was signed, It used to be in the old (police) building." Macfarlane recalled.

At that time, Jackson was in Vancouver for the Victory tour, with his brothers. It came two years after his blockbuster album Thriller.
Mayor Wayne Wright said Jackson signed the City of New Westminster's guest book.
"I think it's obviously very interesting because of the nature of the day, When he came here, he was a star."

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The front page of the Nov. 21, 1985 issue of the Royal City Record featured an article about the results of the municipal election (Tom Baker was re-elected mayor) and Jackson's surprise visit to New Westminster.

Getting the star treatment, Jackson received a full police uniform sewn by Gastaldo Tailors, soccer jerseys featuring silkscreening by MVP Athletic, an engraved plaque done by the Click Shop, a police badge, assorted police-related caps and a police identification card.

"After it happened, people were freaking out, They couldn't believe it happened. A lot of people thought it was really cool." Although McIntosh wasn't a fan of the pop star, he enjoyed the experience. "Historically, now, it is kind of significant, My kids got to see him up close. He was quite the entertainer. I found him to be very humble. He wasn't a demanding, look-at-me person," he recalled. "He almost seemed overwhelmed by the fuss. He did not seem to be arrogant."

McIntosh said all of the participating police officers were issued a set of sunglasses.
He has donated his sunglasses, a photograph taken that day of officers and Jackson and a copy of the book Moonwalk to the New Westminster Museum and Archives. A photograph of New Westminster police officers with Jackson is included in the book.

1987 - Michael visits the Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick, Australia.

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Natasha Lang, mother of a child committed in the hospital at the time, offers her account of his visit there years later: "... I will never forget that day as long as I live, when Michael came to the hospital with an abundance of stuffed animal toys, so generously given, to all the children in the children’s ward. He went around the ward and visited each child personally and quietly spoke words of comfort to them and I will never forget the delight of these children, the medical staff and the parents who visited on that day. My son now is a grown man and I wish to share this photograph with the whole world because it shows Michael’s selfless and generous nature. My son, unfortunately, lost his eye in a school accident that week and, as you can imagine, it was a real tragedy for the whole family, but that day he gave us all some joy, great pleasure and an abundance of happiness."

1991 - Michael and Brooke Shields go out for dinner at The Inn Of The Seventh Ray Restaurant, Malibu, Ca

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1997 - Michael Jackson quietly arrives in Seoul, South Korea to discuss investment in troubled underwear maker, Ssangbangwool Ltd's Ski Resort. “Michael Jackson has come to Korea to discuss the possibility of investing in Muju Resort,” says a company spokesman. The spokesman adds that Ssangbangwool has planned to expand the resort complex to include a theme park, but says the plans had been put on hold when the company faced financial troubles.

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2003 - The Michael Jackson album Number Ones was released. The album contained 18 songs including the song "One More Chance."

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Number Ones, the greatest hits album included Jackson singles that reportedly reached #1 in charts around the world.

Number Ones reached #1 in the UK and #13 in the United States. It proved to be an enduring catalog seller, eventually returning to the top spot in the UK and US charts in 2009. It stayed as the #1 selling album in the United States for 6 weeks and for 27 week on the Top Pop Catalog Albums chart.

At the 2009 American Music Awards, Number Ones claimed two awards - Favorite Rock/Pop Album and Favorite Soul/Rhythm and Blues Album.

Overall, the album has sold over 12 million copies worldwide, with 4,138,600 of those being sold in the U.S.


After a search warrant was served at Neverland Ranch Michael made the following statement:
"I've seen lawyers who don't represent me and spokespeople who do not know me speaking for me. These characters always seem to surface with dreadful allegations just as another project, an album, a video is being released".

Filed under  //   1972   1984   1987   1991   1997   2003  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1979 - The Jacksons perform Destiny tour in Lake Charles, Louisiana

1984 - The Jacksons perform Victory tour at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada attending 42,000.

Filed under  //   1979   1984  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1979 - The Jacksons perform Destiny tour in Jackson, Mississippi

1984 - The Jacksons perform Victory tour at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada attending 42,000.

1991 - After the MTV 10 taping, Janis DaSilva offers Jackson the "Off The Wall Appreciation Award" 'on behalf of the staff and the readers of Off The Wall (magazine).'

1996 - 13-year old Emely Smith is granted the wish to encounter him backstage in Auckland, New Zealand, during a halt from his concert there, where he will also pay a visit on November 16 to children’s hospital, "Starship", room to room, and hands out toys, autographs and C.D.’s, respectively, to each of the young patients. The visit lasts for hours, the singer conversing to all the ailing children. He signs autographs to the children, and one cancer-stricken young girl asks the entertainer what it is like being a superstar, to which he humbly replies: "Hmm... I don't know.. I really don't. 'Cause I don't remember not performing, so it's fun to make people happy... It really is." Another boy tells him his favorite song is the singer's 1972 "Ben". When asked by a reporter how the looks on the patients' faces make him feel, he replies, his hand on his chest: "It touches my heart. I love them very much.", after which he shakes hands with the boy asking him about "Ben", then adds, hand on chest again: "It's heart-touching." "The Smith Family", a fund-raising NGO for indigent people, receives a finance portion of the artist’s Australian concerts.

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1998 - In Harare, Zimbabwe, Defence Minister of Harare invites and names Michael Jackson member of the "American Delegation" party that endeavors to preserve the region.
Filed under  //   1979   1984   1991   1996   1998  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1979 - The Jacksons perform Destiny tour in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

1984 - Magician Franz Harary levitates Michael Jackson backstage. Harary will be in charge of the stage illusions at Jackson's upcoming concert.

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1992 - A biographic film detailing the Jacksons' life airs on ABC. Although it isn't a superficial representation, some aspects are overlooked, such as patriarch Joseph Jackson's abusive treatment towards his children, certain members of the family indicating he was more abusive than portrayed, as well as more infidel in his marriage. Other areas are also grossly neglected, and some errors also intervene. The film, however, will draw very high ratings.

2003 - Michael was honored for his contributions to Racial Harmony at the Third Annual "Power of Oneness" Awards held at the Universal Studios Hollywood Globe Theater in Los Angeles, CA. Ed Begley Jr., The Jim Henson Company, Dr. Joy DeGruy-Leary and Brad Gluckstein are among the illustrious honorees.

Michael Jackson received The Power of Oneness Lifetime Achievement Award for his lifelong commitment to writing, singing and speaking about the need for us to take responsibility for the worlds children and making the our world a better place. "Man in the Mirror", "Heal the World", "Black Or White", "The Lost Children", "We Are the World", and "What More Can I Give" are but a few of the inspiring songs Michael has recorded during his career, showing by example how music can be used to entertain, heal and educate.

The 2003 Power of Oneness Awards ceremony preceded by a dinner & silent auction; items for auction have been donated by Universal Music, Michael Jackson, Carlos Santana, artist Romero Britto, Tiffany & Co., and many more. The awards program (written and directed by off-Broadway playwright and choreographer, Kamal Sinclair-Steele) promised to be a vibrant fusion of dance, music, multi-media, spoken-word and theatrical presentations representing a vivid celebration of the creativity and diversity of the human family - a celebration of our oneness.


2003, Michael Jackson accepts, from Neverland Ranch, the "Power Of Oneness" Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of the Annual Power Of Oneness Awards in Universal Studios, Hollywood, for his contributions to racial harmony, life-long commitment to singing, writing and speaking of the world's responsibility towards its children and the betterment of the planet. Oneness is a non-profit organization co-founded by American record producer, songwriter, musician and singer, K.C. Porter in 1999, with a mission of eliminating racism and promoting racial unity through the healing quality of music and the arts.

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2006 - Michael attends the 18th Annual World Music Awards ceremony at Earl Court in London, England. Beyonce presents him with the Diamond Award, the top accolade, which honors outstanding recording-artists who have sold over 100 million albums during their career. Thriller album has sold more than 104 million copies worldwide since its release in 1982 - making it the best selling album of all time. Michael performs a few lines of We Are The World for the children's chorus rendition of final.

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2010 - The Very Best Of Michael Jackson and Diana Ross is released.

The Queen of Motown and the King of Pop together for the first time on a 2-CD best of. Inducted in 1988 and in 1997 into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Supremes and the Jackson 5 have paved the way for a whole generation of artists. Their songs, their dances and their styles have influenced generations of fans while defining the standards of pop music. For the first time on a 2CD box are the greatest hits of these two legendary groups as well as selected tracks of their leaders: Michael Jackson & Diana Ross. More than a compilation of classics, it is a journey through the world’s most charismatic artists of all time.

Disc 1 (Michael Jackson & The Jackson 5)

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1. I Want You Back
2. ABC
3. The Love You Save
4. I’ll Be There
5. My Girl
6. Ain’t No Sunshine
7. Dancing Machine
8. Rockin’ Robin
9. Ben
10. Got To Be There
11. I Wana Be Where You Are
12. Don’t Know Why I Love You
13. Mama’s Pearl
14. Hallelujah Day
15. The Boggie Man
16. Maybe Tomorrow
17. Ready Or Not
18. One Day In Your Life
19. My Cherie Amour
20. You’ve Got A Friend
21. Music And Me
22. Who’s Lovin’ You
23. Never Can Say Goodbye
Filed under  //   1979   1984   1992   2003   2006   2010  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1979 - The Jacksons perform Destiny tour in Fort Worth, Texas.

1991 - The music video for "Black Or White" was premiered simultaneously in 27 countries, with a record-breaking audience of 500+ million viewers – the largest ever global audience for a music video. The music video for racially-conscious "Black Or White" was first broadcast on MTV, BET, VH1, and Fox giving them their highest Nielsen ratings ever.

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Along with Jackson, it featured actors Macaulay Culkin, Tess Harper, and George Wendt, with cameo appearances by the singer’s niece, Brandi Jackson and Wade Robson. The video was directed by John Landis, who previously directed Thriller. It premiered simultaneously in 27 countries, with an audience of 500 million viewers, the most to ever watch a music video. The video shows scenes in which Maasai tribesmen begin dancing like Jackson; so do, in sequence, Thais, Native Americans, a woman from India and a set of Russians. Jackson walks through visual collages of fire (defiantly declaring "I ain't scared of no sheets; I ain't scared of nobody"), referring to KKK torch ceremonies before a mock rap scene shared with Culkin and other children. The group collectively states, "I'm not gonna spend my life being a color." At the end of the song, different people dance as they morph into one another (shown as "talking heads").

Controversy was generated concerning the last four minutes of the original music video. Jackson walks out of the studio as a black panther and then morphs into himself.

The 'panther dance’, as it was called, contains complicated dance techniques, sexually suggestive behaviour and physical aggression, which the entertainer would later say they formed an interpretation of the animal instincts of a black panther. MTV and other music video networks removed the last four minutes from subsequent broadcasts. The performer is seen smashing shop windows and car window panes reading racist graffiti "Hitler Lives", a swastika, "Nigger Go Home", "No More Wetbacks", and "KKK Rules"). The video also shares the message that “Prejudice is ignorance”. What has not been brought into discussion is the complexity of message behind this video (or other videos of Jackson). The black panther Jackson portrays in the video is a reference to “The Black Panther Party” (originally the “Black Panther Party for Self-Defense”), an African-American revolutionary left-wing organization working for the self-defense for black people aginst police brutality. It was active in the United States from the mid-1960’s into the 1970’s. The Black Panther Party achieved national and international impact through their deep involvement in the Black Power movement and in US politics of the 1960’s and 70’s, as the intense anti-racism of the time is today considered one of the most significant social, political and cultural currents in US history. The group's "provocative rhetoric, militant posture, and cultural and political flourishes permanently altered the contours of American Identity", hence Jackson’s provocative dance testimony in the video. While Jackson does not promote violence, the dance was a ‘free speech’ bodily statement, a venting off against human injustice.

Controversy was generated concerning the last four minutes of the original music video, as a result, this last part was removed. Jackson walks out of the studio as a black panther and then morphs into himself. The “panther dance” or “silent panther” performance” contained in these last few minutes was Jackson’s angrier, yet misunderstood political statement against “injustice and prejudice and racism and bigotry”, as he would state in an 1999 TV interview. “[…] Within the dance I became upset and let go”, he adds. Shortly after the video’s release, the singer issues an apology statement to those that became sensitive over the mentioned scenes: "It upsets me to think that 'Black Or White' could influence any child or adult to destructive behavior. I've always tried to be a good role model and, therefore, have made these changes to avoid any possibility of adversely affecting any individual's behavior. I deeply regret any pain or hurt that the final segment of 'Black Or White' has caused children, their parents or other viewers."

Accolades
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    The song reached #1 on 22 countries, including the US & UK Singles Chart, and become the 2nd-best selling single of 1991.
  • The single was certified platinum in the US, selling over one million copies.
  • "Black Or White" is considered one of the Greatest Rock Songs of the 1990s
  • Fastest no.1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 in the States since 1969, when Get Back by the Beatles also conquered the chart in just three weeks. No.1 for seven weeks, but stalled at no.3 on the R&B singles chart.
  • RIAA Platinum Record Award (USA million seller).
  • No.8 best selling single of 1991 in the States.
  • First single by an American to enter the UK singles chart at no.1 since Elvis Presley’s It’s Now Or Never in 1960. Spent two weeks in pole position.
  • Also no.1 in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Cuba, Denmark, Finland, France, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Zimbabwe.
  • International Monitor Awards: Music Video with the Best Special Effects.
  • NAACP Image Awards: Outstanding Music Video.

1996
- Michael perform HIStory concert at Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney, Australia attending 52,000.

Aware of his religious up-bringing and strong moral values, many of Michael’s long-term fans thought differently and sure enough, following his concert, Michael and Debbie exchanged marriage vows.
The midnight ceremony, in the Presidential Suite of the Sheraton On The Park Hotel, was attended by 30 or so guests. Best Man, reportedly, was local tour promoter Paul Dainty.
The world’s media, caught off-guard yet again, reported that Michael’s marriage to Debbie ‘stunned the world’ and ‘took his fans by surprise’ – not!

2005 - Michael attends the Dubai Desert Rally racing tournament at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi hotel in Dubai with close friend and renowned UAE rally driver Mohammad Ben Sulayem and Saeed Hareb, managing director of the Dubai International Marine Club.

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2006 - Michael drops by the Guinness Book Of Records headquarters in London, to collect his official record certificates for his 8 Guinness World Records for chart achievements, album sales, earnings, and charity donations.

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Guinness World Records London Head Quarters welcomed the world’s biggest superstar, Michael Jackson, a self confessed Guinness World Records fan since childhood, through its doors for an honorary record presentation.

With a staggering eight records mapping career highlights over the last quarter of a century, Michael Jackson is one of Guinness World Records longest standing record holders. The records span from Youngest vocalist to top the US singles chart, (aged 11, fronting The Jackson Five) and First vocalist to enter the US single chart at No.1 (You Are Not Alone) to Most weeks at the top of the US album charts (non-soundtrack) (37 weeks for Thriller); Most successful music video (Thriller sold over 1 million units); First entertainer to earn more than $100 million in a year to Highest paid entertainer of all time ($125 million in 1989 Forbes list). His ultimate and latest accolade was also presented to him: Most successful entertainer of all time.

Michael arrived at Guinness World Records offices in North West London at 4pm afternoon with his entourage - a fleet of black and silver people carriers. Wearing his signature black three quarter length dinner jacket and trousers with yellow piping, he arrived amidst an army of fans who had followed him from the hotel.
He was greeted by Guinness World Records Editor, Craig Glenday, and given a whirlwind tour of the offices and shown weird and wonderful exhibits from the ‘Guinness World Records Cabinet of Curioddities’, including the world’s oldest vomit and tallest man ever’s shoes.
Michael was then presented with his record certificates, a copy of the latest edition of the book and a special edition from the year he was born (1958). Evidently delighted with the accolades he holds in high esteem, Michael said: "I’ve always been a big fan of the book. Thank you so much – it’s a great honour to visit the Guinness World Records offices."

Guinness World Records Editor Craig Glenday said: "We always expect the unexpected here at Guinness World Records. We’re used to all walks of life stopping by the office, but we haven’t been this excited since we met the Queen last year. Michael is one of the greatest superstars of all time and his unwavering success has kept him at the very top of the record breaking charts throughout his career. We’re absolutely delighted that Michael holds Guinness World Records in such high regard and honoured that he’s taken time out of his busy schedule to stop by and collect them in person."
Source: GuinessWorldRecords.com

List of Michael Jackson Guinness World Records
  1. Most Successful Concert Series - Michael Jackson sold out for seven nights at Wembley Stadium, London, England in the summer of 1988. A total of 504,000 people saw Michael perform July 14-16, 22-23, and August 26-27, 1988.
  2. Biggest Selling Album Of All Time - Michael Jackson's "Thriller" Album is the biggest selling album of all time, with over 50 million copies sold worldwide. Thriller is also the biggest selling U.S album with sales of 25 million copies.
  3. Most Grammy Awards -Michael won a record breaking 8 Grammy Awards in 1984, more than any other artist in one year.
  4. Largest Contracts -$890 million (Sony Music) Contract, with prospective earnings of $1 billion.
  5. Greatest Audience -The highest-ever viewership was 133.4 million viewers watching the NBC transmission of Super Bowl XXVII on June 31, 1993. Michael was spotlighted during the half-time peformance.
  6. Highest-Paid Commercial Spokesperson -Pepsi Cola paid Michael Jackson $12 million to do 4 TV commercials.
  7. Bad Tour -Michael Jackson's world tour brought in a record gross revenue of over $124 million during September 1987-December 1988.
  8. Billboard Charts -Michael Jackson is the first person in the 37 year history of the chart to enter at # 1, with his single "You Are Not Alone". Michael broke his previous redord held by his single "Earth Song" which debuted at #5.
Filed under  //   1979   1991   1996   2005   2006  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1987 - Michael perform BAD tour at Olympic Park Stadium in Melbourne, Australia.

1988 - Michael perform BAD tour at Memorial Sports Arena in Los Angeles.

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Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley declared November to be "Michael Jackson Month". Michael receives a proclamation from the Mayor.

1989 - Michael Jackson performs song "You Were There" (he wrote with Buz Kohan) for singer-entertainer Sammy Davis Jr., the first and only time, at the Sammy Davis Jr 6Oth Anniversary TV Special, musical gala honouring Davis Jr..

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The event’s funds advantaging the "United Negro College Fund"; for the show's all-star finale, Jackson accompanies Ella Firzgerald and Eddie Murphy on stage.

The celebration started as a 60-minute show, and it wound up 2 1/2 hours long. It runs from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Sunday on ABC and Channel 13. And no wonder, given a cast that includes Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, Ella Fitzgerald, Whitney Houston, Clint Eastwood, Goldie Hawn, Bill Cosby, Stevie Wonder, Mike Tyson, Richard Pryor, Gregory Hines, Gregory Peck, Bob Hope, Shirley MacLaine, Debbie Allen, Magic Johnson, Dean Martin, Tony Danza, Jesse Jackson, Quincy Jones, Diahann Carroll, Dionne Warwick, Nell Carter, Lola Falana and Anita Baker. Eddie Murphy hosts, and even he seems subdued by the galaxy of stars he has to introduce.

Sammy’s right there in the front-row box with his wife and family. He laughs and he claps, he cries a little, and he hugs his friends. He even does a tap dance with Hines. But he never says a word.

He can’t. The night the show was taped, he couldn’t talk at all.

It doesn’t matter. His friends speak for him, and to him, in a language of love. They lay their talents at his feet. And a few terrific clip collections tell Sammy’s tale for him.

This is a one-of-a-kind TV spectacular in a spirit that few stars, even show-biz legends, could command.

Nobody knew what Jackson was going to do. "The night before the show, he and Buz Kohan, who wrote the script, went in the rehearsal hall and wrote a song," Schlatter said. "They arranged it overnight, and the night of the show was the first time he’d ever sung it. He wanted to sing something that really related to Sammy."

Backstage, everybody was watching everybody else. Fitzgerald wanted to meet Jackson; Cosby wanted to say hi to Hawn; Murphy wanted to see Sinatra.

The most nerve-racking moment of them all, though, was when Fitzgerald was to make her big onstage entrance, Schlatter said. “We had to have somebody bring her out, so I said to Eddie Murphy, `Take Ella onstage.’

And he says, `Man, I can’t take her. That’s Ella “Fitzgerald.”‘ And Eddie says to Michael Jackson, `Michael, you take her out.’ And Michael says, `I can’t! It’s “Ella.”‘ So I said, `Look, guys, why not take her together? OK?’

At the same date, Michael is reported to have hosted 50 children from "Maclaren Hall" and "Make A Wish Foundation" at his residence, while, via the "Wishes Granted" charity, 4-year-old Darian Pagan, suffering from leukemia, is granted the wish to meet the singer and is, additionally, invited to watch a performance by a group of Canadian acrobats with him.

2002 - Michael goes to the Santa Maria Superior Court in Santa Maria, CA. to testify in a $21 million breach-of-contract Marcel Avram trial over canceled millennium concerts. His appearance causes media frenzy.

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2006 - During his stay at Hempel Hotel in London, Michael is joined by Raymone and they have dinner at the Nobu restaurant with billionaire retail tycoon Sir Philip Green and then they go to the Oxford Street branch of Topshop which Sir Philip opened up especially for Michael at midnight. Later Michael visits "Miss Selfridges"

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Filed under  //   1987   1988   1989   2002   2006  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1972 - The Jackson 5 on their first European tour in London, England.

2007 - Michael's issue of Ebony magazine celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Thriller hits the newsstands in the US.

Exclusive: Tha King of Pop Talks, God, Creativity, Fatherhood and Music:

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On his creative process for his Thriller album:
“I was pretty deliberate [about it]. Even though it all came together some kind of way, consciously, it was created in this universe, but once the right chemistry gets in the room, magic has to happen. It has to. It’s like putting certain elements in one hemisphere and it produces this magic in the other. It’s science. And getting in there with some of the great people, it’s just wonderful. […] We would work on a track and then we’d meet at [Quincy Jones’] house, play what we worked on, and he would say, ‘Smelly, let it talk to you.’ I’d go, ‘OK.’ He’d say, ‘If the song needs something, it’ll tell you. Let it talk to you.’ I’ve learned to do that. The key to being a wonderful writer is not to write. You just get out of the way. Leave room for God to walk in the room. And when I write something that I know is right, I get on my knees and say thank you. Thank you, Jehovah! […] I’m always writing. When you know it’s right, sometimes you feel like something’s coming, a gestation, almost like a pregnancy or something. You get emotional, and you start to feel something gestating and, magic, there it is! It’s an explosion of something that’s so beautiful, you go, WOW! There it is. That’s how it works through you. It’s a beautiful thing. It’s a universe of where you can go, with those 12 notes…”

On working with the young generation of artists:
“Sure. I’ve always been the type where, I don’t care if it’s the mailman or the guy sweeping the floor. If it’s a great song, it’s a great song. Some of the most ingenious ideas come from everyday people, who just go, ‘Why don’t you try this, or do this.’ It’ll be a wonderful idea, so you should just try it. […] I always want to do music that inspires or influences another generation. You want what you create to live, be it sculpture or painting or music. Like Michelangelo, he said, “I know the creator will go, but his work survives. That is why to escape death, I attempt to bind my soul to my work.” And that’s how I feel. I give my all to my work. I want it to just live.”

On whether or not he thinks a great deal of him having affected history:
“Yeah, I do, I really do. I’m very proud that we opened doors, that it helped tear down a lot. Going around the world, doing tours, in stadiums, you see the influence of the music. When you just look out over the stage, as far as the naked eye could see, you see people. And it’s a wonderful feeling, but it came with a lot of pain, a lot of pain. […] When you’re on top of your game, when you’re a pioneer, people come at you. It’s there, who’s at the top, you want to get at them. But I feel grateful, all those record-breaking things, to the biggest albums, to those No. 1’s, I still feel grateful. […]”

On the kind of music he likes to create:
“I think, like, the rap thing that is happening now, when it first came out, I always felt that it was gonna take more of a melodic structure to make it more universal, ‘cause not everybody speak (sic) English. And you are limited to your country. But when you can have a melody, and everybody can hum a melody, then that’s when it became France, The Middle East, everywhere! All over the world now, ‘cause they put that melodic, linear thread in there. You have to be able to hum it, from the farmer in Ireland to the lady who scrubs toilets in Harlem to anybody who can whistle to a child poppin’ their fingers. You have to be able to hum it.”

On following then presidential race between Obama and Clinton:
“To tell you the truth, I don’t follow that stuff. We were raised to not…we don’t look to man to fix the problems of the world, we don’t. They can’t do it. That’s how I see it. It’s beyond us. Look, we don’t have control over the grounds, they can shake. We don’t have control over the seas, they can have tsunamis. We don’t have control over the skies, there are storms. We’re all in God’s hands. I think that man has to take that into consideration. […]”

On his concerns about the state of the world today:
"I’m very concerned about the plight of the international global warming phenomenon. I knew it was coming, but I wish they would have gotten people’s interest sooner. But it’s never too late. It’s been described as a runaway train; if we don’t stop it, we’ll never get it back. So we have to fix it now. That’s what I was trying to do with "Earth Song", "Heal The World", "We Are The World", writing those songs to open up people’s consciousness. I wish people would listen to every word."
"I just wish they (including the authorities) would do more for the babies and children, help them more. That would be great, wouldn’t it?"

On the difference between the Michael of 25 years ago and the Michael of today:
“That Michael is probably the same Michael here. I just wanted to get certain things accomplished first. But I always had this tug in the back of my head, the things I wanted to do, to raise children, have children. I’m enjoying it very much.”

On the press’ coverage of him:
“I don’t pay attention to that. In my opinion, it’s ignorance. It’s usually not based on fact. It’s based on, you know, myth. The guy who you don’t get to see. Every neighborhood has the guy who you don’t see, so you gossip about him. You see those stories about him, there’s the myth that he did this or he did that. People are crazy! I’m just about wanting to do wonderful music. But back to Motown 25, one of the things that touched me the most about doing that was, after I did the performance––I’ll never forget. There was Marvin Gaye in the wings, and the Temptations and Smokey Robinson and my brothers, they were hugging me and kissing me and holding me. […] That was my reward. […] I remember doing the performance so clearly, and I remembered that I was so upset with myself, ‘cause it wasn’t what I wanted. I wanted it to be more. But not until I finished. It was a little child, a little Jewish child backstage with a little tuxedo on, he looked at me, and he said [in a stunned voice] ‘Who taught you to move like that?’ And I said, ‘I guess God… and rehearsal.’”

Filed under  //   1972   2007  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1972 - The Jackson 5 perform two shows on their first European tour in Liverpool, England.

When they played at the Liverpool Empire, the Jackson 5 smashed the previous attendance record – held by the Beatles! The group’s support act for the UK dates was Elton John.

1979 - The Jacksons perform Destiny tour in Fayetteville, North Carolina

1983 - The US$ 5 million endorsement contract was signed on November 11, 1983 between Michael Jackson, The Jacksons and Pepsi-Cola, involving sponsorship of the "Victory" tour and two TV commercials

1993 - Michael performs at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City [Mexico] attending 100,000.

Michael performed his 5th concert in Mexico to a capacity audience of 100'000. Sadly, this concert would prove to be the last. After the concert, Michael left Mexico with Elizabeth Taylor and Larry Fortensky, stopping off in Canada and Iceland. From there Michael was diverted to Ireland and finally landed at Luton Airport, England. Elizabeth Taylor flew on to Gstaad, Switzerland, and the media hunt for Michael Jackson began.

1996 - Michael perform HIStory concert at the Ericsson Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand attending 46,000 fans.

"Sisterella", the musical stage production of a black version of "Cinderella" which Michael Jackson co-produced, won an incredible 8 NAACP Theatre Awards at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. The show was a huge success in the Pasadena Playhouse earlier that year, and is in preparation for New York showings.

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Sisterella, a musical by Larry Hart, previewed at the Pasadena Playhouse, Los Angeles in 1996.

Executive Producer Michael Jackson became involved when Larry presented the original music demos to him. Michael acquired the sound track rights and signed Larry to a solo record deal.

Choreographing the production will be Raymond Del Barrio, who plans to combine ballet with modern dance, waltzes, acrobats, moonwalks and other styles to fill the stage. The cast numbers 36, crew and support approximately 65 and 200 people are involved with the manufacturing side.

The Cinderella spin-off takes place in New York in 1912. The curtain opens on the funeral procession of millionaire John Kensington who is survived by his daughter Ella, his second wife, Dahlia and his stepdaughters, Magnolia and Chrysanthemum.

At the reading of the Will we find that the late John Kensington has left his entire fortune to Ella. As one may imagine Dahlia, the stepmother is perhaps a little upset. In an attempt to obtain the inheritance Dahlia plots with her psychiatrist to have Ella committed. Yes there is a fairy godperson, a handsome Prince and something different from the original story, a courtcase.

2001 - figures revealed: as of then, "Invincible" had sold an astonishing 4.4 million copies worldwide - in just 2 weeks!!!

2004 - Michael Jackson phones Geraldo Rivera during a fan rally held in Time Square, New York City, in support of his innocence, and makes a statement for the fans, as well as for Rivera, as follows: “Well, Geraldo, it’s because of my fans that I’m calling you today. I mean, I feel they’re the best fans in the world, and I decided, rather than having anyone else speak for me that I would do it myself. You know?.. And I wanna thank my fans for their strong support over the years… They could’ve been anywhere today, you know, and they chose to be in New York on Time Square. And I wanna thank them from the bottom of my heart. They’ve written thousands and thousands of letters and have made hundreds of calls regarding the [offensive] Eminem video, (for ‘Just Lose It’). And I love them so so much. In London, over four thousand people showed up on my behalf and I wanna thank Reverend Jesse Jackson, Reverend Al Sharpton, Minister Farrakhan, The Source, Steve Harvey, Bob Johnson and BET, Cathy Hughes and Radio One and all the many others who have supported me, you know? And Geraldo, I wanna also thank you for your friendship and.. everything, all the wonderful things you’ve been doing, thank you so so much […] I’m always working on wonderful music and I’ve been working on several albums right now, I’ve been working on music today, I’m working on something as we speak, Geraldo, and I’m in the process of making plans to do some other wonderful things that I’ll be announcing to the fans very very soon. And I look forward to that, Geraldo, you know?.. […] I love my fans, I love – I love you and thank you so much for being there on my behalf and thank you, Geraldo again, thank you so so much.”

Filed under  //   1972   1979   1983   1993   1996   2001   2004  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1972 - The Jackson 5 perform on their first European tour in Manchester, England.

1979 - The Jacksons perform Destiny tour in Hampton, Virginia

1984 - The Jacksons perform Victory tour at Astrodome in Houston, Texas, USA attending 40,000.

2001
- TV Guide Magazine Interview

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On some of his best friends:
"Elizabeth [Taylor], [Marlon] Brando, Gregory Peck, these are very close friend of mine. Either they’re much older than me or much younger. I’ve never had real contact with a person my age level. I think this happened because all my life I played clubs, since I was 5 years old. I saw people drunk, fighting, and it was just disgusting. When people say to me today, “Hey, let’s go to a club”, I go, “No way”

On coping with transitioning from child to adult stardom:
“[…] This is true, and this is not to be taken lightly. People who grew up as child stars have the same thing in common. You’re cute, they love you; you go through the awkward stage, they don’t accept you anymore. Very few make the transition to adult star. And most of them become self-destructive. And it’s very sad. […] [In my case] I think religion entered in”.

On insulting appellations addressed to him by [tabloid] press:
“But that’s not nice [when people call me Wacko Jacko]. They do that because they’re jealous. I haven’t done anything. I go to hospitals and orphanages. And we take huge bags of toys. I spend thousands of dollars. What’s so wacko about that? […] I did [the] Oprah [show], I did [the] Diane Sawyer [show]. [People] saw me. [The press] is just completely jealous. And it’s just one of those things that I have to deal with. […] I turn it into positive energy [though]. And I write about it; it’s in my movement, it’s in the expression of my face. And it becomes part of me, part of my creation. And I try not to let it get to me. Because if you do, you’ll go crazy.”

On his favorite T.V. show:
“[…] My favorite show is ‘Malcolm In The Middle’. It reminds me so much of [my brothers and I] when we were little. […] [I relate to] Malcolm. Mainly because he tries to fit into society, and he doesn’t – like E.T. or Bambi, he can’t adjust to other people’s concepts. And I feel like that a lot of times. Once I’m offstage, I feel awkward, like this is not where I’m supposed to be. […]”

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On his mission of helping others:
"I’ve always done that, yes. […] I’ve done it all my career: "Heal The World", "We Are The World"; "Will You Be There", "Man In The Mirror", about the planet, earth songs. […] because that’s where my heart is. I care. My biggest dream is to have a Children’s Day, where children can bond with their parents."

On the source of his affinity for children:
"[…] I never had a childhood. When they’re in pain, I feel their pain. And when they’re in despair, I feel their despair. I have such concern about the plight and the state of our children today. If there was one day where kids could get with parents and bond, this would make such a difference. […]"

On his children, their education, and fatherhood:
“[…] [My children go with me] everywhere I go. […] [When they start school,] I’m going to build a computer school on the grounds [of Neverland]. With other children. […] How can they go into society.? He’s Prince Michael Jackson. She’s Paris Katherine Michael Jackson. It would be too difficult.” “I try my hardest [to be a good father]. I try to bring them a lot of fun. Once a year, I dress up like a clown, with the whole gear – the nose, the paint. And I give them candy and cookies. […] And ice cream.”


2008 - Michael Jackson sends a note to fans gathered in front of his rented property at the time, in Los Angeles, California, which reads: "You make me sooo happy, I can feel your energy through the walls. The sky is the limit. Higher consciousness always. [I’m] working hard, as always, [on] music, film, performance. I love you, Michael Jackson"
Filed under  //   1972   1979   1984   2001   2008  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1972 - The Jackson 5 perform two shows on their first European tour in Birmingham, England.

First UK dates unable to take place any earlier, thanks to stringent British laws are child performers: special dispensation would have been required for young Michael to appear on stage or TV after 8.00pm (unless the given TV appearance was pre-recorded).
'We shall continue trying to bring the Jacksons over,' said a Motown spokesman in 1971, 'but frankly we are not very optimistic. The British laws are far too complicated and restrictive.'

1979 - The Jacksons perform Destiny tour in Richmond, Virginia

1984 - The Jacksons perform Victory tour at Astrodome in Houston, Texas, USA attending 40,000.

1988 - Michael performs Bad tour at Irvine Meadows Amphitheater in Irvine, US.

1993 - Michael performs at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City [Mexico] attending 100,000.

1996 - Michael perform HIStory concert at Ericsson Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand attending 46,000 fans.

Filed under  //   1972   1979   1984   1988   1993   1996  

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