Today in MJJ HIStory

1975 - Michael's single Just A Little Bit Of You hit #23 in the U.S Pop Singles Chart, became his biggest solo hit in 3 years. The single was released from Michael's 4th album Forever, Michael, released when he was 16 years old.

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Written by: Brian Holland & Edward Holland, Jr.
Producer by: Hal Davis

1984 - The Jacksons perform Victory tour ar Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA attending 48,783.

1988 - Michael performs Bad World tour at Camp Nou stadium, Barcelona, Spain.

2001 - In a Los Angeles dance studio, Michael starts rehearsing a medley with his 5 brothers for the upcoming New York concerts.

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Today in MJJ HIStory

1973 - Motown ships the new Jackson 5 single, “Get It Together,” while the group plays the Municipal Auditorium in Nashville as part of a 50-date tour.

1981 - The Jacksons perform the Triumph tour at Riverfront Coliseum, Cincinnati, U.S.

On the same day Michael Jackson's single We're Almost There hit #46 in the U.K. six years after charting in the U.S.

1984 - The Jacksons perform Victory tour at Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA attending 48,783.

1987 - I Just Can't Stop Loving You, Michael's duet with Siedah Garrett, enter the US Singles Chart at #37.

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The song also entered UK. It quickly traveled to #1 on both charts giving Michael yet another trans-atlantic #1 hit! (his 7th #1 in US)
The balled written & composed by Michael, became the 1st of five consecutive #1 Hot 100 singles from the "Bad" album, which also hit #1 in Hot AC & Hot R&B charts. The single topped other European charts, including Belgium, Denmark, Netherland, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Spain. The single become the #3 best selling single of 1987, earning Michael his 13th Gold record in both US & UK.

1992 - Michael performs Dangerous world tour at Weser Stadium in Bremen, Germany attending 45,000 fans.

1994 - Michael & Lisa Marie visited sick children at an hospital.

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Filed under  //   1973   1981   1984   1987   1992   1994  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1981 - The Jacksons perform Triumph Tour at Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale.

1984 - The Jacksons perform Victory tour at Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA attending 48,783.

1994 - Michael shoots a teaser, a Communist-themed video, for his forthcoming album with a whole army of russian soldiers!

The album HIStory Michael Jackson, released in stores June 15, 1995, received an unusual promotional campaign. Imagine this: the giant statues (12 meters high) Michael Jackson erected in the great capitals of the world, a statue of the star standing on a barge down the Thames in front of stunned passers ... That an album full figured Two years at the top of the list of International Priorities Established by Sony to Promote the album. And a trailer unpublished.

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The time of 20 seconds of commercials announcing "the new album is in stores. Michael Jackson has big, very big, and gives the public a mini-movie of 4 minutes. This "teaser" as he is often called, was originally to accompany the release of a song on the album as a single (ie, there was a clip ). Finally, the singer Decided To Dedicate this video to Promote THE ENTIRE disk.

The mini-movie titled "The Eastern Europe Redeemer" ("The Redeemer of Eastern Europe) and introduced Michael Jackson as the general of a gigantic army pacifist, idolized and glorified by the masses. A scenario that seems a tad egocentric, but that is the heart of business strategy perfectly orchestrated. Sony, as the star, know that this clip will trigger a media hurricane. And even if critics brought to the video are unfavorable, they will put Michael Jackson still prominent in the newspapers, giving it considerable publicity. Directed by Rupert Wainwright the short film and the reaction to it marked (or better said underlined) the gap between how Michael's music and work was received by the critics and the media and the reception they got from the fan base and the general public.

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The video shoot was continued during the day and evening Monday in the castle district of the Hungarian kings, dating from the 13th century on the hills of Budapest on the famous Andrassy Avenue, on the shore left of the Danube. In this clip, Michael becomes nothing less than the redeemer of Eastern Europe as he leads an army of peace which should drive the Soviet troops.

Michael, who must soon start its new album, "HIStory," has invested $ 5 million U.S. of his own fortune to run this movie which promises to be spectacular. Some hundreds of young Hungarians had the pleasure of working as extras in the video, but all of them wanted to play members of the peace.

The Hungarian extras refused to wear the uniform of soldiers of the Red Army to recreate a similar sequence to the triumphal march that rallied the troops of Hitler at the beginning of the Second World War. They therefore have to use the services of a British recruitment agency to hire real soldiers. They arrived with 100 Royal Marines and some paratroopers. These soldiers have received a fee of $ 135 U.S. per day, plus stay in four star hotels and enjoy, of course, a free trip. It will cost to hire those soldiers, about U.S. $ 150 000.

Michael Jackson was present at the scene of the shooting about noon on Sunday to shoot some close-ups and dance sequences, but was filmed when all adjustments and tests were performed. In other words, a double took his place on time as the director adjusts all settings (positioning of cameras, motion cameras, etc.). His work had been prepared in detail by his understudy, who was on site from early morning to check the sites, the dance steps, lighting and camera angles. Then Michael Jackson came on stage. He arrived on the scene about noon, accompanied by his wife Lisa Marie Presley and shaded by a huge umbrella raspberry color. Lisa Marie was seen comfortably seated in a corner of the courtyard of the Kings during the shooting of her husband.

The sweltering heat Was That Day: about 40° C, a blazing sun. Michael Jackson wore a jacket designed by his special costume designer Michael Bush: a spectacular innovation since this was the first air conditioned jacket in the world. The singer could adjust the temperature inside the jacket as needed. This explains that at no time has it seemed to suffer from heat, unlike the video extras ... Steps have been taken anyway to make working conditions less painful in the morning were shot outdoors scenes in costume, the afternoon was more devoted to scenes of "inside" and, in the early evening, outdoor shooting resumed.

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HIStory Teaser Two versions of the spot have been presented to the public: the first was a short version (2'30) broadcast on television. Second, a full 4 minutes played in U.S. theaters before movies. The second, a full 4 minutes Played in U.S. theaters Before movies. Initially it was planned a sequel to this video.

Michael Jackson wanted to prolong the effect of teaser by using the international auxiliary language "Esperanto". Not only is the green star on Michael's uniform a long-time, historical symbol of the International Language, Esperanto, but also that much of the background singing is in Esperanto. For example in the intro a man shout, "Ni konstruas ^ci tiun skulpta^jon en la nomo de ^ciuj landoj kaj tutmonda patrineco kaj la kuracpovo de la muziko." This means "We build this sculpture in the name of every land and the global motherhood and healing power of music." This language was built in 1887 by Ludwik Zamenhof Lejzer, who wanted to allow people speaking different languages to understand. The meaning of the word esperanto is "one who hopes". The creator of the language is L.L. Zamenhof and his aim was to create a politically free language with the purpose of working towards peace. He had the idea to create an international language, very easy to learn. Today, Esperanto is spoken by about 2 million people in the world.

The budget was therefore teaser: 8 million. He has, as expected, caused much reaction from the media. "This is the worst example of glorifying a singer has ever dared to offer" several American critics have noted. The controversy has finally benefited from Michael Jackson, HIStory had become the double album's best-selling history (19 million copies in 2006).




Script: Sound of leather boots marching in rhythm on the cobblestone. A smithy spitting sparks. The molten metal that flows freely. Something is preparing
A battalion of soldiers paraded in the streets, the rhythm of a solemn music, slow, ponderous. The army crosses a bridge
overlooking the Danube. Hundreds of people gathered behind barriers at the roadside, apparently waiting for something or someone. Suddenly, a shot shows the torso of a man, wearing a black jacket and silver. We see neither his face, nor her lower body. The crowd starts yelling "Michael", the arms tend to try to touch.
Then the camera shoots the legs of the person who marched at the head of soldiers. He wears black boots and kneepads.
The music becomes increasingly strong, the voices sing the glory of the "unknown soldier".
A picture of a fist, hers, the man seems to move with determination. A girl fainted. Everywhere Flags are hung with his portrait, one of them, gigantic, represents a black eye on white background. And suddenly, filmed Idling at a rate of hysterical screams from the crowd is Michael Jackson. Dressed in black Silver head to toe, he removes his glasses, silver and sends a kiss to her admirers in a black-gloved hand. Behind He ranks of soldiers spread out of sight in the distance, along the famous boulevard Andrassy Budapest.
Screams, fainting and suddenly a dead silence. More music, only the sound of studded boots soldiers banging on the ground . They stop and perform a choreographed very influential military. Part the clip ends.
Part II - The night has fallen on the city, helicopters flew over the area, the crowd rushes in screaming to a place where a mysterious monument erected covered with a tarp. Powerful lights come on men complete installation of explosives around the memorial, some people in the crowd lit candles. shooter Elite adjusts his glasses and trigger explosives. The ropes holding the canvas and explode it slip
slowly revealing to viewers the monument: a huge statue of "General Jackson" (which was manufactured in the Forge that we saw at the beginning of the clip).
Scenes of jubilation, fireworks, spotlights sweep the statue, the girls s fading everyone screams and marvels, a child shouts "Michael I Love You"! helicopters perform a victorious flight around the Statue, the camera rotates around her head and become a gray screen, appear the words "MICHAEL JACKSON HISTORY". End.

Note that all scenes involving the statue have been created through a miniature model: the statue appears in the clip was really just a "small" sculpture articulated 1m20 tall, designed by Kleizer-Walczak Studios.
This company is specialized in computer animation and special effects and has enabled the realization films like "X-Men", "The Son of the Mask," "Dungeons and Dragons" or even "Stargate". Ms. Walczak is in person sculpted the statue of Michael Jackson.
On the other hand, the huge army led by Michael Jackson in the video was designed in part on computer.
A hundred real soldiers were filmed and their movements have been reproduced by computer to give the illusion that they were tens of thousands in the clip.
Team mobilized
Director: Ruppert Wayne Wright.
Director of Photography: Glen Wexler.
Artistic Director: David Coleman.
Statue and special effects: Kleiser Walczak Productions

During what might be called an important business trip for Michael, he joined with pleasure in enjoying their stay in foreign countries to present his new wife to the press. Michael, who is always discreet, avoiding photographers and using every conceivable disguises to avoid being recognized, seemed always very proud to show the arms of his new wife. Lisa Marie had left New York to his daughter, Danielle, five, and son Benjamin, who nearly two years.

It was during this journey in Hungary that Lisa Marie and Michael have announced they will participate in the show that will be given October 8 in Memphis next to the memory of Elvis. This special recital will be called 'Elvis Aaron Presley-l'Hommage'. The newlyweds will join together on several major singing stars like Elton John, Willie Nelson and Bon Jovi, who perform some of the greatest hits King.

Filed under  //   1981   1984   1994  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1970 - The Jackson 5 are on the cover of Jet magazine for the first time.

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The Jackson father admitted that his sons' success is a dream come true for him... The group didn't spring to instant success without working for it. When Michael was three the group won a local talent show singing the Temptation's hit, My Girl. Through the years they appeared in talent shows and sang at affairs in the Midwest.
Featured Article Will Success Spoil The Jackson Five?
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1974 - The Jackson 5 appear in concert in Huntsville, Alabama.

1988 - Michael Jackson performed to a capacity audience of 60,000 in Madrid, Spain (Bad Tour).

1994 - Jackson and then wife, Lisa Marie Presley, visit two children’s facilities in Budapest, Hungary, distributing 2,600 toys to the afflicted patients, while "HTWF", along with partners "Toys 'R' Us" and "AmeriCares", distribute 20,000-dollar-worth toys, food and provisions suchlike therein.

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The newly married were joined by Misha, a 74-inch dwarf who has already been recognized in the circus world as the smallest man in the world. Misha is a longtime friend of Michael & he was involved in the shooting of the clip of Jackson. Misha (as you can see the cover of "Dangerous" and the "teaser" from the same album) has submitted following the couple with two huge bouquets of flowers. They then visited all three in two hospitals to distribute gifts to some 200 children.

Author of "Michael Jackson – The Visual Documentary", Adrian Grant, also present at the facilities, remembers a highlight of this event 10 years later in an interview for a fan magazine:

"During the visit, the most amazing thing happened, when Michael brought a smile on the face of a dying 8-year old girl who had lain motionless and silent for weeks. Her mother, at her side in constant vigil, broke down in tears as her daughter reached out & touched Michael's hand. Sounds like a miracle! It was great to see the positive effect Michael’s superstar status could have on a person...", says Grant.

They also visited the hospital Pal Heim, a building that was built for the Universal Exhibition of 1896. Lisa Marie then took her in his arms alternately Csilla including several children, a girl aged two years. They were equally well received at Bethesda Hospital, also located in Budapest where they meet Bela Farkas, a little boy in need of a transplant, a boy of four who can survive only if undergoing a liver transplant, an operation that can be made in the West.

They then visited some antique shops and record stores.

By late afternoon, Michael decided to return to the Bethesda hospital to review the little Bela Farkas. Moved by his story they decide to fiance his operation that will save his life, then promised the director of the hospital to do what it takes to help this child to be cared for. He also promised to offer the Bethesda hospital air conditioning and a respirator for this clinic, one of whose specialties is to treat lung diseases. These commitments were the singer confirmed two days later by the spokesman for Michael, who said it would pay U.S. $ 150,000 for the small to undergo the transplant that saved his life.

1996 - A special screening of Michael Jackson's film "Ghosts" was shown at the opening night of the 1997 Palm Springs International Short Film Festival in California. Bruce Fessier described the festivities in an article published in the "Dessert Sun" the following day,

"The opening night of the 'Palm Springs International Short Film Festival' showcased the potential of short film and video and the talent of Michael Jackson. Almost 450 people filled the Palm Springs Dessert Museum's Annenberg Theater on Wednesday to view 2.5 hours of film... and a screening of Jackson's 40-minute short musical film, 'Ghosts', with remarks by its director, Stan Winston... the night ended with praise for Jackson. The crowd buzzed over the special effects in 'Ghosts' and the skill Jackson exhibited by playing all the lead characters with diverse looks and voices. Winston said 'Ghosts' is a hit in Europe but can't get promoted here because 'people believe what they read' about Jackson. 'I stand here and say he's a really great guy', Winston said."
Filed under  //   1970   1974   1988   1994   1997  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1972 - Michael Jackson’s 4th single, "Ben", was released in August 1972, entered Hot 100.
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The melancholy ballad, written & composed by Walter Scharf & Don Black, is the theme song to the tame horror movie Ben, about a youngster whose best friend is a killer rat--incidentally, Michael wasn't old enough to see the movie when it was first released! The response to the single was massive; going to number 1 in the US and Australia and number 7 in the UK during a 14 week chart run and selling over 2 million copies gained Michael a Silver Disc. Ben reached no.2 in Holland, no.4 in Zimbabwe, no.6 in Canada, no.7 in Belgium, no.12 in New Zealand and no.15 in Ireland.
It became Michael Jackson's first ever solo number 1 single. Michael became the third youngest artist to have a number 1 hit at just 14 years old which made him the youngest artist ever to top the chart both as a solo artist and as part of a group (Jackson 5ive) – a record he still holds to this day!
  • Ben won the prestigious Golden Globe for Best Original Song in 1973.
  • Ben won the Billboard Award for Top Singles Artist
  • Ben picked up an Academy Award(Oscar) nomination for Song Of The Year in 1973, where Michael performed the song.
  • Ben sold 1.7 million copies in the U.S. alone & earned Michael his 1st Platinum RIAA Sales Award.
Michael’s second solo album, "Ben", was also released in August. An album rich in ballads, it showed Michael’s vocal growth and ability. It reached number 5 in the US and number 17 in the UK.

Also in this day Michael with Jackson 5ive perform European Tour in Atlanta, Georgia

1973 - Jackson 5ive perform World Tour in Baltimore, Virginia.

1984 - The Jacksons perform Victory tour at Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY, USA attending 17,000.

1992 - Michael performs Dangerous world tour at Cardiff Arms Park in Cardiff, UK attending 50,000 fans.

1994 - Michael & Lisa Marie arrive in Budapest(Hongria) via London Heathrow, where Michael filmed a trailer for his forthcoming album and make their first public appearance together causing a media frenzy.

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Today in MJJ HIStory

1981 - The Jacksons perform Triumph tour at Richmond Coliseum, Richmond, U.S.

1984 - The Jacksons perform Victory tour at Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY attending 17,000.

Lisa Robinson on Michael: "I took Van Halen lead singer David Lee Roth to see the show at Madison Square Garden, and we met Michael in a private area of the Garden’s rotunda. I was surprised at how different Michael looked from the last time I’d seen him, how much makeup he was wearing (it rubbed off on my clothing when we hugged hello), but mostly I was surprised how fully aware he was of just exactly who David Lee Roth was—probably even to the number of records Van Halen had sold and their chart positions."

1998 - Michael & Stevie Wonder visit the Motown Museum in Detroit with Berry Gordy’s sister Ester Edwards.

Filed under  //   1981   1984   1998  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1978 - Lisa Robinson interviewed Michael by phone from California.
L.R. So after filming The Wiz here, you told me you wanted to come back to New York and spend more time.

M.J. I love it—it’s the perfect spot for me, for the things I’m interested in in life. When I’m in New York, I get up early and I’m ready to start the day. You have a whole schedule: I’m going to see this play at this time, and I’m going to have lunch, I’m going to see a movie—that’s what I like about it, so much … energy. Whenever I come back home, I look forward to going back to New York. I love the big stores—I love everything.

L.R. You’ve been seen out with Janelle Penny Commissiong, the former Miss Universe. Is it a romance?

M.J. [Laughter, giggling.] That’s a hard question to answer. Like most of the people you may see me out with, like Tatum [O’Neal] and Janelle, they’re kind of on and off, they’re friends, and [hysterical laughter]... I talk to them. I don’t know how to describe it, really [more laughter]. I don’t know what to say.

L.R. O.K., change the subject. What was it like to work with Diana on The Wiz?

M.J. It was incredible, wonderful. I learned so much from her. We’re like brother and sister, really. She was such a help—she made sure I was O.K. on the set; every morning she’d come to my room and ask if I needed anything. She was very protective. I just loved the world of moviemaking; I love it more than reality. Sometimes I just wish I could wake up in the morning to a big production dance number.

L.R. As for reality, do you still like meeting your fans?

M.J. I enjoy all that sometimes, seeing people who love me, or buy my records. I think it’s fun, and I enjoy meeting my fans and I think it’s important. But sometimes people think you owe your life to them; they have a bad attitude—like “I made you who you are.” That may be true—but not that one person. Sometimes you have to say to them, If the music wasn’t good, you wouldn’t have bought it. Because some of them think they actually own you. Someone will say, “Sit down,” “Sign this,” or “Can I have your autograph?” and I’ll say, “Yes, do you have a pen?” And they say, “No, go get one.” Honestly. I’m not exaggerating. But I just try to deal with it.

L.R. Are you having fun with your new car [a recently purchased blue Silver Shadow Rolls-Royce]?

M.J. Yes, it’s my favorite car. I know how to drive it, but I hate to take pictures in it. You know, you see so many people with their new cars, and it’s a little show-offy. I’m really not like that.

Source: The Boy Who Would Be King

1997 - Michael performs HIStory world tour at Festwiese stadium, Leipzig, Germany

Filed under  //   1978   1997  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1994 - Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley announced that they had been married May 26th in the Dominican Republic. Astonishingly, Michael somehow kept secret for six weeks one of the stories of the decade: his marriage to the daughter of the late King of Rock‘n’Roll: Lisa Marie Presley.
The couple emphatically denied the rumors until the judge Hugo Francisco Alvarez Pérez of the Dominican Republic, produced a marriage license for all to see, dated May 26 and bearing the couple's signatures.
Lee Solters, Michael’s publicist, initially denied press reports that Michael and Lisa Marie were husband and wife. The story first broke on 11th July in the UK, but it wasn’t until 1st August that Lisa Marie – via MJJ Productions – confirmed the marriage, in a statement issued in her name only confirming the whispers that had been swirling for 11 weeks that she had indeed wed the pop genius in the Dominican Republic on May 26.

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The bride officially introduced herself, releasing a statement through MJJ Productions: "My married name is Lisa Marie Presley-Jackson. My marriage to Michael Jackson... was not formally announced until now for several reasons; Foremost being we are both very private people living in the glare of the public media. We both wanted a private marriage ceremony without the distraction of the media circus.
I am very much in love with Michael. I dedicate my life to being his wife. I understand and support him. We both look forward to raising a family and living happy, healthy lives together. We hope friends and fans will understand and respect our privacy."

With this marriage, the 2 biggest names in show business were united: Jackson & Presley. In the media, the marriage of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, to the daughter of the King of Rock 'N' Roll, Lisa Marie Presley, was entitled as "THE Marriage of the Century"!
Filed under  //   1994  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1997 - Michael perform HIStory world tour at Olympic Stadium, Berlin, Germany.

2001 - Michael launched his official website with own domain, www.michaeljackson.com.

Filed under  //   1997   2001  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1992 - Before performing on his second concert at the Wembley Stadium, he financially reacknowledges the "Prince’s Trust" with a 200,000-pound check. The very year, the first "Heal The World European Children’s Congress" is established in England, the occasion of which 84 children, aged between 8 and 16, have gathered to discuss global issues of imminent interest and their possible solutions. In spite of being down with laryngitis, the artist also participates at "Regent’s College" for several hours.

2001 - Tickets went on sale for "Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration, The Solo Years" - and had virtually sold out the two concert dates set for Friday, September 7, 2001 and Monday, September 10, 2001 at Madison Square Garden in less than five hours, with ticket prices ranging from US$ 45.-- to US$ 2'500.--!!

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Filed under  //   1992   2001  

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