Today in MJJ HIStory

1975 - The Jackson 5 performed in concert at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

1979 - The Jacksons perform a concert in London, UK on Destiny tour.

1984 - Michael had been inducted into the Guinness book of Records, in recognition of Thriller having broken all album sales records at twenty-five million copies sold.

Michael, dressed in naval jacket and Calvin Klein blue jeans, attends a "Celebrate Michael" party, together with actress and friend, Brooke Shields, 11 days after he suffered hair and scalp burns filming a Pepsi Cola commercial. That evening, he is honored for his entry in the Guinness Book of World Records - selling the most popular album in history, Thriller.

Braving sub-freezing weather, hundreds of excited fans stood shivering behind the police barricades outside the New York's Metropolitan Museum of Natural History on a cold February night in 1984 hoping for a glimpse of a famous face. Inside, CBS Records hosted a party at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Natural History to honor Michael Jackson. There were 1500 invitations mailed out on white cloth gloves, which were required to gain admittance into the museum. Michael specifically asked that the party be held there because he was interested in animals and natural history.

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At the party, CBS Records president Walter Yetnikoff presented Michael with presented with the first edition of the 1984 paperback version of the Guinness Book of World Records, who had stopped their presses to include the new record holder for the biggest selling album of all time, Michael Jackson's THRILLER.

THRILLER had surpassed the 25 million mark in sales, making it the most successful album in history. It had outsold the soundtrack album for Saturday Night Fever to take over the top spot.

Allen Davis, president of CBS Records International, read from a long, impressive list of awards and record breaking sales figures of his label's biggest selling artist, presented Michael with the honor:

Tonight, Michael, your international milestones for the album, THRILLER are a total of 67 gold awards, 58 platinum awards in 28 countries on 6 continents. And the singles with 9 million in sales have earned 15 more awards, bringing the total to 140 gold and platinum awards.
To date, 'Thriller' has sold over 25 million copies worldwide - more then any other album in recording history.

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Confetti falls everywhere as dance girls surround during Michael receives one of many tributes. In the longest public speech that close associates could recall during his two-decade career, 25 year old Michael, the shy and sensitive singer, told the invitation-only audience of 1,500 how he felt about epic $1.4 million party staged to salute him. Clutching the wireless microphone in his sequined-gloved right hand, the child star who became a grown-up superstar smiled and said softly:
"I’ve been performing for twenty years. I started at 5 years old touring with my brothers, The Jackson 5, and still I haven’t – you know, I feel like I’ve just begun, you know...
And I’ve always wanted to do great things and achieve many things, but for the first time in my entire career I feel like I’ve accomplished this, because I’m in the Guinness Book Of World Records.
I'm so honored and deeply touched by it and thank you all.
And I also thank CBS Records, which is the best record company in the world and Walter Yetnikoff, who is the best record company president in the world. And thank you all. You are all wonderful people. I'm very embarrassed but thank you."
As modest Michael relinquished the mike, Yetnikoff grabbed it, beaming and blushing. "We have a little surprise," he began. "I don't know if I'm the best record company president in the world but Michael is sure the best artist in the world." He continued:
"Michael just got a presentation for the best solo performer of all times. I'm reading from The Guinness Book of Records. The best-selling album of all time is Saturday Night Fever with 25 million copies globally. I have news for you. Today, we surpassed 25 million copies for THRILLER! Michael Jackson - the number one artist in the world!" Yetnikoff shouted.
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Then, with the recording of Michael's hot-selling Billie Jean blaring through the loudspeakers, Brooke Shields bounced onto the stage and hugged the handsome hero to millions and the superstar with whom she shares a special friendship. As the guests shifted from the VIP reception area to the area of the museum where collection of stuffed elephants and other animals are on exhibit, holding Brook's gloved hand, Michael, an unabashed animal lover, sled the tour and mingled with celebrity guests. He carried with him the special bound copy of the Guinness Book of World Records, which had been presented him earlier by Norris McWhirter, editor of the Guinness Book, who said: "We stopped the presses for Michael at 23 million. But now he is already on 24 million."

1989 - Michael Jackson paid a visit to Cleveland Elementary School to see the children and families effected by the massacre occurred on January 17, 1989, at Cleveland Elementary School in Stockton, California, United States.

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Michael had just returned from his Bad World Tour. He arrived at the school to comfort the surviving children by giving them confidence to view the world more positively after such a traumatic experience. Michael visited two children who were still hospitalized and met with the other children at a nearby church.

Fans gathered outside the hospital, church and school never saw Michael. He entered through back entrances accompanied by bodyguards. He wore black pants with multiple zippers and buckles, a black & red military jacket. He handed out gifts to each child, an autographed photo, a BAD tour t-shirt, and a BAD cassette.

Patrick Purdy may have destroyed many lives that day, but Michael Jackson's presence helped bring more attention and compassion to the victims than anybody else on planet Earth could have done in a hundred years.

Michael Jackson visits each classroom from the "Cleveland Elementary School" in Stockton, California, the parents of the children at the nearby Central United Methodist Church, as well as the children checked in the hospital, 3 weeks after a gunman had fired 100 bullets into a playground, then committing suicide. 5 children were murdered and 39 injured during the attack.

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The pop star arrives to comfort the surviving children by giving them the confidence to view the world more positively subsequently to the traumatic experience. 8 year-old Thahn Tran, who had lost his younger brother during the massacre, speaks about the effect Jackson’s visit had on him: "I didn’t want to go back to school, but Michael made it all right again. If he goes there, it must be safe. Michael is my friend and I’m very glad.", sharing the sentiments of other children there, according to Diane Batres, a counselor from the district support unit. In addition to making another visit to the nearby church hosting the injured ones from the attack and the parents of the dead – to whom he offers words of sympathy, signs plaster casts on the wounded youngsters’ legs, while chatting and joking to them.

Michael makes another stop at the "San Joaquin General Hospital", and talks to two wounded children under treatment there. 7-year-old Alice Montejano says, while raising her autographed picture: "I’m not frightened about going back to school now, because Michael will keep all of those bad men away". Afterwards, Michael Jackson says the following to the children in the mentioned hospital: "You are very brave. When you are better, perhaps you will come and visit my private zoo." Vice-Mayor of Stockton, Ron Coale, has this to declare on Jackson’s goodwill visits: "Words cannot say how much turmoil this town had been through over the past few months. Michael Jackson’s visit has helped us to try and overcome it a little."

1998 - Michael has dinner with Lisa Marie at the Ivy Restaurant in Los Angeles.

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2003 - Michael decides to cancel the press conference with Gavin's mother, Janet Arvizo and return to Neverland to give an interview.

He leaves Miami in a private Jet with Prince, Paris, Blanket, their nannies Grace & Patricia, his physician Dr Alex Farschian, Marie Nicole & Aldo Cascio, the bodygards Mike LaPerruque, Chris Carter & Danny Crawford as well as Gavin, Star; Davellin & Janet Arvizo.

2004 - Michael hires Raymone Bain as new official Spokesperson.

2005 - "At Large With Geraldo Rivera" T.V. Interview

2009 - Michael goes to the Bel Air Hotel for a business meeting with Dr Tohme.

Filed under  //   1975   1979   1984   1989   1998   2003   2004   2005   2009  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1970 - The Jackson 5ive are on top of Billboard Number One Hits Chart with I want you Back.

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The song, along with a b-side cover of Smokey Robinson & the Miracles' "Who's Lovin' You", was the only single from the first Jackson 5 album, Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5, released on October 7, 1969.

I Want You Back is one of the biggest hits of Motown, and certainly the record that cost him the more, the recording sessions, usually curled in a half-day is endless - it was not rushed the beginnings of the group.

Berry Gordy wrote in the chorus (The team with the Corporation), which was originally intended to Gladys Night, under the name of I Want To Be Free. The lyrics, which were not suitable for kids, are due to be reviewed and adapted.

I Want You Back is the first gold record in the group. The title enters the Billboard Hot 100 November 15, 1969, and in the Black singles chart 22 November 1969. It reached the # 1, stayed there for 4 weeks and remained in the chart for 80 weeks! The original song was released in 1969, shortly after the J5 had signed with Motown and just before the release of their debut album Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5.

I Want You Back is part of the list of choices of Michael during his tours, including the most recent, This Is It, since the title is included in the program all the shows since 1969!

It has sold 6 million copies worldwide. In 1999, "I Want You Back" was also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

1975 - We're Almost There, the first single off Michael's final Motown album, Forever, Michael was released.

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The song is a soul-type of ballad that sparked a departure from Michael's previous material which had included bubblegum pop. As Michael's voice matured, Motown found Holland brothers Brian and Edward, who wrote material to suit Michael, who had sung in a higher voice for most of the duration of his Motown (1969-1975) tenure. Performing more modestly, the song eventually peaked at #44 on the pop chart while hitting #7 on the R&B chart.

1979 - The Jacksons perform a concert in London, UK on Destiny tour.

The Jacksons performed Shake Your Body, Blame It On The Boogie & Destiny at Top Of The Pops. Mick Jackson finally meets the group who covered his song "Blame It on the Boogie", The Jacksons, when he performs "Weekend".



1984 - Jet magazine features Michael & Emmanuel Lewis on their cover with the story Michael Jackson, Emmanuel Lewis: Singer shares his success with those who inspire him.

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Michael arrives in NYC and takes a suite at the Hemsley Palace.

1995 - Michael & Lisa Marie visit lawyer Johnnie Cochran at his new office in L.A.

2003 - ABC's "20/20" aired the British documentary "Living With Michael Jackson."

Michael released a press statement regarding the Living With Michael Jackson:

"Today I feel more betrayed than perhaps ever before, that someone who had got to know my children, my staff and me, whom I let into my heart and told the truth, could then sacrifice the trust I placed in him and produce this terrible and unfair program," Jackson said in a statement released in London.

"Everyone who knows me will know the truth, which is that my children come first in my life and that I would never harm any child."

Debbie Rowe, Michael's ex-wife and mother of two of his children, was quoted as supporting him.
"It breaks my heart that anyone could truly believe that Michael would do anything to harm or endanger our children: they are the most important thing in his life," she said, according to the statement, released by a London public relations firm.

2009 - Michael goes to Dr Klein's in Beverly Hills.

Filed under  //   1970   1975   1979   1984   1995   2003   2009  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1981 - During a Diana Ross concert in Los Angeles, Michael Jackson gets on stage to sing Upside Down with her.

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diana! 50 minutes TV special, produced by Steve Binder aired on CBS, combined footage from this concert, with studio footage. Michael Jackson was also the guest star on the show, sings Rock With You duet with Diana.

1984 – Michael Jackson makes his first public appearance since his burn injury when he visits the Los Angeles zoo with Emmanuel Lewis.

1992 - Michael was honored with a lifetime achievement award by the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters.
Rev. Jesse Jackson and NABOB Chairman Pierre Sutton presented him the award at the 8th Annual Communications Awards Dinner held at the Sheraton Washington Hotel in Washington D.C.

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Stevie Wonder, boxing heavyweights Muhammad Ali and Leon Spinks, Spike Lee, and Al Jarreau were among the 900 guests, who turn out to see the man who revolutionized and dominated contemporary music, dance, video and fashion.

Michael Jackson is on the cover of Pop Rocky magazine, Germany.

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Michael Jackson is on the cover of Smash Hits magazine, United Kingdom. The main article is entitled Mad, Bad & Dangerous?

1994 – Michael Jackson is on Manchete magazine, from Brazil. The main article is entitled O Drama de Michael Jackson - Michael Jackson's Drama.

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1996 - People magazine.

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2002 – Because February will be the month of black music on VH1 (United States of America) featuring 113 hours of music by African American performers - of course including Michael Jackson-, on february 5, 2002 there are spotted pop up videos by Michael.

2005 - On January 19, 2005, Geraldo Rivera conducted an intimate and revealing interview with Michael Jackson. Here we see an intimate glimpse of the real man, the father, the warrior and the honest, tender heart behind the media's often extremely inaccurate and cruel portrayal. The Interview was shown on February 05, 2005 of FOX News channel. Also is aired an interview of Katherine at Hayvenhurst.

Filed under  //   1981   1984   1992   1994   1996   2002   2005  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1974 - The Jackson 5 fly home from Dakar after three concerts and many social activities they got involved.

1984 – Michael Jackson is on La Semaine magazine, from Canada. The main article is entitled “Le nouveau Dieu du Showbizz-qui est Michael Jackson? –The showbusinnes´s new God-Who is Michael Jackson?

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1984 – Michael Jackson is on Manchete Magazine (Brazil). It pays special attention to this new star that comes after The Beatles and Elvis, the way a new star is born, how he lives as an idol and more.

1990 - Michael joined other stars at the Sammy Davis Jr 60th Anniversary TV Special, musical gala honoring Sammy Davis Jr.

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Michael performed "You Were There", which he wrote with Buz Kohan especially for the occasion.

The night before the tribute show, Michael and Buz Kohan, who wrote the script, went in the rehearsal hall and wrote a song. 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.

Sammy Davis Jr. had helped to ease racial tensions and break down the walls separating the different races. This lead directly to Michael's tribute.

Michael stepped from the glare of several spotlights to perform, "Your Were There", dressed in black pants and red shirt with white strips tied at his waist and wrist, and white tape covering three fingertips.
Michael's touching tribute brought tears to his idol, who was then battling throat cancer.
It was certainly one of the more stationery performances Michael has ever given. With very few of his customary moves, Michael stood relatively still behind the microphone stand delivering the song only a few feet away from Davis.
After Michael finished the performance with one hand raised in the air, he walked over to Sammy and hugged him warmly.

Other performers included Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope and Ella Fitzgerald.
Sammy Davis Jr TV Special aired on ABC on Feb. 4, 1990, with all proceeds, $250,000 being donated to the UNC Fund.

1994 – Michael Jackson is on Derniere Heure magazine (Canada), talking about his history. Tout sur l’affaire Jackson.

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Filed under  //   1974   1984   1990   1994  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1974 - The Jackson 5ive perform at Sorano National Theatre in Dakar, Senegal.

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"Dancing Machine" from the Jackson 5 1973 album G.I.T.: Get It Together was released.
The group's first US Top Ten hit since 1971's "Sugar Daddy", "Dancing Machine" reached #2 on the Billboard pop music charts and #1 on the R&B charts. It bought The Jackson 5 their second Grammy Award nomination in 1975 for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, losing to Rufus and Chaka Khan's "Tell Me Something Good".
"Dancing Machine" was also the title track of their 1974 album Dancing Machine released in 1974 as a remix for a response to the success of the single.
Recorded in 1973 at the Motown Recording Studios, Los Angeles, California.

1979 - On their 10th anniversary in the music business, Soul Train and The Jacksons celebrated with a Jacksons special. They performed 'Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground)' and 'Things I Do For You', Michael performed 'Push Me Away'.

1990 - Michael Jackson is offered the "Role Model Award" from Japan. He accepts the award via satellite.

1992 - Michael held a press conference at Radio City Music Hall in New York to announce plans for a new world tour to raise money for his newly-formed "Heal The World" Foundation - which, beside "Camp Ronald McDonald" and "Make A Wish Foundation", battles against AIDS and Juvenile Diabetes.

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After descending the opulent staircase at Radio City Music Hall to the accompaniment of his song "Black or White," Michael joined Peter Kendall, vice president for Pepsi-Cola Int. in announcing the $20 million deal, which was the largest ever between a corporation and a music entertainer.

Dressed in black leather and a red armband, he informs on the creation of "Heal The World Foundation", the mission of the foundation being that to provide rescue to world-wide children; protection against abuse; caregiving; to deliver medicines for children and fight world hunger, as well as to convey awareness on children’s rights and necessities, and improve world’s life standards.

Before the kick-off of his Dangerous World Tour, Michael signed a Pepsi endorsement deal in front of the media.

At the press conference, he issues a statement in appreciation for the sponsor of this new tour - the Pepsi-Cola Corporation:

"Good afternoon. I like to thank the Pepsi-Cola Corporation for sponsoring the Dangerous Tour, which we plan to kick off in June. The only reason I’m going on tour is to raise for the newly formed, Heal The World, an international children’s charity, that I’m spearheading to assist children and the ecology. My goal is to gross one hundred million dollars by Christmas, 1993. I urge every corporation and individual who cares about this planet and the future of the children, to help raise money for the HTW charity. The Heal The World Foundation will contribute funds to pediatric aids in honor of my friend, Ryan White.

The "Heal The World Foundation" will also offer support to such worthwhile organizations as Camp Ronald McDonald, Make A Wish Foundation, Children Diabetes, Minority Aids Foundation and other charities. I’m looking forward to this tour, because it will allow me to devote time to visiting children all around the world, as well as to spread the message of the global love, in the hopes that others too will be moved to do their share to heal the world. Thank you for coming. I love you very much. Thank you, all."


After his speech, The St. Thomas Boys' Choir sing "Heal The World", which touches the singer: "When I composed the song, it was my dream to hear it performed the way they just performed it, with such innocence and beauty. It took everything to keep me from crying", declares Jackson.

1994 – Michael Jackson is on the Cover of Bravo Magazine (Germany). The inner article is entitled: “Michael: Die Alptraum ist vorbei!” –The nightmare is gone

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2003 - The controversial “Living With Michael Jackson” documentary conducted by British journalist, Martin Bashir first aired in the United Kingdom on ITV. The interview will air later all around the world... and a storm began.

He interviewed Jackson over a span of eight months, from May, 2002 to January, 2003, the documentary containing much commentary by Bashir, which was very critical and judgmental of Jackson. Jackson's decision to make the documentary was made on a suggestion by his then friend, Uri Geller.

Michael spoke openly about money, plastic surgery, his childhood, Prince Michael II and much more.

But instead of portraying Michael in a fair way, Bashir tried all he could to twist things in the wrong way.

However, most of the viewers did not fall for Bashir... after the interview viewers all around the world expressed their support for Michael.

The interview was a rare occasion for Jackson to allow such access to his personal life, thus felt all the more betrayed by Bashir’s negative portrayal of him. As a consequence, he soon issues the following statement:

"I trusted Martin Bashir to come into my life and that of my family because I wanted the truth to be told. Martin Bashir persuaded me to trust him that his would be an honest and fair portrayal of my life and told me that he was `the man that turned Diana's life around'. I am surprised that a professional journalist would compromise his integrity by deceiving me in this way. Today I feel more betrayed than perhaps ever before; that someone, who had got to know my children, my staff and me, whom I let into my heart and told the truth, could then sacrifice the trust I placed in him and produce this terrible and unfair program. Everyone who knows me will know the truth which is that my children come first in my life and that I would never harm any child. I also want to thank my fans around the world for the overwhelming number of messages of support that I have received, particularly from Great Britain, where people have e-mailed me and said how appalled they were by the Bashir film. Their love and support has touched me greatly."

2006 - Michael, Grace & the kids leave Florence and go in the Neapolitan Riviera resort of Sorrento where they stay in The Villa Savarese.

2007 - Michael attends the Beatles Love musical, and meet the cast backstage at The Mirage in Las Vegas.

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Filed under  //   1974   1979   1990   1992   1994   2003   2006   2007  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1974 - The Jackson 5ive perform at Sorano National Theatre in Dakar, Senegal.

1979 - The Jacksons perform a concert in Amsterdam, Netherlands on Destiny tour.

On the sixth anniversary of The Midnight Special The Jacksons appear, performing Things I do for you, Destiny (with Jermaine), and Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground).

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1992 - The spectacular short film for Remember The Time directed by John Singleton was premiered on MTV, Fox and BET.

The 9-minute clip stars actor/comedian Eddie Murphy, supermodel Iman and basketball player, Magic Johnson. Joanna Burns, Jackson spokesperson at the time, says "He's very concerned about AIDs. He hopes the appearance of Magic Johnson [on Remember The Time video] will help raise public awareness." In November, 1991, Magic Johnson announced that he had been contaminated with the HIV virus, shortly afterwards setting the ‘Magic Johnson Foundation’ to help combat HIV. Jackson also wished to draw attention to the African origins, the video being set in Ancient Egypt, Ira Robbins of ‘Entertainment Weekly’ describing "Remember The Time" as being a "gorgeous ancient Egyptian extravaganza" video. The short film presents elaborate dance sequences and groundbreaking visual effects, with Jackson interpreting a wizard coming to entertain the Pharaoph’s (Eddie Murphy) bored partner (Iman).

The video had an Egyptian theme with Eddie Murphy as Pharaoh Ramsess and model Iman as Queen Nefertiti. When the queen becomes bored and wants to be entertained, a string of performers, announced by Magic Jonson, are led in front of the queen. With each being found unsatisfactory, she orders them to be thrown to the lions, or to be decapitated. A robed figure is next to be led out in front of the queen. Through some tricky special effects, the figure vanishes and reappears in a clear liguid and finally transforms into Michael in Egyptian garb. The queen become enchanted with him which angers Ramses, who immediately sends his guards after him. After eluding the guards and engaging in a Egyptian flavoured dance routine, Michael meets up with Nefertiti. They embrace and kiss, Michael's first on screen kiss. Michael finally eludes Ramses by vanishing once again into a golden powder.

1994 - Michael attended a concert of Fifth Dimension and the Temptations at the Sheraton Desert Inn in Las Vegas.

Michael was seen in company of Lisa Marie, when they attended the concert. The hotel had received a call earlier in the day letting them know Michael was coming. The King of Pop and the daughter of the King of Rock and Roll were seated in a VIP section known as "King's row".

Michael spent most of the time in New York, working busy on his new album. He booked into a 3 bedroom duplex apartment at Trump Tower.

1998 - Michael Jackson's video for "Ghosts" was released in the U.K. and Europe.

Filed under  //   1974   1979   1992   1994   1998  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1974 – The Jackson 5ive perform at Dakar, Senegal Demba Diop Stadium.

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The Jackson 5 expanded their global reach yet again in the new year, traveling to Africa, where they performed in Dakar, Senegal, a visit that was filmed and is the subject of a soon-to-be-released documentary. Upon arrival, the group was greeted like royalty, as Michael would later remember:
“When we came off the plane in Dakar, Senegal, Africa, we were greeted by a long line of African dancers. Their drums and sounds filled the air with rhythm. I was going crazy, I was screaming, ‘All right! They got the rhythm… This is it. This is where I come from. The origin.’
The Jackson 5 receive the Organization of African Unity award – For Strengthening Afro-Americans.

1979 - The Jacksons perform a concert in Amsterdam Netherlands on Destiny tour.

The Jacksons are on the cover of Jet Magazine featuring Special Report: The Jacksons 10 Years Later.

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1984 - Michael receives an official letter from United States President Reagan wishing him a speedy recovery.

1988 - The Song "Man In the Mirror" enters the charts. The proceeds from the sales of this record goes to Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times, a camp for children who suffer from cancer.

1994 - Michael telephoned Lisa Marie Presley at her estate in Hidden Hills, California. He was at his hide out in Westwood.

"Hey, listen up, girl," he said, according to her memory, "I’m heading up to Las Vegas to see The Temptations and The Fifth Dimension. Come with me. I’ll get us a suite at the Mirage and we can party like there’s no tomorrow."
"Am I staying in the suite with you?" she asked.
"Hell, yeah," Michael said. "What do you think, girl?"
"I think I’m still married," Lisa said.
"Then separate rooms, if that’s what you want," Michael responded.
2003 – Michael Jackson is on the cover of Play Magazine, United Kingdom. This is a supplement from The Times.

The Cascios join Michael in Miami (Frank, Aldo & Marie Nicole). Mark Lester is also there.

Wiesner & Konitzer try to block the airing of Martin Bashir's documentary after obtaining the final transcript.

2007 – It is pusblished that Michael Jackson meet High School brood personally, and even brought his three rarely seen tykes along. The stars of High School Musical, the über-successful Disney Channel movie, took their show on the road and toured across the U.S. (minus Zac Efron, who was filming Hairspray with John Travolta), finishing up in L.A. at the Staples Center. The cast had a very special surprise visitor during their Vegas stint Sunday. Michael Jackson requested to meet the High School brood personally, I’m told security was superheavy as Michael & Co. entered the building. “He was taller than expected, really soft-spoken and wore sunglasses the whole time. " Jackson acted like the light was bothering him, but he told [the cast] he and the kids loved the show.”
Yep, not only did Michael do a meet 'n' greet with the stunned cast, he stayed for the show. Evidently, they turned the light box at the Thomas & Mack Center into VIP seating with a canopy to protect the Jackson crew from any curious looky-loo audience members.

Filed under  //   1974   1979   1984   1988   1994   2003   2007  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1970 - I Want You Back the Jackson 5ive's first single with Motown from their debut album, Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5ive, was released in late 1969 and the week of January 31, 1970, become their fist number one hit single on Billboard's pop singles chart, where it spent one week. The single also went to number one on Billboard's Black singles chart. And this was only the beginning.

The Jackson 5ive perform I Want You Back on Andy Williams Show

1971 - Goin' Back To Indiana

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For the first time since they moved to California, the Jackson 5ive returned to their hometown, Gary. They played two benefit concerts for the re-election campaign for Mayor Richard Hatcher. In return, January 31, 1971, was declared "Jackson Five Day" in Gary. A ceremony was held in front of the family's old home to officially rename their street from Jackson Street to Jackson Five Street.

They came via helicopter and landed in the football field at West Side High School, where their concerts were to be held.

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As part of homecoming, a plaque was placed at the University of Indiana stating that the Jackson 5ive gave "Hope to the Young". Their Congressman then presented them with the flag from the top of the State Capital.

At the City Hall, Mayor Hatcher presented Mr. Jackson and each of the J5 individual "keys to the city" of Gary. After the ceremonies at city Hall, the honorary denizens of Gary-namely the Jackson 5-rushed back to West Side High School, where they performed two concerts before a capacity crowd of more than 15,000 home town fans.

These award presentations and performances were filmed and later used in their TV special, Goin' Back to Indiana.

1976 - Michael Jackson attends the American Music Awards with Katherine, Janet, Randy & LaToya.

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1977 - Michael Jackson attends the American Music Awards at Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, Santa Monica, California, along with Janet, Fred "Rerun" Berry and Lola Falana. The Jacksons perform Good Times at the American Music Awards.

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1983 - Michael Jackson's "Thriller" was certified Gold and Platinum by the RIAA.

1993 - Michael performs a medley of Jam, Billie Jean, Black Or White and Heal The World at the Superbowl Halftime Show in the Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena (California) before an audience of 100,000 in the stadium and 133.4 millions on TV.

January 31, 1993 was Super Bowl Sunday. The Dallas Cowboys faced the Buffalo Bills for Super Bowl XXVII, but more important was halftime. The press had been barred from rehearsals, so no preview of the spectacular was included in any of the pre-game coverage. Expectations were high, and in fact the other networks didn't counter with any real competition for the Super Bowl audience. The 12-ton stage was assembled in under four minutes.

When the time finally came, a giant video screen counted down the last ten seconds and it was announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, Radio City Music Hall Productions and the National Football League are proud to preset an unprecedented Super Bowl spectacular starring Michael Jackson."

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Crowds of people gathered around the stage now set up on the middle of the field at the Rose Bowl. A giant video screen in the corner shows Michael dancing. There's an explosion and smoke rises from the top of the screen as Michael appears, dancing now on top of the screen. Just few seconds later the video screen at the opposite side of the field shows Michael again. And again he appears on top of the screen. Following this, fireworks go off at center stage and Michael jumps from beneath the stage and stands motionless amidst the fireworks, smoke, and cheers from the 102,000 fans packed into the stadium. Dressed in black with gold bands across his chest, his right arm in a brace, and wearing sunglasses, he stands virtually motionless for over one minute before turning his head and slowly removing the glasses. More fireworks go off and dancers join Michael on stage for a very short version of "Jam".

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He removes his jacket, having a white shirt and t-shirt on underneath. He reaches down for a black fedora that has been sitting on the edge of the stage, places it on his head and begins pumping his hips to "Billie Jean" adding a crotch grab or two to his choreography from Motown 25, complete with the requisite moonwalk.

During the crowd's wild response to "Billie Jean", Michael reaches behind his head and undoes his ponytail, letting his hair down for "Black or White". Smoke and wind machines add great effects to the performance. More fireworks are set off at the song's conclusion.

While it is announced that, "Ladies and gentlemen, the children of Los Angeles have created their own personal drawings as a gift to the children of the world," Michael puts his hair back into a ponytail and is handed a long black wand. As he points the wand at the crowd, all the people in the stadium, section by section, hold up cards which together with the cards of the rest of the people seated in that same section make up a youngster's drawing of a child. Then Michael addressed the crowd, his voice sounding unusually deep:

Today we stand together all around the world joined in a common purpose, to remake the planet into a planet of joy and understanding and goodness. No one should have to suffer, especially the children. This time we must succeed. This is for the children of the world.
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Thousands of young people lined the stage as Michael sang "Heal the World" and a huge inflatable globe rose from the center of the stage.

More fireworks ended the truly spectacular, and certainly unforgettable, halftime extravaganza.

With this, Michael made history again: Michael's Super Bowl half-time spectacular performance, televised live on TV, broke a record with the highest-ever viewership of 133.4 million viewers, unbroken up to today! A distinction, which also earned him an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records.

NBC recognized that Michael was pivotal in making the game the biggest TV attraction in Super Bowl history. Dick Ebersol, NBC Sports President, said of Michael's performance, "He was better than our wildest dreams... He's an enormous name with crossover appeal from kids to grandparents, an enormous curiosity even for those for whom he is not star." Some speculated that to top this halftime performance NBC would need to have Elvis Presley perform the next year!

2010 - Michael Jackson is honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 52nd Grammy Awards, held at the Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA.

Lionel Richie presents the Michael Jackson's Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award to Prince & Paris who give a short and emotional speech.

Filed under  //   1970   1971   1976   1977   1983   1993   2010  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1968 - The Jackson 5ive's first actual single, the Steeltown recording of "Big Boy" was released.

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This was supposed to be the story of the child-prodigy Michael Jackson's first studio recording; the earliest known studio recording of Michael Jackson and his brothers, cut in Chicago in 1967, which had been lingering on a shelf for two and a half decades has been rescued from tape.

Steeltown Records cofounder Gordon Keith, 70, is the man with the largest body of tangible evidence to back up his claim: he estimates that "Big Boy" sold more than 60,000 copies.

After school one afternoon in November 1967, Michael, 8, Marlon, 10, Jermaine, 12, Tito, 14, and Jackie, 16, piled into the family Volkswagen with Joseph and rode across the state line to Chicago's West Englewood neighborhood, parking in front of Sunny Sawyer's recording studio on West 69th.

In a single lengthy session the group recorded four songs, all of which Keith says were already in their repertoire. "Big Boy" was by saxophonist Eddie Silvers, who at the time was playing in a group called the Soul Merchants and working as music director for Chicago R & B label One-derful Records. Its eventual B side, "You've Changed"—the only Steeltown track the Jacksons would record again for Motown—is by Gary native Jerry Reese.

Though in Moonwalk Michael recalls being giddy to put on a pair of too-big headphones and sing in a studio with adult musicians, he was far from unprepared. In addition to exhaustively rehearsing at home and hustling amateur nights and talent contests with pristine ten-minute sets, the brothers had also been doing proper shows at Chicago nightclubs like Spann's Burning Spear and the Confidential Club, and they had a regular gig, sometimes playing multiple sets, at Mr. Lucky's nightspot in Gary. Joe had even bought a microphone for their home to help the boys get used to singing into one

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Despite the kids' professionalism, the session was grueling, in part because the Ampex's dead track meant they had to stop more often to mix down and free up space on the tape. As the night wore on the boys grew weary. "I remember looking at the clock—it was 10 or 11 at night—and looking at these young kids up that late who had been at school earlier," says Bridgeman. "I left the studio and went and brought sandwiches for them, because they hadn't eaten since I don't know what time. They had been too intense with the recording to stop to eat."

Though the Jacksons finished all their tracks at that marathon session, Bridgeman says he and two other vocalists, Solomon Ard and George Rias, returned to Sawyer's to redo some backups. Keith recalls bringing the tapes to Pressner's studio in Gary for mixing and mastering. Keith sent the master to the Summit pressing plant in Willow Springs, Illinois, and when the records came back he set the single's official release for January 30, 1968. The Jacksons began selling 45s at shows, and Steeltown started working to get local radio to give "Big Boy" a spin.

He'd composed the perfect song for little beyond-his-years Michael: with its combination of juvenile themes (skateboards, Mother Goose) and adult yearning, "Big Boy" would serve as a template for much future black bubblegum music. Silvers's excellent arrangements shine through the slightly murky mix and showcase the somewhat raw, soulful vocal style Michael had developed watching R & B veterans from the wings of the Regal. Though Keith contends that nine-year-old Michael was "a better singer then than what he ended up to be," it's clear from this recording that Motown's infamously rigorous training regimen still had something to offer him. All the same, his slightly nasal, borderline flat singing and odd enunciation (fairy tales is pronounced "fairy ta-wos") add to the single's considerable charm.

The song was neither a critical nor commercial success, but that was the brothers' first record. From here, it seemed, anything might be possible. What a memorable moment it must have been for them, then, when the family gathered around the radio to hear the broadcast of that first recording for the first time. Michael recalled that as it played, they sat in the living room, stunned.

"Then, when it was over, we all laughed and hugged one another. We felt we had arrived. This was an amazing time for us as a family. I can still feel the excitement when I think back on it."
1971 - The Jackson 5ive in concert Columbus, Georgia.

1974 - The Jackson 5 perform Dancing Machine at the Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour.

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Sally Struthers and The Jackson Five, made a guest appearance at the Sonny & Cher comedy hr, with cameo appearance by Tennessee Ernie Ford.

Sonny and Cher open the show with "Take Life a Little Easier" and banter about the theater being Sonny's first love. In a comedy blackout, an Arabian sheik (regular Ted Zeigler) auctions off two captured maidens (Cher and regular Teri Garr) to the highest bidders.

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After, the Jackson Five perform "Dancing Machine", they also takes part in "The Window On the World", a montage of sketches and one-liners based on current events and individuals in the news, including Henry Kissinger's Geneva meetings, a report on famed ecologist Euell Gibbons, the domestic problems of a woman married to a bear, and an attempt by a robber to hold up a gas station that is operated by appointment only. "The Boogie Woogie Sisters" -- Cher, Sally and regular Teri Garr spoof The Andrews Sisters as fairy tales get the satirical treatment. In comedy sketches, Cher plays an aging Goldilocks, with Sally as her youthful replacement; the golden-haired Rapunzel (Cher) is imprisoned in a turret by an evil prince (Sonny); and Stuffed Sally the Ravon lady (Sally) drops by Raggedy Sonny and Raggedy Cher's doll house with her bag of goodies.
Source: justplaincher

1979 - The Jacksons perform a concert in Madrid, Spain on Destiny tour.

1981 - Michael receives 2 awards at the 8th Annual American Music Awards at the ABC-TV Studios in Hollywood.


Michael won Favorite Male Artist (Soul/R&B) and Favorite Album (Soul/R&B) for Off the Wall, (one of them is presented by sister LaToya) which was also nominated for Favorite Pop/Rock Album (won by Billy Joel). He also pays tribute to Chuck Berry.

Michael, dressed in a heavily beaded V-neck sweater of deep red rhinestones with black bands on the sleeves and a black bowtie, attended the ceremony with his date for the evening, Diana Ross.

1989 - Eddie Murphy presents Michael with the Special Award Of Achievement at the 16th American Music Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, Ca.

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Michael was honored for his ground breaking artistry and technology in video, and for the record breaking success of his BAD album and tour. Cashbox magazine awarded Michael the Video Pioneer Award in recognition of his excellence in video as captured in the Triumph video for Can You Feel It, THRILLER, and Moonwalker. The inscription on the Video Pioneer Award reads:
For his pioneering efforts in the field of music videos epitomized by 'The Triumph', a pre 1980's breakthrough in concept and special effects, and THRILLER, an innovative combination of drama, music and dance. The Video Pioneer Award is given to Michael Jackson on the occasion of his new feature length anthology, Moonwalker becoming the largest selling music home video of all time.
The second special award Michael received was an American Music Award of Achievement. Its inscription reads:
Because his album, BAD, is the first ever to generate five number one singles, because it has been a number one best seller for a record breaking twenty five countries around the world, and because it has been the largest international seller in each of the last two years, the American Music Award of Achievement is presented to Michael Jackson on january 30, 1989.
Both of these special awards were presented to Michael by Eddie Murphy, at Michael's request.

Before introducing Michael, Murphy narrated a 14 minute tribute to Michael Jackson showcasing his international tour and recapping the BAD album's five number one hit singles. Walking shyly toward center stage to gather his awards, the audience greeted Michael with deafening applause and a standing ovation. Michael was dressed in black and red, buckles, and no sunglasses.

As the applause subsided and Michael began to speak, his soft voice could bearly be heard over the microphone, which was on a very low stand. He had to bend over and speak directly into the mike to be heard. Holding his awards, he asked Eddie to adjust the mike stand for him, "Could you lift that up please?" Eddie tried to adjust it but it wouldn't budge. "You do it" Eddie told Michael. Michael replied, "I can't, I need your help." It became a joke when Eddie told the audience what was happening. (Their conversation was bearly audible.) "He said, 'Pull it up Eddie', like I was working for him! And do it! Yes Michael!" So, bent over, Michael spoke briefly as always:

I'd like to thank God, who makes all things possible. I'd like to thank my mother and father, Katherine and Joseph Jackson. I'd like to thank Berry Gordy, who gave me my first professional start in show business, the Epic family, Walter Yetnikoff, Larry Stessel, Glen Bundman, Frank Dileo, Quincy Jones, and Bruce Swedian. I love you. And the public. Thank you.
While he was very shy, Michael appeared to be enjoying himself and seemed to be genuinely honored with the awards, the tribute, and the overwhelming response from the audience.

2006 - Michael and his children left Hamburg.

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Unable to go out because of the fans & reporters in front of the house, Michael, Anton, Grace & the kids leave Hamburg and fly to Venice.
Before he entered the car, he stopped shortly to wave to the fans.
They land in Marco Polo airport and travel to Florence where they check in Weistein Excelsior Hotel.

While in Hamburg, a fan had his hat taken so that Michael could sign it. But it seems that Blanket, who was there, admired the hat so much that he was allowed to keep it! Michael then took Blanket's t-shirt signed it and gave that to the fan instead! The shirt read "Blankets T-Shirt love Michael Jackson."

2009 - Christian Audigier visits Michael at his Bel Air home.

Filed under  //   1968   1971   1974   1979   1981   1989   2006   2009  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1971 - The Jackson 5ive performed a concert in Dayton, Ohio.

1972 - Jackson 5ive performed a concert Baltimore, Maryland.

1974 - The Jackson 5 start their one-week tour in Dakar, Senegal for their first African tour.

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On January 29, 1974, the Jackson 5 boarded a plane headed for Dakar, Senegal, in the early evening hours.

They were scheduled to play their first concerts there and for the Jackson brothers, this would be their very first trip to the African continent. They landed in Dakar, Senegal, early the next morning, just before sunrise, with an entourage of about two-dozen associates and members of the press.

They were greeted by dignitaries, government officials, traditional dancers, and crowds of fans as they deplaned, and they were quickly led into a VIP lounge inside the airport for a quick press conference. After meeting with the press, they spent more time watching the dancers, and eventually joined them, trying to learn their steps.

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They visit the humble dwelling places of some inhabitants there, and also pose for pictures with and sign autographs for them, among sightseeing and shopping experiences. They also hold a press conference with a Senegalese radio, and visit Goree Island.

Although the trip was billed as an "African Tour," in truth the Jackson 5 performed only three concerts, all in Dakar. Originally there had been talk of them traveling to Ghana, Zambia, and Ethiopia for some additional concerts, but the tour was cut short and they never made it past Senegal. Reports vary as to why the additional dates were cut. Some say it was due to "technicalities" and others say that it proved too hard for the Jackson brothers to adjust to the changes in food and water.

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Instead of traveling elsewhere to perform, the Jackson family got the chance to explore Senegal a bit. They went to Joal, a traditional fishing village, shopped in the markets of Dakar for souvenirs, and traveled to Goree Island, the departure point for many African captives who had been sent to the United States as slaves in earlier centuries. According to all reports, the brothers were deeply affected by the visit to Goree, so much so that their second and third concerts were much less exuberant than their first one had been.

Over the next week we'll take a closer look at the Jackson 5's momentous trip to Africa by looking at the press coverage, photos, the documentary film that was made about their trip, and even a show-and-tell day they did after they returned to the U.S. Bientôt!
Source: j5collector

During their stay, they receive an award for the Organisation for African Unity and they visit Goree Island and they shoot a film called Isomin Cross And Son which tells of a family crossing the in 1860 and the problems they encounter.

1979 - The Jacksons perform a concert in Madrid, Spain on Destiny tour.

1996 - Michael won the Favorite Male Artist (Pop/Rock) award at the 23rd Annual American Music Awards.

Filed under  //   1971   1972   1974   1979   1996  

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