Today in MJJ HIStory

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1972 - In London, the Jackson 5 participated in the "Royal Variety Performance" performing I Want You Back, ABC, Rockin Robin, We Thank You and The Love You Save.


Prior to their European tour starting, on 30th October, Michael and his brothers appeared on the bill of the Royal Command Performance, staged at theon Palladium in the presence of HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother.

1984 - The Jacksons perform Victory tour at Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia [USA] attending 30,000.

Michael Jackson's "Thriller" was certified at 20 times Platinum by the RIAA.

1996 - Michael arrives in India to perform a concert on Nov. 01.

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The King of Pop, arrived in Mumbai on October 30th. The svelte and sexy actress Sonali Bendre, clad in traditional Maharashtrian(Indian State – Maharashtra) nine yard saree, greeted Michael performing the aarti and applied tilak on his forehead at the airport and he was quite taken up with the entire ceremony.

When he was being driven out of the air port in his 20-car cavalcade, he stopped his Toyota, got rid of his security guards and stepped out to meet the cluster of urchins lined up along the highway to catch a glimpse of him. He picked up several children and hugged and kissed them. He then spent a few minutes with them before he proceeded to the Shiv Sena chief, Bal Thackeray’s residence, Matushree, in Bandra East. Here he was presented with a silver tabla and tanpura, which are musical instruments from India.

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He stayed at the Oberoi Hotel, where he charmed staff and left a departing message, “I love you,” scrawled in lipstick on his room mirror. Later that evening, at the special bash organized in his honour by Bharat Shah (Organiser of the concert) at the Oberoi, he made a mere three minute appearance. Apparently, the singer had a late night before and wanted to retire to his room early. The crème de la crème of the Indian Entertainment Industry and Royal Families were there. Most of them of course, were left high and dry except for the actor Anupam Kher perhaps who to the initiative of jumping on the stage and grabbing Michael’s hand with a, ‘Yeah Michael, yeah!’. Shobha De (A Writer) was the next to gain inspiration and she even told the Press later, “Shaking hands with him was like an orgasm!” Bharat Shah presented Michael with a silver replica of the Taj Mahal at the same party.

Michael Jackson watching a traditional Indian play an ethnic instrument. The Indian media myth about Michael being extremely reclusive, does not hold true anymore. During his stay at The Oberoi Hotel, he surprised the entire staff by mingling freely with his fans, who would drop in at the hotel to catch a glimpse of the King of Pop. He would smile and blow kisses to all his fans and shake hands with as many of them as possible.

According to Butler Manager, Sandeep Walia, who was attending to him with a team of three butlers, Michael loves sweet white wine. That is probably the only kind of alcohol that he consumed during his stay at the Oberoi. Apart from that, he loves orange drinks, Fanta being his favorite and a special German orange drink, Gatorade, which he carries with him. Michael drinks a lot of Diet Coke as well, prefers his drinks at room temperature. Jackson has a penchant for chocolates too, so The Oberoi made sure there were chocolates, of all shapes, sizes and flavours kept in every reachable corner of his room.

Michael Jackson likes a lot of festivity around him. The Kohinoor Suite at the Oberoi was decorated with flowers, balloons, confetti and bowls of sweets and chocolates to give it a spirit of celebration. While in his room, Jackson does not like to use the air-conditioner. He also likes his space. His body-guards have been instructed not to come close to him to give him enough space to move around.

Okay this is something that will really please his fans in India. According to one of his security men, India is not his new love. Jackson has always wanted to visit the country and the last time his show got cancelled he was very disappointed and upset.

Guess what Michael had for breakfast? On his first morning here, he ate masala dosa and the day after that, he had spicy alu paranthas with butter. His other meals mainly comprised of butter naans, butter chicken, tandoori chicken and spicy vegetable curries. His personal chef is of Indian origin and she co-ordinated his meals with the other chefs at the hotel. Michael Jackson definitely has a predilection for Indian food but wait till you hear this. According to the hotel staff, he got naans (Enough for an army), tandoori chicken, dishes cooked in butter gravy and lots of paranthas packed, on the morning he was flying out of India.

Jackson asked The Oberoi for an LLD player and a television, as well as a CD player for his personal use. He travels with his own library of CDs and LDs and spends most of the time indoors, watching films.

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The world knows he loves kids and there are many in our country who wish, they were kids, because Michael only seemed to have time for them while he was here. At his request, a high tea was organized at the pool side where kids from orphanages were invited to meet and play with him. He gave them gifts and chocolates that he had brought with him. There was a party for kids organized in his room as well, on the day of the show itself. About 50 children were invited and he ordered cakes and burgers for them. He made the kids sit on his lap and played with them. He had asked the hotel to provide him with a few saris which he wanted draped around the sofas during the photo session with the kids, to give his pictures the ethnic effect.

He would pick up his own newspapers from outside the door, which was normally very late in the morning. Michael is a late riser. His meal timings were also odd. He never had his breakfast before 12 noon and dinner before 1.00 pm. When he returned to the hotel lobby after his mind blowing show, he folded his hands in a namaste and blew kisses to all his fans before he got into the elevator. According to the staff, he was as energetic after the show, as he was before it perhaps! The two-hour-15-minute long performance hadn’t fatigued him in the least.

Burkhas were arranged for Michael because he wanted to visit Aasha Daan, Mother Teresa’s ashram in Byculla. But due to an extremely tight schedule he wasn’t able to fulfill his desire.
Source: clubmj.com

2000 - Michael Jackson's "Thriller" was certified at 26 times Platinum by the RIAA.

Michael Jackson's "Blood On The Dance Floor: History in the Mix" was certified Platinum by the RIAA.

2001 - Michael Jackson's album "Invincible" was released in US and Canada.
Michael dedicates album "Invincible" (released October 30, 2001) to 15-year-old murdered African-Norwegian, Benjamin Hermansen, advising on the importance of not judging a person by race, but by character.

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The album was the Michael’s first in 10 years that featured all new material. Invincible spent two years in production and cost approximately $30 million to make; reportedly the most expensive album ever made. The album featured 16 tracks, 14 of which Michael wrote or co-wrote; “Unbreakable”, “Heartbreaker”, “Invincible”, “Heaven Can Wait”, “You Rock My World”, “Speechless”, “2000 Watts”, “You Are My Life”, “Privacy”, “Don’t Walk Away”, “The Lost Children” and “Threatened”. R. Kelly contributed the anthem track “Cry” and UK duo Floetry contributed the beautiful “Butterflies”. Slash performed a guitar solo on “Privacy” and Santana contributed a guitar performance to “Whatever Happens”. The album featured two posthumous appearances; a rap performance by Notorious B.I.G on “Unbreakable” and samples of Rod Sterling’s voice on “Threatened”. Brandy contributed additional vocals to “Unbreakable”. Michael brought in Rodney Jerkins of Darkchild to produce and write on six of the tracks. Again, Michael produced the entire project himself and played many of the musical instruments. The album was initially released with cover art that came in five limited edition colours. Invincible went to number 1 in 13 countries including the US, UK and Australia. The album showed incredible first week sales in the US, selling over 300,000 copies. Invincible sold a massive 5.4 million copies in just two months of its release.

2003 - Halloween Interview with Rick Dees.

Michael Jackson got up early (no easy job for Michael who readily admits to being nocturnal) to talk with Los Angeles disk jockey, Rick Dees. Michael talks about his plans for Halloween trick or treating with Prince, Paris, and Blanket and his favorite candy, among other things.

Michael Jackson: Still doing meetings and things. I’m not back in California yet, I’ll be there soon.

Rick Dees: Good, good deal. So you obviously don’t get up at seven twenty in the morning do you?

Michael Jackson: No [laughs] I usually work all night. I usually go to bed this time.

Rick Dees: Mike You’re a night person. Last time I saw you had stayed up all night and written about four different songs.

Michael Jackson: Yeah, I’m very nocturnal.

Rick Dees: Yeah, you’re a very nocturnal guy (laughter). This is your day coming up I mean If it’s not Halloween for Michael Jackson then it’s not for anybody.

Michael Jackson: [laughs] Right

Rick Dees: Are you going to go out and trick or treat?

Michael Jackson: Yes, I’m going trick or treating. Taking my children.

Rick Dees: Do they have costumes?

Michael Jackson: Yes.

Rick Dees: What are they? We’ve got Prince and Paris and Tito?

Michael Jackson: Prince, Paris, and Blanket. Prince wants to be the black panther. And Paris, who is the girl, she’s a tomboy. She wants to be spiderman. And the little one wants to be spiderman too. And I’m going to be a ghost.

Rick Dees: Oh yeah!

Michael Jackson: [laughs]

Rick Dees: This ghost. Listen if you get a chance, I mean you’re in the neighborhood, I have these huge beautiful candy apples and the long, huge, candy bars - the ones that no one gives out, the movie size candy bars like you serve at your place there, so come on in..I’d love to throw down a little something for Prince and Paris and the Ghost.

Michael Jackson: Oh, they would love it!

Rick Dees: Do you have a favorite chocolate, Michael?

Michael Jackson: I like.. uhm ... believe it or not, milk chocolate.

Rick Dees: You said milk chocolate?

Michael Jackson: Yes [laughs].

Rick Dees: I love milk chocolate

Michael Jackson: Me too [laughs].

Rick Dees: You know what I did this week Michael? I um, I have to confess - these kids came by here and sold 1,000 dollars worth of chocolate to the radio station.

Michael Jackson: Wow.

Rick Dees: I said I was donating it to charity. I did all except for 30 candy bars - I’ve been eating chocolate for thirty days. Every morning. I’ve got this thing about milk chocolate.

Michael Jackson: You ate the candy? [laughs]

Rick Dees: I ate the candy!

Michael Jackson: I’m sorry [still laughing...]

Rick Dees: Last time I was at your place I was got so hungry and this chef goes in here and I could smell this wonderful vegetarian pizza all afternoon and - there’s candy everywhere at Neverland. There’s candy everywhere in your home. I love that. I just love that. When you walk into Michael Jackson’s place it’s fresh candy and there’s the fragrance in his home - it's a cross between chocolate and vanilla and there’s a kind of buttery smell and fragrance - I could definitely hang out

Michael Jackson: Well you’re welcome anytime.

Rick Dees: Thanks! Thank you so much.

Michael Jackson: You’re always welcome.

Rick Dees: Did you have breakfast yet?

Michael Jackson: Pardon? [Laughter]

Rick Dees: What’s that? He doesn’t know what that is?
Listen Michael, we have this bet going on and you can certainly tell me 'No'. I’m going to end up playing 'Thriller' a tremendous number of times between now and this time tomorrow. And of course, your world premiere. People are calling for this song over over and over - ’What More Can I Give?'

Michael Jackson: Oh, God Bless them. It’s for the children. It’s so important.

Rick Dees: I’m trying to get something for the kids. Is there anyway you can say, "Hey what’s up. It’s Michael Jackson with Rick Dees as my Halloween gift to you. Here’s Thriller". Obviously, I’m going to warn you in advance, I’m going to tape it if you will say that.

Michael Jackson: Okay, I’ll do it for you.

Rick Dees: Okay, here we go. Use your own words if you want but with good energy like you’re on the Mike Douglas show for the first time.

Okay, 3 - 2 - 1

Michael Jackson: Hi, this is Michael Jackson with Rick Dees, Halloween. This is Thriller - enjoy it.

Rick Dees: Good, now just say 2003 Halloween.

Michael Jackson: Okay, 2003 Halloween with Rick Dees.

Rick Dees: Awwww! [claps] That’s like heaven. Okay. That one lost the bet. I was saying you probably might not do it.
Let’s go back to the song for just a second. It’s been some time putting together. And did it come to you at once or was it something you were working on with the tune and everything for a period of time?

Michael Jackson: No, it just came at once. Uhm, art of songwriting is a totally different art. It really is. It really is a gift from God. It really is. I feel guilty putting my name on it. It falls into my lap. It’s a gift from Heaven. It really is.

Rick Dees: It’s just a gift, isn’t it?

Michael Jackson: It really is.
Source: MJFC


2008 - Michael takes Prince, Paris & Blanket to Borders Bool bookstore in Westwood, Los Angeles, Ca.

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Michael's spokesperson, Dr. Tohme, in response to recent rumors regarding Michael's participation in a Jackson 5 reunion, has issued the following statement from Michael Jackson:

"My brothers and sisters have my full love and support, and we've certainly shared many great experiences, but at this time I have no plans to record or tour with them. I am now in the studio developing new and exciting projects that I look forward to sharing with my fans in concert soon."

Filed under  //   1972   1984   2000   2001   2008  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1972 - Disc magazine[UK] featured Michael on their cover.

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1979 - The Jacksons perform Destiny tour in Springfield[US].

1983Say Say Say premiered in the UK on Channel 4’s The Tube music programme.

1993 - Michael Jackson enables 5000 deprived children in Mexico to visit "El Nuevo Reino Aventura Park" in Mexico, home of whale Keiko, the whale in Free Willy.

Michael scheduled a visit to the park but ended up not making it to the park. Michael did get out in Mexico to shop at a Mixup Record Store at Pabellon Polanco shopping mall. During his one hour visit, Michael signed autographs and purchased $4000 worth laser discs and compact discs. He seemed very comfortable during his visit and even danced in the back of the store.

In the same month, Jackson passes thousands of concert tickets to the necessitous children of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and provides thousands of such children with another set of tickets in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

2000 - Escorted by actress and friend, Dame Elizabeth Taylor, Michael attends the "Carousel of Hope" ball presenting a new look.

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During the fund-raising gala addressing juvenile diabetes, held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, hosted by Jay Leno, more than 50 plates, which had been painted by celebrities, were auctioned and Michael Jackson had been one of the stars that donated a self-painted plate for the good cause. He also donated a limited-edition poster at the "African Ambassadors’ Spouses" annual gala, organization directed to treating children suffering from AIDS.

The "Carousel of Hope" Ball raised more than 6 million dollars benefiting the Children's Diabetes Foundation. Marvin and Barbara Davis, founder of the "Carousel of Hope" evening of charity fund-raising, hosted the mentioned lavish lunch for the out-of-town guests, plus participants in the fundraiser.

Among those who stopped by to hug Michael Jackson is Berry Gordy Jr., his discoverer, and Susanne de Passe, as well as Shirley MacLaine, Carrie Fisher, Joan Collins, David Foster, Toni Braxton, Sidney Poitier, Gregory Peck, Neil Diamond, Dustin Hoffman, Morgan Freeman, Pierce Brosnan, Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sylvester Stallone, Charlotte Church, to name but a few.

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Barbara Davis had also told Michael Jackson "Ricky wants to meet you." At the end of the event, Michael appeared on stage and congratulated Ricky Martin on his live performance before taking the applause from the crowd.


Saturday October 28th, Michael Jackson attended the Carousel of Hope, a bi-yearly charity event in aid of childhood diabetes research.

The evening was hosted by Jay Leno and included an impressive list of famous guests; Sydney Poitier, Gregory Peck, Dustin Hoffman, Toni Braxton, Morgan Freeman, Ricky Martin and Warren Beaty, to name but a few.

Michael Jackson attended the gala with Elizabeth Taylor. The King of Pop appeared on stage during the evening, and congratulated Ricky Martin on his live performance.

The Carousel of Hope took place at Beverly Hills' Beverly Hilton Hotel. More than 50 stars, including Michael Jackson, contributed to the charity by donating self-designed painted plates which were auctioned during the evening.

2008 - Michael and his children do some shopping at Lladro in Los Angeles, Ca.

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2009 - Michael Jackson's This Is It, documentary–concert film directed by Kenny Ortega was released, giving a limited two-week theatrical run until November 12, but theatrical release was later extended due to huge demand.

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At the 34th annual Awards Gala of T.J. Martell Foundation, held at the Hilton New York Hotel, Michael Jackson is honored the first-ever Lifetime Legend Award, for being the single largest donor in the T.J. Martell Foundation’s 34-year history. Other honorees include: Humanitarian Award to Jon Luther, Spirit of Excellence Award to John Esposito and Lifetime Artistic Achievement Award to Bruce Lundvall.
The celebratory evening was of fund-raising, to support research for cures and treatments for leukemia, cancer and AIDS. The T.J. Martell Foundation was founded in 1975. T.J. Martell, son of music industry executive Tony Martell of Madison, was a young victim of leukemia, and before his death at 21, he convinced his father to promise he would raise $1 million to fight the disease. Since then, the foundation in T.J. Martell’s name has provided more than $225 million for research.

Kig Ind magazine[Denmark] featured Michael & the kids on the cover with the headline: Jackson - bornene i bilulykke [Jackson - children in car accident].

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Filed under  //   1972   1979   1983   1993   2000   2009  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1972 - Ben hit #1 on the Hot 100, where it spent a solitary week before Chuck Berry’s novelty smash My Ding-A-Ling toppled it.

1979 - The Jacksons perform Destiny tour in Pittsburgh[US].

1984 - The Jacksons perform at Comiskey Park in Chicago, Illinois [USA] attending 40,000.

1989 - Friday Night Videos features videos by the Greatest Artists Of The Decade and declare Michael Jackson the Greatest Video Artist Of The Decade.

1993 - Bravo magazine [Germany] featured Michael on the cover.

Filed under  //   1972   1979   1984   1989   1993  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1972 - The Jackson 5 perform for "Save The Children", a film theme of the 1972 "Black Exposition" and conducted by "Operation PUSH" ("People To Save Humanity").

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In honor of the Save The Children foundation, the Jackson 5 participate, with the greatest Black artists of the era, at the series of concerts given during 5 days at t annual event organized by the Reverend Jesse Jackson in Chicago. The Black PUSH Expo '72 benefit concert at the International Amphitheater in Chicago, IL at the PUSH Expo: Save the Children (2:00 pm show). The Jackson 5ive performing I Want You Back, ABC & I Wanna Be Where You Are.
The show was filmed and included in the concert movie double LP Save The Children includes the best moments: the event highlighting, among musical acts, footage of the city’s black population, their churches, schools, slums and playgrounds, and promoting the hope for an improved future, benefiting the children of Chicago, Illinois. It was released a few month later, in 1974, at Motown, which artists are widely represented.

1983 - The Jacksons sign boxing tycoon, Don King, as promoter of their forthcoming tour.


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When King contracted to stage the “Victory Tour” in 1984 he no doubt saw it as the first step to becoming the biggest promoter in the world of entertainment . “Thriller” had come out the year before, and Michael Jackson was the biggest name in show business. And King as the co-promoted the Victory Tour netted approximately $150 million.
According to Michael Jackson attorney Michael Branca, Michael did not want to be associated with King but went along with his participation due to pressure by his parents and his brothers.
Branca thought King wanted to use the tour as a "beachhead" to become a dominant music promoter.
King & The King: Don King with Michael Jackson. Instead of hanging in King's office, the photo of him with the King of Pop -- taken circa 1983 at Michael's house in Los Angeles -- is at King's home


1992 - Michael officially launched his Foundation in Bucharest, Romania.
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At "Teatrul de Revista Constantin Tanase" theater from Bucharest, Michael holds a press conference before his Dangerous concert there, discussing the Heal The World Foundation tenets in a press conference, before which a group of children sing "Heal The World" to him.
"I’m very happy to be here... in Romania, and (?) my concert live on HBO, and to help the children. Dear friends, ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Prime Minister. These children are as dear to me as all the children of the world. Today, I’ve had the opportunity to see the face of transformation and civilization. A moment like this means healing the world. We must heal the world and ourselves. We have to weave our life like a web, because we are part of this web. Out of negligence, we have contaminated and polluted our planet and, in exchange, we hurt ourselves. In the life songs of ages is the dance of our blood. The environment is an extension of our body and it gives the pulse of love, is the orchestra of universe’s symphony. It is music’s territory and enables us to rediscover our souls. Let’s rejoice together in love today, unity and conciliation. Let’s heal everybody and, thus, heal ourselves. Let us make a covenant with life and let us celebrate with joy a new world... and healed. Thank you... especially, to all the children of the world. I love you all. Thank you so much.. Thank you.."
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He also finances a playground for 500 homeless children there via Playday, in the amount of 10,000 dollars, and inaugurated by then Romanian President, Ion Iliescu. A portion of the proceeds from this concert is reported to have been directed to the Serbian refugees at the time. A press booklet distributed at the launch contained an interview with Michael, in which he described the Heal The World Foundation as 'an international foundation I have formed to formalise, focus and spearhead my activities and desires, to help improve conditions in our world... In order to heal the world, we must start by first healing our children.'

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Michael visits the "Leaganul De Copii Sfanta Ecaterina" care facility and its children, in Bucharest, Romania, on a halt from his "Dangerous" tour. He spends quite a large amount of time in the orphanage, where 5-year old Alice, whose mother was an employee at the facility, gives to a gracious Jackson a drawing and photo album created by the home's children, which he patiently browses.

During his stay in Bucharest, he also takes time to visit the Snagov Monastery, built by Vlad Tepes, the so-called Dracula; he requests privacy, and spends 6 hours inside, reportedly, in order to pray and explore the building, but agrees to sign an autograph for one of the female journalists waiting outside.

1996 - Michael performs HIStory tour at Amsterdam Arena in Amsterdam [The Netherlands] attending 50,000 fans.

1999 - Glucks Post magazine(Austria) featured MJ on the cover.

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2000 - Michael sells his merchandising rights to Dieter Wiesner who creates MJ NET Entertainment.
Filed under  //   1972   1983   1992   1996   1999   2000  

On Michael's Birthday

1958 - Michael Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana, on a late summer night on August 29, 1958; the seventh of nine children. Father Joe Jackson was born in Arkansas. In 1949 Joe married Katherine Scruse, whose people are from Alabama.

In her book My Family Jacksons Katherine speaks about Michael's birth:

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"My experience with Marlon and Brandon didn’t dissuade me from getting pregnant again. The following year August 29, I gave birth to another boy.

I remember that day well... my neighbor Mildred White and I were driving over to see the new grammar school under construction, Garnett Elementary. At my request Mildred drove me home. I called my mother and she and my stepfather drove me to Mercy Hospital.

Shortly after I got there, I began having contractions. Later that night, my son was born.

'I want to name him,' my mother said. I hated her first suggestion: Ronald.

'How about Roy, then?'

'Oh, my gosh, Mama, no.'

She thought for a little while. 'I’ve got it -- Michael.'

'That’s it,' I said.

By then I was used to seeing my babies born with funny looking heads, so I wasn’t alarmed by Michael’s. The two other things I remember about him as I held him in my arms for the first time were his big brown eyes and his long hands, which reminded me of my father-in-law’s."

1965 - On Michael's seventh birthday, he and his brothers performed at a fashion show held at Big Top department store in Gary, Indiana.

Evelyn Lahaie, the woman who owned the modeling school that was hosting the show, booked the band, but told Joseph Jackson that the name "The Jackson Brothers" sounded too ordinary, and suggested he change it to "The Jackson Five". It was with this gig that the band first played under their new name.

1972 - The Jackson 5ive perform at Honolulu International Center Arena in Hawaii.

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1979 - Michael Jackson turned 21. His management contract with his father’s company, Joseph Jackson Productions, lapsed and was not renewed. Michael wanted to take full control of his music and business affairs and he hired his own accountants, lawyers and management. Weisner and DeMann were signed on as Michael’s personal management.

1988 - Michael performed on his 30th birthday at Leeds, England, where 92,000 adoring fans sang him "Happy Birthday".
Michael turned 30 years and 92,000 fans packed into Roundhey Park in Leeds celebrated by singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to him. Overhead, a plane circled, a huge ‘Happy Birthday Michael’ banner in its wake.

After the concert, Michael donated $1.3 million grossings to "Give For Life", a British charity in Leeds, England, aiming to raise towards an immunisation programme for 40,000 children. He also presents a check for 65,000 pounds to the mentioned charity-organization.

1992 - Michael spends his 34th birthday in Regensburg at the castle of Princess Gloria Von Thurn And Taxis.

1993 - In Singapore, a 47,000 strong sell-out crowd sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to Michael following the opening number Jam. It was his 35th birthday and Michael, pointing to band members for their cheeky ploy, was clearly embarrassed.
But – dominating front pages headlines around the world for all the wrong reasons – Michael must have been far from happy.

1997 - Jackson performed at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen, Denmark on his 39th birthday with 50,000 fans. He was presented with a surprise birthday cake, marching band, and fireworks on stage before the Jackson 5 Medley. A concert was supposed to take place on August 7 in Ljubljana, Slovenia, but was cancelled due to poor ticket sales, the only concert that was cancelled during the tour.

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Michael Jackson Private Home Movies:

MJ:One of the best moments is right here. It’s right in the middle of the show and ...it’s my birthday and I’m thousands of miles away from my family.

When they surprised me with the full marching band and then they brought out this huge, beautiful birthday cake...

(Happy Birthday is performed by the band)

MJ: I realized that I’ve got family all over the world. Everywhere I go, because my fans really show me the love and I love them just as much♥

MJ: (wiping his face) This is wonderful. Thank you so much♥

2002 - News broke that Michael is singing back-up on Monica's new album [same titled first single] "All Eyez On Me".

Michael Jackson was presented a massive birthday cake at the MTV Video Music Awards. Britney Spears presented the gifts to Jackson. At the MTV Video Music Awards, which took place at the Radio City Music Hall in New York on August 29, Michael Jackson received a special award. At the beginning of the MTV show, singer Britney Spears came on stage to present the award. As it was Michael Jackson's birthday there was a huge four-layer cake, white with black musical notes and silver stars positioned in the back. The award, a silver treble clef, was on the table with the cake.

Britney Spears started with the following words:

"I am thrilled to be here with you in New York on such a special night. And it's more special because it just so happens to be someone special's birthday. This is someone who's inspired me and just about everyone in this room and the world. I consider him the artist of the millennium. He's a true innovator who pioneered the true art of music video, broke down countless barriers and sold more records than any other artist along the way. So, happy birthday my friend, the King Of Pop."
Then Michael came on stage to the intro to Billie Jean and received a standing ovation from the audience. Wearing black pants, a red top with applications and white/golden knee pads, his hair was shoulder length and straight. He was smiling and looked very happy.

Michael hugged Britney Spears, took the award from the table with the cake and walked to the microphone for his acceptance speech:

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"Well...um...God Bless you. Um...I love you too [to the fans yelling at him]. Thank you very much, Britney Spears you're wonderful. If... when I was a little boy in Indiana, if someone had told me... if someone had told me that one day I would be getting, as a musician, the 'Artist Of The Millennium' award I wouldn't have believed it [laughs]. This is really amazing. I can't believe it. Thank you so very much.
But there's a couple of people I have to thank who made this possible [he reaches into his pocket for a piece of paper, and unfolds it]. First I'd like to thank God who makes all things possible. My mother, Joseph Jackson, Katherine Jackson, Trudy Green, Howard Koffman, the genius of John McClain, John Brenka, Berry Gordy, Diana Ross, Gladys Knight, Quincy Jones, I love you. David Blaine your magic is real and I believe in you. And I'd like to thank... I think James Brown is a genius. And all the fans around the world, I love you. God bless you. Thank you."

Then Michael made the peace sign, took the award, looked again at the cake and exited the stage.

Controversy

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The same night there was a controversy as to whether or not MTV actually gave Jackson an award. MTV promised to honor Jackson by presenting him with a new, special award. Jackson showed up, helping to boost their ratings, while MTV later made a mockery of the entire event, when higher-ups had MTV pull the award to teach Jackson a lesson--this happened during the big falling out Jackson had with Sony Music.

MTV pretended like Jackson went up on stage and gave himself an award, or had a "misunderstanding" of how he was being honored that night; his birthday by the way.

But apparently nobody warned to the guys running MTV's website that the award had been yanked or that Jackson was being made a fool out of because they posted the information about the Artist of the Millennium Award on MTV's site that night: "Michael Jackson's unprecedented Artist of the Millenium award!".

The next year MTV show, the presenters Fred Durst & Jack Black participated in a disgusting -- and rather unfunny actually -- parody of the event where he mocked Jackson, with Durst stating that Black was the "funniest man alive."
In 2009, MTV retconned that he had indeed been honored with the Artist of the Millennium Award.
Years after denying it and making hateful jokes about it, someone at MTV is apparently trying to come clean by admitting -- in a nondirect, cowardly way -- that the Michael Jackson did receive the "Artist of the Millennium" award in 2002.

The caption (see screenshot) underneath a picture of Michael Jackson that night reads: "Britney Spears presents Michael Jackson with the Artist of the Millennium Award at the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards".

Now after Jackson's gone, along with the subsequent outing of MTV as a racist network in the 80s for refusing to play black videos before Jackson broke through, apparently they are a little less tight lipped with the truth.

At the 2009 Video Music Awards ceremony, MTV even made a tribute show to honor Michael Jackson.

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After Madonna[rather unqualified for that task] opened the show talking about her experiences with Michael Jackson, the Michael Jackson tribute commenced, including Janet Jackson performing the duet "Scream" the duet she and Michael recorded together in 1995. Janet matched footage of brother’s dancing in the music video move-for-move as it played on a screen behind her. The show closed with a sneak preview of Michael Jackson's "This Is It" documentary movie.

MTV's sudden realization of the power of Michael Jackson came too late... 7 years too late :(

Source: MJeol

2008 - Michael gives an interview by phone to "Good Morning America" from his home in California with Chris Connelly.

Facing a personal milestone that finds many people looking back, Jackson is focused on the future, which he thinks is brighter then ever.

MJ: I am still looking forward to doing a lot of great things, so that's hard....I think the best is yet to come in my true humble opinion.

His every appearance setting off a frenzy of fan adulation, his every performance a jaw dropping marvel like when he first busted out the moonwalk.
Decades later it's fair to wonder can Michael Jackson still do all that at the age of 50? Oh yes he can, he says!

MJ: Yes!! Because I am expanding a lot of the avenues... People see some of the things I do and they say why don't you show this to the world. People don't know you do these things! Well, maybe I will.

And he says he wants to give his kids the kind of childhood he never had.

Chris: Would you like them to have the same kind of upbringing you did in terms of getting into show business at an early age? Or do you want to say to them whoa, take a moment, enjoy your childhood?
MJ: I am letting them enjoy their childhood as much as possible. I really do. I let them go to the arcade and get out and go to the movies and do things.
I think that comes naturally, you know. I want them to get to do the things I didn't get to do.

Chris: It must mean a lot for your kids to be able to do the things that you weren't able to do, huh?
MJ: Yeah, I get pretty emotional when I see them having a wonderful time.
When they are on a ride and they are screaming and they are happy and they are running. It makes me emotional.

Filed under  //   1958   1965   1972   1979   1988   1992   1993   1997   2002   2008  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1971 - The Jackson Five’s ABC album rules the Billboard R&B chart summit, one of three LPs by the group that spend a total 31 weeks at the top in 1971.

1972 - The Jackson 5 single "Lookin' Through The Windows" hit #16 in the U.S. Lookin' Through the Windows was the title track as well as the second single off J5's fifth studio album on Motown. The album would go on to sell 3.5 million copies worldwide while the single went to number five in R&B.

Single Details:
Composed by: Clifton Davis
Lead Vocals : Michael Jackson
Background Vocals : The Jackson 5
Arranged by John Bahler & James Carmichael
Vocal Arrangement : John Bahler
Produced by Hal Davis
Executive Producer : Berry Gordy
Recorded at the Motown Recording Studio, Los Angeles, California.

US single released June 23, 1972
# 5 RNB, #16 Pop, #9 UK
Sales : 1 534 827 (World), 581 426 (USA)

Lyrics
Lookin' through the windows
The window to your heart
Oh baby, yeah
I can see it's cloudy
The rain's about to start

Lookin' through the windows
It seems I caused your fears
And that little doubt, girl
And now it's bringing tears

Just remember whatever makes you feel that way
Don't you worry 'cause I'm gonna stay
Right by your side
To keep on lookin' through the windows
Lookin' in your eyes

Looking through the windows
Seems like the only way, yeah
I can't know your feelings
If you still love me today

Just remember whatever makes you feel that way
Don't you worry 'cause I'm gonna stay
Right by your side
To keep on lookin' through the windows
Lookin' in your eyes


All Music Review: Starting with the arresting strings-dominated accents that are similar to the ones found on the ending riffing section of Issac Hayes' "Shaft," the Jackson 5's "Lookin' Through the Windows" stands as one of the group's most intricately arranged sides, robust with striking vocal harmonies, dazzling counterpoint, and energetic time changes. The title refers to the lyrical theme which revolves around the "eyes are the windows to the soul." The song was written by Clifton Davis who also wrote their airy 1971 number one R&B hit "Never Can Say Goodbye."
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Also on the same day, Michael perform at the 1972 Forum show, Saturday night, August 26, 1972, Michael was three days from his 14th birthday. Motown had launched him as a solo artist the year before and he already had three hit singles on his own; by this concert “Ben” was the current release. He gets a significant solo spot in the show, made all the sweeter with his brothers’ harmonies backing him up on each song.

This spectacular version of “Got To Be There” is one of six solo MJ songs perform live at the forum. Man, he gets up there strong.
Source: j5live.tumblr.com

1981 - The Jacksons perform Triumph tour at Milwaukee Arena, Milwaukee, USA.

1984 - The Jacksons perform Victory tour at Rich Stadium, Buffalo, New York, attending 47,000 fans.

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1988 - Michael perform the 6th of seven sold out Wembley shows of the Bad tour at Wembley Stadium, London, England.

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1992 - Michael perform Dangerous World tour at Prater Stadium, Vienna, Austria attending 50,000 fans.

1993 - The scheduled concert on the 25th in Thailand, during the Asian leg of the Dangerous tour, was cancelled and rescheduled for the 26th. The concert was again cancelled because Jackson had not fully recovered from dehydration and stress pertaining to the allegations. Jackson released an audio-taped message to his fans saying "I promise all my fans to perform at the National Stadium in Bangkok on August 27. I will see you Friday. I love you all."

1997 - Michael perform HIStory World tour at Olympic Stadium, Helsinki, Finland.

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2003 - It was announced the Michael Jackson would open his Neverland Ranch to people for a "once in a lifetime" event for $5,000. The invited guests would get a tour of the grounds and eat two meals on September 13.

Filed under  //   1971   1972   1981   1984   1988   1992   1993   1997   2003  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1972 - Michael's single Ben entered Hot R&B Chart.
The song was released on Aug 05

1974 – Michael Jackson was guest host at Tonight Show with Bill Cosby. He performed the "Dancing Machine".



1984 - The Jacksons perform Victory Tour at the Pontiac Silverdome in Detroit, Michigan attending 47,900.

1997 - Michael performs HIStory world tour at Valle Hovin stadium, Oslo, Norway.

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Blood on the Dance Floor was taken off the set list for HIStory Tour after this concert.

Filed under  //   1972   1974   1984   1997  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1967 - Jackson 5 at the Apollo.
Having toured the "chitlin’ circuit" of strip bars and nightclubs around the mid-west, the Jackson Five legend began to take hold on the east coast when the group won the Amateur Night Showdown at Harlem’s famous Apollo theater on August 13, 1967.

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In August 1967, The Jackson 5 performed at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem for their amateur night. The Apollo’s amateur night audience was known to performers as the toughest audience around. Many performers had been discovered here and it was an important night for the young group. After their set, The Jackson 5 won first prize and brought the house down.

After winning a talent contest at Beckman Junior High in Gary, Gordon Keith of Steeltown Records asked The Jackson 5 to sign a contract with his label. It was their first official recording contract and The Jackson 5 immediately began recording. Their first single was released in late 1967, called “Big Boy”. Although it never charted, it became a big regional hit.

The group impressed Motown artist Gladys Knight so much that she recommended them to label boss Berry Gordy. However, already weary from the complications of handling child star Stevie Wonder, he passed on even hearing them for consideration.

1971 – The Jackson 5ive perform their First National Tour at Kansas City - Missouri / Municipal Auditorium.

1972 – The Jackson 5ive perform their First National Tour at Charleston, Virginia.

1992 – Michael Jackson performed his Dangerous World Tour in Hameln, Germany, attending 25000 at Weserbergland Stadium. By Weserberglandstadion they made a special transmission to support the event.

Michael Jackson's maxi single for "Jam" was released.

1999 - MJJ Productions has confirmed that Michael will give a press conference on August 29, to announce his millennium concerts. The exact location and time of the conference will be announced soon.

2001 - From August 13-21, 2001 - Michael shoots the You Rock My World 13-minute short film in Los Angeles directed by Paul Hunter and featuring Chris Tucker and a special appearance by Marlon Brando.

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After Robert DeNiro turned Michael down to star in his newest video for You Rock My World, Michael turned to Brando, who was a longtime close friend of the entertainer and paid regular visits to his Neverland Ranch, resting there for weeks at a time. Brando also participated in the singer's two-day solo career 30th-anniversary celebration concerts in 2001, and gave a speech to the audience on humanitarian work. The actor's son, Miko, was Michael's bodyguard and assistant for several years, and was a friend of the singer. He stated "The last time my father left his house to go anywhere, to spend any kind of time... was with Michael Jackson. He loved it... He had a 24-hour chef, 24-hour security, 24-hour help, 24-hour kitchen, 24-hour maid service."

The Jackson brothers convened in Los Angeles to begin rehearsing for the two tribute concerts at Madison Square Garden, New York in September.

2003 – Some picture taken from Dr. Farschian (a doctor who healed Michael Jackson after spider bite) were avaiable on the doctor's website: the picture speak for themeself and show how sever is the vitiligo skin disease on Michael’s body.

Usher, who performed at Michael's '30th Anniversary Special', is due to attend the birthday party along with Slash and Bret Ratner, banning any sudden changes to their schedules.

Filed under  //   1967   1971   1972   1992   1999   2001   2003  

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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Filed under  //   1972   1973   1984   1992   1994  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1968 - The Jackson 5 opened for Motown acts Gladys Knight & the Pips and Bobby Taylor & the Vancouvers at Chicago's Regal Theater, during the summer of 1968. The brothers caught Knight's attention, whereby she tried to get Motown brass to come to Chicago to see the boys. Taylor was also very impressed with the boys, and he decided to make the commitment to bring them to Detroit and Motown. Joseph and The Jackson 5 stayed on the floor of Bobby Taylor's Detroit apartment the night of July 22, while Taylor and Motown executive Suzanne de Passe arranged for the Jackson 5 to audition for the label.
The group is invited to perform on the David Frost Show in New York but Joe cancels their TV debut when Bobby Taylor asks them to come to a Detroit studio to make an audition for Motown executives Suzanne DePasse and Ralph Seltzer, and other company staff.

1972 - Concert in Dallas (Texas)

1973 – Concert at the Madison Square Garden of New York City

1981 – The Jacksons give a special benefit concert for the Atlanta Children's Foundation at the Omni Auditorium in Atlanta, Georgia.

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They raise 100,000 dollars for the charity, subsequently to lengthy episodes of Black youth disappearances and murders in the mentioned city. Speaking on behalf of himself and his brothers, Michael Jackson reveals, "We Are doing this because we care". LeBaron Taylor, vise president and general manager of Divisional Affairs for CBS Records, distributor of Epic Efforts for whom the Jacksons record, and coordinator of the special event comments, "We are pleased that The Jacksons have scheduled this special performance for such a worthy cause".

1988 – Mickey Mouse & Donald Duck present Michael with a pair of specially engraved ice skates backstage before his fourth concert in Wembley (London, UK).

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Michael soldout Wembley Stadium on the 14th, 15th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd July, 26th & 27th August – a stadium record 504,000 people!
Michael's band members speak of the excitement of playing London's Wembley Stadium. Frank Dileo adds,
"Playing Wembley is one of the biggest honors any artist could have. It's a status symbol within artists themselves, whether or not they can sell out Wembley Stadium, and of course Michael set a new record. He sold it out 7 times. You can't get any bigger than that."

1989 – Michael Jackson’s Liberian Girl hit #13 in the U.K, eventually the single went to number one in the UK. and become his 9th Top 30 hit from album–yet another record!


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Liberian Girl was released in July 1989, prior to shutting down the Bad album campaign as the 9th and final single. The song was dedicated to Michael’s good friend, Elizabeth Taylor. The promo directed by Jim Yukich was a real star-studded affair, starring thirty-five of Michael’s celebrity friends: Bubbles, Quincy Jones, Steven Spielberg, Whoopi Goldberg, Olivia Newton-John, John Travolta, Weird Al Yankovic, Billy Dee Williams, Dan Aykroyd, Jackie Collins, Don King, Paula Abdul, Lou ‘The Incredible Hulk’ Ferrigno, Debbie Gibson & David Copperfield; who wait on the set for Michael to film the music video, only to discover he is behind the camera, filming them all along.

1992 - Michael Jackson performs Dangerous World Tour in Werchter, Belgium, at Festival Ground Stadium, attending 40,000.
Filed under  //   1968   1972   1973   1981   1988   1989   1992  

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