Today in MJJ HIStory

1969 - The Jackson 5's debut single for Motown, I Want You Back, was officially released on October 7, 1969, and would become the first of four number one hit singles in a row. A lively and deceptively sophisticated pop tune, Michael's performance was strong and memorable, guaranteed to charm the most reluctant audience.

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I Want You Back was produced and written by Berry Gordy’s new writing team, The Corporation™ (made up of Berry Gordy, Freddie Perren, Alphonzo Mizell and Deke Richards). It was The Jackson 5’s first song recorded at Motown’s L.A. studios and originally intended for Gladys Knight.

The song became a massive hit — thanks in large part to the quintet's pint-sized dynamo of a lead singer, then 11 years old Michael. the song hit #1 spot on both Hot 100 & R&B charts as the group's first of four #1 hit singles in a row. It peaked #2 in the UK, earning the J5 their first Platinum record as well the Silver Award. The single sold over 6 million copies globally, a key force in driving their total worldwide sales past 90 million.

Accolades:
  • In 1999, I Want You Back became the first Jackson 5 single inducted into the "Grammy Hall of Fame".
  • In MTV’s millennium poll, I Want You Back was voted the #9 'Greatest Pop Song of all time'.
  • In 1999, I Want You Back ranks #9 on Rolling Stone's list of the '100 Greatest Pop Songs since 1963'
  • In 2006, I Want You Back ranked at #2 on Pitchfork Media's list of the '200 Greatest Songs of the 1960s'
  • In June 2009, The Daily Telegraph named I Want You Back as the Greatest Pop Record of all time.

1971 - Michael’s first ever solo single, Got To Be There, was released on October 7, 1971, in advance of his debut solo album of the same name, which would come out early the following year.

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The single made #4 on both the Hot 100 and R&B chart, and sold an impressive 1.6 million copies in U.S. It also hit #3 in neighbouring Canada and #5 in the UK. By this time, Michael had eight chart topping singles and six albums with his brothers.

Got To Be There was originally intended for the Supremes, then was planned as a Jackson 5 release. Indeed, Michael’s brothers do feature on backing vocals, as they would continue to do on
many songs credited to Michael alone. It was a soulful love song that showed off thirteen year old Michael’s amazing vocal ability.

Got To Be There: The album had a beautiful mix of ballads and up tempo numbers perfectly suited to Michael’s range and style. Young Michael had shown that he could carry a full album all on his own. The album charted at number 14 in the US and number 37 in the UK. “Got To Be There” generated 3 more singles. “Rockin’ Robin” hit number 2 in the US and number 3 in the UK. “I Wanna Be Where You Are” hit number 16 in the US and “Ain’t No Sunshine” was a European only release that reached number 8 in the UK.
In releasing it, Michael broke a Motown tradition, as he became the first Motown artist to go solo whilst still an active member of a group (Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson and David Ruffin all had to leave their respective groups before becoming solo artists).

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

1984 - The Jacksons perform Victory tour at Canadian National Exhibition Stadium in Toronto, Ontario [Canada] attending 35,000.

1993 - Michel arrives in Buenos Aires with Frank & Eddie.

1995 - Michael graced the popular German Game show Wetten Dass? (Wanna Bet?) with his live appearance.

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In addition to his immaculate Dangerous routine, executed with the same precision and finesse as at the MTV Music Video Awards in September, Michael also performed Earth Song in public for the first time, a real coup for Wetten Dass?
When aired on November 04th, the show attracted 18 million viewers, breaking German viewing records with 25 million tuning in to watch Michael’s guest spot – far and away the highest German TV audience of 1995.

1996 Michael played a historic concert at El Menzah Stadium before 60,000 people in Tunis, capital of Tunisia. The performance marked the first time Jackson performed in the continent of Africa. Four days prior to the concert, speaking via Kingdom International, Michael said:
This concert will be of special significance for me because it will be my first in Africa and the Arab world. The people and nations of both regions have always held a special place in my heart and I always wanted to perform for them.
Michael further announced all proceeds from the concert would be donated to The National Solidarity Fund, a Tunisian charity dedicated to fighting poverty.

This concert was aired on September 18, 2010 by the Nessma TV channel in Tunisia. Before then, only parts of this concert were shown on television as well as a very poor quality amateur-filmed far from the stage. The broadcast ended at "Heal The World", cutting off the final number, "HIStory". The quality of the broadcast was rather average as the entire concert was on a VHS, and a red ball (Nessma TV's logo) occasionally rolled across the screen as a means of copyright protection. The concert broadcasted twice, with the red ball appearing in different places in both broadcasts.

2005 - Michael is at The Power House Studios, working on a charity song, From The Bottom Of My Heart, to help the victims of hurricane Katrina.

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The working title of the Hurricane relief song penned by Michael is, "From the Bottom of My Heart," which was supposed to be released on 2 Seas Records, owned by Prince Abdullah Hamad Alkhalifa of Bahrain.

Fundraising Project titled: "From the Gulf to the Gulf" is in response to the widespread devastation brought by Hurricane Katrina, and because of the human suffering taking place in the Gulf Region of his country.

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"It pains me to watch the human suffering taking place in the Gulf Region of my country. My heart and prayers go out to every individual who has had to endure the pain and suffering caused by this tragedy. I will be reaching out to others within the music industry, to join me in helping to bring relief and hope to these resilient people who have lost everything." Michael said.
Within 24 hrs from the devastation, Mr. Jackson penned the song and has reach out to artists who would like to work with him in this project, some of the enlisted celebrity friends, including R. Kelly, Ciara, Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z, James Brown, Mariah Carey and Mary J. Blige, which he humbly hopes will make a tremendous difference to all individuals who have been affected by this tragedy.
Filed under  //   1969   1971   1979   1984   1993   1995   1996   2005  

Today in MJJ HIStory

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

1984 - The Jacksons perform Victory tour at Canadian National Exhibition Stadium in Toronto, Ontario [Canada] attending 35,000.

1988 - Michael performs BAD tour at Meadowlands Arena in East Rutherford [US].

1991 - Elizabeth Taylor marries for the 8th time to a construction worker, Larry Fortensky, who was twenty years younger than her, in a fairytale ceremony held on Michael's private paradise Neverland in Los Olivos, CA.

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Liz dressed in canary yellow in a gown created for her by Valentino. Michael pays for everything and gives the bride away in the ceremony, one of the most expensive wedding, reportedly cost $2 million. Many celebrities attend the wedding including Nancy Reagan, Eddie Murphy, and Liza Minelli.

The wedding was briefly interrupted by a skydiving gate-crasher. During the event, one guest allegedly smuggled in a camera with fiber-optic lenses as small as hatpins. Shutterbugs dangling from helicopters above the scene wielded Leicas kept steady by hand-held gyroscopes. And that sky diver who landed just feet away from the bride and groom was wearing a videocam helmet.

People magazine reportedly paid $1 million for exclusive access to the 1991 wedding and Liz donated the monies to AIDS research.

Coined as the wedding of the year, and for the actress who promises this will be the last time, lasted till 31 October, 1996, when the couple had divorced.

1992 - Katepiva magazine[Greece] featured Michael on their cover.

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1996 - Michael arrives in Tunis, Tunisia, where he is welcomed by hundreds of fans, where he spends 3 days to perform a concert on October 7.

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Omer Bhatti, a Norwegian aspiring singer, met Michael for the first time during his stay in Tunis. While visiting an uncle, Omer, dressed like his idol, Michael Jackson, was introduced to him. Michael befriends the young Norwegian fan that he decides to take on tour with him. Subsequently, Bhatti and his family lived with Michael for some time, his mother Pia Bhatti was Prince Michael Jackson I’s nanny. Born in 1984 to Pia and Humayoun Shahzad (Riz) Bhatti, Omer become one of the Michael Jackson’s protegees and has been rumored to be his son. Omer had denied being Michael's love child, and insists the star was not his father, but he is more like a father.

1997 - Michael performs second HIStory concert at Greenpoint Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa attending 25,000.
Filed under  //   1979   1984   1988   1992   1996   1997  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1975 - Michael performed solos of Forever Came Today, All I Do Is Think Of You, One Day In Your Life, Just A Little Bit Of You & We've Got Forever at the 5th episode of the season 4 of Soul Train Show.

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On January 27th, 2010, Sony Pictures Entertainment released the official DVD, Michael Jackson In Soul Train which contain appearances by the King Of Pop(including the J5 and Jacksons) during the Soul Train TV(shows and award shows) between 1972 and 1995. It include a 24 pages booklet. This zone 2 DVD is released in Japan only.

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

1984 - The Jacksons perform Victory tour at Canadian National Exhibition Stadium in Toronto, Ontario [Canada] attending 35,000.

1992 - Michael Jackson visited a doctor about his throat problems. He later flew to Los Angeles and cancelled the last six dates of his European tour.

2005 - Michael is at the Dorchester Hotel in London with Grace, Prince, Paris, Blanket, Raymone, attorney Thomas Mesereau & Crown Prince of Bahrain, Prince Abdullah.

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It all started with rumors that Michael Jackson would come to London and ended with the dreams of some fans coming true - to see Michael Jackson.
No confirmation regarding Michael Jackson being in London was ever released, but that didn’t stop fans from gathering outside the very expensive Dorchester Hotel. Raymone Bain was spotted there with Grace Rwamba (the nanny of Michael’s children).
But even more interesting are two more people new to the crowd: Atlanta music business attorney Joel Katz and Island/DefJam Records chairman Antonio L.A. Reid. Sources say that Katz has come to represent the Prince in a deal that would fund a record label for Jackson at Island/DefJam’s parent, Universal Music Group.
Not a lot of fans were outside the hotel during the day but as the rumors about Michael being in London seemed to become more and more truthful, the crowd started to grow.
One person, who works at the Dorchester hotel in central London, said to the fans that Michael Jackson was indeed there with his children this week. They also said to the fans that Michael would come out soon and possibly be ready to meet his fans.
Later in the day barriers were built outside the hotel, causing some movement amongst the fans.
More fans arrived and started to gathering where no barrier was in place. People from security tried to keep fans behind the barriers by saying; if fans crossed the barrier they would be arrested.
When Michael wanted to come out to greet his fans, he was mobbed by 100s of fans and was pushed back inside as soon as he left the hotel.
After Michael managed to leave the hotel, fans went to the Metropolice Record Studio and waited for Michael there. When Michael arrived he got on top of his car allowing everybody to see him. Once again Michael Jackson was mobbed by the crowd of fans.
Reporters said Michael will stay in London till Friday 3am.
Source: eMJey

2008 - A huge comic book collector, Michael brought his three kids for a comic book shopping spree at Golden Apple comic book store on Melrose Avenue (Los Angeles) that resulted in piles of comic purchases.

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Halloween comes early as the singer took his three children - Prince Michael, 11, Paris, ten, and Prince Michael II, six - shopping this week dressed as masked Halloween characters.
The family, who are rarely seen in public, browsed a comic book store together after slipping in through a back door. Michael was in a surgical mask, giant black sunglasses and a hooded jumper during the entire outing.
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But, the children removed their masked once inside the store, giving onlookers a rare glimpse at their faces. Prince Michael wore cream shorts, white trainers and a black hooded jacket on the outing while sister Paris wore a red jumper, shirt and black trousers. Jackson's third child Prince Michael II, pictured with long black hair, green pyjamas and a dark coat.

Michael has moved back to California (staying at the Bel Air Hotel in L.A) and is looking for a new place to rent.

Filed under  //   1975   1979   1984   1992   2005   2008  

Today in MJJ HIStory

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

1983 - Say Say Say, humorous short firm directed by Bob Giraldi, filmed between 4th and 7th October.

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The short film featured 'Mac & Jack' as travelling salesmen-cum-vaudeville artists, and co-starred Paul's wife Linda, Michael's sister La Toya, and Mr T (from The A Team), To accommodate Jackson's busy schedule, McCartney flew in specially for filming the video at Los Olivos in the Santa Ynez Valley, California; that was the first time Michael Jackson saw the Santa Ynez Valley Ranch and he feel in love with it and bought Neverland shortly afterward. The video cost $500,000 to produce.

In the short film, Mac and Jack sell a "miracle potion". The salesman (McCartney) offers Jackson the potion, and claims that it is "guaranteed to give you the strength of a raging bull". Jackson drinks the potion and challenges a large man to arm wrestle. Unbeknownst to a watching crowd, the man—along with Linda—is also in on the scam.

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After Jackson wins the rigged contest, the crowd of people surge forward and buy the potion. Mac and Jack then donate all of the money earned from the scam to an orphanage. Later, while in a hotel, Jackson enters the bathroom as McCartney shaves. The latter playfully dabs shaving foam on Jackson's cheek, despite the fact that the younger man does not need a shave. After this scene, McCartney and Jackson star as vaudeville performers who sing and dance at a bar. On stage, the duo appear in clown makeup at one point and quickly go through a number of costume changes. Jackson's love interest, with whom he flirts, was played by his sister La Toya. The video ends with Paul, Linda and Michael as drive they off into the sunset. La Toya, who was handed a bunch of flowers by McCartney, is left at the roadside.

1987 - Michael performs BAD tour at Yokohama Stadium in Yokohama, Japan.

1988 - Michael performs BAD tour at Meadowlands Arena in East Rutherford [US].

1992 - Epsilon magazine[Greece] featured Michael on their cover.

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1996 - Michael attends a performance of one of his favorite musicals, Lionel Bart's 'Oliver' at the Palladium Theatre, London and poses with cast members. He is in London to work on the "Ghost" soundtrack.

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1997 - Michael performs the first of five HIStory concert at Green Point Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa attending 25,000.

2000 - News broke that Michael has finished recording the new album and that the album is now in mixing stage. Michael Jackson and engineer Bruce Swedien hope to be done with this crucial and final artistic stage by late January 2001. Provided everything goes in accordance with this working schedule, the new album could exit the mastering stage in the Spring of 2001 and be ready for a release early in the Summer of 2001.

Filed under  //   1979   1983   1987   1988   1992   1996   1997   2000  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1977 - The Wiz rehearsals began in New York City.

1979 - The Jacksons perform Destiny tour in New Orleans, United States.

1983 - Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney's single "Say, Say, Say/Ode To A Koala Bear" was released in the United Kingdom.

The song was produced by George Martin for McCartney's 5th solo album, Pipes of Peace, became MJ's 7th top 10 hit inside a year. It was a #1 hit in the U.S., Norway, and Sweden, reached #2 in the U.K., and peaked within the top 10 in Australia, Austria, New Zealand, the Netherlands and Switzerland.

Certified platinum by the RIAA, the song was promoted with a music video directed by Bob Giraldi. The video, filmed in Santa Ynez Valley, California, featured cameo appearances by Linda McCartney and La Toya Jackson. The short film centers around two con artists called "Mac and Jack" (played by McCartney and Jackson), and is credited for the introduction of dialogue and storyline to music videos.

1987 - Michael performs BAD tour at Yokohama Stadium in Yokohama, Japan.

Issue: 20 of Oor magazine [Netherlands] featured Michael on their cover.

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Issue: 40 of Hitkrant magazine [Netherlands] featured Michael on their cover.

1988 - Michael performs BAD tour at Meadowlands Arena in East Rutherford [US].

1990 - Smash Hits magazine[United Kingdom] featured Michael on the cover with the story: A Day Round Michael Jackson's House!!

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1995 - Michael arrives in London to complete work on the soundtrack for the Ghosts Short film.

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1996 - In Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Michael visits hospitals "Ronald McDonald House" and "AMC", interacts with the patients and distributes toys and other presents to them. A unit from one of the hospitals (for parents who want to be with their children) is named after Jackson.

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2007 - Michael's issue of L'Uomo Vogue Magazine hit the newstands in Italy.

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Filed under  //   1977   1979   1983   1987   1988   1990   1995   1996   2007  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1979 - The second leg of the Jacksons' Destiny tour began in New Orleans, Louisiana, while Off The Wall was climbing up the charts, and songs from the new album were added to the set list to keep the show up to date.

1993 – Michael perform Dangerous concert in Izmir, Turkey.

1996 - Michael performs third and the final HIStory concert at Amsterdam Arena in Amsterdam, Netherlands attending 68,000.

Mystery - A new official Michael Jackson product - a soft drink - was launched.

The fizzy fruit drink carrying the byline "fresh - cool - magic" is called "Mystery", and will be sold on the tour and to retail outlets. "Mystery" is described as an "energy" drink made from fruit and plant extracts and vitamins and minerals.

The fizzy fruit drink comes in a 250ml can bearing an image of the HIStory statue. Mystery is delicious, healthy & vitalizing isotonic mineral drink, made from fruit extracts, vitamins & minerals; was available at the HIStory World Tour.

It is refreshing, fruity; with a touch of fresh peaches gets its unique pink colour.
The King of Pop himself had a hand in its high-quality recipe to make sure there's nothing artificial in it! With help from german business man Dieter Wiesner who was introduced to Michael by his longtome bodyguard Wayne Nagin.

Mystery contains ingredients like Vitamin C and other vital vitamins as well as calcium and magnesium, altogether giving it a wonderful taste. Through pure substances Mystery has become the ideal basic drink which can mix with other drinks to create exciting new tastes.

It does contain 1.7% juice along with Water, CO₂, Saccharose, Citric Acid, Peach Juice Concentrate, Calcium Lactate, Fruit Tea Extract, Magnesium Carbonate, Guarana Extract, Caffeine & Flavouring. There was a vitamin mix in here too, with Vitamin C, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B6, Thiamin (VIT B1), Bio-tin, Vitamin B12, Calcium & Magnesium.

Pop Rocky magazine[Germany] featured Michael on the cover.

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Filed under  //   1979   1993   1996  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1971 - Goin' Back to Indiana, a live/soundtrack album by The Jackson 5 for Motown Records, was released.

The album features tracks from J5's September 16, 1971 ABC TV special of the same name. It also featured tracks recorded by the J5 during their May 29 "homecoming" concert in Gary, Indiana (hence, both the show title and name of 1970 song that appeared on Third Album). The album went on to sell 2.6 million copies worldwide and reached #5 in R & B, and #15 overall in Billboard.

The album contains new versions of I Want You Back and Maybe Tomorrow, the second part of the album features a live performance of the Jackson 5, so-called performance recorded during their visit to Gary, May 29, 1971.
*Serious doubts are regularly raised as to the reality of this information. Indeed, May 29, 1971, the J5 were not Gary, but in Indianapolis. It could be that the concert was recorded in Indianapolis, but Motown, to maintain the myth of the great return to Gary, would simply deliberately erroneous information.

1979 - Off The Wall (LP) enters the Top 60 albums chart in UK peaking at #5 and remains on the charts for an astounding one hundred and seventy-three weeks!

1984 - The Jacksons performs Victory tour at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia [Pennsylvania, USA] attending 60,000 fans.

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Hey magazine[Turkey] featured Michael on their cover.

1986 - A new line of Michael Jackson children's clothes is launched at the Palladium nightclub in New York. Manufactured by Entertainment Properties Inc. all the clothes carry the MJ monogram.

1987 - Rock & Pop magazine[Argentina] featured Michael on their cover.

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1994 - Michael Jackson's album "Thriller" was certified 24 times Platinum, the album "Bad" was certified 8 times Platinum and the album "Dangerous" was certified 6 times Platinum.

2001 - Entertainment Weekly magazine featured MJ on the cover.

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Are You Ready For Jacko?
The King of Pop is Back - And as wacko as ever!
Inside his New York concerts: The music and the madness!
2006 - Michael & Debbie have reached a confidential settlement over their 3 years long dispute regarding Debbie's visitation rights on Prince & Paris & money compensation.

Michael who is still in Ireland with Grace & the kids has recently met with hip hop producer Ron Feemster & his uncle/manager Charles Stanton to discuss possible collaboaration on his his album.

He also asked Teddy Rilley and Will I AM from the Black Eyed Peas to work on new songs for him.

Filed under  //   1971   1979   1984   1986   1987   1994   2001   2006  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1970 - Motown announced that the Jackson 5 had sold a million records in the last nine months.

1971 - The Jackson 5ive perform two shows at Baltimore, Maryland on their first national tour.

1973 - Get It Together performed by the Jackson 5 in the States on The Bob Hope Special (an alternate version), was aired on NBC TV in the States.

1979 - The Jacksons perform DESTINY tour at Los Angeles, California.

1981 - The Jacksons' Triumph tour ended ten weeks later on September 26, 1981, with the last of a record-breaking four sold-out shows at the Forum in Los Angeles. A live album, called The Jacksons Live, was recorded and released the following year.

Again, Michael expressed his desire to stop touring when it was all over. Although he would be coaxed back on the road three years later, the Triumph tour marked the end of the Jacksons as a cohesive group of relative equals, as Michael’s own star power was about to rise higher than anybody in history.

1987 - Hitkrant magazine[Nederland] featured Michael on their cover.

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Michael performs BAD tour at Yokohama Stadium in Yokohama [Japan] attending 38,000 fans. Yokohoma concert filmed and televised in Japan by Nippon TV.

Michael Jackson's album BAD hit #1 in the U.S.

Bad enters the Top 100 singles chart in UK peaking at #3 and remains on the charts for fourteen weeks. A limited edition red vinyl 12" is also released.

1988 - Michael performs BAD tour at Civic Arena in Pittsburg [Pennsylvania, USA] attending 16,230 fans.

1992 - Michael performs Dangerous tour at Jose Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon [Portugal] attending 64,000 fans.

1993 - Michael performs Dangerous tour at Santa Cruz De Teneriffa in Tenerife [Canary Islands] attending 20,000 fans.

1996 - tele swiat magazine(Russia) featured MJ on the cover.

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2001 - Michael Jackson's video clip for You Rock My World premièred on TRL in the U.S.A.

Filed under  //   1970   1971   1973   1979   1981   1987   1988   1992   1993   1996   2001  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1970 - The Jackson 5's third album, imaginatively titled Third Album, was released, which featured the group's 4th consecutive #1 single on the US pop charts, I'll Be There.

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Third Album was released after the Jackson 5 know their heyday, two weeks after the release of their fourth single, I'll Be There, which would become their fourth-straight number one single on the Billboard Hot 100 in October-November; followed Mama's Pearl in early 1971. Two more singles will be released outside the USA: How Funky Is Your Chicken and Goin 'Back To Indiana. The album is full recovery of songs, pourrra include: a cover of Simon & Garfunkel (Bridge Over Troubled Water), a Smokey Robinson & The Miracles (The Love I Saw In You Was Just A Mirage) and adaptation of Oh How Happy as gospel.
The album peaked at #4 on the Billboard album charts and #1 on the R&B album charts and also #1 on Cashbox. This is considered one of their best efforts and is their most successful album to date. It sold over 6 million copies worldwide.

1979 - Michael's single Don't Stop 'Till You Get Enough hit #1 on US Hot 100 chart and stay there for 5 weeks. The single earned Michael his 2nd Platinum Award in RIAA Sales.

1984 - The Jacksons performs second concert of the Victory tour at Mile High Stadium Denver [Colorado, USA] attending 26,840.

1985 - Michael Jackson's single "Girl You're So Together" hit #33 in the U.K.

Michael Jackson appeared as the duet vocalist on Jermaine Jackson's "Tell Me I'm Not Dreaming."

1988 - In England, Michael sold out Wembley Stadium on the 14th, 15th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd July, 26th and 27th August – a stadium record 504,000 people.
An achievement recognised on 8th September by the Wembley Stadium Management with a special award, and later by another entry in The Guinness Book Of Records.

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1992 - Michael performs Dangerous tour at La Pontaise Stadium, Lausanne [Switzerland] attending 47,000.

1993 - Newsweek magazine(Japan) featured MJ on their cover.

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1994 - Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley attended what was their first public engagement together, when they opened the 11th annual MTV Video Music Awards.

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'I’m very happy to be here,’ said Michael, after welcoming everyone to the show. ‘And just think, nobody thought this would last!’ Referring, of course, to his marriage.

Their 120 second appearance stole everyone else the show when Michael, surprising everyone, swept Lisa Marie into his arms, and tenderly kissed her in public for the very first time. The long, sensual kiss drew gasps and whistles from the audience.

The next day, it's THE event in the media all over the world. Some refered to it as "The Kiss of the Century", others compared the kiss to the famous kissing-scene in "Gone With The Wind" between Scarlett O'Hara and Rett Buttler.

Bravo Magazine featured MJ on the cover.

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1997 - Michael returns to Neverland with Prince Michael Jr.

2001 - Read what New York Daily News' Sept. 8th edition had to say about the first show [Sept. 07]:

His U.S. concert return packs Garden

[By Isaac Guzman and Leo Standora]

Michael Jackson took the stage at Madison Square Garden last night to show the world he still counts himself the King of Pop.

Seeking to recapture the magic that put "Thriller" and "Bad" among the best-selling albums ever, he performed with a galaxy of stars in his first U.S. concert in 11 years.

Reuniting with his brothers for a medley of hits recorded when they were the Jackson 5, and heating up the auditorium with a steamy version of "They Way You Make Me Feel" with a miniskirted Britney Spears, Jackson once again rocked his fans' world.

When Jackson donned his trademark sequined jacket, single sequined glove and black fedora, then launched into an electric version of "Billie Jean", the crowd went ballistic.

"He's still to it", announced one fan, as Jackson danced up a storm with his moonwalk, pop and lock, the robot and a series of eye-popping spins.

2002 - Michael Jackson recorded a video message to the German people to express his concern and condolences following the devasting floods that have afflicted the country.

Michael's message was as follows: "To the people of Germany, I send my deepest concern, my deepest and most heart-felt condolences. You are NOT alone. I am here in spirit with you and you are in my prayers. Remember God is with you, and have faith in the fact that this too shall pass. All my love and caring, I love you forever. Thank you."
Michael invited one German family with four children to Las Vegas to meet him and spend the weekend with him. The family is one of the many victims that lost everything in the floods.

And even more, he donated some items, personally signed in Las Vegas, to be auctioned in support of the victims.

Filed under  //   1970   1979   1984   1985   1988   1992   1993   1994   1997   2001   2002  

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  

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