Today in MJJ HIStory

1983 – Michael Jackson`s and Paul McCartney “The Girl is Mine” charts on Billboard's Hot 100 as #2 and by the R&B Chart peaks #1. It remained on charts for 18 weeks.

2000 - The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) raised a record $13.5 million in cash and pledges during its annual fund-raising TV special, "An Evening of Stars: A Celebration of Educational Excellence," which aired nationwide January 8 and January 9. " National viewership for the broadcast was up 8 percent over last year's show. Approximately 70 top television stations in every major television market aired the special, including network affiliates of ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, WB and UPN. The special also aired on BET cable network. The four-hour special was hosted by Lou Rawls, Debbie Allen, Star Jones and Lynn Whitfield. Highlights included performances by Whitney Houston, Lauryn Hill, , Barry White, the O'Jays, Chaka Khan, The Stylistics and Michael Jackson who performanced his Earth Song. Other highlights included inspirational words of support from veteran producer Quincy Jones.

2001 - Michael Jackson's publicist Cheri Fein announced the Jackson would be recording two to three songs for the new Jackson Five album.

Filed under  //   1983   2000   2001  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1983 - The UK-only release "Michael Jackson 9 Single Pack" hit #66 in the U.K.

1988 - Michael perform the last of 9 dates at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo during the Japanese leg of Bad tour.

At these final concerts in Japan, farewell concert T-shirts and hats were sold. But it was not really his farewell concert, he still had dates to make up in Los Angeles. So, it was back to the U.S. agin.

In late October of 1988, "Moonwalker" made its debut in Japanese theatres. And finally on December 26, the movie was released in Europe. Although, "Moonwalker" received mixed critics, it was a success in both Japan and Europe. In Britain and France, it was reported that people were standing in line in front of the movie theatres.

Michael's then-manager Frank Dileo decided not to release "Moonwalker" in the US movie theatres.

1991 - Michael Jackson was featured on ABC-TV's "Entertainers '91." The show featured the top 20 entertainers of 1991.

1992 - During "UNCF"/Parade Of Stars, a broadcast request for donations to the "United Negro College Fund", aired December 26, 1992, Michael Jackson speaks on the importance of equal rights to education and on the "Michael Jackson Scholarship Program" benefits:

"Black Colleges and Universities produce some of the leading personalities of our time. They are leaders in business and law, science and technology, politics and religion. I’m proud to have helped over 200 young men and women receive a quality education that has placed them closer to their dreams through the Michael Jackson scholars program. Tonight, I encourage you to pitch in for higher education. Please support the United Negro College Fund"
"Heal The World" live is included at the event. The four year college and university/scholarship for deserving students at a UNCF member college or university, focuses on Communications, Performing Arts, Literature/English/Writing and is a distinction available to African-Americans.

December 26-28: Michael flies to Nagasaki-Ken to visit the amusement park Huis Ten with Tito’s children, the 3T.

1996 - Michael perform HIStory concert at Fukuoka Dome in Fukuoka, Japan attending 35,000 fans.

2004 - On January 4, 2005, on behalf of his family and himself, Michael Jackson releases a statement on his website concerning the 9.1 Mw undersea megathrust earthquake and tsunami disaster which occurred on December 26, 2004, affecting Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand and Maldives and killing over 230,000 people from fourteen countries.

“My family and I would like to send our prayers and heartfelt sympathy to the families, friends and loved ones of those who recently perished from the horrific earthquake and tsunami, which swept through Indonesia, Asia, India, Somalia and other countries”, Jackson declares. “Our love is also being sent to those who have miraculously survived this tragedy and to those who are so courageously on-site, helping to spearhead the relief efforts. We pray for your strength, your safety and the success of your life-saving missions of love. Words cannot adequately express the shock, horror and grief we've felt, while watching news reports which have captured the massive devastation and despair. It has been especially painful for me, as I have visited these areas many times and I remember the love, kindness and warmth of the people I met there”, he also declares. I would like to encourage all of my friends, and fans, to contribute to agencies and organizations assisting in these efforts. In times like these, we need each other... we must bond together in spirit and in service. God Bless. Sincerely, Michael Jackson”.
Filed under  //   1983   1988   1991   1992   1996   2004  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1979 - Michael Jackson's album "Off The Wall" was certified Gold and Platinum by the RIAA.

1983 - Michael's 7th single to reach the top 10 in 1983 was Say Say Say. With Say Say Say becoming his 7th top 10 single in 1983, Michael broke records previously held by Elvis Presley and the Beatles for the most top 10 singles in one year. The single went to #1 on the Hot 100 the week of December 10, 1983, and stayed for 6 weeks. It peaked at #2 on the black chart.

1988 - Michael perform the second of 9 dates at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo during the Japanese leg of Bad tour.

Michael Jackson won Best Male Artist and Best Album Of The Year (for "Bad") at the NAACP 21st Image Awards. The show was broadcast on January 14, 1989.

1992 - At a press conference at the American Consulate, Michael accepts a cheque of $100 000 for Heal The World.

At the American Consulate of Japan, Pepsi rewards Michael's contributions by way of his "Heal The World" organization with a check for 100,000 dollars.

At the American Consulate of Japan - where he is recompensed by Pepsi for his "HTWF" contributions – he makes a speech in which he extols children’s inspirational intelligence and its healing qualities. He states: "Thank you. I’m very happy to be here in Japan again. It’s very nice to see all the children […]. The innocence of children represents to me the source of infinite creativity, and I feel that this is where all my creativity comes from. This is not an intellectual kind of intelligence, but an intelligence that is full of wonder, magic, mystery and adventure. In this intelligence, there is love, there is trust, there is joy and there is beauty. It is the kind of intelligence that will heal the world. That is why I am here and that is why we are here. Thank you very much. I love you."

1993 - Michael proved all the sceptics wrong by returning home to the United States.

1995 - Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley separated. They had been married in May 1994. They were divorced, citing irreconcilable differences, on January 18, 1996.

1996 - Michael performs HIStory concert at Asia World City in Parañaque, Philippines attending 40,000 fans.

Filed under  //   1979   1983   1988   1992   1993   1995   1996  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1979 - The Jacksons perform Destiny tour in Seattle, USA.

1983 - Rolling Stone magazine featured Michael Jackson & Paul McCartney on the cover.

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1984 - The Jacksons perform Victory tour at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, USA attending 55,000 fans.

1996 - Michael perform HIStory concert at Asia World City in Parañaque, Metro Manila, Philippines.

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Televised initially by GMA Network. Often referred to as "HIStory Tour Manila." This was also broadcast on Singapore's MediaCorp Channel 5 around October 2006. The Channel 5 version fades after each song (there is no intro to Billie Jean), but is in higher quality than the GMA version.
Filed under  //   1979   1983   1984   1996  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1983 - On being required by the Jehovah Witness Church elders - which he was a part of - to issue a statement repudiating his video for Thriller, he refuses, but within several days, he contacts his attorney, John Branca, and instructs him to destroy the Thriller tapes. Branca doesn’t oblige, but, after a while, he suggests that a disclaimer could be added at the beginning of Thriller. John Landis wouldn’t agree on this, but Jackson does, therefore, before the release of the 14 minute-music video on December 3, 1983, the following disclaimer will be added: "Due to my strong personal convictions, I wish to stress that this film in no way endorses a belief in the occult."

2001 - "Cry", the second single release off "Invincible" had been commercially released. Sadly, it would prove to be the last single release off "Invincible".

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Outside the States, Cry was issued as a single, included a previously unreleased song Shout (produced by Teddy Riley) as a bonus track. It was preceded by a short film directed Nick Brandt (who also worked with Michael on the promos for Earth Song, Childhood and Stranger in Moscow). The short film was shot at six different locations (five in California, one in Nevada), and the cast included members of a real gospel choir who formed a human chain. But – Michael himself didn’t appear and, compared with previous efforts, the end result was woefully tame and did little to promote the single.
Filed under  //   1983   2001  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1983 - The short film and single "Thriller", featuring Vincent Price, and written by Rod Temperton, is released on December 2, 1983. It is a horror story, the victim being a girl (played by Ola Ray in the video) which is reassured by Jackson that she only had a nightmare by waking her up, and that in the midst of that terror she felt,
"Now it’s the time
For you and I to cuddle close together (yeah).
All through the night
I’ll save you from the terror on the screen
Girl, I can thrill you more than any ghoul will ever dare try,"
although on waking his set partner, he turns at the camera, revealing a smile and wearwolf eyes. This represents the clear possibility and belief that monsters (evil-mindedness) can lurk inside of real people as well.

Jackson took a special interest since childhood in studying everything monstrous, especially that which is produced by distorted human perceptions. The entertainer himself was erroneously depicted by the media and at times called a 'monster', when Jackson tried all along to evoke and/or illustrate in darker-themed songs/videos such as Thriller, Ghosts, Is It Scary, Threatened, Black Or White or Bad, the terror and pains consuming him various times in his life, and that his public persona is a reflection of the media’s perception of him, including a large part of society’s.

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He also was a victim of scare and emotional abuse early in his life, thus reproduced a similar fear in Thriller, where he most likely exorcised his demons, art always being cathartic for Jackson, and a way to express what he wasn’t willing to in real life in front of people, i.e. violence, anger, frustrations or terror. John Landis directs the video/film and Rick Baker is responsible for special effects and make-up. The film costs an estimated 1 million dollars which Jackson himself provides. To re-coup some of the budget costs, John Landis will negotiate a deal with Showtime, MTV and Vestron to fund a 60-minute documentary on the making of the short film. ‘Making Michael Jackson’s Thriller’ will be aired a year later and sold on video tape. It will become the biggest selling music video of all time, with estimated sales of 9 million as of 2006. A week after the single and short film gets released, sales of the album soar and once again, Thriller retains its number-one charts position. At this time, Michael Jackson hires a new manager, Frank DiLeo, who will remain with him for five years.

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Having already set the bar high with the album’s first two videos, Billie Jean and Beat It, the third one had to somehow take things further. Director John Landis, director of the 1981 horror comedy American Werewolf in London, was brought in to direct a mini-feature, a video that would take the format further than merely serving as a visual backdrop for a three-minute pop song.

Running almost fourteen minutes, the Thriller video employed horror flick cliches (it was filmed during Halloween season 1983), Michael was transformed into a supernatural ghoul disguised as a seemingly hapless high school boyfriend, who torments his date (played by Ola Ray) by using his uncanny ability to get a pack of corpse zombies to execute spectacularly synchronized dance routines.

The fact that the video had its debut just over a year after the album was first released was a reflection of the album’s enduring popularity and still-mounting sales figures. A stunning finale to the pop sensation of 1983, let alone the century, it also marked a peak and turning point, a period that gradually came to haunt Michael for being a standard too high for even him to repeat.

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Having set a new standard for music videos with Billie Jean and Beat It, Michael knew his third video had to take things to a new level. He collaborated with director John Landis on a short movie, a fourteen-minute horror flick/dance number, to promote the song Thriller. Filmed during Halloween week of 1983, it premiered on December 2, 1983 and marked another milestone in the music video genre.

The 7th single from Thriller, was the album's title track. "Thriller" features the eerie sound of creaking doors and a ghoulish rap by horror fim star Vincent Price. "Thriller" debuted on Billboard's Hot 100 at #20, making it one of the highest debuting singles ever. "Thriller" entered the top 10 in its 2nd week on the charts, and peaked at #4. It went to #3 on the black singles chart.

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For the 7th and final single from Thriller, Michael went all out to create his most elaborate video to date. Costing $1 million to produce, it was the most expensive video ever. It was also the longest video, running 13 minutes, always being broadcast with an opening disclaimer and closing credits.

After seeing the film, An American Werewolf in London, Michael decided he wanted that film's directer, John Landis, to direct the "Thriller" video. Rick Baker, who did the makeup for An American Werewolf in London, was chosen to do the makeup for "Thriller", transforming Michael into a werewolf right on camera. Michael's co-star was Ola Ray.

The story for the "Thriller" video was written by John Landis and Michael Jackson. Running out of gas on their date, Michael starts to walk Ola home. After telling her, "I'm not like other guys", he transforms into a werewolf in front of her eyes. He chases her through the woods when suddenly the scene swithces to Michael and his date watching the scene in a movie theater. Ola, too scared to watch, leaves the theater with Michael following her out. On their way home, they find themselves surrounded by dead, or rather undead, zombies. Michael becomes one of them and joins them in one of his most dazzling dance routines ever.

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Michael said of making the music video, in an interview that aired on December 11, 1999, for MTV's 100 Greatest Videos Ever Made:
"My idea was to make this short film with conversation... in the beginning - I like having a beginning and a middle and an ending, which would follow a story. I'm very much involved in complete making and creating of the piece. It has to be, you know, my soul. Usually, you know, it's an interpretation of the music... It was a delicate thing to work on because I remember my original approach was, 'How do you make zombies and monsters dance without it being comical?' So I said, 'We have to do just the right kind of movement so it doesn't become something that you laugh at.' But it just has to take it to another level. So I got in a room with [choreographer] Michael Peters, and he and I together kind of imagined how these zombies move by making faces in the mirror. I used to come to rehearsal sometimes with monster makeup on, and I loved doing that. So he and I collaborated and we both choreographed the piece and I thought it should start like that kind of thing and go into this jazzy kind of step, you know. Kind of gruesome things like that, not too much ballet or whatever."
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Makeup artist Rick Baker on his hesitation to work on "Thriller":
"John told me about the idea but I was reluctant. I got a call from John and he was like, 'You know who Michael Jackson is?' and I was like, 'Yeah, kinda. He's the guys from The Jackson 5, right?' And he said, 'Well he's got this song called 'Thriller' and he wants to do this short film.' At first I said I didn't want to do it. It's not a popular job -- it's like being a dentist in a way: They have to sit still in a chair for hours while you work on them. It's uncomfortable -- it's not something actors look forward to."
Makeup artist Rick Baker on Jackson's off-stage shyness:
"Michael was great and very shy. I remember the first time John came over to shoot us working on Michael's makeup for his behind-the-scenes stuff -- which I wasn't too happy about and Michael wasn't too happy about -- Michael was so nervous that as soon as the cameras came in, he ran off and hid in the bathroom. So different to when he was performing -- 'Thriller' was happening during the making of the Motown Anniversary Special, when Michael first did the moonwalk, and one of the guys brought tape of the show in and said, 'Watch this.' That was him, when he was performing. That was when he came alive."
Actress Ola Ray on the experience of filming "Thriller" with Jackson:
"Everyone thinks I made millions, but I don't care ... I wouldn't change a thing. The minute I walked into the audition, I knew the part was mine. Michael seemed taken by the fact I was a Playboy model. He was cute, but childlike. He loved chasing me or jumping out from behind a wall."
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The purpose of making "Thriller," in Landis's mind -- it was nobody's brilliant idea. "I took the job to direct Michael Jackson's landmark music video because I saw it as a chance to resurrect a genre that had once been a Hollywood staple. It was a great opportunity to bring back the theatrical short. Music videos were new in 1983, and MTV was just two years old. At that time the videos were used to sell records and when Michael decided to do the 'Thriller' video, the album had already become the biggest-selling album of all time. It ended up costing $500,000 -- still enormous money at that time for that kind of thing. Nobody would give us the money because the album had already been so successful. Michael said he would pay for it, but I wouldn't let him. He was still living with his parents in Encino, behind a supermarket."
To qualify for an Academy Award, "Thriller" debuted at a special theatrical screening, along with the 1940 Disney motion picture Fantasia.

The A-list turned out for the premiere at the 500-seat historic Crest Theater; Diana Ross, Warren Beatty, Prince, Eddie Murphy. “I’ve been to the Oscars, the Baftas, the Emmys and the Golden Globes, and I have never seen anything like this,” remembers John Landis. Ola Ray looked for Michael before the lights went down and found him in the projection booth, He told her that she looked beautiful, but refused her entreaty to come sit in the audience, telling her “This is your night, go enjoy yourself.” […] Then came Thriller, cranked at full volume. Fourteen minutes later the crowd was on its feet, applauding and crying “Encore! Encore!” Eddie Murphy shouted “Show the goddamn thing again!” And they did.

1984 - The Jacksons perform Victory tour at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, USA attending 55,000 fans.

1996 - Michael performs HIStory concert at Burswood Dome in Perth, Australia attending 18,900 fans.

2000 - Michael Attends Wedding Ceremony Of Tommy Mottola.

Michael Jackson took a front row seat at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York for the wedding of Sony boss Tommy Mottola and Thalia Sodi. He did not attend the party after the wedding ceremony.

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Some of the 1'200 invited friends included Donna Summer, Gloria Estefan, Rosie O'Donnell, Marc Anthony, Emilio Estefan, Jennifer Lopez, Robert De Niro, Saul Kerzner, Danny DeVito, Joe Pesci, Ricky Martin, Bruce Springsteen, Julio Iglesias, Tony Bennett, to name but a few.

Filed under  //   1983   1984   1996   2000  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1974 - The Jackson 5ive perform a concert in Las Vegas, Nevada during the quintet's first World Tour.

1979 - The Jacksons perform Destiny tour in Denver, Colorado.

1983 - Exactly a year after Thriller’s release, the Jacksons held a press conference at Central Park’s Tavern on the Green in New York City, where they announced they would be releasing an album the next year, followed by an American tour.

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Promoted by boxing personality Don King, and sponsored by Pepsi, it was also revealed that the brothers would be taping television commercials for the soft drink in the new year.

1984 - The Jacksons perform Victory tour at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, USA attending 55,000.

1991 - Michael Jackson scored his fourth UK No.1 album with 'Dangerous'

1996 - Michael performs a concert at Burswood Dome in Perth, Australia attending 18,900 fans.

2000 - G&P Foundation "Angel Ball" recompenses the philantropist at the "Angel Ball Honors", alongside Bill Clinton and Jordan’s Queen Noor, with the "Angel of Hope Award" at the Marriot Marquis Hotel in New York City, for outstanding efforts to the fight against leukemia, lymphoma and other related cancers, that year’s event collecting 4 million dollars for the "G&P Cancer Foundation" in N.Y.

A again gorgeous looking Michael Jackson shows up at the Angel Ball Honors in New York. The following has been taken from Reuters:

On Nov. 30, 2000 President Clinton, singer Michael Jackson and Jordan's Queen Noor were honored on Thursday for their work to fight cancer at a star-studded black-tie dinner to raise $4 million for a cancer foundation.

The president and wife, Sen.-elect Hillary Rodham Clinton, received an award from the New York-based G&P Foundation, which funds research into leukemia, lymphoma and related cancers.

"It won't be long now," Clinton told some 1'800 Hollywood stars and members of New York society crowded into a Manhattan hotel ballroom for the event, saying he expected a cure for the disease to be found.

Talk show host Larry King emceed the gala, which was scheduled to include performances by singers Natalie Cole, Patti LaBelle and Marc Anthony as well as appearances by actors Jane Seymour, Gabriel Byrne and Joan Collins.

Clinton, seated between Queen Noor and actor Robert DeNiro, did not stay for most of the show, leaving early to fly home to Washington with his wife.

The G&P foundation was created by song writer and Democratic Party donor Denise Rich to honor her daughter, Gabrielle Rich Aouad, who died of leukemia at the age of 27. It is named for Gabrielle and her husband, Philip Aouad.

As she helped to present the Clintons with their award, Rich also handed the president a gleaming saxophone.

"Thank you, Denise," Clinton said. "I'll have a little more time to play it in a week or two," he added, referring to the end of his eight years in the White House on Jan. 20.

Jackson, wearing a peach colored shirt, a lilac vest and a yellow tie, gave Clinton a warm tribute. "You've been an incredible president and I love you," the pop star said, pointing at Clinton.

A foundation spokeswoman said the dinner aimed to raise $4 million from about 1'800 guests, who were expected to include a wide array of Hollywood stars including Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Kim Basinger, Alec Baldwin and Julianne Moore.

Former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney and former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, who did not attend the dinner, were also honored for their work on behalf of cancer patients.

Michael Jackson was honored with an Angel of Hope Award at the Angel Ball held in New York. Below the transcript of Michael's introduction as well as his great speech:

N'Sync Members Lance and J.C. introduce Michael:

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Thank you. It's great to be here. Actually I'd say it's pretty incredible. And incredible describes our next honoree. This is the part were we are supposed to tell you about the career of our guest of honour, but if you don't know who he is, what planet are you from? He's not only one of the greatest artists of age, a star for the ages is what he really is. His Thriller album is the greatest selling album in the history of the world. And his song 'We Are The World' sold 800,000 copies in 3 days. His records actually set records. As members of a new generation of pop artists we stand before him with the deepest sense of gratitude and humility. He's influenced our musical choices but more importantly he has influenced our personal choices.

No artist does as much to make the world a better place, and no other celebrity is more humble about his good work. What else can I say about him, he's bad, he's a thriller, and he's here. The greatest living recording artist in the world, number one superstar. King of Pop. On behalf of the G & P Foundation it's a great honour to present the Angel of Hope Award to Mr Michael Jackson.

[While Michael walks up on stage he receives a standing ovation, the music to "We Are The World" is played]

Michael:
Wow, it's incredible. I'm extremely honoured and moved by this gracious award and first and foremost I would like to thank our hostess and my date tonight, Denise, [giggles and smiles sheepishly, the crowd giggles and whistles] who with her beautiful spirit and abundant kindness has quickly found a special place in my heart. My close friend Rabbi Shmuley Boteach introduced me to Denise and I'm very grateful. Thank you Shmuley, thank you so much for making this evening possible for me and for all the important and meaningful projects that we have begun together. Shmuley is also responsible for bringing me together with some of my special guests this evening, Nobel prize winner, Professor Elie Wiesel and childrens' expert, Dr Stanley Greenspan. Thank you for joining me on this special night.

I'm honoured Mr President to receive this award in your presence and I wanna thank you all for years of dedication and service that you rendered to the American people. You have been an incredible president and I love you. [Audience are cheering and applauding loudly] And of course N'Sync. [audience applauds] It's great to meet you guys and it's an honour to receive this award, not only did you make all the girls scream, [audience laughs] but I was also thrilled to learn that you are continuing the tradition that I also believe in, in using your accomplishments to help others with your own charitable foundation. [audience applauds]

Cancer is the number one killer of children. And it is only when we join together on evenings like this, that we can summon the courage and determination to stop it from ever robbing another child of the precious gift of life or a parent of the joy of watching their child grow. God bless you all for all the love and support you have offered this evening and I love you all very much. Thank you. [audience applauds]

[Michael talks with Lance and J.C. and you can hear him say "Nice to meet you too" and then kisses Denise on the check. Everybody walks off the stage]

2005 - Police were investigating claims that Michael Jackson was trafficking drugs to feed his 40 pills-a-day habit. The singer was suspected of flying antidepressants and painkillers from the US to his current home in Bahrain.

2009 - The death of Boyzone singer Stephen Gately was the most searched for topic on Google's UK site in 2009. It was closely followed by the rise of Britain's Got Talent runner-up Susan Boyle Microsoft revealed that the death of Michael Jackson dominated its Bing search engine results during the year.

Filed under  //   1974   1979   1983   1984   1991   1996   2000   2005   2009  

Today in MJJ HIStory

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Filed under  //   1972   1979   1983   1993   1996   2001   2004  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1972 - 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

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

1983 - Arena magazine[Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro)] featured Michael on their cover.

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1984 - The Jacksons perform Victory tour at Municipal Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio [USA] attending 50,000.

1987 - Sunday magazine [UK] featured Michael on their cover story: SECRET DOUBLE LIFE: The Real Michael Jackson Revealed.

1988 -Michael performs BAD tour at Capital Centre in Washington DC [US].

2001 - What More Can I Give, completed on 19th October 2001, premiered two days later at the ‘United We Stand – What More Can I Give’ concert at Washington DC’s RFK Stadium, in front of 46,000 people.

2009 - Two legal documents, signed by Michael Jackson, handing to USA for Africa the profits from the 1985 hit We Are the World that Jackson and Lionel Richie wrote, and which brought in "tens of millions", will go to auction, benefiting VH1's Save the Music Foundation. "(Michael Jackson) was a bigger philanthropist than most people gave him credit for," USA for Africa Executive Director, Marcia Thomas, says of the singer-entertainer. "He didn't do it for the credit. He did it because he felt it was the right thing to do." Nancy Birdsall, president of the Washington-based Center for Global Development, adds that "We Are the World marked what at that time was a high point in rich-world concern about poor people in the developing world. That sort of awareness helps to open the way not only for more effective foreign assistance but for other changes in policy, such as trade and migration, that can have a big impact on poor people's lives." The 2 legal documents, transferring his rights and profits to the group USA for Africa, are estimated to gross in 50,000 dollars at the Alexander Autographs auction at the Mohegan Sun casino in Connecticut. The in-person and online auction includes a huge number of rock-and-roll and Hollywood artifacts and is organized by an auction house noted for its historical and political offerings.

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