Today in MJJ HIStory

1970 - The Jackson 5ive made their first guest appearance on a musical variety show, performing on the Jim Nabors Show.

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The Jackson 5 were the only guests on the Jim Nabors Hour for his 1970 season premiere. Nabors was an affable, goofy actor who had achieved national fame as a country bumpkin named Gomer Pyle on the situation comedy, The Andy Griffith Show.

The Jackson 5 sang "The Love You Save" and "I'll Be There," their latest single (with an oddly truncated counter-lead from Jermaine), and they acted in a skit set in a hotel in which Nabors played a bellhop being duped by the Jackson 5 and their manager, who was trying to sneak all five boys into a hotel room that had a limit of two guests. When Jackie popped out of the closet to place his sandwich order he says: "I'll have a tuna and tomato!"

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On musical variety shows, it was nearly always incumbent on the musical guests to perform a number with the host. The Jackson 5 performed two songs with Jim: they sang a gorgeous a cappella introduction to the Beatles' current hit, "Let It Be" before Jim took over with a version that wasn't going to make Paul McCartney nervous about the competition. The embarrassing ensemble of dancers at the end of the song was also a strange requirement of musical variety shows.

They also sang a song that was a very odd choice: an hip, updated version of "Shortnin' Bread." The song, written in a faux Negro dialect, was popularized in minstrel shows of the early 20th century, and at least Jim had the good sense to sing it without blackface and to tweak the lyrics a bit.
~j5collector

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1984 - The Jacksons perform Victory tour at Montreal's Olympic Stadium in Quebec [Canada] attending 58,270.
During the finale, Jackie hobbles on stage to join The Jacksons for 'Shake Your Body' (Down To The Ground), which sees all six brothers together and in costume for the first time during the Victory Tour.

1988 - Michael's song Another Part of Me hit #1 on US Hot 100 chart.
Another Part Of Me made its first appearance in September 1986, when it was one of two new songs featured in the 17 minute Disney-exclusive 3D space fantasy Captain EO. The other new song in the mini-movie was We Are Here To Change The World.

1996 - Michael performs HIStory tour at Dynamo Stadium in Moscow [Russia] attending 50,000.

Filed under  //   1970   1984   1988   1996  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1987 - Blues & Soul magazine [UK] feature Michael on the cover with the story Michael Jackson: Bad times ahead.

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1988 - Seventeen years after the Jackson 5ive cartoon series first aired, Michael was a cartoon again. Michael lent his song, "Beat It" to be used in a Flinstone Kids cartoon special encouraging kids to say no to drugs. The Flintstone Kids' "Just Say No" Special was a 30-minute television special featuring The Flintstone Kids and produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions which aired on ABC.

In it, little Fred, Barney, Wilma, and Betty work odd jobs to earn enough money for tickets to a Michael Jackstone concert. When Wilma refuses to use marijuana in order to join a "cool crowd", the Flintstone Kids and their friends start a campaign against drugs while trying to get tickets to a Michael Jackstone concert. They finally make it to the concert and see Michael Jackstone singing new lyrics to "Beat It" about not needing drugs:


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Just Say No!

They told the girl
Why don't you step over here
You wanna be cool
Take a look in here
They wanna do drugs
And they're words are really clear
So beat it!
You don't need it!
(Say no!)
You don't need friends
Doing things that are wrong
There's lots of kids like you
Who are cool and strong
It might be kinda tough
But you can move along
So beat it!
And say it ain't fair


Don't mean it!
Don't need it!
Just say no to drugs
Defeat it!

Have a life that's happy
A future that's bright
You make it happen
Drugs are wrong
And you're right
Just beat it!
Just beat it!
Say no
And defeat it!
Now Moms and Dads
You ought to listen to me
To be a kid today
It ain't easy
Just make your home and family
A loving place to be
So beat it!
Send it riding wave!

In the cartoon, Stone Age Michael, voiced by Kipp Lennon, wears one glove and dons sunglasses. He moonwalks, and even grabs his crotch while dancing!

The Flintstone kids need to raise money in order to buy tickets to see Michael Jackstone (obvious reference) in concert. While attempting to raise money from teamwork, some older kids try to push drugs on our young role models. After failing to raise the money, the kids enter a race whose grand prize is tickets to see Jackstone. The older drug users also enter the race, expecting to crush our heroes. The effects of high drug abuse is shown when the Flintstone kids win the race due to the poor health of the drug users.

This was one of a few cartoon shows (another notable includes Cartoon All-Stars to the Rescue) in the 80s to show young children that drugs were bad. This was one of the more effective shows because every kid could relate to the story. The desired thought process in kids would be, "I like to win. Drugs will make me slow, meaning I will lose. Hence, drugs will make me into a loser." While most kids could care less about the message, it seeped its way into their subconscious.

1993 - Michael's first show in Moscow was at the Lyzhniki Olympic Stadium. Some of the media delighted in reporting that MJ's concert had not been sold out. What they didn't point out was that the price of the tickets, at $11, was more than most people in Moscow make in a month. They also failed to mention that despite the ticket prices, that 93% of the seats were sold. Only 7,000 seats remained unsold for the show at the 100,000 seat stadium.

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While on his Dangerous tour in Moscow, Russia for his concert there, Michael postpones his flight out of Moscow, instead goes to visit a hospital for mentally challenged children there, who rejoice at seeing him and fight for his attention. Michael holds a few children in his arms and on his lap, comforts and plays with them and wishes to entertain them: "I'd like to sing with them. We all know a song together", he says, visibly emotional. The singer has asked for one of the children to be flown to America for care and treatment which he will pay for. He also visits children in a nearby orphanage, who will sing a song to him in Russian, turning him – the ultimate performer, into an attentive spectator.
2002 - By means of an auction, the performer donates 16 autographed items (compact discs, videos and a pair of cotton napkins), valued at 3935 Euros, to victims of a flood in Germany, as well as an autographed fedora and a jacket, worn by Jackson at the 2002 American Music Awards, to the "Tribute To Bambi" charitable auction, items calculated at 18,303 Euros and addressing the street children of Germany from "Off-Road-Kids e.V".

2003 - The entertainer hosts a star-studded charitable event at Neverland Valley Ranch, ticket price at presale being 725 dollars, with proceeds going to the Oneness charitable organization. Guests enjoy a tour of Jackson’s menagerie, amusement rides, various assortments of food and other exciting things. The party subsequent to the event is hosted and broadcast live by ‘KIIS FM’. Jackson briefly addresses the guests in attendance. Prior to his speech, the "Harvest International Children’s Choir", along with a host of fans and special guests in attendance, join in to chant 'Happy Birthday' to their favorite star, whose birth date had been 2 weeks before.

2007 - Michael makes a photoshoot at the Boylan Studios for an upcoming cover of Italian L'Uomo Vogue magazine with photographer Bruce Weber.

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Filed under  //   1987   1988   1993   2002   2003   2007  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1971 - The animated Jackson 5ive TV series began airing on Saturday mornings on ABC.

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A fictionalized portrayal of the careers of the adventures of Motown's hit sibling group, The Jackson Five. The 5 got into wacky situations each week, usually instigated by young Michael. Each episode was highlighted by a musical video sequence in the trippy style of "The Yellow Submarine." The show was produced by Rankin/Bass.

The series was animated mainly in London at the studios of Halas and Batchelor, and some animation done at Estudios Moro, Barcelona, Spain. The director was Spanish-American Robert Balser

Jackson 5 was only the second animated series to feature black characters (basketball legends the Harlem Globetrotters starred in the first).
Jack Davis, of ‘MAD’ fame, was responsible for the character designs. Michael and his brothers were far too busy to contribute dialogue themselves, but all the songs featured were Jackson 5 originals – providing the group with a useful vehicle for promoting not only their hits but lesser known album cuts as well.
Mama’s Pearl opened the shows, and sixteen episodes of the first cartoon series were aired weekly, starting 11th September 1971:

1988 - Biggest concert of the Bad tour was staged at Liverpool's Aintree Racecourse (home of the famous Grand National steeplechase) attending 125,000.

Michael was really gearing up for: his September 11 date at Liverpool’s Aintree Racecourse, the final show of his European tour.

It was Michael’s wish to play Liverpool. "I have always considered Liverpool the home of contemporary pop music by virtue of its being the birthplace of the incomparable Beatles," he told the press.

Making his Liverpool date loom even more significant was his announcement that it would be his last European show ever, and that he intended to quit doing live performances completely following his world tour.
While I didn’t believe for a minute that Michael would never perform again, I did think it was conceivable that he would take a break from performing so that he could pursue other interests.

As it turned out, the Aintree Racecourse concert drew the largest crowd, by far, on Michael’s world tour: one hundred thirty-three thousand Liverpudlians.
When I scanned the crowd from the side of the stage before Michael went on, I was astounded by the sight of people, people, and more people everywhere.

Unfortunately, the night also made news because it was marred by violence and injuries.

We had been warned about Liverpool. "You have to careful there," we were told. "A lot of people are out of work, and they’re uptight."

Sure enough, thousands of people without tickets tried to crash the concert,
eventually breaking down the makeshift walls that had been erected around the racecourse. Dozens of police on horseback attempted to keep them back, and the scene resembled a battle zone. Inside the track, meanwhile, several thousand people were treated for fainting and minor injuries, a result of all the shoving and jockeying for position among the incredible mass of people.

Violence even erupted in the lighting and sound booth, high above the crowd. The local security people had taken themselves to seat their friends in the choice seats there, seats that had been reserved for Michael’s V.I.P. guests.
When one of Michael’s security people asked them to leave, a handful of the Liverpool security people jumped him. The police had to be called in, and they ordered everyone down from the booth except for Michael’s technicians.

Because of the cold weather I remained on one side of the stage, so I didn’t see the brawl. But the fighting affected me, too, in that, for security reasons, I was asked by Michael’s people to join his V.I.P. guests in making an early exit from the show aboard a bus. I wound up missing the last half of the concert.

Michael didn’t learn about what had happened in the crowd and the lighting booth until after the show. Pleased as he was with his show and the reception he’d received from the mammoth crowd, he was quite upset by the injury report and, especially, the violence. If there is anything that Michael abhors, it’s violence.
~My Family The Jacksons (Katherine Jackson)


1993 - Michael Jackson's Will You Be There hit #7 in the U.S. It was the first release from his MJJ label.

Michael performs Dangerous tour second concert at Fukuoka Dome, Fukuoka [Japan] attending 30,000.

1994 - The Sunday magazine featured MJ on the cover with the caption The Girl Is Mine - Full Jackson Wedding Album Inside.

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Filed under  //   1971   1988   1993   1994  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1988 - Michael performs Bad tour at The Bowl, Milton Keynes [England, U.K.] attending 60,000.

1993 - Michael thrilled 30,000 fans at his Sep 10th concert at Fukuoka Dome, Fukuoka in Japan. Fans held banner reading, "We Believe You", and "We Believe You Always." There was also one special fan who got to see Michael perform in Japan. Michael had flown a terminally ill Dutch boy, 15 year old Martijn Hendricsen, and his two brothers to Japan. They were driven in a 23 foot gold limousine to Amersterdam airport to meet Michael Jackson and see the concert. Michael had responded to a request from Make A Wish Foundation. Martijn, undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, had wished to meet his idol, MJ.


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Sep 10 issue of Entertainment Weekly magazine features MJ on its cover with the caption, "How Bad?".
Can this career be saved?
How MICHAEL JACKSON, facing allegations of child sexual abuse,
is tryong to control the damage.
And why - guilty or not - it already may be too late.

Inside was a readers poll that indicated Michael's popularity had actually risen since the allegation first become public. 43% of those polled said they saw MJ in a very favourable or favorable light.

1996 - Michael performs HIStory tour at Nepstadion Intezmenyei, Budapest [Hungary] attending 45,000.

2001 - Michael’s debut solo single Got To Be There was released in October 1971 in the States. Thirty years on, he celebrated with two spectacular concerts, staged at New York’s Madison Square Garden on 7th and 10th September 2001.

The concerts – titled ‘Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration, The Solo Years’ were Michael’s first concerts on the USA mainland for over a decade.
Ticket prices ranging from $45 to $2,500 – the most expensive concert ticket ever! – didn’t stop the concerts from virtually selling out, and with a combined audience of 34,844, two tribute concerts, held on September 7 and 10, 2001, had grossed $10,072,105 in ticket sales.

Michael watched the opening half of the first concert from the audience, flanked by his parents, Elizabeth Taylor and Macauley Culkin. The show opened in fine style, with the unlikely trio of Whitney Houston, Mya and Usher belting out Michael’s Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’.

Marlon Brando, Shaggy, Gloria Estefan, James Ingram, Liza Minnelli, Destiny’s Child and Ray Charles were among the big names to take the stage, before the first half of the show drew to a close – and the audience eagerly awaited the main event.

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Preceded by his brothers Randy, Marlon, Jermaine, Tito and Jackie, the King of Pop finally appeared. The Jacksons – performing together for the first time since 1984 – kicked off with Can You Feel It, followed by a Motown medley featuring ABC, I Want You Back and The Love You Save.

I’ll Be There came next, after which boyband ‘N Sync joined Michael and his brothers on stage, to perform Dancing Machine. The Jacksons rounded off their all-too-short spot with Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground), then left Michael alone in the spotlight, to sing a selection of his solo hits.

Michael was joined on stage by Britney Spears for a duet version of The Way You Make Me Feel, then performed Black Or White and Beat It, with Slash guesting. Billie Jean came next, followed by Michael’s brand new single, You Rock My World, which he performed with a little help from Usher.

‘Being on stage with my brothers was a wonderful experience,’ enthused Michael afterwards. ‘It was almost as if it was déjà vu, as if it happened yesterday, because I felt as if Ed Sullivan was introducing us when we first premiered I Want You Back. I love my brothers and it was just a great celebration – it was so much fun.’

Three days later, Michael and his brothers repeated their performance, once again supported by an awesome – if slightly different – line-up of talent. Highlights of the two shows were edited together, for a two hour TV special that aired in the States on CBS-TV on 13th November.

‘This was an opportunity to see a performer who has a long and successful career, but who has been out of the limelight for a while,’ said Jack Sussman, Senior Vice President for CBS Specials. ‘He’s still one of the greatest performers ever, and when he gets on stage and the music starts, it’s magic.’

Prior to the TV special airing, CBS pressed a limited number of promotional CDs featuring performances from the two concerts, for distribution to radio stations across the States. Two CDs were compiled, but far more copies of the first (CBS EMIT 2505-ADD) were pressed.

Filed under  //   1988   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  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1984 - The Jacksons performs at Mile High Stadium, Denver [Colorado, USA] attending 26,840.

1988 - Michael Jackson won the Video Vanguard award at the 5th annual MTV Vidoe Music Awards, which is given to musicians who have made a profound effect on the MTV culture. MTV recognised Michael's influence in the music video field, when he not only collected the MTV Video Vanguard Award, but saw the award re-named the 'Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award' for future recipients as well.
Michael Jackson changed the music video from a mere promotional tool featuring musicians playing instruments and singing, to a piece of art with a storyline, or as MJ likes to put as 'short films'. His video Thriller influenced and changed music videos into what it is like today.

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The MTV Video Vanguard Award is presented each year to an artist for career achievements in video. The 1987 recipient of the award, Peter Gabriel, who was honored for his wonderful Sledgehammer promo, presented the award to 1988's recipient, Michael Jackson. After a montage of clips from Michael's videos, the award was presented to Michael live via satellite from London, just before one of Michael's performances there. In presenting the award to Michael, Gabriel joked, "I sincerely hope this award will rescue this artist from obscurity and set him on the road to fame & fortune and it gives me great pleasure to give the Video Vanguard Award to Michael Jackson." In an extremely quite voice, Michael accepted saying only, "Thank you. Thank you very much."
Following this lengthy acceptance speech, a special taped performance of "Bad", filmed at one of Michael's Wembley Stadium dates, was shown. The performance featured Michael's new version of the moonwalk, gliding sideways instead of backwards. He also executed the original moonwalk, just as fascinating as ever, with another new just as impossible step in which he walks forward skidding his foot on the floor as he moves it forward, making his steps look rapid & choppy, like several animated pictures each slightly different than the one before, flipped through quickly making the figure appear to be moving. The review of Michael's career in video, his acceptance of the Vanguard Award and his performance were without a doubt the only highlights of the entire lackluster award show.



Michael had two other nominations. Michael & Vincent Patterson were nominated for Best Choreography for "The Way You Make Me Feel" and Michael, Gregg Burge, and Jeffrey Daniel were nominated in the same category for their wok on "Bad". The award went to Barry Lather for his work on Janet's video for "Pleasure Principle".

Michael Jackson's single "Another Part Of Me" hit #11 in the U.S. and #15 in the U.K.

1993 - Dangerous tour's next stop was Fukoka, Japan.

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Jackson arrives in Fukoka on September 7 and was greeted wildly by fans. He bowed to his fans then boardered a bus for Huis Ten Bosch park where he spent two nights. Michael performed 2 concerts in Fukoka. The day after his arrival, Michael & his bodyguards boarded boats & traveled along the cost of a reproduction Dutch cana to the Palace, Huis Ten Bosch park's fanciest hotel. Michael also visited a school affiliated to a US naval base in Japan.

Elizabeth Taylor tribute special, which is a part of the Arts & Entertainment network's Biography series, filmed in the spring, aired for the first time. Michael was interviewed for the special by A&E's Cathy Griffen who said she planned to give him a Mickey Mouse waffle maker to mark his second interview in two weeks! In the interview, Michael explained one of the things he & Liz have in common, "We shared a quest in search of the next step of acceptance from an adoring public who never really knew our inner turmoil".


1995 - Nominated for a record 11 awards, for Scream, Michael and Janet attended the 12th MTV Music Video Awards held at New York’s Radio City Music Hall.

Michael also opened the proceedings, delighting the audience as he moonwalked and skywalked, spun and twirled, through a stunning medley of some of his greatest hits: Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough/The Way You Make Me Feel/Jam/Scream/Beat It/Black Or White/Billie Jean/Dangerous/Smooth Criminal.



Slash joined Michael on stage during Black Or White and, before he launched into an exilarant performance of Dangerous, Michael said:
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"Some of us like to play it safe and take each day as it comes. Some of us like to take that crazy walk on the wild side . . . so, for those of us who like living dangerously – this one’s for you!"


As a finale, Michael sang You Are Not Alone. Michael's performance and the standing ovation he received proved unquestionably his continued popularity with the public in general, and his ability to excite and satisfy a live audience. Michael Jackson featured a new look for this public appeareance.
Every other performer at the show praised Michael, from alternative band Weezer to Notorious B.I.G. Chris Connely of MTV said the backstage area was filled with celebs trying to get a spot in the wings to watch Michael.

Then, rather disappointingly, as the show progressed the innovative Scream promo picked up just three awards: Best Dance Video, Best Choreography (Michael, Lavelle Smith, Travis Payne, Tina Landon and Sean Cheeseman) and Best Art Direction (Tom Foden).

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Michael and Janet collected the first of these awards personally and, in his brief acceptance speech, Michael said, ‘My favourite thing about doing the Scream video was that it was really an excuse to work with my sister, Janet, because I truly adore her. She’s one of the sweetest people in the world.’
Janet caused a stir by wearing a T-shirt with ‘PERVERT 2’ embroidered on it, her way of showing her support for Michael.
‘I had it made especially,’ she told reporters. ‘People can draw their own conclusions.’
Which is precisely what many people did – wrongly!

1996 - Michael Jackson officially kicked off his "HIStory" world tour with a high-tech spectacle at Letna Park in Prague, capital of the Czech Republic, playing to over 125,000 people!!! One of the largest single attended concerts in his career.
The spectacle show hit the news around the world, especially Michael's opening [arrival] in the Spaceship MJ 2040! The sell-out crowd gasped as, to open the show, a mini-spaceship crashed through the 210 foot stage. Spectacular lighting effects and fireworks came next, as the spaceship’s black door blew open to reveal Michael, wearing a dazzling silver and gold futuristic outfit, complete with space helmet.

Fans went crazy as Michael launched into Scream, the first song of an astonishing two hour concert. The amazing show featured 20 songs, special effects in several performances, a bigger light show than ever before, a specially built stage, breathtaking costumes and stunning choreography. His crew consisted of over 200 personnel and each concert was 2.5 hours long.


From September 7, 1996 to October 15, 1997, HIStory tour covered Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and Hawaii, as he travelled Europe, Michael set new attendance records in many countries. The tour, which grossed a total of $165 million, included a total of 82 concerts with a record-breaking attendance of 4,500,000 fans. The "HIStory" tour spanned the globe with stops in 58 cities, 35 countries on 5 continents, and included 82 concerts to about 4.5 million fans.

2001 - Michael Jackson performed a special concert to celebrate his 30 years as a solo artist. He played a second show on September 10th.

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

[By Isaac Guzman and Leo Standora]

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His U.S. concert return packs Garden

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.

Filed under  //   1984   1988   1993   1995   1996   2001  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1983 - CIAO 2001 magazine[Italy] featured Michael on their cover.


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1988 - Joepie magazine featured MJ on the cover.

1992 - Michael performs Dangerous tour at Jahn Stadium, Berlin [Germany] attending 35,000.

1994 - Woman's Day magazine feature MJ on the cover with the caption: Jacko Finally Tackles Those Evil Charges.

1997
- Michael Jackson canceled a performance at the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, because the local promoter had failed to meet financial and technical requirements.

1999 - Michael Jackson attended the 4th Kora All-Africa Music Awards in Sun City, South Africa where he was given a Lifetime Achievement award. Michael Jackson presents Mr. Nelson Mandela and his "Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund" with a check for 1 million rand (166,400 dollars, - a portion of the proceeds from the "Michael Jackson and Friends" concerts from June 25, 1999 in Seoul, South Korea and June 27, 1999 in Munich, Germany).

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The former President declaring the following on the donation: "The trustees of the Children's Foundation and myself would like to express our deepest appreciation to our friend, Michael Jackson. He is a supporter of worthy causes and I'm happy that the foundation is tonight one of his benefitions (sic). [...] And the contribution of Michael Jackson, I hope, will inspire people not only in our country, but throughout the world, to follow his example and to bring a measure of happiness to our children. [...]"
In addition, the 3,3-million-dollar grossings of the "Michael Jackson and Friends – The Adventure of Humanity" benefit concerts held in Seoul, Korea and Munich, Germany, advantage "UNESCO", "Nelson Mandela's Children's Fund" and "International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies". "What More Can I Give" is the key-phrase utilized in these concerts – "the concept of giving" - , and a child’s face is shown on the videotron screens during certain parts of the Munich concert.

2008 - The Jacksons honored with the BMI Icon Award at the 8th annual BMI Urban Awards.

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Four of the Motown legends - Tito, Jackie, Marlon, Randy [except Michael & Jermaine] - reunited onstage to accepted a lifetime achievement prize from sister Janet Jackson at the ceremony.
When Marlon was asked where Michael Jackson was, however, he bizarrely claimed he was "away riding a camel in Egypt somewhere".
"It's a great honour to know your music influenced a generation. We're very proud of this moment." said Tito.
The Jacksons did not perform at the event, also attended by their father Joseph, mother Katherine and sisters LaToya and Rebbie; turning the event to a family reunion.
Filed under  //   1988   1992   1994   1997   1999   2008  

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

1988 - Michael Jackson performs Bad World Tour at Festival Grounds, Werchter, Belgium.

1992 - Michael Jackson performs third at final concert of Dangerous World Tour at Wembley Stadium, London attending 72,000 fans.

1997 - Michael Jackson's single "Stranger in Moscow" hit #91 in the U.S.

2002 - It's official: People Magazine reported that Michael became daddy again for the third time!! People magazine reported that the "King of Pop" has a 6-month-old boy, Prince Michael II (nicknamed "Blanket") was born in February 2002 with the help of an unknown surrogate mother whoes identity was kept a secret.

Filed under  //   1988   1992   1997   2002  

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