Today in MJJ HIStory

1979 - The Jacksons perform a concert in Bremen, Germany on Destiny tour.

1984 - Somebody's Watching Me by Rockwell Gordy featuring Michael on the title track is released by Motown.

1989 - Michael Jackson in concert at the Memorial Sports Arena in Los Angeles, US.

1990 - Michael attends the unveiling of a painting of himself titled The Book made by Australian artist Brett Livingstone Strong at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, CA.

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“The Book” is said to be the only portrait Michael personally sat for during his lifetime. The 40-inch by 50-inch portrait was unveiled in the presence of Mr. Hiromichi Saeki who paid $2,100,000 for the original, the most expensive portrait of a living person. Mr. Saeki was one of the most influential Japanese merchandisers and concert promoters of Michael Jackson. Michael is draped in a “Renaissance Effect” within this portrait and even deeper inside is standing, posing for Brett in a slightly earlier dimension of time.

The Book capture one of the most talented musicians in the world, painted by one of the most talented artists of our time, Brett-Livingstone Strong, hailed by the King of Pop as “A modern day Michelangelo”, in the ultimate expression of beauty – both musically and artistically, remembering Michael at the pinnacle of his career.

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Whether by fate or fortune we have here two of the greatest artists of the 21st century both forever memorialized in their greatness, captured in a moment of life entitled “The Book” and hereinafter available for the enjoyment and appreciation of all future generations and patrons of the Arts. The mystique of this portrait draws you in. Take a closer look – it is a portrait within a portrait.

The portrait depicts the King of Pop as a contemporary Renaissance man, dressed in red velvet holding a journal of thoughts and sketches, in a fairy-tale-like setting, with a statue of Peter Pan and another painting of Michael, in the background. "We called it, 'The Book,'" Mr. Strong said. "What are you going to put in 'The Book' today, Michael?'" The backdrop is Neverland, with an image of Tinkerbell. The painting has touches of Vermeer, as that was one of Mr. Jackson's favorite painters, Mr. Strong said.

1992 – Michael Jackson contributes to Law Roul`s telethon with a taped performance of “Heal the World”. The performance was taken from a Dangerous Tour Concert and was combined with footage of Michael`s visit to Africa.

1993 - Michael attends the Superbowl XXVII Pre-Show Press Conference held at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, Ca.

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Michael accepts a cheque of $100 000 from the NFL and Frito Lay (Sponsor of the Superbowl). Neil Austrian, president of NFL, presents him with a custom-made Superbowl jacket. He also receives 500,000 dollars from BEST Foundation for his Heal The World Foundation.

Heal LA, new United States Children's Relief Initiative is announced by Heal The World, Michael Jackson and Former President Jimmy Carter in Los Angeles. This collaborative effort - beginning with "Heal LA" sustained by "Cities in Schools", "Big Brothers/Big Sisters", "BEST Foundation", "Watta Health Foundation", and "Partnership for a Drug Free America" - will provide immediate action to help solve the pressing needs of America's inner-city children and youth through instructive programs featuring AIDS prevention, a substance-free living. The initial Los Angeles effort will include drug prevention/education, as well as counseling, mentoring and immunization campaigns.

The singer declares:

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"We have to get out the message of the need to heal our children and heal the world... to recognize that we need each other and must care for one another, help inspire us to develop this relief effort for children. To make a real difference, we must all care and commit to be a part of the solution. I know you all share my concern for inner-city children who are spread all around us. We must join together to make this world a better place for each of them. "Heal LA" is only our first step in making things better. I'm very happy to tell you today that former President, Jimmy Carter, and I are going to be working together to help children in cities all over our country. President Carter will join me as co-Chair of our new national Heal Our Children Initiative. We'll work together here in L.A. to start, then go city by city to heal children all over America. I would like to express my love and appreciation to all of you who have already been so generous to this important new Heal The World program."

1994 - After 6 months of hard negotiations, the lawyers representing both sides in the molestation case against Michael finally reached agreement. An out of court settlement, which both sides have been working towards, is agreed for an undisclosed sum.
The nightmare was over!

2001 - 15 year old Afro-Norwegian boy Benjamin "Benny" Hermansen was stabbed to death by a group of neo-Nazis in Oslo, Norway.

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On the album cover, next to the image of a rose, it reads:
Michael Jackson gives "special thanks":
«This album is dedicated to Benjamin 'Benny'
Hermansen. May we continue to remember
not to judge man by the color of his skin,
but the content of his Character. Benjamin...
we love you... may you rest in peace.»
Michael Jackson dedicated his Invincible album to Benjamin. The reason for this has partly to do with the fact that the Holmlia boy Omer Bhatti and Jackson were close friends, and Bhatti was at the same time a good friend of Benjamin Hermansen.
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2002 - Michael Jackson's Cry peaked at #2, on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, it was held from the top position from Ja Rule and Ashanti's "Always on Time" 2001 single.

2006 - Michael, Grace & the kids fly to Hamburg on a private visit the Shleiter family but upon arriving to their house, fans et reporters arrive after hearing the news of his arrival on the radio.

Amid intense media coverage police cordoned off the home of his 23-year-old host to guarantee their safety. Around 100 fans and media representatives were waiting in front of his hosts house today to catch a glimpse of Michael, who prefered to stay in the house though.

2007 - Michael attends Lance Burton's 7 p.m. show (Monte Carlo) with Grace & the kids.

2008 - Michael received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2008 NRJ Awards, in the year which he will mark the 25th Anniversary of ‘Thriller’.

The awards show took place in Cannes (France) and was aired on channel TF1. Michael wasn't able to attend the awards show in person but he recorded a special message for this occasion:

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"Hello to all my friends in France! Though I couldn’t be there in person tonight to accept this prestigious award, I’m so happy to have the chance to send this message to let all my French fans know how much your support has meant throughout the years.

It’s hard to believe that 25 years ago, Quincy Jones and I embarked on an album named “Thriller.” To be able to say that “Thriller” still holds the record as the biggest selling album of all time, is just mind blowing. I have you, my fans throughout the world to thank for this achievement.

Though this award tonight honours me for my lifetime achievements, there is still much more to come from Michael Jackson. My passion for music has never stopped. And for those who don’t know, I’ve been in the studio recording Thriller 25th Anniversary album, with a lot of surprise guests. It’s my hope that “Thriller” continues to live on for each new generation to discover.

So thank you TF1 and NRJ for this very special award. It means so much to me to be honoured by you. And thank you to my fans. I love you from the bottom of my heart and I hope to see you very soon. I love you. God bless you.”

2009 - Michael (with Blanket and Dr Tohme Tohme by his side), meets an AEG delegation headed by Philip Anschutz, its billionaire founder, AEG's chief executive Tim Leiweke, Randy Phillips, who heads up AEG Live and Paul Gongaware. Michael signs a deal for 10 concerts in London next summer and he also accepts to submit to a rigorous medical check-up at his LA home.
Filed under  //   1979   1984   1989   1990   1992   1993   1994   2001   2002   2006   2007   2008   2009  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1976 - A week after Michael gave his deposition, the versatility in the appeal of the Jackson 5 was evidenced by two separate television appearances that happened to be broadcast on the same day, Saturday, January 24, 1976. In the afternoon, they could be seen as the featured guests in their fourth appearance on Soul Train.

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That night, they made their third appearance on the Carol Burnett Show. Carol sings Anybody Named Jackson Is a Friend of Mine in this ninth-season episode of her long-running CBS variety show, only to be joined by five people named Jackson- the Jackson Five- who launch into Forever Came Today. Michael and his brothers return later in the show to perform Body Language with Vicki. Other highlights include the skit "Washington *****" (with Harvey as a senator, Carol as his unpredictable wife and Tim Conway as his campaign manager) and "Swiped Life" (a spoof of A Stolen Life, the 1946 Bette Davis-Glenn Ford movie about twins, one naughty, one nice). The closing number features Carol's Charwoman cleaning up a three-ring circus, pretending to be the star of various acts. She is joined in pantomime by legendary clown Emmett Kelly, who takes a seat while she signs "It's Only a Paper Moon" and "Look for the Silver Lining."

The group was still performing under the name "Jackson 5″ for the time being, while they waited for their contract to expire in March.

1979 - The Jacksons kick off the European leg of the Destiny World Tour in Germany with 3 concerts in Bremen.

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The Jacksons performing Blame It On The Boogie

1984 - The shooting of the first Pepsi commercial began.

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Michael & The Jacksons shoot a Pepsi commercial named Street directed by Bob Giraldi and featuring the group dancing in the street with a bunch of kids, including Alfonso Ribeiro & Siggy Jackson on a Pepsi version of Billie Jean.

One of the children is dressed as Michael from his Beat It video and is imitating moves when he moonwalks into the real thing. Young Alfonso Ribeiro looks absolutely astonished as he looks up into the eyes of the real Michael Jackson. The commercial ends with Alfonso and his friends joining Michael and the rest of the Jackson brothers in song and dance:

You're a whole new generation
You're dancing' through the day
You're grabbin' for the magic
on the run
You're whole new generation
You're loving what you do
Put a Pepsi into motion
The choice is up to you

Hey Hey you're the Pepsi Generation
Guzzle down and taste the thrill
of the day
And feel the Pepsi way
Taste the thrill of the day
And feel the Pepsi way
You're a whole new generation


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.

Michael lent his music to Billie Jean for use in the commercial, helped write the Pepsi lyrics, and performed the new jingle in the ad, but had it stated in his contract with Pepsi that he would not be filmed drinking, or even holding a bottle of Pepsi. It become a well known fact that Michael doesn't drink Pepsi. He has long been vegetarian and only eats and drinks natural foods. Bottled water, fruit juice, and carrot juice being among the few things he does drink.

1985 - After a day of rest, Jones shipped Richie and Jackson's vocal guide to all of the artists who would be involved in "We Are the World"'s recording. Enclosed in the package was a letter from Jones, addressed to "My Fellow Artists":

The cassettes are numbered, and I can't express how important it is not to let this material out of your hands. Please do not make copies, and return this cassette the night of the 28th. In the years to come, when your children ask, 'What did mommy and daddy do for the war against world famine?', you can say proudly, this was your contribution.
1989 - After only 2 weeks on release, "Moonwalker" is reported to have outsold "The Making of Michael Jackson's Thriller". With this, Michael broke his own record, pushing "The Making of Michael Jackson's Thriller" to the second position. Up to today, "Moonwalker" is the biggest-selling music video of all time followed by "The Making of Michael Jackson's Thriller" as the second biggest-selling music video of all time.

With this, Michael made history again. He holds the top 2 positions for the most selling music videos of all time.

1997 - Michael spends few days resting at Disneyland Paris in Marne-la-Vallee, France

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2007 - Michael has dinner with casino mogul Steve Wynn in a private room at Alex restaurant at the Wynn in Las Vegas as speculation grows the King of Pop will launch a comeback in Las Vegas.

Michael's friendship with Wynn, who transformed Siegfried and Roy into international stars with a performance at The Mirage - dates back decades. Michael was often a guest of Wynn at The Mirage, there were even talks to him to bring the singer to Las Vegas.

Filed under  //   1976   1979   1984   1985   1989   1997   2007  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1980 - Michael attends the 7th Annual American Music Awards, at the ABC-TV Studios in Hollywood, Ca.

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Michael receives 3 awards for Off The Wall and presents an award to the Bee Gees. Dressed in his trademark tux with a sequined shirt, Michael took home the awards for Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist, Favorite Soul/R&B Album for Off The Wall, and Favorite Soul/R&B Single for Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough.

1989 - Michael Jackson in concert at the Memorial Sports Arena in Los Angeles, US.

1993 - Michael performs "We Are The World" with celebrities at the Pre-Inaugural Celebration for Bill Clinton held at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC.


The day before the Inaugural Gala, Michael made an unscheduled appearance on pre-Inaugural celebration. He joined Diana Ross and several other celebrities on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in a performance of We Are The World, standing, dressed in black and gold, next to President elect Clinton, the soon to be new First Lady, and their daughter Chelsea.

1996 - Lisa Marie Presley-Jackson filed for divorce from Michael, ending a 19-month marriage that merged pop royalty. A statement from Jackson spokesman Lee Solters said the two "have mutually agreed to go their separate ways. However, they remain good friends." Irreconcilable differences were given as reason. Michael got married to Lisa on May 26, 1994 in the Dominican Republic.

1998 - Michael wins the copyright infringement case against Al Bano Carrisi for the song Will You Be There.

2008 - 'The Girl Is Mine 2008' - the first single from the upcoming 'Thriller 25th Anniversary Edition' - has released to radio stations worldwide.

Filed under  //   1980   1989   1993   1996   1998   2008  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1989 - Michael Jackson in concert at the Memorial Sports Arena in Los Angeles, US.

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The Cleveland School massacre occurred on January 17, 1989, at Cleveland Elementary School in Stockton, California, United States. The gunman, Patrick Purdy, who had a long criminal history and was later determined to be mentally ill, opened fire on the school's playground with a semi-automatic rifle, shot and killed five schoolchildren, and wounded 29 other schoolchildren and one teacher, before committing suicide. His victims were predominantly Cambodian or Vietnamese refugees.

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Then-Mayor Barbara Fass' subsequent work on gun control received national attention and sparked nationwide efforts that sought to ban semi-automatic military-style rifles like the one used in the shooting.

Popular singer and song writer Michael Jackson paid a visit to Cleveland Elementary School to see the children and families effected by this tragedy on February 7, 1989. Michael had just returned from his Bad World Tour. He arrived at the school to comfort the surviving children by giving them confidence to view the world more positively after such a traumatic experience. Patrick Purdy may have destroyed many lives that day, but Michael Jackson's presence helped bring more attention and compassion to the victims than anybody else on planet Earth could have done in a hundred years.

1994 - Michael Jackson opened his Neverland Ranch in a Martin Luther King Day celebration for 100 inner-city children who excelled in school.

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Jackson spent Saturday mingling with the children, posing for photographs and signing autographs. The children watched the movie "Beethoven's 2nd" in Jackson's theater and then visited his amusement park and zoo.

"This was a reward for them, and especially on the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., it is a very special occasion. These kids will never forget. We thank Michael for making this an even more memorable day," said Chilton Alphonse, founder of South Central Los Angeles' Community Youth Sports and Arts Foundation.

Fifty of the children came from Alphonse's organization, and the other 50, from Second Baptist Church.

"Michael has been a friend for the past five or six years and he's been very generous to us," Alphonse said by telephone from Neverland. "You hear all these negative things and I don't believe them. A man is innocent until proven guilty."

2000 - Michael Named Favorite Artist Of The 1980s at the 27th Annual American Music Awards.

From the results of an internet poll, named Michael Jackson favorite artist of the 1980s, Stevie Wonder of the 1970s, the Beatles of the 1960s and Elvis Presley of the 1950s.

2002 - It was announced that Michael's vocals are used on "It's Not Worth It" - a brandnew song off Brandy's new album titled "Full Moon", due in stores March 05, 2002.

Filed under  //   1989   1994   2000   2002  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1975 - Michael's fourth solo album, Forever, Michael, was released.

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This album was his final new studio album for Motown, came nearly two years after its predecessor, Music and Me. The album displayed a change in musical style for the sixteen-year-old, who adopted a smoother soul sound that he would continue to develop on his later solo records for Epic Records, but lacked the contemporary dance style that characteristic to Jackson 5ive.

Most of the tracks were recorded in 1974, and the album was originally set to be released that year. However, because of demand from the Jackson 5's huge hit Dancing Machine, production on Jackson's album was delayed until the hype from that song died down.

The album, with the length of over thirty minutes, is credited as having material with R&B, pop, soul and pop rock material. Edward Holland, Jr., Brian Holland, Hal Davis, Freddie Perren, Sam Brown III served as producers to Forever, Michael.

The album helped return Jackson to the top 40, aided by the singles We're Almost There and Just a Little Bit of You, both written by the Holland Brothers (Eddie and Brian) of Holland–Dozier–Holland.

This is the only Michael Jackson studio album that doesn't share a name with one of the songs on the album.

Unlike Jackson's previous studio albums released within the 1970s, the album was not commercially successful worldwide. Although it did shift nearly 100,000 copies in US more than MUSIC & ME. The album's sales were so disappointing that it became the final straw in the deteriorating relationship between the Jackson family and Motown records.

Chartwise, FOREVER, MICHAEL peaked at #10 R&B and #101 Pop in US and failed to register in the UK – Michael's worse showing to date.

The brothers, and Michael in particular, had been disappointed in the label's recent lack of support, and their refusal to let band members contribute song material. Joseph Jackson, convinced that his sons’ careers were being held back by Motown, began to look around for a better deal.

1984 - Michael Jackson won for the first time in the history of the American Music Awards 8 of the desirable trophies.

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The accolades began with his sweep of the 11th annual American Music Awards on Monday night, January 16th, winning a total of eight awards, including a special merit award. Michael received a record breaking ten nominations for the American Music Awards. THRILLER was nominated for Best Pop Album, and Best Soul Album. Billie Jean was nominated for Best Pop Single and Best Soul Single. Beat It and Billie Jean were both nominated for Best Pop Video and Best Soul Video. And finally, Michael was nominated for Best Pop Male Vocalist and Best Soul Male Vocalist.

Michael attended the award ceremony accompanied by Webster star Emmanuel Lewis and his date for the evening was Brooke Shields. He was dressed for the occasion in a red Sergeant Pepper-style military style jacket covered with red sequins, cropped tuxedo pants, black aviator glasses, with a single black sequin glove; an appropriate uniform for what, considering the scope of his popularity, equated to the showbiz variant of a coronation.

Michael approached the podium 8 times that night to accept awards, a new record. THRILLER was named Best Pop Album and Best Soul Album. Billie Jean won as Best Pop Single, and Beat It was named Best Pop Video and Best Soul Video. Michael took top honors as Best Pop Male Vocalist and Best Soul Male Vocalist.

For his first, which is the AMA for Favorite Pop SingleBeat It, he says the following: "I don’t what I [fans screaming] … would – I’m very thankful and I’m very honored for this award. I don’t wanna make a long speech, I’m just – thank you very much. Bye. [smiles]”

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His second award that night is for Favorite Soul AlbumThriller, for which he states: “Thank you very much. I’m deeply moved again to – to win this award. I’d like to thank Quincy Jones who’s a wonderful producer, and my mother and father who are in the audience - which I love very much - who brought me into the world. And I also thank the American public. Thank you.”

For Favorite Pop AlbumThriller, he has this to say: “[…] Again I – I’d like to thank everybody… thank you [smiles]. I’m – I’m deeply moved by accepting this award. And it was so much fun doing the album, ‘Thriller’. And I’d like to thank again Quincy Jones, and Bruce Swedien who’s the greatest engineer in the world. And, also, Rod Temperton and James Ingram for writing ‘PYT’ with Quincy Jones - thank you. And again, my mother and father who… taught me so much. And again I’d like to thank the disc-jokeys who played the record, ‘cause if it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t be here, so.. And I also would like to thank the public. Thank you very much.”

In addition to these awards Michael was honored for his lifetime career achievements as the year's recipient of the Award of Merit. The Award of Merit was presented to Michael by Diana Ross and by the previous year's winner, Kenny Rogers. Barry Manilow also took part in the tribute, singing Ben and a medley of Jackson 5ive hits. The presentation featured video taped messages from Michael's closest friends, including Liza Minnelli, Katherine Hepburn, and Jane Fonda, who had this to say:

Michael, I can't tell you how many times I've studied your tapes, trying to figure out what it is you do. I've decided you are a miracle. You have so much talent, the more you give of it, the more you seem to have. I'm so proud of you... and so proud to be your friend.
Winning the award at age 25, Michael is the youngest performer to ever receive the Award of Merit.

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On receiving the special American Music Award Of Merit from singer/actress and long-time friend, Diana Ross, he declares: “Thank you. Thank you very much. I’m so deeply touched and deeply honored to receive this wonderful - Gosh, wonderful award… I thank you, American public; I thank Berry Gordy of Motown, who has been such an important part of my career and life. I thank again my mother and father who brought me into the world – Joseph Jackson and Katherine Jackson. I thank all my brothers – Tito, Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Randy, who I started with… and still am with. I thank Susanne de Passe who has been such an important influence in my life and has taught me so much. Thank you, Susanne. Quincy Jones is a wonderful person, not only is he an incredible producer, he is a wonderful man, he is such a family person, and I love him and we have made history together and I’m thankful. I thank one of my favorite people in the whole entire world, Miss Diana Ross and… she’s been such a special friend to me and taught me so many incredible, important things… and I’m so honored that she came here… I just hope I didn’t leave anybody out, I just – boy, the American public and I thank all the disc-jokeys and everybody, I love you so much and thank you.”

On winning the Favorite Soul Video award for Beat It: “This is wonderful. [To La Toya] Come here.. This is my sis.. oh, Bob Giraldi! [laughs] [who joins him on stage]. This is my sister, La Toya, I’m so honored she’s here, I didn’t know she was gonna bring this award. Working on ‘Beat It’ was a great experience. I had so much fun doing it, and this is my director, Bob Giraldi, whom I chose to be… I’ve put all my heart and my soul in my work and I’m so happy and honored that I won this wonderful award. Thank you.”, declares Jackson, more excited with each new award.

For Favorite Pop VideoBeat It, he is joined again on stage by director Bob Giraldi. “Again, I’d like to thank everybody. I’m so moved and so honored again… Thank you very much. I love you all. And one more – thank you, Michael Peters, you’re a wonderful person. Thank you.”, says Jackson.

On winning the American Music Award for Favorite Soul Male, the entertainer declares: “Again, I’m deeply moved and I really appreciate it, and the girls in the balcony, I love you, you’re wonderful. [laughs mildly] An important – an important chemistry in writing a song is inspiration and I’m holding one of inspirations – Emmanuel Lewis [best known for playing the title character in ‘Webster’].”.

For his last award that night, the Favorite Pop Male AMA, he smilingly concludes: “Thank you very much. It’s nothing more I can say, I love you all. Good-bye.”

1989 - Michael Jackson in concert at the Memorial Sports Arena in Los Angeles, US.

1993 - Michael attends the NAACP Image Awards with Katherine in Pasadena, California.

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Michael Jackson is presented with the 'Outstanding Music Video Award' for the socially conscious song, Black Or White. He also receives the '25th Silver Anniversary Entertainer Of The Year Award' at the 25th "National Association for the Advancement of Colored People" event (NAACP Image Awards).

Michael Jackson, Entertainer of the Year, brought down the house just standing on stage. The crowd didn't let him get away -- "I wasn't prepared to sing," he protested, till Patti Laell struck up his tune. And of course, he had to oblige. Patti Labelle sings "Will You Be There" with Michael joining for the last verse.

Michael's acceptance speech:

"First I’d like to say ‘Thank you’ to my mother. Thank you for giving me life — I really mean that.

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There are two things which the NAACP stands for which are the most important things in my life: freedom and equality. In every person, there is a secret song in their heart. It says: ‘I am free!’, it sings: ‘I am One!’. This is the natural feeling of every child. To be free as the wind, to be one with every other child. All the troubles in the world are caused by forgetting this feeling.

And when I perform, my connection with people is to just remind me of that: to be free and to be One. In this spirit the NAACP has done its cherished work.

Thank you for having the faith to see that I share your work — for I deeply feel I do.
I accept this award on behalf of the world’s healing. When all our brothers and sisters will be as free and equal as we are today.

I love you so much and I am very honoured, and thank you for this award.

Thank you so much."

2009 - Michael Jackson Immortalized in Wax
Michael Jackson's new wax figure is unveiled at Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum in New York City.

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2001 - Dame Elizabeth Talks About Michael

Special guest and living legend Dame Elizabeth DAME ELIZABETH joined Larry King for an exclusive interview. Dame Elizabeth talked about her extraordinary life and career. Larry asked Dame Elizabeth about her friendship with Michael Jackson.

Please find below part of the transcript taken from this interview as reported on CNN's Website.

LARRY KING: The friendship with Michael Jackson.
DAME ELIZABETH: Yes?
LARRY KING: What? And how did that begin? Well I mean, you seem on different planes
DAME ELIZABETH: No! Why do you say that?
LARRY KING: You just seem on different planes. He's a very shy...
DAME ELIZABETH: No. We were both child stars.
LARRY KING: OK.
DAME ELIZABETH: We had no childhood, either one of us. We were brought up by tutors. We had no children of our own age to play with or relate to. We were performing the whole time. He was on the stage; I was on the...
LARRY KING: The screen.
DAME ELIZABETH: ... the soundstage. We would go home. I, in my case, I would learn my lines, learn my homework, get up early in the morning. I would go out to the polo field, where they had 40 jumps set up, and to get some of my steam off as a little girl I would take 40 jumps before I would go into work.
LARRY KING: And he had the same kind of life, in a sense. He had to get up and take the bus to wherever they went to the next concert or...
DAME ELIZABETH: Yes and get his steam off dancing.
LARRY KING: But we don't -- we know you. Look at you. We don't know Michael, do we?
DAME ELIZABETH: No.
LARRY KING: What don't we know about him we should know?
DAME ELIZABETH: He's so tender. He is so compassionate. He hurts, literally pains for other people's suffering. If there is -- like -- the starvation of children in this country, in India, in Africa...
LARRY KING: He feels it. It's not just a...
DAME ELIZABETH: He reaches out. I've been to the Orient with him. And he says: "Roll down the window! Roll down the window!" He reaches his hands out and just touches a baby's face. Oh, you beautiful thing, and he just wants to give that baby everything, his life. He'd give him all his money if he could, and the car keeps on moving. And he'll turn back: Oh, look at that baby.
LARRY KING: We'll get a break and come right back with Dame Elizabeth, Elizabeth DAME ELIZABETH. What -- what a life!
Filed under  //   1975   1984   1989   1993  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1989 - The NAACP 21st Image Awards were aired. Michael Jackson won Best Male Artist and Best Album Of The Year for BAD.

He was also honored with the "Leonard Carter Humanitarian Award" in recognition of his humanitarian endeavors, during the Image Award ceremony held in Los Angeles, celebrating black achievements.
Among other honorees were Whoopi Goldberg, best film actress; Eddie Murphy, black entertainer of the year; and Vanessa Williams.

1992 - Remember The Time is released as the second single from Michael's 8hth studio album DANGEROUS.

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Remember the Time was recorded in the Hit Factory Miami, was written and composed by Teddy Riley, Michael Jackson and Bernard Belle, the song was produced by Riley and Jackson. Dedicated to Diana Ross, Remember The Time introduced so-called 'jack swing' to a worldwide audience for the first time with the accompaniment of co-producer Riley. Musically, the song is dance-oriented and its instruments include a piano and guitar.
Riley told the Los Angeles Times in November 1996, he wrote the song after Michael told him about falling in love with Debbie Rowe: "I don't know why he didn't marry her the first time around."
"One of the biggest things Michael really surprised me with on DANGEROUS was his vocal delivery on Remember The Time," said Riley. "That really blew me away... that was the sound I was thinking of for the album... I'd describe that sound as, really, like the New Jack Swing sound."
The single's cover featured a black and white photo of Michael with quite a different look. He was in a white under-shirt with his hair pulled tightly back in a ponytail. Come Together, previously only available on the Moonwalker home video, was chosen as the B-side of Remember The Time, and for all but
the first few weeks of the singles’ UK chart run, both titles were listed and peaked at #3.

In reaching #1 R&B and #3 Pop, Remember The Time achieved a RIAA Gold Record in the States, and it also charted at #1 in New Zealand, #2 in Belgium, #3 in Australia and Holland, #5 in France, #8 in Germany and Italy, and #10 in Norway. The song reached the top twenty in all major territories. A nine minute music video directed by John Singleton, marketed as a "short film", was released for the song. The video is set in ancient Egypt and features appearances by Eddie Murphy, Iman, The Pharcyde and Magic Johnson.

Remember The Time won an American Music Award for Favourite Soul/R&B Single, Male.

1999 - January 14-25: Michael goes to Sun City, with Prince, Paris & their nanny Grace Rwaramba.

2008 - The Girl Is Mine 2008 is released.

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The remix included in Thriller 25, the album celebrating Thriller's 25th anniversary, featured an original solo demo of the song by Jackson, before he had recorded the duet with McCartney and will.i.am added his own vocals and new verse.

The song reached #12 in New Zealand, #22 in France, #51 in Switzerland and charted within the Top 50 of Denmark, Sweden and Switzerland.

2009 - Michael goes to see Dr Klein in Beverly Hills with Blanket.

Filed under  //   1989   1992   1999   2008   2009  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1973 - The Jackson 5 appear on the Dick Cavett Show

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1974 - One More Time, a Jackson 5 TV Special is aired on CBS. The group performs Get It Together + a medley of I Want You Back/ABC/I’ll Be There/Ben/Daddy’s Home/Never Can Say Goodbye/The Love You Save and another medley Up a Lazy River/Opus One (with the Mills Brothers).

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1989 - "Moonwalker" was released on video in America. In just over one month, it sold 600,000 units in the States. And this was just the beginning.

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

"Moonwalker" debuted at number one on Billboard's Top Music Video Cassette chart and stayed there for 22 weeks before being replaced by himself, with "Michael Jackson: The Legend Continues".

Michael’s feature-length movie, Moonwalker, was released to theaters in the United Kingdom and Australia on Boxing Day, 1988, and on home video in the U.S. and Canada on January 10, 1989. A collage of live performances, music videos, dramatized scenes and biographical flashbacks, Moonwalker effectively summarized Michael’s career up to what would turn out to be his commercial peak.

2002 - The King of Pop made a special appearance at the "29th Annual American Music Awards" and was presented with the "Artist of the Century" Award.

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At the 29th annual American Music Awards, which took place at the Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles (USA), Michael Jackson was awarded the 'Artist of the Century Award'. Actor/ comedian Chris Tucker had the honor of presenting the award to his friend:
Michael Jackson is the biggest selling artist of all time. And Thriller remains the largest selling album all over the world. For his outstanding musical contributions in the 1970's, '80's and '90's the American Music Awards presents Michael Jackson with this year's 'Artist Of The Century Award'. Ladies and gentlemen would you please welcome a good friend of mine, the King Of Pop, Mr. Michael Jackson.
Michael came out on stage blowing kisses to the fans. Dressed in solid silver sequenced jacket with gold sequenced military stripes and armband, his pants were tight black leather, his black boots blending in perfectly. His hair was shoulder length and straight. Michael, of course, acknowledges his fans in the wings holding up signs for him.

As he took to the stage to accept his award, Michael was greeted with a standing ovation from the cheering crowd before he began his speech, thanking a long list of people, including actor Marlon Brando - "my other father" - and then split:

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"First I would like to say; Chris Tucker, you are the funniest man in the world. Larry Cline, Dick Clark. [to Chris Tucker, handing him the award] Can you hold this for me? [while reaching in his pocket for a piece of paper] I'd like to thank people that are very important in my life. My mother and father, John McClain, Nicoletta Sotille, Rodney Jerkins, I think you're a musical genius, and Teddy Riley. I love you Quincy Jones, you're amazing. Trudy Green, Howard Kaufman, Suzzane De Passe, Tony Jones, Diana Ross, Marlon Brando, Gladys Knight, and my other father, Marlon Brando, I love you."
Acts who perform on the earlier show generally do not get invited to the more prestigious Grammy Awards in February, putting Jackson in a fix.

He had initially backed out of the American Music Awards altogether, prompting show producer Dick Clark to file a $ 10 million lawsuit against Grammys boss Michael Greene for unfair competition.

2004 - It was reported that Michael Jackson was going to lease a cliffside estate in Beverly Hills, CA. Jackson had recently said that he wouldn't live at Neverland Ranch again.

Filed under  //   1973   1974   1989   2002   2004  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1989 - The biggest selling UK album artists of 1988 were:
  1. Fleetwood Mac
  2. Kylie Minogue
  3. Michael Jackson
  4. U2
  5. Dire Straits
1990 - Michael organizes a festivity for 82 deprived children at his residence via "Childhelp USA, who are offered a tour of the ranch, games to play, a barbeque for meal and a film representation to watch: "The Little Mermaid" and "Back To The Future II".

2009 - Dr Tohme Tohme confirms that Michael has leased a Bel Air mansion for $100000 a month. Tohme Tohme says the pop icon wanted to be closer to "where all the action is" in the entertainment industry.

Filed under  //   1989   1990   2009  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1970 - The Jackson 5 perform a concert in Miami Beach, Florida during the winter tour

1972 - Jackson 5 in concert in Greenville, South Carolina

1988 - A U.K. TV compilation, "Love Songs," hit #15 in the U.K. The work was credited to Michael Jackson and Diana Ross.

Michael Jackson and Bono shared first place in an American poll of "The Most Beautiful Lips"

1989 - Leave Me Alone, the 7th video from BAD premiered on MTV.

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The music video for Leave Me Alone, was directed by Jim Blashfield and Paul Diener and also featured in the 1988 film Moonwalker. Leave Me Alone, a unique blend of live action and animation, combined a small animated carnival setting with Michael cruising around in a small plane. With the use of special effects and humor, Michael confronts the press and the ridiculous stories that has been printed about him.

The amusement park in the video, consists of stylistically crude images based around Jackson's successful career since 1982's Thriller, with emphasis on the tabloid view of Jackson's personal life and public image, referring to the nickname "Wacko Jacko" given to him by the press, and the various headlines associated with him in the 1980s. Lampooning rumours that he tried to purchase Joseph Merrick's bones, Jackson dances with stop motion "Elephant Man" bones in the video. This particular segment (without the image of the bones) was used for the single's cover art, and the boneless video segment was featured in Moonwalker trailer.

In the video, there are images of shrines to actress Elizabeth Taylor, a real life close friend of Jackson. Throughout the video newspaper headlines, published by "National Intruder", with bizarre titles are shown, such as "Michael's Space-Age Diet" and "Michael Proposes to Liz". Another notable scene in the music video was a nose being chased by a surgical scalpel, which was reference to Jackson's plastic surgery being criticized by the media. At the end of the video, it is revealed that a gigantic Jackson himself is the amusement park. He breaks free, tearing the park to pieces. That scene is a somewhat reminiscent of Gulliver's Travels, where Gulliver eventually breaks free from the Lilliputians' grasp from Lilliput.

Leave Me Alone was the recipient of multiple nominations for its music video. The video won a Grammy Award in 1990 for Best Short Form Music Video at the 32nd Grammy Awards. The video also received 6 nominations at the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards for Video of the Year, Viewers' Choice, Breakthrough Video, Best Editing and Best Art Direction; the video won Best Special Effects.

1997 - Michael arrives in Hawaii where he is welcomed by 150 local dancers + 200 fans. He soons joins Joe & Katherine who came especially for him.

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Michael is greeted with what the local people there call "The Aloha Spirit", at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki, where he stayed for four nights. witnessing hula dancers, smiling, watching village guards, children performers speaking, including father Joe Jackson and publicist, Bob Jones.

"His plane came in for he and his immediate party then there was a plane just for his crew, then there were two -- those he Russian cargo planes, biggest planes in the world. Carrying his equipment" said Concert Promoter Tom Moffatt.

"He brought in a tank.... an army tank that came on stage that was part of the show (laugh)"

Jackson spent most of his time in his hotel suite on the 14th floor, *Alii* tower suite 1402. Fans camped out underneath his room day and night.

Wherever Jackson went while in the islands he created frenzy, with the crowds being star-struck. "He came out on the lanai and waved," Lani Bjork is the head of hotel security said. "You could hear that wave of 'Michael! Michael!' throughout the evening."

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More than 60,000 people packed into Aloha Stadium those two nights with long lines of fans standing in the rain to see one of the best shows ever staged in the islands.
Wherever Jackson went while in the islands he created frenzy, with the crowds being star-struck.

2004 - CBS aired the special "Michael Jackson Number Ones" featuring many young artists speaking about Michael's influence.

Filed under  //   1970   1972   1988   1989   1997   2004  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1970 - The Jackson 5 perform a concert at the Greensboro Coliseum, North Carolina during the winter tour.
Ticket prices are $7.00, $6.00 and $5.00 and the show was presented through the co-operation of Radio Station WEAL in Greensboro.

1989 - Michael was among the celebrities who rallied to the cause of young Ryan White, an Indiana high school student and hemophiliac who had contracted AIDS in late 1984 from a blood transfusion he received while being treated for pneumonia. White’s battle with the disease was extended to being a fight to remain in school despite his condition, making him the poster child for AIDS awareness and education.

Michael bought White a red Mustang in June 1989, and then invited him to spend the X-mas holidays with him at Neverland from December 28 to January 2, for what turned out to be his very last New Year, where he rested and watched movies with the King of Pop.

Eighteen-year-old White succumbed to the disease on April 8, 1990, and Michael eulogized him in the song Gone Too Soon, released the following year.

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

Filed under  //   1970   1989   1996  

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