Today in MJJ HIStory

1977 - The Jacksons perform "Enjoy Yourself" and "Dreamer" on Mike In Hollywood '77.

1979 - The Jacksons perform a concert at The Rainbow in London, UK on Destiny tour.

1983 - Michael attends The British Record Industry Awards in the Grosvenor House Hotel, London (UK) to collect an award on behalf of Barbara Streisand. Michael is pictured with Paul McCartney and his late wife Linda.

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Michael & Paul Mac Cartney are on the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine.


1984 - Michael attends the Tap Dance Kid musical at the Broadhurst Theatre in NYC with Sean Lennon.

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1993 - Jet magazine featured Michael on their cover with the story: Michael Jackson gives First Live Interview to Oprah Winfrey.
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As the monthlong celebration gets underway during the Black HIStory month, the musical monarch will establish an precedent. He will give the first live interview to Oprah Winfrey. The prime time special, produced by Winfrey's Harpo Productions, Inc., will air Wednesday, Feb. 10 (9:30-11:00 p.m. ET) on the ABC Television Network in the U.S. and in countries around the world. Oprah's 90-minute interview with Michael, originating from his ranch in Santa Ynez, CA., will provide viewers a rare glimpse into this private and often mysterious musical master's intriguing life.

"Michael Jackson has always been at the top of my list of people I am most interested in interviewing," Oprah allowed. "The excitement of this interview being live and unedited is certainly a special event for me and for all of Michael's fans." she adds.

Rather than tape the interview and release it on the scheduled air date, the talk show host and Michael agreed to an unprecedented live show. The format will allow the megastar to talk about his career, lifestyle and family, and express his innermost feelings.

2006 - Michael, Anton, Grace & the kids leave Sorrento and go to Roma.
Filed under  //   1977   1979   1983   1984   1993   2006  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1970 - I Want You Back the Jackson 5ive's first single with Motown from their debut album, Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5ive, was released in late 1969 and the week of January 31, 1970, become their fist number one hit single on Billboard's pop singles chart, where it spent one week. The single also went to number one on Billboard's Black singles chart. And this was only the beginning.

The Jackson 5ive perform I Want You Back on Andy Williams Show

1971 - Goin' Back To Indiana

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For the first time since they moved to California, the Jackson 5ive returned to their hometown, Gary. They played two benefit concerts for the re-election campaign for Mayor Richard Hatcher. In return, January 31, 1971, was declared "Jackson Five Day" in Gary. A ceremony was held in front of the family's old home to officially rename their street from Jackson Street to Jackson Five Street.

They came via helicopter and landed in the football field at West Side High School, where their concerts were to be held.

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As part of homecoming, a plaque was placed at the University of Indiana stating that the Jackson 5ive gave "Hope to the Young". Their Congressman then presented them with the flag from the top of the State Capital.

At the City Hall, Mayor Hatcher presented Mr. Jackson and each of the J5 individual "keys to the city" of Gary. After the ceremonies at city Hall, the honorary denizens of Gary-namely the Jackson 5-rushed back to West Side High School, where they performed two concerts before a capacity crowd of more than 15,000 home town fans.

These award presentations and performances were filmed and later used in their TV special, Goin' Back to Indiana.

1976 - Michael Jackson attends the American Music Awards with Katherine, Janet, Randy & LaToya.

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1977 - Michael Jackson attends the American Music Awards at Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, Santa Monica, California, along with Janet, Fred "Rerun" Berry and Lola Falana. The Jacksons perform Good Times at the American Music Awards.

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1983 - Michael Jackson's "Thriller" was certified Gold and Platinum by the RIAA.

1993 - Michael performs a medley of Jam, Billie Jean, Black Or White and Heal The World at the Superbowl Halftime Show in the Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena (California) before an audience of 100,000 in the stadium and 133.4 millions on TV.

January 31, 1993 was Super Bowl Sunday. The Dallas Cowboys faced the Buffalo Bills for Super Bowl XXVII, but more important was halftime. The press had been barred from rehearsals, so no preview of the spectacular was included in any of the pre-game coverage. Expectations were high, and in fact the other networks didn't counter with any real competition for the Super Bowl audience. The 12-ton stage was assembled in under four minutes.

When the time finally came, a giant video screen counted down the last ten seconds and it was announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, Radio City Music Hall Productions and the National Football League are proud to preset an unprecedented Super Bowl spectacular starring Michael Jackson."

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Crowds of people gathered around the stage now set up on the middle of the field at the Rose Bowl. A giant video screen in the corner shows Michael dancing. There's an explosion and smoke rises from the top of the screen as Michael appears, dancing now on top of the screen. Just few seconds later the video screen at the opposite side of the field shows Michael again. And again he appears on top of the screen. Following this, fireworks go off at center stage and Michael jumps from beneath the stage and stands motionless amidst the fireworks, smoke, and cheers from the 102,000 fans packed into the stadium. Dressed in black with gold bands across his chest, his right arm in a brace, and wearing sunglasses, he stands virtually motionless for over one minute before turning his head and slowly removing the glasses. More fireworks go off and dancers join Michael on stage for a very short version of "Jam".

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He removes his jacket, having a white shirt and t-shirt on underneath. He reaches down for a black fedora that has been sitting on the edge of the stage, places it on his head and begins pumping his hips to "Billie Jean" adding a crotch grab or two to his choreography from Motown 25, complete with the requisite moonwalk.

During the crowd's wild response to "Billie Jean", Michael reaches behind his head and undoes his ponytail, letting his hair down for "Black or White". Smoke and wind machines add great effects to the performance. More fireworks are set off at the song's conclusion.

While it is announced that, "Ladies and gentlemen, the children of Los Angeles have created their own personal drawings as a gift to the children of the world," Michael puts his hair back into a ponytail and is handed a long black wand. As he points the wand at the crowd, all the people in the stadium, section by section, hold up cards which together with the cards of the rest of the people seated in that same section make up a youngster's drawing of a child. Then Michael addressed the crowd, his voice sounding unusually deep:

Today we stand together all around the world joined in a common purpose, to remake the planet into a planet of joy and understanding and goodness. No one should have to suffer, especially the children. This time we must succeed. This is for the children of the world.
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Thousands of young people lined the stage as Michael sang "Heal the World" and a huge inflatable globe rose from the center of the stage.

More fireworks ended the truly spectacular, and certainly unforgettable, halftime extravaganza.

With this, Michael made history again: Michael's Super Bowl half-time spectacular performance, televised live on TV, broke a record with the highest-ever viewership of 133.4 million viewers, unbroken up to today! A distinction, which also earned him an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records.

NBC recognized that Michael was pivotal in making the game the biggest TV attraction in Super Bowl history. Dick Ebersol, NBC Sports President, said of Michael's performance, "He was better than our wildest dreams... He's an enormous name with crossover appeal from kids to grandparents, an enormous curiosity even for those for whom he is not star." Some speculated that to top this halftime performance NBC would need to have Elvis Presley perform the next year!

2010 - Michael Jackson is honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 52nd Grammy Awards, held at the Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA.

Lionel Richie presents the Michael Jackson's Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award to Prince & Paris who give a short and emotional speech.

Filed under  //   1970   1971   1976   1977   1983   1993   2010  

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

1971 -
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Almost two weeks before the Jackson 5 returned to Gary, Mayor of the City of Gary, Indiana, Richard Gordon Hatcher, honored Jackson 5 by issuing a proclamation changing the name of the street they had once lived on from "Jackson Street" to be "Jackson 5 Boulevard" for the week of January 25, 1971 though January 31, 1971, and encouraged citizens to give those young men a warm welcome back to Gary.
When the Jacksons landed in on January 31, they were presented with the new street signs in front of their old house at 2300 Jackson Street.
Source: j5collector

1975 - Michael Jackson performed We're Almost There on American Bandstand

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1975 - The Jacksons could be seen demonstrating parts of their family revue act on their second appearance on the Carol Burnett Show. Fans tuning in were treated to a funky lip-synch to Life of the Party from the recent Dancing Machine album, but also got a taste to what their parents and grandparents were getting in places like Las Vegas, with a tribute to vocal groups of the past; Mills Brothers, Andrews Sisters, Supremes, Sonny and Cher.

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1985 - Ken Kragen chaired a production meeting for We Are The World, at a bungalow off Sunset Boulevard. There, Kragen and his team addressed where the song would be completed by the supergroup of musicians. He stated,
"The single most damaging piece of information is where we're doing this. If that shows up anywhere, we've got a chaotic situation that could totally destroy the project. The moment a Prince, a Michael Jackson, a Bob Dylan—I guarantee you!—drives up and sees a mob around that studio, he will never come in."
On the same night, Quincy Jones' associate producer and vocal arranger, Tom Bahler, was given the task of matching each solo line with the right voice. Bahler stated, "It's like vocal arranging in a perfect world". Jones disagreed, stating that the task was like "putting a watermelon in a Coke bottle". The following evening, Lionel Richie held a "choreography" session at his home, where it was decided who would stand where.

1988 - Michael's Bad was chosen as the Favorite Soul/R&B Single at the 15th Annual American Music Awards, hosted by Whitney Houston, Barbara Mandrell, Mick Fleetwood, Barry Gibb, Maurice Gibb, Robin Gibb, Smokey Robinson, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles California. He was also nominated for Favorite Male Artist - Pop / Rock.

1993 - Michael opens the 20th American Music Awards ceremony with a performance of "Dangerous" at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, Ca.

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Michael glitters in American Music Award winning two trophies and his third special award Monday at the 20th annual American Music Awards.

For the 20th annual American Music Awards, presented on Monday, Michael had 5 nominations. But the audience got to see him before any winners were announced as he opened the award presentation with yet another dazzling performance of his Dangerous album title track. A man dropped to the floor from machine gun fire, revealing Michael standing directly behind him. Dressed in a black suit with spats and a fedora, Michael joined several dancers in a Smooth Criminal flavored performance of Dangerous featuring his usual fascinating choreography with plenty of crotch grabbing and carefully timed sound effects.

Michael won Favorite Soul/R&B Single for Remember The Time. He came from back stage to accept the award, having taken his hair down, and removing his tie. In accepting the award, he acknowledged the fans in the balcony:

Thank you very much. I love you up there. I'd like to thank everyone at Sony Music, especially Mr. Morita, Mickey Schulhof, Tommy Mattola, Dave Glew, Bruce Swedian, Quincey jones, Sandy Gallin, Jim Morey, and of course, all my fans. I love you.
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Amidst the performances and award presentations, Elizabeth Taylor, recovered from a respiratory infection, returned to public life by presenting Michael's honorary award. She announced the recipient of the first ever International Artist Award narrating a video tribute to Michael featuring footage from his videos and live performances from both the Bad and Dangerous tours. She then introduced a taped message from another of Michael's friends and fans, Eddie Murphy:
Hi, Michael. Knowing how uncomfortable you feel when someone says something nice to you right up in your face, I went 3,000 miles away to do this. Now, the inscription on your award says, 'In recognition of his record-breaking international concert tours, and his album sales, and his heartfelt efforts to make this world a better place, the American Music Awards presents its first International Artist Award to Michael Jackson January 25, 1993.' In addition the American Music Awards are proud to announce that when the award is given in the future, it will be known as 'The Michael Jackson International Artist Award.' So, congratulations Michael, I know you better be smiling from ear to ear. I know you better smile bigger than that, I want to see gums! Congratulations.
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Elizabeth Taylor then called Michael to the stage from his front row seat at the Shrine Auditorium. He had now changed into a black leather jacket and removed his sunglasses before going on stage. The crowd was on their feet and cheering as Michael began to speak. Michael used the stage to spread a message of love:
I love you very much, Elizabeth Taylor. Teddy Riley, you are a genius. Thank you Eddie, thank you all my friends. Traveling the world has been a great education for me and if there is one insight I've had it is this, wherever you go, in every country, on every continent, people yearn and hunger for only one thing, to love and be loved. Love transcends international boundaries and it heals the wounds of hatred, racial prejudice, bigotry, and ignorance. It is the ultimate truth at the heart of all creation. I would also like to thank God, and my mother and father, Katherine and Joseph Jackson. Thank you once again, I love you all.
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Michael, who had now removed the black leather jacket came from the wings and was brief in his acceptance. "I really wasn't expecting to win. Thank you again Teddy Riley, the public, I love you very much. Thank you."

Having won in two of the five categories in which he was nominated and being named the International Artist of the Year, Michael was the night's big winner. Michael also received an honorary Merit award in 1984 and an Achievement award in 1989. He now has 14 of the awards in competitive categories.

1996 - Michael Jackson was named Hype Of The Year in "Rolling Stone's" Critics Poll.

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Michael goes to The Motown Cafe in New York with his make-up artist Karen Faye.

1997 - Michael waves 85% of the $5 to $6 million ticket receipts from a concert held on November 1, 1996 in Bombay, India, and donates 1,1 million dollars to a local NGO educating children dwelling in slums - "Shiv Udyog Sena" - the sum also helping to create jobs for 270,000 young unemployed people in the state of Maharashtra, Bombay; on arriving in Bombay, the singer asks to stop in order to converse with children playing in the crowded slums for 20 minutes, according to Indian journalist, Hema Shukla.

2002 - Michael's INVINCIBLE album goes two times Multi Platinum in the USA with sales over 2 million. INVINCIBLE was certified double platinum by the RIAA.

Regina Jones interviewed Michael for the March 2002 issue of Vibe magazine at his Neverland Valley Ranch in Los Olivos.

2006 - Michael is spotted shopping in Manama.

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Michael, disguised as a Bahraini woman, wears an abaya, the traditional Arabic women's veil and all-covering gown, a white shirt and men’s shoes. His head and face were wrapped in a black veil and he also wore black gloves.

He was accompanied by Blanket, Prince, Paris & Grace, was seen leaving Marina Mall in the Bahrain capital, holding Blanket by the hand. On the way out a back door, he shook hands with security guards.

Filed under  //   1971   1975   1985   1988   1993   1995   1997   2002   2006  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1977 - Eight more episodes of The Jacksons CBS-TV variety show were taped and broadcast in early 1977, but unfortunately by then the genre had burned itself out, and the show was canceled alongside its counterparts. The first of the new episodes, co-starring Redd Foxx, was broadcast on January 19, 1977.

1980 - Rock With You become the Off The Wall album's second #1 single, reaching the top of the pop singles chart the week of January 19, 1980 and remaining for four weeks. Rock With You was also the album's second single to reach #1 position on the black singles chart. Rock With You isn't as fast paced as Don't Stop, but the beat is definitely just as infectious.

1993 - Michael performs Gone To Soon and Heal The World at "An American Reunion" the 52nd Presidential Inaugural Gala held in Washington, DC.

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He walked through the crowd to the stage dressed in black pants and a red military style shirt, with his hair pulled back in a ponytail. He first addressed the very soon to be new President on the need for continued and increased funding for AIDS research.
Before performing song Gone To Soon, in memory of his friend, late activist Ryan White – who passed on due to AIDS – he speaks on White and their friendship, his immune system malady and on the necessity of supporting AIDS cure research by the incoming presidential administration: "Thank you, Mr. President elect, for inviting me to your inauguration gala. I would like to take a moment from this very public ceremony to speak of something very personal. It concerns a dear friend of mine, who is no longer with us. His name is Ryan White. He was a hemophiliac, who was diagnosed with the AIDS virus when he was 11. He died shortly after turning 18, the very time most young people are beginning to explore life’s wonderful possibilities. My friend, Ryan, was a very bright, very brave and very normal young man who never wanted to be a symbol or a spokesperson for a deadly disease. Over the years, I’ve shared many silly, happy and painful moments with Ryan, and I was at the end of his brief, but eventful journey.
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Ryan is gone, and just as anyone who has lost a loved one to AIDS, I miss him deeply and constantly. He is gone, but I want his life to have meaning beyond his passing. It is my hope, President elect, Clinton, that you and your administration commit the resources needed to eliminate this awful disease that took my friend... and ended so many promising lives before their time. This song is for you, Ryan."

Michael then performed his anthem to his friend Ryan White, Gone Too Soon, his voice cracking with emotion at the last lines. Several children joined Michael on stage next for Heal the World, which he dedicated to "all the children of the world". Michael later joined a specially reunited Fleetwood Mac and several other celebrities to sing Don't Stop (Thinking About Tomorrow).

2002 - Michael received the award as 'Best International Male Singer' at the NRJ Awards 2002, which just took place in Cannes, France. He did not attend the award show.

Filed under  //   1977   1980   1993   1996   2002  

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

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

1971 - Motown released Mama's Pearl/Darling Dear, the second single from the Jackson 5ive's Third Album.

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The single, written by The Corporation, was one of six consecutive Top 5 singles for the legendary Motown, soul and funk group, reaching #2 Pop and #2 R&B and sold 2.3 million copies worldwide (1.8 million in (US). It peaked at #25 in the UK.

Mama's Pearl was originally called Guess Who's Making Whoopie (With Your Girlfriend). Producer Deke Richards reportedly had the lyrics and title changed to preserve Michael Jackson's youthful, innocent image.

By the time the the Jackson 5’s 5th single was released, it had already been available to fans for four months as an album cut on the Third Album. Motown issue the regular stock 45 with a picture sleeve, the first and only time Motown gave a Jackson 5 group single this kind of treatment in the US.

The song got quite a bit of air play on U.S. radio stations in the early weeks of 1971 and it entered the Billboard Top 100 pop chart the last week in January. Although industry insiders used terms like "new smash hit," "the week's fastest mover," and "sure to be a million seller" when describing the single, it became the first J5 single not to reach #1, peaking a month later at #2.

Ironically, they were blocked from #1 by a song that had been written for them but had been rejected by Berry Gordy. Instead, it was given to the Osmonds, a family group who were striving to remake their image as pop stars, mainly by imitating the Jackson 5’s sound. This was the beginning of the rivalry between the two groups that flared for the next few years.

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

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1994 - Michael invites a group of 100 disadvantaged children to spend the day at Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday gala at Neverland Valley Ranch, Los Olivos, Ca

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Meanwhile, "HTWF", with partners "Unihealth" and "Los Angeles Immunization Coalition", disseminate vaccines to the homeless children in Los Angeles, beggared by a damaging earthquake in the area. Moreover, the singer’s "HTWF", along with "Discovery Playthings", hands hundreds of toys to children attending an immunization drive. "Heal L.A.", additionally, donates more than 85,000 dollars to the "Al Wooten Jr. Heritage Center", "Casa Rutilio Grande", "Clinica Para Las Americas", "Families in New Directions", "Meeting Each Need With Dignity", "Proyecto Esperanza", "Pueblo Nuevo", and "Vaughn Street Family Center" sheltering the victims of the Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley earthquake. Associated with "General Electric", "Lever Brothers" and "Surf Wash", "HTWF" deliver washers, dryers and soap to 25 NGO’s, as well as free laundry services, all for the earthquake-stricken people, in addition, along with "Heal L.A." and "Salvation Army", 400 homeless people and their children are invited to spend a day at "Universal Studios".

Michael Jackson and his residence are also hosts to 100 children from the "Community Youth Sports and Arts Foundation" in Los Angeles, whom he speaks and plays with, poses for pictures and signs autographs; the children, moreover, watch film "Beethoven's 2nd" with him in his amusement park, and visit his private zoo.

Filed under  //   1971   1993   1994  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1992 - Michael perform 5th of 8 dates at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo during the Japanese leg of Dangerous tour attending 45,000 fans.

1993 - Michael took to the airwaves in his own defense. It's the first time he gives a personal statement on TV. CNN, CBS, NBC and ABC all carried his statement broadcast live from his Neverland Valley Ranch.

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Michael Jackson makes an official video statement from his Neverland Ranch regarding the allegations, in which he stresses his innocence and describes the ‘dehumanizing and humiliating examination’ by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department and the Los Angeles Police Department that he underwent a few days before.
Michael: "I have been forced to submit to a dehumanising and humiliating examination by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department and the Los Angeles Police Department earlier this week. They served a search warrant on me which allowed them to view and photograph my body, including my penis, my buttocks, my lower torso, thighs and any other areas that they wanted... The warrant also directed me to co-operate in any examination of my body by their physician to determine the condition of my skin, including whether I have Vitiligo or any skin disorder [Michael already talked about Vitiligo with Oprah. His skin disorder was officially confirmed now]. Throughout my life, I have only tried to help thousands upon thousands of children to live happy lives. It brings tears to my eyes when I see any child who suffers... Don't treat me like a criminal, because I am innocent!"
Filed under  //   1992   1993  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1969 - Motown releases the first album of the Jackson 5, Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5.

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The album featured 12 songs, and only single was “I Want You Back”. The album was a successful debut worldwide, charting at number 5 in the US pop charts, in february 1970, and #1 in the R&B chart, number 16 in the UK and staying in the charts for four weeks. It sells more 600000 copies in the United States, an exceptionnal number for a first LP.

The majority of the album was produced by Bobby Taylor, true discoverer of the group, and the Corporation™ in 1968 in Chicago. The Corporation™ would work on The Jackson 5’s next seven albums for Motown. During spring and summer 1969, the latter chose to make them sing soul music standards, in order to coach them, but also to prove to the Motown big boss, Berry Gordy, their capacities.

So, besides the anthem I Want You Back, produced by The Corporation (Gordy, Perren, Mizell, Richards), the album contains several covers from the Detroit's compagny : The Four Top's Standing in the Shadows of Love, Stevie Wonder's My Cherie Amour, The Temptations' (I Know) I'm Losing You, a wonderful treatment of Smokey Robinson's Who's Lovin' You, but also a Walt Disney Them, in album's opening, Zip A Dee Doo Dah, and Sly & the Family Stone's Stand!. The album also includes one of their debut Steeltown songs, You've Changed.

All instrumentation was made before the 5 brothers stepped in the studio, to the great displeasure of Tito and Jermaine, who didn't play guitar and bass. When, in 1976, Michael was asked why this LP was called "Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5", he responds : "That's it, Diana didn't discovered us, but it was made to believe it. As she presented us to the public, it's not really a lie".

In order to promote the album, the Jackson 5 made their second important tv appearance, in the famous Ed Sullivan Show, with the well advised eye of Diana Ross, from that time, a name forever associated with the Jackson 5.

1975 - The Jackson 5 in concert, San Carlos, California.

1979 - The Jacksons' Destiny tour was concluded at the Forum in Englewood in Los Angeles, USA.

The second leg of the Jacksons' Destiny tour began in New Orleans on October 2nd, while Off The Wall was climbing up the charts, and songs from the new album were added to the set list to keep the show up to date.

When the tour ended with a series of shows at The Forum in Los Angeles, the last one being on December 18, 1979, Michael wanted to stop touring altogether. Besides the nose injury, he had suffered voice trouble that forced some shows to be canceled.

With Off The Wall now a certified hit, his career was truly beginning to eclipse that of the group's, which only served to deepen the already growing divisions between him and his brothers.

The whole Jackson family attends the concert and Michael is presented with platinum records for Off The Wall.

1988 - Michael perform 5th of 9 dates at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo during the Japanese leg of Bad tour.

1989 - Reports confirmed that Michael's planned greatest hits album, "Decade", was shelved due to an avalanche of new material, prompting thoughts of a brand new album instead, much to the delight of his fans.

1992 - Michael visits Disneyland Tokyo.

1993 - Gone Too Soon reached #33 in the UK singles chart, which was released on December 1, 1993—World AIDS Day—as the 9th and final single from the Dangerous album. It become Michael's 9th Top 40 hit from the one album (Dangerous).

1995 - Michael goes resting at Disneyland Paris in Marne-la-Vallee, France, taking with him the Cascio kids (Frank, Eddie, Dominic Jr, Aldo & Marie Nicole) and nephews.

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2004 - Michael open the gates of Neverland to over 200 children, inviting them for a holiday party, to enjoy a day at his fairy-tale ranch; to play on the amusement park rides and miniature train ride, see its zoo, and watch movies.
Dressed in an impeccable black suit with swirling white embroidery at the shoulders (and the ubiquitous umbrella), Michael personally welcomed the children home, basking in their adoration, he greeted them saying: "I and my family are wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful, Happy New Year!"

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For many children it was a dream come true when they met Michael Jackson. Some of the enthusiastic statements heard from the smiling faces of the children, ages 3 years to 17 years, sounded as follows:
"This has made our Christmas."

“This is a dream come true.”

"To us, Michael Jackson is bigger than Santa Claus."

“Never in our wildest imaginations did we think that we would get a chance to say hello to Michael Jackson.”

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Filed under  //   1969   1975   1979   1989   1992   1993   1995   2004  

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