Today in MJJ HIStory

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Filed under  //   1988   1993   1996   2001  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1973 - Jackson Family held a press party at their Encino home.

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On the J5's 1973 Soul Train appearance, Don Cornelius ran some footage from the party.
~j5collector

1987 - Michael arrives in Japan to kick off the first leg of his first solo tour, BAD world tour.

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When Michael's Japan Airlines Flight 61 touched down at Narita International Airport in Tokyo over 600 journalists, cameramen and hundreds of screaming fans were waiting to cover his arrival. Even Bubbles, Jackson's pet chimp, who took a separate flight, was greeted by more than 300. To transport the stage equipment, a chartered jumbo jet flew into Tokyo carrying 22 truckloads along with Jackson's tour entourage of 132 people.

The total attendance for the 14 concerts in Japan during the first leg was 450,000 with performances in Tokyo, Osaka and Yokohama. Previously, performers only managed to draw a crowd of 200,000 on a single tour. A granddaughter of Emperor Hirohito attended the first concert in Tokyo.

1992 - A live performance of Black or White taken from a concert at London's Wembley Stadium was broadcast via satellite to the ninth annual MTV Video Music Awards.

Public service announcement made by Michael Jackson as part of the network's Choose or Loose campaign to encourage young adults to register to vote, was premiered during the award telecast. Dressed in his gold & black concert costume, with large mirrored sunglasses, he encouraged others to make a difference. "We live in a country where we have a chance to make a difference. To create a better way of life for ourselves and for our children. The future is now. Let's come together and express our freedom of choice. Choose or Lose."

1995 - Michael Jackson's single "You Are Not Alone" hit #1 in the U.K.

1993 - Bravo magazine features MJ on its cover.

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1999 - Michael & Elizabeth Taylor speak about their close friendship in Talk magazine

Filed under  //   1973   1987   1992   1993   1995   1999  

Today in MJJ HIStory

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bravo Magazine featured MJ on the cover.

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1997 - Michael returns to Neverland with Prince Michael Jr.

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

His U.S. concert return packs Garden

[By Isaac Guzman and Leo Standora]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today in MJJ HIStory

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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


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

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



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


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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

[By Isaac Guzman and Leo Standora]

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His U.S. concert return packs Garden

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

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

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

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

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

Filed under  //   1984   1988   1993   1995   1996   2001  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1989 - The MTV Music Video Awards were presented. Dominating the nominations with 9 were videos by none other than Michael Jacksom. "Leave Me Alone"was nominated for Best Video, Best Special Effects, Best Art Direction , Best Editing, Breakthrough Video & the Viewer's Choice Award. "Smooth Criminal" was nominated for Best Dance, Best Choreography, and Best Cinematography. The outcome was dissapointing with the only award for Michael's video going to Jim Blashfield for Best Special Effects for his work on "Leave Me Alone". Michael did not attend the award presentation.

1993 - Newsweek magazine featured MJ on their cover with the story Michael's World - Is He Dangerous Or Just Off The Wall?

1996 - In Prague, Chech Republic, he visits a children’s hospital.

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Michael spend 4 days Prague to embark on his HIStory World Tour on September 7th, 1996. During his stay in the Czech capital Michael had received police escorts throughout the ancient city, and been treated like royalty.

2001 - Thursday, Michael Jackson made a surprise appearance on the MTV Video Music Awards with NSYNC at the Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center in New York City, NY.

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Shunning the notion that the boy band era would end, also winning big was *NSYNC, in all their frosty-locked glory. They walked with four awards for "Pop" -- Best Dance Video, Best Group Video, Best Pop Video and Viewer's Choice. And what could be more fitting than a surprise appearance by the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, near the end of *NSYNC's performance of the song? Nothing, that's what. Jackson lit up the stage with a short but dazzling dance number including some of his trademark dance moves while Justin Timberlake beat boxed. Incredible. His cameo surprised the crowd and made headlines all over the world and was considered by observers and critics as the highlight of the show.

Apparently Michael Jackson wanted to get the dust off his signature black penny loafers 24 hours ahead of schedule. He performed in front of a U.S. audience for the first time in years when he joined 'NSYNC onstage at the MTV Video Music Awards.

Toward the end of the group's performance of "Pop," the words "King of Pop" appeared on a giant Etch a Sketch, only to be replaced by a silhouette of Jackson. As the oversized drawing device was elevated, Jackson, dressed in a white V-neck T-shirt and a black shirt and pants, came onstage and started to do the robot, pop-lock and show off his often-imitated spins and feet shuffling, but he did not sing.

Jackson's only acknowledgement to the audience, which gave him a standing ovation, was a single point of the finger.

Dressed in his trademark white T-shirt and penny loafers, he did not join the group to sing but instead busted into a handful of some of his signature dance moves while 'NSYNC member Justin Timberlake beatboxed to accompany him. It was a poetic moment, especially considering how much Timberlake was clearly inspired by Jackson. Michael's return to the MTV stage made a big splash, and got the ball rolling on the buildup to his new album Invincible.

Along with fellow former-'NSYNC members JC Chasez and Lance Bass, Timberlake spoke about the moment after learning of Jackson's death on Thursday. "I can't find the words right now to express how deeply saddened I am by Michael's passing," Timberlake said. "We have lost a genius and a true ambassador of not only pop music, but of all music. He has been an inspiration to multiple generations, and I will always cherish the moments I shared with him onstage."

Filed under  //   1989   1993   1996   2001  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1980 - A month before they issued their fourth album, the Jacksons (including Jermaine) were honored with a star on Hollywood Boulevard’s world famous 'Walk Of Fame'.
In recognition of their contribution to contemporary music, the star is situated on Vine Street, and it was unveiled by the city’s Chamber of Commerce.

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More than 2000 adoring fans of the famous Jacksons--Jackie, Tito, Marlon, Michael and Randy--turned out to witness the talented brothers receive their star at the famed corner of Sunset and Vine in Hollywood.

The crush of screaming, shoving admirers was so great that bodyguards, in order to prevent injury, had to whisk the singers away before they could be photographed with the stars.

The "stars" bearing the names of show business celebrities are placed in the Hollwood Walk of Fame by the Hollwood Chamber of Commerce.

Following the ceremony, the Jackson clan gathered for a dinner party at Chasen's Restaurant.
In attendance were proud parents, Katherine and Joseph Jackson, and grandmother, Mrs. Crystale Jackson, Maureen Jackson-Brown with 2-year-old daughter Yashi, and sister LaToya and Janet Jackson.

Also on hand were Enid, Dee-Dee and Carole Jackson, the wives of Jackie, Tito and Marlon, respectively, as well as singer-composer Barry White and wife Glodean, television producer Dick Clark and wife, Carrie. Clark received a plaque from the Jacksons thanking him for his support of their careers.

1984 - The Jacksons third Philadelphia concert is rained out, it is rescheduled for 28th September.

1993 -

Several Jackson family members arrived in Taipei, Taiwan, the Dangerous tour's next stop. Joseph & Katherine, Rebbie, Jackie, Tito & Jermaine all joined Michael. Michael arrived in Taipei on the same day with Elizabeth Taylor and was greeted by hordes of cheering fans who then followed him to his hotel. He later waved to his fans from his penthouse suite at the Taipei Sherwood Hotel. Just after the arrival of his family, Liz & Larry Fortensky left Taiwan. Between his two Dangerous Tour concerts at Taipei's Municipal Stadium in Taiwan, Michael Jackson visits a Toys ‘R’ Us store that closed for two hours for his visit. He spends 4,500 dollars on video games, water pistols and other toys for his nephews who accompanied him to the store; he also spends time with the store manager's children and stops to paint a picture.

1997 - When the Ostend concert finally went ahead, Michael dedicated it to the ‘Queen of Hearts’, and prior to the show he had two huge pictures of Diana put on stage. During the concert fans held burning lighters high above their heads as Michael played Gone Too Soon and his planned (but ultimately withdrawn) Christmas single Smile, in remembrance of Diana.

In paying tribute to Diana, speaking via Kingdom International, Michael also took a swipe at the world’s paparazzi:
The sudden loss of Diana, Princess of Wales, is one of the greatest tragedies of the millennium. Diana was a friend to the world.
As one who has been under scrutiny the majority of my life, I speak with authority when I say that I am horrified that the paparazzi, supported by the tabloids’ animalistic behaviour, may be acceptable to the public.
The world’s acceptance of this practice, if continued, will accelerate tragedies of this magnitude.
Michael subsequently contributed Gone Too Soon to TRIBUTE (USA: Diana Memorial Fund 69012, UK: Diana Memorial Fund VVR 1001052), an album comprising 36 songs, 13 of them previously unreleased. All proceeds from sales of the album went to the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund.
Filed under  //   1980   1984   1993   1997  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1978 - Blame It On The Boogie enters the Black singles chart peaking at number 3 and remains on the charts for sixteen weeks.

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

1992 - Michael performs Dangerous tour at Volks Stadium, Bayreuth [Germany] attending 32,000.

A taped poem by Michael Jackson was broadcast on "The Maury Povich Show."

1993 - Cine Tele Revue magazine featured MJ on the cover.

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1995 - Michael Jackson's single "You Are Not Alone" debuted at #1 on the US Hot 100 chart.

You Are Not Alone is the first single in the chart's 37 year history ever to debuted at #1 - sets a new Guinness World Record! This record can only be tied but never be broken!!
He smashed his own record which he set with 'Scream' entering at #5, being the then-highest entry of all time.
Michael was honored with the "Billboard Hot 100 Achievement Award" for having the 1st ever single to debut at #1.
'You Are Not Alone' entered R&B singles chart at #1 as well. It also peaked at #1 in UK, Ireland, Wallonia, France, New Zealand, Spain & Switzerland, and became a top ten hit in every major market!
The single's 1st week sales of 120,000 copies earned Michael his 10th Platinum RIAA Sales Award.
Filed under  //   1978   1984   1992   1993   1995  

Today in MJJ HISTory

1987 - Michael released his highly anticipated follow-up album to Thriller, titled Bad, worldwide on August 31, 1987 [except in England, where August 31 is a bank holiday] with copies leaving the record shops faster than assistants could fill the shelves. Bad sold 500,000 copies within five days in the UK; a first for any artist in the UK. It debuted at number one in both the US and UK and many other countries around the world.

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Tower Records in London sold 200 copies in the first hour of trading while CBS [Epic] estimated that some 150'000 copies would be sold at the end of the first day's trading. In Amercia, fans stood in line outside shops from New York to Los Angeles and extra staff was hired to cope with the demand.

A hugely successful album in its own right, Bad sold 30 million copies worldwide and became the first (and still the only) album to include five number one singles on Billboard’s Hot 100 sales chart.

The album becomes a tremendous success and yes, Michael made history with it again: "Bad" became the second biggest-selling album ever.

The album’s production had been a complicated affair, not least for the fact that, despite his status, Michael failed to convince the likes of Barbra Streisand, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston and chief rival Prince to record duets with him.

Bad would be Michael’s last collaboration with co-producer Quincy Jones, ending pop music history’s most successful production team.

The album entered the US Pop and Black album charts at number one, holding its position for 6 and 18 weeks respectively and remained on the Pop charts for 87 weeks, 38 of which were spent in the Top 5. This broke a record of 26 weeks in the Top 5 set by The Eagles' "Hotel California". In Britain, "Bad" hold the number one position for 5 weeks and remained on the charts for 109 weeks consecutively.

Michael: "It's very hard to create something when you feel like you're in competition with yourself because no matter how you look at it, people are always going to compare "Bad" to "Thriller". You can always say, 'Aw, forget 'Thriller',' but no one ever will!
The album’s title track “Bad” was released on 31st August 1987 (the same day as the Bad album) with an amazing 18 minute long short film, directed by Martin Scorsese. The film was shot on location in New York and starred Wesley Snipes. It reportedly took six weeks to make with an estimated budget of $2 million. The reaction to the short film and single was massive: it shot to number 1 in the U.S. and many other countries around the world.
"Bad" is the only album to have 5 of its singles peak at #1 while 10 of its 11 songs were released as singles & 9 of them composed & co-produced by Michael himself.
In June, 1992 "Bad" album was certified 6 times platinum & Michael become the only artist to have 3 consecutive albums with U.S. sales of 6 million copies each.
CBS-TV aired a special entitle "Michael Jackson - The Magic Returns." Also, the 17-minute "Bad" video was aired.

1990 - LA Gear’s first UK advertisement, which did star Michael and his eight year old neice Brandy (daughter of Jackie Jackson), premiered in movie theatres. Michael's first TV commercial in nearly 4 years was heralded a creative breakthrough by the industry.


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Michael wears black, heavily buckled shoes his LA Gear logo is is embroidered on the tongue.

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1993 - Tito and Jermaine Jackson walked off the set of NBC-TV's "Today" show when a crew arrived to interview the two about the troubles of their brother Michael with the Los Angeles Police Department. The two later held a press conference where they stated their support for their brother.

1997 - Shocked by the tragic death of Diana, Princess of Wales, Michael cancelled his 31st August concert in Ostend, saying he was too upset to perform on stage. Diana and Dodi Fayed, the new man in her life, died in a horrific car crash in the French capital Paris, where Michael himself was staying prior to his Belgian gig.

2001 - The first single off the King of Pop's new album, which is due to hit stores in October, debuted at number 34 on Billboard's Hot 100 Singles Chart. The high rating makes 'You Rock My World' Billboard's Hot Shot debut for the week.

Filed under  //   1987   1990   1993   1997   2001  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1969 - The Jackson 5ive perform at a festival conceived by Mayor Hatcher, the first black Mayor, supporting Yvonne Fair at Gilroy Stadium.

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1992 - Michael Jackson perform in Dangerous World Tour concert to a capacity audience of over 32,000 at the Southwest Stadium in Ludwigshafen, Germany.

1993 - The second show of the Dangerous Tour in Singapore was cancelled. The Jackson family held a press conference in the U.S. Jermaine Jackson read a statement in support of his brother Michael before announcing that the Family plans for a special: The Jackson Family Honors.

The special is due to be filmed in December and televised in January.

2000 - Anastacia has a reputation for being a bit of a dance diva, but the truth is she can rock! Following the global success of 'I'm Outta Love', Anastacia has released her debut album 'Not That Kind'.

In an interview, Paul Cashmere of Australian Radio asked her about the day Michael Jackson called her.

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"Actually, when Michael Jackson called, it was all leading up to the fact that when I did the show 'The Cut', which was the star search kind of show. I was proposed to by a lot of record companies being interested in wanting me to sign with them. In the process of all those meetings and stuff, I was meeting with MJJ, so it was inevitable to meet the presidents of all of these labels, because I was starting to get to that point. Michael Jackson was one of these people that I had to meet, as well as Tommy and Bob Jamieson and the presidents of all the great record companies, so it really was a professional situation. It wasn't like "I'm a really big fan and I want to have you autograph everything that I own", it was a phone call of admiration from a performer to a performer, as a president to an artist wanting to be signed, as an artist looking at what a label has to offer, it was that kind of conversation, but what a light conversation! He was laughing, I was laughing, we were having a great time. It was so wonderful to be able to speak to him. He's so inspiring and what a genius! Forever I'll remember that I got to speak with him on the phone. If I never get to meet him or even work with him in the future, it's the beauty of being able to be recognised by something like that."

2001 - One day after his birthday, Michael Jackson opens up the NASDAQ Stock Market in Times Square, New York and kicks off his Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration, The Solo Years performances at Madison Square Garden scheduled for September 7, 2001 and Monday, September 10, 2001, which are being produced by David Gest.
Nearly 500 fans from around the world who are planning on attending the anniversary concerts on September 7 and 10 arrived a few days early to witness Michael's appearance at the NASDAQ MarketSite Tower.

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Just before the market opened at 9:30 am Michael entered wearing a respectable black suit with a blue armband. He blew kisses to the hundreds of fans that were outside crowding around the building's glass walls and windows while he was introduced to NASDAQ's executive vice president David Weild and NASDAQ CEO Wick Simmons.

When Simmons presented Michael with a glass trophy Michael commented, "It's like floating in the air," speaking of an object encased in the trophy.

"Well, you're floating," Simmons told him, "right now, out there, in Times Square, on the big billboard that's up out there. You are floating so that everyone can see you."

After Michael pushed the button to open the market, NASDAQ officials presented him with a vanilla birthday cake decorated with strawberries and a 1934 Shirley Temple poster. "I love it, oh my God," he exclaimed. He then blew out the candles on the cake , and sang "Happy Birthday." He said,

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"I'm deeply moved by this very special moment for me. Thank you, David, Wick and NASDAQ. Thank you so much. I love you and all the fans. Thank you."

Before he left the building he was taken on a brief tour of the NASDAQ broadcast studio, ate a piece of cake and talked and posed for pictures with some of the staffers.

Alfred R. Berkeley, Vice Chairman of NASDAQ, and David Weild, Executive Vice President, host a dinner at Tavern on The Green, in Michael's honor after the concert on Sept. 7th, joined by their event co-chairmen: Whitney Houston, Sean Lennon, Yoko Ono Lennon, Liza Minnelli, Leslie Moonves (President & CEO, CBS), Liam Neeson, Veronique and Gregory Peck, and Elizabeth Taylor. Weild said, "The NASDAQ Stock Market recognizes Michael Jackson for his extraordinary vision and commitment to excellence in the entertainment industry as well as being a humanitarian who is continually seeking creative avenues in which to help others."

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Details for the Market opening ceremony are as follows:
  • The NASDAQ MarketSite building is located at 4 Times Square, at the corner of 43rd and Broadway.
  • At 9:30 a.m., Michael Jackson will preside over the market open ceremony from the broadcast studio, which faces the corner of 43rd and Broadway. The broadcast studio has large picture windows to give the public a clear, unobtrusive view into the studio from the street.
  • Nine plasma screens outline the broadcast studio, facing the street, for fans not positioned close to the windows.
  • MarketSite Tower, which is seven stories tall and is the largest stationary video wall in the world, will feature a live broadcast of the market open ceremony.
Source: nasdaq.com/newsroom.

2003 - Michael turned 45. He attended a special birthday party held in his honour; the "Celebration of Love" in Los Angeles on August 30th. The party was attended by fans and friends from all over the world and Michael gave a heartfelt thank you speech dedicated to his fans.
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"Over the years we became a family. You are all my family. My children are your children and all children of the world are our children and our responsibility.

This is a time when a person reflects on the child that will always live inside him, but more importantly, the grown man that continues to emerge intellectually, but never lost his child-like innocence.

A lot of what you'll be seeing from me in the future will celebrate the youthful imagination that has always been a part of who I am, but also the adult perspective of a father and artist and member of our community.

My birthday wish is that you, my fans, will join me in some new undertakings and that we all travel into a bright future together.

I feel young enough to look into the future with great optimism."


12 year-old Trisha, from USA suffering from asthma, recounts her story of meeting the entertainer a year and a half before, via Make A Wish Foundation, one of the trusts the singer would support (for two decades). Her number one wish was to meet the entertainer and she is among the manifold children that were given the opportunity to meet him over the years.
"They told my mom and I, that we were flying to Los Angeles in three weeks to go to the Celebration Of Love concert. I screamed and cried. I couldn't wait", says/writes Trisha.

"... [At the concert], some guy ... said that Michael would like us to go up to his dressing room. So, my mother and I, plus the other 2 families that were there, walked up the narrow staircase and walked into the dressing room and he was standing in the corner, in front of the firehouse", she recounts.

"I was the second to walk up to him and he hugged me so tightly. His colonge got all over the shirt I was wearing, but I hugged him again and started crying. I told him I was a fan since I was 1, and he went "Wow...Thank you". I couldn't believe he said ‘Thank you’ to me. Michael and my mother were starting up a conversation about a place in Scotland from where she was, It was Lochlomond I believe. I still couldn't believe it.. The next day (Sunday), we got on a bus and drove for three ours to the Neverland ranch, where fans were loaded down the street with "Happy Birthday, King Of Pop!" banners everywhere. I [have] seen Michael pull out in his black S.U.V, I think, but wasn’t sure... That's how I got to meet Michael Jackson", writes Trisha on www.mjfanclub.net.


2004 - The Olympic Stadium Greece was left rocking last night (Sunday), as the games came to an end and made way for the closing ceremony. A huge party was staged featuring lots of music, mixing classics with the new and containing a spectacular array of dazzling fireworks along with lots of confetti and balloons.

One of the highlights of the evening came from gold medallists US women's soccer team, who got up on stage and danced to a rap version of Michael Jackson's ‘Thriller

Filed under  //   1969   1992   1993   2000   2001   2003  

On Michael's Birthday

1958 - Michael Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana, on a late summer night on August 29, 1958; the seventh of nine children. Father Joe Jackson was born in Arkansas. In 1949 Joe married Katherine Scruse, whose people are from Alabama.

In her book My Family Jacksons Katherine speaks about Michael's birth:

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"My experience with Marlon and Brandon didn’t dissuade me from getting pregnant again. The following year August 29, I gave birth to another boy.

I remember that day well... my neighbor Mildred White and I were driving over to see the new grammar school under construction, Garnett Elementary. At my request Mildred drove me home. I called my mother and she and my stepfather drove me to Mercy Hospital.

Shortly after I got there, I began having contractions. Later that night, my son was born.

'I want to name him,' my mother said. I hated her first suggestion: Ronald.

'How about Roy, then?'

'Oh, my gosh, Mama, no.'

She thought for a little while. 'I’ve got it -- Michael.'

'That’s it,' I said.

By then I was used to seeing my babies born with funny looking heads, so I wasn’t alarmed by Michael’s. The two other things I remember about him as I held him in my arms for the first time were his big brown eyes and his long hands, which reminded me of my father-in-law’s."

1965 - On Michael's seventh birthday, he and his brothers performed at a fashion show held at Big Top department store in Gary, Indiana.

Evelyn Lahaie, the woman who owned the modeling school that was hosting the show, booked the band, but told Joseph Jackson that the name "The Jackson Brothers" sounded too ordinary, and suggested he change it to "The Jackson Five". It was with this gig that the band first played under their new name.

1972 - The Jackson 5ive perform at Honolulu International Center Arena in Hawaii.

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1979 - Michael Jackson turned 21. His management contract with his father’s company, Joseph Jackson Productions, lapsed and was not renewed. Michael wanted to take full control of his music and business affairs and he hired his own accountants, lawyers and management. Weisner and DeMann were signed on as Michael’s personal management.

1988 - Michael performed on his 30th birthday at Leeds, England, where 92,000 adoring fans sang him "Happy Birthday".
Michael turned 30 years and 92,000 fans packed into Roundhey Park in Leeds celebrated by singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to him. Overhead, a plane circled, a huge ‘Happy Birthday Michael’ banner in its wake.

After the concert, Michael donated $1.3 million grossings to "Give For Life", a British charity in Leeds, England, aiming to raise towards an immunisation programme for 40,000 children. He also presents a check for 65,000 pounds to the mentioned charity-organization.

1992 - Michael spends his 34th birthday in Regensburg at the castle of Princess Gloria Von Thurn And Taxis.

1993 - In Singapore, a 47,000 strong sell-out crowd sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to Michael following the opening number Jam. It was his 35th birthday and Michael, pointing to band members for their cheeky ploy, was clearly embarrassed.
But – dominating front pages headlines around the world for all the wrong reasons – Michael must have been far from happy.

1997 - Jackson performed at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen, Denmark on his 39th birthday with 50,000 fans. He was presented with a surprise birthday cake, marching band, and fireworks on stage before the Jackson 5 Medley. A concert was supposed to take place on August 7 in Ljubljana, Slovenia, but was cancelled due to poor ticket sales, the only concert that was cancelled during the tour.

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Michael Jackson Private Home Movies:

MJ:One of the best moments is right here. It’s right in the middle of the show and ...it’s my birthday and I’m thousands of miles away from my family.

When they surprised me with the full marching band and then they brought out this huge, beautiful birthday cake...

(Happy Birthday is performed by the band)

MJ: I realized that I’ve got family all over the world. Everywhere I go, because my fans really show me the love and I love them just as much♥

MJ: (wiping his face) This is wonderful. Thank you so much♥

2002 - News broke that Michael is singing back-up on Monica's new album [same titled first single] "All Eyez On Me".

Michael Jackson was presented a massive birthday cake at the MTV Video Music Awards. Britney Spears presented the gifts to Jackson. At the MTV Video Music Awards, which took place at the Radio City Music Hall in New York on August 29, Michael Jackson received a special award. At the beginning of the MTV show, singer Britney Spears came on stage to present the award. As it was Michael Jackson's birthday there was a huge four-layer cake, white with black musical notes and silver stars positioned in the back. The award, a silver treble clef, was on the table with the cake.

Britney Spears started with the following words:

"I am thrilled to be here with you in New York on such a special night. And it's more special because it just so happens to be someone special's birthday. This is someone who's inspired me and just about everyone in this room and the world. I consider him the artist of the millennium. He's a true innovator who pioneered the true art of music video, broke down countless barriers and sold more records than any other artist along the way. So, happy birthday my friend, the King Of Pop."
Then Michael came on stage to the intro to Billie Jean and received a standing ovation from the audience. Wearing black pants, a red top with applications and white/golden knee pads, his hair was shoulder length and straight. He was smiling and looked very happy.

Michael hugged Britney Spears, took the award from the table with the cake and walked to the microphone for his acceptance speech:

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"Well...um...God Bless you. Um...I love you too [to the fans yelling at him]. Thank you very much, Britney Spears you're wonderful. If... when I was a little boy in Indiana, if someone had told me... if someone had told me that one day I would be getting, as a musician, the 'Artist Of The Millennium' award I wouldn't have believed it [laughs]. This is really amazing. I can't believe it. Thank you so very much.
But there's a couple of people I have to thank who made this possible [he reaches into his pocket for a piece of paper, and unfolds it]. First I'd like to thank God who makes all things possible. My mother, Joseph Jackson, Katherine Jackson, Trudy Green, Howard Koffman, the genius of John McClain, John Brenka, Berry Gordy, Diana Ross, Gladys Knight, Quincy Jones, I love you. David Blaine your magic is real and I believe in you. And I'd like to thank... I think James Brown is a genius. And all the fans around the world, I love you. God bless you. Thank you."

Then Michael made the peace sign, took the award, looked again at the cake and exited the stage.

Controversy

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The same night there was a controversy as to whether or not MTV actually gave Jackson an award. MTV promised to honor Jackson by presenting him with a new, special award. Jackson showed up, helping to boost their ratings, while MTV later made a mockery of the entire event, when higher-ups had MTV pull the award to teach Jackson a lesson--this happened during the big falling out Jackson had with Sony Music.

MTV pretended like Jackson went up on stage and gave himself an award, or had a "misunderstanding" of how he was being honored that night; his birthday by the way.

But apparently nobody warned to the guys running MTV's website that the award had been yanked or that Jackson was being made a fool out of because they posted the information about the Artist of the Millennium Award on MTV's site that night: "Michael Jackson's unprecedented Artist of the Millenium award!".

The next year MTV show, the presenters Fred Durst & Jack Black participated in a disgusting -- and rather unfunny actually -- parody of the event where he mocked Jackson, with Durst stating that Black was the "funniest man alive."
In 2009, MTV retconned that he had indeed been honored with the Artist of the Millennium Award.
Years after denying it and making hateful jokes about it, someone at MTV is apparently trying to come clean by admitting -- in a nondirect, cowardly way -- that the Michael Jackson did receive the "Artist of the Millennium" award in 2002.

The caption (see screenshot) underneath a picture of Michael Jackson that night reads: "Britney Spears presents Michael Jackson with the Artist of the Millennium Award at the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards".

Now after Jackson's gone, along with the subsequent outing of MTV as a racist network in the 80s for refusing to play black videos before Jackson broke through, apparently they are a little less tight lipped with the truth.

At the 2009 Video Music Awards ceremony, MTV even made a tribute show to honor Michael Jackson.

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After Madonna[rather unqualified for that task] opened the show talking about her experiences with Michael Jackson, the Michael Jackson tribute commenced, including Janet Jackson performing the duet "Scream" the duet she and Michael recorded together in 1995. Janet matched footage of brother’s dancing in the music video move-for-move as it played on a screen behind her. The show closed with a sneak preview of Michael Jackson's "This Is It" documentary movie.

MTV's sudden realization of the power of Michael Jackson came too late... 7 years too late :(

Source: MJeol

2008 - Michael gives an interview by phone to "Good Morning America" from his home in California with Chris Connelly.

Facing a personal milestone that finds many people looking back, Jackson is focused on the future, which he thinks is brighter then ever.

MJ: I am still looking forward to doing a lot of great things, so that's hard....I think the best is yet to come in my true humble opinion.

His every appearance setting off a frenzy of fan adulation, his every performance a jaw dropping marvel like when he first busted out the moonwalk.
Decades later it's fair to wonder can Michael Jackson still do all that at the age of 50? Oh yes he can, he says!

MJ: Yes!! Because I am expanding a lot of the avenues... People see some of the things I do and they say why don't you show this to the world. People don't know you do these things! Well, maybe I will.

And he says he wants to give his kids the kind of childhood he never had.

Chris: Would you like them to have the same kind of upbringing you did in terms of getting into show business at an early age? Or do you want to say to them whoa, take a moment, enjoy your childhood?
MJ: I am letting them enjoy their childhood as much as possible. I really do. I let them go to the arcade and get out and go to the movies and do things.
I think that comes naturally, you know. I want them to get to do the things I didn't get to do.

Chris: It must mean a lot for your kids to be able to do the things that you weren't able to do, huh?
MJ: Yeah, I get pretty emotional when I see them having a wonderful time.
When they are on a ride and they are screaming and they are happy and they are running. It makes me emotional.

Filed under  //   1958   1965   1972   1979   1988   1992   1993   1997   2002   2008  

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