Today in MJJ HIStory

1979 - The Jacksons perform Destiny tour in Jackson, Mississippi

1984 - The Jacksons perform Victory tour at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada attending 42,000.

1991 - After the MTV 10 taping, Janis DaSilva offers Jackson the "Off The Wall Appreciation Award" 'on behalf of the staff and the readers of Off The Wall (magazine).'

1996 - 13-year old Emely Smith is granted the wish to encounter him backstage in Auckland, New Zealand, during a halt from his concert there, where he will also pay a visit on November 16 to children’s hospital, "Starship", room to room, and hands out toys, autographs and C.D.’s, respectively, to each of the young patients. The visit lasts for hours, the singer conversing to all the ailing children. He signs autographs to the children, and one cancer-stricken young girl asks the entertainer what it is like being a superstar, to which he humbly replies: "Hmm... I don't know.. I really don't. 'Cause I don't remember not performing, so it's fun to make people happy... It really is." Another boy tells him his favorite song is the singer's 1972 "Ben". When asked by a reporter how the looks on the patients' faces make him feel, he replies, his hand on his chest: "It touches my heart. I love them very much.", after which he shakes hands with the boy asking him about "Ben", then adds, hand on chest again: "It's heart-touching." "The Smith Family", a fund-raising NGO for indigent people, receives a finance portion of the artist’s Australian concerts.

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1998 - In Harare, Zimbabwe, Defence Minister of Harare invites and names Michael Jackson member of the "American Delegation" party that endeavors to preserve the region.
Filed under  //   1979   1984   1991   1996   1998  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1979 - The Jacksons perform Destiny tour in Fort Worth, Texas.

1991 - The music video for "Black Or White" was premiered simultaneously in 27 countries, with a record-breaking audience of 500+ million viewers – the largest ever global audience for a music video. The music video for racially-conscious "Black Or White" was first broadcast on MTV, BET, VH1, and Fox giving them their highest Nielsen ratings ever.

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Along with Jackson, it featured actors Macaulay Culkin, Tess Harper, and George Wendt, with cameo appearances by the singer’s niece, Brandi Jackson and Wade Robson. The video was directed by John Landis, who previously directed Thriller. It premiered simultaneously in 27 countries, with an audience of 500 million viewers, the most to ever watch a music video. The video shows scenes in which Maasai tribesmen begin dancing like Jackson; so do, in sequence, Thais, Native Americans, a woman from India and a set of Russians. Jackson walks through visual collages of fire (defiantly declaring "I ain't scared of no sheets; I ain't scared of nobody"), referring to KKK torch ceremonies before a mock rap scene shared with Culkin and other children. The group collectively states, "I'm not gonna spend my life being a color." At the end of the song, different people dance as they morph into one another (shown as "talking heads").

Controversy was generated concerning the last four minutes of the original music video. Jackson walks out of the studio as a black panther and then morphs into himself.

The 'panther dance’, as it was called, contains complicated dance techniques, sexually suggestive behaviour and physical aggression, which the entertainer would later say they formed an interpretation of the animal instincts of a black panther. MTV and other music video networks removed the last four minutes from subsequent broadcasts. The performer is seen smashing shop windows and car window panes reading racist graffiti "Hitler Lives", a swastika, "Nigger Go Home", "No More Wetbacks", and "KKK Rules"). The video also shares the message that “Prejudice is ignorance”. What has not been brought into discussion is the complexity of message behind this video (or other videos of Jackson). The black panther Jackson portrays in the video is a reference to “The Black Panther Party” (originally the “Black Panther Party for Self-Defense”), an African-American revolutionary left-wing organization working for the self-defense for black people aginst police brutality. It was active in the United States from the mid-1960’s into the 1970’s. The Black Panther Party achieved national and international impact through their deep involvement in the Black Power movement and in US politics of the 1960’s and 70’s, as the intense anti-racism of the time is today considered one of the most significant social, political and cultural currents in US history. The group's "provocative rhetoric, militant posture, and cultural and political flourishes permanently altered the contours of American Identity", hence Jackson’s provocative dance testimony in the video. While Jackson does not promote violence, the dance was a ‘free speech’ bodily statement, a venting off against human injustice.

Controversy was generated concerning the last four minutes of the original music video, as a result, this last part was removed. Jackson walks out of the studio as a black panther and then morphs into himself. The “panther dance” or “silent panther” performance” contained in these last few minutes was Jackson’s angrier, yet misunderstood political statement against “injustice and prejudice and racism and bigotry”, as he would state in an 1999 TV interview. “[…] Within the dance I became upset and let go”, he adds. Shortly after the video’s release, the singer issues an apology statement to those that became sensitive over the mentioned scenes: "It upsets me to think that 'Black Or White' could influence any child or adult to destructive behavior. I've always tried to be a good role model and, therefore, have made these changes to avoid any possibility of adversely affecting any individual's behavior. I deeply regret any pain or hurt that the final segment of 'Black Or White' has caused children, their parents or other viewers."

Accolades
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    The song reached #1 on 22 countries, including the US & UK Singles Chart, and become the 2nd-best selling single of 1991.
  • The single was certified platinum in the US, selling over one million copies.
  • "Black Or White" is considered one of the Greatest Rock Songs of the 1990s
  • Fastest no.1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 in the States since 1969, when Get Back by the Beatles also conquered the chart in just three weeks. No.1 for seven weeks, but stalled at no.3 on the R&B singles chart.
  • RIAA Platinum Record Award (USA million seller).
  • No.8 best selling single of 1991 in the States.
  • First single by an American to enter the UK singles chart at no.1 since Elvis Presley’s It’s Now Or Never in 1960. Spent two weeks in pole position.
  • Also no.1 in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Cuba, Denmark, Finland, France, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Zimbabwe.
  • International Monitor Awards: Music Video with the Best Special Effects.
  • NAACP Image Awards: Outstanding Music Video.

1996
- Michael perform HIStory concert at Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney, Australia attending 52,000.

Aware of his religious up-bringing and strong moral values, many of Michael’s long-term fans thought differently and sure enough, following his concert, Michael and Debbie exchanged marriage vows.
The midnight ceremony, in the Presidential Suite of the Sheraton On The Park Hotel, was attended by 30 or so guests. Best Man, reportedly, was local tour promoter Paul Dainty.
The world’s media, caught off-guard yet again, reported that Michael’s marriage to Debbie ‘stunned the world’ and ‘took his fans by surprise’ – not!

2005 - Michael attends the Dubai Desert Rally racing tournament at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi hotel in Dubai with close friend and renowned UAE rally driver Mohammad Ben Sulayem and Saeed Hareb, managing director of the Dubai International Marine Club.

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2006 - Michael drops by the Guinness Book Of Records headquarters in London, to collect his official record certificates for his 8 Guinness World Records for chart achievements, album sales, earnings, and charity donations.

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Guinness World Records London Head Quarters welcomed the world’s biggest superstar, Michael Jackson, a self confessed Guinness World Records fan since childhood, through its doors for an honorary record presentation.

With a staggering eight records mapping career highlights over the last quarter of a century, Michael Jackson is one of Guinness World Records longest standing record holders. The records span from Youngest vocalist to top the US singles chart, (aged 11, fronting The Jackson Five) and First vocalist to enter the US single chart at No.1 (You Are Not Alone) to Most weeks at the top of the US album charts (non-soundtrack) (37 weeks for Thriller); Most successful music video (Thriller sold over 1 million units); First entertainer to earn more than $100 million in a year to Highest paid entertainer of all time ($125 million in 1989 Forbes list). His ultimate and latest accolade was also presented to him: Most successful entertainer of all time.

Michael arrived at Guinness World Records offices in North West London at 4pm afternoon with his entourage - a fleet of black and silver people carriers. Wearing his signature black three quarter length dinner jacket and trousers with yellow piping, he arrived amidst an army of fans who had followed him from the hotel.
He was greeted by Guinness World Records Editor, Craig Glenday, and given a whirlwind tour of the offices and shown weird and wonderful exhibits from the ‘Guinness World Records Cabinet of Curioddities’, including the world’s oldest vomit and tallest man ever’s shoes.
Michael was then presented with his record certificates, a copy of the latest edition of the book and a special edition from the year he was born (1958). Evidently delighted with the accolades he holds in high esteem, Michael said: "I’ve always been a big fan of the book. Thank you so much – it’s a great honour to visit the Guinness World Records offices."

Guinness World Records Editor Craig Glenday said: "We always expect the unexpected here at Guinness World Records. We’re used to all walks of life stopping by the office, but we haven’t been this excited since we met the Queen last year. Michael is one of the greatest superstars of all time and his unwavering success has kept him at the very top of the record breaking charts throughout his career. We’re absolutely delighted that Michael holds Guinness World Records in such high regard and honoured that he’s taken time out of his busy schedule to stop by and collect them in person."
Source: GuinessWorldRecords.com

List of Michael Jackson Guinness World Records
  1. Most Successful Concert Series - Michael Jackson sold out for seven nights at Wembley Stadium, London, England in the summer of 1988. A total of 504,000 people saw Michael perform July 14-16, 22-23, and August 26-27, 1988.
  2. Biggest Selling Album Of All Time - Michael Jackson's "Thriller" Album is the biggest selling album of all time, with over 50 million copies sold worldwide. Thriller is also the biggest selling U.S album with sales of 25 million copies.
  3. Most Grammy Awards -Michael won a record breaking 8 Grammy Awards in 1984, more than any other artist in one year.
  4. Largest Contracts -$890 million (Sony Music) Contract, with prospective earnings of $1 billion.
  5. Greatest Audience -The highest-ever viewership was 133.4 million viewers watching the NBC transmission of Super Bowl XXVII on June 31, 1993. Michael was spotlighted during the half-time peformance.
  6. Highest-Paid Commercial Spokesperson -Pepsi Cola paid Michael Jackson $12 million to do 4 TV commercials.
  7. Bad Tour -Michael Jackson's world tour brought in a record gross revenue of over $124 million during September 1987-December 1988.
  8. Billboard Charts -Michael Jackson is the first person in the 37 year history of the chart to enter at # 1, with his single "You Are Not Alone". Michael broke his previous redord held by his single "Earth Song" which debuted at #5.
Filed under  //   1979   1991   1996   2005   2006  

Today in MJJ HIStory

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Filed under  //   1972   1979   1983   1993   1996   2001   2004  

Today in MJJ HIStory

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

First UK dates unable to take place any earlier, thanks to stringent British laws are child performers: special dispensation would have been required for young Michael to appear on stage or TV after 8.00pm (unless the given TV appearance was pre-recorded).
'We shall continue trying to bring the Jacksons over,' said a Motown spokesman in 1971, 'but frankly we are not very optimistic. The British laws are far too complicated and restrictive.'

1979 - The Jacksons perform Destiny tour in Richmond, Virginia

1984 - The Jacksons perform Victory tour at Astrodome in Houston, Texas, USA attending 40,000.

1988 - Michael performs Bad tour at Irvine Meadows Amphitheater in Irvine, US.

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

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

Filed under  //   1972   1979   1984   1988   1993   1996  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1972 - The Jackson 5's second TV special was aired in the States.


The date was November 5, 1972, and suddenly the J5 were big as life on the TV screen right in your living room! Here, appropriately "labeled", the boys discuss a deal with Ted Ziegler.

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Michael sang Ben and joined his brothers for I Want You Back, ABC, I’ll Be There, The Love You Save and Never Can Say Goodbye
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Wow! That super screen behind Michael's head is really Johnny Brown. The J5 looked into this screen and were able to see their daydreams projected! (and you were, too, as they acted them out.)

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This daydream sequence turned your favs into a bunch of elves. And they're off to save a damsel in distress, played by Jo Anne Worley.
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The Jackson 5 also performed a skit featuring an unreleased song, Daydreamer, and closed the first half of the show with We’re Coming Back, using the riff from I Want You Back to good effect.

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The special introduces a totally new visual technique that combines live action with animation as J5 order a world of daydreams.
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^ Michael was left holding the basket quite literally, as "Shorty" strolls away. Dig the many muscles on Mike's beautiful bod!

Don't the guys wear some boss clothing during these way-out 30 minutes? Here, the spotlight is on Mike and Jermaine, those dandy dudes.

The Jackson 5 on their first European tour in Frankfurt, Germany.

1979 - The Jacksons perform Destiny tour in Detroit, Michigan.

1981 - Michael is on the cover of Jet Magazine in which he is voted Most Popular Male Entertainer.

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When Michael Jackson recently concluded a 40-city tour as the angelic-voiced lead singer of the world famous vocal quintet of Jackson brothers, he promptly proceeded to his next project-to co-produce an album with Quincy Jones, the Svengali songmaster who produced Michael's best-selling album, Off The Wall.

It was the impact of this triple platinum album and JET readers opinion poll that influenced the editors to name Michael "Most Popular Male Entertainer."
Being the "best" or "most" is nothing new to the fifth of six talented sons of Joseph and Katherine Jackson. Born 23 years ago in Gary, Ind., under the sign of Virgo, whose trait is unselfishness, the handsome singer's onstage magnetism and magic are mesmerized only by his offstage majesty and meekheartedness. He got started being the best at age 13 when his first solo album, Got To Be There, become a best-seller and he was named "Male Vocalist Of The Year."

Of all his honors, his Off The Wall album set new precedents in the record industry. It sold more than 5 million copies in the US and Michael become the first solo recording artist in history to place four singles (Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough, Rock With You, Off The Wall and She's Out Of My Life) from the same album in the top 10 of the nation's leading record charts.
In UK it is the first time in UK that five singles have been released from the same album.
With that kind of solid success, Michael merits the "most."

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1991 - Michael Jackson's single "Black Or White" was released.

1993 - Michael Jackson's video "Dangerous: The Short Films" was released.

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Michael attends a children’s festivity at "Hard Rock Cafe" in Mexico City, dedicated to the homeless ones from the "Tere Alarcon" orphanage.

1994 - Laurent Hopman visits Michael at the Hit Factory Studio in New York and gets to listen to 3 songs from the new album!

1995 - Michael graced the popular German Game show Wetten Dass? (Wanna Bet?) with his live appearance.

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In addition to his immaculate Dangerous routine, executed with the same precision and finesse as at the MTV Music Video Awards in September, Michael also performed Earth Song in public for the first time, a real coup for Wetten Dass?
Backstage, he meets Laurent Hopman and Anton Schleiter, son of son of Hamburg-based Sony music exec Wolfgang Schleiter.

The TV special attracted 18 million viewers, became the biggest TV event throughout Europe breaking viewership records in Germany and another 25 million throughout the rest of Europe tuning in to watch Michael's guest spot. Far and away the highest German TV audience of 1995 it's THE event of the year 1995 in Europe.

1996 - Ghosts received its U.S. première. The film also premièred in selected Sony Movie Theatres in various other European cities and in Tokyo, Japan - very successfully.

2001 - Michael Jackson's Invincible is at #1 on the Australian ARIA Albums Chart.

2005 - Michael & the kids are back in Dubai where they stay at the One and Only Royal Mirage.

2009 - The MTV Europe Music Awards pay tribute to MJ live from Germany.

The Thriller demos leak on the Internet.

Filed under  //   1972   1979   1991   1993   1995   1996   2001   2002   2005   2009  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1971 - The first of two appearances of the Jackson 5 on the Flip Wilson Show was broadcast. They performed a medley of hits I Want You Back / ABC / The Love You Save/ Never Can Say Goodbye

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1972
- The Jackson Five appeared on "Soul Train." performing That's How Love Goes, I Want You Back, Corner Of The Sky, Daddy's Home, Lookin' Through The Windows


The Jackson 5 on their first European tour in Munich, Germany.

1977 - Michael attends Andre McArdle's birthday party.

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1979 - The Jacksons perform Destiny tour in Detroit, Michigan

1995 - Michael Jackson premiered his single "Earth Song" on the German game show "Wetten Dass?".

1996 - Stranger In Moscow was released as the fifth and final single from Michael's album HIStory.


Michael Jackson announced that he and a friend, Debbie Rowe, were expecting a child, but he denied that the couple had used artificial insemination and that Rowe had been paid to carry the baby.

News broke that Debbie Rowe is carrying Michael's first child. [Liz Smith reported in her column in the San Francisco Chronicle as follows: "Congratulations and good luck to Michael Jackson and Debbie Rowe, the woman who is reported to be carrying his first child."]

1999 - The Court of Appeals of Milan has rejected the appeal of Italian songwriter Albano Carrisi, and confirmed the lower court's judgment in favor of Michael Jackson and Sony Music, in a lawsuit involving Jackson's hit song "Will You Be There." Al Bano claimed that Jackson copied his song "I cigni di Balaka" (The Swans of Balaka). In November of 1997, the Tribunal of Milan ruled that there was no plagiarism, and Al Bano appealed.

2001 - HITS magazine featured Michael on their cover.

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2004 - Jackson issues a message gratitude to his fans on his official website, for their support throughout the attempts of defamation made against him by means of the child abuse charges from December, 2003. The message states: “To my loyal fans and supporters, I would like to sincerely thank all those who have spoken out and taken action against the most recent attempt to defame me as a person and an entertainer. My team has told me of the thousands of calls that have been made and the thousands of emails that have been sent by you, on my behalf. I am so grateful and inspired by you all. To my fans in the UK, I want to you to know how touched I was to hear about the demonstration in London that took place on October 31st and the thousands of people that attended. I am so overwhelmed by these beautiful expressions of love from my fans. Thank you. Recently, I have been informed that there is an event being planned for me, by the fans, to take place in New York very soon. I wanted take this opportunity to thank these fans from the bottom of my heart for your love and support. As always, I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH AND THANK YOU FOR NOT BEING AFRAID TO SPEAK OUT. God Bless, Michael Jackson”.

Filed under  //   1971   1972   1977   1979   1995   1996   1999   2001   2004  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1979 - The Jacksons perform Destiny tour in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

1996 - Michael performs HIStory tour at Andheri Sports Complex in Mumbai, India attending 70,000 fans.

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His appearance in the evening at the Andheri Sports Complex lived up to expectations. The special effects were truly awesome and as for Michael, he can deservedly be called the best performer in the world. For those present at the show, it was an out of body experience!

For his show Michael flew in all his equipment in three Russian Antanov cargo planes. The stage was 60 ft. deep and 210 ft. wide and he had three teams to work on it – an assembling team, a dismantling team and a standby team as well. That’s what they call perfect organization. It took at least 24 hours to erect the whole structure and prepare it for the show and less than six hours to bring it down. The green room was beneath the stage and had four divisions – The meditation room, the rest room, the photography room and the VIP guest room. The rest room was ornately done in true Indian tradition, with regal décor befitting the King (read Maharaja) of Pop. This room had 20 air-conditioners installed and was christened the Air-Conditioned Marquee. Michael uses the photography room for photography sessions. The fortunate few who were allowed to accompany him under the stage, were his bodyguards, his tour manager and his wardrobe manager.

Crowds in India at Airport to Welcome Michael Jackson. The tank that was used on the stage as a prop in “The Earth Song” was made of blocks of plywood, though it appeared as authentic as a battle tank. The other props, such as the dilapidated buildings and the shuttle Michael used to make a grand entrance in, was also made of collapsible material that could easily be dismantled. She show had its own tender moments, when it left everyone present in tears. And that included Michael who was moved to tears at the overwhelming response he received from the Indian audience for the first time. “This has been the best show of the HIStory tour” he later admitted.

A special route was chalked out for Michael to drive into the Andheri Stadium with his entourage. And it was only at 8.30 pm that he actually reached the stadium.

Journalist and theatre promoter Suman Bhuchar, who had travelled from London for the concert, said: “I had gone for (British Asian artist) Bally Sagoo who was the warm-up act for Michael Jackson. It was a great evening. I remember him emerging out of the darkness in his silver space suit. I have kept the brochure from that concert.”

Jackson donates most of the proceeds from the HIStory concert in Bombay, India to the poor. Michael Jackson flew to India in a private jet. Sabbas Joseph, director of Wizcraft, the event management agency that had the airport shut down on his arrival recalls 14 years later: “Michael met the CM and Raj Thackeray. This was followed by an aarti by Sonali Bendre. As he was walking out, a strange incident occurred. A child fell down and Jackson immediately glided over and picked him up. He held him and hugged him with such care like he was the child’s mother.”, recounts Sabbas. “The (1993) allegations seemed all wrong. Michael even shot with 100 children in India for a calendar that he was producing”, he continues. On his way from the airport, he stopped the car several times to dance with the poor. Sabbas adds that Jackson was even willing to postpone his visit for a day or two in India to meet Mother Teresa. But that didn’t work out. Viraf Sarkari, co-director at Wizcraft, recalls that all the celebrities and industrialists wanted to meet him. “We arranged meet-and-greet sessions with him. Michael kept all his commitments. He was a gentle person and met everyone respectfully.” Sabbas echoes the sentiment that Jackson was the easiest international artiste to work with, as he was very humble and the staff very professional. Both directors acknowledge that Jackson had a great spiritual connect with India. Viraf says,

“We first met him in Los Angeles to confirm the concert. We were told he is very keen on performing in India. We’d presented him with a Ganesha, a Nataraj and a sherwani. And without requiring any explanation, he said, “Yes, that’s Ganesha, the god of luck.”
Even when Bal Thackeray presented a silver statue of Nataraj to Jackson, the star didn’t need the politician’s explanation and said, “Yes, I know, that’s the god of dance and art.” He also visits and endows a children’s home and a school for visually-impaired ones in Bangkok, Thailand with 100,000 dollars, toys and the like in November, 1996.

On January 25, 1997, the musician 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.

before leaving Bombay, India, where he stays during his HIStory Tour there, Jackson leaves the following handwritten note on a pillow from his hotel room:

"India, all my life I have longed to see your face. I met you and your people and fell in love with you. Now my heart is filled with sorrow and despair, for I have to leave you, but I promise I shall return to love you and caress you again. Your kindness has overwhelmed me, your spiritual awareness has overtaken and moved me, and your children have truly touched my heart. They are the face of God. I truly love and adore you, India. Forever. Continue to love, clean, and educate the children. The future shines in them. You are my special love, India. May God always bless you. Michael Jackson".
2001 - ABC aired the edited version of the 11-hour "United We Stand - What More Can I Give" concert. Michael Jackson was shown performing his song "Man in the Mirror" and introducing other acts.
Filed under  //   1979   1996   2001  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1982 - Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson release "Girl is Mine".

1984 - The Jacksons perform Victory tour at Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia [USA] attending 31,000.

1991 - Michael & Bruce Swedien complete the mixing of the Dangerous album in Los Angeles.

1993 - Michael performs at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City [Mexico].
100,000 fans packed into Aztec Stadium were unconcerned about the investigation and shouted, "Michael!, Michael!" Michael kept the hysterical crowd on their feet for more than 2 hours.

1996 - Michael performs the second HIStory concert at Merdeka Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia attending 30,000.

1998 - Michael & Debbie go to the Getty museum in Los Angeles with Prince & Paris.

2001 - Michael Jackson's first studio album in six years, "Invincible" had officially been released [US release date: October 30].

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Michael Jackson has been "Bad". He's also been quite "Dangerous". But now, six years after his last studio album, the Gloved One is hoping to prove he's Invincible. The disc executive produced by Jackson with the help of a bevy of hot producers and writers is aimed at planting the superstar back on top after several years of speculation that his career was on the decline.

The absolutely amazing album is available in five different colors [cover] - for a limited time - and features over 77 minutes of new, groundbreaking and truly invincible music! Without a shadow of a doubt the best album of the last six years!!!

"Invincible", the most recent release from Epic Records Group superstar Michael Jackson, had claimed the #1 spot on charts in countries around the world including The U.S., The U.K., Australia, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Holland, Hungary, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey.

Featuring tracks like "You Rock My World" (the first single) and "Speechless," Invincible features the hit-making handiwork of producers Rodney Jerkins and Teddy Riley, among others.

2008 - Michael takes Prince, Paris & Blanket to an Halloween party in L.A.

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2009 - 8 Days magazine[Singapore] featured Michael on the cover with the headline: Psst, what is it? A tribute to MJ's greatness... his 'two voices', fake noses & when he was hawt

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Today in MJJ HIStory

1973 - Popswop magazine[UK] featured Michael on their cover.

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Disc magazine[UK] featured Michael on their cover with the story Michael Jackson: Voice Breaking is Hit Making.

1979 - The Jacksons perform Destiny tour in Buffalo, New York[US].

1993 - Michael meets the President of Mexico.

1996 - Michael performs HIStory concert at Merdeka Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia attending 30,000.

Performances of "Black Or White", "Earth Song", "Heal the World", and "HIStory" either were not broadcast. The available broadcast go up to "Dangerous". Snippets of the October 29 concert (including the aforementioned songs) were also released during a news report on TV1000. Because crotch grabbing is considered impure in Islam, Jackson altered his crotch-grabbing move in this concert. Televised by ntv7.

2003 - The edited version of the single, What More Can I Give?, featuring a host of other artists, is released via the official Music for Giving website as a $2 download to support charity projects. The charities that received donations when "What More Can I Give" was donated were "Oneness", "Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation" and "The International Child Art Foundation". It was due to certain legal delays and misunderstandings that the charity anthem, (also previously devoted to the Kosovo victims and intended to be performed with late Luciano Pavarotti in 1999), was redirected – via Internet pay - to providing financial aid to the September 11, 2001 victims in New York.

Michael Jackson premiered the short film for his latest charity single titled, What More Can I Give? at Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. The short film was first premiered to a small Clear Channel audience. Clear Channel is a collection of media and entertainment companies. Michael thanked the disc jockeys, producers, and radio in general and stated that he did not think that they get enough credit. He went on to say that they help artists get their music out and he wouldn’t be here without their support. During the video premiere, Michael sat on the floor and watched with the audience. He invited the children in the audience to sit with him.

Immediately following, Michael went next door where the short film premiered again for a larger audience of radio stations. Again, he sat on the floor for the premiere. He thanked everyone and was extremely personable. Michael said that he feels his music is channeled from God; he sings it, but it’s the radio that gets it out. He expressed his appreciation again for the continued support of his work.

Following the premiere of the short film Michael went back to the ‘Art of Music’ store and did another signing. Some fans were able to get in and get tee shirts, and other memorabilia signed. He also made sure to greet the fans that were standing outside of the store.

In regards to this charity single, Michael simply stated, "Let’s make this happen!"

In the evening, Michael Jackson premieres the short film for What More Can I Give in the conference area at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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At the Radio Music Awards, Michael accepts the first ever Humanitarian Award from Beyonce.
Beyonce Knowles introduced Michael, taking the stage with a smile she began, "I am honored to be here tonight to introduce a music Icon. As a little girl, groovin' to his music, I like millions around the world, tried to mimic his unique and thrilling singing and dancing. He's still doing it! But today what I am trying to mimic is his passion for helping others. It is an example for all of us. He believes we can really change the world and he's doing it. He still remains the biggest selling recording artist in the history of music. *begin applause and screams* The king of pop! Ladies and gentlemen please welcome artist and humanitarian, MICHAEL JACKSON!" *you rock my world plays in the background*
Michael enters wearing a black satin shirt & velvet pants with two belts, One silver and the other one silver and sparkly with matching sparkly shin guards and boots. *the crowd is standing, yelling, clapping* Michael embraces Beyonce and moves center stage. Smiling the entire time. *cut to enthusiastic crowd, applauding vigorously* Michael bows graciously and laughs.

On accepting the Award, he draws focus to What More Can I Give, the sequel of the 1985 high-grossing charitable single, "We Are The World", and remembers the 2001 terrorist attacks in New York which, apart from their tragic aftermath, also "brought us together and finally brought this project together"; afterwards, Michael Jackson presents a short film showcasing the highlights of the charitable song’s recording.

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"We Are The World" was a project we did to help feed people around the Globe, who were starving and at risk. As you know, it was a huge success "We Are The World". This time, the time is come for the sequel to "We Are The World", to express our feelings, inspires, hope and lift those who need it most. It has been two years - a very long time – but with over one hundred people participating and donating their perecords, this project together finally has arrived. It couldn’t have happened without you all. The incredible talented artists who participated in creating this song that I just wrote.

Two years ago, we survived a terrorist attack that forever changed not only our country, but the entire world. We will never forget that that terrible tragedy brought us together and finally brought this project together. Producing this song was a miracle in itself. Here is a video showing some of the highlights of the moving collaboration, and tonight, you will experience it here first.

Thank you to Radio Music Awards for giving us this opportunity to bring it to the world. I hope, once again, we can set aut on a mission to lead the world in a path of harmony, by asking ourselves every day: "What More Can I give?" [the footage of the song recordings are displayed]; Jackson is given the Humanitarian Award by singer Beyonce, for which he adds a brief "thank you" speech."


2005 - Michael’s lawyer Brent Ayscough confirms that Michael has filed a counter suit against Marc Schaffel , accusing him of concealing and misappropriating funds and he has also settled a lawsuit filed by an antiques dealer who alleged he had not fully paid for $380,000 worth of goods.

While in Barhain, Michael coordinates the recording of FTBOMH in Los Angeles with artists such as R Kelly. The O'Jays, Snoop Dogg, Ciara, Shirley Caesar, James Ingram et Babyface. He also renames the song I Have A Dream.

2009 - Michael Jackson's This Is It made its worldwide premiere at the Nokia Theater in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday before it hits the theaters. The red carpet for the premiere was live streamed via webcast across the world, starting at 4:30 PM PDT.

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It seemed everyone in Hollywood wanted to see what This Is It was all about.

Going on speculation and a glowing review from Elizabeth Taylor, a heaping spoonful of A-listers and others packed Los Angeles' Nokia Theatre for the premiere of the Michael Jackson concert film, comprising footage as he prepared for a 50-date farewell-concert blowout.

"I'm sitting in the nokia theater in awe of the 'this is it' movie!" twittered Paula Abdul, just one of the stars who walked the red carpet before showtime. "So many emotions are coming up For me I can't believe He's Gone BRILLIANT."

Jackson's brothers were the blood-relative VIPs in a crowd that also included Will Smith, Jennifer Lopez, Katy Perry, Adam Lambert, David Cook, Paris Hilton, Neil Patrick Harris, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Nigel Lythgoe and Berry Gordy Jr.

"Michael would have loved this turnout," associate producer and tour choreographer Travis Payne told the L.A. Times' Pop & Hiss blog as Jackson's music played in the background.

"It's time to celebrate Michael, to rejoice in all his wonderful messages of peace and love. People are going to enjoy seeing the Michael I always got to see."

"You see him onstage as if he were standing in front of a full house," added This Is It director Kenny Ortega. "I hope the fans find satisfaction, that fans will understand what Michael had planned for them."

Sony Pictures paid $60 million for the rights to more than 100 hours of rehearsal footage that was whittled into the 111-minute film. Its planned two-week run was extended because it's a major hit, but in the meantime it's opening in 99 countries by tomorrow and will expand to 110 this weekend.

Filed under  //   1973   1979   1993   1996   2003   2005   2009  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1978 - The Wiz, the musical film produced by Motown Productions and Universal Pictures, was released by Universal.

The Wiz was a retelling of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz featuring an entirely African-American cast. The film follows the adventures of Dorothy[Diana Ross], a shy schoolteacher from Harlem, New York who finds herself magically transported to the wonderland of Oz, which resembles a fantasy version of New York City. Befriended by a Scarecrow[Michael Jackson], a Tin Man[Nipsey Russell], and a Cowardly Lion[Ted Ross], Dorothy travels through the world of Oz to seek an audience with the mysterious "Wiz", who they say has the power to take her home.

Diana Ross and Michael Jackson attend the premiere & opening night party of the movie The Wiz, at the Paramount, Los Angeles, October 24, 1978.

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At the Pitt’s Century Plaza Theater in Century City (Los Angeles) with the Jackson family & Diana Ross among others.
The Wiz had its premiere in New York City, over a year after filming began. It was received with poor reviews and lukewarm box office returns, failing to recoup its expensive budget. Michael took the film’s failure personally, especially in light of the fact that his father and brothers had tried to discourage him from making it.

Michael Jackson's performance as the Scarecrow was one of the only positively reviewed elements of the film, with critics noting that MJ possessed "genuine acting talent" and "provided the only genuinely memorable moments." Of the results of the film, Michael stated: "I don't think it could have been any better, I really don't." In 1980, Michael stated that his time working on The Wiz was "my greatest experience so far...I'll never forget that."

Michael says: "It was incredible, wonderful. I learned so much from [Diana Ross]. We’re like brother and sister, really."

1987 - Bad hit #1 in US charts.
The second single released off of the BAD album was the title track. It became the album's second #1 single. Bad stayed at the top of the Hot 100 for two weeks. Bad also went to #1 on the black singles chart. The extended version of the Bad video aired on MTV for weeks with the air times announced each day. Later, an edited version of the video was aired.

1988 - Michael performs BAD tour at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Detroit [US].

At the end of October, the BAD tour moved into Motown-Detroit, Michigan. Michael was scheduled to perform at the Palace of Auburn Hills on October 24-26. The first of the three night stand in Detroit was a benefit concert for Detroit's Motown Museum. The two story house, Hitsville USA, where Berry Gordy originally started Motown, had been declared a historical landmark earlier in the spring. Since Motown relocated to Los Angeles, the building has been turned into a museum, organized by Berry Gordy's sister, Esther Edwards.

When Berry Gordy was preparing to sell Motown Records to MCA and Boston Ventures, Michael was touring Europe. He wanted to do something for Berry and for Motown. Gordy suggested he do something for the Motown Museum. Michael did. He called Esther Edwards in Detroit from Hong Kong. The result was that Michael donated all of his proceeds from his first concert in Auburn Hills to the Motown Museum Historical Foundation. Michael has been a very strong supporter of the development of the museum since its inception.

1993 - Michael arrives in Mexico to perform 5 concerts at Azteca Stadium from 29th October to 11th November.

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1996 - Michael performs HIStory concert at Singapore National Stadium in Singapore attending 65,000.

In the States, Michael’s mini-movie Ghosts, which cost an estimated $7-9 million, premiered at the Motion Picture Academy Of Arts in Beverly Hills, California, alongside Stephen King’s full length horror movie Thinner.

Filed under  //   1978   1987   1988   1993   1996  

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