Today in MJJ HIStory

1984 -
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Michael Jackson's "Thriller" won Best Overall Performance, Best Choreography and Viewers' Choice at the MTV Video Music Awards held at the Radio City Music Hall, NY. Here, La Toya Jackson shows up in Moonman-inspired fashion to accept her brother's awards.
Michael Jackson, who scored three Moonmen, among his trophies was one for Best Choreography and the all-important Viewer's Choice Award. Both were bestowed upon him for his epic John Landis-directed "Thriller" music video, a groundbreaking entry into the field that substantially impacted the way these silly, little music videos were judged in the wider arts community.

To honor a legend like Jackson for his visionary talent (who, before going off the deep end, would have a prestigious Moonman award named in his honor several VMA years later).

1987 - Michael performs Bad tour at Tokyo Dome, Tokyo [Japan] attending 45,000

People magazine featured Michael on the cover with the story Michael Jackson - He's back. He's Bad. Is this guy weird, or what?

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1990 - Michael Jackson received the first ever "Michael Jackson Good Scout Humanitarian Award" at the Century Plaza Towers in Los Angeles.

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Michael was the first recipient of the award named in honor of him. The Michael Jackson Good Scout Humanitarian Award was presented to Michael in recognition of his humanitarian efforts for all mankind through his fund raising efforts for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, The Prince's Trust, The UNCF, and Childhelp USA.

Walt Disney CEO Michael Eisner presented the award to Michael. Dressed in a gold & black military style jacket and sunglasses, Michael said only, "On behalf of the millions of past, present, and future Boy Scouts, I will try to abide by your motto of being prepared and always extending a hand to others."


1996 - Michael performs HIStory tour at National Stadium, Bucharest [Rumania] attending 70,000.
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Today in MJJ HIStory

1973 - Michael was on a recording session of CALL ON ME, arranged and produced by Gene Page, Fonce Mizell & Freddie Perren. The song included, with added overdubs and remixed, on the solo compilation FAREWELL MY SUMMER LOVE, issued in May 1984 in the States and June 1984 in the UK.

1985 -

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Keeping with the philanthropic theme of the times, USA for Africa's instant-classic "We Are the World" won Best Group Video (and with everyone from Michael Jackson and Tina Turner to Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan, it was some group), as well as the Viewer's Choice Moonman.

Lauper and Ken Kragen prove music can be used for a noble cause, accepting a Moonman on behalf of USA For Africa at the MTV Video Music Awards held at Radio City Music Hall, NY.

1987 - Michael performs Bad tour at Tokyo Dome, Tokyo [Japan] attending 45,000.

Michael displays his support towards a campaign against racism, as well by lending his name to the NAACP's endeavour to help arrest prejudiced conduct and widespread discrimination against black artists.

1989 - Michael Jackson signed a $28 million deal with L.A. Gear.

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A press conference was held in Los Angelese to announce Michael's new multi million endorsement deal with "L.A. Gear". The two year deal called for Michael to design and market a line of sports shoes and sportswear as well as appear in commercials. Under the marketing campaign 'Unstoppable' a wide range of activities was promised to promote the collection.

At the press conference, Michael wore black pants and jacket with a purple shirt and sunglasses. He also wore, instead of the usual black loafers, a pair of black & silver L.A. Gear tennis shoes. As usual, Michael was very brief with his comments: ""I look forward to the challenge of creating and designing with this hot LA fashion lead... I am very happy to be part of the L.A. Gear magic and I hope we have a very rewarding, successful career. Thank you."

Pop singer was said to be paid close to $28 million to be the company spokesperson and to design a line of men’s leisure shoes, black shoes, and T-shirts - for double what Pepsi had paid him, the highest corporate association ever.

The company's stock responded strongly, rising four points in the three days following the announcement. The company's use of Michael Jackson was 'more than a growth opportunity, they're trying to maintain their fashion image,' Paine Webber analyst Frank Podbelsek told Advertising Age. Under the umbrella theme Unstoppable L.A. Gear prepared to tap Michael Jackson's worldwide popularity by coordinating the Jackson line rollout with the release of a collection of his greatest hits called A Decade which was never released and the deal was dropped after only one commercial.
DECADE: Originally scheduled for release in November, 1989, DECADE was to be a double album of Michael's greatest hits with 3 to 5 new songs included, among them his cover of the Beatles' Come Together. Slated for release simultaneously was a DECADE video cassette. The poject was later shelved due to an avalanche of new material, prompting thoughts of a brand new album instead, much to the delight of his fans, which become, DANGEROUS.

In August 1990, commercials for "L.A. Gear" with Michael began airing in movie theatres.

1992 - Michael performs Dangerous tour at Hippodrome de Vincennes, Paris [France] attending 85,000.

1993 - Jet magazine features MJ on its cover with the story Family And Fans Support Michael Jackson In Child Abuse Investigation.

1995 - Michael Jackson's "Dangerous - The Short Films" was certified Platinum.

1996 - During HIStory tour, Michael visits a state orphanage in Bucharest, Romania, prior to his concert at Lia Manoliu Stadium attending 70,000 fans.
He gives away toys & sweets to and plays with children from the "Leaganul De Copii Sfanta Ecaterina" state home, which he also acknowledges with 35 million Lei ($ 1 million).
Along with children, he visits the monument dedicated to the victims of the 1989 Romanian revolution, kneels before the memorial & renders a bouquet of flowers.


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Michael was also is invited at the Parliament Palace, where children give performances for him. He attends a folklore performance - music and dances - by children dressed in traditional Romanian attire, after which is received on stage by the children, chanting his name and thunderously applauding him. They also perform a few song remakes in Romanian of famous anthems, such as Stephen Foster's "Oh, Susanna" or The Beatles' "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da", to which Jackson happily bops his head and claps his hands.


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When he is invited to take the stage, he makes the following appreciative discourse: "This performance was one of the most amazing performances I’ve ever seen in my entire life. And I’m not just saying that, I really mean it from my heart. It was the highest in artistic presentation and I only wish all of the world leaders could be here to see this, because I think they would think twice when they so quickly send our brothers to the killing fields. Because this is our future – all the children. And I love you so much. And… [children loudly chanting his name] I just once again wanted to say thank you very very much, and from the bottom of my heart I truly and endearly love each and everyone of you. Thank you so much." (rare footage provided by LovinTheKingOfPop on YouTube)

1997 - Michael attends a public service for Princess Diana at St. James Episcopal Church in Los Angeles, CA.

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2003 - Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch was opened for a "once in a lifetime" event for guests that had paid $5,000 for a tour and two meals.

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Michael hosted a star-studded charity event at Neverland. Only 400 tickets were available for purchase. Ticket price at pre-sale was $725, with proceeds going to charity. Among those in attendance were Aaron and Nick Carter, Mike Tyson, Penny Marshall, Pink, and Boys II Men, to name a few. R&B singer Ashanti performed her hit single, Aww Baby mixed with Michael's hit Rock With You, from the Off The Wall' album. The Carter brothers later presented Michael with a belated birthday cake. This led to a massive food fight—which of course, Michael started! Michael addressed those in attendance: "Thank you all for coming tonight. For in my opinion, in my opinion, is a very special cause and the cause is our future and the future is our children. I will continue to fight for them for the rest of my life."

2009 - The trailer for THIS IS IT was premiered at the MTV Video Music Awards.

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Filed under  //   1973   1985   1987   1989   1992   1993   1995   1996   1997   2003   2009  

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

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

1966 - The Jackson family spent some of their summers visiting Joe Jackson’s father, Samuel Jackson, in Winslow, Arizona. During their time there, they occasionally performed local shows.

One such show took place at Winslow’s Elks Lodge on August 20, 1966. Also, sometime during this year (probably earlier), Michael had joined the group to win a talent show contest at Gary's Roosevelt High School, where his older brothers were students.

1983 - The Jackson 5 compilation album "18 Greatest Hits" hit #1 in the U.K.

Edited Telstar 16 Motown singles, plus Happy and We've Got A Good Thing Going on this compilation.
Reissue July 1988 by Motown.
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1. One Day In Your Life
2. Lookin' Through The Windows
3. Got To Be There
4. Doctor My Eyes
5. Ben
6. ABC
7. We're Almost There
8. Skywriter
9. Rockin' Robin
10. Happy
11. Ain't No Sunshine
12. I'll Be There
13. I Want You Back
14. The Love You Save
15. We've Got A Good Thing Going
16. Mama's Pearl
17. Never Can Say Goodbye
18. Hallelujah Day

A heavy advertising campaign, coupled with the phenomenal success of "Thriller" (which dominated the world rankings in 1983) begat a surprising success in the charts.
"18 Greatest Hits" spent more than a year in the UK charts and became the 10th sale of the year 1983 (the first being Thriller).
Happy for the first time appeared on the album "Music and Me" (1973) and was released as a single for the first time in 1983 to promote this compilation. The English original 45s included a free poster (as will be the tradition in the promotion of Michael's solo albums for Epic). Well, the first Michael tube was brought out to this promotion.

1992 - Michael perform first of three concert at Wembley Stadium, London attending 72,000 fans.

1993 - On 21st/22nd August, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) served search warrants on Neverland Valley and Michael’s condominium in Century City. Several boxes of items were removed but, contrary to press reports, nothing that could be termed 'evidence' was discovered.
'The search warrant,' a LAPD spokesman confirmed, 'didn’t result in anything that would support a criminal filing.'

1996 - On January 18th, 1996, it was announced that Lisa Marie Presley had filed for divorce from Michael Jackson. The divorce would become final on August 20th, 1996.

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Today in MJJ HIStory

1971 – The Jackson 5ive began a U.S. tour at the Coliseum in Charlotte, NC.

1973 – The Jackson 5ive Concert in Pittsburg ( Pennsylvania )

1974 - Jackson 5ive Concert in Trenton ( New Jersey )

1984 – Publicity of the Michael Jackson doll begins.

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Thriller era saw the arrival of novelties like the Michael Jackson barbie doll: Thriller breaking all previous sales records & with the Victory tour playing to unprecedented crowds, a flood of MJ merchandise hit the market. Back in July of 1984, four MJ dolls authorized by Michael were marketed by LJN Toys inc. The 12″ vinyl Michael Jackson Superstar Doll appeared in stores in at a price of $12. The poseable doll had a molded jherri curl & came in 4 different, supposedly “authentic stage outfits”, from the videos of “Beat It” and “Thriller”, and red jacket from the AMA and the 3-musketeer’s inspired purple & gold sequin jacket from Grammys. The barbie sized dolls each came with a stand, a microphone, his famous glittering ‘Magic’ glove, glitter socks, and a tiny pair of mirror sunglasses.

1988 – Micheal visits sick children again at the Great Ormond Street Hospital.

He visits critically ill children and their parents at the “Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital”, where he spends longer time with the less critical patients, reserving words of comfort to them, reading them stories and delivering presents, including albums, signed photos and T-shirts. He associates himself with the “Wishing Well Fund” for sponsoring the contruction of a novel unit, as part of the “Hospital for Sick Children” in Great Ormond Street, London, England.

Notably, 9-year old Neil Clark, having undergone live-saving surgery to remove a brain tumour – and originally not scheduled to see the popstar – is visited by the singer, the boy’s father declaring with gratitude that the visit “cheered my son up”. 4-year-old Joanne Doeffer, having undergone a throat operation and breathing through a special tube, was visited by the star, the meet-and-greet prompting her to struggle and say “Thriller” to a delighted Jackson.

During his Bad Tour (as well as other tours of his), he was reported to be joined backstage prior to his concerts by children with illnesses from the respective local areas of his performances, with whom the entertainer would pose for pictures and sign autographs to, often, the singer spending time purchasing and assembling playthings he would personally deliver to them the following day, according to Seth Riggs, Jackson’s vocal coach.

1988 – Michael was presented with a Sword to commemorate the Bad Tour at the Guildhall party.

In the evening, a banquet is held to commemorate the imminent Bad shows at Wembley Stadium. King of Pop became the first ever commoner to enter the London’s historic Guildhall’s Royal Entrance, a unique privilege that required the Queen’s personal approval.

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His arrival was heralded by the red-jacketed trumpeters of the Life Guard cavalry, usually seen marching along the Mall. There followed a pounds 75,000 banquet, during which the roast beef was paraded through the room by the Corps of Drums of the Honourable Artillery Company.

Dancers in Olde English costume scattered rose petals at Michael’s feet. Then he watched wide-eyed as first Henry VIII, then Elizabeth I, Lord Nelson, Nell Gwynn, Robin Hood, Maid Marion and Dick Whittington paid their respects.

Ballet dancers burst from a box.

Fire-eaters, jugglers, jesters and Elizabethan musicians visited his table. Then Michael was stunned as Merlin appeared in a puff of smoke, and glittering knights in armour bowed before him.

Michael took the salute as the Band of the Corps of Royal Engineers beat the retreat, walking up and down a line of liveried Life Guard troops as if he were a general inspecting them.

He bopped lightly on his heels as the band played and grinned wildly when they launched into a version of Billie Jean.

Then a knight in shining armour galloped across the courtyard, leapt from his saddle, pulled a sword from a stone and went down on one knee before handing the sword to Michael.

He was blissfully unaware of the historical significance, and handed the sword – the sword King Arthur pulled from the stone before he recruited the knights of the Round Table Knights of the Round Table – to a 7ft minder wearing a top hat, and made him the King of England.

1996 – Michael Jackson visited Nelson Mandela in Pretoria, South Africa. He also announced that he was working on a film about Mandela.

2004 – Michael Jackson’s publicist denied a report in US Weekly that Jackson was about to become a father to quadruplets via a surrogate mother. A spokesperson for US Weekly told Reuters that is stands by its story and cite unnamed sources close to Jackson as confirming the story.

Filed under  //   1971   1973   1974   1984   1988   1996   2004  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1971 - The Jackson 5ive began a U.S. tour at the Coliseum in Charlotte, NC.

1972 – The Jackson 5ive Concert in Chicago (Illinois)

1988 – Michael Jackson & Jimmy Jam visit Elstree Studios where Steven Spielberg is directing Indiana Jones and they both meet Harrison Ford.

1992 – Concerts his Dangerous World Tour in Stockholm, Sweden at the Olympic Stadium, attending 53,000.

1996 – Michael visits South Africa for a few days, arrives in Johannesburg, where he attends a private birthday for President Nelson Mandela. Mandela invited about 2000 children to the party.

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Nelson Mandela poses with Michael Jackson before cutting a birthday cake for his 78th birthday at Hilton College in Kwazulu-Natal.


Michael took time off from touring, to visit South Africa where not only did he attend a private birthday party for the country’s President Nelson Mandela, he revealed he was writing a song about him. "I was working on it last night (19th July)," he said. "This is a wonderful, lovely man. I love Nelson Mandela very much."
Mandela, stepping out on to a patio to greet the media, turned to Michael and said,
"I can see who is the world leader. I have never seen so many journalists!"

During the press conference in Sun City, Michael announces that his upcoming HIStory World Tour would reach South Africa.

While in South Africa, Michael also took time to visits the black township of Soweto, where he laid a wreath of flowers at the memorial to honor the youngsters who were shot dead by South Africa’s security forces during the 1976 Apartheid riots; and renders a bouquet of white roses, carnations and lilies in remembrance of 11-year-old leukemia victim, Jaymee Bowen.

Michael Jackson with Mandela and other African leaders & Sheela Lee Jackson



Meanwhile, the highest bid for a Neverland visit on behalf of the star is obtained at the Cities in School celebrity auction and, with the aid of radio KIIS-FM in Los Angeles, 115,000 dollars are delivered to school pupils.

1998 – Michael Jackson and Don Barden go to Joannesburg.

The city of Warsaw, Poland, presented Michael Jackson with four potential locations for a planned theme park.

1999 – Michael Jackson attends Nelson Mandela’s birthday.

2004 - Michael Jackson's publicist denied a report in US Weekly that Jackson was about to become a father to quadruplets via a surrogate mother. A spokesperson for US Weekly told Reuters that is stands by its story and cite unnamed sources close to Jackson as confirming the story.

2007 – Michael Jackson takes Prince, Paris & Blanket to the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space and American Indian museums in Washington, D. C.



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Michael Jackson toured the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space and American Indian museums, arriving with his children before the buildings opened to the public.
"He wanted to show them the sights," Raymone Bain, a publicist for the 48-year-old pop star, told The Washington Post.

At the air and space museum, Jackson lingered over the 1903 Wright Flyer, the first heavier-than-air powered aircraft to make a sustained flight with a pilot aboard, during his visit Wednesday. His children enjoyed robots R2-D2 and C-3PO from the "Star Wars" movies.

Jackson will be in the Washington region for a few days. Bain said the singer has been looking for a vacation home.



Jackson’s fondness to stars wars films is evident with his life-sized replicas of Darth Vader, Yoga, D2 R2, C-3PO and a Han Solo model frozen in carbonite.

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During the HIStory World Tour, Michael opens each show, wearing a dazzling silver & gold futuristic outfit, complete with space helmet. Reminiscing the Star Wars, he comes in a mini spaceship, crashing black door blew open to reveal himself.Great Gate of Kiev was used as the anthem
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Life-size replica of Star Wars robot R2-D2 : The great panoramic of Michael Jackson’s game room/collection gallery includes several Star Wars pieces. A life-size replica of Star Wars robot R2-D2 from Lucasfilm Ltd., 1999. An electric light inside the figure illuminates it.

See more Star Wars pieces from the great panoramic of Michael Jackson’s game room collection gallery.

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MJ Star Wars Collection
Filed under  //   1971   1972   1988   1992   1996   1998   2004   2007  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1971 – The Jackson 5ive Concert in Hampton (Virginia)

1972 – The Jackson 5ive Concert in Chicago (Illinois)

1988 - Michael Jackson & Jimmy Jam visit Elstree Studios where Steven Spielberg is directing Indiana Jones and they both meet Harrison Ford.

1992 - Concerts his Dangerous World Tour in Stockholm, Sweden at the Olympic Stadium, attending 53,000.

1996 - Michael visits South Africa for a few days, arrives in Johannesburg, where he attends a private birthday for President Nelson Mandela. Mandela invited about 2000 children to the party.

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Michael took time off from touring, to visit South Africa where not only did he attend a private birthday party for the country’s President Nelson Mandela, he revealed he was writing a song about him. "I was working on it last night (19th July)," he said. "This is a wonderful, lovely man. I love Nelson Mandela very much."
Mandela, stepping out on to a patio to greet the media, turned to Michael and said,
"I can see who is the world leader. I have never seen so many journalists!"
During the press conference in Sun City, Michael announces that his upcoming HIStory World Tour would reach South Africa.

Media_httpmjjforeverf_guwwy
Nelson Mandela poses with Michael Jackson before cutting a birthday cake for his 78th birthday at Hilton College in Kwazulu-Natal.

While in South Africa, Michael also took time to visits the black township of Soweto, where he laid a wreath of flowers at the memorial to honor the youngsters who were shot dead by South Africa’s security forces during the 1976 Apartheid riots; and renders a bouquet of white roses, carnations and lilies in remembrance of 11-year-old leukemia victim, Jaymee Bowen.

Meanwhile, the highest bid for a Neverland visit on behalf of the star is obtained at the "Cities in School" celebrity auction and, with the aid of radio "KIIS-FM" in Los Angeles, 115,000 dollars are delivered to school pupils.

1998 – Michael Jackson and Don Barden go to Joannesburg.

The city of Warsaw, Poland, presented Michael Jackson with four potential locations for a planned theme park.

1999 - Michael Jackson attends Nelson Mandela's birthday.

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2007 - Michael Jackson takes Prince, Paris & Blanket to the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space and American Indian museums in Washington, D. C.

Media_httpmjjforeverf_obidb
Michael Jackson toured the Smithsonian's National Air and Space and American Indian museums, arriving with his children before the buildings opened to the public.
"He wanted to show them the sights," Raymone Bain, a publicist for the 48-year-old pop star, told The Washington Post.

At the air and space museum, Jackson lingered over the 1903 Wright Flyer, the first heavier-than-air powered aircraft to make a sustained flight with a pilot aboard, during his visit Wednesday. His children enjoyed robots R2-D2 and C-3PO from the "Star Wars" movies.

Jackson will be in the Washington region for a few days. Bain said the singer has been looking for a vacation home.

Jackson’s fondness to stars wars films is evident with his life-sized replicas of Darth Vader, Yoga, D2 R2, C-3PO and a Han Solo model frozen in carbonite.

Media_httpmjjforeverf_fzcxv
During the HIStory World Tour, Michael opens each show, wearing a dazzling silver & gold futuristic outfit, complete with space helmet. Reminiscing the Star Wars, he comes in a mini spaceship, crashing black door blew open to reveal himself.Great Gate of Kiev was used as the anthem.

Media_httpmjjforeverf_zgkhn

Life-size replica of Star Wars robot R2-D2 : The great panoramic of Michael Jackson’s game room/collection gallery includes several Star Wars pieces. A life-size replica of Star Wars robot R2-D2 from Lucasfilm Ltd., 1999. An electric light inside the figure illuminates it.

See more Star Wars pieces from the great panoramic of Michael Jackson’s game room collection gallery.
MJ Star Wars Collection

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Filed under  //   1971   1972   1988   1992   1996   1998   1999  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1977 - The album "The Jacksons" hit #54 in the U.K.

1983 - Michael Jackson's single "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" hit #5 in the U.S.

1988 - Princess Diana of Wales attended Michael's third sold-out concert at Wembley Stadium, along with Prince Charles.

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Prior to taking the stage, Michael met with royal couple & presented a $450,000 cheque for the Princes' Trust, a charity for disadvantaged children; from the proceeds of the seven-sold-out Wembley concerts. He also gave Princess two custom made Bad World Tour jackets; one each for her young sons, Prince William & Prince Harry, and a framed set of cassettes & compact discs of Off The wall, Thriller & Bad. MJ is said to be Princess Diana's favorite pop star! Michael was equally happy to meet her. "I was so excited at meeting the royal couple. I'm very very happy that they came to watch me perform. I thought the Princess was just wonderful"

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MJ & Di:

  • In 1997 Michael postponed his world tour concert in Belgium due to the emotional shock of Diana's death, attended an L.A. memorial service dedicated to her.
  • From September 3 concert onward, Michael's cover of Charlie Chaplin's song Smile was played back before each concert after Princess Diana's death showing pictures of the princess on the jumbotron for some parts of the concert.
  • In 1997 Michael granted his Gone Too Soon song to the Tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales album.
  • On September 12, 1997, Michael gave his memories his personal recollections on being friends with the Princess to Barbara Walters in an internationally televised interview.
    "Up until 13 days ago perhaps the two most photographed people in the world were Princess Diana, and Michael Jackson. Now only one remains to talk about what it means to live under that kind of scrutiny.
    When it comes to the paparazzi, Michael Jackson says he feels a bond with Princess Diana. Paparazzi have been a part of his life since he was a small child."
    Source: MJFC
  • In 2007, in pre-concert interview Prince William listed Michael Jackson as one of Diana's most favourite music acts.

  • Michael also made a donation of ₤100,000 to the Wishing Well Fund, established to help finance the construction of a new building for London's Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital for Sick Children. Michael toured the hospital & visited with some of the patients.

    1996 - Michael Jackson performed in Brunei to celebrate the 50th birthday of the Sultan of Brunei - Sir Hassanai Bokiah - the world’s richest man.

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    Michael warmed up for his History World Tour with the one-off concert concert staged inside the Sultan’s Jerudong Park Garden, a Disney-style theme park where admission and all the rides are free. Admission to Michael’s concert was free, too, and around 60,000 fans packed into the park to attend his two hour show. Michael performed 18 songs, mostly from his previous Dangerous Tour set list. Apart from the black lace jacket he wore in the promo for You Are Not Alone, Michael re-used the stage outfits he had worn during the Dangerous World Tour.
    Filed under  //   1977   1983   1988   1996  

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