Today in MJJ HIStory

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1993 -

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

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

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

Today in MJJ HISTory

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

Filed under  //   1987   1990   1993   1997   2001  

On Michael's Birthday

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

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

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

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

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

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

'How about Roy, then?'

'Oh, my gosh, Mama, no.'

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

'That’s it,' I said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Michael Jackson Private Home Movies:

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

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

(Happy Birthday is performed by the band)

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

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

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

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

Britney Spears started with the following words:

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

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

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

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

Controversy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: MJeol

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today in MJJ HIStory

1991 - "Looking Back To Yesterday: A Young Michael" was released by Motown.

1993 - After postponing twice because he was suffering from acute dehydration, his second Bangkok concert was finally staged on 27th August before a capacity 70,000 audience. Clearly believing, as he resolutely maintained, Michael was innocent of any wrongdoing, fans chanted their support and waved banners with Michael’s name and 'We love you' on them.

1994 - Michael Jackson is on the cover of Derniere Heure magazine.

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1997 - News broke that singer Joni Mitchell and Sony / ATV Music Publishing signed a major deal [effective July 1, 1997] to administer Ms Mitchell's music catalogue. Sony / ATV is a joint venture owned equally by Sony Corporation and Michael Jackson, and is the world's 3rd largest [!] music publishing company. The firm will handle requests to license Ms Michell's songs worldwide for use in various outlets, including film and television, except for Australia, Italy and Britain.

Michael Jackson is on the cover of Kroonika magazine, Estonia.

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1995 - Michael Jackson testified in a lawsuit brought against his family by the producers of the "Jackson Family Honors" show. He stated that he never promised to perform, but agreed to present awards.
Filed under  //   1991   1993   1994   1995   1997  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1971 - The Jackson Five’s ABC album rules the Billboard R&B chart summit, one of three LPs by the group that spend a total 31 weeks at the top in 1971.

1972 - The Jackson 5 single "Lookin' Through The Windows" hit #16 in the U.S. Lookin' Through the Windows was the title track as well as the second single off J5's fifth studio album on Motown. The album would go on to sell 3.5 million copies worldwide while the single went to number five in R&B.

Single Details:
Composed by: Clifton Davis
Lead Vocals : Michael Jackson
Background Vocals : The Jackson 5
Arranged by John Bahler & James Carmichael
Vocal Arrangement : John Bahler
Produced by Hal Davis
Executive Producer : Berry Gordy
Recorded at the Motown Recording Studio, Los Angeles, California.

US single released June 23, 1972
# 5 RNB, #16 Pop, #9 UK
Sales : 1 534 827 (World), 581 426 (USA)

Lyrics
Lookin' through the windows
The window to your heart
Oh baby, yeah
I can see it's cloudy
The rain's about to start

Lookin' through the windows
It seems I caused your fears
And that little doubt, girl
And now it's bringing tears

Just remember whatever makes you feel that way
Don't you worry 'cause I'm gonna stay
Right by your side
To keep on lookin' through the windows
Lookin' in your eyes

Looking through the windows
Seems like the only way, yeah
I can't know your feelings
If you still love me today

Just remember whatever makes you feel that way
Don't you worry 'cause I'm gonna stay
Right by your side
To keep on lookin' through the windows
Lookin' in your eyes


All Music Review: Starting with the arresting strings-dominated accents that are similar to the ones found on the ending riffing section of Issac Hayes' "Shaft," the Jackson 5's "Lookin' Through the Windows" stands as one of the group's most intricately arranged sides, robust with striking vocal harmonies, dazzling counterpoint, and energetic time changes. The title refers to the lyrical theme which revolves around the "eyes are the windows to the soul." The song was written by Clifton Davis who also wrote their airy 1971 number one R&B hit "Never Can Say Goodbye."
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Also on the same day, Michael perform at the 1972 Forum show, Saturday night, August 26, 1972, Michael was three days from his 14th birthday. Motown had launched him as a solo artist the year before and he already had three hit singles on his own; by this concert “Ben” was the current release. He gets a significant solo spot in the show, made all the sweeter with his brothers’ harmonies backing him up on each song.

This spectacular version of “Got To Be There” is one of six solo MJ songs perform live at the forum. Man, he gets up there strong.
Source: j5live.tumblr.com

1981 - The Jacksons perform Triumph tour at Milwaukee Arena, Milwaukee, USA.

1984 - The Jacksons perform Victory tour at Rich Stadium, Buffalo, New York, attending 47,000 fans.

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1988 - Michael perform the 6th of seven sold out Wembley shows of the Bad tour at Wembley Stadium, London, England.

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1992 - Michael perform Dangerous World tour at Prater Stadium, Vienna, Austria attending 50,000 fans.

1993 - The scheduled concert on the 25th in Thailand, during the Asian leg of the Dangerous tour, was cancelled and rescheduled for the 26th. The concert was again cancelled because Jackson had not fully recovered from dehydration and stress pertaining to the allegations. Jackson released an audio-taped message to his fans saying "I promise all my fans to perform at the National Stadium in Bangkok on August 27. I will see you Friday. I love you all."

1997 - Michael perform HIStory World tour at Olympic Stadium, Helsinki, Finland.

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2003 - It was announced the Michael Jackson would open his Neverland Ranch to people for a "once in a lifetime" event for $5,000. The invited guests would get a tour of the grounds and eat two meals on September 13.

Filed under  //   1971   1972   1981   1984   1988   1992   1993   1997   2003  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1973 – The Jackson 5 perform in concert in San Francisco, California.

1992 – Michael Jackson attend the first Heal The World European Children Congress at Regent’s College in London.

1993 - Michael kicked off the second leg of his Dangerous tour in Bangkok, Thailand performing first of two concerts at the National Stadium attending 70,000 fans.

After the cancellation of what should have been the first two dates of the second half of Michael’s Dangerous World Tour, much to the disappointment of the Hong Kong fans who lost out, the tour resumed in Bangkok, Thailand with Michael dropping Working Day And Night, Beat It and Man In The Mirror from the show, and adding his American Music Awards’ Dangerous routine.

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"HTW" partners with "Pepsi-Cola Thailand" to endow 40,000 dollars to the "Crown Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's" foundation and to the Rural School Children and Youth Development Fund, as a sponsorship for school meal programs in the villages of Thailand.

The tour moved through Asia, Russia and onto South America. Michael played his last show of the Tour on the 11th of November, 1993 in Mexico. The Tour had ended suddenly as Michael had become the subject of child abuse allegations and had become dependent on painkillers due to recent surgery on his scalp. Michael had played 69 concerts to approximately 3.5 million fans and had donated all proceeds to his Heal the World foundation and other charities around the world. It was the biggest tour of its time.

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Michael spends few days in Bangkok to perform 2 concerts on August 24 & 27.

At 270 feet, the "Dangerous" stage is wider than the widest American stage at New York's Radio City Music Hall, which measures 190 feet.

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Also on that day, reports surfaced in the media that Michael is under criminal investigation for child abuse by the Los Angeles Police Department. Michael was honoring his Dangerous World Tour concerts (the entire proceeds of which being donated to his Heal The World Foundation) when news about allegations of improper conduct towards a minor broke and were made public by August 24, 1993. He was preparing to perform song “Jam” when he learned about the shocking news. Regardless of it, he mustered up strength and performed the song, at the beginning of it removing a pair of dark glasses and revealing wet eyes and a tear streaking down his left cheek. Three days beforehand, a search warrant was issued, allowing police to search Jackson's Neverland Ranch, Santa Ynez Valley, California.

Investigator Anthony Pellicano says the accusations are the result of a failed attempt to exort money from Michael Jackson. It transpires the boy's father, Evan Chandler, a dentist in Beverly Hills, wanted Michael to fund movie projects for him, so he could become a full-time screen-writer. When this request was refused, he threatened to make child molestation allegations against his son public.

Following the criminal allegations, Jackson's newly hired criminal lawyer, Howard Weitzman, reads a statement to the press from the singer: "My representatives have continuously kept me aware of what is taking place in California. I appreciate the remarks of Chief Willie Williams and our Los Angeles police department. I am confident the department will conduct a fair and thorough investigation and its results will demonstrate that there was no wrongdoing on my part. I intend to continue with my world tour, and look forward to seeing all of you in the scheduled cities. I am grateful for the overwhelming support of my fans throughout the world. I love you all. Thank you. Michael."

The molestation story will dominate newspapers, magazines, and scandal TV shows for many months to come.

1997 - Michael perform HIStory World tour at Olympic Stadium, Helsinki, Finland.

2001 – "You Rock My World", the first single from the forthcoming album "Invincible" was premiered online, on internet at michaeljackson.com.

Re-Beat It on Entertainment Weekly

Does HIStory repeat itself? Looks that way. Michael Jackson's overdue Invincible isn't out till (fingers crossed) Sept. 25, but homages to the King of Pop keep popping up. We rate -- giving up to four gloves -- those who dare to walk the (moon)walk.

Chris Tucker JACKSON ACTION In Rush Hour 2, sings Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough. BEHIND THE MUSIC The inveterate MJ impressionist cranks out a karaoke rendition of the 1979 hit to reprise his breakdown in RH 1. But how did director Brett Ratner get the blessing of the reclusive Gloved One? "I have a friend who's his projectionist," says Ratner. "So I said, 'Listen, the next time you show a movie, slip this tape in.'" [Three Gloves]

Alien Ant Farm JACKSON ACTION Punkish cover of Smooth Criminal on their CD Anthology. BEHIND THE MUSIC "I was just blown away," says "Criminal" video director Marc Klasfeld, on first hearing AAF's tongue-in-cheek remake. On landing the video gig, he brainstormed a collage of Jacksoniana. (A Bubbles-like chimp and a Liz Taylor tattoo make cameos.) But the pastiche is affectionate, and Klasfeld adds, "I just think it's a good song, hands down." [Four Gloves]

Gorillaz JACKSON ACTION In their Clint Eastwood video, 'toon gorillas perform Thriller-esque zombie dancing. BEHIND THE MUSIC Guest artist Del Tha Funkee Homosapien claims ignorance: "That's an ill angle for me -- I didn't even realize it was Michael Jackson. It looked tight, though. I ain't seen nobody since Michael Jackson really putting it down except for hip-hop motherf***ers...and sh** like that. You know what I'm saying?" In our small way. [Two Gloves]

Lil' Romeo JACKSON ACTION Samples the Jackson 5's I Want You Back heavily on My Baby. BEHIND THE MUSIC "I always looked up to him -- and my dad -- since I was a little boy," says the hip-high hip-hopper, who'll perform at next month's Jackson reunion. But Romeo doesn't mimic MJ's moves (a la Usher, who moonwalks in his U Remind Me video) -- or his taste in pets: "I have two birds. But I don't think I'll ever get a monkey." [Three Gloves]

2004 - The Sony Music Store USA is accepting preorders for the new 5 disc set 'Michael Jackson: The Ultimate Collection' (Selection # : 092600). The scheduled release date is October 19, 2004.

Filed under  //   1973   1992   1993   1997   2001   2004  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1988 - Michael Jackson performs Bad World Tour at Festival Grounds, Werchter, Belgium.

1992 - Michael Jackson performs third at final concert of Dangerous World Tour at Wembley Stadium, London attending 72,000 fans.

1997 - Michael Jackson's single "Stranger in Moscow" hit #91 in the U.S.

2002 - It's official: People Magazine reported that Michael became daddy again for the third time!! People magazine reported that the "King of Pop" has a 6-month-old boy, Prince Michael II (nicknamed "Blanket") was born in February 2002 with the help of an unknown surrogate mother whoes identity was kept a secret.

Filed under  //   1988   1992   1997   2002  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1969 -
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Michael (Not yet turned 11) and the Jackson 5 made their first television debut performing The Isley Brothers' It's Your Thing at the Miss Black America Pageant in Madison Square Garden, New York City, won by Gloria O. Smith, Miss New York.

1973 - The Jackson 5 performs in concert in Dallas, Texas.

1994 - Michael & Lisa on the covers of Salut & Jet.

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1997 - Michael performs 2nd concert of Dangerous world tour at Wembley Stadium, London attending 72,000 fans.

1997 - Michael performs HIStory world tour at Song Festival Grounds, Tallinn, Estonia.

2001 - David Gest, producer of the 30th Anniversary concert tributes for Michael, has announced today that over 50 legendary actresses of the Silver Screen will be in attendance to help honor the King of Pop. The list of Hollywood's golden glamor girls includes (alphabetically): Carroll Baker, Ann Blyth, Petula Clark, Angie Dickinson, Patty Duke, Rhonda Fleming, June Haver, Celeste Holm, Sally Ann Howes, Kim Hunter, Anne Jeffreys, Jennifer Jones, Eartha Kitt, Piper Laurie, Janet Leigh, Gina Lollobrigida, Ann Miller, Liza Minnelli, Patricia Neal, Margaret O'Brien, Jane Powell, Debbie Reynolds, Barbara Rush, Jane Russell, Ann Rutherford, Lizabeth Scott, Penny Singleton, Jill St. John, Elizabeth Taylor, Ruth Warrick, and Esther Williams.

Michael had this to say,

"I am honored these legendary ladies of the silver screen will be a part of those evenings. Each one of them is fondly remembered by moviegoers throughout the world for their unforgettable performances which have stood the test of time. To be in the same room with so many screen greats is a real honor."

2004 - Security precautions for Michael Jackson at the court have been heightened after threats that had to do with inflicting bodily harm on the entertainer.

At a hearing on Thursday, defense attorneys for Michael Jackson showed a judge videotapes of the raid on November 18, 2003 on the Neverland Valley Ranch. At the hearing defense attorneys were attempting to limit the evidence prosecutors can present during trial in January. They argue that the search was overly broad and unjustified. In a one-hour excerpt from some 15 hours of video, detectives from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department trudged ahead of a videographer as they opened doors in Michael's home, a Tudor-style mansion with dark wood paneling and glittery chandeliers. For example the detectives swept into the entertainer's "toy room," where his children often played with life-sized "Star Wars" figures and a larger-than-life Superman figure. They also videotaped the wine cellar, business office and the "classroom," with its child-sized desks, where Michael had his children home-schooled. Michael and his family were not at home when the search began at 9 am and ended well after midnight. Some 40 officers participated, trucking with them portable toilets and two crime scene investigation trucks for collection of evidence.

2008 - The first release of the fan-voted album King of Pop (which is identical to the Swiss edition) was released in Germany, Netherlands, and Switzerland.

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On July 14, it was announced that German fans had until July 28 to choose their top 30 songs from an extensive pool of 121 tracks; the list contained almost every song Jackson released in his solo career. Notably expansions on the pool choice included: A larger option of tracks from Thriller 25 and the inclusion of 12 tracks from The Ultimate Collection. There were also 8 tracks included from the singers time in The Jackson 5/Jacksons; slightly more than the other versions.

The German Edition of 'King of Pop' is a 30-track compilation and contains 2 bonustracks - 'Got the Hots' (for the first time available on CD in Europe - from the original Thriller studio session) and a brandnew 'Thriller MegaMix' by Jason Nevins.

Filed under  //   1969   1973   1992   1994   1997   2002   2004   2008  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1972 - Michael's single Ben entered Hot R&B Chart.
The song was released on Aug 05

1974 – Michael Jackson was guest host at Tonight Show with Bill Cosby. He performed the "Dancing Machine".



1984 - The Jacksons perform Victory Tour at the Pontiac Silverdome in Detroit, Michigan attending 47,900.

1997 - Michael performs HIStory world tour at Valle Hovin stadium, Oslo, Norway.

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Blood on the Dance Floor was taken off the set list for HIStory Tour after this concert.

Filed under  //   1972   1974   1984   1997  

Today in MJJ HIStory

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1969 - Motown star Diana Ross officially introduced the Jackson 5 to the press in August 1969, also presented them at the Forum, when the J5 opened for the Supremes – the photo above is from that show. She hosted the variety show Hollywood Palace when the J5 made their national TV debut in October. Her name headlined their debut album, on the eve of her heralded solo breakaway.

J5 fans know that she didn’t “discover” the Jackson 5; Gladys Knight was the one who from the road called Motown first. But it was Bobby Taylor, a Motown songwriter and producer, and lead singer of the Vancouvers, who drove the brothers, the band and Papa Joe Jackson to Hitsville in the summer of 1968. More on him in another post.

Miss Ross, however, surely helped launch the Jackson 5’s career in a big way.
Source: j5live.tumblr.com

1973 - Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 perform in a benefit gig at St. Paul Civic Center Arena in Minnesota, with proceeds of the concert being funneled to the Afro-American Music Opportunities Association (AAMOA). AAMOA, based in the Twin Cities, promotes Black Music and assists Black composers and musicians worldwide.

1992 - Backstage in Leeds, England, Michael meets with 6-year-old Nicholas Killen, left visually impaired after a cancer procedure.

1995 - Michael's album HISTORY: PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE BOOK I was certified 5xPlatinum by RIAA.

1997 - Michael performs HIStory World tour at Ullevi Stadium, Gothenburg, Sweden attended 50,000 fans.



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Michael Jackson Live in Gothenburg
Concert broadcast by TV1000 and Channel 3. This concert is very similar to the Copenhagen concert; also the last professionally filmed performance of Blood on the Dance Floor (though the concert in Oslo on August 19 was the last performance of this song). During "Scream," the pre-recorded a capella vocal of Jackson was malfunctioning. Jackson continued to lip-sync and dance until the vocals continued during the chorus.

1998 - In the States, Captain EO was finally replaced in March 1997, by a new feature, Honey, I Shrunk The Kids. It had its final showing at Disneyland, Paris on 16th August 1998.

Filed under  //   1969   1973   1992   1995   1997   1998  

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