Today in MJJ HIStory

1974 - The Jackson 5ive perform a concert in Las Vegas, Nevada during the quintet's first World Tour.

1979 - The Jacksons perform Destiny tour in Columbus, Georgia

1984 - Michael receive his star on Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Just four years after a star on Hollywood Boulevard’s ‘Walk Of Fame’ was dedicated to the Jacksons, on 20th November 1984 Michael was honoured with his own star.

He was the 1793rd celebrity to be so recognised, but the very first to capture two different stars. At his own request, the star was situated outside Mann’s Chinese Theater.

About 6,000 fans turned out for the presentation, the largest crowd to ever attend such a presentation. Michael appeared at the unveiling of the star for a full 3 minutes, then he was advised by security to leave as the crowd grew out of control.

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A podium and stage had been set up, as the world's most famous entertainer was to be honored on the world's most famous sidewalk, Hollywood's Walk of Fame, a permanent monument that recognizes his life-long contribution to show business.

When Michael mounted the podium, with his mother Katherine, father Joe and Hollywood honorary Mayor Johnny Grant, he waved to the crowd with his gloved hand and delivered a speech of five words:
"Thank you very, very much!"

Fearful that some 6,000 frenzied fans who filled the streets had rebuffed crowd-control efforts, superstar Michael Jackson made the shortest acceptance speech-five words-in the history of Hollywood Walk of Fame dedication ceremonies. Concerned for the safety of the 6,000 fans who turned out to witness the unveiling ceremony, Michael was forced to abandon his planned speech.

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1987 - Michael perform BAD tour at Parramatta Stadium in Sydney, Australia.

2000 - The entertainer attends the birthday party of Rabbi Shmuley Boteach in Englewood, New Jersey, USA, and meets young Elissa Mingino, a 7-year old girl suffering from leukaemia. Her biggest dream was to meet with her favourite singer: Michael Jackson.

2004 - Brian Michael Stoller’s comedy Miss Cast Away featuring Michael is released on DVD.

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As the film opens, a plane carrying beauty contestants has crash-landed on a deserted island. Captain Maximus Powers (Roberts) and co-pilot Mike Saunders (Schlatter) have to take care of their passengers, while also avoiding the dangers of Jurassic Pork (a giant prehistoric pig) and a group of apes who are busy building an ark.

Agent M.J. (Jackson) arrives in the midst of them, having been sent by the Vatican to manipulate them to the Vatican's own purposes.

Bryan Michael Stoller was given permission to shoot Michael Jackson's scenes at Neverland Ranch. He later said that while this was exciting to be given such a rare privilege, it presented its disruptions to the filming process at times. In an MTV interview, he said:

"It's his home. It's all normal to him that there's a train running around the property tooting its horn," the director recalled of a noisy interruption that appears among the DVD's bonus features. "[Another time] his staff brought us soup, so we were sipping soup and talking, and these two elephants walk by outside. Michael's continuing to sip his soup like a fly flew by, and I turn to Michael and look at him and he's not even acknowledging the elephants."

Filed under  //   1974   1979   1984   1987   2000   2004  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1979 - Michael attends his friend Jane Fonda’s fundraiser Halloween Disco Party at The Hollywood Palace.

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1987 - Hitkrant magazine [Netherlands] featured Michael on their cover.

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Michael Jackson's single BAD hit #1 in the U.S. for a second consecutive week.

The Way You Make Me Feel
, promoted with a nine minutes short film directed by Joe Pytka, co-starred Tatiana Thumbtzen, and featured a cameo appearance by Michael’s sister, La Toya, premiered on 31st October 1987.
Extended 25 minute version also made – exclusively screened by Michael at his Neverland home.

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The video begins with a girl walking down streets alone, with a clip being intercut that shows MJ talking with other people. Shortly after MJ walks out of an alley and stands in front of the girl while she's walking down the street, although she ignores him and keeps walking. He gets her attention by shouting, and then begins singing "The Way You Make Me Feel" to her while also dancing. Uninterested, she walks away. He follows her, having been cheered on by his friends to pursue her. Another dance routine begins, involving the males friends, which leads to MJ pursing the girl throughout the neighborhood. The video ends with MJ eventually winning the girl over, and embraces her, while a fire hydrant is spraying out water. MJ's love interest was played by Tatiana Thumbtzen, and the videoclip also features an appearance by his sister La Toya as one of Thumbtzen's friends.

1992 - Hitkrant magazine[Netherlands] featured Michael with Slash on their cover with the headline: Slash & Michael - Wat Niemand Voor Mogelijk Hield [Michael & Slash - What No one Thought Possible]

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

Michael’s grandfather, Samuel Jackson dies at the age of 90.

1995 - Michael perform Dangerous & You Are Not Alone at the Soul Train 25th Anniversary Hall Of Fame show (aired on 22nd November).

The short film Ghosts is premiered in 11 selected Sony cinemas.

2000 - Further news on Michael's planned movie "The Nightmare Of Edgar Allen Poe" was revealed. Gary Pudney to "The Columbus Dispatch": "Michael Jackson will move to Montreal with his two children in early 2001 to prepare for the shooting of his long-planned movie."

Production is to begin in March and Michael will act in the leading role and also will be executive producer, with Gary Pudney and Jim Green.

Gary Pudney told columnist Marilyn Beck: "Michael's not going to look exactly like Poe, but you won't be able to tell the difference between them 10 minutes into the picture, it's going to be absolutely spectacular, full of gruesome goodies - and concluding with all the ghosts Poe wrote about coming back to haunt him at the end of his life. We'll also be hiring six to eight other incredible actors to help bring Michael up to snuff, he'll have an acting coach prior to production and during shooting."

Michael is currently writing the theme song, which he will sing. Gary Pudney: "He wants to concentrate on films, we're already planning on more Poe films, and there are one or two other pictures we are also talking about doing. Michael is wired into the hierarchy of Hollywood - people like Marlon Brando and Elizabeth Taylor, with whom he wants to work - and vice versa."

The exciting news about Michael's plans to play Edgar Allen Poe was revealed for the first time in an interview with "TV GUIDE" magazine dated December 4 - 10, 1999.

2007 - Access Hollywood airs a preview of Michael's photoshoot for Ebony magazine.

Michael & the kids celebrates Halloween at the Cascio family house in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey.

2008 - Michael goes trick-or-treating with his kids to an Halloween party at Natalie Maines'house (the singer from the Dixie Chicks) They were invited by Veronique Peck and stop by a KFC DriveThru in Brentwood in Los Angeles, Ca.

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Today in MJJ HIStory

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1972 - In London, the Jackson 5 participated in the "Royal Variety Performance" performing I Want You Back, ABC, Rockin Robin, We Thank You and The Love You Save.


Prior to their European tour starting, on 30th October, Michael and his brothers appeared on the bill of the Royal Command Performance, staged at theon Palladium in the presence of HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother.

1984 - The Jacksons perform Victory tour at Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia [USA] attending 30,000.

Michael Jackson's "Thriller" was certified at 20 times Platinum by the RIAA.

1996 - Michael arrives in India to perform a concert on Nov. 01.

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The King of Pop, arrived in Mumbai on October 30th. The svelte and sexy actress Sonali Bendre, clad in traditional Maharashtrian(Indian State – Maharashtra) nine yard saree, greeted Michael performing the aarti and applied tilak on his forehead at the airport and he was quite taken up with the entire ceremony.

When he was being driven out of the air port in his 20-car cavalcade, he stopped his Toyota, got rid of his security guards and stepped out to meet the cluster of urchins lined up along the highway to catch a glimpse of him. He picked up several children and hugged and kissed them. He then spent a few minutes with them before he proceeded to the Shiv Sena chief, Bal Thackeray’s residence, Matushree, in Bandra East. Here he was presented with a silver tabla and tanpura, which are musical instruments from India.

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He stayed at the Oberoi Hotel, where he charmed staff and left a departing message, “I love you,” scrawled in lipstick on his room mirror. Later that evening, at the special bash organized in his honour by Bharat Shah (Organiser of the concert) at the Oberoi, he made a mere three minute appearance. Apparently, the singer had a late night before and wanted to retire to his room early. The crème de la crème of the Indian Entertainment Industry and Royal Families were there. Most of them of course, were left high and dry except for the actor Anupam Kher perhaps who to the initiative of jumping on the stage and grabbing Michael’s hand with a, ‘Yeah Michael, yeah!’. Shobha De (A Writer) was the next to gain inspiration and she even told the Press later, “Shaking hands with him was like an orgasm!” Bharat Shah presented Michael with a silver replica of the Taj Mahal at the same party.

Michael Jackson watching a traditional Indian play an ethnic instrument. The Indian media myth about Michael being extremely reclusive, does not hold true anymore. During his stay at The Oberoi Hotel, he surprised the entire staff by mingling freely with his fans, who would drop in at the hotel to catch a glimpse of the King of Pop. He would smile and blow kisses to all his fans and shake hands with as many of them as possible.

According to Butler Manager, Sandeep Walia, who was attending to him with a team of three butlers, Michael loves sweet white wine. That is probably the only kind of alcohol that he consumed during his stay at the Oberoi. Apart from that, he loves orange drinks, Fanta being his favorite and a special German orange drink, Gatorade, which he carries with him. Michael drinks a lot of Diet Coke as well, prefers his drinks at room temperature. Jackson has a penchant for chocolates too, so The Oberoi made sure there were chocolates, of all shapes, sizes and flavours kept in every reachable corner of his room.

Michael Jackson likes a lot of festivity around him. The Kohinoor Suite at the Oberoi was decorated with flowers, balloons, confetti and bowls of sweets and chocolates to give it a spirit of celebration. While in his room, Jackson does not like to use the air-conditioner. He also likes his space. His body-guards have been instructed not to come close to him to give him enough space to move around.

Okay this is something that will really please his fans in India. According to one of his security men, India is not his new love. Jackson has always wanted to visit the country and the last time his show got cancelled he was very disappointed and upset.

Guess what Michael had for breakfast? On his first morning here, he ate masala dosa and the day after that, he had spicy alu paranthas with butter. His other meals mainly comprised of butter naans, butter chicken, tandoori chicken and spicy vegetable curries. His personal chef is of Indian origin and she co-ordinated his meals with the other chefs at the hotel. Michael Jackson definitely has a predilection for Indian food but wait till you hear this. According to the hotel staff, he got naans (Enough for an army), tandoori chicken, dishes cooked in butter gravy and lots of paranthas packed, on the morning he was flying out of India.

Jackson asked The Oberoi for an LLD player and a television, as well as a CD player for his personal use. He travels with his own library of CDs and LDs and spends most of the time indoors, watching films.

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The world knows he loves kids and there are many in our country who wish, they were kids, because Michael only seemed to have time for them while he was here. At his request, a high tea was organized at the pool side where kids from orphanages were invited to meet and play with him. He gave them gifts and chocolates that he had brought with him. There was a party for kids organized in his room as well, on the day of the show itself. About 50 children were invited and he ordered cakes and burgers for them. He made the kids sit on his lap and played with them. He had asked the hotel to provide him with a few saris which he wanted draped around the sofas during the photo session with the kids, to give his pictures the ethnic effect.

He would pick up his own newspapers from outside the door, which was normally very late in the morning. Michael is a late riser. His meal timings were also odd. He never had his breakfast before 12 noon and dinner before 1.00 pm. When he returned to the hotel lobby after his mind blowing show, he folded his hands in a namaste and blew kisses to all his fans before he got into the elevator. According to the staff, he was as energetic after the show, as he was before it perhaps! The two-hour-15-minute long performance hadn’t fatigued him in the least.

Burkhas were arranged for Michael because he wanted to visit Aasha Daan, Mother Teresa’s ashram in Byculla. But due to an extremely tight schedule he wasn’t able to fulfill his desire.
Source: clubmj.com

2000 - Michael Jackson's "Thriller" was certified at 26 times Platinum by the RIAA.

Michael Jackson's "Blood On The Dance Floor: History in the Mix" was certified Platinum by the RIAA.

2001 - Michael Jackson's album "Invincible" was released in US and Canada.
Michael dedicates album "Invincible" (released October 30, 2001) to 15-year-old murdered African-Norwegian, Benjamin Hermansen, advising on the importance of not judging a person by race, but by character.

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The album was the Michael’s first in 10 years that featured all new material. Invincible spent two years in production and cost approximately $30 million to make; reportedly the most expensive album ever made. The album featured 16 tracks, 14 of which Michael wrote or co-wrote; “Unbreakable”, “Heartbreaker”, “Invincible”, “Heaven Can Wait”, “You Rock My World”, “Speechless”, “2000 Watts”, “You Are My Life”, “Privacy”, “Don’t Walk Away”, “The Lost Children” and “Threatened”. R. Kelly contributed the anthem track “Cry” and UK duo Floetry contributed the beautiful “Butterflies”. Slash performed a guitar solo on “Privacy” and Santana contributed a guitar performance to “Whatever Happens”. The album featured two posthumous appearances; a rap performance by Notorious B.I.G on “Unbreakable” and samples of Rod Sterling’s voice on “Threatened”. Brandy contributed additional vocals to “Unbreakable”. Michael brought in Rodney Jerkins of Darkchild to produce and write on six of the tracks. Again, Michael produced the entire project himself and played many of the musical instruments. The album was initially released with cover art that came in five limited edition colours. Invincible went to number 1 in 13 countries including the US, UK and Australia. The album showed incredible first week sales in the US, selling over 300,000 copies. Invincible sold a massive 5.4 million copies in just two months of its release.

2003 - Halloween Interview with Rick Dees.

Michael Jackson got up early (no easy job for Michael who readily admits to being nocturnal) to talk with Los Angeles disk jockey, Rick Dees. Michael talks about his plans for Halloween trick or treating with Prince, Paris, and Blanket and his favorite candy, among other things.

Michael Jackson: Still doing meetings and things. I’m not back in California yet, I’ll be there soon.

Rick Dees: Good, good deal. So you obviously don’t get up at seven twenty in the morning do you?

Michael Jackson: No [laughs] I usually work all night. I usually go to bed this time.

Rick Dees: Mike You’re a night person. Last time I saw you had stayed up all night and written about four different songs.

Michael Jackson: Yeah, I’m very nocturnal.

Rick Dees: Yeah, you’re a very nocturnal guy (laughter). This is your day coming up I mean If it’s not Halloween for Michael Jackson then it’s not for anybody.

Michael Jackson: [laughs] Right

Rick Dees: Are you going to go out and trick or treat?

Michael Jackson: Yes, I’m going trick or treating. Taking my children.

Rick Dees: Do they have costumes?

Michael Jackson: Yes.

Rick Dees: What are they? We’ve got Prince and Paris and Tito?

Michael Jackson: Prince, Paris, and Blanket. Prince wants to be the black panther. And Paris, who is the girl, she’s a tomboy. She wants to be spiderman. And the little one wants to be spiderman too. And I’m going to be a ghost.

Rick Dees: Oh yeah!

Michael Jackson: [laughs]

Rick Dees: This ghost. Listen if you get a chance, I mean you’re in the neighborhood, I have these huge beautiful candy apples and the long, huge, candy bars - the ones that no one gives out, the movie size candy bars like you serve at your place there, so come on in..I’d love to throw down a little something for Prince and Paris and the Ghost.

Michael Jackson: Oh, they would love it!

Rick Dees: Do you have a favorite chocolate, Michael?

Michael Jackson: I like.. uhm ... believe it or not, milk chocolate.

Rick Dees: You said milk chocolate?

Michael Jackson: Yes [laughs].

Rick Dees: I love milk chocolate

Michael Jackson: Me too [laughs].

Rick Dees: You know what I did this week Michael? I um, I have to confess - these kids came by here and sold 1,000 dollars worth of chocolate to the radio station.

Michael Jackson: Wow.

Rick Dees: I said I was donating it to charity. I did all except for 30 candy bars - I’ve been eating chocolate for thirty days. Every morning. I’ve got this thing about milk chocolate.

Michael Jackson: You ate the candy? [laughs]

Rick Dees: I ate the candy!

Michael Jackson: I’m sorry [still laughing...]

Rick Dees: Last time I was at your place I was got so hungry and this chef goes in here and I could smell this wonderful vegetarian pizza all afternoon and - there’s candy everywhere at Neverland. There’s candy everywhere in your home. I love that. I just love that. When you walk into Michael Jackson’s place it’s fresh candy and there’s the fragrance in his home - it's a cross between chocolate and vanilla and there’s a kind of buttery smell and fragrance - I could definitely hang out

Michael Jackson: Well you’re welcome anytime.

Rick Dees: Thanks! Thank you so much.

Michael Jackson: You’re always welcome.

Rick Dees: Did you have breakfast yet?

Michael Jackson: Pardon? [Laughter]

Rick Dees: What’s that? He doesn’t know what that is?
Listen Michael, we have this bet going on and you can certainly tell me 'No'. I’m going to end up playing 'Thriller' a tremendous number of times between now and this time tomorrow. And of course, your world premiere. People are calling for this song over over and over - ’What More Can I Give?'

Michael Jackson: Oh, God Bless them. It’s for the children. It’s so important.

Rick Dees: I’m trying to get something for the kids. Is there anyway you can say, "Hey what’s up. It’s Michael Jackson with Rick Dees as my Halloween gift to you. Here’s Thriller". Obviously, I’m going to warn you in advance, I’m going to tape it if you will say that.

Michael Jackson: Okay, I’ll do it for you.

Rick Dees: Okay, here we go. Use your own words if you want but with good energy like you’re on the Mike Douglas show for the first time.

Okay, 3 - 2 - 1

Michael Jackson: Hi, this is Michael Jackson with Rick Dees, Halloween. This is Thriller - enjoy it.

Rick Dees: Good, now just say 2003 Halloween.

Michael Jackson: Okay, 2003 Halloween with Rick Dees.

Rick Dees: Awwww! [claps] That’s like heaven. Okay. That one lost the bet. I was saying you probably might not do it.
Let’s go back to the song for just a second. It’s been some time putting together. And did it come to you at once or was it something you were working on with the tune and everything for a period of time?

Michael Jackson: No, it just came at once. Uhm, art of songwriting is a totally different art. It really is. It really is a gift from God. It really is. I feel guilty putting my name on it. It falls into my lap. It’s a gift from Heaven. It really is.

Rick Dees: It’s just a gift, isn’t it?

Michael Jackson: It really is.
Source: MJFC


2008 - Michael takes Prince, Paris & Blanket to Borders Bool bookstore in Westwood, Los Angeles, Ca.

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Michael's spokesperson, Dr. Tohme, in response to recent rumors regarding Michael's participation in a Jackson 5 reunion, has issued the following statement from Michael Jackson:

"My brothers and sisters have my full love and support, and we've certainly shared many great experiences, but at this time I have no plans to record or tour with them. I am now in the studio developing new and exciting projects that I look forward to sharing with my fans in concert soon."

Filed under  //   1972   1984   2000   2001   2008  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1972 - Disc magazine[UK] featured Michael on their cover.

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1979 - The Jacksons perform Destiny tour in Springfield[US].

1983Say Say Say premiered in the UK on Channel 4’s The Tube music programme.

1993 - Michael Jackson enables 5000 deprived children in Mexico to visit "El Nuevo Reino Aventura Park" in Mexico, home of whale Keiko, the whale in Free Willy.

Michael scheduled a visit to the park but ended up not making it to the park. Michael did get out in Mexico to shop at a Mixup Record Store at Pabellon Polanco shopping mall. During his one hour visit, Michael signed autographs and purchased $4000 worth laser discs and compact discs. He seemed very comfortable during his visit and even danced in the back of the store.

In the same month, Jackson passes thousands of concert tickets to the necessitous children of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and provides thousands of such children with another set of tickets in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

2000 - Escorted by actress and friend, Dame Elizabeth Taylor, Michael attends the "Carousel of Hope" ball presenting a new look.

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During the fund-raising gala addressing juvenile diabetes, held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, hosted by Jay Leno, more than 50 plates, which had been painted by celebrities, were auctioned and Michael Jackson had been one of the stars that donated a self-painted plate for the good cause. He also donated a limited-edition poster at the "African Ambassadors’ Spouses" annual gala, organization directed to treating children suffering from AIDS.

The "Carousel of Hope" Ball raised more than 6 million dollars benefiting the Children's Diabetes Foundation. Marvin and Barbara Davis, founder of the "Carousel of Hope" evening of charity fund-raising, hosted the mentioned lavish lunch for the out-of-town guests, plus participants in the fundraiser.

Among those who stopped by to hug Michael Jackson is Berry Gordy Jr., his discoverer, and Susanne de Passe, as well as Shirley MacLaine, Carrie Fisher, Joan Collins, David Foster, Toni Braxton, Sidney Poitier, Gregory Peck, Neil Diamond, Dustin Hoffman, Morgan Freeman, Pierce Brosnan, Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sylvester Stallone, Charlotte Church, to name but a few.

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Barbara Davis had also told Michael Jackson "Ricky wants to meet you." At the end of the event, Michael appeared on stage and congratulated Ricky Martin on his live performance before taking the applause from the crowd.


Saturday October 28th, Michael Jackson attended the Carousel of Hope, a bi-yearly charity event in aid of childhood diabetes research.

The evening was hosted by Jay Leno and included an impressive list of famous guests; Sydney Poitier, Gregory Peck, Dustin Hoffman, Toni Braxton, Morgan Freeman, Ricky Martin and Warren Beaty, to name but a few.

Michael Jackson attended the gala with Elizabeth Taylor. The King of Pop appeared on stage during the evening, and congratulated Ricky Martin on his live performance.

The Carousel of Hope took place at Beverly Hills' Beverly Hilton Hotel. More than 50 stars, including Michael Jackson, contributed to the charity by donating self-designed painted plates which were auctioned during the evening.

2008 - Michael and his children do some shopping at Lladro in Los Angeles, Ca.

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2009 - Michael Jackson's This Is It, documentary–concert film directed by Kenny Ortega was released, giving a limited two-week theatrical run until November 12, but theatrical release was later extended due to huge demand.

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At the 34th annual Awards Gala of T.J. Martell Foundation, held at the Hilton New York Hotel, Michael Jackson is honored the first-ever Lifetime Legend Award, for being the single largest donor in the T.J. Martell Foundation’s 34-year history. Other honorees include: Humanitarian Award to Jon Luther, Spirit of Excellence Award to John Esposito and Lifetime Artistic Achievement Award to Bruce Lundvall.
The celebratory evening was of fund-raising, to support research for cures and treatments for leukemia, cancer and AIDS. The T.J. Martell Foundation was founded in 1975. T.J. Martell, son of music industry executive Tony Martell of Madison, was a young victim of leukemia, and before his death at 21, he convinced his father to promise he would raise $1 million to fight the disease. Since then, the foundation in T.J. Martell’s name has provided more than $225 million for research.

Kig Ind magazine[Denmark] featured Michael & the kids on the cover with the headline: Jackson - bornene i bilulykke [Jackson - children in car accident].

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Today in MJJ HIStory

1975 - With Motown suing to prevent the Jackson 5 from leaving the label, the remaining members of the group, including Michael and Joseph, counter-sued the label.

1979 - The Jacksons perform Destiny tour in Dayton[US].

1985 - Michael visits the animals from the "Cohuna Wildlife Sanctuary" in Perth, Australia.

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1991 - Michael, Elizabeth & Larry are on the cover of People magazine[US] with the Story Headline: Exclusive! Liz & Larry's Wedding Album.

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2000 - As part of its series on pop legends, the RSI Rete Tre radio station in Switzerland aired a program about Michael Jackson.

2001 - Michael took over the stage again at the United We Stand – What More Can I Give concert, a benefit concert organized by the artist and staged at the RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. at 1:00 p.m. in front of a sold-out audience of over 46,000 people.

Under a spray of red, white and blue confetti, Michael - joined onstage by the other artists - sang his new song written for the attack victims, What More Can I Give? with all the artists of the night (including Usher & Mariah Carey) Prince, Paris, Macauley Culkin, the Cascios & Marc Shaffel attend the concert backstage.

Before the final all-star performance from the United We Stand: What More Can I Give tribute concert organized by Michael Jackson and held on October 21, 2001 in New York, in benefit of the victims of the 9/11, the artist takes the audience 'to church' when he makes an emotional speech in front of the audience.

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The half day long music and entertainment festival featured performances by many of the world's leading entertainers, ranged from classics including Janet Jackson, James Brown, Al Green, Carole King, Rod Stewart, Bette Midler, America, Aerosmith, and Huey Lewis to modern-day contemporaries of the time including Destiny's Child, P. Diddy, the Goo Goo Dolls, Train, the Backstreet Boys, Usher, Mariah Carey, Pink, and 'N Sync. Each performer did a brief set usually amounting to about five songs apiece. The concert opened in the early afternoon with the National Anthem performed by the Backstreet Boys and lasted well into the night.

Michael Jackson performs alongside a host of other artists his relief songs We Are The World, Man In The Mirror and What More Can I Give at United We Stand: What More Can I Give, and collecting $15 million for the victims of the terrorist attacks in New York City, N.Y.

Michael dedicated the song to the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attack and their families, saying: ‘You are not alone. You are in our hearts, you are in our thoughts, and you are in our prayers.’

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The benefit gig was the third major concert in tribute to the 9/11 attacks. The other two were held in New York City. During the telecast of this show on ABC, there was no mention of Michael's name and he was always filmed with the rest of the singers in the background; this was because Jackson signed a contract with CBS over the 30th Anniversary Special (from September 10) to not appear under his name in any other program. Michael recorded the all-star tribute that year, which included stars such as Ricky Martin, Destiny's Child, Shakira, Celine Dion and Gloria Estefan. But despite the commercial power of such a line-up, Sony Music did not release the song, much the singer’s bewilderment.

United We Stand: What More Can I Give? raised about $2 million through the sale of more than 46,000 tickets. It was one of three benefit concerts over the weekend. Proceeds benefit the American Red Cross Liberty Relief Fund, the Salvation Army Relief Fund, the Pentagon Relief Fund and Rewards For Justice.

Two hour TV special edited and aired on ABC TV in the U.S. on 1st November.

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Today in MJJ HIStory

1979 - The Jacksons perform Destiny tour in St. Louis[US].

1984 - The Jacksons perform Victory tour at Municipal Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio [USA] attending 44,000.

1987 - Top 10 magazine [Netherland] featured Michael on their cover.

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1996 - Michael performs HIStory concert at Chungcheng Stadium in Kaohsiung, Taiwan attending 30,000.

2000 -

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The Jackson 5 inducted into the Vocal Group Hall Of Fame at the 2nd annual induction ceremony.

The class of 1999 was honored along with the class of 2000, during the two day ceremony, which will be held in Sharon, Pennsylvania. There was a dinner, a golf tournament and a concert which feature some of the famous groups to be inducted.

Here is a complete list of the class of 1999 inductees--the Ink Spots, Revelers, Modernaires, Coasters, Delta Rhythm Boys, Little Anthony & the Imperials, Hank Ballard & the Midnighters, the Moonglows, the Four Tops, the Temptations, the Four Seasons, the Spinners, Peter, Paul and Mary, and The Jackson Five.

2005 - Michael has once again been summoned to appear in court – but this time as a juror. Thomas Mesereau informs that Michael won’t be be able to attend because he’s seeking permanent resident in Bahrain.

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Today in MJJ HIStory

1979 - The Jacksons perform Destiny tour in Shreveport [US].

1983 - Say Say Say, humorous short firm directed by Bob Giraldi, filmed between 4th and 7th October.

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The short film featured 'Mac & Jack' as travelling salesmen-cum-vaudeville artists, and co-starred Paul's wife Linda, Michael's sister La Toya, and Mr T (from The A Team), To accommodate Jackson's busy schedule, McCartney flew in specially for filming the video at Los Olivos in the Santa Ynez Valley, California; that was the first time Michael Jackson saw the Santa Ynez Valley Ranch and he feel in love with it and bought Neverland shortly afterward. The video cost $500,000 to produce.

In the short film, Mac and Jack sell a "miracle potion". The salesman (McCartney) offers Jackson the potion, and claims that it is "guaranteed to give you the strength of a raging bull". Jackson drinks the potion and challenges a large man to arm wrestle. Unbeknownst to a watching crowd, the man—along with Linda—is also in on the scam.

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After Jackson wins the rigged contest, the crowd of people surge forward and buy the potion. Mac and Jack then donate all of the money earned from the scam to an orphanage. Later, while in a hotel, Jackson enters the bathroom as McCartney shaves. The latter playfully dabs shaving foam on Jackson's cheek, despite the fact that the younger man does not need a shave. After this scene, McCartney and Jackson star as vaudeville performers who sing and dance at a bar. On stage, the duo appear in clown makeup at one point and quickly go through a number of costume changes. Jackson's love interest, with whom he flirts, was played by his sister La Toya. The video ends with Paul, Linda and Michael as drive they off into the sunset. La Toya, who was handed a bunch of flowers by McCartney, is left at the roadside.

1987 - Michael performs BAD tour at Yokohama Stadium in Yokohama, Japan.

1988 - Michael performs BAD tour at Meadowlands Arena in East Rutherford [US].

1992 - Epsilon magazine[Greece] featured Michael on their cover.

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1996 - Michael attends a performance of one of his favorite musicals, Lionel Bart's 'Oliver' at the Palladium Theatre, London and poses with cast members. He is in London to work on the "Ghost" soundtrack.

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1997 - Michael performs the first of five HIStory concert at Green Point Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa attending 25,000.

2000 - News broke that Michael has finished recording the new album and that the album is now in mixing stage. Michael Jackson and engineer Bruce Swedien hope to be done with this crucial and final artistic stage by late January 2001. Provided everything goes in accordance with this working schedule, the new album could exit the mastering stage in the Spring of 2001 and be ready for a release early in the Summer of 2001.

Filed under  //   1979   1983   1987   1988   1992   1996   1997   2000  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1972 - The Jackson 5 perform for "Save The Children", a film theme of the 1972 "Black Exposition" and conducted by "Operation PUSH" ("People To Save Humanity").

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In honor of the Save The Children foundation, the Jackson 5 participate, with the greatest Black artists of the era, at the series of concerts given during 5 days at t annual event organized by the Reverend Jesse Jackson in Chicago. The Black PUSH Expo '72 benefit concert at the International Amphitheater in Chicago, IL at the PUSH Expo: Save the Children (2:00 pm show). The Jackson 5ive performing I Want You Back, ABC & I Wanna Be Where You Are.
The show was filmed and included in the concert movie double LP Save The Children includes the best moments: the event highlighting, among musical acts, footage of the city’s black population, their churches, schools, slums and playgrounds, and promoting the hope for an improved future, benefiting the children of Chicago, Illinois. It was released a few month later, in 1974, at Motown, which artists are widely represented.

1983 - The Jacksons sign boxing tycoon, Don King, as promoter of their forthcoming tour.


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When King contracted to stage the “Victory Tour” in 1984 he no doubt saw it as the first step to becoming the biggest promoter in the world of entertainment . “Thriller” had come out the year before, and Michael Jackson was the biggest name in show business. And King as the co-promoted the Victory Tour netted approximately $150 million.
According to Michael Jackson attorney Michael Branca, Michael did not want to be associated with King but went along with his participation due to pressure by his parents and his brothers.
Branca thought King wanted to use the tour as a "beachhead" to become a dominant music promoter.
King & The King: Don King with Michael Jackson. Instead of hanging in King's office, the photo of him with the King of Pop -- taken circa 1983 at Michael's house in Los Angeles -- is at King's home


1992 - Michael officially launched his Foundation in Bucharest, Romania.
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At "Teatrul de Revista Constantin Tanase" theater from Bucharest, Michael holds a press conference before his Dangerous concert there, discussing the Heal The World Foundation tenets in a press conference, before which a group of children sing "Heal The World" to him.
"I’m very happy to be here... in Romania, and (?) my concert live on HBO, and to help the children. Dear friends, ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Prime Minister. These children are as dear to me as all the children of the world. Today, I’ve had the opportunity to see the face of transformation and civilization. A moment like this means healing the world. We must heal the world and ourselves. We have to weave our life like a web, because we are part of this web. Out of negligence, we have contaminated and polluted our planet and, in exchange, we hurt ourselves. In the life songs of ages is the dance of our blood. The environment is an extension of our body and it gives the pulse of love, is the orchestra of universe’s symphony. It is music’s territory and enables us to rediscover our souls. Let’s rejoice together in love today, unity and conciliation. Let’s heal everybody and, thus, heal ourselves. Let us make a covenant with life and let us celebrate with joy a new world... and healed. Thank you... especially, to all the children of the world. I love you all. Thank you so much.. Thank you.."
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He also finances a playground for 500 homeless children there via Playday, in the amount of 10,000 dollars, and inaugurated by then Romanian President, Ion Iliescu. A portion of the proceeds from this concert is reported to have been directed to the Serbian refugees at the time. A press booklet distributed at the launch contained an interview with Michael, in which he described the Heal The World Foundation as 'an international foundation I have formed to formalise, focus and spearhead my activities and desires, to help improve conditions in our world... In order to heal the world, we must start by first healing our children.'

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Michael visits the "Leaganul De Copii Sfanta Ecaterina" care facility and its children, in Bucharest, Romania, on a halt from his "Dangerous" tour. He spends quite a large amount of time in the orphanage, where 5-year old Alice, whose mother was an employee at the facility, gives to a gracious Jackson a drawing and photo album created by the home's children, which he patiently browses.

During his stay in Bucharest, he also takes time to visit the Snagov Monastery, built by Vlad Tepes, the so-called Dracula; he requests privacy, and spends 6 hours inside, reportedly, in order to pray and explore the building, but agrees to sign an autograph for one of the female journalists waiting outside.

1996 - Michael performs HIStory tour at Amsterdam Arena in Amsterdam [The Netherlands] attending 50,000 fans.

1999 - Glucks Post magazine(Austria) featured MJ on the cover.

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2000 - Michael sells his merchandising rights to Dieter Wiesner who creates MJ NET Entertainment.
Filed under  //   1972   1983   1992   1996   1999   2000  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1987 - I Just Can't Stop Loving You, Michael's first single off BAD album hit #1 on US Hot 100 and R&B charts holding its position for one week and remains on the charts for fourteen weeks. The single will also rise to number 1 on the Black singles chart. 'Bad' the second single from the album, enters the Pop singles chart at number 40. It also enters the Black singles chart.

Michael performs Bad tour at Nishinomiya Stadium, Osaka [Japan].

1988 - MTV presents a Michael Jackson Marathon, airing back to back Michael Jackson Specials: From Motown To Your Town, Another Part Of Me and The Making Of Michael Jackson's Thriller.

1991 - Michael lent his voice to Leon Kompowsky in the Season 3 premiere of The Simpsons - "Stark Raving Dad".

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The third series of The Simpsons aired on Fox. In the first episode, Homer is forced to wear a pink shirt to work one day as a result of a laundry accident and is mistaken for a "free thinking anarchist". After failing a psychiatric test (which, rather unwisely, he'd asked his son Bart to complete on his behalf), he is sent to a mental institution. Homer's room-mate, a large character called Leon Kompowsky, believes he is Michael Jackson – and sings Billie Jean and shows Homer how to moonwalk, to prove it!
Homer is charmed by Leon and brings him home from a mental institution, where the rest of the family eventually falls in love with him. Meanwhile, because he normally forgets her birthday, Bart promises his sister Lisa that he will get her the best present ever. The sweetest moment comes at the end when Leon and Bart perform a birthday song for Lisa.

The 'Special Guest Voice', for contractual reasons, was credited as John Jay Smith in the closing credits, and his role in the episode was not officially confirmed until later. Because of the misleading credit, the fact that it was actually MJ remained a rumor among many fans apparently took heed of the often-taught Simpsons lesson of never believing what’s on TV. Despite initial denials issued by Michael's camp it was not until Matt Groening confirmed Michael did provide Leon’s voice, when the episode was released on DVD in 2003. And Michael is a great fan of America’s favourite dysfunctional cartoon family, created by Matt Groening.

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Following the script read, MJ stipulated his conditions: he would record his speaking parts but not receive credit, and his singing voice would be performed by a sound-alike. Leon Kompowsky's singing voice was instead performed by Kipp Lennon, because Jackson wanted to play a joke on his brothers and fool them into thinking the impersonator was him. Lennon recorded his lines at the same time as Jackson, who found the impersonations hilarious. The episode originally was supposed to end with Kompowsky singing a portion of "Man in the Mirror" in his Michael Jackson voice as he walked down the road, but it was changed to him singing the beginning of "Happy Birthday Lisa" in his normal voice.

"Stark Raving Dad" received generally positive reviews from critics, particularly for the writing and Jackson's performance.

Happy Birthday, Lisa, a song Michael’s character sang during the show, was included on a Simpsons’ compilation album issued in 1997, SONGS IN THE KEY OF SPRINGFIELD. The sleeve notes, in stating the song is copyright Mijac, further confirmed Michael’s involvement.

Also, the song Do The Bartman was credited to Bryan Loren, but Groening has recently
confirmed Michael co-wrote and sang backing on Do The Bartman which, although not issued as a single in US, helped propel the album to #3 and a RIAA Platinum Record.

1992 - Michael Jackson's "Jam" hit #13 in the U.K.

HBO taped a Michael Jackson show in Bucharest, Romania. They broadcasted the show on October 10th under the name "From Bucharest - The Dangerous Tour."

1993 - Michael performs Dangerous tour at Yarkon Park, Tel Aviv [Israel] attending 80,000.

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Professionally filmed performances of "Jam", "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'", "Human Nature" available.

1996 - Bravo magazine featured MJ on the cover.

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1998 - Michael Jackson was listed as the #1 male artist in Billboard Magazines's 40th Anniversary release.

Billboard Magazine celebrated the 40th anniversary of their "singles chart" by compiling a list of th top songs over the past four decades. They listed Michael Jackson as the #1 male artist with the "Most #1 hits."

2000 - On occasion of an interview for BBC Radio Oxford, London Times' "Millennium Preacher of the Year" at the time, Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, offers some tidbits on then friend, Michael Jackson and his "genuine devotion" for children, including his (the Rabbi’s).

He recounts that, on occasion of Jackson’s 42 Birthday at his Neverland ranch – to which Boteach and his family were invited – the singer also welcomed a critically ill ten-year old boy, suffering from leukemia, and his family for four days. The singer would treat him to the amusements of his home, speak to him in order to help him gain post-chemotherapy confidence and pays his medical expenses, as in more such cases involving the deprived, Boteach adds, (as part of Jackson’s relief efforts outside the public eye), continuing to say that the pop star would weekly invite hundreds of children from inner city schools for day trips to his ranch, spending "millions of dollars on children who are in need", an affirmation confirmed by the singer himself, by others who have been/were in contact with Jackson and some of the media reports. Moreover, Boteach also recounts that, after reading a piece of news on a critically cancer ailing boy, Jackson asked the staff of a New York hospital to install a telephone in the boy’s room, the singer then phoning the young patient daily, his pediatrician confirmed.

Filed under  //   1981   1987   1988   1991   1992   1993   1996   1998   2000  

Today in MJJ HIStory

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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

Filed under  //   1969   1992   1993   2000   2001   2003  

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