Today in MJJ HIStory

1996 - Michael performs a concert at ANZ Stadium in Brisbane, Australia attending 39,000 fans.

T.V. Interview with Ian "Molly" Meldrum

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On coping with fan hysteria:
“I know it’s all love and it makes my heart very happy and I like to give back, you know, through however I can give and it puts a smile on my face to see all the children and all the teenagers and the adults, the demographics. It makes my heart very happy. I love them, I love all the fans very much.”

On his philosophy of ‘staying at the top’:
"[…] I think, being humble and believing in yourself and having true love in your heart for the world, and really trying to help people through lyrics and the love of music and dance, because I truly do love people very much."

On relaxing:
“[…] I am a workaholic. I don’t relax, really, I don’t sleep a lot, I like to continually…my mind never stops. I’m always creating. I never stop. But I love a good water balloon fight or, you know, playing around, goofing off, [playing] Nintendo games, arcades.”

On negative press rumors:
“It’s very sad. I just want the fans to know and to understand that is not the truth. 99.9 percent of it is not the truth. And don’t read it, don’t believe it, it’s garbage. It’s tabloid junk, I mean, they just simply make it up for greed and money. So, please, don’t listen to it. It’s trash.”

On horror-sci-fi-fantasy writer, Stephen King:
“Stephen King is a very gentle, sweet, kind man. I mean, the profile that we see…the books, with his works…he’s nothing like that. He’s very humble. […] A lot of people judge me the same way. I’m pretty simple…I love to create. I love to make magic. I love to create the unexpected. You know…And Stephen, he’s just wonderful, he’s not bizarre or strange or weird. He’s a loving person.”

2002 - Between the 19 and 29 of November, 2002, the "Siegfried & Roy's" celebrity auction takes place, for which Jackson donates an autographed plush bear, benefiting "Opportunity Village" (NGO in charge of the life-expectancy issues of mentally challenged people and their families) with 5,000 dollars, including a jacket auctioned for 16,000 dollars at the "Bambi Charity Event" in Berlin, Germany, on November 21.

2005 - Michael & the kids stay at the Al Bustan Palace Hotel in Muscat.

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Filed under  //   1996   2002   2005  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1987 - Michael perform BAD tour at Olympic Park Stadium in Melbourne, Australia.

1988 - Michael perform BAD tour at Memorial Sports Arena in Los Angeles.

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Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley declared November to be "Michael Jackson Month". Michael receives a proclamation from the Mayor.

1989 - Michael Jackson performs song "You Were There" (he wrote with Buz Kohan) for singer-entertainer Sammy Davis Jr., the first and only time, at the Sammy Davis Jr 6Oth Anniversary TV Special, musical gala honouring Davis Jr..

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The event’s funds advantaging the "United Negro College Fund"; for the show's all-star finale, Jackson accompanies Ella Firzgerald and Eddie Murphy on stage.

The celebration started as a 60-minute show, and it wound up 2 1/2 hours long. It runs from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Sunday on ABC and Channel 13. And no wonder, given a cast that includes Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, Ella Fitzgerald, Whitney Houston, Clint Eastwood, Goldie Hawn, Bill Cosby, Stevie Wonder, Mike Tyson, Richard Pryor, Gregory Hines, Gregory Peck, Bob Hope, Shirley MacLaine, Debbie Allen, Magic Johnson, Dean Martin, Tony Danza, Jesse Jackson, Quincy Jones, Diahann Carroll, Dionne Warwick, Nell Carter, Lola Falana and Anita Baker. Eddie Murphy hosts, and even he seems subdued by the galaxy of stars he has to introduce.

Sammy’s right there in the front-row box with his wife and family. He laughs and he claps, he cries a little, and he hugs his friends. He even does a tap dance with Hines. But he never says a word.

He can’t. The night the show was taped, he couldn’t talk at all.

It doesn’t matter. His friends speak for him, and to him, in a language of love. They lay their talents at his feet. And a few terrific clip collections tell Sammy’s tale for him.

This is a one-of-a-kind TV spectacular in a spirit that few stars, even show-biz legends, could command.

Nobody knew what Jackson was going to do. "The night before the show, he and Buz Kohan, who wrote the script, went in the rehearsal hall and wrote a song," Schlatter said. "They arranged it overnight, and the night of the show was the first time he’d ever sung it. He wanted to sing something that really related to Sammy."

Backstage, everybody was watching everybody else. Fitzgerald wanted to meet Jackson; Cosby wanted to say hi to Hawn; Murphy wanted to see Sinatra.

The most nerve-racking moment of them all, though, was when Fitzgerald was to make her big onstage entrance, Schlatter said. “We had to have somebody bring her out, so I said to Eddie Murphy, `Take Ella onstage.’

And he says, `Man, I can’t take her. That’s Ella “Fitzgerald.”‘ And Eddie says to Michael Jackson, `Michael, you take her out.’ And Michael says, `I can’t! It’s “Ella.”‘ So I said, `Look, guys, why not take her together? OK?’

At the same date, Michael is reported to have hosted 50 children from "Maclaren Hall" and "Make A Wish Foundation" at his residence, while, via the "Wishes Granted" charity, 4-year-old Darian Pagan, suffering from leukemia, is granted the wish to meet the singer and is, additionally, invited to watch a performance by a group of Canadian acrobats with him.

2002 - Michael goes to the Santa Maria Superior Court in Santa Maria, CA. to testify in a $21 million breach-of-contract Marcel Avram trial over canceled millennium concerts. His appearance causes media frenzy.

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2006 - During his stay at Hempel Hotel in London, Michael is joined by Raymone and they have dinner at the Nobu restaurant with billionaire retail tycoon Sir Philip Green and then they go to the Oxford Street branch of Topshop which Sir Philip opened up especially for Michael at midnight. Later Michael visits "Miss Selfridges"

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Filed under  //   1987   1988   1989   2002   2006  

Today in MJJ HIStory

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Thriller demos leak on the Internet.

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

Today in MJJ HIStory

1972 - The Jackson 5 on their first European tour in Amsterdam, Holland

1995 – Michael Jackson receives the Diamond of Africa award from Ghana’s President, Jerry Rawlings during a dinner at the Hotel Hilton in Beverly Hills, California.

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The evening's highlight was the appearance of pop legend Michael Jackson who postponed a trip to Europe to make certain he was at the event. "I'm supposed to be in Germany, but I postponed it to be here," Michael told the President and First Lady. "I was advised of your presence and I found out about your mission to rebuild Africa. I couldn't resist. I love Africa... You are not alone."

Michael present the first couple with two elegantly decorated swords on behalf of Saudi Arabian Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal. According to the dinner's organizer, Dr. Khalid Abdullah Tariq AlMansour, the swords were designed "to cut out devision, insecurity, hypocrisy and negativism. Rise and Unite! Africa is back."

President Rawlings said of Michael to the sellout, black-tie crowd: "I never thought I'd have the honor and privilege of meeting the genius in person. To meet him on a day like this is an honor. What impressed me most is that he's a man of heart."

The President and first lady expressed their gratitude to Michael by presenting him with the elegant Diamond of Africa, To a Favorite Son of Africa Michael Jackson, offered by "That's What Friends Are For Committee". On accepting the honor, Michael acknowledges a few children that joined him on stage, among whom cancer-stricken ones.

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2002
- Jackson is presented with the 2002 "World Arts Award" in Vienna, Austria, for global peace and tolerance efforts. The award recognizes individuals for achievements in a variety of areas such as acting, arts, business, media, health etc. The singer accepts the award via a video message.

1979 - The Jacksons perform Destiny tour in Chicago, Illinois.

1984 - The Jacksons perform Victory tour at Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida, USA attending 68,000 fans.

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The following acceptance speech for the 'World Arts Award 2002' he wins that year, on occasion of the first World Awards event held in Vienna, Austria, the singer conveying his empathy with the event’s values of peace and tolerance, as well as those of love and unity for an improved planet. "Dear guest of honor. Dear Mr. Gorbachev. It is a great honor for me to be selected by Mr. Gorbachev and the jury to receive the 'World Arts Award 2002'. This year the motto of the World Awards is 'Peace and Tolerance'. These values are especially dear to me. In my own heart and mind I stand united with you for peace, love and tolerance in the world. I have to thank Mr. Günther Stampf, Mr. Georg Kindel and I thank President Mikhail Gorbachev. I love you very much. Thank you so much. Thank you.", Jackson says in the speech.
Filed under  //   1972   1979   1984   1995   2002  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1971 - LOVE CALL Song recorded by the Jackson 5 for Motown – test pressings known to exist, but remains unreleased.

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

1984 - The Jacksons perform at Comiskey Park in Chicago, Illinois [USA] attending 40,000.

1985 - Diana Ross' single "Eaten Alive" hit #77 in the U.S. The song was co-written, co-produced and co-vocalized with Michael Jackson and Barry Gibb.

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

A Open Letter from Michael Jackson to his critics:

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Volume: 28 Issue: 15 of the People magazine [US] featured Michael on their cover story MESSAGE FROM MICHAEL
'I was sent forth for the world, for the children. But have mercy, for I've been bleeding a long time now.'

In the Midst of a World Tour, the Astonishing Star Breaks His Four-Year Silence to Issue a Cry of Pain from Japan.
He sat down at the desk in his room at the Capitol Tokyu Hotel in Tokyo and, on the back of a piece of hotel stationery, wrote what he said would be his only only discussion of his private life. "Like the old Indian proverb says," wrote Jackson, "do not judge a man until you've walked 2 moons in his moccosins." The singer's two-page missive reveals him to be a complex mix of boy and man whose personality matches the themes of Bad, an album so full of bright, catchy dance tunes that it's easy to overlook the lyrics that express dark fantasies and hyper-romantic dreams. Jackson offers forgiveness to the rumormongers who have upset him: "Animals strike, not from malice, but because they want to live, it is the same with those who criticize, they desire our blood, not our pain." At the same time, he expresses himself with the desperate tone of a child who has been unfairly punished: "I cry very very often because it hurts.... Have mercy, for I've been bleeding a long time now." His casual spelling and punctuation speak of backstage tutors and self-teaching, but his expression of pain is clear.
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The stage life of the world's most popular rock star: glitter, fame, excitement and wealth. Real life is, of course, another matter. Having said no more than a few words to the press since 1983, Jackson left it to his stogie-chomping manager, Frank Dileo, to explain away his plastic surgeries (just the nose and chin were done, he said) and his attempt to purchase the bones of the Elephant Man ("Well, everyone has a skeleton in their closet," Dileo told PEOPLE). Probably the tall tales only enhanced sales of Bad, which has already zoomed to the top of the charts in at least eight countries. But the rumors' effect on Jackson, 29, has been anything but salutary. "It's really horrible to have these lies printed about me," he says. "It hurts."

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If Jackson does at times resemble a child, it may be because he identifies so closely with children. Quietly he has given rafts of free concert tickets to handicapped youngsters, visited Japanese schools and sent condolences and $20,000 to the family of 5-year-old Yoshiaki Ogiwara, an Osaka boy who was kidnapped and murdered recently. At one concert he dedicated his tour to the boy, a gesture that brought tears to the eyes of adoring fans. "People just don't have a realistic picture of who Michael is," says makeup artist Karen Faye. "He's innocent and inspiring without being preachy—and a lot of fun to be around."

To his public, however, Jackson remains an enigmatic figure, and his handwritten message from Japan will do little to change that. Given his near total blackout on personal press, one can only assume he wants it that way: Anonymity serves his stagecraft.

The effect was stunning, Olympian: A god had come and gone. Offstage and out of costume, the Michael Jackson who was "sent forth for the world, for the children" could hardly help feeling chagrined that his stage persona is only an act. Gods, after all, do not feel pain.
Source: people.com

1993 - Michael performs Dangerous concert at River Plate Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina attending 70,000.

1997 - Michael performs HIStory concert at Johannesburg Stadium in Johannesburg, SA attending 39,000.

1999 - Michael Jackson's HISTORY: PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE BOOK I was certified at 7 times Platinum by the RIAA.

2002 - As a personal acknowledgement of the gallantry and sacrificial services made by the military in his community, Jackson invites over 200 U.S. Air Force members from "Team Vandenberg" – then recently returned from overseas deployments – and their families to spend the day at Neverland.

2004 - In an interview with Steve Harvey Morning Radio Show, Michael Jackson said that he was angry over the depiction of him in Eminem's video for the song Just Lose It and calls the Morning Radio Show to ask TV networks not to air the new video which makes fun of him. BET accepts but not MTV which creates a new controversy.

2005 - Michael takes Prince, Paris & Blanket to Harrods where they are greeted by owner Mohamed Al Fayed.

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Michael raced around the posh London store – owned by Mohammed Al Fayed – on Wednesday (Oct 12), and reserved two watches worth £55,000 and £30,000.

His children Prince Michael, eight, Paris, seven and Prince Michael II, three, then descended upon the toy department.

An insider said: "He was only in the store for about 30 minutes. His kids had a fantastic time in the toy department. They fell in love with this gigantic toy Hummer".

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"After spending thousands of pounds on gifts for them, including life-size teddy bears, Michael signed autographs for fans."

Michael’s spokesman said: "Last time he came to London he went to Hamleys - but he loves the cuddly toys at Harrods."

2009 - A never-before released song from Michael Jackson, a single entitled This Is It, premiered on Michael's official website MichaelJackson.com, on October 12, 2009, at midnight.

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This It It, the first song from the Michael Jackson music documentary Michael Jackson's This Is It which plays during the closing sequence and included on the companion two-disc CD set. The unreleased single features backup vocals by Michael's brothers, The Jacksons.

The CD features original album masters of some of MJ's biggest hits, including Thriller and Billie Jean, which are in the same sequence as they appear in the film.

Filed under  //   1971   1979   1984   1985   1987   1993   1997   1999   2002   2004   2005   2009  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1987 - Blues & Soul magazine [UK] feature Michael on the cover with the story Michael Jackson: Bad times ahead.

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1988 - Seventeen years after the Jackson 5ive cartoon series first aired, Michael was a cartoon again. Michael lent his song, "Beat It" to be used in a Flinstone Kids cartoon special encouraging kids to say no to drugs. The Flintstone Kids' "Just Say No" Special was a 30-minute television special featuring The Flintstone Kids and produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions which aired on ABC.

In it, little Fred, Barney, Wilma, and Betty work odd jobs to earn enough money for tickets to a Michael Jackstone concert. When Wilma refuses to use marijuana in order to join a "cool crowd", the Flintstone Kids and their friends start a campaign against drugs while trying to get tickets to a Michael Jackstone concert. They finally make it to the concert and see Michael Jackstone singing new lyrics to "Beat It" about not needing drugs:


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Just Say No!

They told the girl
Why don't you step over here
You wanna be cool
Take a look in here
They wanna do drugs
And they're words are really clear
So beat it!
You don't need it!
(Say no!)
You don't need friends
Doing things that are wrong
There's lots of kids like you
Who are cool and strong
It might be kinda tough
But you can move along
So beat it!
And say it ain't fair


Don't mean it!
Don't need it!
Just say no to drugs
Defeat it!

Have a life that's happy
A future that's bright
You make it happen
Drugs are wrong
And you're right
Just beat it!
Just beat it!
Say no
And defeat it!
Now Moms and Dads
You ought to listen to me
To be a kid today
It ain't easy
Just make your home and family
A loving place to be
So beat it!
Send it riding wave!

In the cartoon, Stone Age Michael, voiced by Kipp Lennon, wears one glove and dons sunglasses. He moonwalks, and even grabs his crotch while dancing!

The Flintstone kids need to raise money in order to buy tickets to see Michael Jackstone (obvious reference) in concert. While attempting to raise money from teamwork, some older kids try to push drugs on our young role models. After failing to raise the money, the kids enter a race whose grand prize is tickets to see Jackstone. The older drug users also enter the race, expecting to crush our heroes. The effects of high drug abuse is shown when the Flintstone kids win the race due to the poor health of the drug users.

This was one of a few cartoon shows (another notable includes Cartoon All-Stars to the Rescue) in the 80s to show young children that drugs were bad. This was one of the more effective shows because every kid could relate to the story. The desired thought process in kids would be, "I like to win. Drugs will make me slow, meaning I will lose. Hence, drugs will make me into a loser." While most kids could care less about the message, it seeped its way into their subconscious.

1993 - Michael's first show in Moscow was at the Lyzhniki Olympic Stadium. Some of the media delighted in reporting that MJ's concert had not been sold out. What they didn't point out was that the price of the tickets, at $11, was more than most people in Moscow make in a month. They also failed to mention that despite the ticket prices, that 93% of the seats were sold. Only 7,000 seats remained unsold for the show at the 100,000 seat stadium.

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While on his Dangerous tour in Moscow, Russia for his concert there, Michael postpones his flight out of Moscow, instead goes to visit a hospital for mentally challenged children there, who rejoice at seeing him and fight for his attention. Michael holds a few children in his arms and on his lap, comforts and plays with them and wishes to entertain them: "I'd like to sing with them. We all know a song together", he says, visibly emotional. The singer has asked for one of the children to be flown to America for care and treatment which he will pay for. He also visits children in a nearby orphanage, who will sing a song to him in Russian, turning him – the ultimate performer, into an attentive spectator.
2002 - By means of an auction, the performer donates 16 autographed items (compact discs, videos and a pair of cotton napkins), valued at 3935 Euros, to victims of a flood in Germany, as well as an autographed fedora and a jacket, worn by Jackson at the 2002 American Music Awards, to the "Tribute To Bambi" charitable auction, items calculated at 18,303 Euros and addressing the street children of Germany from "Off-Road-Kids e.V".

2003 - The entertainer hosts a star-studded charitable event at Neverland Valley Ranch, ticket price at presale being 725 dollars, with proceeds going to the Oneness charitable organization. Guests enjoy a tour of Jackson’s menagerie, amusement rides, various assortments of food and other exciting things. The party subsequent to the event is hosted and broadcast live by ‘KIIS FM’. Jackson briefly addresses the guests in attendance. Prior to his speech, the "Harvest International Children’s Choir", along with a host of fans and special guests in attendance, join in to chant 'Happy Birthday' to their favorite star, whose birth date had been 2 weeks before.

2007 - Michael makes a photoshoot at the Boylan Studios for an upcoming cover of Italian L'Uomo Vogue magazine with photographer Bruce Weber.

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Filed under  //   1987   1988   1993   2002   2003   2007  

Today in MJJ HIStory

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bravo Magazine featured MJ on the cover.

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1997 - Michael returns to Neverland with Prince Michael Jr.

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

His U.S. concert return packs Garden

[By Isaac Guzman and Leo Standora]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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  

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