Today in MJJ HIStory

1968 - The Jackson 5ive performed as part of the benefit concert for Mayor Richard Hatcher at Gary’s Gilroy Stadium, set by Motown’s Record Corporation move to Gary, Indiana.

The Motown Record Corporation brought its “Sound of Young America”, to Gary Indiana, for a special benefit program , the purpose of which was to defray the costs of Richard Hatcher's mayoral campaign. Ewart Abney said that the Motown Benefit was a special salut to Gary, “city of the Century”, honoring Mayor Richard Gordon Hatcher “whom we may consider Mayor of the Century”.

Highlighting the benefit performance were Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight and the Pipes, Shorty Long, Bobby Taylor & the Vancouvers and Abdullah – but not Diana Ross. Which wouldn’t stop Motown, for years to come, from claiming that this was the concert where Diana ‘discovered’ the Jackson 5ive.

The opening was performed by the Jackson 5ive.

Mayor Hatcher proclaimed the occasion “Soul Day” and proclaimed the entire 27-29 September weedend a “Soul Weekend”.

1984 - Impacto magazine [Spain] featured Michael on their cover.


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1987 - Observer magazine[UK] featured Michael on the cover with the story BAD BOY ROCKS JAPAN.

Michael performs BAD tour at Yokohama Stadium in Yokohama [Japan] attending 38,000 fans.

1988 - Michael performs BAD tour at Civic Arena in Pittsburg [Pennsylvania, USA] attending 16,230 fans.

2009 - Tickets to Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT went on sale.

The first day of ticket sales, all 3,000 tickets to the advanced screenings of the film had "sold out within two hours [on] early Sunday [September 27, 2009]." Fans had reportedly waited in line for days.
CinemaBlend.com reported that over 160 showings had sold out.
Reuters.com, stated that "hundreds of screenings in North America have already sold out, a month before the film's October 28 opening."
According to MovieTickets.com, sales of tickets to the film have "accounted for more than 82% of all the tickets sold at the site today [Monday, September 28, 2009]."

CinemaBlend.com described the sale of tickets on MovieTickets.com as being "fairly significant" - but remarked that "this is after all, just a concert documentary."
It was reported that over 80 percent of tickets sold on Fandango.com were for this film.
It was also reported that the film had "accounted for some 80% of all online ticketing in the U.S. within its first 24 hours of sales, dominating presales compared with such upcoming titles as Avatar and The Twilight Saga: New Moon.
Sony, confirmed that over 30,000 tickets were sold in the first 24 hours that tickets went of sale. Sony also stated - as of September 28, - that the film's 'moved' over 1 million dollars in tickets sales in Japan.
Sony announced in a press release that in the "last 24 hours [since September 27]", that over 80% of all Fandango.com and Movietickets.com sales for the film, had already sold out in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, Nashville and New York, among others and: "Internationally, exhibitors from London and Sydney to Bangkok and Tokyo have experienced the same epic demand." Sony stated in a statement of the film's good ticket sale's that: "Staggering advance sales were reported in Australia, where tickets for Michael Jackson's This Is It purchased through Village Cinemas exceeded the lifetime pre-sales of such blockbusters as Transformers and X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

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Today in MJJ HIStory

1993 - Michael performs Dangerous tour concert at Inonu Stadium, Istanbul, Turkey attending 48,000 fans.

2009 Sony Music Entertainment announced they were planning on releasing a song entitled, "This Is It" as a single.

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It was confirmed during the announcement that the song was to feature backing vocals by Jackson's brothers and that the song would be included in a two-disc album, ending out the first disc, Michael Jackson's This Is It. It was also confirmed that the song would be featured during the end credits of the film.

Despite Sony not releasing the song as a single, it was confirmed that "This Is It" would be released to radio stations for airplay, but that the song would not be able to be downloaded. Sony had chosen to release the song as an album-only track as part of a strategy to encourage fans of the song to buy the entire album. John McClain, a co-producer of the This Is It album said of the song, "This song only defines, once again, what the world already knows -- that Michael [Jackson] is one of God's greatest gifts".

Filed under  //   1993   2009  

Today in MJJ HIStory

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

1985 -

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

Today in MJJ HIStory

1971 - The Jackson 5 song Maybe Tomorrow hit #20 in the U.S.

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Single Details:
"Maybe Tomorrow" was released in June, 1971 from the Jackson 5's album of the same title. The ballad was originally supposed to have been sung (possibly in a different production) by Sammy Davis, Jr. but for various reasons, the entertainer could not get on the schedule to do the song and the song was then given to the Jackson 5.
Lead vocals : Michael Jackson, Second verse sung by Marlon Jackson
Written & Produced by : The Corporation (Berry Gordy, Jr./Alphonso Mizell/Freddie Perren/Deke Richards)
US single released July, 1971
#3 R&B, #20 Pop
Sales : 1 089 365 (World), 830 794 (USA)

While many young kids were playing with their GI Joes, Michael Jackson was arguably Motown's best messenger of romance, heartbreak, and all the heavy stuff. This led off the 1971 album of the same name. While the Corporation was inexplicably saddled with the bubblegum tag, this track proves how people of all ages could identify with the lyrics. This was a perfectly constructed song. Throughout this, a myriad of emotions are displayed with Jackson seemingly with a grasp on all of them. Musically the song is all heartache yet resiliency. The love sung about here seems at once fortifying and yet troubled. It's enough to boggle the mind of an experienced romantic, let alone a kid whose pastime was giggling with his brothers. Recorded at the underrated and crystal clear Motown Studios in L.A., this was arranged by the Corporation and Gene Page. Despite it's skill and classic status, "Maybe Tomorrow" was the first Jackson 5 single to only reach the Top 20. This is one instance where chart placement has nothing to do with quality. ~Allmusic

1988 - Michael Jackson performs Bad World Tour at Talavera Wiesen staduim, Würzburg, West Germany.

1990 - Michael confirmed Sandy Gallin of Gallin-Morey Associates – who already represented the Pointer Sisters, Dolly Parton and Whoopi Goldberg, to name but a few as his new managers– was stepping into Frank Dileo’s shoes.

1994 - The Jacksons, minus Randy, performed at a U.K. Scientology fund-raiser "For The Children Of The World."

1995 - "You Are Not Alone" released in UK, enter in chart at number 3. The week later it'll reach the top of the chart.

2001 - According to Rolling Stone, the King of Pop won't be appearing on rapper Jay-Z's upcoming CD 'Blueprint,' as has been previously reported. In order to make the September 18 release date for the album Jay-Z had to put the finishing touches on it by this Wednesday and Michael won't be able to make it to the rapper's studio until next week. Don't worry though. Michael will appear on a future remix of the song 'Girls, Girls, Girls.' And a sample of the J5's 'I Want You Back' was used for the song 'Izzo (H.O.V.A.)'.

2009 - Michael's Longform Videos certified Multi-Platinum by RIAA:
Live In Bucharest 6x Platinum
Number Ones 13x Platinum
HIStory On Film 6x Platinum
Dangerous - The Short Film 3x Platinum

On the same day, the following albums were also received Multi-Platinum certificates:
The Essential Michael Jackson 2x Platinum
Off The Wall 8x Platinum
Thriller 29x Platinum
Number Ones 3x Platinum

Filed under  //   1971   1988   1990   1994   1995   2001   2009  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1987 - 25 CBS Records executives and representatives are invited to a dinner party at Hayvenhurst where they are treated with a preview of the Bad album and the Bad short film.
Epic announces that the Bad album has been completed and will be released on August 31.

1989 – Michael Jackson is on Bravo Magazine, Germany.

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1992 - The World première of the Who Is It video clip took place on on BBC2's "Def II" during the Michael Jackson Special.
On July 14, 1992 the video clip is withdrawn by Michael because he is said to be unhappy with the editing and angry about its early release. The video is later re-released in a re-edited version.
The video clip was not released in the U.S.A. In May 1993 the accompanying video premièred in the U.S.A. It is a compilation of earlier video clips. The European version of the video is available in the US only on Dangerous: The Short Films.

1993 - Michael Jackson's single Will You Be There was released.
The gospel-flavored track written & produced by Michael, became the 7th song to reach the top 40 from his Dangerous album. Featured in the film Free Willy (also, on the accompanying soundtrack album), Will You Be There gave Michael his first Top 10 single on the Hot 100 in four attempts; it peaked at #7. The song was truly a whale of a hit: doubling as the theme to the film Free Willy, it won the MTV Movie Award for Best Song in a Movie in 1994. It was also included in the album All Time Greatest Movie Songs released by Sony in 1999. The single sold over 500,000 copies in U.S. & 10,530,000 copies worldwide, later being certified Gold by RIAA.

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Song Facts:
Michael wrote Will You Be There while sitting in the Giving tree at his Neverland Ranch.
The song includes a classical prelude & chorus featuring the Cleveland Orchestra performing a portion of Beethoven's ninth symphony; followed by a chorale interlude arranged by Andrae and Sandra Crouch.


Lyrics:
Hold Me
Like The River Jordan
And I Will Then Say To Thee
You Are My Friend

Carry Me
Like You Are My Brother
Love Me Like A Mother
Will You Be There?

Weary
Tell Me Will You Hold Me
When Wrong, Will You Scold Me
When Lost Will You Find Me?

But They Told Me
A Man Should Be Faithful
And Walk When Not Able
And Fight Till The End
But I’m Only Human

Everyone’s Taking Control Of Me
Seems That The World’s
Got A Role For Me
I’m So Confused
Will You Show To Me
You’ll Be There For Me
And Care Enough To Bear Me

2009 – Michael Jackson had been slated to start a series of comeback concerts in London on July 13, running until March 2010. Givi

Filed under  //   1987   1989   1992   1993   2009  

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