Today in MJJ HIStory

1975 - The Jackson 5 performed in concert at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

1979 - The Jacksons perform a concert in London, UK on Destiny tour.

1984 - Michael had been inducted into the Guinness book of Records, in recognition of Thriller having broken all album sales records at twenty-five million copies sold.

Michael, dressed in naval jacket and Calvin Klein blue jeans, attends a "Celebrate Michael" party, together with actress and friend, Brooke Shields, 11 days after he suffered hair and scalp burns filming a Pepsi Cola commercial. That evening, he is honored for his entry in the Guinness Book of World Records - selling the most popular album in history, Thriller.

Braving sub-freezing weather, hundreds of excited fans stood shivering behind the police barricades outside the New York's Metropolitan Museum of Natural History on a cold February night in 1984 hoping for a glimpse of a famous face. Inside, CBS Records hosted a party at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Natural History to honor Michael Jackson. There were 1500 invitations mailed out on white cloth gloves, which were required to gain admittance into the museum. Michael specifically asked that the party be held there because he was interested in animals and natural history.

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At the party, CBS Records president Walter Yetnikoff presented Michael with presented with the first edition of the 1984 paperback version of the Guinness Book of World Records, who had stopped their presses to include the new record holder for the biggest selling album of all time, Michael Jackson's THRILLER.

THRILLER had surpassed the 25 million mark in sales, making it the most successful album in history. It had outsold the soundtrack album for Saturday Night Fever to take over the top spot.

Allen Davis, president of CBS Records International, read from a long, impressive list of awards and record breaking sales figures of his label's biggest selling artist, presented Michael with the honor:

Tonight, Michael, your international milestones for the album, THRILLER are a total of 67 gold awards, 58 platinum awards in 28 countries on 6 continents. And the singles with 9 million in sales have earned 15 more awards, bringing the total to 140 gold and platinum awards.
To date, 'Thriller' has sold over 25 million copies worldwide - more then any other album in recording history.

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Confetti falls everywhere as dance girls surround during Michael receives one of many tributes. In the longest public speech that close associates could recall during his two-decade career, 25 year old Michael, the shy and sensitive singer, told the invitation-only audience of 1,500 how he felt about epic $1.4 million party staged to salute him. Clutching the wireless microphone in his sequined-gloved right hand, the child star who became a grown-up superstar smiled and said softly:
"I’ve been performing for twenty years. I started at 5 years old touring with my brothers, The Jackson 5, and still I haven’t – you know, I feel like I’ve just begun, you know...
And I’ve always wanted to do great things and achieve many things, but for the first time in my entire career I feel like I’ve accomplished this, because I’m in the Guinness Book Of World Records.
I'm so honored and deeply touched by it and thank you all.
And I also thank CBS Records, which is the best record company in the world and Walter Yetnikoff, who is the best record company president in the world. And thank you all. You are all wonderful people. I'm very embarrassed but thank you."
As modest Michael relinquished the mike, Yetnikoff grabbed it, beaming and blushing. "We have a little surprise," he began. "I don't know if I'm the best record company president in the world but Michael is sure the best artist in the world." He continued:
"Michael just got a presentation for the best solo performer of all times. I'm reading from The Guinness Book of Records. The best-selling album of all time is Saturday Night Fever with 25 million copies globally. I have news for you. Today, we surpassed 25 million copies for THRILLER! Michael Jackson - the number one artist in the world!" Yetnikoff shouted.
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Then, with the recording of Michael's hot-selling Billie Jean blaring through the loudspeakers, Brooke Shields bounced onto the stage and hugged the handsome hero to millions and the superstar with whom she shares a special friendship. As the guests shifted from the VIP reception area to the area of the museum where collection of stuffed elephants and other animals are on exhibit, holding Brook's gloved hand, Michael, an unabashed animal lover, sled the tour and mingled with celebrity guests. He carried with him the special bound copy of the Guinness Book of World Records, which had been presented him earlier by Norris McWhirter, editor of the Guinness Book, who said: "We stopped the presses for Michael at 23 million. But now he is already on 24 million."

1989 - Michael Jackson paid a visit to Cleveland Elementary School to see the children and families effected by the massacre occurred on January 17, 1989, at Cleveland Elementary School in Stockton, California, United States.

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Michael had just returned from his Bad World Tour. He arrived at the school to comfort the surviving children by giving them confidence to view the world more positively after such a traumatic experience. Michael visited two children who were still hospitalized and met with the other children at a nearby church.

Fans gathered outside the hospital, church and school never saw Michael. He entered through back entrances accompanied by bodyguards. He wore black pants with multiple zippers and buckles, a black & red military jacket. He handed out gifts to each child, an autographed photo, a BAD tour t-shirt, and a BAD cassette.

Patrick Purdy may have destroyed many lives that day, but Michael Jackson's presence helped bring more attention and compassion to the victims than anybody else on planet Earth could have done in a hundred years.

Michael Jackson visits each classroom from the "Cleveland Elementary School" in Stockton, California, the parents of the children at the nearby Central United Methodist Church, as well as the children checked in the hospital, 3 weeks after a gunman had fired 100 bullets into a playground, then committing suicide. 5 children were murdered and 39 injured during the attack.

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The pop star arrives to comfort the surviving children by giving them the confidence to view the world more positively subsequently to the traumatic experience. 8 year-old Thahn Tran, who had lost his younger brother during the massacre, speaks about the effect Jackson’s visit had on him: "I didn’t want to go back to school, but Michael made it all right again. If he goes there, it must be safe. Michael is my friend and I’m very glad.", sharing the sentiments of other children there, according to Diane Batres, a counselor from the district support unit. In addition to making another visit to the nearby church hosting the injured ones from the attack and the parents of the dead – to whom he offers words of sympathy, signs plaster casts on the wounded youngsters’ legs, while chatting and joking to them.

Michael makes another stop at the "San Joaquin General Hospital", and talks to two wounded children under treatment there. 7-year-old Alice Montejano says, while raising her autographed picture: "I’m not frightened about going back to school now, because Michael will keep all of those bad men away". Afterwards, Michael Jackson says the following to the children in the mentioned hospital: "You are very brave. When you are better, perhaps you will come and visit my private zoo." Vice-Mayor of Stockton, Ron Coale, has this to declare on Jackson’s goodwill visits: "Words cannot say how much turmoil this town had been through over the past few months. Michael Jackson’s visit has helped us to try and overcome it a little."

1998 - Michael has dinner with Lisa Marie at the Ivy Restaurant in Los Angeles.

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2003 - Michael decides to cancel the press conference with Gavin's mother, Janet Arvizo and return to Neverland to give an interview.

He leaves Miami in a private Jet with Prince, Paris, Blanket, their nannies Grace & Patricia, his physician Dr Alex Farschian, Marie Nicole & Aldo Cascio, the bodygards Mike LaPerruque, Chris Carter & Danny Crawford as well as Gavin, Star; Davellin & Janet Arvizo.

2004 - Michael hires Raymone Bain as new official Spokesperson.

2005 - "At Large With Geraldo Rivera" T.V. Interview

2009 - Michael goes to the Bel Air Hotel for a business meeting with Dr Tohme.

Filed under  //   1975   1979   1984   1989   1998   2003   2004   2005   2009  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1970 - The Jackson 5ive are on top of Billboard Number One Hits Chart with I want you Back.

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The song, along with a b-side cover of Smokey Robinson & the Miracles' "Who's Lovin' You", was the only single from the first Jackson 5 album, Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5, released on October 7, 1969.

I Want You Back is one of the biggest hits of Motown, and certainly the record that cost him the more, the recording sessions, usually curled in a half-day is endless - it was not rushed the beginnings of the group.

Berry Gordy wrote in the chorus (The team with the Corporation), which was originally intended to Gladys Night, under the name of I Want To Be Free. The lyrics, which were not suitable for kids, are due to be reviewed and adapted.

I Want You Back is the first gold record in the group. The title enters the Billboard Hot 100 November 15, 1969, and in the Black singles chart 22 November 1969. It reached the # 1, stayed there for 4 weeks and remained in the chart for 80 weeks! The original song was released in 1969, shortly after the J5 had signed with Motown and just before the release of their debut album Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5.

I Want You Back is part of the list of choices of Michael during his tours, including the most recent, This Is It, since the title is included in the program all the shows since 1969!

It has sold 6 million copies worldwide. In 1999, "I Want You Back" was also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

1975 - We're Almost There, the first single off Michael's final Motown album, Forever, Michael was released.

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The song is a soul-type of ballad that sparked a departure from Michael's previous material which had included bubblegum pop. As Michael's voice matured, Motown found Holland brothers Brian and Edward, who wrote material to suit Michael, who had sung in a higher voice for most of the duration of his Motown (1969-1975) tenure. Performing more modestly, the song eventually peaked at #44 on the pop chart while hitting #7 on the R&B chart.

1979 - The Jacksons perform a concert in London, UK on Destiny tour.

The Jacksons performed Shake Your Body, Blame It On The Boogie & Destiny at Top Of The Pops. Mick Jackson finally meets the group who covered his song "Blame It on the Boogie", The Jacksons, when he performs "Weekend".



1984 - Jet magazine features Michael & Emmanuel Lewis on their cover with the story Michael Jackson, Emmanuel Lewis: Singer shares his success with those who inspire him.

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Michael arrives in NYC and takes a suite at the Hemsley Palace.

1995 - Michael & Lisa Marie visit lawyer Johnnie Cochran at his new office in L.A.

2003 - ABC's "20/20" aired the British documentary "Living With Michael Jackson."

Michael released a press statement regarding the Living With Michael Jackson:

"Today I feel more betrayed than perhaps ever before, that someone who had got to know my children, my staff and me, whom I let into my heart and told the truth, could then sacrifice the trust I placed in him and produce this terrible and unfair program," Jackson said in a statement released in London.

"Everyone who knows me will know the truth, which is that my children come first in my life and that I would never harm any child."

Debbie Rowe, Michael's ex-wife and mother of two of his children, was quoted as supporting him.
"It breaks my heart that anyone could truly believe that Michael would do anything to harm or endanger our children: they are the most important thing in his life," she said, according to the statement, released by a London public relations firm.

2009 - Michael goes to Dr Klein's in Beverly Hills.

Filed under  //   1970   1975   1979   1984   1995   2003   2009  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1971 -
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Almost two weeks before the Jackson 5 returned to Gary, Mayor of the City of Gary, Indiana, Richard Gordon Hatcher, honored Jackson 5 by issuing a proclamation changing the name of the street they had once lived on from "Jackson Street" to be "Jackson 5 Boulevard" for the week of January 25, 1971 though January 31, 1971, and encouraged citizens to give those young men a warm welcome back to Gary.
When the Jacksons landed in on January 31, they were presented with the new street signs in front of their old house at 2300 Jackson Street.
Source: j5collector

1975 - Michael Jackson performed We're Almost There on American Bandstand

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1975 - The Jacksons could be seen demonstrating parts of their family revue act on their second appearance on the Carol Burnett Show. Fans tuning in were treated to a funky lip-synch to Life of the Party from the recent Dancing Machine album, but also got a taste to what their parents and grandparents were getting in places like Las Vegas, with a tribute to vocal groups of the past; Mills Brothers, Andrews Sisters, Supremes, Sonny and Cher.

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1985 - Ken Kragen chaired a production meeting for We Are The World, at a bungalow off Sunset Boulevard. There, Kragen and his team addressed where the song would be completed by the supergroup of musicians. He stated,
"The single most damaging piece of information is where we're doing this. If that shows up anywhere, we've got a chaotic situation that could totally destroy the project. The moment a Prince, a Michael Jackson, a Bob Dylan—I guarantee you!—drives up and sees a mob around that studio, he will never come in."
On the same night, Quincy Jones' associate producer and vocal arranger, Tom Bahler, was given the task of matching each solo line with the right voice. Bahler stated, "It's like vocal arranging in a perfect world". Jones disagreed, stating that the task was like "putting a watermelon in a Coke bottle". The following evening, Lionel Richie held a "choreography" session at his home, where it was decided who would stand where.

1988 - Michael's Bad was chosen as the Favorite Soul/R&B Single at the 15th Annual American Music Awards, hosted by Whitney Houston, Barbara Mandrell, Mick Fleetwood, Barry Gibb, Maurice Gibb, Robin Gibb, Smokey Robinson, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles California. He was also nominated for Favorite Male Artist - Pop / Rock.

1993 - Michael opens the 20th American Music Awards ceremony with a performance of "Dangerous" at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, Ca.

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Michael glitters in American Music Award winning two trophies and his third special award Monday at the 20th annual American Music Awards.

For the 20th annual American Music Awards, presented on Monday, Michael had 5 nominations. But the audience got to see him before any winners were announced as he opened the award presentation with yet another dazzling performance of his Dangerous album title track. A man dropped to the floor from machine gun fire, revealing Michael standing directly behind him. Dressed in a black suit with spats and a fedora, Michael joined several dancers in a Smooth Criminal flavored performance of Dangerous featuring his usual fascinating choreography with plenty of crotch grabbing and carefully timed sound effects.

Michael won Favorite Soul/R&B Single for Remember The Time. He came from back stage to accept the award, having taken his hair down, and removing his tie. In accepting the award, he acknowledged the fans in the balcony:

Thank you very much. I love you up there. I'd like to thank everyone at Sony Music, especially Mr. Morita, Mickey Schulhof, Tommy Mattola, Dave Glew, Bruce Swedian, Quincey jones, Sandy Gallin, Jim Morey, and of course, all my fans. I love you.
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Amidst the performances and award presentations, Elizabeth Taylor, recovered from a respiratory infection, returned to public life by presenting Michael's honorary award. She announced the recipient of the first ever International Artist Award narrating a video tribute to Michael featuring footage from his videos and live performances from both the Bad and Dangerous tours. She then introduced a taped message from another of Michael's friends and fans, Eddie Murphy:
Hi, Michael. Knowing how uncomfortable you feel when someone says something nice to you right up in your face, I went 3,000 miles away to do this. Now, the inscription on your award says, 'In recognition of his record-breaking international concert tours, and his album sales, and his heartfelt efforts to make this world a better place, the American Music Awards presents its first International Artist Award to Michael Jackson January 25, 1993.' In addition the American Music Awards are proud to announce that when the award is given in the future, it will be known as 'The Michael Jackson International Artist Award.' So, congratulations Michael, I know you better be smiling from ear to ear. I know you better smile bigger than that, I want to see gums! Congratulations.
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Elizabeth Taylor then called Michael to the stage from his front row seat at the Shrine Auditorium. He had now changed into a black leather jacket and removed his sunglasses before going on stage. The crowd was on their feet and cheering as Michael began to speak. Michael used the stage to spread a message of love:
I love you very much, Elizabeth Taylor. Teddy Riley, you are a genius. Thank you Eddie, thank you all my friends. Traveling the world has been a great education for me and if there is one insight I've had it is this, wherever you go, in every country, on every continent, people yearn and hunger for only one thing, to love and be loved. Love transcends international boundaries and it heals the wounds of hatred, racial prejudice, bigotry, and ignorance. It is the ultimate truth at the heart of all creation. I would also like to thank God, and my mother and father, Katherine and Joseph Jackson. Thank you once again, I love you all.
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Michael, who had now removed the black leather jacket came from the wings and was brief in his acceptance. "I really wasn't expecting to win. Thank you again Teddy Riley, the public, I love you very much. Thank you."

Having won in two of the five categories in which he was nominated and being named the International Artist of the Year, Michael was the night's big winner. Michael also received an honorary Merit award in 1984 and an Achievement award in 1989. He now has 14 of the awards in competitive categories.

1996 - Michael Jackson was named Hype Of The Year in "Rolling Stone's" Critics Poll.

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Michael goes to The Motown Cafe in New York with his make-up artist Karen Faye.

1997 - Michael waves 85% of the $5 to $6 million ticket receipts from a concert held on November 1, 1996 in Bombay, India, and donates 1,1 million dollars to a local NGO educating children dwelling in slums - "Shiv Udyog Sena" - the sum also helping to create jobs for 270,000 young unemployed people in the state of Maharashtra, Bombay; on arriving in Bombay, the singer asks to stop in order to converse with children playing in the crowded slums for 20 minutes, according to Indian journalist, Hema Shukla.

2002 - Michael's INVINCIBLE album goes two times Multi Platinum in the USA with sales over 2 million. INVINCIBLE was certified double platinum by the RIAA.

Regina Jones interviewed Michael for the March 2002 issue of Vibe magazine at his Neverland Valley Ranch in Los Olivos.

2006 - Michael is spotted shopping in Manama.

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Michael, disguised as a Bahraini woman, wears an abaya, the traditional Arabic women's veil and all-covering gown, a white shirt and men’s shoes. His head and face were wrapped in a black veil and he also wore black gloves.

He was accompanied by Blanket, Prince, Paris & Grace, was seen leaving Marina Mall in the Bahrain capital, holding Blanket by the hand. On the way out a back door, he shook hands with security guards.

Filed under  //   1971   1975   1985   1988   1993   1995   1997   2002   2006  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1975 - Michael's fourth solo album, Forever, Michael, was released.

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This album was his final new studio album for Motown, came nearly two years after its predecessor, Music and Me. The album displayed a change in musical style for the sixteen-year-old, who adopted a smoother soul sound that he would continue to develop on his later solo records for Epic Records, but lacked the contemporary dance style that characteristic to Jackson 5ive.

Most of the tracks were recorded in 1974, and the album was originally set to be released that year. However, because of demand from the Jackson 5's huge hit Dancing Machine, production on Jackson's album was delayed until the hype from that song died down.

The album, with the length of over thirty minutes, is credited as having material with R&B, pop, soul and pop rock material. Edward Holland, Jr., Brian Holland, Hal Davis, Freddie Perren, Sam Brown III served as producers to Forever, Michael.

The album helped return Jackson to the top 40, aided by the singles We're Almost There and Just a Little Bit of You, both written by the Holland Brothers (Eddie and Brian) of Holland–Dozier–Holland.

This is the only Michael Jackson studio album that doesn't share a name with one of the songs on the album.

Unlike Jackson's previous studio albums released within the 1970s, the album was not commercially successful worldwide. Although it did shift nearly 100,000 copies in US more than MUSIC & ME. The album's sales were so disappointing that it became the final straw in the deteriorating relationship between the Jackson family and Motown records.

Chartwise, FOREVER, MICHAEL peaked at #10 R&B and #101 Pop in US and failed to register in the UK – Michael's worse showing to date.

The brothers, and Michael in particular, had been disappointed in the label's recent lack of support, and their refusal to let band members contribute song material. Joseph Jackson, convinced that his sons’ careers were being held back by Motown, began to look around for a better deal.

1984 - Michael Jackson won for the first time in the history of the American Music Awards 8 of the desirable trophies.

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The accolades began with his sweep of the 11th annual American Music Awards on Monday night, January 16th, winning a total of eight awards, including a special merit award. Michael received a record breaking ten nominations for the American Music Awards. THRILLER was nominated for Best Pop Album, and Best Soul Album. Billie Jean was nominated for Best Pop Single and Best Soul Single. Beat It and Billie Jean were both nominated for Best Pop Video and Best Soul Video. And finally, Michael was nominated for Best Pop Male Vocalist and Best Soul Male Vocalist.

Michael attended the award ceremony accompanied by Webster star Emmanuel Lewis and his date for the evening was Brooke Shields. He was dressed for the occasion in a red Sergeant Pepper-style military style jacket covered with red sequins, cropped tuxedo pants, black aviator glasses, with a single black sequin glove; an appropriate uniform for what, considering the scope of his popularity, equated to the showbiz variant of a coronation.

Michael approached the podium 8 times that night to accept awards, a new record. THRILLER was named Best Pop Album and Best Soul Album. Billie Jean won as Best Pop Single, and Beat It was named Best Pop Video and Best Soul Video. Michael took top honors as Best Pop Male Vocalist and Best Soul Male Vocalist.

For his first, which is the AMA for Favorite Pop SingleBeat It, he says the following: "I don’t what I [fans screaming] … would – I’m very thankful and I’m very honored for this award. I don’t wanna make a long speech, I’m just – thank you very much. Bye. [smiles]”

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His second award that night is for Favorite Soul AlbumThriller, for which he states: “Thank you very much. I’m deeply moved again to – to win this award. I’d like to thank Quincy Jones who’s a wonderful producer, and my mother and father who are in the audience - which I love very much - who brought me into the world. And I also thank the American public. Thank you.”

For Favorite Pop AlbumThriller, he has this to say: “[…] Again I – I’d like to thank everybody… thank you [smiles]. I’m – I’m deeply moved by accepting this award. And it was so much fun doing the album, ‘Thriller’. And I’d like to thank again Quincy Jones, and Bruce Swedien who’s the greatest engineer in the world. And, also, Rod Temperton and James Ingram for writing ‘PYT’ with Quincy Jones - thank you. And again, my mother and father who… taught me so much. And again I’d like to thank the disc-jokeys who played the record, ‘cause if it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t be here, so.. And I also would like to thank the public. Thank you very much.”

In addition to these awards Michael was honored for his lifetime career achievements as the year's recipient of the Award of Merit. The Award of Merit was presented to Michael by Diana Ross and by the previous year's winner, Kenny Rogers. Barry Manilow also took part in the tribute, singing Ben and a medley of Jackson 5ive hits. The presentation featured video taped messages from Michael's closest friends, including Liza Minnelli, Katherine Hepburn, and Jane Fonda, who had this to say:

Michael, I can't tell you how many times I've studied your tapes, trying to figure out what it is you do. I've decided you are a miracle. You have so much talent, the more you give of it, the more you seem to have. I'm so proud of you... and so proud to be your friend.
Winning the award at age 25, Michael is the youngest performer to ever receive the Award of Merit.

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On receiving the special American Music Award Of Merit from singer/actress and long-time friend, Diana Ross, he declares: “Thank you. Thank you very much. I’m so deeply touched and deeply honored to receive this wonderful - Gosh, wonderful award… I thank you, American public; I thank Berry Gordy of Motown, who has been such an important part of my career and life. I thank again my mother and father who brought me into the world – Joseph Jackson and Katherine Jackson. I thank all my brothers – Tito, Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Randy, who I started with… and still am with. I thank Susanne de Passe who has been such an important influence in my life and has taught me so much. Thank you, Susanne. Quincy Jones is a wonderful person, not only is he an incredible producer, he is a wonderful man, he is such a family person, and I love him and we have made history together and I’m thankful. I thank one of my favorite people in the whole entire world, Miss Diana Ross and… she’s been such a special friend to me and taught me so many incredible, important things… and I’m so honored that she came here… I just hope I didn’t leave anybody out, I just – boy, the American public and I thank all the disc-jokeys and everybody, I love you so much and thank you.”

On winning the Favorite Soul Video award for Beat It: “This is wonderful. [To La Toya] Come here.. This is my sis.. oh, Bob Giraldi! [laughs] [who joins him on stage]. This is my sister, La Toya, I’m so honored she’s here, I didn’t know she was gonna bring this award. Working on ‘Beat It’ was a great experience. I had so much fun doing it, and this is my director, Bob Giraldi, whom I chose to be… I’ve put all my heart and my soul in my work and I’m so happy and honored that I won this wonderful award. Thank you.”, declares Jackson, more excited with each new award.

For Favorite Pop VideoBeat It, he is joined again on stage by director Bob Giraldi. “Again, I’d like to thank everybody. I’m so moved and so honored again… Thank you very much. I love you all. And one more – thank you, Michael Peters, you’re a wonderful person. Thank you.”, says Jackson.

On winning the American Music Award for Favorite Soul Male, the entertainer declares: “Again, I’m deeply moved and I really appreciate it, and the girls in the balcony, I love you, you’re wonderful. [laughs mildly] An important – an important chemistry in writing a song is inspiration and I’m holding one of inspirations – Emmanuel Lewis [best known for playing the title character in ‘Webster’].”.

For his last award that night, the Favorite Pop Male AMA, he smilingly concludes: “Thank you very much. It’s nothing more I can say, I love you all. Good-bye.”

1989 - Michael Jackson in concert at the Memorial Sports Arena in Los Angeles, US.

1993 - Michael attends the NAACP Image Awards with Katherine in Pasadena, California.

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Michael Jackson is presented with the 'Outstanding Music Video Award' for the socially conscious song, Black Or White. He also receives the '25th Silver Anniversary Entertainer Of The Year Award' at the 25th "National Association for the Advancement of Colored People" event (NAACP Image Awards).

Michael Jackson, Entertainer of the Year, brought down the house just standing on stage. The crowd didn't let him get away -- "I wasn't prepared to sing," he protested, till Patti Laell struck up his tune. And of course, he had to oblige. Patti Labelle sings "Will You Be There" with Michael joining for the last verse.

Michael's acceptance speech:

"First I’d like to say ‘Thank you’ to my mother. Thank you for giving me life — I really mean that.

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There are two things which the NAACP stands for which are the most important things in my life: freedom and equality. In every person, there is a secret song in their heart. It says: ‘I am free!’, it sings: ‘I am One!’. This is the natural feeling of every child. To be free as the wind, to be one with every other child. All the troubles in the world are caused by forgetting this feeling.

And when I perform, my connection with people is to just remind me of that: to be free and to be One. In this spirit the NAACP has done its cherished work.

Thank you for having the faith to see that I share your work — for I deeply feel I do.
I accept this award on behalf of the world’s healing. When all our brothers and sisters will be as free and equal as we are today.

I love you so much and I am very honoured, and thank you for this award.

Thank you so much."

2009 - Michael Jackson Immortalized in Wax
Michael Jackson's new wax figure is unveiled at Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum in New York City.

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2001 - Dame Elizabeth Talks About Michael

Special guest and living legend Dame Elizabeth DAME ELIZABETH joined Larry King for an exclusive interview. Dame Elizabeth talked about her extraordinary life and career. Larry asked Dame Elizabeth about her friendship with Michael Jackson.

Please find below part of the transcript taken from this interview as reported on CNN's Website.

LARRY KING: The friendship with Michael Jackson.
DAME ELIZABETH: Yes?
LARRY KING: What? And how did that begin? Well I mean, you seem on different planes
DAME ELIZABETH: No! Why do you say that?
LARRY KING: You just seem on different planes. He's a very shy...
DAME ELIZABETH: No. We were both child stars.
LARRY KING: OK.
DAME ELIZABETH: We had no childhood, either one of us. We were brought up by tutors. We had no children of our own age to play with or relate to. We were performing the whole time. He was on the stage; I was on the...
LARRY KING: The screen.
DAME ELIZABETH: ... the soundstage. We would go home. I, in my case, I would learn my lines, learn my homework, get up early in the morning. I would go out to the polo field, where they had 40 jumps set up, and to get some of my steam off as a little girl I would take 40 jumps before I would go into work.
LARRY KING: And he had the same kind of life, in a sense. He had to get up and take the bus to wherever they went to the next concert or...
DAME ELIZABETH: Yes and get his steam off dancing.
LARRY KING: But we don't -- we know you. Look at you. We don't know Michael, do we?
DAME ELIZABETH: No.
LARRY KING: What don't we know about him we should know?
DAME ELIZABETH: He's so tender. He is so compassionate. He hurts, literally pains for other people's suffering. If there is -- like -- the starvation of children in this country, in India, in Africa...
LARRY KING: He feels it. It's not just a...
DAME ELIZABETH: He reaches out. I've been to the Orient with him. And he says: "Roll down the window! Roll down the window!" He reaches his hands out and just touches a baby's face. Oh, you beautiful thing, and he just wants to give that baby everything, his life. He'd give him all his money if he could, and the car keeps on moving. And he'll turn back: Oh, look at that baby.
LARRY KING: We'll get a break and come right back with Dame Elizabeth, Elizabeth DAME ELIZABETH. What -- what a life!
Filed under  //   1975   1984   1989   1993  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1969 - Motown releases the first album of the Jackson 5, Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5.

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The album featured 12 songs, and only single was “I Want You Back”. The album was a successful debut worldwide, charting at number 5 in the US pop charts, in february 1970, and #1 in the R&B chart, number 16 in the UK and staying in the charts for four weeks. It sells more 600000 copies in the United States, an exceptionnal number for a first LP.

The majority of the album was produced by Bobby Taylor, true discoverer of the group, and the Corporation™ in 1968 in Chicago. The Corporation™ would work on The Jackson 5’s next seven albums for Motown. During spring and summer 1969, the latter chose to make them sing soul music standards, in order to coach them, but also to prove to the Motown big boss, Berry Gordy, their capacities.

So, besides the anthem I Want You Back, produced by The Corporation (Gordy, Perren, Mizell, Richards), the album contains several covers from the Detroit's compagny : The Four Top's Standing in the Shadows of Love, Stevie Wonder's My Cherie Amour, The Temptations' (I Know) I'm Losing You, a wonderful treatment of Smokey Robinson's Who's Lovin' You, but also a Walt Disney Them, in album's opening, Zip A Dee Doo Dah, and Sly & the Family Stone's Stand!. The album also includes one of their debut Steeltown songs, You've Changed.

All instrumentation was made before the 5 brothers stepped in the studio, to the great displeasure of Tito and Jermaine, who didn't play guitar and bass. When, in 1976, Michael was asked why this LP was called "Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5", he responds : "That's it, Diana didn't discovered us, but it was made to believe it. As she presented us to the public, it's not really a lie".

In order to promote the album, the Jackson 5 made their second important tv appearance, in the famous Ed Sullivan Show, with the well advised eye of Diana Ross, from that time, a name forever associated with the Jackson 5.

1975 - The Jackson 5 in concert, San Carlos, California.

1979 - The Jacksons' Destiny tour was concluded at the Forum in Englewood in Los Angeles, USA.

The second leg of the Jacksons' Destiny tour began in New Orleans on October 2nd, while Off The Wall was climbing up the charts, and songs from the new album were added to the set list to keep the show up to date.

When the tour ended with a series of shows at The Forum in Los Angeles, the last one being on December 18, 1979, Michael wanted to stop touring altogether. Besides the nose injury, he had suffered voice trouble that forced some shows to be canceled.

With Off The Wall now a certified hit, his career was truly beginning to eclipse that of the group's, which only served to deepen the already growing divisions between him and his brothers.

The whole Jackson family attends the concert and Michael is presented with platinum records for Off The Wall.

1988 - Michael perform 5th of 9 dates at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo during the Japanese leg of Bad tour.

1989 - Reports confirmed that Michael's planned greatest hits album, "Decade", was shelved due to an avalanche of new material, prompting thoughts of a brand new album instead, much to the delight of his fans.

1992 - Michael visits Disneyland Tokyo.

1993 - Gone Too Soon reached #33 in the UK singles chart, which was released on December 1, 1993—World AIDS Day—as the 9th and final single from the Dangerous album. It become Michael's 9th Top 40 hit from the one album (Dangerous).

1995 - Michael goes resting at Disneyland Paris in Marne-la-Vallee, France, taking with him the Cascio kids (Frank, Eddie, Dominic Jr, Aldo & Marie Nicole) and nephews.

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2004 - Michael open the gates of Neverland to over 200 children, inviting them for a holiday party, to enjoy a day at his fairy-tale ranch; to play on the amusement park rides and miniature train ride, see its zoo, and watch movies.
Dressed in an impeccable black suit with swirling white embroidery at the shoulders (and the ubiquitous umbrella), Michael personally welcomed the children home, basking in their adoration, he greeted them saying: "I and my family are wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful, Happy New Year!"

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For many children it was a dream come true when they met Michael Jackson. Some of the enthusiastic statements heard from the smiling faces of the children, ages 3 years to 17 years, sounded as follows:
"This has made our Christmas."

“This is a dream come true.”

"To us, Michael Jackson is bigger than Santa Claus."

“Never in our wildest imaginations did we think that we would get a chance to say hello to Michael Jackson.”

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Filed under  //   1969   1975   1979   1989   1992   1993   1995   2004  

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.

Filed under  //   1975   1979   1985   1991   2000   2001  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1975 - Michael performed solos of Forever Came Today, All I Do Is Think Of You, One Day In Your Life, Just A Little Bit Of You & We've Got Forever at the 5th episode of the season 4 of Soul Train Show.

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On January 27th, 2010, Sony Pictures Entertainment released the official DVD, Michael Jackson In Soul Train which contain appearances by the King Of Pop(including the J5 and Jacksons) during the Soul Train TV(shows and award shows) between 1972 and 1995. It include a 24 pages booklet. This zone 2 DVD is released in Japan only.

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

1984 - The Jacksons perform Victory tour at Canadian National Exhibition Stadium in Toronto, Ontario [Canada] attending 35,000.

1992 - Michael Jackson visited a doctor about his throat problems. He later flew to Los Angeles and cancelled the last six dates of his European tour.

2005 - Michael is at the Dorchester Hotel in London with Grace, Prince, Paris, Blanket, Raymone, attorney Thomas Mesereau & Crown Prince of Bahrain, Prince Abdullah.

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It all started with rumors that Michael Jackson would come to London and ended with the dreams of some fans coming true - to see Michael Jackson.
No confirmation regarding Michael Jackson being in London was ever released, but that didn’t stop fans from gathering outside the very expensive Dorchester Hotel. Raymone Bain was spotted there with Grace Rwamba (the nanny of Michael’s children).
But even more interesting are two more people new to the crowd: Atlanta music business attorney Joel Katz and Island/DefJam Records chairman Antonio L.A. Reid. Sources say that Katz has come to represent the Prince in a deal that would fund a record label for Jackson at Island/DefJam’s parent, Universal Music Group.
Not a lot of fans were outside the hotel during the day but as the rumors about Michael being in London seemed to become more and more truthful, the crowd started to grow.
One person, who works at the Dorchester hotel in central London, said to the fans that Michael Jackson was indeed there with his children this week. They also said to the fans that Michael would come out soon and possibly be ready to meet his fans.
Later in the day barriers were built outside the hotel, causing some movement amongst the fans.
More fans arrived and started to gathering where no barrier was in place. People from security tried to keep fans behind the barriers by saying; if fans crossed the barrier they would be arrested.
When Michael wanted to come out to greet his fans, he was mobbed by 100s of fans and was pushed back inside as soon as he left the hotel.
After Michael managed to leave the hotel, fans went to the Metropolice Record Studio and waited for Michael there. When Michael arrived he got on top of his car allowing everybody to see him. Once again Michael Jackson was mobbed by the crowd of fans.
Reporters said Michael will stay in London till Friday 3am.
Source: eMJey

2008 - A huge comic book collector, Michael brought his three kids for a comic book shopping spree at Golden Apple comic book store on Melrose Avenue (Los Angeles) that resulted in piles of comic purchases.

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Halloween comes early as the singer took his three children - Prince Michael, 11, Paris, ten, and Prince Michael II, six - shopping this week dressed as masked Halloween characters.
The family, who are rarely seen in public, browsed a comic book store together after slipping in through a back door. Michael was in a surgical mask, giant black sunglasses and a hooded jumper during the entire outing.
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But, the children removed their masked once inside the store, giving onlookers a rare glimpse at their faces. Prince Michael wore cream shorts, white trainers and a black hooded jacket on the outing while sister Paris wore a red jumper, shirt and black trousers. Jackson's third child Prince Michael II, pictured with long black hair, green pyjamas and a dark coat.

Michael has moved back to California (staying at the Bel Air Hotel in L.A) and is looking for a new place to rent.

Filed under  //   1975   1979   1984   1992   2005   2008  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1975 - The Jacksons in Concert, Mount Vernon, NY. Mount Vernon ‘Forever Came Today’ date billed as ‘The Labor Day Concert’,
with special guest stars Tavares.

1984 - The Jacksons perform Victory tour at JFK Stadium, Philadelphia [Pennsylvania, USA] attending 60,000.

On the day the Jackson's came to town, Randy and Tito showed up at Childrens Hospital to meet sick children. That night the Jacksons would take the stage at JFK for the first night.

They did. With the low stage , fans in the front row could almost reach out and touch Michael Jackson. He was only 5 feet away! Fans in the back had to strain their necks to get a view. The moon walk made fans roar with approval. Their were chairs on the field of JFK Stadium. That was something that had not been done before. However, no one sat in them. In fact, people stood on them for this show. Security was strict, making sure no one snuck up front.

Songs played included "Torture" and of course Michael played some solo material. He was riding high from the Thriller album and played many songs from it. Such as "Billy Jean" and " Pretty Young Thing". The show lasted about two hours. There were special effects such as dry ice smoke and an elaborate light show. During the concert, Michael did not really converse with the crowd.

Modern Screen magazine featured Michael on their cover with the story MICHAEL's Tour Has The Country Jumping!

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1987
- Michael Jackson's album "Bad" was released in U.K.
During its first week in the UK it outsold the #2 album HITS 6 by an unprecedented margin of 10:1, shifting 350,000 copies – a record. BAD debuted at #1 and held the top for 5 weeks and remained on the charts for 109 weeks consecutively. BAD was the best selling album of 1987. To date it has accumulated 115 (+2?) weeks on the UK’s album chart – Michael’s third straight release to top two years. Unusually, in UK, BAD outsold THRILLER – with sales hovering around the four million mark, it has turned thirteen times platinum. BAD is generally recognised as the UK’s no.3 best selling album of all time.

1994 - Bravo magazine featured MJ & Lisa on the cover.

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Filed under  //   1975   1987   1994  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1975 - Michael's single Just A Little Bit Of You hit #23 in the U.S Pop Singles Chart, became his biggest solo hit in 3 years. The single was released from Michael's 4th album Forever, Michael, released when he was 16 years old.

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Written by: Brian Holland & Edward Holland, Jr.
Producer by: Hal Davis

1984 - The Jacksons perform Victory tour ar Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA attending 48,783.

1988 - Michael performs Bad World tour at Camp Nou stadium, Barcelona, Spain.

2001 - In a Los Angeles dance studio, Michael starts rehearsing a medley with his 5 brothers for the upcoming New York concerts.

Filed under  //   1975   1984   1988   2001  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1974 – The Jackson 5 perform in Chicago, at Illinois Mill Run Theater (7 shows)

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Jackson 5 perform at the Mill Run

1975 – The Jackson 5 announced that they were leaving Motown for Epic. They changed their name to the Jacksons since Motown owned the name the Jackson 5.
The Jackson family, minus Jermaine, held a press conference at the Rockefeller Center’s Rainbow Room on June 30, 1975, to announce their new contract with Epic.
Jermaine’s position in the group was still in question, though they were hoping he would ultimately side with them.

Earlier that week, Motown’s lawyers informed them that they held the copyright to the name “Jackson 5″, and threatened to sue if that name was used at all. The group soon decided to use the name “The Jacksons”.

With nine months left to go in their Motown contract, Joseph refused to let the group record more material for the label, prompting Motown to file a lawsuit against them. The Jacksons counter-sued the label for the right to leave the label.
A week after the press conference, at the group’s next live date (at Westbury Music Fair in Long Island, July 6th), Jermaine performed with the group in the first of two performances

However, during the break, he received a phone call from Berry Gordy, who told him to leave the group there and then, which he did. The group went on without him, but the family was deeply hurt by Jermaine’s decision, especially Joseph, who had always resented Gordy’s patriarchal relationship with his sons.

Jermaine remained at Motown as a solo artist he was released from his contract upon request in August 1983, in time for him to rejoin his brothers for their Victory album and tour. Little brother Randy, performing as a non-official member since 1972, stepped in to become the fifth official Jackson, while Marlon took over Jermaine’s existing lead vocal spots in their older songs.

1992 – Michael Jackson performs his Dangerous World Tour at Rotterdam [The Netherlands] Feyenoord Stadium.

2005 – Michael, Grace & the kids leave Paris and go to Manama, the capital of Barhain as guests to Prince Abdullah (a friend of Jermaine).

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It is made public on June 30, that Michael Jackson began a vacation at a prince’s palace in the tiny Gulf kingdom of Bahrain, his first trip overseas since being acquitted of child molestation charges, an official close to the royal circle said Thursday.

Jackson and his three children arrived on a private plane from Europe on Wednesday night for an indefinite stay, said an official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because private visits involving the royal family are not authorized to be announced.

2008 – A new Akon & Michael Jackson collaboration called “Hold My Hand” leaked to YouTube and various other internet sites, but was removed within 36 hours.
The song features both Akon and Michael Jackson on lead vocals, with Michael singing the first verse of the song, backing vocals and ad-libs.
Akon’s representative at the time of the leak stated that Akon’s forthcoming album had not been completed, and as such there was no word whether or not “Hold My Hand” would make Akon’s album.

In an interview in July, Akon stated that “Hold My Hand” would actually be Michael Jackson’s first single. The writer of the song, Claude Kelly, was interviewed by Billboard in July and said that “Hold My Hand” was due to appear on both Akon and Michael’s new albums.

Filed under  //   1974   1975   1992   2005   2008  

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