Today in MJJ HIStory

1969 - The Jackson Five’s contract with Motown records did not come into effect until March 11, 1969, after negotiations were made to buy out the existing Steeltown contract.

1976 - The Jackson 5's Motown contract has expired and their CBS/Epic contract, come into effect on March 11, 1976.

It was the beginning of a new chapter in Michael’s education. Despite the contentious nature of the lawsuits between Motown and the group, he was impressed by Gordy’s acumen in registering the name “Jackson 5″ under trademark, and was beginning to learn about business and law in a serious way, knowledge he would someday wield with great capability.

Filed under  //   1969   1976  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1974 - Michael Jackson and Donny Osmond co-hosted the first annual American Music Award show with Rodney Allen Rippy and Ricky Segall.

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The AMAs were created by Dick Clark in 1973 to compete with the Grammys. While the Grammy Awards are awarded based on votes by members of the entertainment industry, the AMAs nominations based only on sales and airplay and the awards are determined by a poll of music buyers, and as a result is more of a representative of public opinion.

Michael and Donny Osmond present the award for "Favorite Soul/R&B Band" to The Temptations, while Ricky Segal and Rodney Allen joined them to present the award for "Favorite Pop/Rock Band" to the Carpenters.

1976 - The performance of the Final Jackson 5 Tour takes place in Manila.

The group was still performing under the name "Jackson 5" for the time being, while they waited for their contract to expire in March. Their last performances under the old name would be in the Philippines, just before coming home to give testimony in the case against Motown.

1977 - The Jacksons took in the 19th annual Grammy Awards held at the Hollywood Palladium, Los Angeles, California.

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Before introducing the nominations for the Best Female Rhythm & Blues Vocal Performance, they performed a little ditty to explain the category, with each brother doing a short rap. The Jacksons present an award to Nathalie Cole for "Sophisticated Lady (She's a Different Lady)".

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1979 – The Jacksons perform their Destiny Tour in Leeds, UK.

1984 - Michael is on the cover of CIAO 2001 Magazine [Italy].

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1992 - During a private visit to London, Britain, Michael Jackson throws down from the Dorchester Hotel window a sheet of paper with the following words for his fans:
“I truly truly love you all very, very much. I can’t wait to see you all in Summer, I love England, you will always be in my heart forever, and ever. I’m going to sleep now, ‘cause I have an early flight back to America. I adore you all. I love you. Michael Jackson.
In a separate sheet, he also writes:
“Lets (sic) “heal the world” together, the children, the animals and the ecology. Love Love Love, M.J. I want to hear you’ve got my letter (illegible).”
On the same occasion, Michael Jackson and a young cousin also throws down a sheet of paper to ecstatic fans from the top of the building, that reads: "I love you soo much. Michael Jackson.” A playful Jackson also a throws down a T-shirt to them, as well as a bed sheet with the words: “I love you with all my heart. Let’s heal the world. I love you. Michael Jackson.”

1994 - Michael and the whole Jackson family (except LaToya) reunited for The TV Special "Jackson Family Honors" benefit at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. His date for the evening was Lisa Marie Presley.

When Michael took the stage to present two lifetime achievement awards to the night's honorees, Berry Gordy, founder of the Motown record label, and Elizabeth Taylor, he drew a nearly 5-minute standing ovation from a crowd of 12,000 fans. He has this to say on introducing his good friend:
"Today we honor Elizabeth Taylor for who she is, as much as what she does. For me, Elizabeth Taylor is the ultimate humanitarian, because she is the embodiment of love, compassion, faith, and integrity and she has been that ideal for hundreds and millions of fans over the five decades of her illustrious career.

Elizabeth began her career when she was nine years old and since then, has starred in some of the greatest of all American films. She has been, and she continues to be, one of the most celebrated women of the twentieth century. I know, from having the honor of being a friend of Elizabeth Taylor's, that she's in no need of another trophy or plaque to recognize her humanitarian work on behalf of the fight against AIDS.

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And I also know Elizabeth is here tonight not for any ego gratification, but because this gives her another chance to get the all important message out to the public. The message of AIDS awareness and the need for compassion and the efforts to find a cure. To the formation of AMFAR in 1986 and her own Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, no one has done more to fight this dreaded disease.

But in knowing Elizabeth, I know her reward comes from the work itself, from the small battles won in the all-out war, from the gains she's been responsible for by eliminating the problem for the world to see and from the unspoken things of the victims who's lives she has enhanced during their times on earth. In the midst of my recent trials and tribulations, Elizabeth stood by my side with unwavering strength and support. Elizabeth stands for truth. She's immune to criticism and unfearful to any challenge and places the highest truth in the wisdom of her own heart and the direct knowledge of her own intuition. She is not swayed by public opinion, because she knows in the end truth always triumphs.

Elizabeth, I love you and we honor you not only for what you stand for, but also for the magnificence of who you are. The world is a better place because of your existence. Because Elizabeth is so unselfish in her devotions to humanity, it is doubly fitting that she be the recipient of the Jackson Family Honors award."

Michael also joined his family in the finale, If You Only Believe.

1996 - Michael receives the special Artist of a Generation Award at the 16th edition of BRIT Awards.

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Michael Jackson performs “Earth Song” at the Brit Awards. It is Jackson’s first TV performance in England in over 20 years.

Unbeknown to Michael, however, while he was swinging out over the 4,000 strong celebrity audience on the end of a 30 foot crane, one Jarvis Cocker – frontman of the Britpop band Pulp – was up on stage, creating havoc.
Cocker was, it later emerged, protesting at the supposed ‘quasireligious’ nature of Michael’s performance. At the time, 25 children from two London schools were on stage, and allegedly as a result of Cocker’s actions four of them were hurt.

Michael later expressed his discontent over the incident, however, the controversy created by the performance has led to another rise in HIStory’s sales, putting the album back in the top 10 in Europe.

And following the performance, he informs the audience on the gravity of forest depletion, children deaths and famine, including alarming statistics such as areas of tropical forests being burned every minute, 3 million children dying every minute, or 300 children dying from hunger every minute, the singer requesting for unified involvement on behalf of people, joining him in these relief efforts. He reiterates this speech after performing the mentioned song at the 1996 World Music Awards in Monaco, Monte-Carlo.

Then, as he disappeared into a corridor of glowing white light, Irish singer, songwriter, author and political activist Bob Geldoff appears to presents Michael Jackson with a special Artist of a Generation Award at the 16th edition of BRIT Awards, for which he reads the following introductory speech:

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"Any words one speaks or writes are sort of reduntant in the face of what we've just seen and heard. He is probably the most famous person in the planet, God help him. He has also sold more records than anybody in the planet. And he has also written, recorded and performed some of the most glorious music in the pop canon. So, along with all the goff written about him, it is probably one such justification that he's continually referred to as the King of Pop. [...] They came up with the Artist of a Generation [award to give to him]. But Michael Jackson has been making music literally since he was baby. So, what generation? At least three had been listening to him already. And who will they give it to next year? Or is it the award in itself a one-off like the man himself? Because childhood prodigy to adult genius, when Michael Jackson sings, it is with the voice of angels, and when his feet move, you can see God dancing. So, tonight, the BRITs Artist of a Generation is: Michael Jackson."
On receiving the special award, Michael declares the following:
"I love you. Thank you – thank you BRITs Awards and Sir Bob (Geldoff). I’m humbled by this award. It is especially important coming from my wonderful family in the United Kingdom. You provided me with so much love and you’ve given me your loyalty and your support throughout my entire career, and a special thanks to Paul Russell… [To chanting fans] I love you.. I love you.. I love you all and especially, I love all my fans very much. Thank you.”

Inexplicably, as his HISTORY album was deemed a ‘greatest hits’ set (no matter it also included more than an album’s worth of new songs), Michael was ruled ineligible for any of the usual awards.

Filed under  //   1974   1976   1977   1979   1984   1992   1994   1996  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1976 - The Jackson 5, minus Jermaine, take part in a couple of skits and perform 'Forever Came Today' on Rich Little Show. In the same show "Welcome Back Kotter" spoof with Rich Little as Kotter and the Jacksons as The Sweathogs; and "Duck Soup" spoof with Rich Little and all the Jacksons playing Groucho Marx simultaneously.

1979 – The Jacksons perform their Destiny Tour in Glasgow, UK.

1997 - Michael Jackson performs at a tribute to Elizabeth Taylor for her AIDS benefit concert titled "Happy Birthday, Elizabeth" in Los Angeles, California.

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Elizabeth Taylor, who is facing surgery soon for a bening brain tumour, celebrated her 65th birthday in her characteristic glamour at a black-tie gala "Happy Birthday Elizabeth - A Celebration Of Life" at Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, with a star-studded cast of well-wishers. Michael, arrived as Liz's escort for the evening and sat by her side throughout. Michael was making his first appearance since the recent birth of his first son, whose godmother is Taylor. Michael sang Elizabeth, I Love You", which he wrote especially for the occasion.

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Michael gave a markedly sparse performance with out his usual pyrotechnics, props or supporting cast, with the exception of a child actress appearing at the beginning of the number who was representing Taylor as a girl.

The tribute aired on February 27, 1997 by ABC – TV

2004 - Michael, Grace, the kids, Omer Bhatti & Dr Sebi arrive in Old Snowman in Colorado where Michael has rented the Meanwhile ranch (close to Aspen).

2005 - Katherine, Joe & Jermaine visit Michael at the hospital before he goes back to Neverland to rest.

Filed under  //   1976   1997   2004   2005  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1970 - I Want You Back the Jackson 5ive's first single with Motown from their debut album, Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5ive, was released in late 1969 and the week of January 31, 1970, become their fist number one hit single on Billboard's pop singles chart, where it spent one week. The single also went to number one on Billboard's Black singles chart. And this was only the beginning.

The Jackson 5ive perform I Want You Back on Andy Williams Show

1971 - Goin' Back To Indiana

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For the first time since they moved to California, the Jackson 5ive returned to their hometown, Gary. They played two benefit concerts for the re-election campaign for Mayor Richard Hatcher. In return, January 31, 1971, was declared "Jackson Five Day" in Gary. A ceremony was held in front of the family's old home to officially rename their street from Jackson Street to Jackson Five Street.

They came via helicopter and landed in the football field at West Side High School, where their concerts were to be held.

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As part of homecoming, a plaque was placed at the University of Indiana stating that the Jackson 5ive gave "Hope to the Young". Their Congressman then presented them with the flag from the top of the State Capital.

At the City Hall, Mayor Hatcher presented Mr. Jackson and each of the J5 individual "keys to the city" of Gary. After the ceremonies at city Hall, the honorary denizens of Gary-namely the Jackson 5-rushed back to West Side High School, where they performed two concerts before a capacity crowd of more than 15,000 home town fans.

These award presentations and performances were filmed and later used in their TV special, Goin' Back to Indiana.

1976 - Michael Jackson attends the American Music Awards with Katherine, Janet, Randy & LaToya.

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1977 - Michael Jackson attends the American Music Awards at Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, Santa Monica, California, along with Janet, Fred "Rerun" Berry and Lola Falana. The Jacksons perform Good Times at the American Music Awards.

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1983 - Michael Jackson's "Thriller" was certified Gold and Platinum by the RIAA.

1993 - Michael performs a medley of Jam, Billie Jean, Black Or White and Heal The World at the Superbowl Halftime Show in the Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena (California) before an audience of 100,000 in the stadium and 133.4 millions on TV.

January 31, 1993 was Super Bowl Sunday. The Dallas Cowboys faced the Buffalo Bills for Super Bowl XXVII, but more important was halftime. The press had been barred from rehearsals, so no preview of the spectacular was included in any of the pre-game coverage. Expectations were high, and in fact the other networks didn't counter with any real competition for the Super Bowl audience. The 12-ton stage was assembled in under four minutes.

When the time finally came, a giant video screen counted down the last ten seconds and it was announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, Radio City Music Hall Productions and the National Football League are proud to preset an unprecedented Super Bowl spectacular starring Michael Jackson."

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Crowds of people gathered around the stage now set up on the middle of the field at the Rose Bowl. A giant video screen in the corner shows Michael dancing. There's an explosion and smoke rises from the top of the screen as Michael appears, dancing now on top of the screen. Just few seconds later the video screen at the opposite side of the field shows Michael again. And again he appears on top of the screen. Following this, fireworks go off at center stage and Michael jumps from beneath the stage and stands motionless amidst the fireworks, smoke, and cheers from the 102,000 fans packed into the stadium. Dressed in black with gold bands across his chest, his right arm in a brace, and wearing sunglasses, he stands virtually motionless for over one minute before turning his head and slowly removing the glasses. More fireworks go off and dancers join Michael on stage for a very short version of "Jam".

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He removes his jacket, having a white shirt and t-shirt on underneath. He reaches down for a black fedora that has been sitting on the edge of the stage, places it on his head and begins pumping his hips to "Billie Jean" adding a crotch grab or two to his choreography from Motown 25, complete with the requisite moonwalk.

During the crowd's wild response to "Billie Jean", Michael reaches behind his head and undoes his ponytail, letting his hair down for "Black or White". Smoke and wind machines add great effects to the performance. More fireworks are set off at the song's conclusion.

While it is announced that, "Ladies and gentlemen, the children of Los Angeles have created their own personal drawings as a gift to the children of the world," Michael puts his hair back into a ponytail and is handed a long black wand. As he points the wand at the crowd, all the people in the stadium, section by section, hold up cards which together with the cards of the rest of the people seated in that same section make up a youngster's drawing of a child. Then Michael addressed the crowd, his voice sounding unusually deep:

Today we stand together all around the world joined in a common purpose, to remake the planet into a planet of joy and understanding and goodness. No one should have to suffer, especially the children. This time we must succeed. This is for the children of the world.
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Thousands of young people lined the stage as Michael sang "Heal the World" and a huge inflatable globe rose from the center of the stage.

More fireworks ended the truly spectacular, and certainly unforgettable, halftime extravaganza.

With this, Michael made history again: Michael's Super Bowl half-time spectacular performance, televised live on TV, broke a record with the highest-ever viewership of 133.4 million viewers, unbroken up to today! A distinction, which also earned him an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records.

NBC recognized that Michael was pivotal in making the game the biggest TV attraction in Super Bowl history. Dick Ebersol, NBC Sports President, said of Michael's performance, "He was better than our wildest dreams... He's an enormous name with crossover appeal from kids to grandparents, an enormous curiosity even for those for whom he is not star." Some speculated that to top this halftime performance NBC would need to have Elvis Presley perform the next year!

2010 - Michael Jackson is honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 52nd Grammy Awards, held at the Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA.

Lionel Richie presents the Michael Jackson's Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award to Prince & Paris who give a short and emotional speech.

Filed under  //   1970   1971   1976   1977   1983   1993   2010  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1976 - A week after Michael gave his deposition, the versatility in the appeal of the Jackson 5 was evidenced by two separate television appearances that happened to be broadcast on the same day, Saturday, January 24, 1976. In the afternoon, they could be seen as the featured guests in their fourth appearance on Soul Train.

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That night, they made their third appearance on the Carol Burnett Show. Carol sings Anybody Named Jackson Is a Friend of Mine in this ninth-season episode of her long-running CBS variety show, only to be joined by five people named Jackson- the Jackson Five- who launch into Forever Came Today. Michael and his brothers return later in the show to perform Body Language with Vicki. Other highlights include the skit "Washington *****" (with Harvey as a senator, Carol as his unpredictable wife and Tim Conway as his campaign manager) and "Swiped Life" (a spoof of A Stolen Life, the 1946 Bette Davis-Glenn Ford movie about twins, one naughty, one nice). The closing number features Carol's Charwoman cleaning up a three-ring circus, pretending to be the star of various acts. She is joined in pantomime by legendary clown Emmett Kelly, who takes a seat while she signs "It's Only a Paper Moon" and "Look for the Silver Lining."

The group was still performing under the name "Jackson 5″ for the time being, while they waited for their contract to expire in March.

1979 - The Jacksons kick off the European leg of the Destiny World Tour in Germany with 3 concerts in Bremen.

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The Jacksons performing Blame It On The Boogie

1984 - The shooting of the first Pepsi commercial began.

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Michael & The Jacksons shoot a Pepsi commercial named Street directed by Bob Giraldi and featuring the group dancing in the street with a bunch of kids, including Alfonso Ribeiro & Siggy Jackson on a Pepsi version of Billie Jean.

One of the children is dressed as Michael from his Beat It video and is imitating moves when he moonwalks into the real thing. Young Alfonso Ribeiro looks absolutely astonished as he looks up into the eyes of the real Michael Jackson. The commercial ends with Alfonso and his friends joining Michael and the rest of the Jackson brothers in song and dance:

You're a whole new generation
You're dancing' through the day
You're grabbin' for the magic
on the run
You're whole new generation
You're loving what you do
Put a Pepsi into motion
The choice is up to you

Hey Hey you're the Pepsi Generation
Guzzle down and taste the thrill
of the day
And feel the Pepsi way
Taste the thrill of the day
And feel the Pepsi way
You're a whole new generation


The US$ 5 million endorsement contract was signed on November 11, 1983 between Michael Jackson, The Jacksons and Pepsi-Cola, involving sponsorship of the "Victory" tour and two TV commercials.

Michael lent his music to Billie Jean for use in the commercial, helped write the Pepsi lyrics, and performed the new jingle in the ad, but had it stated in his contract with Pepsi that he would not be filmed drinking, or even holding a bottle of Pepsi. It become a well known fact that Michael doesn't drink Pepsi. He has long been vegetarian and only eats and drinks natural foods. Bottled water, fruit juice, and carrot juice being among the few things he does drink.

1985 - After a day of rest, Jones shipped Richie and Jackson's vocal guide to all of the artists who would be involved in "We Are the World"'s recording. Enclosed in the package was a letter from Jones, addressed to "My Fellow Artists":

The cassettes are numbered, and I can't express how important it is not to let this material out of your hands. Please do not make copies, and return this cassette the night of the 28th. In the years to come, when your children ask, 'What did mommy and daddy do for the war against world famine?', you can say proudly, this was your contribution.
1989 - After only 2 weeks on release, "Moonwalker" is reported to have outsold "The Making of Michael Jackson's Thriller". With this, Michael broke his own record, pushing "The Making of Michael Jackson's Thriller" to the second position. Up to today, "Moonwalker" is the biggest-selling music video of all time followed by "The Making of Michael Jackson's Thriller" as the second biggest-selling music video of all time.

With this, Michael made history again. He holds the top 2 positions for the most selling music videos of all time.

1997 - Michael spends few days resting at Disneyland Paris in Marne-la-Vallee, France

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2007 - Michael has dinner with casino mogul Steve Wynn in a private room at Alex restaurant at the Wynn in Las Vegas as speculation grows the King of Pop will launch a comeback in Las Vegas.

Michael's friendship with Wynn, who transformed Siegfried and Roy into international stars with a performance at The Mirage - dates back decades. Michael was often a guest of Wynn at The Mirage, there were even talks to him to bring the singer to Las Vegas.

Filed under  //   1976   1979   1984   1985   1989   1997   2007  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1971 - The Jackson 5 attend the Salute to Muhammad Ali charity held at Hollywood Palladium, to raise money for the Los Angeles Brotherhood Crusade.

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1973 - The song Melodie was recorded by Michael Jackson, but it remained unreleased until it appeared – newly mixed – on Michael's album, FAREWELL MY SUMMER LOVE.

1976 - Michael and his brothers all gave sworn depositions in the Jackson 5′s counter-suit against Motown records. Recounting his private meeting with Berry Gordy nine months earlier, he described it as one of the most difficult things he had ever done in his life.

1997 - Michael stayed two weeks in the Tower Suite at the Montreux Palace in Montreux, Switzerland to complete work on his album Blood On The Dance Floor.

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Every day, he went to the Mountain Studios where he recorded the album. No way for him to pass by incognito, in his big limousine, surrounded by body guards!

The King of pop music liked Switzerland for having there all the calmness he needed for the recording of part of his album Blood on the Dance Floor. The album was produced while Michael traveled the globe on his HIStory World Tour. Thus, the songs were produced in a variety of countries that included Sweden, Switzerland and Germany.

After a divorce and a re-marriage, Michael records Blood on the Dance floor in the Mountain Studios in Montreux. It was the calm of this city which decided Michael Jackson to come and work in Montreux. The news of Michael's presence in town was spread out very quickly, and fans from all over Europe came to Montreux: They tried to see him day and night, gathering at the entrance of Montreux Palace and desperately hoping for a photo or an autograph, or just to see him. But Michael often used hidden doors or accesses for employees and soon disappeared in a limousine with dark windows.

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During his stay in Montreux, Michael Jackson wanted to acquire the house owned by the Chaplin family, former long-time residence of Charlie Chaplin, but his offer to buy the property was declined by the heirs of the famous artist.


2003 - Michael pays a last respect to Bee Gee's Maurice Gibb.

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Gibb, 53, died on January 12 after suffering cardiac arrest shortly before undergoing emergency surgery on a blocked intestine. Gibb's private funeral was held at Riverside Gordon Memorial Chapel in Miami Beach at noon and was followed by a cremation service.

The private funeral service for Maurice Gibb was attended by family and close friends, including his fraternal bandmates, twin brother Robin Gibb and Barry Gibb, Michael Jackson and Gibb's first wife, singer-actress Lulu.

An hour after the official funeral Barry and Michael went to the coffin to honor Maurice for the last time. Michael was wearing a turquoise suit and went in quickly protected by a black umbrella to show his friend the last respect.

Michael Jackson is a close friend of the Gibb family, and had been working on a song with the Bee Gees just prior to Maurice's sudden illness.

Filed under  //   1971   1973   1976   1997   2003  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1970 - The Jackson 5 perform at Cincinnati, Ohio on their first national tour.


STAR SPANGLED BANNER, America’s national anthem, performed by the Jackson 5 –accompanied by the Leman Monroe High School Band – at the opening game of the baseball World Series at the Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. In a later interview, Michael and his brothers admitted they didn’t know the words, and had to quickly learn them on the way to the stadium.

1976 - The Jacksons made a guest appearances on the new Sonny & Cher Show.

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1982 - Michael attends the wedding of Courtney Sale & Steve Ross with Quincy Jones & his wife Peggy.

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1987 - LOOKIN magazine [UK] featured Michael on their cover.

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1988 - Michael performs BAD tour at Richfield Coliseum in Cleveland [US].

1989 - Michael Goes Back To School

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Michael goes back to school when he visits Room 8 at the Gardner Street Elementary School in Hollywood, Los Angeles, where he attended sixth grade as a child. The school's auditorium had been recently refurbished to dedicate in his honor, renaming it 'The Michael Jackson Auditorium'. Michael's former 6th grade teacher, Mrs. Gerstin, and Mrs. Rose Fine, his tutor when he was on the road with the Jackson 5, both attended the dedication.

Michael Jackson's homecoming excited Gardner Street Elementary School pupils, who watched as the pop music superstar helped dedicate a remodeled auditorium named in his honor, symbol of then renamed Gardner Street Elementary School from Los Angeles, California.

Dressed in leather black pants and a red shirt covered in zippers, studs & buckles, and long black fingerless gloves arrived at the school Wednesday to students' squeals of "Michael! Michael!" and was guided into the building by police officers.

After several speeches by the school superintendent, PTA representatives, teachers, pupils and parents, Michael's former 6th grade teacher Laura Gerstin introduced Michael and presented him with "Michael Jackson Auditorium" plate - commemorative plaque: "It's an honor to present this plaque to you on behalf of the parents and faculty, past and present, of Gardner School as a token of our respect and our love for you not only as a performer, but as a fine human being."

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Michael spoke briefly as always, and has this to say on being honored: "First of all I'd like to thank my teacher, Mrs. Gerstin, Mrs. Rose Fine, she's another one of my teachers, she's here also and I'd like to thank her. I am deeply touched and honored that the PTA, principal and faculty members, and students have been so kind as to dedicate the Auditorium, where I sat as a child, in my honor.
We must never forget that the children are our future, and without them mankind would become extinct. I thank Mrs. Gerstin, I love you, and Ms. Rose Fine (the Jackson 5's former tutor), I love you, and the Garden Street School associates and all the children. I love you. Thank you."

Following the presentation of the plaque, a very happy student presented Michael with a key to the school. Michael then joined the choir in singing "We Are The World." A small crowd then moved outside as Michael unveiled the new letters on the face of the building identifying it as the Michael Jackson Auditorium.

Following the unveiling, Michael was given a tour of his former school. He visited his old classroom and autographed the wall with a marker, "Michael Jackson Love the Children". Epic official Lary Stesselm, Bob Jones and Bill Bray accompanied Michael.

Janique Hennessee, 11, said she was so excited to see Michael that she started crying, but Michael came up to her and dried her tears.

This is Michael Jackson's Class Photo Back in 1970

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Michael attends Gardner St. School as a 6th-grader from 1969 to 1970 (6 months) after the 11-year old singer and his four brothers first moved to California from their hometown of Gary, Indiana to begin their new lives as performers. At the time, the Jackson 5, who had recently been signed to the Motown record label, were on the cusp of super stardom. Young Michael goes to school during the day while recorded songs & performed with the Jackson 5 at night.
But, in January of 1970, after the Jackson 5 skyrocketed to fame, their single "I Want You Back" hit #1, and Michael's popularity made it so that he could no longer be a part of a normal school environment; with fans waiting for him outside or barge into the classroom, it became necessary to arrange for private tutoring. He withdrew from Gardner St. and from that point forward was home schooled by a private tutor named Rose Fine.

1992 - Michael Jackson Live in Bucharest aired and HBO network was rewarded with their highest ever TV ratings in the history(21.4% rating, 34% share). It later received the highest ratings in cable history, in which Jackson was honored with a CableACE Award.

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Film rights to the concert originally bought by HBO (Home Box Office), an American cable station, for a reported $20 million – the highest sum ever paid for a pop concert.

"He's not coming to America, he's coming to HBO" - Hyped the show as the only chance for U.S. fans to see Michael in concert, (he was still sticking to his story that he would not tour the US), the show was highly publicized by HBO.

The concert was broadcast live on radio and shown on television across 60 countries, too, giving fans unable to attend any of his concerts the chance to see Michael perform.

Concert recorded on 1st October 1992, in front of 70,000 fans, at Bucharest National Stadium in Bucharest, Romania.

Every detail of the show was, of course, nothing short of mesmerizing. His stage entrance was no exception. Smoke machines hid the stage behind a curtain of smoke and as fireworks suddenly exploded, Michael jumped from beneath the stage amid the sparks and smoke dressed in black, gold and silver. There he stood, absolutely motionless for almost two minutes, as the crowd went wild. He slowly removed his oversized mirrored sunglasses, tossed them aside and began to Jam, and his didn't stop jamming until two hours later with Man In The Mirror.

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.

2001 - Two days later, on October 10 www.cc.com confirmed that Michael will perform on Sunday, October 21, at RFK Stadium in Washington, DC at "United We Stand - What More Can I Give". A star-studded music spectacular to raise money in support of the recovery efforts from the September 11th attack on America.

Then Jackson recorded an all-star tribute to the Victims of September 11 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 did not release the song, much to Jackson's bewilderment.

The source added: "This song was to raise money for charity and there's no doubt that it had so many stars involved that it could have been a success."

Filed under  //   1970   1976   1982   1988   1989   1992   1993   1997   2001  

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