Feb 22
Feb 20
1998 - Michael goes to Seoul to attend the investiture ceremony of President Kim Dae Jung on the 25th.2003 - Michael strikes back!!!Fox aired outtakes from the controversial interview with Martin Bashir titled "Michael Jackson, Take Two: The Interview They Wouldn't Show You." The outtakes, coming from Michael's private camera man, will later be shown all around the world and showing closely how things really were and how much Martin Bashir commented Michael on his abilities as a father, Neverland etc... opposite to what was shown during his interview."The film shows extraordinary scenes of Martin Bashir praising the way Michael treats children and commenting on how good a father he is," a statement said."The Jackson footage clearly shows that Bashir was actually continuing to praise Michael's abilities as a father and [shows] Bashir making statements about how he feels it is a pity that the world is so quick to criticize Michael.""On the face of it, either Martin Bashir was lying to Michael or was misleading his audience on the voiceovers on the film," a statement said, adding that Bashir had been aware he was being filmed during his interviews.A verbal disclaimer repeatedly made known on behalf of the presenter of this rebuttal film, Maury Povich states that the singer had no control whatsoever upon the directing and producing of it. Part of the footage was not aired, because the videographer Hamid Moslehi refused to hand it over, owing to a financial dispute with Jackson. It was found by police in a search of Moslehi's home in November 2003, when the false allegations against Jackson rose, and showed the accuser's family praising Jackson for saving his life.Michael leaves for Miami with his children and they stay at Al Malnik's mansion. Three social workers come to Jay Jackson's to interview Gavin & his family. Once again they defend Michael and say nothing inappropriate ever happened.Chris Tucker's girlfriend Azja Pryor is there to support the family and after the interview she takes the children to Neverland while Vinnie takes Janet to a federal office in LA in order to obtain birth certificates of the family that they will need to get visas & passports for a planned trip.2006 - Visionary: The Video Singles; a series of 20 Michael Jackson's hit singles on video, is released on Europe.
The limited edition cover artwork for the boxset is a photomosaico using images from Michael's career.2008 - The "Thriller 25" album was released in Japan.
Today in MJJ HIStory
1979 – The Jacksons perform their Destiny Tour in Leeds, UK.1990 - At a breakfast press conference held at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, Michael was honored with the "Top Selling Artist Of The Decade" award by CBS Records for selling 110 million records during the 80's. CBS Records' Tommy Mattola presented Michael with the award, a figure of Michael in a pose from the "Smooth Criminal" video against a large disk reading "100 Million". Mattola reads a list of Michael's accomplishments and states, "If I stood here 10 years ago and told you any artist would accomplish what Michael Jackson accomplished, you would have probably laughed me off the stage." Michael attended the press conference dressed in red and black sequined military jacket, black gloves, and sunglasses.As usual, his thank yous were brief: "Thank you Tommy, and thank you ladies and gentlemen. I'm sure it won't surprise you that I'm gonna make this one short again, but I have to say, however, that no album sells itself. It's up to the people out there to buy it, and so, I not only want to thank CBS Records and Epic Records, but I especially want to thank everyone everywhere who helped make this award what it is, first a possibility, and now a reality. Thank you Quincy Jones, thank you Dave Glew, thank you Bruce Swedien, John Branca, Mother and Joseph, Walter Yetnikoff and Hank Caldwell. And all of the children of the world. I love you Goodbye."Among those in attendance were Michael's parents, Berry Gordy, Little Richard, Elton John, Gladys Knight, and Siedah Garrett.1992 - Michael Jackson and young friend, Brett Barnes, visit Hamleys Toy Store and Rock Circus on Piccadilly Circus in London, Britain.Bravo magazine featured Michael on their cover story: "General" Jackson
1998 - Michael goes to Seoul to attend the investiture ceremony of President Kim Dae Jung on the 25th.2003 - Michael strikes back!!!Fox aired outtakes from the controversial interview with Martin Bashir titled "Michael Jackson, Take Two: The Interview They Wouldn't Show You." The outtakes, coming from Michael's private camera man, will later be shown all around the world and showing closely how things really were and how much Martin Bashir commented Michael on his abilities as a father, Neverland etc... opposite to what was shown during his interview."The film shows extraordinary scenes of Martin Bashir praising the way Michael treats children and commenting on how good a father he is," a statement said."The Jackson footage clearly shows that Bashir was actually continuing to praise Michael's abilities as a father and [shows] Bashir making statements about how he feels it is a pity that the world is so quick to criticize Michael.""On the face of it, either Martin Bashir was lying to Michael or was misleading his audience on the voiceovers on the film," a statement said, adding that Bashir had been aware he was being filmed during his interviews.A verbal disclaimer repeatedly made known on behalf of the presenter of this rebuttal film, Maury Povich states that the singer had no control whatsoever upon the directing and producing of it. Part of the footage was not aired, because the videographer Hamid Moslehi refused to hand it over, owing to a financial dispute with Jackson. It was found by police in a search of Moslehi's home in November 2003, when the false allegations against Jackson rose, and showed the accuser's family praising Jackson for saving his life.Michael leaves for Miami with his children and they stay at Al Malnik's mansion. Three social workers come to Jay Jackson's to interview Gavin & his family. Once again they defend Michael and say nothing inappropriate ever happened.Chris Tucker's girlfriend Azja Pryor is there to support the family and after the interview she takes the children to Neverland while Vinnie takes Janet to a federal office in LA in order to obtain birth certificates of the family that they will need to get visas & passports for a planned trip.2006 - Visionary: The Video Singles; a series of 20 Michael Jackson's hit singles on video, is released on Europe.
The limited edition cover artwork for the boxset is a photomosaico using images from Michael's career.2008 - The "Thriller 25" album was released in Japan.
Feb 19
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)".
1979 – The Jacksons perform their Destiny Tour in Leeds, UK.1984 - Michael is on the cover of CIAO 2001 Magazine [Italy].
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:
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:
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. 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.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)".
1979 – The Jacksons perform their Destiny Tour in Leeds, UK.1984 - Michael is on the cover of CIAO 2001 Magazine [Italy].
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. 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. 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:
"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.
Feb 17
Today in MJJ HIStory
1972 - Michael Jackson's cover version of "Rockin' Robin" was released as the second single from his 1972 first solo album titled Got to Be There. The song hadn't originally been scheduled as a single, and it was only after radio djs started playing the song from Michael's first LP, Got to Be There, that Motown decided to release it as the second single, instead of of "I Wanna Be Where You Are." The djs who has originally played the album cut in the first place probably chose it because it was a familiar song to them, having first been released as a single back by Bobby Day back in 1958, the year Michael was born. Also on the B-side was "Love Is Here and Now You're Gone", another cover from The Supremes' #1 smash.It was the biggest hit from the album, peaking at number two on the Hot 100 and R&B charts.1979 – The Jacksons perform their Destiny Tour in Manchester, UK.
Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground) hits the Billboard Pop singles chart peaking at #7 and remains on the charts for 22 weeks.Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground) co-written by Michael and Randy, was released as the second single from the Jacksons 12th studio album, Destiny, and became a signature tune of the disco age. It was the most successful single from Destiny, which helped to re-established them as a top-selling group. This infectious dance tune peaked at #3 on the black singles chart.
1992 - Michael Jackson is one the cover of Jet magazine. The main article in three pages is entitled:”Michael Jackson`s new video “Remember The Time” when blacks were kings and queens.
1997 - Michael Jackson is on Tele Loisirs Magazine, from France. The main article is entitled: "Michael Jackson nouveau drame divorce juste avant la naissance de son enfant".
Michael, in a rare interview for a radio program, recalled writing the song with Randy. "Randy was going around the house humming a tune and I liked it. I asked him what it was and he said, 'It's nothing.' I said, 'No, it's something.'" Michael went on to write the melody and lyrics for "Shake Tour Body". "I don't know where it came from. God, I say."1983 - Michael is on the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine, with the main article Michael Jackson Life As a Man, who they dub as 'The Prince of Pop' in an interview by Gerri Hirchey.
1992 - Michael Jackson is one the cover of Jet magazine. The main article in three pages is entitled:”Michael Jackson`s new video “Remember The Time” when blacks were kings and queens.
1997 - Michael Jackson is on Tele Loisirs Magazine, from France. The main article is entitled: "Michael Jackson nouveau drame divorce juste avant la naissance de son enfant".
Feb 11
1992 - On occasion of Black History Month - Michael tours 30,000 miles of the African continent (covering Gabon, The Ivory Coast, Tanzania, Kenya and Libreville) in 11 days [Between February 11 and February 18, 1992], where he visits medical centers, schools, churches, children’s housings and educational NGO’s for disabled children.Michael Jackson began a trip of Africa in Gaob. He had planned to visit the Ivory Coast and Tanzania. Michael is welcomed by 100 000 people when he arrives in Libreville. President Omar Bongo presents him with a Medal Of Honour at the Ambassador’s Hall in the Presidential Palace.Michael Jackson is also welcomed on February 11 by 100,000 people when he arrives in Libreville, Gabon, President Omar Bongo recompensing him with the 'National Honor Of Merit Award' on behalf of the country of Gabon, West-Central Africa, at the Ambassador's Hall in the Presidential Palace.While in Gabon, President El Hadj Omar Bongo Ondimba, declares that “the return of Michael Jackson (to Africa) fits into the tradition of the abolition of time and the integration of space. His music made us feel that he’s never really been away”. In return for the honors received by the entertainer in Gabon, he presents President Bongo with the album Jackson was awarded when he was named ‘Artist of the Decade for the Eighties’.The President’s grandchildren, Christopher, Neata and Malika join some one thousand children, including the singer’s friend, Brett Barnes at a party given by Jackson back at the Intercontinental Hotel. He also gives an interview while in London regarding his visit and more for May's issue of "Ebony" magazine, confessing towards the end, "You know, that's the most I've said in eight years... You know I don't give interviews. That's because I know you and I trust you. You're the only one I trust to give interviews to."He phones his ranch daily, however, to make sure his property and animals are unaffected by the storms and floods in California at the time. He is reportedly interested in making a film, "Return To Africa", for his own video library. During his goodwill trip, Michael is crowned King Sanwi by King Nana Amon Ndoufou IV - ruler of Sanwi on the Ivory Coast - during vast ceremonies held in the Village of Krindjabo.1998 - News broke that Michael Jackson is nominated for the 1998 NOBEL PEACE PRIZE - Michael is among the record 130 nominees for 1998's Nobel Peace Prize, along with Pope John Paul II and US President Bill Clinton.Nominations for the Peace Prize can be made by members of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, members of some national legislatures and governments, previous laureates and university professors of history, philosophy and political science, among others. The 1998 prize will be presented on December 10, the anniversary of the death of Alfred Nobel, the Swede who invented dynamite and endowed the prizes in his will. The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in Oslo. Michael did not win the Nobel Peace Prize for 1998 but it is already a HUGE HONOR to be nominated!2002 - The "16th Annual Soul Train Music Awards" announced that Michael Jackson is nominated in the category Best R&B/Soul Album, Male for "Invincible".2008 - The Thriller 25th Anniversary Special Edition is released in UK and Europe.Jackson issued a 25th anniversary edition of his top-selling album Thriller called Thriller 25. It is a double disc album; disc one contains the original nine tracks from "Thriller", five remixed "Thriller" tracks, a song originally recorded in the Thriller era called "For All Time", a voice over by Vincent Price and featured will.i.am, Fergie, Kanye West, and Akon, with single releases alongside the album. Disc two is a DVD which contains the three music videos from "Thriller" and Jackson's performance of "Billie Jean" at Motown 25.
Today in MJJ HIStory
1979 - The Jacksons perform a concert in Preston, UK on Destiny tour.1984 - Michael is on the cover of LA Semaine Magazine [Canada].1992 - On occasion of Black History Month - Michael tours 30,000 miles of the African continent (covering Gabon, The Ivory Coast, Tanzania, Kenya and Libreville) in 11 days [Between February 11 and February 18, 1992], where he visits medical centers, schools, churches, children’s housings and educational NGO’s for disabled children.Michael Jackson began a trip of Africa in Gaob. He had planned to visit the Ivory Coast and Tanzania. Michael is welcomed by 100 000 people when he arrives in Libreville. President Omar Bongo presents him with a Medal Of Honour at the Ambassador’s Hall in the Presidential Palace.Michael Jackson is also welcomed on February 11 by 100,000 people when he arrives in Libreville, Gabon, President Omar Bongo recompensing him with the 'National Honor Of Merit Award' on behalf of the country of Gabon, West-Central Africa, at the Ambassador's Hall in the Presidential Palace.While in Gabon, President El Hadj Omar Bongo Ondimba, declares that “the return of Michael Jackson (to Africa) fits into the tradition of the abolition of time and the integration of space. His music made us feel that he’s never really been away”. In return for the honors received by the entertainer in Gabon, he presents President Bongo with the album Jackson was awarded when he was named ‘Artist of the Decade for the Eighties’.The President’s grandchildren, Christopher, Neata and Malika join some one thousand children, including the singer’s friend, Brett Barnes at a party given by Jackson back at the Intercontinental Hotel. He also gives an interview while in London regarding his visit and more for May's issue of "Ebony" magazine, confessing towards the end, "You know, that's the most I've said in eight years... You know I don't give interviews. That's because I know you and I trust you. You're the only one I trust to give interviews to."He phones his ranch daily, however, to make sure his property and animals are unaffected by the storms and floods in California at the time. He is reportedly interested in making a film, "Return To Africa", for his own video library. During his goodwill trip, Michael is crowned King Sanwi by King Nana Amon Ndoufou IV - ruler of Sanwi on the Ivory Coast - during vast ceremonies held in the Village of Krindjabo.1998 - News broke that Michael Jackson is nominated for the 1998 NOBEL PEACE PRIZE - Michael is among the record 130 nominees for 1998's Nobel Peace Prize, along with Pope John Paul II and US President Bill Clinton.Nominations for the Peace Prize can be made by members of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, members of some national legislatures and governments, previous laureates and university professors of history, philosophy and political science, among others. The 1998 prize will be presented on December 10, the anniversary of the death of Alfred Nobel, the Swede who invented dynamite and endowed the prizes in his will. The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in Oslo. Michael did not win the Nobel Peace Prize for 1998 but it is already a HUGE HONOR to be nominated!2002 - The "16th Annual Soul Train Music Awards" announced that Michael Jackson is nominated in the category Best R&B/Soul Album, Male for "Invincible".2008 - The Thriller 25th Anniversary Special Edition is released in UK and Europe.Jackson issued a 25th anniversary edition of his top-selling album Thriller called Thriller 25. It is a double disc album; disc one contains the original nine tracks from "Thriller", five remixed "Thriller" tracks, a song originally recorded in the Thriller era called "For All Time", a voice over by Vincent Price and featured will.i.am, Fergie, Kanye West, and Akon, with single releases alongside the album. Disc two is a DVD which contains the three music videos from "Thriller" and Jackson's performance of "Billie Jean" at Motown 25.
Feb 10
Body (To The Ground) and Things I Do For You. Solo, Michael also sang another song from the DESTINY album, Push Me Away.The Jacksons perform a concert in Brighton, UK on Destiny tour.1988 - Michael Jackson is finally arrived in this Panhandle city to rehearse for his concert tour “BAD”.After bad weather in Atlanta delayed his arrival by three days, a publicity spokeswoman said. On Monday afternoon, Jackson arrived in the same Eastern Airlines that carried the Pensacola Tornados of the Continental Basketball Association home from a road trip. The singer is sharing the 10,000-seat Pensacola Civic Center with the Tornados, who had a home game scheduled Tuesday night, as he rehearses through February 18 for a 13-city tour that begin Feb. 23 in Kansas City, Mo. Jackson was expected to arrive Friday night. The performer was met at the airplane's steps and whisked away. Television cameras caught only a fleeting glimpse of him. Jackson's lighting equipment and stage and a 100-person entourage of musicians, backup singers and others began arriving two weeks ago, but Jackson does not plan any public performances in Pensacola.1992 - MTV kicked off its first global sweepstakes with "My Dinner with Michael". Winners from around the world attended a dinner party hosted by Michael Jackson on the set of his music video "In the Closet".
Michael Jackson departs for a one week tour to Africa at LA airport. He travels for 11 days to visit hospitals, orphanages, schools, churches & institutions for mentally handicapped children, covering about 30,000 miles on his journey.1993 - Michael Jackson is interviewed by Oprah Winfrey at his Neverland Ranch. It is his first live TV interview in 14 years. During the 90-minute special, he opens up about his personal life and career, clears up some misconceptions and rumors about himself and gives Oprah a night time tour of his ranch.
In the interview, Jackson claims that he has a disorder that destroys the pigmentation of the skin. He also claims he's had very little plastic surgery. Elizabeth Taylor made a surprise appearance during Oprah Winfrey’s primetime interview with Michael Jackson. Elizabeth, who at first didn’t intend to appear on the program, set the record straight about her friendship with her friend Jackson and the controversy surrounding him. He also dances live in his theater and gives the audience a special an a-capella performance of “Who Is It”. The live telecast attracted about 85 million viewers in US alone, and was the 4th most watched TV event in history. It was the most successful ABC entertainment special ever.
Note: In spite of Jackson’s good-will and generosity, Winfrey, as, in fact, various other journalists, will prove/have proven to be biased, her not believing in Jackson’s innocence of wrongdoings towards children and expressing this on several occasions, particularly during the 2005 trial completed with the entertainer’s vindication.The World première of Give into Me video took place on February 10, 1993 during the worldwide live telecast from Neverland Valley of "Michael Jackson Talks... To Oprah". The video clip is starring Michael Jackson and Slash. Shooting of the video clip took place in Munich, Germany. Video clip produced by Phil Rose and Warren Hewlett. Staging Michael Jackson. Directed by Andy Moharan.1996 - Michael Jackson flew into Brazil to begin filming the second video for "They Don't Care About Us". He was welcomed with near-hysterical enthusiasm by fans in Salvador. Hand-in-hand with two Casio children -- and with only his eyes visible above a black surgical mask -- the singer sprinted across a shimmering runway to wave to hundreds of fans gathered on an airport balcony. "He started running toward us and I almost fainted," said breathless schoolgirl Sheila de Oliveira, still in tears after her not-so-close encounter with the star.For the first time in his career, Michael made a second music video for a single. Plans by Michael and director Spike Lee to film in Brazil have caused an uproar. State authorities unsuccessfully tried to ban the singer filming in Rio de Janeiro and Salvador (Pelorinho). Officials feared images of poverty might affect tourism and accused Jackson of exploiting the poor. Ronaldo Cezar Coelho, the state secretary for Industry, Commerce and Tourism demanded editing rights over the finished product. Some were concerned that scenes of poverty and human rights abuses would affect their chances of hosting the Olympics in 2004. Others supported Jackson's wish to highlight the problems of the region, arguing that the government were embarrassed by their own failings. A judge banned all filming but this ruling was overturned by an injunction. Although officials were angry, the residents were not and Jackson was surrounded by crowds of enthusiastic onlookers during filming. One woman managed to push through security to hug the singer who continued dancing while hugging her. Another woman appeared and hugged him from behind. He then fell to the ground as police pulled the two women off him and escorted them away. After the director helped Jackson get up off the street, he continued to sing and dance. This incident made it into the music video. 1,500 policemen and 50 residents acting as security guards effectively sealed off the Dona Marta shanty town. It was alleged that Jackson's production team had negotiated with drug dealers in order to gain permission to film in one of the city's shantytowns.The music video was directed by Spike Lee. Asked why he chose Lee to direct the video, Jackson responded,
Jackson also collaborated with 200 members of the cultural group Olodum, "who swayed to the heavy beat of Salvador's 'samba-reggae' music". Producing the first video proved to be a difficult task for Jackson. The music was changed slightly to fit Olodum's style of drumming. The "Olodum version" (unofficial title) of the song has since become more popular than the original album version. The media interest surrounding the music video exposed Olodum to 140 countries around the world. It brought them worldwide fame and increased their credibility in Brazil.
At the beginning of the video, a Brazilian woman says "Michael, eles não ligam pra gente" which means "Michael, they don't care about us".Speaking of the music video, in The New Brazilian Cinema, Lúcia Nagib observed:
Today in MJJ HIStory
1979 - The Jacksons appeared on American Bandstand, performing Shake YourBody (To The Ground) and Things I Do For You. Solo, Michael also sang another song from the DESTINY album, Push Me Away.The Jacksons perform a concert in Brighton, UK on Destiny tour.1988 - Michael Jackson is finally arrived in this Panhandle city to rehearse for his concert tour “BAD”.After bad weather in Atlanta delayed his arrival by three days, a publicity spokeswoman said. On Monday afternoon, Jackson arrived in the same Eastern Airlines that carried the Pensacola Tornados of the Continental Basketball Association home from a road trip. The singer is sharing the 10,000-seat Pensacola Civic Center with the Tornados, who had a home game scheduled Tuesday night, as he rehearses through February 18 for a 13-city tour that begin Feb. 23 in Kansas City, Mo. Jackson was expected to arrive Friday night. The performer was met at the airplane's steps and whisked away. Television cameras caught only a fleeting glimpse of him. Jackson's lighting equipment and stage and a 100-person entourage of musicians, backup singers and others began arriving two weeks ago, but Jackson does not plan any public performances in Pensacola.1992 - MTV kicked off its first global sweepstakes with "My Dinner with Michael". Winners from around the world attended a dinner party hosted by Michael Jackson on the set of his music video "In the Closet".
Michael Jackson departs for a one week tour to Africa at LA airport. He travels for 11 days to visit hospitals, orphanages, schools, churches & institutions for mentally handicapped children, covering about 30,000 miles on his journey.1993 - Michael Jackson is interviewed by Oprah Winfrey at his Neverland Ranch. It is his first live TV interview in 14 years. During the 90-minute special, he opens up about his personal life and career, clears up some misconceptions and rumors about himself and gives Oprah a night time tour of his ranch.
In the interview, Jackson claims that he has a disorder that destroys the pigmentation of the skin. He also claims he's had very little plastic surgery. Elizabeth Taylor made a surprise appearance during Oprah Winfrey’s primetime interview with Michael Jackson. Elizabeth, who at first didn’t intend to appear on the program, set the record straight about her friendship with her friend Jackson and the controversy surrounding him. He also dances live in his theater and gives the audience a special an a-capella performance of “Who Is It”. The live telecast attracted about 85 million viewers in US alone, and was the 4th most watched TV event in history. It was the most successful ABC entertainment special ever.
Note: In spite of Jackson’s good-will and generosity, Winfrey, as, in fact, various other journalists, will prove/have proven to be biased, her not believing in Jackson’s innocence of wrongdoings towards children and expressing this on several occasions, particularly during the 2005 trial completed with the entertainer’s vindication.The World première of Give into Me video took place on February 10, 1993 during the worldwide live telecast from Neverland Valley of "Michael Jackson Talks... To Oprah". The video clip is starring Michael Jackson and Slash. Shooting of the video clip took place in Munich, Germany. Video clip produced by Phil Rose and Warren Hewlett. Staging Michael Jackson. Directed by Andy Moharan.1996 - Michael Jackson flew into Brazil to begin filming the second video for "They Don't Care About Us". He was welcomed with near-hysterical enthusiasm by fans in Salvador. Hand-in-hand with two Casio children -- and with only his eyes visible above a black surgical mask -- the singer sprinted across a shimmering runway to wave to hundreds of fans gathered on an airport balcony. "He started running toward us and I almost fainted," said breathless schoolgirl Sheila de Oliveira, still in tears after her not-so-close encounter with the star.For the first time in his career, Michael made a second music video for a single. Plans by Michael and director Spike Lee to film in Brazil have caused an uproar. State authorities unsuccessfully tried to ban the singer filming in Rio de Janeiro and Salvador (Pelorinho). Officials feared images of poverty might affect tourism and accused Jackson of exploiting the poor. Ronaldo Cezar Coelho, the state secretary for Industry, Commerce and Tourism demanded editing rights over the finished product. Some were concerned that scenes of poverty and human rights abuses would affect their chances of hosting the Olympics in 2004. Others supported Jackson's wish to highlight the problems of the region, arguing that the government were embarrassed by their own failings. A judge banned all filming but this ruling was overturned by an injunction. Although officials were angry, the residents were not and Jackson was surrounded by crowds of enthusiastic onlookers during filming. One woman managed to push through security to hug the singer who continued dancing while hugging her. Another woman appeared and hugged him from behind. He then fell to the ground as police pulled the two women off him and escorted them away. After the director helped Jackson get up off the street, he continued to sing and dance. This incident made it into the music video. 1,500 policemen and 50 residents acting as security guards effectively sealed off the Dona Marta shanty town. It was alleged that Jackson's production team had negotiated with drug dealers in order to gain permission to film in one of the city's shantytowns.The music video was directed by Spike Lee. Asked why he chose Lee to direct the video, Jackson responded,
"'They Don't Care About Us' has an edge, and Spike Lee had approached me. It's a public awareness song and that's what he is all about. It's a protest kind of song ... and I think he was perfect for it".
| Michael can be seen wearing the "Olodum" t-shirt in the video. |
At the beginning of the video, a Brazilian woman says "Michael, eles não ligam pra gente" which means "Michael, they don't care about us".Speaking of the music video, in The New Brazilian Cinema, Lúcia Nagib observed:
When Michael Jackson decided to shoot his new music video in a favela of Rio de Janeiro ... he used the favela people as extras in a visual super-spectacle ... All the while there is a vaguely political appeal in there ... The interesting aspect of Michael Jackson's strategy is the efficiency with which it gives visibility to poverty and social problems in countries like Brazil without resorting to traditional political discourse. The problematic aspect is that it does not entail a real intervention in that poverty.In 2009, Billboard described the area as "now a model for social development" and stated that Jackson's influence was partially responsible for this improvement.2000 - Michael has selected "The Firm" as his new management company. "The Firm", a two-year-old company described as "one of the hottest music management teams in the world", is headed by Jeff Kwantinetz and Michael Green. John McLain, a family associate and former high-ranking A&M executive, will remain involved in managing Michael Jackson.
Feb 5
diana! 50 minutes TV special, produced by Steve Binder aired on CBS, combined footage from this concert, with studio footage. Michael Jackson was also the guest star on the show, sings Rock With You duet with Diana.1984 – Michael Jackson makes his first public appearance since his burn injury when he visits the Los Angeles zoo with Emmanuel Lewis.1992 - Michael was honored with a lifetime achievement award by the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters.
Rev. Jesse Jackson and NABOB Chairman Pierre Sutton presented him the award at the 8th Annual Communications Awards Dinner held at the Sheraton Washington Hotel in Washington D.C.
Stevie Wonder, boxing heavyweights Muhammad Ali and Leon Spinks, Spike Lee, and Al Jarreau were among the 900 guests, who turn out to see the man who revolutionized and dominated contemporary music, dance, video and fashion.Michael Jackson is on the cover of Pop Rocky magazine, Germany.
Michael Jackson is on the cover of Smash Hits magazine, United Kingdom. The main article is entitled Mad, Bad & Dangerous?1994 – Michael Jackson is on Manchete magazine, from Brazil. The main article is entitled O Drama de Michael Jackson - Michael Jackson's Drama.
1996 - People magazine.
2002 – Because February will be the month of black music on VH1 (United States of America) featuring 113 hours of music by African American performers - of course including Michael Jackson-, on february 5, 2002 there are spotted pop up videos by Michael.2005 - On January 19, 2005, Geraldo Rivera conducted an intimate and revealing interview with Michael Jackson. Here we see an intimate glimpse of the real man, the father, the warrior and the honest, tender heart behind the media's often extremely inaccurate and cruel portrayal. The Interview was shown on February 05, 2005 of FOX News channel. Also is aired an interview of Katherine at Hayvenhurst.
Today in MJJ HIStory
1981 - During a Diana Ross concert in Los Angeles, Michael Jackson gets on stage to sing Upside Down with her.diana! 50 minutes TV special, produced by Steve Binder aired on CBS, combined footage from this concert, with studio footage. Michael Jackson was also the guest star on the show, sings Rock With You duet with Diana.1984 – Michael Jackson makes his first public appearance since his burn injury when he visits the Los Angeles zoo with Emmanuel Lewis.1992 - Michael was honored with a lifetime achievement award by the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters.
Rev. Jesse Jackson and NABOB Chairman Pierre Sutton presented him the award at the 8th Annual Communications Awards Dinner held at the Sheraton Washington Hotel in Washington D.C.
Stevie Wonder, boxing heavyweights Muhammad Ali and Leon Spinks, Spike Lee, and Al Jarreau were among the 900 guests, who turn out to see the man who revolutionized and dominated contemporary music, dance, video and fashion.Michael Jackson is on the cover of Pop Rocky magazine, Germany.
Michael Jackson is on the cover of Smash Hits magazine, United Kingdom. The main article is entitled Mad, Bad & Dangerous?1994 – Michael Jackson is on Manchete magazine, from Brazil. The main article is entitled O Drama de Michael Jackson - Michael Jackson's Drama.
1996 - People magazine.
2002 – Because February will be the month of black music on VH1 (United States of America) featuring 113 hours of music by African American performers - of course including Michael Jackson-, on february 5, 2002 there are spotted pop up videos by Michael.2005 - On January 19, 2005, Geraldo Rivera conducted an intimate and revealing interview with Michael Jackson. Here we see an intimate glimpse of the real man, the father, the warrior and the honest, tender heart behind the media's often extremely inaccurate and cruel portrayal. The Interview was shown on February 05, 2005 of FOX News channel. Also is aired an interview of Katherine at Hayvenhurst.
Feb 3
The group's first US Top Ten hit since 1971's "Sugar Daddy", "Dancing Machine" reached #2 on the Billboard pop music charts and #1 on the R&B charts. It bought The Jackson 5 their second Grammy Award nomination in 1975 for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, losing to Rufus and Chaka Khan's "Tell Me Something Good".
"Dancing Machine" was also the title track of their 1974 album Dancing Machine released in 1974 as a remix for a response to the success of the single.
Recorded in 1973 at the Motown Recording Studios, Los Angeles, California.1979 - On their 10th anniversary in the music business, Soul Train and The Jacksons celebrated with a Jacksons special. They performed 'Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground)' and 'Things I Do For You', Michael performed 'Push Me Away'.1990 - Michael Jackson is offered the "Role Model Award" from Japan. He accepts the award via satellite.1992 - Michael held a press conference at Radio City Music Hall in New York to announce plans for a new world tour to raise money for his newly-formed "Heal The World" Foundation - which, beside "Camp Ronald McDonald" and "Make A Wish Foundation", battles against AIDS and Juvenile Diabetes. After descending the opulent staircase at Radio City Music Hall to the accompaniment of his song "Black or White," Michael joined Peter Kendall, vice president for Pepsi-Cola Int. in announcing the $20 million deal, which was the largest ever between a corporation and a music entertainer.Dressed in black leather and a red armband, he informs on the creation of "Heal The World Foundation", the mission of the foundation being that to provide rescue to world-wide children; protection against abuse; caregiving; to deliver medicines for children and fight world hunger, as well as to convey awareness on children’s rights and necessities, and improve world’s life standards.Before the kick-off of his Dangerous World Tour, Michael signed a Pepsi endorsement deal in front of the media.At the press conference, he issues a statement in appreciation for the sponsor of this new tour - the Pepsi-Cola Corporation:
After his speech, The St. Thomas Boys' Choir sing "Heal The World", which touches the singer: "When I composed the song, it was my dream to hear it performed the way they just performed it, with such innocence and beauty. It took everything to keep me from crying", declares Jackson.1994 – Michael Jackson is on the Cover of Bravo Magazine (Germany). The inner article is entitled: “Michael: Die Alptraum ist vorbei!” –The nightmare is gone
2003 - The controversial “Living With Michael Jackson” documentary conducted by British journalist, Martin Bashir first aired in the United Kingdom on ITV. The interview will air later all around the world... and a storm began.He interviewed Jackson over a span of eight months, from May, 2002 to January, 2003, the documentary containing much commentary by Bashir, which was very critical and judgmental of Jackson. Jackson's decision to make the documentary was made on a suggestion by his then friend, Uri Geller.Michael spoke openly about money, plastic surgery, his childhood, Prince Michael II and much more.But instead of portraying Michael in a fair way, Bashir tried all he could to twist things in the wrong way.However, most of the viewers did not fall for Bashir... after the interview viewers all around the world expressed their support for Michael.The interview was a rare occasion for Jackson to allow such access to his personal life, thus felt all the more betrayed by Bashir’s negative portrayal of him. As a consequence, he soon issues the following statement:
2006 - Michael, Grace & the kids leave Florence and go in the Neapolitan Riviera resort of Sorrento where they stay in The Villa Savarese.2007 - Michael attends the Beatles Love musical, and meet the cast backstage at The Mirage in Las Vegas.
Today in MJJ HIStory
1974 - The Jackson 5ive perform at Sorano National Theatre in Dakar, Senegal. "Dancing Machine" from the Jackson 5 1973 album G.I.T.: Get It Together was released.The group's first US Top Ten hit since 1971's "Sugar Daddy", "Dancing Machine" reached #2 on the Billboard pop music charts and #1 on the R&B charts. It bought The Jackson 5 their second Grammy Award nomination in 1975 for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, losing to Rufus and Chaka Khan's "Tell Me Something Good".
"Dancing Machine" was also the title track of their 1974 album Dancing Machine released in 1974 as a remix for a response to the success of the single.
Recorded in 1973 at the Motown Recording Studios, Los Angeles, California.1979 - On their 10th anniversary in the music business, Soul Train and The Jacksons celebrated with a Jacksons special. They performed 'Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground)' and 'Things I Do For You', Michael performed 'Push Me Away'.1990 - Michael Jackson is offered the "Role Model Award" from Japan. He accepts the award via satellite.1992 - Michael held a press conference at Radio City Music Hall in New York to announce plans for a new world tour to raise money for his newly-formed "Heal The World" Foundation - which, beside "Camp Ronald McDonald" and "Make A Wish Foundation", battles against AIDS and Juvenile Diabetes. After descending the opulent staircase at Radio City Music Hall to the accompaniment of his song "Black or White," Michael joined Peter Kendall, vice president for Pepsi-Cola Int. in announcing the $20 million deal, which was the largest ever between a corporation and a music entertainer.Dressed in black leather and a red armband, he informs on the creation of "Heal The World Foundation", the mission of the foundation being that to provide rescue to world-wide children; protection against abuse; caregiving; to deliver medicines for children and fight world hunger, as well as to convey awareness on children’s rights and necessities, and improve world’s life standards.Before the kick-off of his Dangerous World Tour, Michael signed a Pepsi endorsement deal in front of the media.At the press conference, he issues a statement in appreciation for the sponsor of this new tour - the Pepsi-Cola Corporation:
"Good afternoon. I like to thank the Pepsi-Cola Corporation for sponsoring the Dangerous Tour, which we plan to kick off in June. The only reason I’m going on tour is to raise for the newly formed, Heal The World, an international children’s charity, that I’m spearheading to assist children and the ecology. My goal is to gross one hundred million dollars by Christmas, 1993. I urge every corporation and individual who cares about this planet and the future of the children, to help raise money for the HTW charity. The Heal The World Foundation will contribute funds to pediatric aids in honor of my friend, Ryan White.The "Heal The World Foundation" will also offer support to such worthwhile organizations as Camp Ronald McDonald, Make A Wish Foundation, Children Diabetes, Minority Aids Foundation and other charities. I’m looking forward to this tour, because it will allow me to devote time to visiting children all around the world, as well as to spread the message of the global love, in the hopes that others too will be moved to do their share to heal the world. Thank you for coming. I love you very much. Thank you, all."
After his speech, The St. Thomas Boys' Choir sing "Heal The World", which touches the singer: "When I composed the song, it was my dream to hear it performed the way they just performed it, with such innocence and beauty. It took everything to keep me from crying", declares Jackson.1994 – Michael Jackson is on the Cover of Bravo Magazine (Germany). The inner article is entitled: “Michael: Die Alptraum ist vorbei!” –The nightmare is gone
2003 - The controversial “Living With Michael Jackson” documentary conducted by British journalist, Martin Bashir first aired in the United Kingdom on ITV. The interview will air later all around the world... and a storm began.He interviewed Jackson over a span of eight months, from May, 2002 to January, 2003, the documentary containing much commentary by Bashir, which was very critical and judgmental of Jackson. Jackson's decision to make the documentary was made on a suggestion by his then friend, Uri Geller.Michael spoke openly about money, plastic surgery, his childhood, Prince Michael II and much more.But instead of portraying Michael in a fair way, Bashir tried all he could to twist things in the wrong way.However, most of the viewers did not fall for Bashir... after the interview viewers all around the world expressed their support for Michael.The interview was a rare occasion for Jackson to allow such access to his personal life, thus felt all the more betrayed by Bashir’s negative portrayal of him. As a consequence, he soon issues the following statement:
"I trusted Martin Bashir to come into my life and that of my family because I wanted the truth to be told. Martin Bashir persuaded me to trust him that his would be an honest and fair portrayal of my life and told me that he was `the man that turned Diana's life around'. I am surprised that a professional journalist would compromise his integrity by deceiving me in this way. 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. 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. I also want to thank my fans around the world for the overwhelming number of messages of support that I have received, particularly from Great Britain, where people have e-mailed me and said how appalled they were by the Bashir film. Their love and support has touched me greatly."
2006 - Michael, Grace & the kids leave Florence and go in the Neapolitan Riviera resort of Sorrento where they stay in The Villa Savarese.2007 - Michael attends the Beatles Love musical, and meet the cast backstage at The Mirage in Las Vegas.
Feb 2
1992 - The spectacular short film for Remember The Time directed by John Singleton was premiered on MTV, Fox and BET. The 9-minute clip stars actor/comedian Eddie Murphy, supermodel Iman and basketball player, Magic Johnson. Joanna Burns, Jackson spokesperson at the time, says "He's very concerned about AIDs. He hopes the appearance of Magic Johnson [on Remember The Time video] will help raise public awareness." In November, 1991, Magic Johnson announced that he had been contaminated with the HIV virus, shortly afterwards setting the ‘Magic Johnson Foundation’ to help combat HIV. Jackson also wished to draw attention to the African origins, the video being set in Ancient Egypt, Ira Robbins of ‘Entertainment Weekly’ describing "Remember The Time" as being a "gorgeous ancient Egyptian extravaganza" video. The short film presents elaborate dance sequences and groundbreaking visual effects, with Jackson interpreting a wizard coming to entertain the Pharaoph’s (Eddie Murphy) bored partner (Iman).The video had an Egyptian theme with Eddie Murphy as Pharaoh Ramsess and model Iman as Queen Nefertiti. When the queen becomes bored and wants to be entertained, a string of performers, announced by Magic Jonson, are led in front of the queen. With each being found unsatisfactory, she orders them to be thrown to the lions, or to be decapitated. A robed figure is next to be led out in front of the queen. Through some tricky special effects, the figure vanishes and reappears in a clear liguid and finally transforms into Michael in Egyptian garb. The queen become enchanted with him which angers Ramses, who immediately sends his guards after him. After eluding the guards and engaging in a Egyptian flavoured dance routine, Michael meets up with Nefertiti. They embrace and kiss, Michael's first on screen kiss. Michael finally eludes Ramses by vanishing once again into a golden powder.1994 - Michael attended a concert of Fifth Dimension and the Temptations at the Sheraton Desert Inn in Las Vegas.Michael was seen in company of Lisa Marie, when they attended the concert. The hotel had received a call earlier in the day letting them know Michael was coming. The King of Pop and the daughter of the King of Rock and Roll were seated in a VIP section known as "King's row".Michael spent most of the time in New York, working busy on his new album. He booked into a 3 bedroom duplex apartment at Trump Tower.1998 - Michael Jackson's video for "Ghosts" was released in the U.K. and Europe.
Today in MJJ HIStory
1974 - The Jackson 5ive perform at Sorano National Theatre in Dakar, Senegal.1979 - The Jacksons perform a concert in Amsterdam, Netherlands on Destiny tour.On the sixth anniversary of The Midnight Special The Jacksons appear, performing Things I do for you, Destiny (with Jermaine), and Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground).1992 - The spectacular short film for Remember The Time directed by John Singleton was premiered on MTV, Fox and BET. The 9-minute clip stars actor/comedian Eddie Murphy, supermodel Iman and basketball player, Magic Johnson. Joanna Burns, Jackson spokesperson at the time, says "He's very concerned about AIDs. He hopes the appearance of Magic Johnson [on Remember The Time video] will help raise public awareness." In November, 1991, Magic Johnson announced that he had been contaminated with the HIV virus, shortly afterwards setting the ‘Magic Johnson Foundation’ to help combat HIV. Jackson also wished to draw attention to the African origins, the video being set in Ancient Egypt, Ira Robbins of ‘Entertainment Weekly’ describing "Remember The Time" as being a "gorgeous ancient Egyptian extravaganza" video. The short film presents elaborate dance sequences and groundbreaking visual effects, with Jackson interpreting a wizard coming to entertain the Pharaoph’s (Eddie Murphy) bored partner (Iman).The video had an Egyptian theme with Eddie Murphy as Pharaoh Ramsess and model Iman as Queen Nefertiti. When the queen becomes bored and wants to be entertained, a string of performers, announced by Magic Jonson, are led in front of the queen. With each being found unsatisfactory, she orders them to be thrown to the lions, or to be decapitated. A robed figure is next to be led out in front of the queen. Through some tricky special effects, the figure vanishes and reappears in a clear liguid and finally transforms into Michael in Egyptian garb. The queen become enchanted with him which angers Ramses, who immediately sends his guards after him. After eluding the guards and engaging in a Egyptian flavoured dance routine, Michael meets up with Nefertiti. They embrace and kiss, Michael's first on screen kiss. Michael finally eludes Ramses by vanishing once again into a golden powder.1994 - Michael attended a concert of Fifth Dimension and the Temptations at the Sheraton Desert Inn in Las Vegas.Michael was seen in company of Lisa Marie, when they attended the concert. The hotel had received a call earlier in the day letting them know Michael was coming. The King of Pop and the daughter of the King of Rock and Roll were seated in a VIP section known as "King's row".Michael spent most of the time in New York, working busy on his new album. He booked into a 3 bedroom duplex apartment at Trump Tower.1998 - Michael Jackson's video for "Ghosts" was released in the U.K. and Europe.
Jan 26
1994 - After 6 months of hard negotiations, the lawyers representing both sides in the molestation case against Michael finally reached agreement. An out of court settlement, which both sides have been working towards, is agreed for an undisclosed sum.
The nightmare was over!2001 - 15 year old Afro-Norwegian boy Benjamin "Benny" Hermansen was stabbed to death by a group of neo-Nazis in Oslo, Norway.
Michael Jackson dedicated his Invincible album to Benjamin. The reason for this has partly to do with the fact that the Holmlia boy Omer Bhatti and Jackson were close friends, and Bhatti was at the same time a good friend of Benjamin Hermansen.
2002 - Michael Jackson's Cry peaked at #2, on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, it was held from the top position from Ja Rule and Ashanti's "Always on Time" 2001 single.2006 - Michael, Grace & the kids fly to Hamburg on a private visit the Shleiter family but upon arriving to their house, fans et reporters arrive after hearing the news of his arrival on the radio.Amid intense media coverage police cordoned off the home of his 23-year-old host to guarantee their safety. Around 100 fans and media representatives were waiting in front of his hosts house today to catch a glimpse of Michael, who prefered to stay in the house though.2007 - Michael attends Lance Burton's 7 p.m. show (Monte Carlo) with Grace & the kids.2008 - Michael received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2008 NRJ Awards, in the year which he will mark the 25th Anniversary of ‘Thriller’.The awards show took place in Cannes (France) and was aired on channel TF1. Michael wasn't able to attend the awards show in person but he recorded a special message for this occasion:
Today in MJJ HIStory
1979 - The Jacksons perform a concert in Bremen, Germany on Destiny tour.1984 - Somebody's Watching Me by Rockwell Gordy featuring Michael on the title track is released by Motown.1989 - Michael Jackson in concert at the Memorial Sports Arena in Los Angeles, US.1990 - Michael attends the unveiling of a painting of himself titled The Book made by Australian artist Brett Livingstone Strong at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, CA. “The Book” is said to be the only portrait Michael personally sat for during his lifetime. The 40-inch by 50-inch portrait was unveiled in the presence of Mr. Hiromichi Saeki who paid $2,100,000 for the original, the most expensive portrait of a living person. Mr. Saeki was one of the most influential Japanese merchandisers and concert promoters of Michael Jackson. Michael is draped in a “Renaissance Effect” within this portrait and even deeper inside is standing, posing for Brett in a slightly earlier dimension of time.The Book capture one of the most talented musicians in the world, painted by one of the most talented artists of our time, Brett-Livingstone Strong, hailed by the King of Pop as “A modern day Michelangelo”, in the ultimate expression of beauty – both musically and artistically, remembering Michael at the pinnacle of his career. Whether by fate or fortune we have here two of the greatest artists of the 21st century both forever memorialized in their greatness, captured in a moment of life entitled “The Book” and hereinafter available for the enjoyment and appreciation of all future generations and patrons of the Arts. The mystique of this portrait draws you in. Take a closer look – it is a portrait within a portrait.The portrait depicts the King of Pop as a contemporary Renaissance man, dressed in red velvet holding a journal of thoughts and sketches, in a fairy-tale-like setting, with a statue of Peter Pan and another painting of Michael, in the background. "We called it, 'The Book,'" Mr. Strong said. "What are you going to put in 'The Book' today, Michael?'" The backdrop is Neverland, with an image of Tinkerbell. The painting has touches of Vermeer, as that was one of Mr. Jackson's favorite painters, Mr. Strong said.1992 – Michael Jackson contributes to Law Roul`s telethon with a taped performance of “Heal the World”. The performance was taken from a Dangerous Tour Concert and was combined with footage of Michael`s visit to Africa.1993 - Michael attends the Superbowl XXVII Pre-Show Press Conference held at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, Ca. Michael accepts a cheque of $100 000 from the NFL and Frito Lay (Sponsor of the Superbowl). Neil Austrian, president of NFL, presents him with a custom-made Superbowl jacket. He also receives 500,000 dollars from BEST Foundation for his Heal The World Foundation.Heal LA, new United States Children's Relief Initiative is announced by Heal The World, Michael Jackson and Former President Jimmy Carter in Los Angeles. This collaborative effort - beginning with "Heal LA" sustained by "Cities in Schools", "Big Brothers/Big Sisters", "BEST Foundation", "Watta Health Foundation", and "Partnership for a Drug Free America" - will provide immediate action to help solve the pressing needs of America's inner-city children and youth through instructive programs featuring AIDS prevention, a substance-free living. The initial Los Angeles effort will include drug prevention/education, as well as counseling, mentoring and immunization campaigns.The singer declares:"We have to get out the message of the need to heal our children and heal the world... to recognize that we need each other and must care for one another, help inspire us to develop this relief effort for children. To make a real difference, we must all care and commit to be a part of the solution. I know you all share my concern for inner-city children who are spread all around us. We must join together to make this world a better place for each of them. "Heal LA" is only our first step in making things better. I'm very happy to tell you today that former President, Jimmy Carter, and I are going to be working together to help children in cities all over our country. President Carter will join me as co-Chair of our new national Heal Our Children Initiative. We'll work together here in L.A. to start, then go city by city to heal children all over America. I would like to express my love and appreciation to all of you who have already been so generous to this important new Heal The World program."
1994 - After 6 months of hard negotiations, the lawyers representing both sides in the molestation case against Michael finally reached agreement. An out of court settlement, which both sides have been working towards, is agreed for an undisclosed sum.
The nightmare was over!2001 - 15 year old Afro-Norwegian boy Benjamin "Benny" Hermansen was stabbed to death by a group of neo-Nazis in Oslo, Norway.
On the album cover, next to the image of a rose, it reads:Michael Jackson gives "special thanks": |
"Hello to all my friends in France! Though I couldn’t be there in person tonight to accept this prestigious award, I’m so happy to have the chance to send this message to let all my French fans know how much your support has meant throughout the years.It’s hard to believe that 25 years ago, Quincy Jones and I embarked on an album named “Thriller.” To be able to say that “Thriller” still holds the record as the biggest selling album of all time, is just mind blowing. I have you, my fans throughout the world to thank for this achievement.Though this award tonight honours me for my lifetime achievements, there is still much more to come from Michael Jackson. My passion for music has never stopped. And for those who don’t know, I’ve been in the studio recording Thriller 25th Anniversary album, with a lot of surprise guests. It’s my hope that “Thriller” continues to live on for each new generation to discover.So thank you TF1 and NRJ for this very special award. It means so much to me to be honoured by you. And thank you to my fans. I love you from the bottom of my heart and I hope to see you very soon. I love you. God bless you.”2009 - Michael (with Blanket and Dr Tohme Tohme by his side), meets an AEG delegation headed by Philip Anschutz, its billionaire founder, AEG's chief executive Tim Leiweke, Randy Phillips, who heads up AEG Live and Paul Gongaware. Michael signs a deal for 10 concerts in London next summer and he also accepts to submit to a rigorous medical check-up at his LA home.




