Today in MJJ HIStory

1979 - The Jacksons appeared on American Bandstand, performing Shake Your
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".

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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".

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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.

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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".
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Michael can be seen wearing the "Olodum" t-shirt
in the video.
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:

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.

Filed under  //   1979   1988   1992   1993   1996   2000  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1973 - Michael receives the Golden Globe Award for the "Best Original Song" in a movie for his song, "Ben" at the 30th Golden Globe Awards ceremony held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.

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The theme song of the 1972 film, "Ben", is a melancholy ballad to the film's title character, a trained/telepathic rat.

1979 - The Jacksons perform a concert in Madrid, Spain on Destiny tour.

1984 - Michael was released from hospital.

Later, Michael received US$ 1'500'000.-- from Pepsi which he immediately donated to the Michael Jackson Burn Center.

On February 27, 1984 MTV previewed the two 60 second commercials free of charge.

The next day, February 28, 1984, at the 26th Annual Grammy Awards, The Jacksons' Pepsi commercials were aired during the telecast and are amongst the most successful and most popular ads ever, and the first and only set of advertisements ever to be included in the weekly "TV Guide" listings.

1985 - The last recording session for the We Are The World was held on January 28, 1985. The historic event brought together some of the most famous artists in the music industry at the time.

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Two hours after the 12th Annual American Music Award ceremony, Michael and 44 other artists gathered secretly for 10 hours at A&M Recording Studios in Los Angeles to record We Are The World.

The song was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie at Michael's home in early 1985. They began work on the song's creation at Hayvenhurst, the Encino home of Jackson and his family. For a week, the two spent every night working on lyrics and melodies in the singer's bedroom. They knew that they wanted a song which would be easy to sing and memorable. The pair wanted to create an anthem. Richie only wrote a few lines for the track as Michael wrote 99% of the lyrics. And it was not until the night of January 21, 1985, that Richie and Jackson completed the lyrics and melody of We Are the World within two and a half hours, one night before the song's first recording session.

Michael: "I wrote the song with Lionel Richie after seeing the appalling news footage of starving people in Ethiopia and the Sudan."

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He arrived after Steve Perry of Journey, with manager Frank Dileo and his bodyguard, Bill Bray. Michael arrived at the studio early so he could record the chorus by himself, to be used as a guide for the other artists. It is Michael's vocals that the other artists are listening to in their headphones when learning the song.

Most of the other artists were scheduled to arrive at the studio following the American Music Awards. Michael skipped the awards where he had four nominations. For the second consecutive year, THRILLER had been nominated for Favorite Album and Favorite Black Album. Michael had been nominated for Favorite Black Male Vocalist, and the Jacksons were nominated for Favorite Group. It was just as well he didn't go, he would have gone home empty handed.

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The video cassette, We Are The World: The Video Event shows Michael leading the all-star group through the song, and offering individual help on the lyrics to Huey Lewis, a last minute soloist chosen when Prince failed to show up. Michael's shyness and discomfort around crowds is evident in this tape. When he's not directly involved in the activity at the moment, he can often be spotted standing alone quietly in the background.

Before the actual recording of We Are The World began, Ken Kragen, one of the organizers, spoke to the group about distributing the proceeds from the record sales, and the steps being taken to insure the money went directly to where it was needed. Bob Geldoff, organizer of Band Aid and Live Aid, also spoke to the group of artists:

"I think what's happening in Africa is a crime of historic proportions... You walk into one of the corrugated iron huts and you see meningitis and malaria and typhoid buzzing around the air. And you see dead bodies lying side by side with the live ones. In some of the camps you see 15 bags of flour for 27,000 people. And I assume that's why we're all here tonight."
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Finally, Michael addressed the group. He shyly described the song he and Lionel Richie had written as "a love song to inspire concern about a faraway place close to home." On the back cover of We Are The World – the book are comments made by some of the members of USA For Africa project, including Jackson’s thoughts and feelings on the song: “When I was asked to write the song, I put my soul into it. That’s really my statement.”

The recording session began at 9:00 p.m., and lasted the entire night. The solo parts of the song were recorded without any problems. Michael didn't leave until 8:00 a.m. the next morning, when the final version of We Are the World was completed..

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Upon entering the recording studio, the musicians were greeted by a sign pinned to the door by Quincey Jones which read, "Please check your egos at the door". The 45 artists who comprised United Support of Artists for Africa, and who left their egos at the door, were also greeted by Stevie Wonder, who proclaimed that if the recording was not completed in one take, he and Ray Charles, two blind men, would drive everybody home. The supergroup included a wide range of artists, with at least one representative from various categories of music; pop, rock, R&B, and country. Dan Aykroyd, Harry Belafonte, Lindsey Buckingham, Kim Carnes, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Sheila E., Bob Geldoff, Daryl Hall and John Oates, and James Ingram were all part of USA for Africa. Perhaps the most widely represented music in USA for Africa was Jackson music, with Jackie, LaToya, Marlon, Michael, Randy, and Tito all contributing to the famine relief single. The balance of USA for Africa was made up of Al Jarreau, Waylon Jennings, Billy Joel, Cyndi Lauper, Huey Lewis and the News, Kenny Loggins, Bette Midler, Willie Nelson, Jeffrey Osborne, Steve Perry, the Pointer Sisters, Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson, Kenny Rogers, Diana Ross, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Tina Turner, Dionne Warwick, and Stevie Wonder.
One of many light-hearted moment during the recording session was when the USA For Africa stars sang The Banana Boat Song to Belafonte. It started by Stevie Wonder, then all the star joined in – including Michael. 'It's not everyday,' quipped Belafonte, 'you get The Banana Boat Song sung to you by Michael Jackson!'
The song was produced by Quincey Jones and the associate producer was Tom Bahler, who wrote She's Out of My Life from Michael's Off The Wall album. Keyboards on We Are The World are handled by another Jackson associate, Greg Phillinganes.

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The recording session resulted in a single, a video and a video cassette documenting the making of the single, We Are the World: The Video Event. A double album made up of the We Are The World single, and previously unreleased material from some of the participating artists was also released, Michael did not have a song included on the album. The proceeds from the sale of these items along with proceeds from sales of books, shirts, buttons, posters, and other merchandise all went directly to the famine relief fund. The promotion and merchandise aided the success of We Are the World and raised over $63 million for humanitarian aid in Africa and the US. We Are The World - The Video Event was the 9th best selling video cassette of 1985.

On March 7, 1985 "We Are The World" was released, as the only single from the album, and made music history. A worldwide commercial success, it topped music charts throughout the world and became the fastest-selling American pop single in history.
We Are the World became the first ever single ever to be certified multi-platinum, which received a 4× certification by the RIAA. It debuted on Billboard's Hot 100 at #21 and three weeks later, the week of April 13, 1985, it was the #1 song. The single stayed at #1 for four weeks. With sales in excess of 20 million copies, it is one of the fewer than thirty all-time singles to have sold 10 million (or more) copies worldwide.

2000 - Just after the '00 Superbowl XXXIV, Michael's performance of '93 was chosen as the best performance of ALL the past Super Bowl performances by "USA Today" Gordon Forbes.

2006 - Michael is still in Hamburg.

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Some messages were shown at the window of the house where he is currently staying and where around 100 fans are still waiting for him. One of the messages reads:
... love each and everyone of you, I'm so proud to be back in Hamburg. You make me so happy. I love you.

2007 - Michael takes Prince, Paris & Blanket to see the High School Musical at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

The class group of High School Musical was a surprise visit from pop star Michael Jackson in Las Vegas. Michael Jackson wanted to meet members of the group personally and even took along their children. Security was strengthened when Jackson and his company entered the building.

"He is taller than expected, spoke really soft and wore sunglasses the whole time," they reported. Jackson not only congratulated the members of the High School also got to see a presentation of the group. Evidently turned the Thomas & Mack Center in a VIP area with an awning to protect the team of singer of the curious.

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Today in MJJ HIStory

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

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The Cleveland School massacre occurred on January 17, 1989, at Cleveland Elementary School in Stockton, California, United States. The gunman, Patrick Purdy, who had a long criminal history and was later determined to be mentally ill, opened fire on the school's playground with a semi-automatic rifle, shot and killed five schoolchildren, and wounded 29 other schoolchildren and one teacher, before committing suicide. His victims were predominantly Cambodian or Vietnamese refugees.

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Then-Mayor Barbara Fass' subsequent work on gun control received national attention and sparked nationwide efforts that sought to ban semi-automatic military-style rifles like the one used in the shooting.

Popular singer and song writer Michael Jackson paid a visit to Cleveland Elementary School to see the children and families effected by this tragedy on February 7, 1989. Michael had just returned from his Bad World Tour. He arrived at the school to comfort the surviving children by giving them confidence to view the world more positively after such a traumatic experience. Patrick Purdy may have destroyed many lives that day, but Michael Jackson's presence helped bring more attention and compassion to the victims than anybody else on planet Earth could have done in a hundred years.

1994 - Michael Jackson opened his Neverland Ranch in a Martin Luther King Day celebration for 100 inner-city children who excelled in school.

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Jackson spent Saturday mingling with the children, posing for photographs and signing autographs. The children watched the movie "Beethoven's 2nd" in Jackson's theater and then visited his amusement park and zoo.

"This was a reward for them, and especially on the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., it is a very special occasion. These kids will never forget. We thank Michael for making this an even more memorable day," said Chilton Alphonse, founder of South Central Los Angeles' Community Youth Sports and Arts Foundation.

Fifty of the children came from Alphonse's organization, and the other 50, from Second Baptist Church.

"Michael has been a friend for the past five or six years and he's been very generous to us," Alphonse said by telephone from Neverland. "You hear all these negative things and I don't believe them. A man is innocent until proven guilty."

2000 - Michael Named Favorite Artist Of The 1980s at the 27th Annual American Music Awards.

From the results of an internet poll, named Michael Jackson favorite artist of the 1980s, Stevie Wonder of the 1970s, the Beatles of the 1960s and Elvis Presley of the 1950s.

2002 - It was announced that Michael's vocals are used on "It's Not Worth It" - a brandnew song off Brandy's new album titled "Full Moon", due in stores March 05, 2002.

Filed under  //   1989   1994   2000   2002  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1983 – Michael Jackson`s and Paul McCartney “The Girl is Mine” charts on Billboard's Hot 100 as #2 and by the R&B Chart peaks #1. It remained on charts for 18 weeks.

2000 - The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) raised a record $13.5 million in cash and pledges during its annual fund-raising TV special, "An Evening of Stars: A Celebration of Educational Excellence," which aired nationwide January 8 and January 9. " National viewership for the broadcast was up 8 percent over last year's show. Approximately 70 top television stations in every major television market aired the special, including network affiliates of ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, WB and UPN. The special also aired on BET cable network. The four-hour special was hosted by Lou Rawls, Debbie Allen, Star Jones and Lynn Whitfield. Highlights included performances by Whitney Houston, Lauryn Hill, , Barry White, the O'Jays, Chaka Khan, The Stylistics and Michael Jackson who performanced his Earth Song. Other highlights included inspirational words of support from veteran producer Quincy Jones.

2001 - Michael Jackson's publicist Cheri Fein announced the Jackson would be recording two to three songs for the new Jackson Five album.

Filed under  //   1983   2000   2001  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1997 - Michael ended the first leg of his "HIStory" tour in Honolulu, Hawaii. The two concerts held on January 3 and 4 at the 35'000-seat Aloha Stadium made history - no other musical act ever sold out the stadium, and Michael sold out 2 shows in less than 24 hours, a record time. It's his first U.S. tour stop since 1989. Hawaii promoter Tom Moffatt said: "I've never seen anything like it... there's been nothing even close to this - The Rolling Stones, Elton John, Julio Iglesias, The Eagles... ."

2000 - MTV Asia celebrated the end of the Millennium in a big way by selecting and airing the Top 2000 music videos and Michael Jackson's "Thriller" was chosen as the # 1 Video by MTV Asia. MTV Asia aired all 2000 videos on their "Top 2000 Playlist" countdown with Michael leading at the number one position!

2005 - On behalf of his family and himself, Michael Jackson releases a statement on his website concerning the 9.1 Mw undersea megathrust earthquake and tsunami disaster which occurred on December 26, 2004, affecting Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand and Maldives and killing over 230,000 people from fourteen countries. "My family and I would like to send our prayers and heartfelt sympathy to the families, friends and loved ones of those who recently perished from the horrific earthquake and tsunami, which swept through Indonesia, Asia, India, Somalia and other countries”, Jackson declares. "Our love is also being sent to those who have miraculously survived this tragedy and to those who are so courageously on-site, helping to spearhead the relief efforts. We pray for your strength, your safety and the success of your life-saving missions of love. Words cannot adequately express the shock, horror and grief we've felt, while watching news reports which have captured the massive devastation and despair. It has been especially painful for me, as I have visited these areas many times and I remember the love, kindness and warmth of the people I met there”, he also declares. I would like to encourage all of my friends, and fans, to contribute to agencies and organizations assisting in these efforts. In times like these, we need each other... we must bond together in spirit and in service. God Bless. Sincerely, Michael Jackson".

Filed under  //   1997   2000   2005  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1988 - Michael perform 6th of 9 dates at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo during the Japanese leg of Bad tour.

1992 - Michael perform 4th of 8 dates at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo during the Japanese leg of Dangerous tour attending 45,000 fans.

1996 - "Ghosts" premièred in Sony Movie Theatre in Tokyo, Japan. Michael was present at the Tokyo première of his 35-minute short film.

2000 - A gorgeous looking Michael Jackson made a surprise appearance at WKTU's "Miracle On 34th Street" concert at New York's Madison Square Garden and sent thousands of concertgoers into hysterics

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As part of the grand finale, all performers lined up across the stage and the orchestra started The Jacksons' hit "Shake Your Body [Down To The Ground]".

Michael came out from the wings to wild applause and cheering. Unfortunately, for the crowd, he didn't perform, telling the audience that he had laryngitis, but he did wish everyone happy holidays.

Surprise presenter Whitney Houston jumped up and down and hugged Michael.

Before he left the stage, he promised the packed house, "The best is yet to come!"

The Charity concert feat. performances by Whitney Houston, Marc Anthony, Destiny's Child, Ricky Martin, Christina Aguilera, Brian McKnight, Melanie C, 98 Degrees, Lara Fabian, Gloria Gaynor, Deniece Williams, Jon Secada...Toni Braxton served as emcee for the event.

Filed under  //   1988   1992   1996   2000  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1979 - The Jacksons perform Destiny tour in San Bernadino, US.

1984 - Michael make a donation to the Brotman Medical Center which renamed its burn ward in his honor at the Brotman Medical Center in Culver City, Ca. Michael visits the burn victims at the ward, him having been admitted there previously for head injuries, derived from a stage pyrotechnics incident during filming the commercial for Pepsi along with his brothers.

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Among the victims, he meets 23-year old mechanic, Keith Perry, burned over 90 percent of his body in a car crash. The surgeons declare that Jackson’s visit at Perry’s bedside was the main reason he had pulled through: "Michael encouraged him, talking to him for hours", says Los Angeles hospital spokesman, Judy Davis.

2000 - News break that Michael Jackson will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for his achievements as a solo artist on March 19, 2001: "I am thrilled and humbled to receive this great honor.”, he declares on the news. “I could not ask to be in better company than the list of fellow inductees. Each and every one is a master from whom I have learned. My sincere thanks to the rock and roll historians and experts who have chosen me.”

2001 - "USA Today" Magazine Interview

On rumors created by tabloid press:

“I don’t pay any attention. The fans know the tabloid garbage is crap. They always say to me, “Let’s have a tabloid burning”. It’s terrible to try to assassinate one’s character. I’ve had people come to me, and after meeting me, they start crying. I say, ‘Why are you crying?’, they say, “Because I thought you’d be stuck up, but you’re the nicest person’. I say, ‘Who gave you this judgement?’. They tell me they read it. I tell them, “Don’t you believe what you read”. […] I’ve done so much [refuting] in the past. I did the most watched TV interview in history with Oprah Winfrey [in 1993]. But [the media] tend to want to twist what you say and judge you. I want to keep it on the music and on the art. […]”

On his “King of Pop” title:

“I never self-proclaimed myself to be anything. If I called up Elizabeth Taylor right now, she would tell you that she coined the phrase. She was introducing me, I think, at the American Music Awards and said in her own words – it wasn’t in the script – ‘”I’m a personal fan, and, in my opinion, he is the king of pop, rock and soul”. Then the press started saying “King of Pop” and the fans started. This self-proclaimed garbage, I don’t know who said that.”

On touring:

“[…] Physically, touring takes a lot of you. When I’m on stage, it’s like a two-hour marathon. I weigh myself before and after each show, and I lose a good 10 pounds. Sweat is all over the stage. Then you get to your hotel and the adrenaline is at its zenith and you can’t fall asleep. And you’ve got a show the next day. It’s tough.”

On his music:

“I never think about themes [for my music]. I let the music create itself. I like it to be a potpourri of all kinds of sounds, all kinds of colors, something for everybody, from the farmer in Ireland to the lady who scrubs toilets in Harlem.”

On fatherhood:

“[Fatherhood has changed me] in a huge way. You have to value your time differently, no doubt about it. It's your responsibility to make sure they're taken care of and raised properly with good manners. But I refuse to let any of it get in the way of the music or the dance or the performing. I have to play two different roles. I always wanted to have a big family, ever since I was in school. I was always telling my father I would outdo him. He had 10 children. I would love to have like 11 or 12 myself.”

On coping with being a famous artist/parent and the implications of it on his children and his fans:

“You do the best you can. You don’t isolate them from other children. There will be other kids at the school [on my property]. I let them go out into the world. But they can’t always go with me. We get mobbed and attacked. When we were in Africa, Prince saw a mob attack in a huge shopping mall. People broke so much stuff, running and screaming. My biggest fear is that fans will hurt themselves and they do. I’ve seen glass break, blood, ambulances.”
On what he has taught his children:

"[…] I try to make sure they’re respectful and honorable and kind to everybody."
On what his children have taught him:

"A lot. [Parenthood] reminds you to do what the Bible has always taught us. When the apostles were arguing among themselves over who was the greatest in Jesus’ eyes, he said, "None of you", and called over a little boy and said, "Until you humble yourself like this child." It reminds you to be kind and humble and to see things through the eyes of children with a childlike wonderment. I still have that. I’m still fascinated by the clouds and the sunset. I was making wishes on the rainbow yesterday. I saw the meteor shower. I made a wish every time I saw a shooting star."

On missing out on his childhood and using his pain to create art:

“It’s not anger, it’s pain [due to this]. People see me at the amusement park or with other kids having fun, and they don’t stop and think, “He never had that chance when he was little.” I never had the chance to do the fun things kids do: sleepovers, parties, trick-or-treat. There was no Christmas, no holiday celebrating. So now you try to compensate for some of that loss. […] That’s what makes greatness. You have to have that tragedy, that pain to pull from. That’s what makes a clown great. You can see he’s hurting behind the masquerade. He’s something else externally. Chaplin did that so beautifully, better than anyone. I can play off those moments, too. I’ve been through the fire many times.”

On his pastime activities:

“I like to do silly things; water-ballon fights, pie fights, egg fights. […] I don’t think I’ll ever grow out of that. […] I just love it.”

On being adulated and his purpose on earth:

“It’s always a good feeling. I never take it for granted. I’m never puffed up with pride or think I’m better than the next-door neighbor. To be loved is a wonderful thing. That is the main reason I do this. I feel compelled to do it, to give people some sense of escapism, a treat to the eye and the ear. I think it’s the reason I’m here.”
On his personal wish:

"Peace and love for the children."

On the difficulty of coping with having a famous parent:

“If you look back in history, it’s the same with anybody who’s achieved wonderful things. I know the Disney family well, and Walt’s daughters used to tell me it was difficult when they were in school. Kids would say, “I hate Walt Disney. He’s not even funny. We don’t watch him” Charlie Chaplin’s kids, who I know well, had to take their children out of school. They were being teased. ‘Your grandfather is stupid. He’s not funny. We don’t like him.” He was a genius! So you have to deal with this jealousy. They think they’re hurting you. Nothing could hurt me. […]”
On his plans to build theme parks in Europe and Africa:

"We’re still working on a couple of projects. I can’t say right now where. I love theme parks. I love seeing children coming together, having a good time with their parents. It’s not like it used to be, when you put your kids on the merry-go-round, and sat on the bench eating peanuts. Now you enjoy it with them. It builds a unity to the family."

Filed under  //   1979   1984   2000   2001  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1989 - MTV aired a special, Rate The 80's, in which they revealed how viewers had voted in several phone in categories, including their choices for Best Movie, Video, and TV show of the 80's. Viewers phoned in their choices for one month. Michael Jackson had the most nominations with three. "Thriller" was nominated for the Greatest Video in the HIStory of the World, THRILLER was nominated for Really Big Album, and Michael was among the nominees for Mega Artist of the 80's. "Thriller" was chosen as the Greatest Video in the History of the World with 35% of the vote.

This award was presented to Michael when he made a surprise appearance on the Arsenio Hall Show.

1993 - Michael is on the cover of Jet magazine.

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1995 - Michael was rushed to Beth Israel Medical Center in New York after collapsing at rehearsals for his HBO special "One Night Only". Early reports from the Center indicated that Michael was suffering from gastro-enteritis, dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Michael was due to play at the Beacon Theater on the 8th and 9th. The shows were canceled.

2000 - After receiving the "Angel of Hope" award from the G&P Foundation for his efforts in combating cancer, he reminds the audience of that "Cancer is the number one killer of children and it is only when we join together on evenings like this, that we can summon the courage and determination to stop it from ever robbing another child of the precious gift of life, or a parent of the joy of watching their child grow." He also remembers the merits of invitee and Nobel-Prize winner, Professor Elie Wiesel and children’s expert, Dr. Stanley Greenspan, for joining him at the formal dinner.

Filed under  //   1989   1993   1995   2000  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1983 - The short film and single "Thriller", featuring Vincent Price, and written by Rod Temperton, is released on December 2, 1983. It is a horror story, the victim being a girl (played by Ola Ray in the video) which is reassured by Jackson that she only had a nightmare by waking her up, and that in the midst of that terror she felt,
"Now it’s the time
For you and I to cuddle close together (yeah).
All through the night
I’ll save you from the terror on the screen
Girl, I can thrill you more than any ghoul will ever dare try,"
although on waking his set partner, he turns at the camera, revealing a smile and wearwolf eyes. This represents the clear possibility and belief that monsters (evil-mindedness) can lurk inside of real people as well.

Jackson took a special interest since childhood in studying everything monstrous, especially that which is produced by distorted human perceptions. The entertainer himself was erroneously depicted by the media and at times called a 'monster', when Jackson tried all along to evoke and/or illustrate in darker-themed songs/videos such as Thriller, Ghosts, Is It Scary, Threatened, Black Or White or Bad, the terror and pains consuming him various times in his life, and that his public persona is a reflection of the media’s perception of him, including a large part of society’s.

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He also was a victim of scare and emotional abuse early in his life, thus reproduced a similar fear in Thriller, where he most likely exorcised his demons, art always being cathartic for Jackson, and a way to express what he wasn’t willing to in real life in front of people, i.e. violence, anger, frustrations or terror. John Landis directs the video/film and Rick Baker is responsible for special effects and make-up. The film costs an estimated 1 million dollars which Jackson himself provides. To re-coup some of the budget costs, John Landis will negotiate a deal with Showtime, MTV and Vestron to fund a 60-minute documentary on the making of the short film. ‘Making Michael Jackson’s Thriller’ will be aired a year later and sold on video tape. It will become the biggest selling music video of all time, with estimated sales of 9 million as of 2006. A week after the single and short film gets released, sales of the album soar and once again, Thriller retains its number-one charts position. At this time, Michael Jackson hires a new manager, Frank DiLeo, who will remain with him for five years.

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Having already set the bar high with the album’s first two videos, Billie Jean and Beat It, the third one had to somehow take things further. Director John Landis, director of the 1981 horror comedy American Werewolf in London, was brought in to direct a mini-feature, a video that would take the format further than merely serving as a visual backdrop for a three-minute pop song.

Running almost fourteen minutes, the Thriller video employed horror flick cliches (it was filmed during Halloween season 1983), Michael was transformed into a supernatural ghoul disguised as a seemingly hapless high school boyfriend, who torments his date (played by Ola Ray) by using his uncanny ability to get a pack of corpse zombies to execute spectacularly synchronized dance routines.

The fact that the video had its debut just over a year after the album was first released was a reflection of the album’s enduring popularity and still-mounting sales figures. A stunning finale to the pop sensation of 1983, let alone the century, it also marked a peak and turning point, a period that gradually came to haunt Michael for being a standard too high for even him to repeat.

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Having set a new standard for music videos with Billie Jean and Beat It, Michael knew his third video had to take things to a new level. He collaborated with director John Landis on a short movie, a fourteen-minute horror flick/dance number, to promote the song Thriller. Filmed during Halloween week of 1983, it premiered on December 2, 1983 and marked another milestone in the music video genre.

The 7th single from Thriller, was the album's title track. "Thriller" features the eerie sound of creaking doors and a ghoulish rap by horror fim star Vincent Price. "Thriller" debuted on Billboard's Hot 100 at #20, making it one of the highest debuting singles ever. "Thriller" entered the top 10 in its 2nd week on the charts, and peaked at #4. It went to #3 on the black singles chart.

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For the 7th and final single from Thriller, Michael went all out to create his most elaborate video to date. Costing $1 million to produce, it was the most expensive video ever. It was also the longest video, running 13 minutes, always being broadcast with an opening disclaimer and closing credits.

After seeing the film, An American Werewolf in London, Michael decided he wanted that film's directer, John Landis, to direct the "Thriller" video. Rick Baker, who did the makeup for An American Werewolf in London, was chosen to do the makeup for "Thriller", transforming Michael into a werewolf right on camera. Michael's co-star was Ola Ray.

The story for the "Thriller" video was written by John Landis and Michael Jackson. Running out of gas on their date, Michael starts to walk Ola home. After telling her, "I'm not like other guys", he transforms into a werewolf in front of her eyes. He chases her through the woods when suddenly the scene swithces to Michael and his date watching the scene in a movie theater. Ola, too scared to watch, leaves the theater with Michael following her out. On their way home, they find themselves surrounded by dead, or rather undead, zombies. Michael becomes one of them and joins them in one of his most dazzling dance routines ever.

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Michael said of making the music video, in an interview that aired on December 11, 1999, for MTV's 100 Greatest Videos Ever Made:
"My idea was to make this short film with conversation... in the beginning - I like having a beginning and a middle and an ending, which would follow a story. I'm very much involved in complete making and creating of the piece. It has to be, you know, my soul. Usually, you know, it's an interpretation of the music... It was a delicate thing to work on because I remember my original approach was, 'How do you make zombies and monsters dance without it being comical?' So I said, 'We have to do just the right kind of movement so it doesn't become something that you laugh at.' But it just has to take it to another level. So I got in a room with [choreographer] Michael Peters, and he and I together kind of imagined how these zombies move by making faces in the mirror. I used to come to rehearsal sometimes with monster makeup on, and I loved doing that. So he and I collaborated and we both choreographed the piece and I thought it should start like that kind of thing and go into this jazzy kind of step, you know. Kind of gruesome things like that, not too much ballet or whatever."
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Makeup artist Rick Baker on his hesitation to work on "Thriller":
"John told me about the idea but I was reluctant. I got a call from John and he was like, 'You know who Michael Jackson is?' and I was like, 'Yeah, kinda. He's the guys from The Jackson 5, right?' And he said, 'Well he's got this song called 'Thriller' and he wants to do this short film.' At first I said I didn't want to do it. It's not a popular job -- it's like being a dentist in a way: They have to sit still in a chair for hours while you work on them. It's uncomfortable -- it's not something actors look forward to."
Makeup artist Rick Baker on Jackson's off-stage shyness:
"Michael was great and very shy. I remember the first time John came over to shoot us working on Michael's makeup for his behind-the-scenes stuff -- which I wasn't too happy about and Michael wasn't too happy about -- Michael was so nervous that as soon as the cameras came in, he ran off and hid in the bathroom. So different to when he was performing -- 'Thriller' was happening during the making of the Motown Anniversary Special, when Michael first did the moonwalk, and one of the guys brought tape of the show in and said, 'Watch this.' That was him, when he was performing. That was when he came alive."
Actress Ola Ray on the experience of filming "Thriller" with Jackson:
"Everyone thinks I made millions, but I don't care ... I wouldn't change a thing. The minute I walked into the audition, I knew the part was mine. Michael seemed taken by the fact I was a Playboy model. He was cute, but childlike. He loved chasing me or jumping out from behind a wall."
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The purpose of making "Thriller," in Landis's mind -- it was nobody's brilliant idea. "I took the job to direct Michael Jackson's landmark music video because I saw it as a chance to resurrect a genre that had once been a Hollywood staple. It was a great opportunity to bring back the theatrical short. Music videos were new in 1983, and MTV was just two years old. At that time the videos were used to sell records and when Michael decided to do the 'Thriller' video, the album had already become the biggest-selling album of all time. It ended up costing $500,000 -- still enormous money at that time for that kind of thing. Nobody would give us the money because the album had already been so successful. Michael said he would pay for it, but I wouldn't let him. He was still living with his parents in Encino, behind a supermarket."
To qualify for an Academy Award, "Thriller" debuted at a special theatrical screening, along with the 1940 Disney motion picture Fantasia.

The A-list turned out for the premiere at the 500-seat historic Crest Theater; Diana Ross, Warren Beatty, Prince, Eddie Murphy. “I’ve been to the Oscars, the Baftas, the Emmys and the Golden Globes, and I have never seen anything like this,” remembers John Landis. Ola Ray looked for Michael before the lights went down and found him in the projection booth, He told her that she looked beautiful, but refused her entreaty to come sit in the audience, telling her “This is your night, go enjoy yourself.” […] Then came Thriller, cranked at full volume. Fourteen minutes later the crowd was on its feet, applauding and crying “Encore! Encore!” Eddie Murphy shouted “Show the goddamn thing again!” And they did.

1984 - The Jacksons perform Victory tour at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, USA attending 55,000 fans.

1996 - Michael performs HIStory concert at Burswood Dome in Perth, Australia attending 18,900 fans.

2000 - Michael Attends Wedding Ceremony Of Tommy Mottola.

Michael Jackson took a front row seat at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York for the wedding of Sony boss Tommy Mottola and Thalia Sodi. He did not attend the party after the wedding ceremony.

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Some of the 1'200 invited friends included Donna Summer, Gloria Estefan, Rosie O'Donnell, Marc Anthony, Emilio Estefan, Jennifer Lopez, Robert De Niro, Saul Kerzner, Danny DeVito, Joe Pesci, Ricky Martin, Bruce Springsteen, Julio Iglesias, Tony Bennett, to name but a few.

Filed under  //   1983   1984   1996   2000  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1974 - The Jackson 5ive perform a concert in Las Vegas, Nevada during the quintet's first World Tour.

1979 - The Jacksons perform Destiny tour in Denver, Colorado.

1983 - Exactly a year after Thriller’s release, the Jacksons held a press conference at Central Park’s Tavern on the Green in New York City, where they announced they would be releasing an album the next year, followed by an American tour.

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Promoted by boxing personality Don King, and sponsored by Pepsi, it was also revealed that the brothers would be taping television commercials for the soft drink in the new year.

1984 - The Jacksons perform Victory tour at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, USA attending 55,000.

1991 - Michael Jackson scored his fourth UK No.1 album with 'Dangerous'

1996 - Michael performs a concert at Burswood Dome in Perth, Australia attending 18,900 fans.

2000 - G&P Foundation "Angel Ball" recompenses the philantropist at the "Angel Ball Honors", alongside Bill Clinton and Jordan’s Queen Noor, with the "Angel of Hope Award" at the Marriot Marquis Hotel in New York City, for outstanding efforts to the fight against leukemia, lymphoma and other related cancers, that year’s event collecting 4 million dollars for the "G&P Cancer Foundation" in N.Y.

A again gorgeous looking Michael Jackson shows up at the Angel Ball Honors in New York. The following has been taken from Reuters:

On Nov. 30, 2000 President Clinton, singer Michael Jackson and Jordan's Queen Noor were honored on Thursday for their work to fight cancer at a star-studded black-tie dinner to raise $4 million for a cancer foundation.

The president and wife, Sen.-elect Hillary Rodham Clinton, received an award from the New York-based G&P Foundation, which funds research into leukemia, lymphoma and related cancers.

"It won't be long now," Clinton told some 1'800 Hollywood stars and members of New York society crowded into a Manhattan hotel ballroom for the event, saying he expected a cure for the disease to be found.

Talk show host Larry King emceed the gala, which was scheduled to include performances by singers Natalie Cole, Patti LaBelle and Marc Anthony as well as appearances by actors Jane Seymour, Gabriel Byrne and Joan Collins.

Clinton, seated between Queen Noor and actor Robert DeNiro, did not stay for most of the show, leaving early to fly home to Washington with his wife.

The G&P foundation was created by song writer and Democratic Party donor Denise Rich to honor her daughter, Gabrielle Rich Aouad, who died of leukemia at the age of 27. It is named for Gabrielle and her husband, Philip Aouad.

As she helped to present the Clintons with their award, Rich also handed the president a gleaming saxophone.

"Thank you, Denise," Clinton said. "I'll have a little more time to play it in a week or two," he added, referring to the end of his eight years in the White House on Jan. 20.

Jackson, wearing a peach colored shirt, a lilac vest and a yellow tie, gave Clinton a warm tribute. "You've been an incredible president and I love you," the pop star said, pointing at Clinton.

A foundation spokeswoman said the dinner aimed to raise $4 million from about 1'800 guests, who were expected to include a wide array of Hollywood stars including Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Kim Basinger, Alec Baldwin and Julianne Moore.

Former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney and former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, who did not attend the dinner, were also honored for their work on behalf of cancer patients.

Michael Jackson was honored with an Angel of Hope Award at the Angel Ball held in New York. Below the transcript of Michael's introduction as well as his great speech:

N'Sync Members Lance and J.C. introduce Michael:

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Thank you. It's great to be here. Actually I'd say it's pretty incredible. And incredible describes our next honoree. This is the part were we are supposed to tell you about the career of our guest of honour, but if you don't know who he is, what planet are you from? He's not only one of the greatest artists of age, a star for the ages is what he really is. His Thriller album is the greatest selling album in the history of the world. And his song 'We Are The World' sold 800,000 copies in 3 days. His records actually set records. As members of a new generation of pop artists we stand before him with the deepest sense of gratitude and humility. He's influenced our musical choices but more importantly he has influenced our personal choices.

No artist does as much to make the world a better place, and no other celebrity is more humble about his good work. What else can I say about him, he's bad, he's a thriller, and he's here. The greatest living recording artist in the world, number one superstar. King of Pop. On behalf of the G & P Foundation it's a great honour to present the Angel of Hope Award to Mr Michael Jackson.

[While Michael walks up on stage he receives a standing ovation, the music to "We Are The World" is played]

Michael:
Wow, it's incredible. I'm extremely honoured and moved by this gracious award and first and foremost I would like to thank our hostess and my date tonight, Denise, [giggles and smiles sheepishly, the crowd giggles and whistles] who with her beautiful spirit and abundant kindness has quickly found a special place in my heart. My close friend Rabbi Shmuley Boteach introduced me to Denise and I'm very grateful. Thank you Shmuley, thank you so much for making this evening possible for me and for all the important and meaningful projects that we have begun together. Shmuley is also responsible for bringing me together with some of my special guests this evening, Nobel prize winner, Professor Elie Wiesel and childrens' expert, Dr Stanley Greenspan. Thank you for joining me on this special night.

I'm honoured Mr President to receive this award in your presence and I wanna thank you all for years of dedication and service that you rendered to the American people. You have been an incredible president and I love you. [Audience are cheering and applauding loudly] And of course N'Sync. [audience applauds] It's great to meet you guys and it's an honour to receive this award, not only did you make all the girls scream, [audience laughs] but I was also thrilled to learn that you are continuing the tradition that I also believe in, in using your accomplishments to help others with your own charitable foundation. [audience applauds]

Cancer is the number one killer of children. And it is only when we join together on evenings like this, that we can summon the courage and determination to stop it from ever robbing another child of the precious gift of life or a parent of the joy of watching their child grow. God bless you all for all the love and support you have offered this evening and I love you all very much. Thank you. [audience applauds]

[Michael talks with Lance and J.C. and you can hear him say "Nice to meet you too" and then kisses Denise on the check. Everybody walks off the stage]

2005 - Police were investigating claims that Michael Jackson was trafficking drugs to feed his 40 pills-a-day habit. The singer was suspected of flying antidepressants and painkillers from the US to his current home in Bahrain.

2009 - The death of Boyzone singer Stephen Gately was the most searched for topic on Google's UK site in 2009. It was closely followed by the rise of Britain's Got Talent runner-up Susan Boyle Microsoft revealed that the death of Michael Jackson dominated its Bing search engine results during the year.

Filed under  //   1974   1979   1983   1984   1991   1996   2000   2005   2009  

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