Michael Jackson For All Time

Today in MJJ HIStory

2012-03-16T10:32:00.000-07:00

2002 - Michael Jackson arrived with Elizabeth for Liza Minnelli and David Gest's wedding ceremony, held at the 147-year-old Marble Collegiate Church in New York.

Michael and Tito were the best men while Elizabeth Taylor and actress Marisa Berenson stood as Maids of Honor.

The wedding was one of the most expensive celebrity weddings of all time, with an estimated cost of $3.5 million. Nearly 1,500 celebrity guests turned out to witness the marriage including; Diana Ross, Luther Vandross, Elton John and Kiss frontman Gene Simmons, actors Michael Douglas, Kirk Douglas, Anthony Hopkins, composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, and property tycoon Donald Trump.

When Liza walked down the aisle to the altar Michael picked up the train of her wedding dress and carried it until one of the braid's maids took on the job.

Today in MJJ HIStory

2012-03-12T10:35:00.001-07:00

1986 - Michael Jackson adds another entry into The Guinness Book Of World Records!
He is acknowledged by them as having the largest endorsement agreement in history between an individual and a major corporation [Pepsi-Cola].

At a press conference Pepsi-Cola announced the new contract with Michael Jackson - 2 year endorsement deal worth a staggering $50 million; included two Pepsi commercials and the sponsorship of Michael's first solo tour.
MJ also claims the second biggest commercial sponsorship deal in history for Pepsi's underwriting of his 1984 Victory Tour for $6 million.

1988 - U.S. cable network Showtime airs Michael Jackson: The Legend Continues. Michael is one of the executive producers of the special and it is nominated for two Cable Ace Awards. It wins for Outstanding Editing but loses for Outstanding Musical Special.

This video traces the steps of Michael Jackson from the very beginnings of the Jackson 5 right up to the 1988 Bad world tour. Full of rare film footage from the Motown records and the Jackson family.

Full of special guests, including Katherine Hepburn, Quincy Jones, Smokey Robinson, Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor, Sammy Davis Jr, Gene Kelly, and many more.

Running time: 53 mins

Michael Jackson: The Legend Continues, a 1988 Showtime on Motown cable special is one of the few documentaries on the subject of Michael Jackson that is totally focused on his extraordinary music career. James Earl Jones provides the narration, that is used to great effect, especially to make points on his career milestones.

The viewer will see a montage of footage of Michael performing as a member of the Jackson 5ive, performing their hit songs of the day, when he went solo with the Off The Wall album, and the monster that his album Thriller became around the world. The documentaries also shows how success put Michael Jackson in the company of some of Hollywood's most celebrated movie stars of the 30's, 40's, and 50's.

Michael perform a BAD tour concert at the Arena, St. Louis in Missouri.

1993 - Michael is on the cover of the Mikro-Gids magazine[Netherlands].

Today in MJJ HIStory

2012-03-11T10:15:00.000-07:00

1969 - The Jackson 5ive's contract with Motown records did not come into effect until March 11, 1969, after negotiations were made to buy out the existing Steeltown contract.

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

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

1993 - Michael Jackson attends The American Film Institute dinner to present Elizabeth Taylor with AFI's 21st Life Achievement Award.

Despite his dancing accident, Michael, walking on crutches, attended the star-studded dinner held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Hollywood in honor of his friend, Elizabeth.
The necklace around Liz's neck shimmered in the light of huge chandeliers, the same chandeliers that reflected in the mirrored sunglasses worn by Michael, who sat at her side.

Michael says: "I love her very dearly, She's always there for me, and I try to be there for her--forever"♥

Today in MJJ HIStory

2012-03-10T10:30:00.000-08:00

1988 - Michael Jackson received an honorary doctor of Humane Letters degree from the president of Fisk University, Henry Ponder, at the 44th Annual United Negro College Fund Awards held at the Sheraton Hotel, NY.

Michael, who was the highest contributor for UNC Fund, also received their highest honor — The Federick D. Patterson Award for his continued efforts towards alleviating world hunger, helping terminally ill children and for his inspirational example to the youth of America.

Approximately 2000 people attended the dinner, among them; Frank Dileo, John Branca, Walter Yetnikoff, Elizabeth Taylor, Liza Minnelli, Yoko Ono, Whitney Houston and Michael's mom & dad.

Accepting the honor Dr. Michael Jackson says:

"I would like to say this about the United Negro College Fund. An education opens a person's mind to the entire world, and there is nothing more important than to make sure everyone has the opportunity for an education. To want to learn, to have the capacity to learn, and not to be able to, is a tragedy.
I am honored to be associated with an evening that says this will never happen. Thank you. I love you all."♥

Producer Quincey Jones made a speech honoring his friend, Michael:

"I would just like to say this tribute tonight is about growth as a human being, as a songwriter, as a singer, as a dancer, as a choreographer, as a mind, as a record producer, as a business magnate... and most important of all, as a humanitarian."

Today in MJJ HIStory

2012-02-29T08:36:00.001-08:00

1979 – The Jacksons perform their Destiny Tour in Avignon, France.

1992 – Michael Jackson's Remember The Time reached #1 on R&B Singles Chart.

Today in MJJ HIStory

2011-06-17T22:26:00.000-07:00

1988 - During the European leg of BAD World Tour, Michael Jackson performed a concert at St. Jakob Stadium in Basel, Switzerland attracted 55,000 fans; the show was attended by Bob Dylan and close friend Elizabeth Taylor.

During his stay in Switzerland, Michael had an opportunity to fulfill a childhood wish. He paid a visit to Oona O'Neill Chaplin, the wife of silent film legend Charlie Chaplin - Michael's most favorite actor.

Pictured here, Michael holds two Honorary Awards given to Chaplin in 1929 and 1972 by the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Chaplin's wife, Oona O'Neill holds the Academy Award for Best Original Score, awarded in 1973.

Today in MJJ HIStory

2011-06-16T22:18:00.000-07:00

2003 - Michael invited the Wolfs - a German family affected by the floods - over to Neverland.

Michael was horrified when he saw TV footage of the floods that devastated parts of Europe in August, 2002.

Heiko and Susann Wolf and their daughters, Saskia and Sabrina, had watched in horror as their Meissen home was washed away by the floods.
They visited MJ and spent 3 days enjoying the ranch's facilities and also met with MJ's kids.

Michael also donated 16 autographed items: CDs, videos and cotton napkins to aid in the support of the victims of the floods.

Susann Wolf said the 3-day trip to Neverland was a "magical experience" which has given her and her husband a new perspective of pop's strangest star:

"Before, I was fascinated, like everyone else, with the way Michael Jackson looks. I read about all the horror stories and I was panicking a bit.

When I met him briefly in Germany and then again at his home I realized he's normal - like us.

The children immediately became friends with his. Paris ran to her dad and said,
'Dad, here is my friend Saskia.'
It was wonderful and they all played great together!

My children ate with his children and it was spectacular. They just talked and talked. Saskia can speak a little English, but they found another way of communicating using hand gestures."

Today in MJJ HIStory

2011-06-15T22:46:00.000-07:00

2002 - Michael Jackson made a surprise appearance, at a fan demonstration against Sony Music. He arrived riding on the top deck of an open-topped sightseeing bus, in front of the European offices of Sony Music, in Great Marlborough Street.

Later, Michael attended "Killer Thriller Fan Party" at The Equinox nightclub in London, organized by MJNI fanclub.

At the event, Michael spoke for the first time of his problems with Sony CEO Tommy Mottolla, and explained that Sony takes advantage of their artists, including himself:

"I want to thank all the great, incredible talents. As long as you play the music, I want to dance! [referring to Ernest Valentino] I want to thank this guy for a wonderful performance. I thought Bryton McClure was amazing, too. He’s a great singer as well. Anyway, I first wanted to say, I really don’t like to talk that much. I really don’t. I prefer performing than talking. I really want you to know what I say. The tradition of great performers: from Sammy Davis Junior, James Brown, to Jackie Wilson, to Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly. The story is usually the same, though. These guys worked really hard, and they’re crabbed, for the story ends the same. They are usually broken, torn and usually just sad, because the companies take advantage of them, they really do.

And being the artist that I am, at Sony I’ve generated several billion dollars for Sony, several billion. They really thought that my mind is always on music and dancing. It usually is, but they never thought that this performer -myself- would out think them.

So, we can’t let them get away with what they’re trying to do, because now I’m a free agent. I just owe Sony one more album. It’s just a box set, really, with two new songs which I’ve written ages ago. Because for every album that I record, I write -literally, I’m telling you the truth- I write at least 120 songs every album I do. So I can do the box set, just giving them any two songs. So I’m leaving Sony, a free agent, owning half of Sony. I own half of Sony’s Publishing. I’m leaving them, and they’re very angry at me, because I just did good business, you know. So the way they get revenge is to try and destroy my album. But I’ve always said, you know, art -good art- never dies.

And Tommy Mottola is a devil! I’m not supposed to say what I’m going to say right now, but I have to let you know this. [Points to crowd.] Please don’t videotape what I am going to say, ok? Turn it off, please. [Pausing, then changing his mind] Do it, do it, I don’t mind! Tape it!
Mariah Carey, after divorcing Tommy, came to me crying. Crying. She was crying so badly I had to hold her. She said to me, ‘This is an evil man, and Michael, this man follows me’. He taps her phones, and he’s very, very evil. She doesn’t trust him.

We have to continue our drive until he is terminated. We can’t allow him to do this to great artists, we just can’t. I just wanted to let you know, I appreciate everything you’ve done, you’ve been amazing. You’re so loyal! [Scanning the audience]. Diana, everybody, Waldo, all the people here! I love you all. You’ve been amazing, I love you! But still, but still, I promise you, the best is yet to come!"

Today in MJJ HIStory

2011-05-10T02:08:00.000-07:00

1970 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49Sd_sQeEfA
ed sullivan may 10

Today in MJJ HIStory

2011-05-08T02:09:00.000-07:00

1989 - Black Radio Exclusive Awards show honored Michael Jackson as the "Triple Crown Winner for Outstanding Achievement in Pop, Rock and Soul." This elegantly laminated plaque has a black and gold edging, with purple printing on a faux-marble background, with a stylized photo image of Michael in his trademark black fedora. Excellent condition. 14 1/2 x 11 1/

pg 264

Today in MJJ HIStory

2011-04-26T09:57:00.000-07:00

1993 - As part of his "Heal L.A." tour, Michael Jackson pays an unannounced visit to the "Watta Health Foundation" and two school centers from "Los Angeles South Central", where he engages in discussions with the children and the service staff providers of the immunization, mentoring and drug-abuse prevention programs. He also poses for pictures with the children in need of the mentioned programs, and embraces them. Jackson's "Heal L.A." and "Heal The World Foundation" will provide much needed funding to many inner-city organizations, including to the "El Santo Nino Center" on East 23rd Street, where the singer meets with the children later in the afternoon. His final stop that day is the "Horusman Middle School", where he listens to children boasting of a special mentoring program.

Today in MJJ HIStory

2011-04-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

2002 - Michael performs at a fund-raiser at "Apollo Theater" in Harlem, New York for the "Democratic National Committee", to launch a campaign aimed at persuading United States citizens to register and where nearly 3 million dollars are collected for the voting registration. Jackson performs "Dangerous", "Black Or White" and "Heal The World" (joined by Diana Ross) at the said event called "A Night At The Apollo", the superstar sharing the stage with former president Bill Clinton and singers Tony Bennett and K. D. Lang.The money would be used for the then new "Every Vote Counts" campaign, the committee said. The 1'400 audience members paid up to 5,000 dollars each to see the array of stars.

Today in MJJ HIStory

2011-04-23T09:56:00.000-07:00

1993 - Michael Jackson heads a list of the music industry’s Who’s Who participating on comedy actor and occasional singer Eddie Murphy’s third musical album, ‘Love’s Alright’,

“JET”’s April 23 issue reveals. A variety of charities would benefit from proceeds from the sales of the Murphy-written single, ‘Yeah’, and it features voices as Michael and Janet Jackson, Paul McCartney, Julio Iglesias, Luther Vandross or Garth Brooks. The single’s proceeds would be funneled through Murphy’s “Yeah Foundation”, which he founded soon after the single had been recorded. Eddie Murphy’s album, ‘Love’s Alright’, also features a duet between himself and Michael Jackson, titled “Whatzupwitu”, the video for this song being released that year. The song, featuring the Boys Choir of Harlem, bears the message that man and the world are God’s creations and He is the overseer of all, both good and evil, and the video is a light-hearted look at Murphy and Jackson singing and dancing against a backdrop of blue skies, clouds, hearts, birds and flowers. Jackson, who featured Murphy in his “Remember The Time” short film, agreed to be a part of the two mentioned projects.

Today in MJJ HIStory

2011-04-20T10:25:00.000-07:00

2002 - Michael performs "Dangerous" at the taping of "American Bandstand's 50th...A Celebration" at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, Ca

Today in MJJ HIStory

2011-04-19T09:59:00.000-07:00

1997 - Michael arrives in Paris, France at the Grévin Wax Museum for the inauguration of his wax figure there.

A huge legion of fans welcome the singer, that the Grands Boulevards had to be closed off by the police, in collaboration with the Grévin Museum. After greeting the excited crowd and signing autographs to fans for over 10 minutes, Jackson and his entourage enter the Museum. French mime, Marcel Marceau makes a surprise appearance at the unveiling of Jackson’s wax figure and performs a panthomime act for the entertainer. He imprints his hands in clay, as well as offers one of his “HIStory” triple platinum record to the Museum. On exiting the building, Jackson once again greets his many admirers and signs autographs for more than 15 minutes. Melissa, a young girl brought by he parents beyond the safety barriers, runs to him happily and hands him a photo to be autographed. He dedicates the photo to the girl and she runs off, only to return to him three more times, Jackson eventually taking her in his arms and waiting for her parents to take a picture. He also acknowledges a fan in wheelchair, bends down to her level and signs an autograp, after which reaches out to kiss her both cheeks.

Today in MJJ HIStory

2011-04-18T09:58:00.000-07:00

1995 - "HTWF", "Permanent Charities" and "EC2000" finance transportation facilities for 46 children from 18 countries to attend the "World Congress of Children" ("WCC") held at Neverland, a 3-day seminar and leadership preparation tackling children’s critical issues, such as reports on Switzerland’s child rights, the solutions being submitted by "HTWF" and "WWC" for the "World Summit of Children", during the United Nations’ Golden Jubilee in California. Jackson and his wife at the time, Lisa Presley, welcome the children to the residence. Additionally, "HTW" and "International Rescue Committee" channel 2 boxes of toys to the war regions of Bosnia-Herzegovina, while, along with "WCC" and "Children's Torch of Hope", convey "WCC"s mission and statement across the U.S. at over 30 events.

Today in MJJ HIStory

2011-04-16T10:01:00.000-07:00

1983 - Michael pays tribute to comic hero, Charles Chaplin, on the latter’s birthday, April 16, several photos of Jackson and pantomime actor, Samir Kamoun, having been published with them dressed as Chaplin and performing their own tribute to the late actor and director. Charles Spencer Chaplin, who died on Christmas Day in 1977, has been a significant professional and personal influence on Jackson since his childhood and, as he puts it:

"This is in memory of a great man who has touched the hearts of the world with his art of making people laugh and cry. You will always be in my heart. I love you, Charlie Chaplin."

Today in MJJ HIStory

2011-04-14T08:46:00.000-07:00

1984 - Michael Jackson equips a 19 – bed unit at "Mount Sinai Medical Center", a division of the "T.J. Martell Foundation for Leukemia and Cancer Research" and attends a dinner event organized by the said foundation. That day, he also poses for a picture with young David Smithee, which will unfortunately pass away a month later.

1989 - On occasion of the 1st ever World Music Awards show in Monaco, he receives an important honor, which is the "Philips Hall Of Fame Award For Special Achievement in Video", presented to by singer Whitney Houston at Jackson’s Neverland Ranch, for his "enormous contribution on the state of the art of video", and his "consistent artistic and technical excellence in all forms of video, and for raising the standard of the art form to new horizons". He also wins the World Music Video Award for number 1 Video In The World, "Dirty Diana".

1993 - Michael Jackson visits the Hasbro toy factory in Powtucket, Rhode Island to witness how toys are made; he checks out the production line and fun room where toys are tested, as well as visits with children and signs autographs for them.

Today in MJJ HIStory

2011-04-12T09:51:00.000-07:00

1989 - Michael Jackson receives the awards for Best R&B/Urban Contemporary Music Video, and Best R&B single for "Man In The Mirror" at the 3rd Annual Soul Train Music Awards in the United States.

On winning Best R&B/Urban Contemporary Music Video for the socially-conscious, "Man In The Mirror", he declares the following:

"I want to thank the entire public; I want to thank everybody who worked on these wonderful projects. I like to thank all the children at the Cleveland School in Stockton, California... I love them very much; and you, the public, thank you very much. I love you."

1990 - 18-year old activist Ryan White dies from AIDS.

He has been treated as an outcast in his home town in Indiana since contracting the disease through a blood transfusion at 14, it has been reported. This will result in him being banned from his school in Kokomo, Indiana as parents would protest. Over 1,500 people attend White's funeral on April 11, a standing-room-only event held at the Second Presbyterian Church on Meridian Street in Indianapolis. White's pallbearers include Elton John, football star Howie Long and television talk show host, Phil Donahue. Elton John performs "Skyline Pigeon" at the funeral and also trains the Hamilton Heights High School choir to sing with him. The funeral is also being attended by friend Michael Jackson, seated beside Ryan’s sister, Andrea, and his mother, Jeanne (whom he comforts throughout the service) and First Lady, Barbara Bush. Busloads of Ryan's schoolmates at Hamilton Heights High School in Arcadia, 25 miles north of Indianapolis, also attend the funeral, which is carried live by ‘Cable News Network’.

1994 - Michael is presented in exulting cheers with the "Caring For Kids" celebrity award by 'Body Sculpt', (a charity teaching physical education to youngsters to keep them from drugs) at the second "Children's Choice Award" ceremony in New York. An estimated 75,000 people aged between 8 and 18 years old voting for him. 'Body Sculpt' votes Jackson as their favorite role model. The 'Caring For Kids' award honors celebrities devoting time to the youth.

Today in MJJ HIStory

2011-04-09T01:24:00.000-07:00

1984 - Through the auspices of the "Brass Ring Society", an organization which fulfills the wishes of terminally ill children, Michael welcomes 14-year-old David Smithee to his mansion, the boy suffering from cystic fibrosis, as a result, granting his last wish. During the afternoon visit at Jackson's Encino, California home, the boy watches a movie with Jackson in his home theater, plays video games and learns how to moonwalk from the star. Of the video games, David later tells, "I played two games with him and beat him both times." The visit was topped off with Jackson giving David the red leather jacket he had worn in the "Beat It" video and a beaded glove he had worn to the American Music Awards, where he collected eight awards. 7 weeks after, however, Smithee unfortunately passes away.

Michael Jackson remembers David by dedicating the Jacksons' Victory Album in his honor.

Today in MJJ HIStory

2011-03-30T02:37:00.000-07:00

1984 - The video "The Making of Michael Jackson's Thriller" was released and becomes the biggest-selling music video of all time. Michael: "The success of 'The Making of Thriller' was a bit of a shock to all of of." This record will later only be broken once...

Guess by whom...

Today in MJJ HIStory

2011-03-27T02:55:00.000-07:00

1973 - Michael’s hit song, Ben, from the soundtrack of the movie of the same name, was nominated for a Best Original Song Academy Award in 1973. Michael sang it at the ceremony on March 27, 1973, looking visibly older than he had when the song was released the previous summer. Unfortunately, Ben didn’t win the trophy that night.

Today in MJJ HIStory

2011-03-25T02:06:00.000-07:00

1983 - Billie Jean and Beat It were already on heavy MTV rotation when Michael agreed to appear alongside his brothers for Motown’s 25th anniversary television special, but only on condition that he also be allowed to perform Billie Jean in a solo spot.

Produced by Suzanne DePasse – who had been present at the Jackson Five’s audition nearly fifteen years earlier – Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever was taped at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on March 25, 1983 and broadcast nearly two months later on May 16th.

After Michael and his brothers – including Jermaine – performed a medley of their Motown hits, they left the stage while he grabbed a fedora hat while the opening notes to Billie Jean brought the crowd to its feet. In what would become his defining moment in show business, he performed his “moonwalk” dance for the first time during the song’s guitar break before the final chorus.

Today in MJJ HIStory

2011-03-21T08:47:00.000-07:00

1997 - Sony Music presented Michael with a special award to signify sales of 100 million singles and albums OUTSIDE of the United States, since his first solo album for Epic Records in 1979, "Off The Wall".

Today in MJJ HIStory

2011-03-20T08:27:00.000-07:00

1991 - In New York City, the biggest deal in music history was announced between Michael and Sony, who bought CBS in 1988. The Japanese-owned multi-national corporation signs Michael to a 15 year, 6-album record and film contract.

Michael enters the Guinness Book of World Records as the highest paid entertainer in the music industry and up to today still holds his record. The Guinness Book of World Records reports that the contract is worth US$ 890 million [US$ 1 billion is estimated].

Michael received an US$ 18 million cash advance for the forthcoming album, plus a $ 5 million bonus for this and each of his next 5 albums.

Michael, now the highest-paid entertainer in the music industry, receiving a royalty rate of 25% on each album sold. He is also CEO of his own record label, Nation Records [which was renamed to MJJ Productions later], for which he will receive US$ 1 million per annum. The lucrative deal is reported in the press as setting new standards for cost and scope.

1998 - Michael appeared for the second time on the German television show "Wetten dass...?" ["Wanna bet...?"] to announce that he will hold 2 charity concerts:

"Michael Jackson and Friends", one in Munich, Germany [June 27, 1999], and one in Seoul, South Korea [June 25, 1999].

Michael's appearance attracted the same record-breaking viewership of 18 million in Germany alone, like his first appearance on November 4, 1995. Michael's now second appearance is again a mega event for both the fans and the press!