1985 - We Are The World was released on March 7, 1985 in both a 7″ and 12″ format, and reached the top of the sales charts within a month, half the average time it usually takes for a single to do so.

Although Michael was present throughout the evening’s events, he recorded his vocal parts earlier in the evening, before the other group members arrived. Consequently, his appearance in the song’s video stands out for being the only instance where a singer is not surrounded by his or her peers. Even among the world’s biggest stars, Michael’s star power was at least equal to the rest of them combined.

The song quickly became an anthem for the 80s, and along with the Band-Aid single, inspired a wave of musical charity events, from Live Aid on July 17, 1985 (which, ironically, Michael did not participate in, due to being tied up in filming Captain EO) to Hands Across America on May 25, 1986.

The music-charity movement grew to become far greater than the sum of its parts, but Michael’s crucial contribution guaranteed him a special place in a mass movement that came to define the 1980s pop culture almost as much as Thriller had two years earlier.

2001 - There was an explosion of "Michael Mania" last night at the tenth annual Michael Jackson Day in London. The event, which was held at the London Apollo, is put on every year to celebrate the life and achievements of the greatest entertainer in musical history.

This year's celebration was made all the more special because the King himself actually put in an appearance! At the end of the show Michael hobbled onto stage with his broken foot and had this to say: " The new album is two months away...it will be incredible I can assure you. Thank you all for coming here. I am overjoyed and humbled by what I have seen here tonight."

Throngs of wet fans had waited hours in the rain trying to get a glimpse of Michael as he arrived at the venue. The tribute show featured several B-list acts (all huge MJ fans), performing Michael's hits.

2010 - Michael Jackson honored with 2010 Angel Award by the Children Uniting Nations charity for his work to help disadvantaged youngsters around the world.

Randy Jackson accepted the 'Angel Award' on Michael's behalf. Children Uniting Nations is a proactive organization created to bring attention to the plight of at-risk and foster youth. Their goal is to reach as many children in out-of-home care by offering role-model support, guidance, a sense of community and promoting the importance of an education.

By accepting the award Rebbie Jackson said "I was very pleased and happy to be a part of this -- Michael was very passionate about children and supporting their causes. Boy, he would have loved this."