Showing posts with label 1991. Show all posts

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!

1979 - The Jacksons perform a concert in London, UK on Destiny tour.

1984 – Michael Jackson leaves Hemsley Palace, New York City, NY, the day after he went there to attend a performance of The Tap Dance Kid.

1991 - La Toya Jackson, Michael’s sister, released her autobiography “La Toya: Growing up in the Jackson Family”.

She recounts in her (controversial) autobiography, one of the many memorable stories of her brother, which is relevant to his character and life philosophy:

"When Mother picked Michael’s shoes one day, she noticed gaping soles in the holes and brought him a new pair. He refused to wear them. I had to plead with him to discard the old shoes and, really tempting fate, to change his socks. Forget about it. “La Toya, these things are not important”, he said. “Why do people care about clothes? Music is what’s important to me, how it sounds, that I get it right. And why do we care about having new shoes? What about the man who has no shoes? Or the man who has no feet?... These are great shoes... and I’m going to keep wearing them.” […] At home, it was back to wrinkled jeans and old sweaters. […]”

2002 - Michael Jackson escorted Elizabeth Taylor to the first Art for AIDS fundraiser held at Laguna Art Museum in Laguna Beach, California (Orange County, USA) in a tribute to Rock Hudson.

Roy Harold Scherer, Jr., professionally known as Rock Hudson, was an American film and television actor, and also one of the first major Hollywood celebrity to die from an AIDS-related illness.

At the beginning of the event commemorative t-shirts signed by various stars including Michael, Bob Dylan, Madonna, Ringo Starr, Sharon Stone, Halle Berry and others were auctioned. Michael's, which was signed twice, went for an amazing $ 700, well above the average. The gala was expected to raise $150,000.

Michael was wearing a black suit with white trim and Elizabeth was adorned with jewels. They arrived late, to the strains of "Elizabeth, I Love You". He held Taylor’s bejeweled hand throughout the press conference, his slender, costumed body curved protectively around her.
Both stars appeared briefly at a subsequent Art for AIDS fundraisers, a private $ 2,500 per plate private dinner at the St. Regis in Dana Point, CA.

1983 - The UK-only release "Michael Jackson 9 Single Pack" hit #66 in the U.K.

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

At these final concerts in Japan, farewell concert T-shirts and hats were sold. But it was not really his farewell concert, he still had dates to make up in Los Angeles. So, it was back to the U.S. agin.

In late October of 1988, "Moonwalker" made its debut in Japanese theatres. And finally on December 26, the movie was released in Europe. Although, "Moonwalker" received mixed critics, it was a success in both Japan and Europe. In Britain and France, it was reported that people were standing in line in front of the movie theatres.

Michael's then-manager Frank Dileo decided not to release "Moonwalker" in the US movie theatres.

1991 - Michael Jackson was featured on ABC-TV's "Entertainers '91." The show featured the top 20 entertainers of 1991.

1992 - During "UNCF"/Parade Of Stars, a broadcast request for donations to the "United Negro College Fund", aired December 26, 1992, Michael Jackson speaks on the importance of equal rights to education and on the "Michael Jackson Scholarship Program" benefits:

"Black Colleges and Universities produce some of the leading personalities of our time. They are leaders in business and law, science and technology, politics and religion. I’m proud to have helped over 200 young men and women receive a quality education that has placed them closer to their dreams through the Michael Jackson scholars program. Tonight, I encourage you to pitch in for higher education. Please support the United Negro College Fund"

"Heal The World" live is included at the event. The four year college and university/scholarship for deserving students at a UNCF member college or university, focuses on Communications, Performing Arts, Literature/English/Writing and is a distinction available to African-Americans.

December 26-28: Michael flies to Nagasaki-Ken to visit the amusement park Huis Ten with Tito’s children, the 3T.

1996 - Michael perform HIStory concert at Fukuoka Dome in Fukuoka, Japan attending 35,000 fans.

2004 - On January 4, 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”.

1969 - Four days before the release of their debute album, the Jackson 5ive made a huge splash with their second national television appearance, on the Ed Sullivan Show.

Once again, they brought the house down, starting with Stand and Who’s Lovin’ You, and then closing the deal with I Want You Back, Michael charming the country decked out in a funky purple fedora

The Jackson 5’s first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show was on 4th of December, 1969. Ed Sullivan was known for having an eye for talent and was very particular about the acts he presented. The Ed Sullivan show was a major breakthrough for The Jackson 5, who performed "Stand!", "Who's Lovin' You" and "I Want You Back", with Michael in front wearing a striking magenta hat. They would be invited back to perform another set in May 1970.

To promote their new single, the Jackson 5ive appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show. They performed I Want You Back and Who's Lovin' You.
In 1988, Michael narrated a collection of film clips covering his career for Entertainment Tonight which included a clip of this performance. "I remember this was the Ed Sullivan Show. As young as I was, I never felt shy while performing. It was what I did and what I came into the world to do."


1979 - The Jacksons perform Destiny tour in Phoenix, USA.

1991 - Michael Jackson's DANGEROUS debuts at #1 on Billboard's pop albums chart.

1992 - Michael perform 2nd of 8 dates at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo during the Japanese leg of Dangerous tour attending 45,000 fans.

1993 - Michael Jackson's single "Gone Too Soon" was released.

2008 - Michael is spotted wearing a Zorro mask while shopping in Los Angeles.


2010 - The Michael Jackson album MICHAEL was released by Epic Records.

MICHAEL is the first release in 9 years of new material by one of music's most beloved icons whose artistry continues to touch new generations of fans. The album contains ten tracks,newly completed by an esteemed group of producers along with Michael Jackson. While primarily focused on songs that Michael worked on recently, there are also earlier compelling tracks that Michael had a desire to bring to fruition.

Breaking News was the first song from the album to be released to the public and was available for radio airplay. The song was recorded in New Jersey in 2007 and according to Sony, the song was "recently brought to completion." Other tracks were recorded at studios in Las Vegas and Los Angeles with various unidentified collaborators.

The first official single, Hold My Hand, recorded in Las Vegas in 2007, was released globally on Monday, November 15. The album contains two songs that were written during the Thriller era, Behind the Mask and Much Too Soon. The song (I Like) The Way You Love Me previously appeared on The Ultimate Collection (2004) with the title The Way You Love Me. For MICHAEL, the song has been remixed and more vocals have been added. The song Best Of Joy is one of the last that Michael recorded during his lifetime, having written and recorded it in 2009.

Track Listing:

• Hold My Hand(Duet with Akon)
• Hollywood Tonight
• Keep Your Head Up
• (I Like) The Way You Love Me
• Monster(Featuring 50 Cent)
• Best Of Joy
• Breaking News
• (I Can't Make It) Another Day (Featuring Lenny Kravitz)
• Behind The Mask
• Much Too Soon

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

1991 - Michael Jackson's single "Black Or White" hit #1 in the U.S.

1995 - Doctors announced that Michael Jackson "will require several days of critical-care monitoring and treatment." He was being treated for inflammation of the stomach, dehydration and kidney and liver irregularities caused by an electolyte imbalance. Jackson had collapsed onstage December 6th while rehearsing for an upcoming HBO special.

2009 - "The Official Michael Jackson Opus (Leather Bound)" was released.

• The definitive publication about the 'King of Pop'
• Featuring over 300 spectacular photos many rare and previously unpublished
• Personal remembrances from Reverend Jesse Jackson, Quincy Jones, Berry Gordy, Smokey Robinson, Shaquille O’Neal, Paula Abdul, John Landis, Sugar Ray Leonard, Jimmy Jam, Spike Lee, Teddy Riley, Jane Fonda and many more
• 404 pages measuring an impressive 13 x 18 inches each
• Beautifully hand-bound in black leather
• Protective clamshell case, adorned with a special drawing by Nate Giorgio, friend of Michael, collaborator and acclaimed artist
• 12Kg/26.5lbs

Proceeds of the Opus will benefit Michael's Estate and his designated beneficiaries – his children, mother and the charitable causes that were important to him.

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.


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:

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.

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

1991 - On occasion of MTV's 10th Anniversary Show, he appears live on stage to perform songs, 'Black Or White' and 'Will You Be There', the latter being included in the videoclip as part of a montage of other stage performances of the song.

The day following the release of Dangerous, Michael performed his new single on a TV special celebrating the 10th anniversary of MTV. The hour long special aired on ABC and featured some of the biggest names in pop and rock music. There were performances by Aerosmith, George Michael, REM, and a spoken tribute by Madonna, each performed one song.

The special concluded with Michael performing two songs from his brand new album. Guns and Roses guitarist Slash, who plays on 2 tracks on Dangerous, Black or White and Give In To Me, joined Michael for Black Or White. Michael was dressed just as in the video, in black pants and white t-shirt underneath a opened white shirt. Michael's performance was energetic and fun, and he noticeably keep his hands off his crotch in the wake of the turmoil over the original video.

A gospel choir of various ages joined Michael for Will You Be There, with an angel, performed by Angela Ice, flying down to Michael and putting her wings around him symbolizing hope. Vincent Patterson choreographed the performance which was filmed in an airplane hunger in Los Angeles, with Michael Jackson fan club members being invited to attend the filming and make up the audience. The performance of Black Or White was completed in 6 takes.

At the end of the song Slash tossed his guitar through the front windshield of a car that was parked on stage which then exploded. When the pyrotechnics used in Black Or White were being tested Michael was careful to stand back saying, "I'm gonna get back, I was burned before by this kind of stuff."

During the rehearsals, two of Michael's chimps visited the set, and MTV CEO Tom Freston presented Michael with a 6 foot version of the astronaut statue used as the network's music video award. While Freston spoke, the huge statue was lowered to the floor on cables. "We've made you this statue to show our appreciation for all you have done for music and MTV, and here it is. And it's rather large." Michael quietly said, "Thank you" and shook Freston's hand.

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

1991 - Michael Jackson's Dangerous album was released.

A few record stores in the US opened at midnight to begin selling the album as soon as possible. Tower Records in West Hollywood had a 20 foot by 150 foot replica of the album cover on the roof along with other over-sized displays from the album cover. Tower Records had an impromptu midnight opening and sold over 300 copies in 2 hours.

CBS Records initially shipped out 4 million copies of Dangerous, a new record. Dangerous is the first album to achieve advance orders of 50,000 units in the former Communist part of Germany. A spokesman for France's Virgin megastore said Dangerous was the quickest selling album the store has ever handled.
The cost to produce Dangerous probably also set new records, with an estimated cost of over $10 million. Seven recording studios were used to record the tracks. Michael had 24 hour a day access for 2 years to Record One in Sherman Oaks, California at a cost of $4,000 per day. Three rooms at Larabee Sound Studios in Los Angeles were reserved at $3000-$4000 per day.

The expense seems to payoff when Dangerous debuted on Billboard's top album chart at #1, with 326,500 copies sold in its first week. It held the position for four weeks. With record-breaking sales of 7 million in under two months, Dangerous become Michael's fastest-selling album ever in the US, breaking the sales record for Bad. Dangerous spent 117 weeks in the Billboard 200, 30 more than Bad. The RIAA certified Dangerous 7 times platinum (7 million copies).

Dangerous also debuted at #1 on the UK albums charts, the first album to do so on the strength of just 3 days of sales; it surpassed U2's new release, Achtung Baby which had a full week of sales. Dangerous spent 23 weeks in the Top 10, and a total of 96 weeks on the Top 75 chart.

Michael's new album didn't do too shaby throughout the rest of the world either, debuting at #1 in Australia, Spani, Switzerland, and Finland. The album entered the charts at #2 in Sweden and Germany, and at #3 in Italy. In Japan and the Netherlands, Dangerous debuted at #35 on the albums charts.

1996 - Michael Jackson visits the "Royal Children’s Hospital" in Melbourne, Australia, where he delivers toys to and signs autographs for the children.

Michael performs a concert at Adelaide Oval in Adelaide, Australia attending 65,000 fans.

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 Macon, Georgia

1991 - Michael Jackson had his fourth UK #1 single with 'Black or White' which featured Slash on guitar. Also a #1 hit in the US.

"Black or White" is the lead single from Michael Jackson's Dangerous album, released in November, 11 1991. "Black or White" is a mix of rock, and dance-pop. Written, composed, and arranged by Jackson with the rap lyrics by Bill Bottrell, it is a song that promotes racial harmony. The song's introduction and main riff are performed by guitarist Slash and Bill Bottrell.

"Black or White" made an extraordinary and amazing debut in the UK, where it became the first single by an American to go into the singles chart at #1 since 1960, when "It's Now Or Never" by Elvis Presley did in the same manner.

The single also stormed into Billboard's Hot 100 at #35. A week later it shot up to #3 and on its third week, December 7, 1991, it ascended to #1, making it the fastest chart topper since the Beatles' "Get Back" in 1969. It achieved the year at #1, and remained at the top of the singles chart into 1992, for a total of 7 weeks, making Michael Jackson the first artist to get #1 popular hits in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.

Around the world, Black Or White hit #1 in 22 countries including US, UK, Mexico, Cuba, Zimbabwe, Australia, New Zealand, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Israel, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the Euro Chart Hot 100 and #2 in Germany and #3 in Holland. It reached #1 on many singles charts in 1991. The single was certified platinum in the US, selling over one million copies as well as becoming the second-best selling single of 1991.

Actually, the hard rock "Black or White" is considered one of the greatest rock songs of the 1990s and the meaning behind the lyrics is rock solid in this song.

2003 - Michael Jackson's Number Ones album went to #1 in the UK. In the US it entered the chart at #13 and quickly dropped out of the Top 50.

1972 - Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 perform a concert at an NAACP fund-raising dinner at Hollywood, Palladium, California, at the 6th annual Black Image Awards. The Jackson 5 won the NAACP Image Award for Best Singing Group.

1979 - The Jacksons perform Destiny tour in Houston, Texas

1984 - The Jacksons perform Victory tour at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada attending 42,000.

Michael Jackson is made an honorary member of the New Westminster Police Department during his hush-hush visit to New Westminster while in British Columbia, Canada. Appointed PC 49, he swears as a police constable to "serve the Queen and cause the peace to be kept and preserved".

The King of Pop received Badge 49 during his visit to the Royal City.

"He was very quiet. He was very soft-spoken. He almost seemed introverted," said retired police officer Ken McIntosh, who attended the gathering at city hall. "By that time he was a big star."

Jackson's visit was arranged by former police chief Jack Fordham, who was an inspector for the department at that time. He learned Jackson was a big soccer fan and contacted Jackson's publicists to let them know the police department ran a soccer school.

Prior to Jackson's visit to city hall, a couple of New Westminster police cars were deployed to Jackson's Vancouver hotel. They escorted the Dodge van he and his companions were riding in back to New Westminster.

"You wouldn't have known he was here," said Det. Const. Mike Macfarlane, one of the officers in attendance. "That was one of the prerequisites."

At New Westminster City Hall, Jackson appeared on the front stairs of city hall with a group of local police officers for a photo opportunity.

"It was amazing for Michael Jackson to be there, We didn't know he'd want us to go up and down the stairs." McIntosh said.

Jackson, who provided the police officers with sunglasses, requested that he film himself walking up and down the stairs of city hall with the officers. It's unknown whether Jackson ever used the video footage shot that day.

The visit and filming took place on a Sunday, so city hall was closed. The activity caught the attention of some people passing by on Royal Avenue and people in the rooftop restaurant or bar that was located in the Royal Towers Hotel at the time.

While police officers sometimes run into celebrities when doing movie callouts, Macfarlane said they rarely encounter people of Jackson's star power and have a chance to work alongside them. At the end the visit, Jackson shook each officer's hand.

"I am not a big Michael Jackson fan. At that time you couldn't help ... but be somewhat awed, Here he was in New Westminster." Macfarlane said.
While the visit had been arranged ahead of time, Macfarlane recalls it coming together at the last moment to prevent any leaks. CKNW reporter George Garrett, respected by Lower Mainland police forces, was tipped off about the visit and provided the photos featured in The Record.
"He gave us a (soccer) ball that was signed, It used to be in the old (police) building." Macfarlane recalled.

At that time, Jackson was in Vancouver for the Victory tour, with his brothers. It came two years after his blockbuster album Thriller.
Mayor Wayne Wright said Jackson signed the City of New Westminster's guest book.
"I think it's obviously very interesting because of the nature of the day, When he came here, he was a star."

The front page of the Nov. 21, 1985 issue of the Royal City Record featured an article about the results of the municipal election (Tom Baker was re-elected mayor) and Jackson's surprise visit to New Westminster.

Getting the star treatment, Jackson received a full police uniform sewn by Gastaldo Tailors, soccer jerseys featuring silkscreening by MVP Athletic, an engraved plaque done by the Click Shop, a police badge, assorted police-related caps and a police identification card.

"After it happened, people were freaking out, They couldn't believe it happened. A lot of people thought it was really cool." Although McIntosh wasn't a fan of the pop star, he enjoyed the experience. "Historically, now, it is kind of significant, My kids got to see him up close. He was quite the entertainer. I found him to be very humble. He wasn't a demanding, look-at-me person," he recalled. "He almost seemed overwhelmed by the fuss. He did not seem to be arrogant."

McIntosh said all of the participating police officers were issued a set of sunglasses.
He has donated his sunglasses, a photograph taken that day of officers and Jackson and a copy of the book Moonwalk to the New Westminster Museum and Archives. A photograph of New Westminster police officers with Jackson is included in the book.

1987 - Michael visits the Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick, Australia.

Natasha Lang, mother of a child committed in the hospital at the time, offers her account of his visit there years later: "... I will never forget that day as long as I live, when Michael came to the hospital with an abundance of stuffed animal toys, so generously given, to all the children in the children’s ward. He went around the ward and visited each child personally and quietly spoke words of comfort to them and I will never forget the delight of these children, the medical staff and the parents who visited on that day. My son now is a grown man and I wish to share this photograph with the whole world because it shows Michael’s selfless and generous nature. My son, unfortunately, lost his eye in a school accident that week and, as you can imagine, it was a real tragedy for the whole family, but that day he gave us all some joy, great pleasure and an abundance of happiness."

1991 - Michael and Brooke Shields go out for dinner at The Inn Of The Seventh Ray Restaurant, Malibu, Ca


1997 - Michael Jackson quietly arrives in Seoul, South Korea to discuss investment in troubled underwear maker, Ssangbangwool Ltd's Ski Resort. “Michael Jackson has come to Korea to discuss the possibility of investing in Muju Resort,” says a company spokesman. The spokesman adds that Ssangbangwool has planned to expand the resort complex to include a theme park, but says the plans had been put on hold when the company faced financial troubles.


2003 - The Michael Jackson album Number Ones was released. The album contained 18 songs including the song "One More Chance."

Number Ones, the greatest hits album included Jackson singles that reportedly reached #1 in charts around the world.

Number Ones reached #1 in the UK and #13 in the United States. It proved to be an enduring catalog seller, eventually returning to the top spot in the UK and US charts in 2009. It stayed as the #1 selling album in the United States for 6 weeks and for 27 week on the Top Pop Catalog Albums chart.

At the 2009 American Music Awards, Number Ones claimed two awards - Favorite Rock/Pop Album and Favorite Soul/Rhythm and Blues Album.

Overall, the album has sold over 12 million copies worldwide, with 4,138,600 of those being sold in the U.S.


After a search warrant was served at Neverland Ranch Michael made the following statement:
"I've seen lawyers who don't represent me and spokespeople who do not know me speaking for me. These characters always seem to surface with dreadful allegations just as another project, an album, a video is being released".

1979 - The Jacksons perform Destiny tour in Jackson, Mississippi

1984 - The Jacksons perform Victory tour at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada attending 42,000.

1991 - After the MTV 10 taping, Janis DaSilva offers Jackson the "Off The Wall Appreciation Award" 'on behalf of the staff and the readers of Off The Wall (magazine).'

1996 - 13-year old Emely Smith is granted the wish to encounter him backstage in Auckland, New Zealand, during a halt from his concert there, where he will also pay a visit on November 16 to children’s hospital, "Starship", room to room, and hands out toys, autographs and C.D.’s, respectively, to each of the young patients. The visit lasts for hours, the singer conversing to all the ailing children. He signs autographs to the children, and one cancer-stricken young girl asks the entertainer what it is like being a superstar, to which he humbly replies: "Hmm... I don't know.. I really don't. 'Cause I don't remember not performing, so it's fun to make people happy... It really is." Another boy tells him his favorite song is the singer's 1972 "Ben". When asked by a reporter how the looks on the patients' faces make him feel, he replies, his hand on his chest: "It touches my heart. I love them very much.", after which he shakes hands with the boy asking him about "Ben", then adds, hand on chest again: "It's heart-touching." "The Smith Family", a fund-raising NGO for indigent people, receives a finance portion of the artist’s Australian concerts.


1998 - In Harare, Zimbabwe, Defence Minister of Harare invites and names Michael Jackson member of the "American Delegation" party that endeavors to preserve the region.

1979 - The Jacksons perform Destiny tour in Fort Worth, Texas.

1991 - The music video for "Black Or White" was premiered simultaneously in 27 countries, with a record-breaking audience of 500+ million viewers – the largest ever global audience for a music video. The music video for racially-conscious "Black Or White" was first broadcast on MTV, BET, VH1, and Fox giving them their highest Nielsen ratings ever.

Along with Jackson, it featured actors Macaulay Culkin, Tess Harper, and George Wendt, with cameo appearances by the singer’s niece, Brandi Jackson and Wade Robson. The video was directed by John Landis, who previously directed Thriller. It premiered simultaneously in 27 countries, with an audience of 500 million viewers, the most to ever watch a music video. The video shows scenes in which Maasai tribesmen begin dancing like Jackson; so do, in sequence, Thais, Native Americans, a woman from India and a set of Russians. Jackson walks through visual collages of fire (defiantly declaring "I ain't scared of no sheets; I ain't scared of nobody"), referring to KKK torch ceremonies before a mock rap scene shared with Culkin and other children. The group collectively states, "I'm not gonna spend my life being a color." At the end of the song, different people dance as they morph into one another (shown as "talking heads").

Controversy was generated concerning the last four minutes of the original music video. Jackson walks out of the studio as a black panther and then morphs into himself. The 'panther dance’, as it was called, contains complicated dance techniques, sexually suggestive behaviour and physical aggression, which the entertainer would later say they formed an interpretation of the animal instincts of a black panther. MTV and other music video networks removed the last four minutes from subsequent broadcasts. The performer is seen smashing shop windows and car window panes reading racist graffiti "Hitler Lives", a swastika, "Nigger Go Home", "No More Wetbacks", and "KKK Rules"). The video also shares the message that “Prejudice is ignorance”. What has not been brought into discussion is the complexity of message behind this video (or other videos of Jackson). The black panther Jackson portrays in the video is a reference to “The Black Panther Party” (originally the “Black Panther Party for Self-Defense”), an African-American revolutionary left-wing organization working for the self-defense for black people aginst police brutality. It was active in the United States from the mid-1960’s into the 1970’s. The Black Panther Party achieved national and international impact through their deep involvement in the Black Power movement and in US politics of the 1960’s and 70’s, as the intense anti-racism of the time is today considered one of the most significant social, political and cultural currents in US history. The group's "provocative rhetoric, militant posture, and cultural and political flourishes permanently altered the contours of American Identity", hence Jackson’s provocative dance testimony in the video. While Jackson does not promote violence, the dance was a ‘free speech’ bodily statement, a venting off against human injustice.

Controversy was generated concerning the last four minutes of the original music video, as a result, this last part was removed. Jackson walks out of the studio as a black panther and then morphs into himself. The “panther dance” or “silent panther” performance” contained in these last few minutes was Jackson’s angrier, yet misunderstood political statement against “injustice and prejudice and racism and bigotry”, as he would state in an 1999 TV interview. “[…] Within the dance I became upset and let go”, he adds. Shortly after the video’s release, the singer issues an apology statement to those that became sensitive over the mentioned scenes: "It upsets me to think that 'Black Or White' could influence any child or adult to destructive behavior. I've always tried to be a good role model and, therefore, have made these changes to avoid any possibility of adversely affecting any individual's behavior. I deeply regret any pain or hurt that the final segment of 'Black Or White' has caused children, their parents or other viewers."

Accolades

• The song reached #1 on 22 countries, including the US & UK Singles Chart, and become the 2nd-best selling single of 1991.
• The single was certified platinum in the US, selling over one million copies.
• "Black Or White" is considered one of the Greatest Rock Songs of the 1990s
• Fastest no.1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 in the States since 1969, when Get Back by the Beatles also conquered the chart in just three weeks. No.1 for seven weeks, but stalled at no.3 on the R&B singles chart.
• RIAA Platinum Record Award (USA million seller).
• No.8 best selling single of 1991 in the States.
• First single by an American to enter the UK singles chart at no.1 since Elvis Presley’s It’s Now Or Never in 1960. Spent two weeks in pole position.
• Also no.1 in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Cuba, Denmark, Finland, France, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Zimbabwe.
• International Monitor Awards: Music Video with the Best Special Effects.
• NAACP Image Awards: Outstanding Music Video.

1996 - Michael perform HIStory concert at Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney, Australia attending 52,000.

Aware of his religious up-bringing and strong moral values, many of Michael’s long-term fans thought differently and sure enough, following his concert, Michael and Debbie exchanged marriage vows.
The midnight ceremony, in the Presidential Suite of the Sheraton On The Park Hotel, was attended by 30 or so guests. Best Man, reportedly, was local tour promoter Paul Dainty.
The world’s media, caught off-guard yet again, reported that Michael’s marriage to Debbie ‘stunned the world’ and ‘took his fans by surprise’ – not!

2005 - Michael attends the Dubai Desert Rally racing tournament at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi hotel in Dubai with close friend and renowned UAE rally driver Mohammad Ben Sulayem and Saeed Hareb, managing director of the Dubai International Marine Club.


2006 - Michael drops by the Guinness Book Of Records headquarters in London, to collect his official record certificates for his 8 Guinness World Records for chart achievements, album sales, earnings, and charity donations.


Guinness World Records London Head Quarters welcomed the world’s biggest superstar, Michael Jackson, a self confessed Guinness World Records fan since childhood, through its doors for an honorary record presentation.

With a staggering eight records mapping career highlights over the last quarter of a century, Michael Jackson is one of Guinness World Records longest standing record holders. The records span from Youngest vocalist to top the US singles chart, (aged 11, fronting The Jackson Five) and First vocalist to enter the US single chart at No.1 (You Are Not Alone) to Most weeks at the top of the US album charts (non-soundtrack) (37 weeks for Thriller); Most successful music video (Thriller sold over 1 million units); First entertainer to earn more than $100 million in a year to Highest paid entertainer of all time ($125 million in 1989 Forbes list). His ultimate and latest accolade was also presented to him: Most successful entertainer of all time.

Michael arrived at Guinness World Records offices in North West London at 4pm afternoon with his entourage - a fleet of black and silver people carriers. Wearing his signature black three quarter length dinner jacket and trousers with yellow piping, he arrived amidst an army of fans who had followed him from the hotel.
He was greeted by Guinness World Records Editor, Craig Glenday, and given a whirlwind tour of the offices and shown weird and wonderful exhibits from the ‘Guinness World Records Cabinet of Curioddities’, including the world’s oldest vomit and tallest man ever’s shoes.
Michael was then presented with his record certificates, a copy of the latest edition of the book and a special edition from the year he was born (1958). Evidently delighted with the accolades he holds in high esteem, Michael said: "I’ve always been a big fan of the book. Thank you so much – it’s a great honour to visit the Guinness World Records offices."

Guinness World Records Editor Craig Glenday said: "We always expect the unexpected here at Guinness World Records. We’re used to all walks of life stopping by the office, but we haven’t been this excited since we met the Queen last year. Michael is one of the greatest superstars of all time and his unwavering success has kept him at the very top of the record breaking charts throughout his career. We’re absolutely delighted that Michael holds Guinness World Records in such high regard and honoured that he’s taken time out of his busy schedule to stop by and collect them in person."
Source: GuinessWorldRecords.com

List of Michael Jackson Guinness World Records

1. Most Successful Concert Series - Michael Jackson sold out for seven nights at Wembley Stadium, London, England in the summer of 1988. A total of 504,000 people saw Michael perform July 14-16, 22-23, and August 26-27, 1988.
   
2. Biggest Selling Album Of All Time - Michael Jackson's "Thriller" Album is the biggest selling album of all time, with over 50 million copies sold worldwide. Thriller is also the biggest selling U.S album with sales of 25 million copies.
3. Most Grammy Awards -Michael won a record breaking 8 Grammy Awards in 1984, more than any other artist in one year.
4. Largest Contracts -$890 million (Sony Music) Contract, with prospective earnings of $1 billion.
5. Greatest Audience -The highest-ever viewership was 133.4 million viewers watching the NBC transmission of Super Bowl XXVII on June 31, 1993. Michael was spotlighted during the half-time peformance.
6. Highest-Paid Commercial Spokesperson -Pepsi Cola paid Michael Jackson $12 million to do 4 TV commercials.
7. Bad Tour -Michael Jackson's world tour brought in a record gross revenue of over $124 million during September 1987-December 1988.
8. Billboard Charts -Michael Jackson is the first person in the 37 year history of the chart to enter at # 1, with his single "You Are Not Alone". Michael broke his previous redord held by his single "Earth Song" which debuted at #5.

1972 - The Jackson 5's second TV special was aired in the States.

The date was November 5, 1972, and suddenly the J5 were big as life on the TV screen right in your living room! Here, appropriately "labeled", the boys discuss a deal with Ted Ziegler. Michael sang Ben and joined his brothers for I Want You Back, ABC, I’ll Be There, The Love You Save and Never Can Say Goodbye
Wow! That super screen behind Michael's head is really Johnny Brown. The J5 looked into this screen and were able to see their daydreams projected! (and you were, too, as they acted them out.) This daydream sequence turned your favs into a bunch of elves. And they're off to save a damsel in distress, played by Jo Anne Worley.
The Jackson 5 also performed a skit featuring an unreleased song, Daydreamer, and closed the first half of the show with We’re Coming Back, using the riff from I Want You Back to good effect. The special introduces a totally new visual technique that combines live action with animation as J5 order a world of daydreams.
	^ Michael was left holding the basket quite literally, as "Shorty" strolls away. Dig the many muscles on Mike's beautiful bod! Don't the guys wear some boss clothing during these way-out 30 minutes? Here, the spotlight is on Mike and Jermaine, those dandy dudes.

The Jackson 5 on their first European tour in Frankfurt, Germany.

1979 - The Jacksons perform Destiny tour in Detroit, Michigan.

1981 - Michael is on the cover of Jet Magazine in which he is voted Most Popular Male Entertainer.

When Michael Jackson recently concluded a 40-city tour as the angelic-voiced lead singer of the world famous vocal quintet of Jackson brothers, he promptly proceeded to his next project-to co-produce an album with Quincy Jones, the Svengali songmaster who produced Michael's best-selling album, Off The Wall.

It was the impact of this triple platinum album and JET readers opinion poll that influenced the editors to name Michael "Most Popular Male Entertainer."
Being the "best" or "most" is nothing new to the fifth of six talented sons of Joseph and Katherine Jackson. Born 23 years ago in Gary, Ind., under the sign of Virgo, whose trait is unselfishness, the handsome singer's onstage magnetism and magic are mesmerized only by his offstage majesty and meekheartedness. He got started being the best at age 13 when his first solo album, Got To Be There, become a best-seller and he was named "Male Vocalist Of The Year."

Of all his honors, his Off The Wall album set new precedents in the record industry. It sold more than 5 million copies in the US and Michael become the first solo recording artist in history to place four singles (Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough, Rock With You, Off The Wall and She's Out Of My Life) from the same album in the top 10 of the nation's leading record charts.
In UK it is the first time in UK that five singles have been released from the same album.
With that kind of solid success, Michael merits the "most."


1991 - Michael Jackson's single "Black Or White" was released.

1993 - Michael Jackson's video "Dangerous: The Short Films" was released.

Michael attends a children’s festivity at "Hard Rock Cafe" in Mexico City, dedicated to the homeless ones from the "Tere Alarcon" orphanage.

1994 - Laurent Hopman visits Michael at the Hit Factory Studio in New York and gets to listen to 3 songs from the new album!

1995 - Michael graced the popular German Game show Wetten Dass? (Wanna Bet?) with his live appearance.


In addition to his immaculate Dangerous routine, executed with the same precision and finesse as at the MTV Music Video Awards in September, Michael also performed Earth Song in public for the first time, a real coup for Wetten Dass?
Backstage, he meets Laurent Hopman and Anton Schleiter, son of son of Hamburg-based Sony music exec Wolfgang Schleiter.

The TV special attracted 18 million viewers, became the biggest TV event throughout Europe breaking viewership records in Germany and another 25 million throughout the rest of Europe tuning in to watch Michael's guest spot. Far and away the highest German TV audience of 1995 it's THE event of the year 1995 in Europe.


1996 - Ghosts received its U.S. première. The film also premièred in selected Sony Movie Theatres in various other European cities and in Tokyo, Japan - very successfully.

2001 - Michael Jackson's Invincible is at #1 on the Australian ARIA Albums Chart.

2005 - Michael & the kids are back in Dubai where they stay at the One and Only Royal Mirage.

2009 - The MTV Europe Music Awards pay tribute to MJ live from Germany.



The Thriller demos leak on the Internet.

1982 - Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson release "Girl is Mine".

1984 - The Jacksons perform Victory tour at Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia [USA] attending 31,000.

1991 - Michael & Bruce Swedien complete the mixing of the Dangerous album in Los Angeles.

1993 - Michael performs at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City [Mexico].
100,000 fans packed into Aztec Stadium were unconcerned about the investigation and shouted, "Michael!, Michael!" Michael kept the hysterical crowd on their feet for more than 2 hours.

1996 - Michael performs the second HIStory concert at Merdeka Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia attending 30,000.

1998 - Michael & Debbie go to the Getty museum in Los Angeles with Prince & Paris.

2001 - Michael Jackson's first studio album in six years, "Invincible" had officially been released [US release date: October 30].

Michael Jackson has been "Bad". He's also been quite "Dangerous". But now, six years after his last studio album, the Gloved One is hoping to prove he's Invincible. The disc executive produced by Jackson with the help of a bevy of hot producers and writers is aimed at planting the superstar back on top after several years of speculation that his career was on the decline.

The absolutely amazing album is available in five different colors [cover] - for a limited time - and features over 77 minutes of new, groundbreaking and truly invincible music! Without a shadow of a doubt the best album of the last six years!!!

"Invincible", the most recent release from Epic Records Group superstar Michael Jackson, had claimed the #1 spot on charts in countries around the world including The U.S., The U.K., Australia, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Holland, Hungary, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey.

Featuring tracks like "You Rock My World" (the first single) and "Speechless," Invincible features the hit-making handiwork of producers Rodney Jerkins and Teddy Riley, among others.

2008 - Michael takes Prince, Paris & Blanket to an Halloween party in L.A.



2009 - 8 Days magazine[Singapore] featured Michael on the cover with the headline: Psst, what is it? A tribute to MJ's greatness... his 'two voices', fake noses & when he was hawt