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.
1979 – The Jacksons perform their Destiny Tour in London, UK.
1980 - Off The Wall enters the Black singles chart peaking at #5 and remains their for 13 weeks.
1988 - The U.S. leg of the Bad World Tour began at Kansas City’s Kemper Arena in front of 16,960 fans.
Michael performed his first ever U.S. solo concert in Kansas City. The newly revised shows included more songs from the BAD album than did the shows in Japan. Michael left the sold out house of about 17,000 spellbound with moves that weren't around until he invented them. When not dumbfounded the fans cheered and waved their arms in response to the Gifted One's world-class talent and showmanship.
For the first few shows, there were also surprise appearances by Tatiana Thumbtzen for the performance of The Way You Make Me Feel. It was also a surprise for Tatiana, who was contacted by Michael's secretary only one week before the tour's opening. She was glad to be a part of the show, describing it as being like Christmas in February.
A month into the tour, Michael – finally ready to leave his family’s Encino home – bought a property he had been looking at for some time, a 2,700-acre ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley near Santa Barbara that he would christen “Neverland”.
Although Michael’s tour would keep him away from his new home for most of 1988, the purchase gave him time to refurbish it into a magical space, complete with amusement rides and a petting zoo. It was a deeply symbolic move for the 29-year-old man who saw himself as a “Peter Pan” figure, a committed champion for the happiness of children.
1985 – Michael Jackson is on TV Guide
1995 - "The National Association of Recording Merchandisers" (NARM) rewards Michael with the "Harry Chapin Memorial Humanitarian Award", at the 37th annual NARM Convention in San Diego, Ca.
2002 - Michael won three awards [out of six nominations] at the "33rd Annual NAACP Image Awards" which took place at the Universal Amphitheatre, Universal City, CA. Michael won for Best Variety Special: "Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration", Best Performance in a Variety Special: "Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration" and Best Music Video: "You Rock My World". However, Michael did not attend the ceremony.
2010 - Return of the Captain EO.
The groundbreaking 3D movie called “Captain Eo”, directed by Francis Ford Coppola and produced by George Lucas. Jackson writes and records two songs for the 17 minute epic: “We Are Here to Change the World” and “Another Part of Me”. He also helps create a “Captain Eo” ride for Disneyland. The movie enjoy great success and run ran for 8 years at Disneyland and 10 years at Epcot. It also released at Tokyo Disneyland where it ran for 9 years and Disneyland Park in Paris - for 6 years.
The attraction, now entitled Captain EO Tribute, re-opened at Disneyland Park on February 23, 2010. The attraction returned to Discoveryland at Disneyland Park (Paris) on June 12, 2010, returned to Epcot at Walt Disney World on July 2 and to Tokyo Disneyland on July 1.
1970 - The Jackson 5ive are on top of Billboard Number One Hits Chart with I want you Back.
The song, along with a b-side cover of Smokey Robinson & the Miracles' "Who's Lovin' You", was the only single from the first Jackson 5 album, Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5, released on October 7, 1969.
I Want You Back is one of the biggest hits of Motown, and certainly the record that cost him the more, the recording sessions, usually curled in a half-day is endless - it was not rushed the beginnings of the group.
Berry Gordy wrote in the chorus (The team with the Corporation), which was originally intended to Gladys Night, under the name of I Want To Be Free. The lyrics, which were not suitable for kids, are due to be reviewed and adapted.
I Want You Back is the first gold record in the group. The title enters the Billboard Hot 100 November 15, 1969, and in the Black singles chart 22 November 1969. It reached the # 1, stayed there for 4 weeks and remained in the chart for 80 weeks! The original song was released in 1969, shortly after the J5 had signed with Motown and just before the release of their debut album Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5.
I Want You Back is part of the list of choices of Michael during his tours, including the most recent, This Is It, since the title is included in the program all the shows since 1969!
It has sold 6 million copies worldwide. In 1999, "I Want You Back" was also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
1975 - We're Almost There, the first single off Michael's final Motown album, Forever, Michael was released.
The song is a soul-type of ballad that sparked a departure from Michael's previous material which had included bubblegum pop. As Michael's voice matured, Motown found Holland brothers Brian and Edward, who wrote material to suit Michael, who had sung in a higher voice for most of the duration of his Motown (1969-1975) tenure. Performing more modestly, the song eventually peaked at #44 on the pop chart while hitting #7 on the R&B chart.
1979 - The Jacksons perform a concert in London, UK on Destiny tour.
The Jacksons performed Shake Your Body, Blame It On The Boogie & Destiny at Top Of The Pops. Mick Jackson finally meets the group who covered his song "Blame It on the Boogie", The Jacksons, when he performs "Weekend".
1984 - Jet magazine features Michael & Emmanuel Lewis on their cover with the story Michael Jackson, Emmanuel Lewis: Singer shares his success with those who inspire him.
Michael arrives in NYC and takes a suite at the Hemsley Palace.
1995 - Michael & Lisa Marie visit lawyer Johnnie Cochran at his new office in L.A.
2003 - ABC's "20/20" aired the British documentary "Living With Michael Jackson."
Michael released a press statement regarding the Living With Michael Jackson:
"Today I feel more betrayed than perhaps ever before, that someone who had got to know my children, my staff and me, whom I let into my heart and told the truth, could then sacrifice the trust I placed in him and produce this terrible and unfair program," Jackson said in a statement released in London.Debbie Rowe, Michael's ex-wife and mother of two of his children, was quoted as supporting him.
"Everyone who knows me will know the truth, which is that my children come first in my life and that I would never harm any child."
"It breaks my heart that anyone could truly believe that Michael would do anything to harm or endanger our children: they are the most important thing in his life," she said, according to the statement, released by a London public relations firm.
2009 - Michael goes to Dr Klein's in Beverly Hills.
1971 - 
Almost two weeks before the Jackson 5 returned to Gary, Mayor of the City of Gary, Indiana, Richard Gordon Hatcher, honored Jackson 5 by issuing a proclamation changing the name of the street they had once lived on from "Jackson Street" to be "Jackson 5 Boulevard" for the week of January 25, 1971 though January 31, 1971, and encouraged citizens to give those young men a warm welcome back to Gary.
When the Jacksons landed in on January 31, they were presented with the new street signs in front of their old house at 2300 Jackson Street.
Source: j5collector
1975 - Michael Jackson performed We're Almost There on American Bandstand
1975 - The Jacksons could be seen demonstrating parts of their family revue act on their second appearance on the Carol Burnett Show. Fans tuning in were treated to a funky lip-synch to Life of the Party from the recent Dancing Machine album, but also got a taste to what their parents and grandparents were getting in places like Las Vegas, with a tribute to vocal groups of the past; Mills Brothers, Andrews Sisters, Supremes, Sonny and Cher.
1985 - Ken Kragen chaired a production meeting for We Are The World, at a bungalow off Sunset Boulevard. There, Kragen and his team addressed where the song would be completed by the supergroup of musicians. He stated,
"The single most damaging piece of information is where we're doing this. If that shows up anywhere, we've got a chaotic situation that could totally destroy the project. The moment a Prince, a Michael Jackson, a Bob Dylan—I guarantee you!—drives up and sees a mob around that studio, he will never come in."On the same night, Quincy Jones' associate producer and vocal arranger, Tom Bahler, was given the task of matching each solo line with the right voice. Bahler stated, "It's like vocal arranging in a perfect world". Jones disagreed, stating that the task was like "putting a watermelon in a Coke bottle". The following evening, Lionel Richie held a "choreography" session at his home, where it was decided who would stand where.
1988 - Michael's Bad was chosen as the Favorite Soul/R&B Single at the 15th Annual American Music Awards, hosted by Whitney Houston, Barbara Mandrell, Mick Fleetwood, Barry Gibb, Maurice Gibb, Robin Gibb, Smokey Robinson, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles California. He was also nominated for Favorite Male Artist - Pop / Rock.
1993 - Michael opens the 20th American Music Awards ceremony with a performance of "Dangerous" at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, Ca.
Michael glitters in American Music Award winning two trophies and his third special award Monday at the 20th annual American Music Awards.For the 20th annual American Music Awards, presented on Monday, Michael had 5 nominations. But the audience got to see him before any winners were announced as he opened the award presentation with yet another dazzling performance of his Dangerous album title track. A man dropped to the floor from machine gun fire, revealing Michael standing directly behind him. Dressed in a black suit with spats and a fedora, Michael joined several dancers in a Smooth Criminal flavored performance of Dangerous featuring his usual fascinating choreography with plenty of crotch grabbing and carefully timed sound effects.
Michael won Favorite Soul/R&B Single for Remember The Time. He came from back stage to accept the award, having taken his hair down, and removing his tie. In accepting the award, he acknowledged the fans in the balcony:
Thank you very much. I love you up there. I'd like to thank everyone at Sony Music, especially Mr. Morita, Mickey Schulhof, Tommy Mattola, Dave Glew, Bruce Swedian, Quincey jones, Sandy Gallin, Jim Morey, and of course, all my fans. I love you.
Amidst the performances and award presentations, Elizabeth Taylor, recovered from a respiratory infection, returned to public life by presenting Michael's honorary award. She announced the recipient of the first ever International Artist Award narrating a video tribute to Michael featuring footage from his videos and live performances from both the Bad and Dangerous tours. She then introduced a taped message from another of Michael's friends and fans, Eddie Murphy:Hi, Michael. Knowing how uncomfortable you feel when someone says something nice to you right up in your face, I went 3,000 miles away to do this. Now, the inscription on your award says, 'In recognition of his record-breaking international concert tours, and his album sales, and his heartfelt efforts to make this world a better place, the American Music Awards presents its first International Artist Award to Michael Jackson January 25, 1993.' In addition the American Music Awards are proud to announce that when the award is given in the future, it will be known as 'The Michael Jackson International Artist Award.' So, congratulations Michael, I know you better be smiling from ear to ear. I know you better smile bigger than that, I want to see gums! Congratulations.
Elizabeth Taylor then called Michael to the stage from his front row seat at the Shrine Auditorium. He had now changed into a black leather jacket and removed his sunglasses before going on stage. The crowd was on their feet and cheering as Michael began to speak. Michael used the stage to spread a message of love:I love you very much, Elizabeth Taylor. Teddy Riley, you are a genius. Thank you Eddie, thank you all my friends. Traveling the world has been a great education for me and if there is one insight I've had it is this, wherever you go, in every country, on every continent, people yearn and hunger for only one thing, to love and be loved. Love transcends international boundaries and it heals the wounds of hatred, racial prejudice, bigotry, and ignorance. It is the ultimate truth at the heart of all creation. I would also like to thank God, and my mother and father, Katherine and Joseph Jackson. Thank you once again, I love you all.
Michael, who had now removed the black leather jacket came from the wings and was brief in his acceptance. "I really wasn't expecting to win. Thank you again Teddy Riley, the public, I love you very much. Thank you."Having won in two of the five categories in which he was nominated and being named the International Artist of the Year, Michael was the night's big winner. Michael also received an honorary Merit award in 1984 and an Achievement award in 1989. He now has 14 of the awards in competitive categories.
1996 - Michael Jackson was named Hype Of The Year in "Rolling Stone's" Critics Poll.
Michael goes to The Motown Cafe in New York with his make-up artist Karen Faye.1997 - Michael waves 85% of the $5 to $6 million ticket receipts from a concert held on November 1, 1996 in Bombay, India, and donates 1,1 million dollars to a local NGO educating children dwelling in slums - "Shiv Udyog Sena" - the sum also helping to create jobs for 270,000 young unemployed people in the state of Maharashtra, Bombay; on arriving in Bombay, the singer asks to stop in order to converse with children playing in the crowded slums for 20 minutes, according to Indian journalist, Hema Shukla.
2002 - Michael's INVINCIBLE album goes two times Multi Platinum in the USA with sales over 2 million. INVINCIBLE was certified double platinum by the RIAA.
Regina Jones interviewed Michael for the March 2002 issue of Vibe magazine at his Neverland Valley Ranch in Los Olivos.
2006 - Michael is spotted shopping in Manama.
Michael, disguised as a Bahraini woman, wears an abaya, the traditional Arabic women's veil and all-covering gown, a white shirt and men’s shoes. His head and face were wrapped in a black veil and he also wore black gloves.He was accompanied by Blanket, Prince, Paris & Grace, was seen leaving Marina Mall in the Bahrain capital, holding Blanket by the hand. On the way out a back door, he shook hands with security guards.
1995 - Michael and Lisa Marie welcome King Nana Amon Ndoufou IV, ruler of Sanwi, at Los Angeles airport on a 4 day visit.
King of Pop Michael Jackson and his wife Lisa Marie Presley-Jackson played host to King Nana Amon Ndoufou IV, ruler of Sanwi on the Ivory Coast, during a break from his recording sessions in Los Angeles.
Smiling broadly and exuding a special joy, Jackson greeted the exalted ruler who had crowned him King of Sanwi three years ago when the "King of Pop, Rock and Soul" visited the West African nation, one of six countries he toured on a goodwill trip to Africa.
It was Black History Month in 1992 when Jackson was crowned King of Sanwi during impressive ceremonies held in the Village of Krindjabo, located near Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Called the "prodigal child of the Bible," the King of Pop was regal in bearing as the crown of gold was placed upon his head.
During the King's visit to Los Angeles, Jackson took pride in hosting King Ndoufou IV, the most important Akan ruler in the Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast).
Commenting briefly on the visit of the King who crowned him King of Sanwi, Jackson told:
"Michael Jackson was extremely pleased and delighted to host the King."During the 17th and 18th centuries, four Agni clans crossed the Camoe River and established themselves at Krinjabo. The head of the first clan was immediately crowned King of Sanwi, because the Akan cannot conceive of human society without a King.
King Ndoufou is more than a symbol, he is the spirit of his people and the father of his subjects. His person is sacred and inviolate. The King identifies with his deceased ancestors. That is why, according to tradition, he is called "Nana," which means old wise man.
No matter what his actual age, the King is a sacred man and is called "Nana" by all of his subjects, even the elderly, because he is ageless and, therefore, the eldest.
While in the U.S., King Ndoufou and his representatives brought greetings from President Henri Konan Bedie and the people of the Ivory Coast. Ndoufou and his representatives made tentative plans to meet with U.S. businessmen to inform them of investment opportunities in the Ivory Coast. They also scheduled a meeting with Atty. Johnnie Cochran, the chief defense attorney for O.J. Simpson. Cochran is honorary consulate for the Ivory Coast.
2003 - It is announced that Michael Jackson is to be the subject of a fly-on-the-wall documentary after Martin Bashir was granted permission to follow the singer for eight months.
Granada say Bashir was given "unprecedented and exclusive access" to Jackson for the 90-minute profile, which will be shown on ITV1 on Feb. 03, 2003 as a Tonight with Trevor McDonald special.
Bashir's previous high profile subjects have included Princess Diana and Michael Barrymore
Tonight editor, James Goldston, said: "The film is an extraordinary insight into the life of one of the most famous and controversial figures in the world.
"We have been filming with Michael Jackson throughout one of the most turbulent periods in his life. The results are utterly compelling - viewers will not believe what they are seeing."
1987 - Michael, Quincy Jones & Bruce Swedien start recording the BAD album at the Westlake Studio in Los Angeles.
How do you follow the world’s most successful album – ever?
Even thinking about following THRILLER must have been daunting which may explain, at least in part, why Michael took so long to do so. Certainly Michael felt if he didn't top THRILLER, he would be perceived by many as a failure. So not only did he want the follow-up to be 'as perfect as humanely possibly', he set his sights on an impossible sales target: 100 million.
BAD was the first studio album Jackson released after leaving The Jackson 5 and the first in an almost five-year period following THRILLER. BAD was the third consecutive solo project(fifth, if The Wiz and the E.T. storybook are included), and final, musical collaboration between Jackson and Quincy Jones. The album was produced by Jones, with co-production credit given to Jackson.
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| Singer Michael Jackson, shown during a recording session for his first LP since THRILLER. The album entitled BAD, uses Hugo Zuccarelli's Holophonics sound system on several tracks. Michael chose to record the pillow-talk sequence for "I Just Can't Stop Loving You", while lying in a bed with zuccarelli's head-shaped robotic recorder. |
They began by sifting through the 60 or so songs Michael had written himself for the new album and recorded thirty, wanting to use them all on a three-disc set. Jones had suggested that the album be cut down to a ten-track single LP. 'Fifty percent of the battle is trying to figure out which songs to record,' Quincy admitted, 'it's total instinct.' When the album was released on CD, a bonus 11th track, Leave Me Alone was included. It was later released as a single. Michael was credited for writing nine out of eleven of the songs (including the CD-only bonus track) made the final selection on the album – easily the largest contribution he had made to any of his solo albums. Other writing credits included Terry Britten and Graham Lyle for Just Good Friends and Siedah Garrett and Glen Ballard for Man in the Mirror.
1994 - Michael presents the award for Best Choreographer to Debbie Allen at the 26th NAACP Image Awards Ceremony in Los Angeles, Ca.
He was greeted by deafening cheers and a standing ovation. Dressed in a black military style jacket with red accents and a silver sequined armband, and no glasses, he seemed very upbeat, confident and comfortable. He presented the award for Outstanding Choreography but first took the opportunity to say a few words on his own behalf, prior to presenting dancer/choreographer Debbie Allen with the award, pausing now and then to tell the cheering fans, "I love you too" and "I love you more!". He delivers a speech underlining the meaning behind the NAACP organization supporting equality of treatment for all races and human dignity, and exhibiting his sympathy to the NAACP members:He then announced the winner, Debbie Allen. Allen immediately invited her fellow nominees to the stage which included Michael Peters, nominated for his work on What's Love Got To Do With It. Peters ascended the stairs to the stage and immediately went to his friend Michael and hugged him warmly. Allen began her acceptance speech saying, "God bless you Michael, we're all on your side.""For decades, the NAACP has stood at the forefront of the struggle for equal justice under the law for all people in our land. They have fought in the lunch rooms of the South, in the hallowed halls of the Supreme Court and the board rooms of America, for justice, equality and the very dignity of all mankind. Members of the NAACP have been jailed and even killed in noble pursuit of those ideals, upon which our country was founded". Michael Jackson also re-declares his innocence regarding prior allegations of improper conduct towards a minor. He says, "Not only am I presumed to be innocent, I AM innocent, and I know that the truth will be my salvation. I have been strengthened to prove my innocence by my faith in God and the knowledge that I am not fighting this battle alone."
1995 - Bravo magazine [Germany] featured Michael on the cover.
2003 - Michael visits Maurice Gibbs (one of the Bee Gees) at a Miami hospital.
2007 - Michael has dinner with Kenny Ortega at the Wynn Restaurant in Las Vegas.
1995 - Michael leaves a videotaped Christmas message for the British music TV program “Top of the Pops” viewers, presenters and fans from his Neverland Ranch: “Hello, Top Of The Pops. Hello, and thank you for all your love, your support and your loyalty. I love you all so much, it has been a source of strength and inspiration. I wish you a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. I look forward to seeing you soon, and I love you all dearly. Thank you very much.”
1988 - Michael perform 8th of 9 dates at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo during the Japanese leg of Bad tour.
2003 - From the Beverly Hills Hotel, Michael gives an interview to Ed Bradley (shown on CBS’s 60 minutes 3 days later) in the presence of Mark Geragos, Leonard Muhammad & Grace.
Impassioned Michael vehemently denies the charges against him, "Before I would hurt a child, I would slit my wrists"Source: Transcript of the Interview With Ed Bradley On '60 Minutes'
"I've helped many, many, many children, thousands of children, cancer kids, leukemia kids. This is one of many." Michael says his relationship with this boy he first met a year ago was positive. He says he was determined to help him with his battle against cancer."When I first saw him, he was total bald—headed, white as snow from the chemotherapy, very bony, looked anorexic, no eyebrows, no eyelashes. And he was so weak, I would have to carry him from the house to the game room, or push him in a wheelchair, to try to give him a childhood, a life. Cause I felt bad. Because I never had that chance, too, as a child... Not being sick, but not having had a childhood. So, my heart go out to those children I feel their pain."
Jackson says he tried to help in the healing process by taking the boy around the grounds of Neverland to Jackson’s favorite places. "He had never really climbed a tree. So, I had this tree that I have at Neverland. I call it, "My Giving Tree." Cause I like to write songs up there. I've written many songs up there. So, I said, "You have to climb a tree. That's part of boyhood. You just gotta do it."
I helped him up. And once he went up — up the tree, we looked down on the branches. And it was so beautiful. It was magical. And he loved it. To give him a chance to have a life... Because he was told he was going to die. They told him. They told his parents prepare for his funeral, that's how bad it was. And I put him on a program. I've helped many children doing this. I put him on a mental program."
When Bradley asks him why a child would accuse him if it weren't true, he replies: "Because parents have power over children. They feel they have to do what their parents say. But the love of money is the root of all evil. And this is a sweet child. And to see him turn like this, this isn't him. This is not him."
Michael adds: "Just because it's in print doesn't mean it's the gospel. People write negatives things, cause they feel that's what sells." He also says that the police search of Neverland Ranch was overdone and so violated his privacy that his home will never be the same. He tells Bradley, "I won’t live there ever again. It’s a house now. It’s not a home anymore. I’ll only visit."
1969 - Motown releases the first album of the Jackson 5, Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5.
The album featured 12 songs, and only single was “I Want You Back”. The album was a successful debut worldwide, charting at number 5 in the US pop charts, in february 1970, and #1 in the R&B chart, number 16 in the UK and staying in the charts for four weeks. It sells more 600000 copies in the United States, an exceptionnal number for a first LP.
The majority of the album was produced by Bobby Taylor, true discoverer of the group, and the Corporation™ in 1968 in Chicago. The Corporation™ would work on The Jackson 5’s next seven albums for Motown. During spring and summer 1969, the latter chose to make them sing soul music standards, in order to coach them, but also to prove to the Motown big boss, Berry Gordy, their capacities.
So, besides the anthem I Want You Back, produced by The Corporation (Gordy, Perren, Mizell, Richards), the album contains several covers from the Detroit's compagny : The Four Top's Standing in the Shadows of Love, Stevie Wonder's My Cherie Amour, The Temptations' (I Know) I'm Losing You, a wonderful treatment of Smokey Robinson's Who's Lovin' You, but also a Walt Disney Them, in album's opening, Zip A Dee Doo Dah, and Sly & the Family Stone's Stand!. The album also includes one of their debut Steeltown songs, You've Changed.
All instrumentation was made before the 5 brothers stepped in the studio, to the great displeasure of Tito and Jermaine, who didn't play guitar and bass. When, in 1976, Michael was asked why this LP was called "Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5", he responds : "That's it, Diana didn't discovered us, but it was made to believe it. As she presented us to the public, it's not really a lie".
In order to promote the album, the Jackson 5 made their second important tv appearance, in the famous Ed Sullivan Show, with the well advised eye of Diana Ross, from that time, a name forever associated with the Jackson 5.
1975 - The Jackson 5 in concert, San Carlos, California.
1979 - The Jacksons' Destiny tour was concluded at the Forum in Englewood in Los Angeles, USA.
The second leg of the Jacksons' Destiny tour began in New Orleans on October 2nd, while Off The Wall was climbing up the charts, and songs from the new album were added to the set list to keep the show up to date.
When the tour ended with a series of shows at The Forum in Los Angeles, the last one being on December 18, 1979, Michael wanted to stop touring altogether. Besides the nose injury, he had suffered voice trouble that forced some shows to be canceled.
With Off The Wall now a certified hit, his career was truly beginning to eclipse that of the group's, which only served to deepen the already growing divisions between him and his brothers.
The whole Jackson family attends the concert and Michael is presented with platinum records for Off The Wall.
1988 - Michael perform 5th of 9 dates at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo during the Japanese leg of Bad tour.
1989 - Reports confirmed that Michael's planned greatest hits album, "Decade", was shelved due to an avalanche of new material, prompting thoughts of a brand new album instead, much to the delight of his fans.
1992 - Michael visits Disneyland Tokyo.
1993 - Gone Too Soon reached #33 in the UK singles chart, which was released on December 1, 1993—World AIDS Day—as the 9th and final single from the Dangerous album. It become Michael's 9th Top 40 hit from the one album (Dangerous).
1995 - Michael goes resting at Disneyland Paris in Marne-la-Vallee, France, taking with him the Cascio kids (Frank, Eddie, Dominic Jr, Aldo & Marie Nicole) and nephews.
2004 - Michael open the gates of Neverland to over 200 children, inviting them for a holiday party, to enjoy a day at his fairy-tale ranch; to play on the amusement park rides and miniature train ride, see its zoo, and watch movies.
Dressed in an impeccable black suit with swirling white embroidery at the shoulders (and the ubiquitous umbrella), Michael personally welcomed the children home, basking in their adoration, he greeted them saying: "I and my family are wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful, Happy New Year!"
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For many children it was a dream come true when they met Michael Jackson. Some of the enthusiastic statements heard from the smiling faces of the children, ages 3 years to 17 years, sounded as follows:
"This has made our Christmas."
“This is a dream come true.”
"To us, Michael Jackson is bigger than Santa Claus."
“Never in our wildest imaginations did we think that we would get a chance to say hello to Michael Jackson.”
1979 - Michael Jackson's album "Off The Wall" was certified Gold and Platinum by the RIAA.
1983 - Michael's 7th single to reach the top 10 in 1983 was Say Say Say. With Say Say Say becoming his 7th top 10 single in 1983, Michael broke records previously held by Elvis Presley and the Beatles for the most top 10 singles in one year. The single went to #1 on the Hot 100 the week of December 10, 1983, and stayed for 6 weeks. It peaked at #2 on the black chart.
1988 - Michael perform the second of 9 dates at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo during the Japanese leg of Bad tour.
Michael Jackson won Best Male Artist and Best Album Of The Year (for "Bad") at the NAACP 21st Image Awards. The show was broadcast on January 14, 1989.
1992 - At a press conference at the American Consulate, Michael accepts a cheque of $100 000 for Heal The World.
At the American Consulate of Japan, Pepsi rewards Michael's contributions by way of his "Heal The World" organization with a check for 100,000 dollars.
At the American Consulate of Japan - where he is recompensed by Pepsi for his "HTWF" contributions – he makes a speech in which he extols children’s inspirational intelligence and its healing qualities. He states: "Thank you. I’m very happy to be here in Japan again. It’s very nice to see all the children […]. The innocence of children represents to me the source of infinite creativity, and I feel that this is where all my creativity comes from. This is not an intellectual kind of intelligence, but an intelligence that is full of wonder, magic, mystery and adventure. In this intelligence, there is love, there is trust, there is joy and there is beauty. It is the kind of intelligence that will heal the world. That is why I am here and that is why we are here. Thank you very much. I love you."
1993 - Michael proved all the sceptics wrong by returning home to the United States.
1995 - Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley separated. They had been married in May 1994. They were divorced, citing irreconcilable differences, on January 18, 1996.
1996 - Michael performs HIStory concert at Asia World City in Parañaque, Philippines attending 40,000 fans.
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.
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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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.
1995 - Michael invites the media to see him rehearse for the HBO special 'Michael Jackson: One Night Only' at the Beacon Theatre in New York City.
Michael appears onstage with mime, Marcel Marceau.
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1996 - Michael performs HIStory concert at Burswood Dome in Perth, Australia attending 18,900 fans.
1999 - "T.V. Guide" Magazine Interview
On being disconnected to past achievements:“[…] It’s sad to get caught up in the past. That’s why I don’t put awards in my house. No gold records, no Grammys. They’re in storage. I don’t like to be puffed up with pride, ‘cause I’d feel I don’t have any more things to reach for. And that’s not true.”
On who his audience is:
“I don’t know. I just try to write wonderful music; and if they love it, they love it. I don’t think about any demographic. [The record company] tries to get me to think that way, but I just do what I would enjoy hearing.”
On disguises and lack of privacy:
“I do disguises for different reasons. I like to study people – be like the fly on the wall. Even if it's two old ladies sitting on a bench or some kids on a swing. Because I don't know what it's like to fit in an everyday life situation. One time I was in a record store, completely disguised, and these girls were pulling out my album, talking all about me. I was literally next to them. It was wonderful. I loved it. But if I go out as myself, I can't have fun. People always say, "Why don't we just go to a party?" Soon as I step in, the party's over – for me. It's a party for them, but they are all putting their cards on my face, saying, "Remember me? I met you four years ago at…" and I say, "I don't remember." So I can't enjoy the experience. They play all my songs. I didn't come to hear my music. And everybody starts chanting "Dance!" "Well, I want to see you dance for a change."
On being erroneously portrayed by the media:
“[…] The press has made me out to be this monster, this crazy person who's bizarre and weird. I'm nothing like that. […] All I can do is be myself and create from my soul. But they take that and manipulate it. […] God created animals and they are loving, they are beautiful. I feel the way anthropologist Jane Goodall does, or any of those naturalists. I don't find my interest in animal weird or strange at all.”
On his children and fatherhood:
“[…] [Reading about me not being my children’s father…] That's total garbage. It's just trash and not true. […] Prince tells me all day that he has to make movies. So I bought him this video camera. I say, "What are we doing this time?" He goes, "Star Wars." So we put some figures on the table, make them move. And Paris is just now starting to talk and walk. She's very sweet. And I'm surprised she loves dolls. My sister, Janet didn't like that sort of thing. She was a tomboy. I thought she was going to be like that but she isn't. [I change their diapers and feed them]. I love it. It's a lot of work. I thought I was prepared, 'cause I read everything about child rearing, but it's so much more exciting than I ever imagined it to be. The only regret I have is that I wish I had done it earlier.”
On whether or not he is happy and the sources which make him happy:
“I usually am happy. I don't let anything get me down, no matter what. I like to hear the sound of water and birds chirping and laughter, you know. I love all the real natural, innocent things. I would never go to a party or a club. I did that when I was a kid, and I don't care to do it anymore. […] I always have [felt that I can’t live without children], 'cause I would feel I have nothing to live for. […] I wouldn't care [living for myself or my creativity]. Everything I create is inspired by that kind of innocence. And nature, it's eveything. It has to be. I mean, that's it.”
On his plans for then approaching millenium:
"[…] [Releasing "I Have This Dream"]. It’s a millenium song about the world and the environment that I co-wrote with Carol Bayer Sager and David Foster."
Michael Attends Fund-Raiser
Saturday night, December 4th, Michael Jackson attended a fund-raiser for Whitney Houston's charitable foundation at the Marriott Marquis hotel in Times Square, New York.
Fox News broke the news. In their release, they state: "Michael made small talk with Whitney and hubby Bobby Brown, then took a center seat and stayed to watch performances by everyone from Petula Clark to Whitney herself. (...) New York radio star Frankie Blue, who later got an award from the foundation, said in his thank you address: 'Michael, I will always be there for you. Let's have a tour and an album in America.'"
1979 - The Jacksons perform Destiny tour in Baltimore, Maryland
1993 - Michael performs at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City [Mexico] attending 100,000.
1995 - Sony released a statement that the company had entered into a joint agreement with Michael Jackson that would merge Jackson's ATV publishing copyrights with Sony's.
2001 - Michael Jackson attended a special record signing at the Virgin Megastore in Times Square, New York.
When Michael Jackson comes to town, everything shuts down.
Frantic, screaming fans filled the streets and stopped traffic in the middle of Times Square when Jackson made what his record company called his first-ever in-store appearance, proving he still has luster on his crown.
Emerging in front of the Virgin Megastore on a small stage covered with red carpet, Jackson, clad in a blue silk shirt and matching pants, bopped to the sounds of his single "You Rock My World" and threw kisses to the crowd for about a minute before he went back inside the store to sign autographs and promote his new album, Invincible.
"Michael! Michael! Michael!" throngs of fans chanted in the hopes he would come back outside. Instead the police told the crowd to keep it moving.
"I lost my mind," said 17-year-old Sydney Torrence of Harlem, who was still basking in making eye contact with the reclusive superstar. "Michael Jackson communicated with us!"
"He's the greatest of all time, you don't even have to ask the question," said her friend Shari Griffith, 17, of the Bronx. "He's just an innovator. Who could make up words like 'cha'mon'?"
Jackson's Invincible, which was released on October 30, will debut at #1 on next week's Billboard 200 according to SoundScan data released on Wednesday (November 7. Both young women agreed the album deserves to top the chart.
"He's got Biggie on the album, he's got Jay-Z on the ['You Rock My World'] remix," Torrence said. "He doesn't just sing about love. He sings about war, he sings about everything. He's hot."
"It's real weird to see a new generation accepting Mike," said Rodney Jerkins, one of Invincible's producers. Jerkins, who was in a nearby studio working on the next Brandy album, showed up unannounced at the event after seeing a live on-site interview with Jackson on "TRL."
"That was the mission for all of us [while making the album]: 'How do we get younger kids?' " Jerkins said. "Standing out here, I can tell the kids love him. It's all in the music. Mike's an entertainer. He's gonna show you what he can do, but the music has to catch the kids' ears. It's a blessing to be part of this. It's history."
Michael Jackson granted an exclusive interview to the TV show "Entertainment Tonight." The show was aired on November 12 and 13 as a two-part special.
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 | .jpg) |
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. |
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."
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1991 - Michael Jackson's single "Black Or White" was released.
1993 - Michael Jackson's video "Dangerous: The Short Films" was released.
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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.
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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.
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