Michael Jackson

formspring.me

2010-02-12T01:10:00.002-05:00

If you could eat dinner with any person, dead or alive, who would it be and where would you go?

Too easy!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It would be with Michael Jackson at Neverland Ranch!! We'd eat KFC, chat, dance and laugh :)

Grammy 3-D Special for MJ

2010-01-20T18:40:00.002-05:00

Celine Dion, Carrie Underwood and Usher will take part in a tribute to Michael Jackson at the Grammy awards next week that will also showcase a movie created by Jackson for his hit “Earth Song.”
Grammy organizers said on Wednesday that Jennifer Hudson and Smokey Robinson would also join in the Jackson tribute, singing along with the voice of the “Thriller” singer.
The January 31 Grammy ceremony in Los Angeles will also feature the first showing of the 3-D mini movie for “Earth Song” created by Jackson before his death in June.
The song and the movie, about the future of the planet, were intended to be the centerpiece of Jackson’s planned series of 50 “This is It” comeback concerts in London last summer.
“It was one of the most important portions of the concert tour to Michael and when Michael saw the film for the first time at his last rehearsal, there were tears in his eyes,” Ken Ehrlich, a Grammy producer and longtime Jackson associate, said in a statement.
Organizers said the Grammy ceremony would be broadcast in 3-D for the first time. 3-D glasses will be provided to the audience in Los Angeles and U.S. TV viewers will be able to get free 3-D glasses through a partnership between broadcasters CBS and retail store Target.
Jackson, who won 13 Grammys and whose 1982 album “Thriller” is the biggest-selling album of all time, is to get a posthumous lifetime achievement Grammy this year.
Neil Portnow, president of the Recording Academy which awards the Grammys, said the Jackson tribute “promises to be an emotional highlight of this year’s show”.

Michael Jackson "Earth Song"

2010-01-15T23:53:00.001-05:00

With all the misfortune going on in Haiti, this song has been replaying in my mind. Although the tragedies seen in the video aren't exactly what happened in Haiti, the words in the song share the same sentiment as to what the people over there may be feeling. And to think, this was released 15 years ago. Make donations to UNICEF; every little bit helps, and this is a tragedy that could happen to any part of the world. At the end of the day we are all human and we are all on the same earth.

Lenny Kravitz Helped Michael Jackson See “Another Day,” Denies Leaking Track | Vibe

2010-01-05T21:55:00.001-05:00

Lenny Kravitz Helped Michael Jackson See “Another Day,” Denies Leaking Track | Vibe

Stevie Wonder Breaks Down Over Michael Jackson

2009-12-02T10:25:00.001-05:00

At the 2009 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Wonder performs the Jackson hit "The Way You Make Me Feel" with singer John Legend. But after a minute or so into the performance held in NYC, Wonder begins to choke up and wipe his eyes.

Heartbreaking...

Extended Open for Michael Jackson Grammy Museum Exhibit

2009-10-28T00:55:00.003-04:00

The LA Times is reporting that the Grammy Museum will be keeping their Jackson exhibit open until the summer of 2010. Focusing on his style, the showcase features some of his glitziest and most memorable pieces of clothing.

"This Is It" Soundtrack on iTunes

2009-10-27T17:14:00.000-04:00

Jackson's other solo albums are now available on iTunes for the price of $7.99 each.

This Is It Director Kenny Ortega on Memories of Michael Jackson

2009-10-27T16:38:00.001-04:00

This week sees the release of Michael Jackson's This Is It, the much-anticipated behind-the-scenes 3-D concert movie constructed from 100 hours of footage of rehearsals for Jackson's aborted tour. Last Thursday, Vulture visited the Waldorf Astoria suite of Kenny Ortega, the tour's director who was drafted to helm the film following Jackson's death.

How did you first meet Michael Jackson?
He called me, just out of the blue. My goddaughter, Jennifer, was at the house and she picked up the phone and she screamed, "Some guy on the phone says he's Michael Jackson!" And I was like, "Oh my God, what if it is?" So I grabbed the phone, "Hello." And it was his voice and he said, "No one ever believes it's me."

How did you find out about Michael's passing?
We were in rehearsals awaiting his arrival when these calls came in — what we thought were rumors that were circulating. There were so many rumors surrounding Michael all the time, and you just moved through it. Then as I looked around — we were a big company; on any given day there would be 150 people in the arena — everybody was on their phone. I was like, this is really happening.

Did you personally see any warning signs?
No, no. Michael was tired sometimes because he didn't have great sleeping habits. Whether those are connected to his ultimate demise or not, I don't know. It wasn't This Is It that had any negative impact on Michael Jackson. It was nourishing him. It was an inspirational time in his life.

The speculation was that 50 shows were too many for him ...
The people creating these speculations? They don't know what they're talking about. They never [pointed out] that he's doing 50 shows over six months. That's one to two shows a week.

Whose idea was the film?
The estate that represents the Michael Jackson integrity ...

And your first reaction?
No! Way too soon! I was emotionally devastated. No way, in my mind, as a professional, could I imagine myself having the creative objectivity to go in and make a film considering what we have all been through. [AEG Live CEO] Randy Phillips asked me if I would at least come in and look at the footage. When I looked at the footage it became apparent this wasn't about whether or not I wanted to do something: It was my responsibility. The journey wasn't over; the gig wasn't finished.

Looking back at your career, it's been a tough few months for you with the deaths of John Hughes and Patrick Swayze, as well as Michael.
Three guys that were tremendous friends and who impacted my creative life enormously. Working with Patrick Swayze [in Dirty Dancing], this was the Gene Kelly of our generation; he made dancing accessible for every guy. And John Hughes made me a director. He put me on the streets of Chicago and had me as the second-unit director for Ferris Bueller's Day Off with the wonderful musical scene with the parade.

Then you're the man to ask: How does Ferris Bueller get on that float without being arrested?
You know that we were really in a parade, right? John said, "We've been given permission to plug into a real parade." We had a float parked on a street, and at one moment all the cameras were given the go and that float moved into the street. Matthew [Broderick] came out of the crowd, jumped up onto it, and we were filming him in a live parade environment.

If Michael hadn't died, do you really believe that this would've been it?
You can't put it out of the realm of possibility. But he did say to me, "I don't want to be old and out there doing what I used to do great that I can't do anymore."

[NY Mag]

Some times, we need to laugh..

2009-10-25T11:45:00.000-04:00

The Michael Jackson facebook page put together an entertaining album of MJ pics decorated with delightful texts that will surely put a smile on your face. The above pics were some of my favorites.

Michael Jackson Remade ‘Thriller’ Before He Died

2009-10-23T21:48:00.000-04:00

When the Michael Jackson concert flick This It It hits theaters next Wednesday, it'll include a few surprises buried among the rehearsal footage and sentimental interviews. Most notably, (SPOLIER ALERT) brand-new, reimagined versions of the videos for “Thriller,” “Man in the Mirror,” and “Earth Song.” MJ made the videos to serve as transitions to the live performances during the This Is It concerts in London.

Obviously, the "Thriller" remake is the most compelling, though "reimagining" what is widely regarded as the greatest music video of all time could be a bit dangerous. Will there be young love? Will there be zombies? Will there be dancing zombies? Funny you should ask. Choreographer Travis Payne told Cinemablend today that the new "Thriller" doesn't include the cutesy teen-date scenes the original had. But also, "We didn't touch what we considered the sacred inside of it." Translation: There will be zombies!

[NYMag]

VH1 to Host Michael Jackson Charity Auction

2009-10-22T06:14:00.000-04:00

The Michael Jackson's belongings will be back on display, this time with VH1 Save the Music Foundation.

The Foundation is set to host a charity auction event that includes some former Michael Jackson memorabilia, like signed records.

The charity comes right on the heels of a $5 million lawsuit filed against the late legend's estate earlier this month. Michael Jackson's estate and Julien's Auction House were sued, after a Jackson auction bidder claims he never got his winnings. Some of the bids included two Michael Jackson mannequins and a silkscreen print of Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty.

Richard Lapointe says he was the highest bidder on various items from a Michael Jackson auction headed by Julien's Auction House. Due to disagreements, the auction, which was supposed to have occurred in April, was cancelled. --Linda Hobbs

[Vibe]

Michael Jackson’s Surprise Motivation for the This Is It Tour: One-Upping Prince!

2009-10-21T06:41:00.001-04:00

With the possible exception of Madonna, Michael Jackson and Prince were the two biggest pop stars of the eighties. While they often battled for supremacy on the Billboard charts, there was never really any public indication that the two had beef or even considered themselves to be rivals. However, in this week's Entertainment Weekly cover story on the upcoming release of This Is It, a quote from the late Michael Jackson provides us with our first hint that MJ was not only extremely competitive with the diminutive Minnesotan, but that he also feared that if he slacked off, none other than God himself would channel his best creative ideas through Prince.

As you've no doubt read countless times since MJ's untimely death, he was very hands-on with every aspect of his planned This Is It tour, from choreography to song choices to the production design of the stage. The following excerpt from the article, which is not yet online, demonstrates how Michael Jackson may have been jealous of the (semi-recent) resurgence of Prince as a touring act, and how he wanted his show to be a spectacle that would make even the likes of Apollonia and Sheila E. jealous:

As the production got under way, it quickly became clear that Jackson’s creative ambitions for the concert were beyond anything he’d ever attempted. With the budget already past $24 million, Jackson told his team he wanted to recreate one of the world’s largest waterfalls on the stage. “I was ready to jump off the balcony of my office,” Phillips says. “We went and met with Michael, and Kenny said, ‘Michael, you’ve got to stop. We’ve got an incredible show, we don’t need any more vignettes.’ Michael said, ‘But Kenny, God channels this through me at night. I can’t sleep because I’m so super-charged.’ Kenny said, ‘But Michael, we have to finish. Can’t God take a vacation?’ Without missing a beat, Michael said, ‘You don’t understand — if I’m not there to receive these ideas, God might give them to Prince.’”

While this waterfall sounds spectacular, we think that Michael Jackson didn't quite understand the source of Prince's best ideas. After all, after seeing back-lit projections of Prince's 20-foot-tall (long?) demon schlong at the 2007 Super Bowl, it's pretty clear to us that Prince has been channeling a somewhat more demonic force all these years.

This week's cover: An exclusive first look at the new Michael Jackson movie [EW]

[NY Mag]

Madonna Opens Up About Michael Jackson

2009-10-21T06:23:00.001-04:00

Madonna spoke at length about her relationship with Michael Jackson during theheartfelt tribute she paid to him during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, which she told MTV News was written "from my heart." In segments from her recent interview with Rolling Stone that were posted online Monday but not included in the print edition, she spoke at length about her relationship with him and her admiration for his talent.

Even as a child, Madonna said she was fascinated with the singer who would later be her friend (althoughMJ reportedly had a less-positive impression of the time they spent together, according to "The Michael Jackson Tapes: A Tragic Icon Reveals His Soul in Intimate Conversation" by Rabbi Shmuley Boteach). "I was madly in love with him, totally smitten," she said. "He was mind-bogglingly talented. The songs he sang were not childlike at all."

Madonna later got the opportunity to meet with Jackson early on in her career, and recalled her very first encounter with the singer.

"I met him in the early '80s, when I first started working with my manager, Freddy DeMann, who at the time was managing Michael Jackson. I saw him play at Madison Square Garden, and I was blown away. He was flawless. There was a party at the Helmsley Palace Hotel. He was very shy, but it was a thrill for me." she revealed.

Later on, the two shared a great deal in common, and not just the fact that they were both media icons and were born in the same month and year. They attempted working together but ultimately never did.

"There was a period of time when we hung out," she told the magazine. "He wanted to work with me, I think he wanted to get to know me, and I wanted to do the same. When you write with somebody, it's a weird experience, you feel vulnerable and shy. When I worked with Justin Timberlake I felt that way. To write songs together is a very intimate experience, like getting tossed into a juggernaut: 'On your mark, get set, create!' You have to get past these hurdles, which are, 'I want to impress this person, but will they think my ideas are stupid? What if their ideas are stupid? Can I be honest with them? Will they be offended?' You end up talking and gabbing and socializing, and you have to do that in order to get to the next level, to be creative.

"So that's what we were doing: watching movies, having dinner, hanging out, going to the Oscars, being silly, seeing if we could work," she continued. "He got relaxed. He took off his sunglasses, had a glass of wine, I got him to laugh."

As she noted during her VMA speech, Madonna stressed the difficulty that Jackson's childhood must have presented for him.

"All I have are my opinions, I wasn't very close to him. It's good to have a good childhood and a sense of yourself in the world before people start telling you who they think you are," she said. "Where you can make mistakes and have a sense of innocence. It gives you a sense of confidence. I don't think he started off that way. Did he have any sense of himself outside of the world of being adored and famous? It's hard to survive like that. I think he felt insecure about the attention he got, and had a love-hate relationship with his job."

She also spoke of her admiration for MJ's songwriting ability. "I'd wished I'd written "Billie Jean" and "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'." What song didn't I love?" she said.

As someone who can understand what it's like to be in the glare of media attention for years on end, Madonna had some sad observations about MJ's final years.

"He didn't seem to have any close friends. And in the last decade, everybody abandoned him, or wrote him off as crazy," she said. "People have said so many things about me that aren't true, and I never once had a second thought that the accusations against him might be true. But he didn't seem to have a way to deal with that, publicly or privately, and it can destroy you. When he died, everyone was saying what a great genius he was, but it's important to appreciate things before you lose them. It's a great tragedy."
[MTV]

Michael. by Rolling Stone

2009-10-19T03:22:00.001-04:00

Rolling Stone magazine will be releasing a tribute book simply titled, Michael. The hardcover book will feature written words by Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Will.I.Am, Quincy Jones and Sheryl Crow. It will be sold in bookstores starting November 3rd.

MJ Love #3

2009-10-16T15:49:00.000-04:00

THE RE-RELEASE OF THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY IS HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It has the same cover as the original 1988 release, but the new version has an intro by Motown's Berry Gordy and an Afterward by one of the original editors.

I flipped through the book and there are many pictures (both color and black and white) and I'm sure it will answer some of the questions we wanted answers to... at least questions pertaining to events leading up to 1988.

Anyhow, it was MJs "One and Only Autobiography" and I can't wait to read it!

Jackson Gets AMA Nods

2009-10-16T10:12:00.004-04:00

MJ was nominated for five American Music Awards for his "Number Ones" album. The compilation album containing all of Jackson's number one singles was released in November of 2003 and the nominations are making people wonder if it's just out of courtesy. Well, due to some Billboard rules, Jackson's album wasn't allowed to be put on the charts because of it's release date even though it was outselling newly released music. Sales along with radio play qualified MJ for the well deserved nominations. The AMAs air on Sunday, November 22nd.

DWTS Does MJ Tribute

2009-10-16T10:02:00.002-04:00

On Tuesday, October 20th, "Dancing With the Stars" will be hosting a tribute for Jackson. The professional dancers will be doing an array or songs taken from his tremendous career however will be adding ballroom and latin styles to the mix.

"This Is It" by Michael Jackson

2009-10-12T13:07:00.002-04:00

Here's the newly released single with lead vocals by MJ and backing vocals by his brothers... enjoy :)

Michael Jackson Mashup

2009-10-03T21:02:00.002-04:00

Watch vocalist Sam Tsui and arranger Kurt Schneider do a medley of some of Jackson's greatest hits. Songs include: "Man in the Mirror", "Smooth Criminal", "Billie Jean", "Thriller", "Beat It", and "I'll Be There".

Spike Lee Filming MJ Documentary

2009-10-02T11:14:00.003-04:00

Lee has gone to Gary,Indiana to begin the filming of a Michael Jackson doc. He expressed, "This ... is where it all happened! Right here -- 2300 Jackson Street ... the greatest entertainer in the world."

The film is set to release in October of this year, and there's a question as to whether or not it will coincide with the "This Is It" movie.

Lee and Jackson worked together on the "They Don't Really Care About Us" video in the late 1990s.

MJ Was Healthy for a Dead Man

2009-10-02T11:04:00.002-04:00

There have been reports stating that at the time of Jackson's death he was in a healthy state.

E! reported on their website, "Jackson's face and neck were scarred by plastic surgery, he had tattooed lips and eyebrows and, as previously reported, he did have injection marks all over his arms. His 136-pound weight was on the low end but was within the healthy range for his 5-foot-9 frame."

He also had arthritis on his fingers and the lower part of his back. The only minor issue seen was with his lungs which would've caused him to be out of breath from time to time.

Aaron Carter to Wear Jackson's Jacket on DWTS

2009-09-23T09:27:00.000-04:00

In an interview MJ did a few years back, he explained how giving he was with others. If someone saw something they adored on him, he had no problem giving it to them as a gift. He used the example of Sammy Davis Jr. who gave him an article of clothing off of his back simply because he admired and complitmented him on it. So when Aaron was telling this story to Chelsea Handler, I knew it was Michael all the way.

To hear about the jacket Carter received from Jackson, you can fast forward the clip to 4:44.

Michael Jackson [...] Coined

2009-09-23T09:00:00.000-04:00

The late Michael Jackson [is] coming to a coin near you.
Michael Jackson's estate has signed up to start producing collective coins with the image of Jackson engraved.
The Michael Jackson Commemorative Coin Collection--the brainchild of the global music merchandising company, Bravado, and The First Commemorative Mint, Inc.-- is currently being sold through the Home Shopping Network.
Though the coins are state coins, they're also being offered on the Silver Eagle Dollar coin.
"The value of the Michael Jackson coins lie in their unique status as both official collectibles and legal tender issues," Bernie Neumark, President and CEO of the First Commemorative Mint, says. "This has never been possible before so we are excited about the opportunity. Each new coin will be a coveted first edition, so there will be tremendous demand from both coin collectors as well as Michael Jackson fans. Most coins will be produced in limited editions which will add to their scarcity and historic importance."
Michael Jackson's estate is currently worth $500 million. Jackson's longtime friends, attorney John Branca and music executive John McClain administer the estate. On Friday, a Los Angeles judge ruled that Jackson's mother and guardian of his children, Katherine Jackson, has a legal right to have her say in the way the estate is ran. --Linda Hobbs

Prices range from $24.95-$59.95 and are available now.

'This Is It' : Human Nature

2009-09-22T08:23:00.001-04:00

'This Is It' Movie Site

2009-09-22T08:10:00.001-04:00

Visit the official movie to add your photo to the collage, watch video clips and receive updates. "This Is It" will be in theaters on October 28th and tickets and go on pre-sale September 27th.

The Missing Tapes Will be Played

2009-09-22T08:02:00.000-04:00

This friday NBC's Dateline will be playing the newly found tapes of MJ. In a clip from the commercial Michael says, "I just wanted to be loved." The show will air at 9 pm.

VMA Tribute Behind the Scenes

2009-09-21T19:55:00.001-04:00

MTV Shows

Opus Icons Exhibit in London

2009-09-18T19:54:00.000-04:00

Movie Trailers for 'This Is It'

2009-09-12T10:01:00.003-04:00

Here are some YouTube clips of what could be the 'This Is It' movie trailer. However, I guess we will see when they air the official commercial during the Mtv VMAs.

MTV 2009 VMA Commercial "Reigning Gloves"

2009-09-09T19:12:00.004-04:00

Janet Shows Her Big Brother Love on Her Site

2009-09-09T07:41:00.000-04:00

On Janet Jackson's official website she has "Commemorative Photos" showing pics of the brother sister pair together. Very special.

Janet Jackson Planning Spectacular VMA Tribute to Michael

2009-09-08T08:05:00.004-04:00

Now that Michael Jackson’s body has finally been laid to rest, it looks like his sister Janet Jackson is planning to pull out all the stops for a one-time tribute to the King of Pop at next weekend’s MTV Video Music Awards.

According to TMZ, Janet and her crew of around 20 backup dancers have been rehearsing around the clock — up to 15 hours in a single day — for Sunday night’s annual awards spectacle.

Janet, who has remained relatively quiet in the wake of her family’s tragic loss, is reportedly working on the tribute with some of the world’s top choreographers, including Frank Gatson and Travis Payne.

One dancer involved in the project tells TMZ “there won’t be a dry eye in the house” at the end of the number.

You’ll just have to wait until Sunday, Sept. 13 to see for yourself.

-OK!

Ironically I was saddened by the fact that MJ would no longer be doing any performances or surprise appearances on the VMAs like he used to years before. Remember when he danced with 'Nsync or came out and kissed his first wife Lisa Marie?

Anyhow, Janet's tribute would be the tribute of ALL tributes near and far, and I know she would be no less than amazing for her big brother.

Oprah Remembers MJ

2009-09-08T07:38:00.001-04:00

To kick off one of the leading shows in Oprah's new season, she will dedicate her Wednesday September 16th episode to Michael. In the early 90s she interviewed him and she will be airing unseen footage. Thanks Oprah.

Michael Jackson's glove auctioned in Australia

2009-09-07T09:10:00.000-04:00

A bejeweled white glove Michael Jackson tossed to an Australian fan more than a decade ago sold at auction Sunday for 57,600 Australian dollars ($48,400), almost twice the estimated selling price.
Warwick Stone, a buyer for the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, beat out five other bidders for the late King of Pop's glove, said Charlotte Stanes, spokeswoman for the Melbourne auction house Bonhams and Goodman. The estimated selling price before the auction was AU$30,000.

"We are very happy with the result," Stanes said. "It's the first glove we know about in Australia."

Bonhams and Goodman said it was the first auction of a Michael Jackson glove since his death on June 25 this year at age 50.

Jackson visited Australia in 1996 as part of his HIStory world tour. While in Sydney, he attended the Australian premiere for the film "Ghosts," in which he had a starring role. At the end of the screening, he tossed the glove at audience member Bill Hibble, who has since died, said national head of collectables Giles Moon.

-Yahoo!

Jackson 5 Cartoon Episode 1

2009-09-05T12:30:00.005-04:00

Michael Jackson's Funeral

2009-09-04T19:09:00.004-04:00

Telegraph.co.uk has posted some pictures from MJ's funeral that took place in Glendale, CA. His body will be with other stars such as Clark Gable, Sammy Davis Jr. and Nat King Cole at the Forest Lawn cemetery. He is now placed under a stained glass window replica of the 'Last Supper'- a painting that Michael also wanted above his bed in his master bedroom.

According to E! News, his three children wrote letters that were put inside the casket and placed a purple crown ontop. Jackson was also dressed with a shoulder length wig and one glove.

May he rest... and hopefully soon- in peace.

Family and friends gather tonight for Michael Jackson burial in Glendale

2009-09-03T17:05:00.002-04:00

Family and friends gather tonight for Michael Jackson burial in Glendale

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Album: 'Michael Jackson: Remix Suite I'

2009-09-01T21:28:00.003-04:00

Michael Jackson: Remix Suite I

NYC subway art contest proposed to honor Jackson

2009-09-01T21:20:00.001-04:00

NEW YORK — A New York city councilwoman has come up with another way to honor Michael Jackson at the subway station where he shot the music video for "Bad."
Letitia James had asked the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to place a plaque at Brooklyn's Hoyt-Schermerhorn (SKER'-mur-horn) station — or have the late singer's name added to the station's name.
MTA officials rejected the request because plaques are prohibited in stations.
Now James says she plans to ask for a station art contest honoring Jackson.
The MTA said Tuesday it only considers art for stations when they are up for rehabilitation, and that station won't be rehabbed for at least five years.
Jackson, who died June 25, shot the Martin Scorsese-directed video for "Bad" at the station in 1987.
Information from: New York Post, http://www.nypost.com
-Associated Press

Michael Jackson tribute lineup to be unveiled soon

2009-09-01T21:02:00.002-04:00

VIENNA — It's almost as mysterious as Michael Jackson's moon walk.
Fans still don't know who will perform at a major tribute to the late pop star that will be held outside a 17th-century palace in Vienna later this month.
But they will, exactly one week from now: Organizers say Jackson's brother Jermaine will hold a news conference in the Austrian capital next Tuesday to unveil the lineup for the Sept. 26 concert.
Jermaine Jackson has promised that some of the world's top entertainers will perform Michael's greatest hits on a crown-shaped stage being erected outside Vienna's former imperial Schoenbrunn Palace.
He says the event will be broadcast live to 1 billion fans around the world.

-Associated Press

Michael Jackon - 51 Birthday

2009-08-29T01:32:00.006-04:00

1958-Forever

Long Live the King Birthday Bash in Times Square

2009-08-28T10:10:00.003-04:00

Q-tip, Mark Ronson, and DJ Spinna will be celebrating what would have been the King of Pop's 51st birthday in Times Square. Get your tickets here for $25.

Magazine: Rolling Stone, April 1971

2009-08-26T06:40:00.000-04:00

MJ Love #2

2009-08-25T10:55:00.001-04:00

Yesterday I had an inner voice tell me to hit up the thrift store. Lucky for me there was an original copy of the 1984 "We Are the World" record waiting for me. If I wasn't familiar with the sleeve artwork, I most likely would've overlooked it. But the second I saw the "W" in "We" I immediately grabbed it and held on to it.

Another plus was the record came out to..................................................... .74 cents!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

Report: Coroner Rules Jackson's Death a Homicide

2009-08-24T20:37:00.002-04:00

Report: Coroner Rules Jackson's Death a Homicide

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Michael Jackson, a Taschen Music Icon

2009-08-24T05:24:00.006-04:00

Taschen books, known for spinning pop culture into pages of pages of bold pics and "fast food" info, is adding Jackson to its 'Music Icon' series.

According to Taschen, the book will chronicle the "rise and demise" of MJ as well as "a painstaking selection of approximately 150 portraits, colorful posters and record covers, rare concert photos, and previously unpublished candid photos. These images—each matching an important biographical event—are accompanied by text tracing the progression of each subject’s life and career and are complemented by a section containing lists of essential recordings and selected chart rankings."

The book will sell for $9.99 and is set to be released in October.

J5 "Mama's Pearl/The Love You Save"

2009-08-22T10:51:00.003-04:00

Michael Jackson to be buried on birthday, King of Pop's father says [UPDATE]

2009-08-22T09:55:00.003-04:00

According to the New York Times blog, Michael's burial has been "rescheduled for Sept. 3 [and will] take place at 7 p.m. Pacific time, at the Holly Terrace in the Great Mausoleum at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, Calif."

The date change was made because some members of the Jackson family "objected" to Michael being buried on what would've been his 51st birthday.

Personally, I feel it would've been a somewhat beautiful and would have brought his birth and death to a full circle close. But it's understandable that they would want to keep the two separate.

Spike Lee Plans Bash in Brooklyn for MJ's Birthday [UPDATE]

2009-08-22T09:49:00.003-04:00

Spike Lee's birthday celebration for MJ will remain in Brooklyn, but will be at Prospect Park instead of Fort Greene Park. This change has been made to accommodate the large crowd that's expected.

Michael Jackson Movie... October 30 with 3-D... [UPDATE]

2009-08-21T08:51:00.001-04:00

According to the LA Times blog, MJ's movie will be moved up to October 28th and will be in theaters for only two weeks. Tickets will go on pre-sale September 27th and there will be no 3-D scenes.

Jackson Brothers reality series a go at A&E

2009-08-20T07:37:00.003-04:00

NEW YORK (Hollywood Reporter) - Before Michael Jackson died, his brothers filmed a one-hour pilot for A&E that was supposed to include a reunion performance with Michael. But he never agreed to it, didn't do it, and died before it could be discussed again.

But sources say that A&E will go forward with a series of further episodes that will chronicle the Jackson brothers' lives and show them grappling with Michael's death.

An A&E spokesman declined comment; sources close to the network said the deal for a series isn't done yet. The original A&E deal was for a pilot with provisions for a series.

It hasn't been decided whether the footage that exists will be shaped into half-hour or hour-long sessions.

Meanwhile, the pilot -- which might include at least a reference at its end that Michael has died -- will air on A&E within the month, sources say.

The deal was put together by Danny O'Donovan, who has managed the group since they left Motown in the late 1970s.

-Reuters

MJ x GQ

2009-08-19T00:13:00.004-04:00

Before the weirdness claimed his legacy, Michael Jackson understood his talent—and what he was willing to do for it—better than we ever have.

Read the full article on GQ.com.

Michael and Janet, Together Again

2009-08-18T10:59:00.003-04:00

I just finished watching the Wendy Williams show and she announced that Janet will be doing a duet with her big brother a la Natalie & Nat King Cole "Unforgettable".

This is great news, especially for me being that at one point in my life I had a Janet poster on one side of my room and a Michael poster on the other.

Janet will also be working with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis on her new album and we all know that her best work always comes through when she collaborates with those guys.

Can't wait to hear the music.

Spike Lee Plans Bash in Brooklyn for MJ's Birthday

2009-08-18T09:20:00.001-04:00

Michael Jackson would have turned 51 on Aug. 29. To celebrate Jackson's life, Spike Lee is throwing a Brooklyn block party on that day.

"It's going to just be how we do it, Brooklyn-style, I'll leave it at that," Lee said. "It's going to be a joyous, festive, celebratory party." And free.

Lee said he's been hit hard by Jackson's death, so he decided to host the birthday party.

"We're of the same era," said Lee, who grew up following Jackson's career, including watching Saturday-morning Jackson 5 cartoons. "I wanted my Afro to be perfectly round like Michael's, all that stuff."

Years later, the King of Pop and the Oscar-nominated filmmaker collaborated on a music video for "They Don't Care About Us," shot in Brazil. The two never worked together again.

Anybody and everybody is invited to attend the party, from noon to 5 p.m., at Fort Greene Park in the New York borough. DJ Spinna will spin all things Jackson, from the Jackson 5 to the Jacksons to Michael Jackson. The Brooklyn borough president reportedly will be on hand to declare Aug. 29 "Michael Jackson Day."

"At the end, we'll all sing 'Happy Birthday' to Michael," Lee said. "We're going to make sure he hears us, too. All over the world, people are going to be celebrating his birthday. But he's going to hear Brooklyn; Brooklyn is going to be in the house. Deep."

-The Washington Post

Michael Jackson to be buried on birthday, King of Pop's father says

2009-08-17T08:19:00.003-04:00

The King of Pop will finally be laid to rest. Or so says his dad.

Michael Jackson will be buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Los Angeles at 10 a.m. on Aug. 29 on what would have been the King of Pop's 51st birthday, Joe Jackson told Steve Friess, the

Daily News' man in Las Vegas.

The elder Jackson indicated that the burial plans had been made final just in the past few days. He discussed the burial over ribs and jalapeño corn bread at the poolside Simon at Palms Place at the Palms hotel and casino.

With him was the stunningly beautiful Crystal Marven, a singer he has signed to his new record label, and her mother.

The elder Jackson says he will return to Vegas after his son is buried that Saturday to receive a celebrity star in the singer's honor at the Brenden Theatres, a cinema at the Palms that Michael Jackson and his children frequented. The Brenden will also screen the 1988 film "Moonwalker" that day.

Papa Jackson said he is supportive of the Los Angeles Police Department probe into his son's June 25 death so far - but also said that cops may be making Dr. Conrad Murray "the fall guy for a whole lot of people."

He did not elaborate. Murray was Michael Jackson's personal doctor and with him the day he died. Murray's lawyer has confirmed the Vegas-based doc is being investigated for administering the anesthetic Propofol and possibly other drugs. He denies wrongdoing.

A Vegas pharmacy was searched Aug. 11 for evidence Murray sought Propofol there.

Meanwhile, Joe Jackson, who lives separately from the singer's mom, Katherine, says she's taken Michael's death particularly hard, and frequently bursts out in tears.
Jackson said he had tried to see his son in the months before his death, but "the security guards wouldn't let me get to him."

He also dismissed talk that the Neverland mansion would be moved to Las Vegas as his daughter, La Toya Jackson, told reporters last week.

"How would they do that?" Jackson asked.

-Daily News

J5 "I'll Be There" Live

2009-08-14T09:38:00.002-04:00

Cover That: "I'll Be There" ed.

2009-08-14T09:27:00.005-04:00

Mariah Carey "I'll Be There"

'Moonwalk' Memoir to be Re-released [UPDATE]

2009-08-13T10:09:00.002-04:00

The book is now available for pre-sale on Amazon.com and will be released on October 13th.

View Original Post.

The Style of a Thriller

2009-08-13T09:10:00.007-04:00

This is the best thing I've seen as far as MJ and his style is concerned.

British bombshell Agyness Deyn paid tribute to the one gloved one by doing a fashion spread for Harper's Bazaar by mixing today's designer styles to replicate thrilling ;) memories.

Thriller Night

The King of Pop

Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough

She Says I Am the One

"Michael Jackson may be gone, but we never can say goodbye to his style."

-Harper's Bazaar

Mr. Jackson's Opus

2009-08-13T08:56:00.005-04:00

The first new book about Michael Jackson sanctioned by his estate will be published Dec. 7, and it promises to be as razzle-dazzling as the late pop icon himself.

Kraken Opus, whose opulent publications focus on major figures and brands in sports and the arts, [began] accepting pre-orders [...] for The Official Michael Jackson Opus at michaeljacksonopus.com [...]. The oversized, 400-page tribute will be driven by photos but also will include essays, illustrations and poetry, at least half of it exclusive — all handbound in leather and enclosed in a silk clamshell case.

Where other projects have been priced at more than $2,000, the Jackson book will cost $165. "Michael wanted this to be accessible to as many people as possible," says Kraken CEO Karl Fowler.

Kraken reached out to Jackson last year through the singer's attorney Peter Lopez. "We wanted to tell the behind-the-scenes story of Michael Jackson the entertainer," Fowler says. The plan was to include Jackson's concerts at London's O2 Arena, which were set to start in July.

While Jackson was in rehearsals, he invited Kraken executives to his house in Los Angeles. When Fowler mentioned they were working on a Disney Opus, Jackson reacted "like a boy in a sweet shop. He asked if he could contribute and get a copy."

Lopez says Jackson was impressed by the Opuses' "sense of grandeur" and "expressed a definite desire to get on board." But Lopez and Kraken were still in negotiations when Jackson died June 25, which required the company to seek approval from his estate — and amend its strategy.

The chronicling of the London performances "will be sorely missed," Fowler says. "But everyone involved in that tour wants to take part."

Celebrities and insiders who knew and worked with Jackson also are expected to contribute. "We're asking people to write a sentence, a paragraph or a chapter," says Kraken's Jeff Wald. "We expect a huge turnout."

All books include Michael Jackson Opus Reality membership, which provides access to interactive footage with periodic updates.

Five copies signed by a variety of famous fans will be auctioned to benefit five charities favored by Jackson.

-USA Today

Album: 'Third Album'

2009-08-13T08:47:00.003-04:00

Third Album

LL Cool J On His Michael Jackson Tribute & Contest

2009-08-11T10:05:00.004-04:00

After Michael Jackson passed away, it left many in shock. One of those people was LL Cool J. The emcee recently leaked his remixed version of MJ's "Billie Jean" in a move to pay homage to one of his favorite performers of all time. He also says the lyrics he wrote on the track came to him in his sleep.

"After hearing the tragic news of Michael Jackson's death, the lyrics for the 'Billie Jean' remix came to me in a dream," LL told Billboard.
"Michael was one of my childhood idols and has always been a great inspiration to me."

It's because of this that he has decided to title the song "Billie Jean Dream: Written by Michael Jackson."

The song will also work as a tool for other fans to connect with. OnBoomdizzle.com, his social networking site, LL is allowing fans to make videos for this song and has asked supporters to submit their own MJ tribute tracks.

There will actually be a contest for the best Michael Jackson tribute song. The winning artist will obtain promotional help from Boomdizzle.com. Finalists will be chosen by other users and a panel of judges led by Cool J.

I find LL's dream story to be interesting being that MJ's mother once said he used to get ideas while in bed and would jump up yelling "WOHOO!" Also Michael never wanted to take "credit" for his work because he always felt that it was never truly created by him, but instead another force just used him to release it to the world.

Michael Jackson Movie... October 30 with 3-D...

2009-08-10T19:57:00.007-04:00

Michael Jackson will be hitting the big screen on one of the toughest dates of the year at the box office.

Sony Pictures today confirmed the long-reported deal that it is joining with Sony Music Entertainment to release a movie featuring behind-the-scenes and rehearsal footage from preparation for the late singer's "This Is It" concert series in London.

Sony paid $60 million to concert producer AEG and the singer's estate for rights to turn the footage into a movie. Though the deal was negotiated last month, it was officially approved by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge today.

The studio will release the film, also called "This Is It," worldwide on Friday, Oct. 30. Sony will no doubt be tying the opening into Michael Jackson's Halloween-oriented classic album and video"Thriller."

But with the holiday falling on a Saturday, attendance will likely be soft on what's normally the busiest movie-going day of the week.

Many of the fall's best release dates are already taken, however. The only other movie currently scheduled to open Oct. 30 is The Weinstein Co.'s comedy "Youth in Revolt."Sony also revealed that some sequences, which were shot for use in the concert, will be in digital 3-D.

[Updated2:55 p.m.: Now that the deal has been approved by the court, said a source close to the project, Sony will begin negotiations with "High School Musical" director Kenny Ortega, Jackson's creative partner on the concert series, to direct the movie.That will consist primarily of sorting through and editing the hundreds of hours of footage for which Sony has obtained theatrical rights.]

-LA Times

Michael Jackson Tribute Concert Announced

2009-08-10T19:51:00.002-04:00

Michael Jackson's London concerts never happened -- but maybe this tribute show will.

Events promoter World Awards Media GmbH announced Monday members of Michael Jackson's family and a "high-profile lineup of international stars" are planning a tribute concert to be held within a few weeks in the Austrian capital.

No date has been set, but a venue has been picked -- Schoenbrunn Palace in Vienna, where an outdoor stage shaped like a crown will be built.

Tickets will go on sale August 20.

-TMZ

J5 on Ed Sullivan Show ("I Want You Back/ABC/The Love You Save")

2009-08-07T19:14:00.005-04:00

Jackson Toxicology Report -- Propofol Plus ...

2009-08-07T19:08:00.003-04:00

Jackson Toxicology Report -- Propofol Plus ...

(click above link for more info)

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Jermaine Jackson On His New Mission!

2009-08-07T18:11:00.002-04:00

The tragedy of my brother’s death is still with me. But in his death, I have found a mission for my life. My existence is now dedicated to spreading Michael’s message. Michael had a unique place in the world. He not only did good, but taught others how to do the same. This only magnifies his loss to the world.

I want to make people aware of the humanitarian side of Michael. I want to show them how his true emphasis wasn’t music, or performing; it was improving the world. Understand this, and you begin to understand the essence of who my brother was.

Michael wanted to help people see the problems that are destroying our world. That’s what he was about, and what HIS upcoming shows were about. He was trying to teach through his lyrics, video and performance. He wanted to use every part of himself to show us what we are capable of becoming. His goal was to demonstrate to people that if we all just try to make world a better place, it will be.

Michael did charity work all his life – since we first started performing as the Jackson 5. He quickly learned talent alone means nothing – it’s what you do with it that really matters. What are you doing to make things better for other people? In grasping this, Michael found his purpose: Entertain and educate at the same time.

Michael grew to understand why the world is in the state it is. He would ask “Why?” but not get trapped in trying to find reasons for each and every problem. His aim was finding solutions. His message was about solutions. Michael’s day-to-day thought process was: “How do I make the world a better place?” He dedicated his existence to responding to this question, and to giving a voice to those who can’t speak out for themselves.

Man in the Mirror, We are the World, Will You Be There – all these songs put forward a simple but powerful message: If someone is hungry, give them food, but also help them become self-sufficient. Michael taught us that when you do good, you start with the individual, then move onto a family, a neighborhood, a village, a nation.

Michael always looked for the good in people, but he also wanted people to understand him, and what he was here for. This made the ridicule he endured so much harder to bear. How can someone who gave so much, be the subject of so much hate? Why is it, the more blessed we are, the tougher our times are destined to be?

My brother wasn’t a threat to anyone. He was at peace, and his peaceful state was a blessing from God. Michael was given the rare talent to entertain, sing and perform. But the true blessing God gave him was the ability to use his talents to do good for others. Michael’s songs inspired us to do better. That was his true gift.

We still feel Michael’s loss. But what will happen as time passes? What will happen to Michael’s real purpose for being? Who can carry on Michael’s work selflessly, without ulterior motive? Nations and governments are capable of good deeds, but those good deeds are too often done to exert control over others. Michael never wanted to control anybody, he only wanted to spread happiness and joy.

Michael supported over 30 different charities. Most people, even the most generous, focus their efforts on just a handful. But Michael was different. He would personally check every charity he supported. He’d examine their track records make sure they did what they said they would do.

Michael’s generosity extended beyond the charities he supported. When a girl needed a liver transplant and no one wanted to pay for it, Michael took care of it. No fanfare, no publicity. There are so many cases like this! Many of them, I myself, am just beginning to learn about.

Every time Michael traveled to another country, he would devote time to visiting hospitals, orphanages, cancer patients. That was his calling. In every corner of the globe, this was his routine. The world needs to know this is who he was. Because while there were always cameras following him, the media didn’t tell the story of his caring and compassion. They only wanted to sensationalize him.

Michael didn’t care if we knew everything he did for people, because God knows. God knows his intentions, and knows the results. I know my brother is in a very secure, serene, peaceful place. When we live on earth, we are judged not only by who we are, but also by what we do for others. When we leave, we take the good and bad deeds with us. Michael took nothing but good deeds with him.

Michael and I were raised to believe there is a Supreme Being. Having success told us God had a plan for us. Michael used his success in a positive way. He knew that it’s not what you get from others, it’s what you do for others. We all achieve things in life, but the greatest achievement is doing God’s work. Michael was a man of God because he was doing His work. Eternal life is the ultimate reward from God – and Michael has eternal life.

(see more on Larry King Live)

Thrilling Demos

2009-08-05T18:44:00.009-04:00

Michael Jackson and master mind producer Quincy Jones left a few unreleased songs off of the top selling album "Thriller". The blog Unheard Music was linked to the LA Times as being the source of the free demo downloads. Here's a track list and rundown of the songs, and again you can download the songs for free from the UM site.

01 Trouble
02 Hot Street
These are clearly professionally produced recordings, but I'm assuming these versions weren't considered final. Hot Street isn't bad but both it and Trouble don't seem release ready compositions.

03 Billie Jean
This is another demo recording, although unlike the version featured on the Special Edition reissue of Thriller (not to be confused with the 25th anniversary edition, the Special Edition has bonus cuts and interviews with Quincy Jones. there are no remixes from Kanye West or anyone of the sort.), this has mostly finished lyrics and is the complete song. The synths sound a little like something Moroder would use.

04 Love Never Felt So Good
A short piano and vocal recording. Actually, this one is quite nice, but who knows if it got any further than this nice little demo.

05 Nite Line
Another rather complete demo recording, just like Trouble and Hot Street. Decent song, but it was to leave it off the album.

06 The Girl Is Mine
07 Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'
More demos sessions. The Girl Is Mine is a solo demo with a string section and everything. It doesn't sound like a synthesized string section so it's odd if this was just meant to be a demo, but it's pretty short so who knows. As for Wanna Be Startin' Somethin', like Billie Jean, this is a rather complete recording. It's kinda rough and MJ doesn't sound like he's worked out his performance yet, but the basic idea is all here including the mama-say-mama-saa-mamoko-sa thing at the end.

08 Thriller (Starlight Session Excerpt)
09 Baby Be Mine (Session Excerpt)
10 Billie Jean (Session Excerpt)
11 Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' (Session Excerpt)
12 Hot Street (Session Excerpt)
13 P.Y.T. (Instrumental Excerpt)
These recordings all appear to be excerpts of sessions with Michael singing over what seems to be finished tracks. The vocals are definitely not finished, and in several places you'll notice different lyrics. This is most notable on Thriller which features the original chorus when the song was known as Starlight. How I wish the full versions of these recordings were out there! Again, they may show up sometime in the near future as there will be a lot of archival research in the very near future, if it hasn't already begun.

14 Groove Of Midnight
Apparently this song was recorded by Siedah Garrett. This doesn't sound like a demo let alone a complete song. This sounds more like Michael messing around while waiting for the tape to be restarted. Whatever it is, it's not much and is more confusing than enlightening.

15 Carousel (Complete Version)
This song almost made the album, but was replaced by Human Nature. Michael Sembello is one of the co-writers. Nice enough track, definitely b-side or compilation worthy.

16 There Must Be More To Life Than This
This track originally listed Freddie Mercury as a co-performer, but he is clearly not here. Just a very polished performance of Michael singing this fine number.

17 Trouble (Alternate Source)
18 Hot Street (Alternate Source)

19 Nite Line (Alternate Source)
There is nothing different between these tracks and the other versions contained here other than someone cleaned up the audio a little bit. If they didn't sound a little better I wouldn't have bothered posting them, but I'm not promising any real clarity here.

*tracks 4, 6, 8 and 16 are great & if you own the "Thriller" special edition CD then you're already aware of song 15.

Michael Jackson Movie Is a Reality

2009-08-05T08:42:00.003-04:00

Michael Jackson Movie Is a Reality
(click link above to read more)
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Brooch Jackson

2009-08-04T10:39:00.007-04:00

The young designer Anne-Marie Herckes miniaturize cloths to maximise the pleasure of wearing a brooch. You can now proudly wear this special eternal king of the pop Michael brooch.

There are a total of 5 looks but I must warn you, they are a bit pricey. Still, if you're interested in taking a peek you can visit the colette e-shop.

MJ Love #1

2009-08-04T10:14:00.002-04:00

Here's a picture of a bracelet my friend Julie picked up for me at a jewelry expo in NYC. It's inspired by the portrait done of MJ by Andy Warhol. Love, love, looooove. Thank you Jewels.

RARE - Michael Jackson Backstage Interview - (Jackson 5 Era)

2009-08-04T00:22:00.002-04:00

In this video you get to see an adorable clip of Michael being interviewed, having a pillow fight with his brothers ("naw that ain't fair, I got Tito wit' me"), and rehearsing on stage to the songs "Stand" and "It's Your Thing". Enjoy!

Jay-Z Remembers MJ at All Points West in NJ

2009-08-04T00:16:00.003-04:00

Lucky attendees at All Points West in Jersey City, NJ got to see a last minute addition to the three day concert festival-Mr. S. Carter. As part of his show he paid omage to the "greatest entertainer of all time".

Sample This: "ABC" ed.

2009-08-03T09:06:00.000-04:00

Naughty by Nature "O.P.P."

Vanity Fair Magazine, September 2009

2009-08-03T08:53:00.005-04:00

Vanity Fair magazine (one of the best well rounded magazines ever) is honoring the two icons who both left this life on June 25th.

Michael Jackson, photographed by Annie Leibovitz in Los Angeles, October 1989. Another image from the shoot appeared on the cover of Vanity Fair’s December 1989 issue.

Farrah Fawcett, photographed by Bruce McBroom at her Los Angeles home, in 1976. The picture was taken the same day as the one that appeared on her iconic “red swimsuit” poster.

Album: 'ABC'

2009-08-03T00:05:00.002-04:00

ABC

The Jackson 5 "Who's Lovin' You"

2009-07-31T20:16:00.006-04:00

'Human Nature' on Mtv

2009-07-31T20:03:00.003-04:00

This saturday Mtv will be airing a special dedicated to Michael titled, 'Michael Jackson's Human Nature'. This would be fitting being that MJ broke down the color walls and look of music video on Mtv. In a clip below producer Teddy Riley (who's worked with Jackson on his "Dangerous" and "Invincible" albums) discusses the first time he met Michael's children and shares his opinions with MJ's role as a father.

MTV Shows

Photo Album I

2009-07-31T09:19:00.001-04:00

Michael's Mom Gets Custody of Kids; Debbie Rowe Gets Visits, No Cash

2009-07-31T08:39:00.002-04:00

Michael's Mom Gets Custody of Kids; Debbie Rowe Gets Visits, No Cash

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TV One: Forever Michael Week

2009-07-30T11:16:00.003-04:00

All week TV One has been honoring the King of Pop with movies and specials. However, tonight and tomorrow they will be airing the 30th Anniversary Celebration MJ performed at Madison Square Garden which include a reunion with his brothers and other singing stars. Check your local listings for the channel in your area.

Sample This: "I Want You Back" ed.

2009-07-30T08:23:00.003-04:00

Eric B. & Rakim "I Know You Got Soul"

Kriss Kross "Jump"

Sample This: "Who's Lovin' You" ed.

2009-07-29T19:09:00.003-04:00

En Vogue "Hold On"

La Toya's Tribute to Michael Helps Heal the World

2009-07-29T08:28:00.002-04:00

La Toya's Tribute to Michael Helps Heal the World

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Michael the Love [RARE]

2009-07-28T19:15:00.003-04:00

This a one of the group's first recordings on SteelTown Records; the company they were with before signing with Motown. Enjoy!

'Moonwalk' Memoir to be Re-released

2009-07-28T18:23:00.004-04:00

Last week on E! there was a story that Katherine Jackson wanted Michael's 1988 autobiography to be re-released so the profits could go towards Michael's children. Now the story is confirmed. According to Mtv:

'Plans are already in the works to repurpose almost every shred of Michael Jackson's creative output — music, footage, costumes and more — for various tributes on the big screen, small screen, museum hall and concert stage. Next up is the written word.

Jackson's 1988 ghostwritten memoir, "Moonwalk," is being reissued for publication in October, The Associated Press reports. The reissue will contain a new introduction by a yet-unnamed friend of Jackson's and will have a first printing of 100,000 copies.

In interviews with the AP, Jackson's literary agent, Joy Harris, and the original editor of the book, Shaye Areheart, who is also publishing the reissue, revealed the process behind making "Moonwalk," as well as the harried days after the pop star's death when plans to re-release the book began.

Beginning in the mid '80s, Areheart met with Jackson many times at his Encino, California, home to conduct interviews for the memoir. "He was just a lively, in-touch guy," she said. "And he did have his act together."

They would often sit together by a large fireplace as Areheart asked questions and Jackson spoke answers into a tape recorder. He was "smart and funny and gracious," she said.

Yet the project ended up taking much longer to complete than expected, as Jackson was often occupied with the demands of tours and recording sessions. "His time was constantly not his own," Areheart said.

The book ended up coming out in the spring of 1988 and became a #1 New York Times bestseller. In the memoir, Jackson admitted to being beaten by his father and to having two nose jobs. He dedicated the book to Fred Astaire.

According to Harris, publishers began asking about reprinting the memoir the morning after Jackson's death. She got in touch with his attorneys, who began negotiations and struck a deal with Areheart and her Random House imprint, Harmony.

"It did seem abrupt to me," Harris told the AP. "But when I thought about it, it didn't surprise me, in the way that everything is so immediate these days."'

This reprinting would be a great opportunity for fans who never purchased the book the first time around and did not want to spend so much money on it through outlets such as eBay where it's being sold for hundreds of dollars.

Inmates Dance to Michael Jackson Pt.2

2009-07-27T19:51:00.005-04:00

"The inmates at a Filipino prison have once again outdone themselves with a tribute to the late King of Pop.
The inmates, who became famous for their Michael Jackson "Thriller" tribute, performed their new routine for the public to Jackson's hit "Dangerous" [mix] on July 25, 2009."

-Examiner.com

Support the Michael Jackson tribute portrait: An interview with artist David Ilan

2009-07-27T09:37:00.003-04:00

Support the Michael Jackson tribute portrait: An interview with artist David Ilan

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Album: 'Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5'

2009-07-27T09:08:00.009-04:00

Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5

RIP Michael Joseph Jackson

2009-07-27T08:20:00.001-04:00

I haven't commented on Michael Jackson's passing sooner because it finally hit me today how much of a reality it is. Earlier on the day of his death, I had made a comment on twitter along the lines of "First Ed now Farrah, only one more to go." Never did it cross my mind that only an hour or so later it would be MJ. The second the news broke my whole body had a chill. I'm not going to say that I was his #1 fan; to be honest I had put him on the back of the shelf for the past few years. But the moment the radio said his death was official, all of the memories of him and his music crossed my mind.

Born in 1982 I was lucky to experience Thriller the first time around. And for the four decades that he has made music, I feel as though 90s Michael was "my" Michael. At that time I bought "my" MJ cassette and CDs, put up "my" MJ poster, and recorded "my" MJ music videos off of the TV.

But after watching his memorial today I saw more than just the man on stage that everyone loved-I saw the person. His humanitarian efforts were tremendous and the outpouring of love people had for him was large as well. Tonight I expressed on my facebook status that I "never knew I could feel so much for a man who didn't even know I existed...". How could one man make so many people feel the same way at the same time in the world?

When I was younger I would hear the song "Man In the Mirror" a lot in my house. Growing up it was never one of my favorite songs and as I child I always wondered, "What man is in a mirror?" Such an innocent question at that age, but now as an adult I know that "man" is me.

Thank you Michael for being the only artist in the world that my father, mother and myself could listen to. Thank you for making me want to make any effort that I can to make this world a better place. And I will continue to listen to your music and share it with others.

When history and music teachers are discussing his legacy in classes around the world, we can be blessed to say that we lived and experienced it in this life.

Meet you in paradise MJ.

"Man In The Mirror"

I'm Gonna Make A Change,
For Once In My Life
It's Gonna Feel Real Good,
Gonna Make A Difference
Gonna Make It Right . . .

As I, Turn Up The Collar On My
Favourite Winter Coat
This Wind Is Blowin' My Mind
I See The Kids In The Street,
With Not Enough To Eat
Who Am I, To Be Blind?
Pretending Not To See
Their Needs
A Summer's Disregard,
A Broken Bottle Top
And A One Man's Soul
They Follow Each Other On
The Wind Ya' Know
'Cause They Got Nowhere
To Go
That's Why I Want You To
Know

I'm Starting With The Man In
The Mirror
I'm Asking Him To Change
His Ways
And No Message Could Have
Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World
A Better Place
(If You Wanna Make The
World A Better Place)
Take A Look At Yourself, And
Then Make A Change
(Take A Look At Yourself, And
Then Make A Change)
(Na Na Na, Na Na Na, Na Na,
Na Nah)

I've Been A Victim Of A Selfish
Kind Of Love
It's Time That I Realize
That There Are Some With No
Home, Not A Nickel To Loan
Could It Be Really Me,
Pretending That They're Not
Alone?

A Willow Deeply Scarred,
Somebody's Broken Heart
And A Washed-Out Dream
(Washed-Out Dream)
They Follow The Pattern Of
The Wind, Ya' See
Cause They Got No Place
To Be
That's Why I'm Starting With
Me
(Starting With Me!)

I'm Starting With The Man In
The Mirror
(Ooh!)
I'm Asking Him To Change
His Ways
(Ooh!)
And No Message Could Have
Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World
A Better Place
(If You Wanna Make The
World A Better Place)
Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make A Change
(Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make A Change)

I'm Starting With The Man In
The Mirror
(Ooh!)
I'm Asking Him To Change His
Ways
(Change His Ways-Ooh!)
And No Message Could've
Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World
A Better Place
(If You Wanna Make The
World A Better Place)
Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make That . . .
(Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make That . . .)
Change!

I'm Starting With The Man In
The Mirror,
(Man In The Mirror-Oh
Yeah!)
I'm Asking Him To Change
His Ways
(Better Change!)
No Message Could Have
Been Any Clearer
(If You Wanna Make The
World A Better Place)
(Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make The Change)
(You Gotta Get It Right, While
You Got The Time)
('Cause When You Close Your
Heart)
You Can't Close Your . . .Your
Mind!
(Then You Close Your . . .
Mind!)
That Man, That Man, That
Man, That Man
With That Man In The Mirror
(Man In The Mirror, Oh Yeah!)
That Man, That Man, That Man
I'm Asking Him To Change
His Ways
(Better Change!)
You Know . . .That Man
No Message Could Have
Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World
A Better Place
(If You Wanna Make The
World A Better Place)
Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make A Change
(Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make A Change)
Hoo! Hoo! Hoo! Hoo! Hoo!
Na Na Na, Na Na Na, Na Na,
Na Nah
(Oh Yeah!)
Gonna Feel Real Good Now!
Yeah Yeah! Yeah Yeah!
Yeah Yeah!
Na Na Na, Na Na Na, Na Na,
Na Nah
(Ooooh . . .)
Oh No, No No . . .
I'm Gonna Make A Change
It's Gonna Feel Real Good!
Come On!
(Change . . .)
Just Lift Yourself
You Know
You've Got To Stop It.
Yourself!
(Yeah!-Make That Change!)
I've Got To Make That Change,
Today!
Hoo!
(Man In The Mirror)
You Got To
You Got To Not Let Yourself . . .
Brother . . .
Hoo!
(Yeah!-Make That Change!)
You Know-I've Got To Get
That Man, That Man . . .
(Man In The Mirror)
You've Got To
You've Got To Move! Come
On! Come On!
You Got To . . .
Stand Up! Stand Up!
Stand Up!
(Yeah-Make That Change)
Stand Up And Lift
Yourself, Now!
(Man In The Mirror)
Hoo! Hoo! Hoo!
Aaow!
(Yeah-Make That Change)
Gonna Make That Change . . .
Come On!
(Man In The Mirror)
You Know It!
You Know It!
You Know It!
You Know . . .
(Change . . .)
Make That Change.

*this was originally posted on fuchsiaMAG on July 07, 2009.