1958-Forever
August 29, 2009
August 28, 2009
Long Live the King Birthday Bash in Times Square
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.
August 26, 2009
August 25, 2009
MJ Love #2
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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
August 24, 2009
Michael Jackson, a Taschen Music Icon
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selection of approximately 150 portraits, colorful posters and record covers, rare concert photos, and previously unpublished candid photos.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.
August 22, 2009
Michael Jackson to be buried on birthday, King of Pop's father says [UPDATE]
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]
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.
August 21, 2009
Michael Jackson Movie... October 30 with 3-D... [UPDATE]
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.
August 20, 2009
Jackson Brothers reality series a go at A&E
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.
August 19, 2009
August 18, 2009
Michael and Janet, Together Again
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
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."
August 17, 2009
Michael Jackson to be buried on birthday, King of Pop's father says
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."
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.
August 14, 2009
August 13, 2009
'Moonwalk' Memoir to be Re-released [UPDATE]
The book is now available for pre-sale on Amazon.com and will be released on October 13th. The Style of a Thriller
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."
Mr. Jackson's Opus
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
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August 11, 2009
LL Cool J On His Michael Jackson Tribute & Contest
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.
August 10, 2009
Michael Jackson Movie... October 30 with 3-D...
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
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
August 07, 2009
Jermaine Jackson On His New Mission!
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)
August 05, 2009
Thrilling Demos
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)
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.
August 04, 2009
Brooch Jackson
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
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)
Jay-Z Remembers MJ at All Points West in NJ
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".
August 03, 2009
Vanity Fair Magazine, September 2009
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.
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