RIP MICHAEL JOSEPH JACKSON (1958-2009)

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CHARITABLE WORKS

2007

March 14 -- Michael gave complimentary tickets to orphans and handicapped and physically-challenged people so that they could attend a ‘Fan Appreciation’ event in Tokyo. At the event, Michael went onto the balcony to greet them all.

May 29 -- Michael persuaded an auction house in Las Vegas to donate a portion of its profits of auctioning off lots of memorabilia of the Jackson family to charity.

2004

April 1 -- Michael received the Humanitarian Award from The African Ambassadors' Spouses Association (AASA) for his worldwide humanitarian efforts, particularly in Africa. Michael financially supported programs in Africa to build and equip hospitals, orphanages, homes, and schools and financially supported programs for Child immunization, HIV-AIDS, Education, and Apartheid.

2003

June -- The Wolf family, who experienced serious damages to their belongings during a flood in Germany, was invited by Michael Jackson to spend three days at Neverland, meeting Michael and his children.

September 13 -- Michael hosted a star-studded charity event at Neverland. Only 400 tickets were available for purchase. Ticket price at presale was $725, with proceeds going to charity. Among those in attendance were Aaron and Nick Carter, Mike Tyson, Penny Marshall, Pink, and BoysIIMen, to name a few. R&B singer Ashanti performed her hit single, 'Aww Baby' mixed with Michael’s hit 'Rock With You', from the 'Off The Wall' album. The Carter brothers later presented Michael with a belated birthday cake. This led to a massive food fight—which of course, Michael started! Michael addressed those in attendance: “Thank you all for coming tonight. For in my opinion, in my opinion, is a very special cause and the cause is our future and the future is our children. I will continue to fight for them for the rest of my life."

October 27 -- Michael premiered the short film for his latest charity single titled "What More Can I Give?" in the conference area of the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. The same day, the official “Music for Giving” web site was up and running. Beginning at 3 pm (Pacific Standard Time), the charity single “What More Can I Give?” became available online for download for a donation of $2. The following charities received donations when “What More Can I Give” was downloaded:

Oneness
Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation
The International Child Art Foundation

November 9 -- Michael Jackson donated painted shoes for charity. A shoe manufacturer named Tatami had the idea to create a charity titled "Shoes For Charity" for children suffering from traumas. Celebrities, including Michael Jackson, gave their donated shoes a special and unique touch by painting them.
October 27 -- Michael Jackson received the Radio Music Awards' first Humanitarian Award. The award was presented to him by pop singer Beyonce' Knowles. Knowles is among a number of artists who participated in Michael's charity single, 'What More Can I Give?'

2002

September -- Michael donated 16 autographed items consisting of CD's, videos and 2 cotton napkins to aid in the support of the victims of a severe flood in Germany. These items were auctioned off for charity and managed to raise 3935 Euro (US$ 3,814).

October -- Michael hosted more than 200 members of the U.S. Air Force and their families at Neverland on October 12, 2002 as a gesture of appreciation for those brave men and women who have served overseas in Operation Enduring Freedom and domestically in Operation Noble Eagle.

November -- Michael donated an autographed white trademark fedora and a silver sequined jacket worn by himself at the 2002 American Music Awards to the 'Tribute To Bambi' charity auction. These items were auctioned off by eBay and monies raised from the event benefited "OFF-ROAD-KIDS e.V" which supports street kids in Germany. Michael's fedora raised 2310 Euro (US$ 2,303) and the jacket raised 16.000 Euro (US$ 15,950).

Micheal donated an autographed teddy bear dressed in his likeness to Siegfried & Roy's celebrity teddy bear auction. This auction benefits Opportunity Village which is a non-profit organization based in Las Vegas (USA) that enhances the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. Michael's autographed teddy bear raised US$ 5,000 for the charity.

2001

January -- Michael donated the coat that he wore in May 2000 to Dame Elizabeth Taylor's tribute concert in London to Liam Neeson's Movie for Action Charity Auction, in aid of children and mothers with HIV. This charity is working in conjunction with UNICEF. Michael has also donated a private and personal 'birthday phone call' to a lucky bidder.

2000

In the Guinness Book of World Record's Year 2000 Millennium Edition Michael Jackson is listed as having the most charities supported by a pop star.

"Most Charities Supported By a Pop Star: Michael Jackson has supported 39 charitable organizations either with monetary donations, through sponsorships of their projects or the participation in their activities. The charities involved include AIDS Project L.A., American Cancer Society, BMI Foundation, Inc., Childhelp USA, United Negro College Fund, YMCA - 28th Street/Crenshaw, The Sickle Cell Research Fund and Volunteers of America."

The following is a list of the many charities (39) who are given support by Michael Jackson:
AIDS Project L.A., American Cancer Society, Angel Food, Big Brothers of Greater Los Angeles, BMI Foundation, Inc., Brotherhood Crusade, Brotman Burn Center, Camp Ronald McDonald, Childhelp U.S.A., Children's Institute International, Cities and Schools ScholarshipFund, Community Youth Sports & Arts Foundation, Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), Dakar Foundation, Dreamstreet Kids, Dreams Come True Charity, Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Love Match, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Minority Aids Project, Motown Museum, NAACP, National Rainbow Coalition, Nelson Mandela's Children's Fund, Red Cross, Rotary Club of Australia, Society of Singers, Starlight Foundation, The Carter Center's Atlanta Project, The Sickle Cell Research Foundation, Transafrica, Unesco,United Negro College Fund (UNCF), United Negro College Fund Ladder's of Hope, Volunteers of America, Watts Summer Festival, Wish Granting, YMCA - 28th Street/Crenshaw.

January -- The United Negro College Fund's "Evening Of Stars" January 15th telethon fundraiser raised $13.5 million in cash and pledges. Michael Jackson, Lauryn Hill, Whitney Houston, and Barry White were among the performers. [Source: Billboard]

The violent storm which ravaged the north of France during the night of the 25 December 1999 destroyed 10,000 trees in the park of the Chateau de Versailles (former castle of the Kings of France). The wind gusts, blowing at 100 mph destroyed 80% of the rare historic trees, planted during the XVIII and XIX centuries. It will take years and years to rebuild the park at an estimate of around $35 million. It is reported that some celebrities including Michael Jackson, Gregory Peck and Kirk Douglas have donated money to help restore this park. [reported by French officials]

May -- Michael Jackson donated items to 4th annual online auction for the T. J. Martell Foundation for Leukemia, Cancer and AIDS Research.

Michael Jackson escorted Elizabeth Taylor in the gala tribute in her honor at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Proceeds from this tribute benefited the Red Hot Aids Charitable Trust and the Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation.

October -- Michael and other members of the Jackson family support 'WAVE TO THE WORLD' an official fund-raising project of the Paralympic Games 2000 in Sydney, Australia.

Michael's attends the Carousel Of Hope charity ball with friend Elizabeth Taylor. The event was given to raise funds to help fight childhood diabetes. Michael also donated a plate he painted to be auctioned at the event.

Michael donated one of his fedoras, which he autographed, and a limited-edition poster for an auction at the annual gala of the African Ambassadors' Spouses association to help raise money to fight childhood AIDS in Africa.

November -- President Bill Clinton, Michael Jackson and Jordan's Queen Noor were honored for their work to fight cancer at a star-studded black-tie dinner to raise $4 million for the New York-based G&P cancer Foundation, which funds research into leukemia, lymphoma and related cancers. The G&P foundation was created by Denise Rich to honor her daughter, who died of leukemia at the age of 27.

December -- Michael Jackson appeared on stage at the "Miracle On 34th Street", a charity concert organized by radio station KTU 103,5 FM at the Madison Square Garden in New York, USA.

1999

June -- Michael Jackson and Friends concerts in Korea and Germany raise $3.3 million dollars for the humanitarian agencies UNESCO, Nelson Mandela's Children's Fund and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

1996

February -- Heal the World/World Children's Congress youth ambassador from Mexico presents model for creating a sustainable environment to the U.N. Habitat II Prep Committee.

April -- Heal the World/World Children's Congress youth ambassadors attend Children First: A Global Forum, in Atlanta, Georgia. The event, hosted by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Rosalyn Carter, the Carter Center, and the Task Force for Child Survival, and co-sponsored by the Rockefeller Foundation, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, The World Bank, and Heal the World, brings together 360 representatives from 100 countries to discuss strategies to improve the quality of life for children.

April -- Heal the World/World Children's Congress youth ambassadors attend the Spectrum of Light Youth Conference in Washington, D.C. to form partnerships to emphasize the need for a sustainable society based on a healthy environment.

May -- Michael Jackson sends a floral tribute of white roses, carnations and lilies to the funeral of one of his British fans. The inscription reads, "May your courage be an inspiration to us all. Your spirit shines on. Love, Michael Jackson" Eleven-year-old Jaymee Bowen had lost her battle with leukemia. Her favorite songs -- Farewell My Summer Love, Ben and Never Can Say Goodbye -- were played at the funeral services. [Source: MJIFC]

June -- A donated trip to Neverland Ranch received the highest bid at a Cities in School celebrity auction. Los Angeles KIIS-FM and Cities in School organized the event, raising over $115,000 to benefit school children. A trip for four to Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch received the highest bid of $5,200. [Source: MJIFC]

September -- Michael Jackson visits a state orphanage in Bucharest, Romania prior to his concert before 70,000 in that city. After handing out toys, Michael said, "I wish all the world was here to see this, instead of sending our brothers to the killing fields. This is our future -- children. I love you all so much." [Source: MJIFC]

October -- Jackson visits a hospital for mentally challenged children in Kaoshiung, Taiwan. 2,000 free tickets to the sold out performance in Kaoshiung are offered to children.

October -- Michael Jackson contributes almost 85 percent of earnings from the Indian leg of the HIStory World Tour to a Hindi charity organization, the Shiv Udyog Sena, and will help leaders to create jobs for 270,000 young people from the state of Maharashtra. [Source: MJIFC]

October -- Michael Jackson visits two hospitals, Ronald McDonald House and AMC, in Amsterdam distributing toys and gifts at each during his tour stop.

October -- Michael Jackson performs a benefit concert in Tunisia.
The concert benefited the National Solidarity Fund, a Tunisian charity dedicated to fighting poverty. [Source: MJIFC]

November -- During scheduled tour stops in Brisbane, Australia, Michael Jackson visits the Prince of Wales Hospital which houses children suffering from assorted ailments, including cancer, heart trouble, asthma and tumors. He signs autographs and distributes toys to over 75 children, spending hours with the kids. [Source: Press Release by Burson-Marsteller]

November -- Michael Jackson visits a children's hospital in Sydney prior to being publicly feted by Sony Music honoring his sales (exceeding $75 million in Australia) at a reception held in his honor at the Opera House. Again, reports state that he spends over two hours speaking to the children, signing autographs and distributing gifts to each child. Reports also surface that Michael had committed a portion of his receipts from his nine Australian performances to "The Smith Family", a charity dedicated to feeding the needy. [Source: MJIFC field report from Swa, Shaz and Ian McKee]

November -- Michael Jackson grants American news magazine, American Journal, permission to accompany him for two weeks on his tour itinerary. Phenomenal footage narrated by Les Trent depicts Michael Jackson's visit to "Starship," a children's hospital in Auckland, New Zealand, following Jackson from room to room as he speaks to each child, leaving each a toy and autographed photo or CD. In answer to Trent's question regarding how the children's faces make him feel, Jackson touches his chest, replying "It touches my heart." Jackson is also shown backstage just moments prior to his sold out performance, comforting Emily Smith, a shy, 13-year-old cancer victim. He welcomes her to the "shy club" while holding her in his arms and ruffling her curly hair, then poses for photographs with Emily and her family and rushes off to prepare himself for the show.

In Bangkok, Thailand, Michael Jackson is shown visiting an orphanage and a school for blind children. At the orphanage, he leaves a donation of $100,000 American dollars as well as distributing toys and gifts to children at both the orphanage and school for the blind. An orphanage spokeswoman comments, "They don't know him as a pop star. To them he is just a very nice man who came here to offer hope." [Source: American Journal news footage]

November -- Bombay, India -- 85% of the $5 to $6 million ticket receipts from one concert is slated to go to he Shiv Udyog Sena to help create jobs for 270,000 young people in the state of Maharashtra, of which Bombay is the capital. Upon arriving in Bombay, Jackson asks his driver to stop the motorcade transporting him from the airport to his hotel to allow him to spend 20 minutes talking with children playing in the crowded slums he must pass en route. [Source: Indian journalist Hema Shukla]

1995

February -- Heal L.A. expanded curriculum offerings and program hours of the Community School/Safe Havens Initiative to include over 1200 families.

February -- Michael Jackson privately requests permission to attend funeral services for little Craig Fleming, a two-year old boy whose mother threw him over the side of a Los Angeles bridge along with his four-year-old brother, before jumping to her own planned death. The mother and four-year-old survived the incident, although the child, Michael, was badly battered, requiring medical aid. Michael Jackson presented a contribution towards Michael Fleming's medical expenses and founded a special trust fund for Michael's care. Jackson later dedicated the song Childhood on the HIStory album to the memory of Craig Fleming with these words, "Childhood is dedicated to Little Craig Fleming and his surviving brother, Michael, for whom a scholarship fund has been established to ensure that his childhood ushers in a future of all possibilities. Love, MJ" [Numerous sources]

March -- HTW paid for liver transplant for 4 year old, Bela Farkas.

April -- HTW with Permanent Charities and EC2000 sponsored 46 children from 18 countries to gather at Neverland for the World Congress of Children, a three-day seminar and leadership training to discuss critical children's issues.

June -- Heal the World/World Children's Congress youth ambassadors present the findings of the World Children's Congress to the World Summit of Children during the United Nations 50th Anniversary celebration in San Francisco, CA. and meet with U.N. Secretary Boutros Boutros-Ghali, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and many U.N.ambassadors.

Summer -- Heal the World/World Children's Congress youth ambassador from Mexico accompanies Children's Torch of Hope across the United States bringing the message of the World Children's Congress to over 30 events sponsored by the Coalition for Children of the Earth and EC2000.

October -- Recording Artists BROWNSTONE and Tasha Scott perform 2 shows for students at Horace Mann Middle School to launch new school year for Community School/Safe Havens Initiative.

October -- Heal the World/World Children's Congress youth ambassadors report to the U.N. Committee on the Rights of the Child in Geneva, Switzerland.

December -- Heal the World/World Children's Congress youth ambassadors address the dedication of the "Guardians of the Future" monument in Mexico City, co-sponsored by EC2000, Terra Christa Communications, UNICEF, the office of the mayor of Mexico City, and Coalition for Children of the Earth.

December -- HTW in association with the International Rescue Committee, shipped two pallets of toys to children in war-torn Bosnia and Hercegovina.

1994

January -- Heal the World in conjunction with Unihealth and the Los Angeles Immunization Coalition provided vaccines to children made homeless by the Los Angeles earthquake. Heal the World with Discovery Toys also donated hundreds of toys to the children participating in the immunization drive.

January -- Over $85,000 from Heal L.A. is distributed toward earthquake relief efforts through grants to non-profit organizations dedicated to aiding families with long-term recovery in the Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley areas including the Al Wooten Jr. Heritage Center, Casa Rutilio Grande, Clinica Para Las Americas, Families in New Directions, Meeting Each Need With Dignity, Proyecto Esperanza, Pueblo Nuevo, and the Vaughn Street Family Center.

January -- HTW in association with General Electric, Lever Brothers, and Surf Wash donated washers, dryers, and soap to 25 non-profit organizations to provide free laundry services to families affected by the Los Angeles earthquake of January 17, 1994.

January -- HTW, Heal L.A. with the Salvation Army treated over 400 homeless children and parents living in shelters to a day at Universal Studios.

January -- Michael Jackson hosts one hundred children from the Community Youth Sports and Arts Foundation in Los Angeles at his Neverland Ranch. Michael spent the day mingling with the children, posing for photographs and signing autographs. The children watched Beethoven's 2nd, played in the amusement park and checked out the zoo.

Spring -- Heal L.A Immunization and Mentoring Initiatives promoted by a visit to patients by pop/rap artist Kriss Kross to the George C. Page Children's Hospital Community Health Center and pop/rap artists Raven-Symone and Bryton McClure visit to students at the Bancroft Middle School.

Summer -- HTW in conjunction with the Los Angeles Unified School District, Youth Services, the I Have A Dream Foundation, Best Buddies, Overcoming Obstacles, and California One to One, provides 2000 children with tickets to see Janet Jackson in concert, the " L.A. Laker Jam", and The Beach Boys in concert.

August -- HTW with Toys 'R' Us and AmeriCares distributed $20,000 worth of toys, food, and supplies to children's hospital in Budapest, Hungary.

August -- HTW funds are pledged for a liver transplant to save the life of 4 year old Bela Farkas, a patient at Bethesda Children's Hospital in Budapest, Hungary.

Fall -- Heal LA funds implementation of the Los Angeles Team Mentoring Program in six Los Angeles Unified School District Middle Schools in the South Central Los Angeles and the Pico Union Districts, reaching over 1,000 young people and utilizing 300 volunteer mentors.

October -- HTW launched the Community School/Safe Havens Initiative designed to provide Los Angeles communities with a safe environment in which students, families, and residents can pursue after-school academic and recreational activities such as free instruction in computers, language and math skills, tutoring and sports.

1993

A new U.S. Children's Relief Initiative announced in Los Angeles: "Heal LA", in collaboration with Cities In Schools, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the BEST Foundation, Watts Health Foundation, and the Partnership for a Drug Free America, will help solve the problems facing inner-city youth by providing drug-abuse and AIDS prevention education, mentoring, and immunization campaigns.

HTW Donated $1.25 million plus proceeds from Michael Jackson's half-time performance at Super Bowl XXVII to Heal LA

February and March -- In association with Sega, HTW launched an initiative to distribute more than $108,000 worth of computer games and equipment to Children's hospitals, Children's homes, and Children's charities throughout the U.K.

March -- Immunization/Children's Health Initiative announced by HTW foundation and Former President Jimmy Carter and The Atlanta Project.

March -- Urban anti-drug media campaign launched by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, the Partnership for a Drug-free California and The BEST Foundation in Los Angeles with support from HTW Foundation and Heal L.A.

April -- Michael Jackson makes unannounced tour of three Heal L.A. Project sites in South Central Los Angeles participating in discussions with children and service providers.

May -- Michael Jackson visits Atlanta. Heal the World, Former President Jimmy Carter's Atlanta Project Immunization/Children's Health Initiative, the Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., Ronald McDonald Children's Charities, Gladys Knight, and TLC provide for the immunization of 17,000 children in 5 days in Atlanta, Georgia.

June -- Michael Jackson hosts one hundred children at his ranch from the Challengers Boys and Girls Club in Los Angeles.

June -- Michael Jackson attends a rally in Los Angeles to launch a new DARE program, called DAREPLUS (Drug Abuse Resistance Education - Play and Learn Under Supervision)

July -- Mallory Cyr, an eight-year-old girl from Sabattus, Maine who suffers from a rare intestinal disease, receives a letter and generous check from Michael Jackson. The letter was a result of a letter-writing campaign organized by school children. Jackson's letter read, "I am sending you all my loving and caring, Mallory, along with the enclosed gift, which I hope will help nourish you and keep you strong." Mallory's intestinal condition made it nearly impossible for her to eat and she was being fed intravenously. [Source: Peoria Journal Star]

August -- Heal the World with Pepsi-Cola Thailand, donated $40,000 to Crown Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's charity, the Rural School Children and Youth Development Fund, to support school lunch programs in rural villages in Thailand.

Fall -- It is announced that the proceeds of concerts to be held in New Delhi, India would be directed to the Ghandi Foundation for Children. Pepsi guaranteed $160,000 from the two shows.

Fall -- In Tel Aviv, Israel on a tour stop, Michael Jackson visits a children's hospital, distributing toys and talking with the children.

September -- While in Japan, Michael Jackson visited a school at a US naval base. A terminally ill Dutch boy, 15-year-old Martijn Hendricsen and his two brothers are flown to Japan in response to a request by the Make A Wish Foundation. Martijn, who is undergoing treatment for cancer, wanted to meet his idol, Michael Jackson.

October -- Heal the World with Pepsi-Cola International donated new ambulances to the Moscow's Contacts One Independent Living Center for Children in Moscow, Russia and the Hospital de Ninos Dr. Ricardo Gutierrez in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

October -- HTW grants totaling $100,000 are distributed to The Children's Defense Fund, The Children's Diabetes Foundation, The Atlanta Project, and the Boys and Girl Clubs of Newark, New Jersey to further the provision of health services to children.

October -- Michael Jackson pays for five thousand under privileged children to visit El Nuevo Reino Aventura amusement park in Mexico City, Mexico. [Numerous sources]

October -- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil -- Michael Jackson donates thousands of tickets to his concert to disadvantaged children. And in Buenos Aires, Argentina -- Michael Jackson donates thousands of tickets to his October 6 concert to ill, needy and disadvantaged children.

December -- Heal the World with the Gorbachev Foundation, USA airlifted 60,000 doses of children's vaccines to Tblisi, in the Republic of Georgia.

December -- Heal the World in association with the U.K. Operation Christmas Child, sends to children in Bosnia over 100,000 "shoebox gifts" of toys, small gifts, and letters donated by children in the U.K.

1992

February -- Michael Jackson goes on a two-week visit to Africa where he visits schools, churches and institutions for mentally retarded children. (Numerous Sources)
May -- Michael Jackson pays for a young boy's funeral who had been killed by a stray bullet during the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles, California.

May -- President George Bush presents Michael Jackson with an award acknowledging him as a "Point of Light" ambassador in recognition of Jackson's efforts in inviting disadvantaged children to his home in California.

June -- Operation One to One honors Michael Jackson in recognition of his efforts in support of economically disadvantaged youth.

June -- Michael Jackson presents a check for 40,000 DM to Munich Mayor Georg Kronawitter to help the city's needy children. He also visits Sophia Children's Hospital in Rotterdam to donate 100,000 pounds. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary' by Adrian Grant (1995)]

July -- Donated L. 821,477,296 to La Partita del Cuore (The Heart Match) in Rome. Donated 120,000 DM to children's charities in Estonia and Latvia.

July -- Psychologist Dr. Wayne Dyer dedicates his book Real Magic to Michael Jackson. Dr. Dyer felt Michael deserved the honor because of his commitment to world peace and helping children.

August -- The first Heal The World European Children's Congress meets in London, England. Eighty-four children between the ages of 8 and 16 come together to express their views on the world's biggest problems and the solutions, as they see them. Despite a case of laryngitis, Michael Jackson arrives at Regent's College after lunch and stays for approximately four hours. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary' by Adrian Grant (1995)]

September -- Donated 1 million pesetas to charity headed by the Queen of Spain.

September -- Michael Jackson goes to Bucharest, Romania to open a playground he donated funds for at the Leaganul Pentru Copii Sfinta Ecaterina orphanage. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary' by Adrian Grant (1995)]

November -- Forty-seven tons of winter relief supplies airlifted to the children of Sarajevo in association with AmeriCares, including medical items, blankets, winter clothing, and shoes.

December -- Relief supplies airlifted to children in Bosnia in association with Operation Christmas Child, consisting of 30,000 "shoebox gifts" of toys, school items, photographs, and letters collected by U.K. schoolchildren.

December -- Michael Jackson donates a videotaped appeal to be broadcast in aid of the United Negro College Fund.

1991

April -- Michael Jackson organizes "chimpanzee tea party" to benefit Jane Goodall's ape research institute. In May, Michael attends a Jane Goodall International Tribute Benefit. Michael assumes the honorary "chair" of the organization. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary' by Adrian Grant (1995)]

1990

February -- Michael Jackson performs at a musical variety special to honor Sammy Davis, Jr. and proceeds from the special, $250,000, are donated to the United Negro College Fund.
April -- Michael is honored as the "Entertainer of the Decade" on behalf of the Capital Children's Museum. Later, he is guest of honor at a fund raising banquet to benefit the museum. The award is presented by President George Bush at the White House.

May -- Make A Wish Foundation arranges a visit for 14-year-old John Brown, a young cancer victim, to Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch.

June -- Michael treats 45 children from the Los Angeles Dream Street program to a tour of his ranch, a movie and lunch.

August -- One hundred thirty children from the YWCA Summer Program in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara are invited to Michael's Neverland Ranch.They enjoy a barbecue, play video games, visit his zoo and watch movies. Each child takes home a free pair of sneakers.

Fall -- Michael throws a party for eighty abused or neglected children from the Village of Childhelp in Beaumont, California. Later he hosted fifty children from Maclaren Hall and the Make a Wish Foundation at his home in California.

1989

February -- Children at the Cleveland Elementary School in Stockton, California receive a visit from Michael Jackson. The children had earlier been traumatized by a sniper opening fire on their school. Many of those present reported that Jackson's visit helped them to feel safe again. [Sources: 'Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary' by Adrian Grant (1995); 'Michael Jackson: The King Of Pop' by Lisa D. Campbell; 'Michael Jackson: The Magic And The Madness' by J. Randy Taraborelli]
Spring -- Michael Jackson invites two hundred children from St. Vincent's Home for Dysfunctional Children and from the Big Brothers and Big Sisters Programs to the Circus Vargas in Santa Barbara to help him celebrate his purchase of Neverland Ranch.

Mid 1989 -- Michael Jackson is presented with the Black Radio Exclusive Humanitarian Award at the Universal Amphitheater in Universal City, California for his charitable and humanitarian work. He also receives the National Urban Coalition Artist/Humanitarian Award in appreciation for his participation in their "Say Yes to a Youngster" program which encourages kids to study math and science.

December -- Ryan White, a young victim of AIDS, spends a vacation at Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch.

1988-1989 -- Michael Jackson begins his Bad World Tour. During many of the stops Michael is joined backstage prior to the concert with ill children from the local areas in which he performs. Seth Riggs, Michael's vocal coach, remarks, "Every night the kids would come in on stretchers, so sick they could hardly hold their heads up. Michael would kneel down at the stretchers and put his face right down beside theirs so that he could have his picture taken with them, and then give them a copy to remember the moment." [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The Magic And The Madness' by J. Randy Taraborelli]

1988

February -- Man in the Mirror enters the music charts. Jackson's royalties from the sale of this single are donated to Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times, a camp for children with cancer. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary' by Adrian Grant (1995)]

March -- Second stop of the first US leg of the Bad Tour, New York -- Michael Jackson performs at the Madison Square Garden, the first of three concerts is a benefit for the United Negro College Fund. He presents a check for $600,000 to Christopher Edley, UNCF President, making him one of the UNCF's largest contributors. The reviews in New York read, "Michael's act has already gone well beyond a pop music concert. By this time, 97 young people had benefited from Michael Jackson's generosity to the United Negro College Fund. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The Magic And The Madness' by J. Randy Taraborelli]

April -- It is announced that 4,000 tickets from Michael Jackson's concerts in Britain will be donated to ITV Telethon which will raise 200,000 pounds for Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary' by Adrian Grant (1995)]

May -- Michael Jackson visits Rome's Bambin Gesie Hospital during a tour stop, passing out candy and autographed pictures to the children.

June -- Music celebrity auction to benefit the T. J. Martell Foundation for Leukemia, Cancer and AIDS Research boasts a black fedora signed by Michael Jackson as its winning bid. It sold for over $4,000. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary' by Adrian Grant (1995)]

July -- Michael Jackson presents a check in the amount of $450,000 to the Princes' Trust, a charity for disadvantaged children. He also contributes to the Wishing Well Fund, established to help finance the construction of a new building for London's Hospital for Sick Children. Michael toured the hospital and visited with some of the patients. He also donated 100,000 pounds to the
Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital, where he visited the ill children, reading them a story. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary' by Adrain Grant (1995)]

August -- Michael performs a concert for the British Charity, Give For Life. The $130,000 proceeds from the concert were contributed toward helping immunize 40,000 children.

October -- Michael Jackson presents a check in the amount of $125,000 to Esther Edwards and Berry Gordy for the maintenance and upkeep of Hittsville, USA, Motown's Museum in
Detroit, Michigan. He also contributed a black fedora, a white beaded glove and costume from the Motown Era for display.

December -- Reports appear in many media forums that David Rothenberg, a young child who had been critically injured by his father setting him on fire, had received compassionate visits from Michael Jackson. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary' by Adrian Grant (1995)]

Late 1988 -- One hundred tickets to the Atlanta, Georgia Bad Tour concerts were given to the Children's Wish Foundation to be distributed to terminally ill children.

1987

November -- Michael Jackson donates 10,000 pounds to the Children in Need Appeal in Britain. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary' by Adrian Grant (1995)]

November -- Michael Jackson visits a children's hospital while touring in Australia. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The King of Pop' and 'Michael Jackson: The King of Pop's Darkest Hour' by Lisa D. Campbell (Branden Books 1993 and 1995)]

September -- While touring in Japan, Michael Jackson donates thirty personal items to an auction, the proceeds of which went toward educating children in the third world. Among the items were sunglasses, t-shirts and a windbreaker. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The King of Pop' and 'Michael Jackson: The King of Pop's Darkest Hour' by Lisa D. Campbell (Branden Books 1993 and 1995)]

September -- Michael Jackson donates $20,000 to the family of a young Japanese boy, Yoshiyaki, who had been recently kidnapped and killed. News footage of his empathy with Yoshiyaki and his family shows a highly emotional Michael Jackson addressing the incident, "I am very sorry and deeply saddened to hear about Yoshiyaki. If I could, I would like to rush to his parents to express my words of sympathy and pay tribute to Yoshiyaki. I would like to dedicate my Japanese tour to Yoshiyaki.. Yoshiyaki, I know you're out there watching us. I hope such a brutal and heartbreaking thing never happens again. And I love you." Jackson then proceeded into the song I Just Can't Stop Loving You. [Source: film footage of the Bad World Tour in Japan]

1986

February -- Donna Ashlock from Patterson, California receives a call from Michael Jackson after he learns she is a devoted fan. In March, the fourteen-year-old girl visits Michael at home in Encino, California. She stays for lunch and watches a movie. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary' by Adrian Grant (1995)]

October -- Michael's Pets, a line of stuffed animals modeled after Michael Jackson's zoo is released to market. Michael Jackson requests that from each purchase, one dollar should be donated to a children's charity. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary' by Adrian Grant (1995)]

1985

January -- Michael Jackson is one of the first artists to arrive at A&M Lion Share Studios for the historic recording which brought dozens of nationally acclaimed artists together in the hope of alleviating famine in Africa. In an all night session, the largest-grossing single in the history of the recording arts, We Are The World, is recorded, spawning a videocassette and a book, all the proceeds of which would be funneled directly through to famine relief efforts. The famine relief efforts of this recording resulted in over $60 million dollars being channeled directly into the countries most affected. Michael Jackson contributed to the effort not only as featured artist, but co-wrote the song with Lionel Ritchie and recorded the demo tracks distributed to the participating artists. [Numerous sources]

Early 1985 -- Michael Jackson visits a young girl who was paralyzed in a car accident in Miami, Florida. Later, he sent her a tape of the Victory Tour concerts and a tour jacket. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The King of Pop' and 'Michael Jackson: The King of Pop's Darkest Hour' by Lisa D. Campbell (Branden Books 1993 and 1995)]

1984

January -- During the filming of Pepsi commercials, Michael Jackson is burned. As a result of the on-set accident, he is admitted to the Brotman Medical Center in Culver City, California. Despite palm-sized second and third-degree burns to the back of his head when pyrotechnics, somehow, went awry, Jackson visited several other burn patients and later donated a hyperbaric chamber (used to treat burn victims) in addition to a large donation toward preparing and equipping the Michael Jackson Burn Center. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The King of Pop' and 'Michael Jackson: The King of Pop's Darkest Hour' by Lisa D. Campbell (Branden Books 1993 and 1995)]

April -- Michael Jackson endows a nineteen-bed unit at the Mount Sinai New York Medical Center, a division of the T.J. Martell Foundation for Leukemia and Cancer Research. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary' by Adrian Grant (1995)]

May -- Michael Jackson donates the use of his song Beat It to a national advertising campaign against drinking and driving. For his contribution, he received a Special Achievement Award presented by President Ronald Reagan. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The King of Pop' and 'Michael Jackson: The King of Pop's Darkest Hour' by Lisa D. Campbell (Branden Books 1993 and 1995)]

July -- Michael Jackson and his family hold a press conference to announce the changing of the ticket distribution system for the Victory Tour. During his speech, he announces, "Finally, and most importantly, ... I want you to know that when I first agreed to tour, I decided to donate all the money I make from our performances to charity." Three charities benefited from Michael's generosity: The United Negro College Fund established the Michael Jackson Scholarship Fund which, by 1988, had provided scholarships for 70 students at UNCF member schools , Camp Good Times for terminally ill children and the T.J. Martell Foundation for Leukemia and Cancer Research. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The Magic And The Madness' by J. Randy Taraborelli]

July -- The Jacksons perform at Texas Stadium in Dallas, donating 1200 tickets to underprivileged children (valued at $39,000). [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary' by Adrian Grant (1995)]

July -- The Jacksons, performing in Jacksonville, Florida entertain eight children suffering from incurable diseases. Fourteen-year-old Malanda Cooper, a young victim, who has only a short time to live, writes the Major asking to meet Michael. Michael meets her backstage prior to a performance. Later 700 disadvantaged children are treated to the show. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary' by Adrian Grant (1995)]

August -- As negotiations for a performance in Gary, Indiana break down, the Jacksons transport forty children from the Thelma Marshall Children's Home for orphans, foster children and abandoned children, The Hoosier Boys Home and the Donzels Work Study Program for high school students working toward a college education to Detroit, Michigan for the third performance there. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary' by Adrian Grant (1995)]

Summer _- David Smithey a fourteen year-old fan, through the auspices of the Brass Ring Society, fulfills a lifelong dream. He is invited to visit Michael Jackson in his home in Encino. David, a victim of cystic fibrosis had long wished to meet Jackson. The two young people shared an afternoon watching movies in the private screening room, eating lunch and playing video games. Before leaving, he was treated by the superstar to a black sequined glove and his red leather jacket from Beat It. Seven weeks later, David Smithey died. [Numerous sources]

1981

July -- Concert in Atlanta Georgia, Triumph Tour, - benefit concert raises $100,000 at the Omni Auditorium in Atlanta, Georgia for the Atlanta Children's Foundation in response to a series of kidnappings and murders that had been plaguing the children of Atlanta for months. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The King of Pop' and 'Michael Jackson: The King of Pop's Darkest Hour' by Lisa D. Campbell (Branden Books 1993 and 1995)]

1979

January -- Michael Jackson donates an unspecified number of books, including Peter Pan to the Chicago Public Library's Young Adult Section and promotes reading through a library program called Boogie to the Book Beat. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary' by Adrian Grant (1995)]

(source:-mjfc)

2009-07-14T14:44:00.006+05:30

HOBBIES

Interests & Hobbies: Reading, painting, martial arts, dancing, acting, drawing, animals, philanthropic and humanitarian causes, going to amusement parks, traveling, shopping, going to the movies, spending time with children (especially terminally ill and underprivileged children), collect paintings, sculptures, movie memorabilia and old costumes, investing

Best Friend: Elizabeth Taylor

Idols: Charlie Chaplin, Fred Astaire, Gene Kelley, Berry Gordy, Quincy Jones, Three Stooges, Walt Disney

Favorite Accessory: Black Fedora

Favorite Actor/Actress: Shirley Temple, Elizabeth Taylor, Katherine Hepburn, Morgan Freeman, Marlon Brando

Favorite Artists: Michaelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci

Favourite Board Game: Monopoly

Favorite Books: 'Peter Pan' by James Matthew Barrie, 'Jonathan Livingstone Seagull' by Richard Bach, 'The Old Man And The Sea' by Ernest Hemingway

Favorite Classical Composers: Claude Debussy ('Afternoon of the Fawn'), Pjotr Iljitsch Tschaikowsky, Sergei Sergejewitsch Prokofjew

Favorite Colors: Red, black

Favorite Disney Characters: Mickey Mouse, Peter Pan, Pinocchio

Favorite Drink: mineral water (e.g. Evian, Perrier), fruit juice (orange), vegetable juice (carrot), Gatorade (during concerts)

Favorite Food: Mexican, exotic, spicy & vegetarian food, Sushi, pizza, chicken, fish, fresh fruits, popcorn, vanilla ice with cookie pieces, sunflower seeds, glazed doughnuts, frosted flakes with milk, M&Ms

Favorite Movies: 'Peter Pan', 'E.T.', 'Star Wars'

Favorite Singers: James Brown, Jackie Wilson, Smokey Robinson, Sammy Davis Jr., The Temptations, Diana Ross

Favorite Songs When He Was A Child: 'Tobacco Road', 'You Are My Sunshine', 'Cloud Nine' by The Temptations

Favorite TV Shows: Flip Wilson Show, Brady Bunch, Road Runner Show, The Simpsons

First Movie Debut: 'The Wiz' (1978)

First Record Ever Bought: 'Mickey's Monkey' by Smokey Robinson and Miracles

First Record Ever Made: 'Big Boy' (Steel Town Records)

Current Record Label: Epic Records (Sony Music)

Own Record Label: MJJ Music

Famous Duets: Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Janet Jackson

2009-07-14T14:42:00.004+05:30

Key Facts

Name: Michael Joseph Jackson

Birth Date: August 29, 1958 (12:13 am)

Star Sign: Virgo

Birthplace: Gary, Indiana, USA

Current Residence: As of this update, Michael Jackson still owns the Neverland Valley Ranch in Los Olivos, California, USA. He left his California home in June, 2005, following acquittal on all charges of alleged misconduct in the trial of that year. Michael left for Bahrain where he resides at several unannounced locations, often as a guest of the Royal Family of that nation.

Parents: Katherine (^*May 4, 30) & Joseph Jackson (^*July 26, 29)

Siblings:

Rebbie (Maureen Reilette, ^*May 29, 50)
Jackie (Sigmund Esco, ^*May 4, 51)
Tito (Toriano Adaryll, ^*October 15, 53)
Jermaine (Lajaun, ^*December 11, 54)
LaToya Yvonne (^*May 29, 56)
Marlon David (^*March 12, 57)
Randy (Steven Randall, ^*October 31, 61)
Janet Damita Jo (^*May 16, 66)

Marriages:

Lisa Marie Presley (May 26, 1994 - January 1996)
Deborah Rowe (Nov. 14, 1996 - October 1999)

Children:

Prince Michael Joseph, Junior
^*February 13, 1997
- godmother: Elizabeth Taylor, godfather: Macaulay Culkin
Paris Michael Katherine
^*April 3, 1998
- godfather: Macaulay Culkin
Prince Michael II
^*2002
Godchild: Michael Gibb (son of Barry Gibb - 'Bee Gees')

Height: 5' 10" (1,78 m)

Eye Color: Dark brown

Hair Color: Black

Shoe Size: US 10 (European 42)

Secondary School Qualifications: high-school diploma

Occupation(s): Singer, songwriter, producer, dancer, choreographer, actor, director, entrepreneur

(source:-mjfc)

2009-07-14T14:28:00.007+05:30

Biography

Michael Jackson is the King of Pop. This is not a title that he gave himself. It was given to him by his millions of fans around the world and by his peers, among whom he has no equal. How did he get the title, you ask? He came by it the old fashioned way. He earned it! No other performer in history has generated the massive sales that he has. No other performer in history has received as many awards and accolades as he has. No other performer in history draws the kind of excitement and mass hysteria that he does. And no other performer in history has done so much in the way of humanitarian efforts than he has. There has never been one like him before, and there will never be one like him again. He is in a class all by himself.

Michael became a superstar at an age when most other children are learning things like the alphabet and how to count to 20. Born on August 29, 1958 he was the seventh child in a family of nine. Michael and his older brothers (Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon) were thrust into the spotlight when their father, Joseph Jackson, a steel mill worker in Gary, Indiana, formed a singing group out of his sons and called them The Jackson 5. Even though Michael was the youngest, it became immediately obvious that he had something special. Armed with a magical voice mature beyond its tender years and a crowd-charming charisma that rivaled any seasoned entertainer, little Michael lead his brothers from winning local talent contests to a recording contract with Motown Records in the late 1960's. The group quickly began turning out hit after hit for their new record label and remained a hit-making machine throughout the '70's. During their time at Motown, Michael also began a successful solo recording career that would run parallel to his work with his brothers.

In 1976, the Jacksons left Motown and signed with Epic Records where they continued to crank out one hit after another.

In 1978 Michael ventured into film when he starred opposite Diana Ross in The Wiz, an African-American remake of the Wizard of Oz. The film itself was unexceptional but it did put Michael on a collision course with destiny because it introduced him to legendary producer Quincy Jones who arranged the film's score.

Michael and Quincy collaborated on his next solo project, 'Off The Wall.' And with that album Michael was immediately transformed from a cute little kid act into an adult superstar. The album was released in 1979 to critical praise for its crossover blending of soul and rock and its non-stop boogie grove. With the help of number one hits "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" and "Rock With You", the album sold 10 million copies and went multiplatinum. It's hard to believe that any artist could top a success like that.

But in 1982, that's just what Michael did with the release of a monster of an album called 'Thriller.' 'Thriller' broke all kinds of records. To date, it has sold more than 108 million copies worldwide (that's more than any other album before it or since). The album spawned a record six top ten singles and spent a record breaking 37 weeks at number one. It remains the best selling album of all time. That year Michael also won an unprecedented eight Grammy Awards - 7 for 'Thriller' and 1 for 'E.T.-The Storybook Album.' Much of Thriller's success was due, in part, to a new thing called music videos. Hits like "Billie Jean," "Beat It," and "Thriller" came alive before our very eyes when paired with a cool story line and Michael's amazing dancing ability. Michael's short films not only helped pioneer the video medium but also broke MTV's color barrier in the process. 'Thriller' made Michael Jackson an American pop icon.

So, what do you do after recording the number one best-selling album in history? You record the number two best-selling album in history, of course! 'Bad,' Michael's next solo project released in 1987, sold over 25 million copies worldwide and included the hit singles "I Just Can't Stop Loving You," "The Way You Make Me Feel," and "Man In The Mirror." Accompanied by his first ever solo world tour (the biggest concert tour in history), the Bad album generated 5 consecutive number one hits (a feat unequalled since).

In 1991, with his next album, 'Dangerous,' Michael continued the astronomical sales figures with 23 million copies sold worldwide. With Dangerous came more state of the art videos and another amazing concert tour in 1992.

In 1993 Michael made TV history when the notoriously private superstar sat down for a 90-minute live interview with talk show host extraordinaire, Oprah Winfrey. The interview was conducted from Michael's home, Neverland Valley Ranch in Santa Ynez, California and was the most watched program of 1993 attracting nearly 100 million viewers around the world. Also in 1993 Michael became the first major recording artist to perform the Super Bowl halftime show, giving the Super Bowl it's largest television audience to date.

In 1995, Michael released his most ambitious project yet. 'HIStory Past, Present and Future Book I' was a massive double album containing 15 of Michael's greatest hits from his previous four albums and 15 brand new songs. 'HIStory' saw Michael turning a corner creatively as the 15 new songs were some of the most personal songs he has ever recorded. By January of 1996, 'HIStory' had been certified six times platinum in the United States alone and it is still the most successful double album of all time.

In May of 1997 Michael released 'Blood On The Dance floor: HIStory In The Mix.' The album contained 5 new songs (some of the best work he's ever done, according to many critics), and 8 remixes from 'HIStory.' Some saw this remix CD as a brilliant idea because it brought a two-year-old album back to the forefront. Also in the spring of 1997, Michael and his brothers (the Jackson 5) were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Artists become eligible for induction 25 years after the release of their first record. In December of 1997 Michael's most ambitious video ever was released. The video, or short film, was 'Ghosts' and it included one song from the 'HIStory' album and two songs from the 'Blood On The Dancefloor' album. The video contained a really cool storyline in which Michael played several of the main characters himself. 1997 also saw the beginning of a whole new world for Michael on a personal level. In February of that year his wife Debbie, whom he had married in November of 1996, gave birth to their first child, a son named "Prince" Michael Joseph Jackson Jr. A daughter, Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson, followed in April of 1998. Michael has said that fatherhood is his greatest dream come true.

2001 was another big year for Michael. First, in the spring of that year, Michael was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for the second time; this time as a solo artist. Then, in celebration of his 30th Anniversary as a solo artist, Michael attended two "tribute" concerts on the 7th and 10th of September. During these concerts many of Michael's famous friends, and some of the biggest names in the music industry, paid tribute to him by performing his songs. The real treat for fans however, came toward the end of the concerts when the King took to the stage himself; performing first with his brothers and then with such stars as N'Sync, Brittney Spears and Usher. In October of 2001 Michael finally released his long awaited new album, 'Invincible.' Overall, 'Invincible' had a nice, smooth R&B vibe going on; very reminiscent of his 'Off The Wall' days. Unfortunately, disputes between artist and label prevented 'Invincible' from receiving the promotion that it deserved, resulting in low record sales. (Keep in mind that when talking about Michael, the phrase "low record sales" is relative because his sales figures are always astronomical. Therefore, "low" for him is, in fact, quite well for most other artists).

In 2002 Michael became a father again when his third child was born; a son named Prince Michael II, known affectionately as 'Blanket.'

In November of 2003, Michael released a Greatest Hits compilation called 'Number 1's.' This album included 16 previously released tracks spanning his career from 'Off The Wall' through 'Invincible;' plus the new single, "One More Chance." It also included a live version of his #1 hit "Ben" on the US pressing and "Blood On The Dance Floor" on the European pressing.

2004 was yet another busy year. March saw the release of the DVD 'Michael Jackson-The One.' The DVD featured 44 minutes taken from a CBS special, footage from the HIStory Tour and behind-the-scenes footage. In April Michael was presented with a Golden Elephant for his work fighting AIDS in Africa by the AASA (African Ambassadors' Spouses Association). In November the eagerly awaited 'Michael Jackson: The Ultimate Collection' finally arrived. This 5 disc anthology is packed with songs that span the entire extraordinary career of the King of Pop (from 1969-2004). It also includes early demos of some favorite hits plus several rare gems never released before. Also in November, Michael was inducted into the UK's first Hall Of Fame for Music.

Back in 1993, Michael had faced false accusations of child molestation. Formal charges were never brought against him and the case was settled out of court. Unfortunately, Thomas Sneddon, the District Attorney for Santa Barbara County, began a decade long vendetta. With the truth being wildly debated, the news media around the world became an unwitting accomplice in this plot to "bring down" the world's biggest superstar. The world press painted a target on Michael Jackson's back and it was only a matter of time before someone took aim. Forever trusting, and eager to lend a hand to those in need, Michael opened his heart and his home to another family who, in turn, took advantage of his kindness. At this same time, he also opened his life up to a tabloid videographer. What followed were cruel and hurtful accusations, criminal charges and a lengthy court trial that proved physically and mentally exhausting for Michael, his family, and his fans around the world. However, on June 13 2005, after ten days of deliberations, Michael was aquitted when the jury in the case against him came back with a verdict of NOT GUILTY on all counts. After five months of testimony the celebrity trial of the century had finally come to an end and Michael Jackson was a free man.

In 2006 Sony-BMG Europe released 20 of Michael's greatest hits on the new CD/DVD format. The box set was called 'Visionary: The Video Singles.' The singles were released over a five month period and the new "dual disc" format features the single on one side with the video on the other. Also, on Christmas Day in 2006 the Godfather of Soul, James Brown, passed away. James was one of the greatest influences on Michael's performance style. Speaking at the funeral Michael said, "James Brown was my greatest inspiration." He went on to recall that, as a child, his mother would call him to the TV and even wake him up if James Brown was on. "When I saw him move, I was mesmerized. I'd never seen a performer perform like James Brown, and right then and there, I knew that was exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life."

2007 saw much preparation for the 25th Anniversary of the biggest selling album of all time. In celebration of 'Thriller,' 25 years later, Michael appeared on the cover of several magazines around the world; among them Ebony (USA), L'Umo Vogue (Italy) and Rolling Stone (Japan).

In January of 2008, as part of the 25th Anniversary celebration, Michael allowed the song "Thriller" be used in an ad campaign for Sobe Life Water. The commercial, which featured cute little lizards (the logo for Sobe) doing the Thriller dance with supermodel Naomi Campbell, aired during the Super Bowl and was voted as one of the favorites of the evening. The album, 'Thriller 25,' was released worldwide in early February 2008. This new release featured the original album plus 7 new bonus tracks, 6 of them previously unreleased. Some of the new bonus tracks featured remixes by Akon, will.i.am, Kanye West, and Fergie. 'Thriller' has definately stood the test of time because this 25 year old album has held on to the number one or number two position on album charts around the world for the first three weeks of it's release, proving once again that Michael Jackson truly is, and will always remain, the one and only King of Pop!

In the end, the most important thing is to be true to yourself and those you love and work hard. Work like there's no tomorrow. Train. Strive. Really train and cultivate your talent to the highest degree. Be the best at what you do. Get to know more about your field than anybody alive. Use the tools of your trade, if it's books or a floor to dance on or a body of water to swim in. Whatever it is, it's yours. That's what I've always tried to remember." (Michael Jackson)

(source:-mjfc)

2009-07-14T14:20:00.003+05:30

Achievements

No other performer in history has won more awards than Michael Jackson. His artistry and talent are unequaled and his numerous awards prove that. Just have a look at our listing of
AWARDS..........

2008

Grammy Hall Of Fame: (California, USA)
It was announced on December 19, 2007 that both Michael's 'Off the Wall' and 'Thriller' albums will be among the 2008 inductees into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

NRJ Awards: (Cannes, France / January 26, 2008)

Lifetime Achievement Award

The Boston Phoenix and thePhoenix.com: (USA / July 1, 2008)

Michael is named the state of Indiana's Best Solo Artist of all time.

2006

MTV Japan Video Music Awards: (Tokyo, Japan / May 27, 2006)
Legend Award

Guiness World Records: (London, England / November 14, 2006)

Youngest vocalist to top the US singles chart (aged 11, fronting The Jackson Five)
First vocalist to enter the US single chart at No.1 ('You Are Not Alone')
Most weeks at the top of the US album charts (non-soundtrack; 37 weeks for 'Thriller')
Most successful music video ('Thriller' sold over 1 million units)
First entertainer to earn more than $100 million in a year
Highest paid entertainer of all time ($125 million in 1989 Forbes list)
Most successful entertainer of all time

World Music Awards: (London, England / November 15, 2006)
Diamond Award (for selling more than 100 million albums)

2005

Guiness Book Of World Records: (issue 2006)

Best-selling Album Of All Time: 'Thriller' with global sales of over 51 million copies to date
Longest Music Video: 'Ghosts' (USA, 1996), with 35 mins
Most Valuable Sculpture By A Living Artist: 'Michael Jackson and Bubbles', a porcelain sculpture created by the artist Jeff Koons in 1988 sold for $5,616,750 at Sotheby's in New York on May 15, 2001. The piece measures 106.7 x 179.1 x 82.6 cm (42 x 70.5 x 32.5 in).
Most Grammy Awards Won In A Year By A Person: At the 26th Annual Grammy Awards in 1984 Michael Jackson won eight Grammy awards.
Most Valuable Oscar: David O Selznick's 1940 Best Film Oscar for 'Gone With The Wind' (USA, 1939) was bought by Michael Jackson, for $1,542,000 on June 12, 1999, at Sotheby's, New York.
Honorable Mention - Greatest Distance Moonwalked in One Hour: Adam Hall of San Francisco, California, was over the moon aftering moonwalking through the backstreets of Denver, Colorado, for a distance of 2.41 km (1.5 miles) in one hour on October 22, 2002. A "moonwalk support crew" shadowed 25-year-old Adam in an automobile, measuring his distance with an odometer. The record-setting walk formed part of a longer "Moonwalk for Earth" relay with Ramsey Brookhart (USA) and Joshua Dodd (USA), an attempt to raise awareness of renewable forms of energy. "We live under this brown cloud," said Hall, "and people don't seem to understand how much of that comes from burning coal to provide electricity. We want people to know that there are other ways to make electricity."

2004

AASA Humanitarian Award: (Washington, D.C., USA / April 1)
Humanitarian Award from The African Ambassadors’ Spouses Association, AASA, for Michael Jackson's worldwide humanitarian efforts, particularly in Africa.

2003

Key to the City: (Gary, USA / June 11)
Michael was honored with the key of the city by the mayor of Gary.

BMI Urban Awards: (Miami, USA / August 5)
Best song: 'Butterflies'
(Marsha Ambrosius, SPZ Music Inc., Michael Jackson, Epic Records)

Key to the City: (Las Vegas, USA / October 25)
Michael was honored with the key of the city by Mr. Goodman, mayor of Las Vegas.

Radio Music Awards: (Las Vegas, USA / October 27)
Humanitarian Award (presented by Beyonce Knowles for the first time)

Power of Oneness Lifetime Achievement Award: (Universal Studios Hollywood, Globe Theater, USA / November 15)
presented for Michael's lifelong commitment to writing, singing, and speaking about the need to take responsibility for the world's children and making our world a better place

2002

American Music Awards: (January 9)
Artist Of The Century Award
NRJ Awards: (Cannes, France / January 19)
Best International Male Singer Award

NAACP Image Awards: (February 21)
Outstanding Music Video: 'You Rock My World'
Outstanding Variety Series/Special: 30th Anniversary Celebration
Outstanding Performance in a Variety Series/Special: 30th Anniversary Celebration

Celebrate the Magic Foundation: (announced March 20; presented May 1)
1st Magical Life Award

Life magazine - Top 100 Rock & Rollers Of All Time: (published March 20)
Michael is listed at #9 on the list.

National Academy of Popular Music/Songwriters: (Sheraton Hotel, New York, USA / June 13)
Michael is inducted into their Hall of Fame.

30th Anniversary Award (New York, USA / July 6)

World Arts Awards 2002: (Vienna, Austria / November 2)
For his work as most successful pop artist of the present with what he has written music history (more than 150 Million music units sold).

Bambi Awards: (Berlin, Germany / November 21)
Pop Artist Of The Millennium

Billboard Awards: (Las Vegas, USA / December 9)
Special Billboard Award to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of Michael Jackson's 1982 Epic album 'Thriller,' which spent more weeks at No. 1 (37 weeks) than any other album in the history of The Billboard 200.

2001

MJ Day 10: (March 7)
MJ Day 10 Award (presented by Adrian Grant on behalf of millions of loving fans all around the world)

Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame: (March 19)
Michael Jackson is inducted as a solo artist

2000

World Music Awards:
Best Selling Pop Male Artist Of The Millennium
G&P Foundation: (Marriott Marquis Hotel, New York, USA / November 30)
Angel of Hope Award (presented by N-Sync for Michael's work fighting cancer)

1999

Bollywood Award (Indian Film Industry):
Outstanding Humanitarian Award

1998

Bravo Magazine:
Silver Otto Award

Mix Magazine (Danish reader's poll):

Best Foreign Male Singer
Best Event Michael Jackson concert at Parken Stadium
Best Singer
2nd Best Dressed Singer
3rd Best Foreign Album, "Blood On The Dancefloor"

1997

Bob Fosse Award:
Best Choreography In A Music Video, "Ghosts"

Bravo Magazine:
Silver Otto Award
Best Album, "HIStory"
Best Show, HIStory Tour

3rd Best Looking Singer

Brazilian TVZ Video Awards:
Best International Video of the Year, "Blood On The Dance Floor"

Dutch Music Factory Awards:
Best Male Singer
Best Live Act

Live! Magazine Reader's Poll:
Most Memorable Male Performer
Legend Of Live Entertainment

Popcorn Magazine:

Favorite Male Vocalist

Puls: (Denmark music TV program viewer votes):
Best Foreign Male Singer
Best Show of the Year, HIStory Tour

Soul Train Music Awards:
Video award is renamed The Michael Jackson Award for Best R&B/Soul or Rap Video

Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame:
Jackson 5 are inducted

1996

American Music Awards:
Favorite Pop/ Rock Male Artist of the Year

Blockbuster Entertainment Awards:
Favorite Pop Male Award, "HIStory"

Bravo Magazine:
Golden Otto Award
Platinum Otto Award, Lifetime Achievement Award (1st Recipient)
Best Male Singer
Best Album, "HIStory"
Best Show, HIStory Tour
Nicest Singer

Brit Awards:
Artist Of A Generation Award

French Film Awards:
Best Video Award, "Earth Song"

Dutch Grammy Awards:
Best International Male Artist
Best International Album, "HIStory"

Genesis Awards:
Doris Day Music Award, "Earth Song" (given for an animal-sensitive, musical work)

Grammy Awards:
Best Music Video, "Scream"

Irish Music Awards:
Best International Male Artist

Hong Kong Hit Radio:
Best International Male Artist
Best Song of the Year, "You Are Not Alone"

World Music Awards:
Best Selling Album Of All Time, "Thriller"
Best Selling Male Artist of 1996
Best Selling American Artist
Best Selling R&B Artist
Best Selling Artist Ever

1995

America's Most Favorite Singers Poll:

Michael Jackson is the 10th most favorite singer in America in 1995.

Black Entertainment Television:
1st Recipient of the BET Hall Of Fame Award

Billboard Music Awards:
Special Hot 100 Award

Billboard Music Video Awards:
Video of the Year, "Scream"

Bravo Magazine:
Golden Otto Award

Brazilian TVZ Video Awards:
Best International Video of the Year, "Scream"

European MTV Music Awards:
Best Male Artist of the Year

MTV Awards:
Best Dance Video, "Scream"
Best Choreography, "Scream"
Best Art Direction, "Scream"

Popcorn Magazine:

Artist of the Decade Award

Best Male Vocalist of the Year

Poprocky Magazine:

Favorite Male Vocalist of the Year

Smash Hits Awards:
Best Male Artist

1994

Bravo Magazine:
Gold Otto Award

Cable Ace Awards:
Outstanding Musical Special (HBO presentation of Dangerous Concert from Bucharest)

Children's Choice Awards:
Caring For Kids Award

Crenshaw Community Youth & Arts Foundation:
Humanitarian Award

MTV Movie Awards:
Best Song In A Movie, "Will You Be There"

Smash Hits Awards:
Best Male Vocalist

Pop Rock Magazine:
Favorite Singer of the Year

1993

American Music Awards:
Best Pop/ Rock Album, "Dangerous"
Best Soul/ R&B Single, "Remember The Time"
Special International Artist Award for record sales and humanitarian efforts around the world.

Bravo Magazine:
Gold Otto Award

BMI Awards:
Most Performed Songs Of The Year, "Black Or White" & "Remember The Time"

Echo Awards:
Best International Artist of the Year

Grammy Awards:
Living Legend Award

Guinness Book Of World Records:
Lifetime Achievement Award for most world records in the world of entertainment

NAACP Image Awards:
Entertainer of the Year
Outstanding Music Video, "Black Or White"

Soul Train Music Awards:
Best R&B Single, "Remember The Time"
Best R&B album, "Dangerous"
Humanitarian Of The Year

World Music Awards:
Best Selling American Artist
World's Best Selling Pop Artist
World's Best Selling Artist Of The Era

1992

Billboard Music Awards:
Commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of "Thriller", the best-selling album of all time.
Number One World Album, "Dangerous"
Number One World Artist

Bravo Magazine:
Gold Otto Award

Gabon, Africa:
National Honor Of Merit Award

National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters:
Lifetime Achievement Award

Operation One To One Award:
Point Of Light Ambassador (presented by American President George Bush)

Rockbjörnen Award: (readers' poll of the Swedish newspaper 'Aftonbladet')
Best Foreign Album ('Dangerous', Michael Jackson)

US President G. Bush: (USA)
Point Of Light Ambassador

1991

MTV Awards:
The Video Vanguard Award is renamed The Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.

Music Video Producers' Hall of Fame:
"Thriller" video is inducted

1990

American Cinema Awards:
Entertainer Of The Decade

Emmy Awards:
Outstanding Musical Special, Sammy Davis Jr. 60th Anniversary Celebration
Nominee-Outstanding Song, "You Were There" (tribute to Sammy Davis Jr.)

BMI Inaugural:
1st Michael Jackson Award of Achievement

Boy Scouts of America:
Good Scout Humanitarian Award

Capital Children's Museum:
Humanitarian Award

Grammy Awards:
Best Video, "Leave Me Alone"

Music Connection:
Man of the Year

Sony Entertainment:
Top Selling Artist of the Decade

Soul Train Music Awards:
Artist of the Decade

Vanity Fair Magazine:
Most Popular Artist In The History Of Show Business

Presidential Special Recognition:
Artist of the Decade (presented by American President George Bush)

1989

American Dance Award

American Music Awards:
Special Award of Achievement

Black Entertainment Television:
Award for the Success of "Bad" Tour

Billboard Awards:
Number One Black Artist
Number One Album-Pop/R&B, "Bad"

Bravo Magazine:
Bronze Otto Award

BRE Awards:

Triple Crown Award--King of Pop,Rock & Soul

Video of the Year

British TV Industry Awards:
Artist of the Decade

British Phonographic Industry Awards:
Video of the Year

British Academy of Music Awards:
Best International Male Artist

Brit (British Record Industry Trust) Awards:
Best International Male
Best Music Video: "Smooth Criminal"

Cashbox:
Video Pioneer Award

Critic's Choice Award:
Best Video

Entertainment Tonight:
Most Important Entertainer Of The Decade

Friday Night Videos:
Greatest Artist Of The Decade
Number One Artist of the Year

Forbes Magazine:
Number One Entertainer of the Year

Gardner Street Elementary School:
Most Famous Alumnus, renamed school auditorium after Michael Jackson

MTV Awards:
Video Vanguard Award, "Thriller" (The Greatest Video In The History Of The World)

National Urban Coalition:
Artist/ Humanitarian Award

People's Choice Awards:
Favorite Music Video, "Smooth Criminal"

Rolling Stone Magazine:
Video of the Decade, "Thriller"

Soul Train Music Awards:
Heritage Award
1st Annual Sammy Davis Jr. Award
R&B Contemporary

U.K. TV Show:

Goodbye to the '80's Award

Vanity Fair Magazine:
Artist of the Decade

Video Software Dealer's Association:
Favorite Music Video, "Moonwalker"

World Music Awards:
Hall Of Fame
Lifetime Achievement In Music Video
Viewer's Choice Favorite Video, "Dirty Diana"

1988

American Music Awards:
Favorite Single-Soul/ R&B

Billboard Awards:
Top Black Artist
Outstanding Artist of the Year
Best Live Show of 1988, "Bad"

Bravo Magazine:
Gold Otto Award

Brit (British Record Industry Trust) Awards:
Best International Solo Artist (presented by Bob Geldof)

Cable Ace Awards:
Outstanding Editing in a Musical Special, Motown on Showtime: Michael Jackson, the
Legend Continues

Ebony Magazine:
American Black Achievement Award

Forbes Magazine:
Number One Entertainer Of The Year

Guild Hall Party:
Presentation of sword to commemorate "Bad" Tour

MTV Vanguard Award:
Outstanding Contribution To Music Video Production

NAACP Image Awards:
Best Male Artist
Best Album, "Bad"
Leonard Carter Humanitarian Award

New York Times Best Seller's List:
#1-"Moonwalker" by Michael Jackson

Soul Train Music Awards:
Best Singer of the Year
Best R&B Album of the Year, "Bad"

United Negro College Fund:
Honorary Doctor Of Humane Letters Degree from Fisk University, Frederick D. Patterson
Award

Wembley Stadium: (September 8)
Presented with an award by the managment of the Wembley Stadium for record breaking 7 sell out shows.

1987

Bravo Magazine:
Silver Otto Award

Rockbjörnen Award: (readers' poll of the Swedish newspaper 'Aftonbladet')
Best Foreign Artist

1986

American Music Awards:
Song of the Year, "We Are The World"

Award of Appreciation

Grammy Awards:
Best Music Video Short Form
Best Pop Performance By a Duo or Group, "We Are The World"
Record of the Year, "We Are The World"
Song of the Year, "We Are The World"

Guinness Book of World Records:
Largest Endorsement for Product Promotion ($15 million for Pepsi)

People's Choice Awards:
Favorite New Song, "We Are The World"

1985

Grammy Awards:

Best Video Album, "The Making of Michael Jackson's Thriller"

Presentation Casement Of Platinum Disc: (UK)
certification for 'Thriller' LP

Hero of Young America:

Voted in special poll (World Almanac and Book of Facts, 1985)

1984

American Music Awards:
Special Award Of Merit
Favorite Male Vocalist-Pop/ Rock
Favorite Single-Pop/ Rock, "Billie Jean"
Favorite Album-Pop/ Rock, "Thriller"
Favorite Video-Pop/ Rock, "Beat It"
Favorite Male Vocalist-Soul/ R&B
Favorite Album-Soul/ R&B, "Thriller"
Favorite Video-Soul/ R&B, "Beat It"

American Video Awards:
Best Long Form Video, "Thriller"
Best Home Video, "The Making of Thriller"

Billboard Awards:
Top Album, "Thriller"

Brit (British Record Industry Trust) Awards:
Best International Artist

The Black Gold Awards:
Top Male Vocalist
Best Video Performance, 'Beat It'
Best Single Record of The Year, 'Billie Jean'
Best Album Of The Year, 'Thriller'

Canadian Black Music Awards:
Top International Album, "Thriller"
Top International Single, "Billie Jean"
Top Male Vocalist
Entertainer of the Year

Crystal Globe Awards:
Exceeding Sales Past 5 Million

Ebony Magazine Award

Grammy Awards:
Album of the Year, "Thriller"
Record of the Year, "Beat It"
Best Male Rock Vocal Performance, "Beat It"
Best Male R&B Vocal Performance, "Billie Jean"
Best New Song Of The Year, "Billie Jean"
Best Male Pop Performance, "Thriller LP"
Best Producer of the Year (with Quincy Jones)
Best Recording For Children, "E.T. The Extraterrestrial" Storybook Album

Guinness Book Of World Records:
Best Selling Album Of All Time, "Thriller"

Hollywood Walk Of Fame:
Michael receives a star on Hollywood Blvd. becoming the first celebrity to have 2 stars dedicated to him, having received one with his brothers (The Jacksons) in 1980.

MTV Awards:
Best Overall Video, "Thriller"
Best Choreography, "Thriller"
Viewer's Choice Award, "Thriller"

NAACP Image Awards:
H. Claude Hodson Medal Of Freedom

NARM:
Best Selling Album, "Thriller"

People's Choice Awards:
Best All Around Entertainer of the Year
Favorite Video of the Year, "Thriller"

Presentation Casement "37 Gold & Platinum Discs"

Presidential Special Achievement Award:

Presented by U.S. President Ronald Regan to Michael Jackson at the White House in recognition of his contribution to the nation's campaign against drunk driving. "Beat It" was used in the ads.

1983

Black Gold Awards:
Top Male Vocalist
Best Video Performance, "Beat It"
Best Single of the Year, "Billie Jean"
Best Album, "Thriller"

Billboard Awards:
Pop Artist of the Year
Black Artist of the Year
Pop Album of the Year, "Thriller"
Pop Album Artist
Pop Singles Artist
Pop Male Album Artist
Pop Male Singles Artist
Black Album Artist
Black Singles Artist
Black Album, "Thriller"
Dance/ Disco Artist
Dance/ Disco 12" LP, "Billie Jean"
Dance/ Disco 12" LP, "Beat It"

Billboard Video Awards:
Best Overall Video, "Beat It"
Best Performance by a Male Artist
Best Use Of Video To Enhance Artist's Image, "Beat It"
Best Use Of Video To Enhance Artist's Song, "Beat It"
Best Choreography, "Beat It"

Cashbox:
Number One Male Artist
Top Pop Single, "Billie Jean"
Top Male - Singles Artist
Top Black Single, "Billie Jean"
Top Black Album, "Thriller"
Top Pop Album, "Thriller"
Top Black Male Artist
Top Black Male - Singles Artist

Rolling Stone Magazine Reader's Poll:
Number One Artist of the Year
Number One Soul Artist
Number One Video, "Beat It"
Number One Producer (with Quincy Jones)

Rolling Stone Magazine Critic's Poll:
Number One Artist of the Year
Number One Video, "Beat It"
Number One Male Vocalist
Number One Soul Artist

Australia:
Album of the Year
Single of the Year

Brazil:
International Artist of the Year

Greece:
Record of the Year

Holland:
Album of the Year

Italy:
Artist of the Year

Japan:
Artist of the Year
Best Male Vocalist
Album of the Year

Spain:
Most Important Foreign Album

United Kingdom:
Album of the Year
Artist of the Year

1981

American Music Awards:
Favorite Male Vocalist - Soul/ R&B
Favorite Album - Soul/ R&B, "Off The Wall"

Billboard Magazine Year End Charts:
Number 10 Top Black Album, 'Triumph'
Number 10 Top Black Artist (The Jacksons)
Number 4 Top Dance Artist (The Jacksons)

British Phonographic Industry Awards:
"Off The Wall" Album

Cashbox:
Soul Album of the Year, "Off The Wall"

NAACP Image Awards:
Best Singing Group (The Jacksons)

1980

American Music Awards:
Favorite Soul/ R&B Single, "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough"
Favorite Soul/ R&B Album, "Off The Wall"
Favorite Soul/ R&B Male Artist

Billboard Awards:
Top Black Artist of the Year
Top Black Album of the Year, "Off The Wall"

Cashbox:
Soul Album of the Year, "Off The Wall"

Grammy Awards:
Best R&B Vocal Male, "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough"

Hollywood Walk of Fame:
Jacksons receive a star on Hollywood Blvd.

NAACP Image Awards:
Best Singing Group (The Jacksons)

1975

Congressional Black Caucus:
The Jackson 5 are made Honorary Members of the Congressional Black Caucus

1974

Key to the City of Buffalo:
The Jackson 5 receive the Key to the City of Buffalo from Mayor Stanley Makowski

The Organization of African Unity Award:
For strengthening Afro-Americans, (Jackson 5)

1972

Billboard Awards:
Top Singles Artist of the Year
Top Singles Male Vocalist of the Year

Golden Globe Awards:
"Ben"

NAACP Image Awards:
Best Singing Group (Jackson 5)

U.S. Congress:
Special Commendation For Positive Role Models

Sixteen and Spec Magazine (Annual Gold Star Awards):
Best Singer (Michael Jackson)
Best Single Of The Year, "Rockin' Robin"

The National Academy Of Recording Arts & Sciences:
Best Rhythm and Blues Vocals, (Jackson 5)

1971

Grammy Awards:
Best Pop Song, "ABC"

NAACP Image Awards:
Best Singing Group of the Year (Jackson 5)

1970

NAACP Image Awards:
Best Singing Group of the Year (Jackson 5)

Sixteen and Spec Magazines' Awards:
Best Group of the Year (The Jackson 5)
Best Single of the Year, "I'll Be There"

(source:-mjfc)

2009-07-13T22:36:00.001+05:30

Where Will Michael Jackson Be Buried?

In death as in life, there is never a dull moment when it comes to Michael Jackson. Police in California's Santa Barbara County met on June 30 to discuss how to deal with an expected mad rush of traffic on the narrow hillside road leading to Jackson's Neverland Ranch for a planned memorial service on July 3. Jackson's body will arrive there a day earlier, in a 30-car motorcade from Los Angeles. Meanwhile, the singer's hometown of Gary, Ind., is reportedly seeking to have the body shipped there for another memorial service being planned for July 10. Amid all the competition to pay last respects to the King of Pop (including a memorial service attended by thousands at New York City's Apollo Theater on June 30), one question still remains unanswered: Where will Michael Jackson be buried?

The singer's father Joe Jackson denied speculation that Neverland Ranch will be turned into a Graceland-style attraction, with the Gloved One's grave as the central attraction. "That is not true," Joe Jackson told reporters when asked whether his son was to be buried at Neverland, which has been owned by a private-equity firm since Michael defaulted on a loan. Although the family patriarch declined to discuss specifics on the time and place of a funeral, citing the second autopsy as a cause for delay, he hinted at grand, Lady Di–scale plans. "I've never heard of a private funeral like this — like big, like Michael's would be," he told reporters.

Meanwhile, the financier whose company owns Neverland is preparing for unprecedented crowds at Friday's memorial. In an open letter to the Santa Barbara community, Thomas Barrack of Colony Capital on June 30 referred to the ranch as "Michael's only true home" and added, "The universal curiosity about Neverland and its connection to Michael is an unchangeable fact."

"The future of the Neverland property will be addressed in due time through normal process and with appropriate deliberation," he continued in a letter that seemed directed as much to the Jackson family as it was to the residents of Santa Barbara County. "Let us all keep in mind that reputations are earned in decades and lost in moments of haste and bad decisions."

Haste is certainly not characterizing the planning of Jackson's final farewell. Some outside observers questioned the Jacksons' rationale for holding off on burial plans while waiting for autopsy results. Cyril Wecht, a forensic pathologist and an attorney who has handled several high-profile cases, including the second autopsy of Anna Nicole Smith's son Daniel, says that in the case of a potential drug overdose, the body of the deceased would not be needed for examination once fluid or tissue samples were obtained. Often, the coroner will keep the brain to conduct neuropathology tests, which can't happen until about two weeks after death, when the brain hardens, says Wecht. It's also likely that the coroner is conducting further tests on the superstar's heart, he adds.

"It's up to the family. They can bury him and then bury the brain and heart later on," he says. "But it's rare for the body to be held back for two weeks."

In a career that took plenty of strange turns, it's perhaps no surprise that Jackson's progress toward a final resting place is beginning to seem just as chaotic. At least one of Michael's close friends, Mark Lester, the godfather to Jackson's three children, says he's in the dark as to the icon's own final wishes.

"It's not the sort of thing you sit around a dinner party and discuss," says Lester, "funeral arrangements for someone so relatively young."

(source:-cnn)

2009-07-13T22:33:00.000+05:30

Michael Jackson's Estate: Saved by the Beatles

Will Michael Jackson's three children — Michael Joseph Jr., Paris Michael and Prince Michael II — end up paupers? The answer rests on the value of the performer's largest asset: his 50% stake of a music-publishing company called Sony/ATV Music Publishing.

Jackson, who died on June 25, left behind as much as $500 million in debts. That includes a $315 million loan owed to British bank Barclays, as well as millions of dollars in bills. "Jackson never paid his bills," says a lawyer who did work for Jackson over the years. "Countless professionals who worked for him are still waiting to get paid." In May, the singer's longtime publicist Raymone Bain sued Jackson for $44 million in unpaid fees.

But whether those debts will mean Jackson died bankrupt depends heavily on the worth of Sony/ATV. Jackson had other assets, including rights to many of his own songs, as well as about 1,000 hours of rehearsal footage leading up to this summer's London concert tour and possibly about 100 unreleased songs. But none of those assets are likely to be nearly as valuable as his stake in Sony/ATV, which has been valued at anywhere from $390 million to $1 billion.

Jackson's 1985 purchase of ATV Music, which included in its catalog some 250 Beatles tunes, for $47.5 million formed the basis of his stake in the music-publishing business and was by far his shrewdest music deal. Yoko Ono, John Lennon's widow, and Paul McCartney had considered bidding a combined $20 million for the collection, but Ono decided that was more than the collection was worth. Jackson's purchase price of more than double that is still far less than what the songs would sell for now.

In 1995, Jackson agreed to merge ATV with Sony's music-publishing business. The Japanese corporation paid Jackson $150 million to complete the deal and split ownership of the new company with the performer 50-50. In March 2007 an audit of Jackson's finances valued his half of Sony/ATV at $390 million.

But just two years later, it is likely that Jackson's stake in Sony/ATV is worth much more than that. First of all, music-publishing has not been hit nearly as hard as the rest of the music industry by the shift to music downloads and away from compact discs. Unlike a record label, a music publisher does not get paid only when an album or other original recording of a song is sold. Publishers retain the rights to a song and get paid every time it is performed or appears in a movie or advertisement by the original artist or any other performer. "I have talked to a number of music publishers who tell me last year was their best year in a while," says Susan Butler, a former music-industry lawyer who now writes the newsletter Music Confidential. "Guitar Hero and other games have created a lot of opportunity for the publishers."

What's more, in early 2007, Sony recruited industry veteran Martin Bandier, who turned rival EMI into a publishing powerhouse, to lead the unit. The hire seems to have paid off. Bandier has re-energized Sony's publishing company, completing a number of acquisitions and landing some popular new acts, including former American Idol contestant Elliott Yamin and rising music star Lady Gaga. Along with the Beatles, Neil Diamond and Bob Dylan, the company's 750,000-song catalog now includes the Jonas Brothers, Ruben Studdard and Taylor Swift. In the first quarter of this year, Sony/ATV ranked as the second largest music publisher in the U.S., with just under 20% of the market, up from fifth largest three years ago. Its Lady Gaga hit "Just Dance" was the best-selling song in the first three months of the year. The result: industry sources estimate Sony/ATV's revenue has grown more than 60% in the past two years, to an annual $500 million. Net publisher's share —a closely watched figure in the industry, which is sales minus payments to artists — has doubled, to an estimated $200 million. "The music-publishing business is ripe with opportunities, and we are continuing to grow our business," says Bandier.

What does that mean Sony/ATV is worth? In a recent financial filing, Sony said the division had $1.3 billion in assets and $479 million in debt. That would give the division a net value of about $850 million. But it would be likely to fetch much more than that in a sale. When Universal Music bought BMG Music Publishing in September 2006, Universal paid $2.1 billion, or nearly 12 times BMG's estimated net publisher's share. Sony/ATV probably wouldn't get the same multiple in today's market. But even at 10 times its current publisher's earnings, the company would be worth $2 billion.

Jackson, though, might not be able to sell his interest in Sony/ATV for its full $1 billion value. In 2006, as part of a deal to restructure his mounting debts, he gave Sony/ATV an option to buy half of his holdings in the company at a later date. Sony will not disclose the terms of that deal, but it probably limits what the Japanese company would have to pay Jackson for half of his Sony/ATV stake.

Still, the quarter of the publishing business that Jackson does own outright would be enough to clear his debts. And Sony would still have to pay many millions for the rest, even with the option. The bottom line: Michael Jackson's estate is probably more than solvent. "People are focused on the amount of money Michael owed, but you have to look at the assets too," says Ivan Thornton, who worked as a financial adviser to Jackson on and off for the past decade. "He's in debt, but he is certainly not bankrupt."

(source:-cnn)

2009-07-13T22:31:00.001+05:30

Did Drugs Kill Michael Jackson?

People hold up Michael Jackson pictures as media and spectators wait for a news conference about Michael Jackson's death at UCLA Medical Plaza on June 25, 2009

The initial autopsy report on Michael Jackson came at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2009, from Craig Harvey, spokesman for the Los Angeles County coroner's office: "The coroner has concluded the autopsy for Mr. Michael Jackson. The cause of death has been deferred."

It will be several more weeks until details of the full autopsy will be released to the public. For now, said Harvey, the coroner had not found "indication of any external trauma or indication of foul play on the body." The cause of death, however, could not be determined. Results from further testing on the brain and Jackson's pulmonary system, as well as a toxicology analysis of what substances may have been present in the singer's body at the time of death, will take an additional four to six weeks to complete. The preliminary results came just over a day after an unidentified man placed a call to 911 from Jackson's rented Holmby Hills mansion on Thursday: "He's not breathing ... he's not conscious ... he's not responding to anything. He's not responding to CPR, anything," the man said.

When the 911 operator asked how Jackson had collapsed or whether anyone had witnessed it, the caller replied, "The doctor has been the only one here."

That physician — presumably Jackson's personal doctor, cardiologist Dr. Conrad Murray, who was called on Wednesday night when his patient complained of not feeling well — has disappeared. He left the car that he drove to Jackson's home, a silver BMW registered to an associate, in the driveway. Dr. Tohme Tohme, a Jackson associate who has served as a spokesman for him in the past, told the Los Angeles Times that Murray, who has filed for bankruptcy in the past and has financial problems, was hired by Jackson's concert promoter, AEG Live, to live with Jackson and care for him during his upcoming shows. Los Angeles law-enforcement authorities towed Murray's vehicle on Thursday night, saying the car could contain "medications pertinent to the investigation" into Jackson's death.

As the Jackson family awaits results of the autopsy performed Friday on the 50-year-old King of Pop, some family and close friends have raised the possibility that Jackson's alleged drug use played a role in his sudden death. Brian Oxman, a former attorney for the family, believes that Jackson's use of medications was "extensive" and that the people who surrounded him were "enabling him," encouraging his reported drug dependence. A family member told the celebrity gossip website TMZ.com that Jackson had been receiving daily injections of Demerol, a narcotic painkiller.

In high enough doses, Demerol can slow respiration almost to the point of suffocation, which can lead to sudden death by depriving the heart of oxygen, according to Dr. Douglas Zipes, a cardiologist at Indiana University and past president of the American College of Cardiology. Demerol can also cause a sudden stoppage of the heart in patients who are dehydrated. The drug causes blood vessels to dilate, or expand, and dehydration would impede this stretching, leading to a dangerous drop in blood pressure and blackout, which can cause sudden death.

Before his death, Jackson had apparently been rehearsing intensely for his 50-concert comeback, which was to launch in mid-July at London's O₂ Arena, but there are no reports yet of whether the physical strain had left him dehydrated Wednesday evening.

When EMTs arrived at the Holmby Hills mansion where Jackson had collapsed, they would have had a series of quick-fire decisions to make, based on little information. Had Jackson suffered a heart attack? A drug overdose? A stress-related event? Did his condition require paddles or a syringe of epinephrine?

In the case of either a heart attack or cardiac arrest — a heart attack can also cause cardiac arrest — EMTs' initial response is to begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in order to keep blood flowing. According to the 911 tapes from Jackson's case, his physician was "pumping his chest." That physician and the EMT team that brought Jackson to the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center attempted to resuscitate him for more than an hour, according to a statement issued by the hospital. Typically, however, there is only a four- to six-minute window of opportunity to revive a patient in cardiac arrest; the chances of survival drop 7% to 10% with each minute that passes without CPR or defibrillation.

A heart in cardiac arrest, says Zipes, "looks like a bag of squiggly worms, totally uncoordinated, disorganized, with no effective pumping." In a normal heart, the pumping chambers beat 70 times a minute or so, while an organ in cardiac arrest can spasm anywhere from 400 to 600 times per minute. Unless a regular rhythm can be restored, brain death and ultimately death can result.

It is not known what measures the emergency workers took to save Jackson, but if they had determined that he suffered from cardiac arrest triggered by an overdose of narcotics, they would have likely used a shot of naloxone, a drug that counteracts opioid overdose, to get the brain back online and the heart beating again, says Connie Meyer, an EMS captain in Johnson County, Kans. In cases where it's not clear whether narcotics are involved — cardiac arrest may be caused by a wide range of factors, including stress — some EMTs will use epinephrine, a shot of adrenaline that jump-starts the heart back into action.

Jackson's autopsy will include a toxicology report that will identify any substances present in his body at the time of death, but even still, it may not yield a definitive cause of death. "A toxicology screen can only tell you the drugs were or were not there," notes Zipes. "It cannot tell you if the drugs caused the event."

The autopsy could, however, rule out a heart attack. If Jackson's cardiac arrest had been triggered by a heart attack — caused by a ruptured plaque blocking blood flow to his heart — then pathologists should be able to see the occluded vessel and the fresh evidence of the clogged-up heart.

After all the speculation and rumors and bizarre events that have peppered Jackson's medical history, it may be the case that ultimately he died from the same condition that claims 440,000 other middle-aged Americans each year: heart disease. A longtime friend, Patti Austin, who duetted with the singer on "It's the Falling in Love," told CNN that Jackson rarely ate right and didn't exercise. "When you live like a hummingbird, you don't have a long life span," she said.

(source:-cnn)

2009-07-13T22:28:00.000+05:30

Michael Jackson's Missing Music: More to Come?

A shopper looks at Michael Jackson CDs at Amoeba Records in Los Angeles on July 1, 2009

Robyn Beck / AFP / Getty
(source:-cnn)

2009-07-13T22:06:00.002+05:30

The Young Michael Jackson at Home

Stance

The photos were taken in the early 1970s at the Jackson home in Encino, Calif.

Art

The singer displays a painting he made.

Lounging

That's Michael's German Shepherd on the right.

Style King

Michael sports an argyle sweater and flowered shirt.

The Media

A music journalist interviews Michael.

Hoops

Michael and his brother Marlon play a little one on one.

Portrait

Photographer Neal Preston periodically shot Jackson and his brothers at their home for fan magazines.

Shooter

Michael plays with a camera.

Star Power

At the time these photos were taken, the Jackson 5 had already recorded four No. 1 hits.

(source:-cnn)

2009-07-13T22:01:00.003+05:30

Michael Jackson: The Last Photos

This Is It

International pop-music icon Michael Jackson rehearses at Los Angeles' Staples Center on June 23, 2009, two days before his death. Photographer Kevin Mazur was given exclusive access to the sessions.

Highlight

More than 800,000 tickets, costing upwards of £1,000 (about $1,650), had been sold for the London shows. Fans have been informed that their money will be refunded.

Long Reach

Fans will have a chance to purchase a DVD and album of Jackson's last rehearsals, which is presently being compiled. It is expected to be one of his biggest sellers. This photo was taken on May 6, 2009.

Behind the Scenes

Jackson works with choreographer/director Kenny Ortega in a photo taken on May 6, 2009.

Smile

Starting this Christmas, Jackson's family will release a series of posthumous albums, including perhaps songs written for Jackson's children and some left over from his last album, Invincible.

(source:-cnn)

2009-07-13T21:55:00.002+05:30

Michael's Meccas: Places to Honor Jackson's Memory

Neverland Ranch

The famous wrought-iron gates of Jackson's 2,700-acre ranch near Santa Barbara, Calif., have been replaced by wooden doors, which will be closed for the memorial service. But just outside them — where more than 7,000 visitors have left flowers, balloons and teddy bears — mourners are expected to continue their vigil on July 7, 2009, and beyond.

Gary, Ind.

Jackson was born and raised in this hard-luck town in a one-story home on 23rd and — wait for it — Jackson Street. He rarely looked back once he moved away at age 11. Nonetheless, Jackson is a great source of pride to Gary, and the ongoing celebration at the house reflects that. A memorial service is set for July 10, 2009, at the town's U.S. Steel Works ballpark.

The Apollo Theater

Jackson's appearance with his brothers at the famed Harlem theater in 1976 is credited with launching the Jackson 5's career, and the Apollo has taken the East Coast lead in remembering Jackson's life. Thousands of fans have signed a remembrance wall that has had to be replaced three times to allow more signatures.

Jackson's Hollywood Star

The iconic star in front of Grauman's Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard is attracting its share of mourners after being temporarily covered by scaffolding in preparation for the Brüno premiere. Be sure to visit the singer's star, as opposed to that of the KABC radio personality by the same name.

Center for Great Apes

This 100-acre primate sanctuary in south-central Florida is closed to the public, but it houses some of the biggest names in the chimp entertainment world. None is more famous than Jackson's former sidekick Bubbles, who has lived at the center since 2005. Bubbles does not comprehend the death of his friend, so he will spend July 7, 2009, doing his usual routine, eating a vegetable lunch and perhaps lying in the sun.

Lyric Theatre, London

Besides the O2 Arena (site of Jackson's ill-fated 50-date concert tour) and Trafalgar Square, British fans have centered their Jackson devotion on this Shaftesbury Avenue theater, which happened to be staging a Michael Jackson tribute show called "Thriller Live" when the singer died. It's now the only Jackson show in town.

imissyoumj.com

Multiple media outlets from CNN to CBS News will be streaming the Staples Center memorial online. Still hankering for a more permanent way to be part of history? For $25, you can upload a picture of yourself on ImissyouMJ.com to help create a mosaic memorial that will comprise more than 10,000 photos, forming the image of the white glove.

Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame

Jackson was twice inducted into Cleveland's hallowed halls, once as a member of the Jackson 5 and once as the King of Pop. The iconic red jacket he wore in the "Thriller" video is displayed in the "Legends of Rock" exhibit, while the Jackson memorial wall includes artifacts like his famous black penny loafers. The hall will hold a candlelight vigil in his memory the evening of July 7, 2009.

(source:-cnn)

2009-07-13T21:33:00.002+05:30

Inside Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch

The Main House

The centerpiece of the property is a 13,000 sq. ft. house in French country style.

Foyer

The owner of the property is real estate firm Colony Capital LLC. It bought Neverland Ranch in a joint venture with Jackson in 2008, when his finances collapsed.

Kitchen

The house and grounds are maintained by a small staff.

Master Bedroom

Much of the interior has not been updated since Jackson bought the house in the 1980s. Since he left, some portions have fallen into disrepair.

Master Bath

The bathtub affords a commanding view of the grounds.

The Secret Room

Three deadbolts secure a door to a room where Jackson stored valuable items. This photograph was taken from inside the room, which was accessed through a cedar-lined walk-in closet.

The Train Station

The property boasts two railroads.

The Train Station Interior

A spiral staircase leads to a loft that overlooks the station.

The Wine Cellar

This room is located underneath the pool house.

Upstairs Room

A room inside the main house is lined with shelves and a wall mural.

The Grounds

The ranch occupies 2,700 acres and features numerous fountains.

Décor

Very little of Jackson's presence remains at Neverland, save perhaps for pieces like this one. In anticipation of the media's attention, the house staff restored 40 of the statues of children at play that once adorned the grounds.

(source:-cnn)

2009-07-13T21:14:00.000+05:30

Michael Jackson's Last speech in March'09

'I love you so much. Thank you all. This is it.

I just want to say that these will be my final shows, performances in London.

This will be it, this is it and when I say this is it I really mean this is it because...I'll be performing the songs my fans want to hear.

I love you so much, really, from the bottom of my heart.

This is it and see you in July.'

(source:-mirror.co.uk)

2009-07-13T21:12:00.000+05:30

Michael Jackson Memorial To Be Worldwide Television Event

Talk about event television: The mega-blowout to celebrate Michael Jackson's life and music is expected to draw some of the biggest daytime audiences stateside in decades and through-the-roof ratings in Europe, where the show will air live in primetime.

Whatever the questions surrounding the pop star's life (and death), Tuesday morning's memorial at Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles is expected to draw especially high numbers among the younger demos, though it probably won't catapult into the pop pantheon of Charles and Diana's wedding almost 30 years ago or the global jukebox Live Aid concert of 1985.

The royal nuptials purportedly drew a colossal 750 million viewers to their TV sets; Live Aid attracted about 400 million.

As for more recent comparisons, the numbers could be in the same ballpark as the viewership for the inauguration of Barack Obama, which also unspooled in morning hours on multiple networks and attracted about 40 million U.S. viewers.

In Europe, the small-screen ratings performance should be particularly powerful.

"It's perfectly timed for us," BSkyB executive producer Tim Gallagher said. "We'll be beaming back a pre- and post-memorial analysis show as well as the main attraction, and we'll be airing across Europe as well as in the U.K. in high definition."

Britain's BBC, Germany's RTL, France's TF1, Australia's Nine and Japan's NHK will also field teams covering the memorial. Jackson was at least as popular abroad as he was in the U.S.

In Brazil, too, the coverage of the Jackson saga has been wall-to-wall, with lead broadcaster Globo reporting blockbuster ratings and planning blanket coverage Tuesday.

Fans and media from around the world have flown in to LAX to swell the local contingent likely to converge on the arena this morning, roadblocks be damned. Already on Monday afternoon there was a long line of fans waiting to sign the huge posters of the singer in the cordoned-off area around Staples.

"This is the kind of event on TV that just about everyone will tune in for, at least for a part of it, in order to be a part of it," one producer already positioned at Staples told THR. He said his company's preparations were similar to those made for a big soccer match or big awards show.

However, organizers have told broadcasters down at Staples that there will be no VIP red carpet line and that dignitaries and celebs will be spirited in and out of the building with no chance for interviews.

ABC has apparently commandeered the entire balcony of the Nokia Theatre adjacent to Staples for its coverage, while positions on special high-risers near the arena's entrance were reportedly going for $10,000 a pop to assorted well-heeled broadcasters.

Among the stars signed on to entertain those inside are Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Kobe Bryant, Smokey Robinson, Brooke Shields, Jennifer Hudson, Lionel Richie, Usher and John Mayer.

Spontaneous street parties are likely to pop up among the estimated 500,000 or so outside who also want to celebrate the life of the pop star.

Most of the major broadcast networks will cover the memorial live, as will the cable news nets and MTV, VH1, BET and TV One. The news networks will stream live coverage online, as will Hulu.

E! plans to cover the service and devote a full day of programming to Jackson. MTV will rebrand the channel "Michael Jackson Television" on Aug. 1, the cable network's 28th birthday.

But it's not just music lovers who will be glued to their screens watching the tributes to Jackson: Money lenders too will be assessing the level of fan fervor for signs of just how lucrative the pop star's estate is and just how widely his image, and his assets, can be exploited.

Almost certainly, revenue from memorabilia and what-not will be healthy enough to offset a half-billion dollars in known debts -- and then some. How much that sum eventually becomes can only be guessed at, but with scalped tickets to the memorial going for $5,000 on eBay and Craigslist, a sketch by Jackson of Mickey Mouse fetching $200,000, downloads of songs dominating the Internet sites and reissues and unreleased recordings all ripe for plucking, it's expected to be humongous.

And, like the Elvis, Marilyn or even Lucille Ball industries, it will go on for decades.

Not that the whole circus surrounding the King of Pop is new to Wall Street: A number of financial firms ponied up millions over the past two decades to help bankroll the singer's lavish lifestyle or kick-start his troubled career.

Now, the Street is in line with other creditors and business partners awaiting word on the state of Jackson's murky financial empire. Colony Capital, Fortress Investments and Barclays Bank poured tens of millions into the singer's coffers, the likes of which was spent on everything from paintings of cherubs by 19th century French artist Adolphe Bouguereau to costumes for Bubbles the chimpanzee.

The cash allowed Jackson, who went on buying binges at malls from Vegas to Dubai, to maintain an over-the-top lifestyle. (Colony, for example, bailed Jackson out of debt a few years ago by taking a majority stake in the Neverland range, and it helped fund the 50-date concert tour that Jackson was rehearsing for when he died June 25.)

"There's always been a nexus between the worlds of celebrity and finance, and it's only grown in recent years," Ian Peck, president of Art Capital Group, told the AP. His firm specializes in making loans to celebrities and rich clients who put up artwork as collateral.

Jackson's lenders seemed to get a kick out of having a big celebrity as a client despite his checkered finances and 2005 child molestation trial, Peck said. The pop star also benefited from the same credit boom that ensnared ordinary Americans and led to the financial meltdown.

"Today, I don't think he'd be able to obtain the same kinds of loans," Peck said.

James Hibberd and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
(source:-billboard.com)

2009-07-13T20:55:00.004+05:30

911 Caller: Jackson "Not Breathing"

(CBS/ AP) A 911 caller seeking help for Michael Jackson told an emergency operator that only a personal physician had seen what happened, and an ambulance was urgently needed because resuscitation efforts weren't working.

The Los Angeles Fire Department on Friday released a redacted audio recording of the call made Thursday by a person who only referred to Jackson as a 50-year-old man. It appeared that a mention of the phone number was deleted from the recording.

"I need an ambulance as soon as possible, sir," the caller said urgently but politely. "We have a gentlemen here that needs help and he's not breathing yet. He's not breathing and we need to - we're trying to pump him, but he's not, he's not."

The caller reported that Jackson was on a bed and the emergency operator began to instruct him to do CPR, but stopped when the caller said that the personal physician was there.

"Oh, OK. We're on our way there. If your guy is doing CPR and you're instructed by a doctor, he's a higher authority than me. And he's on the scene," the 911 operator said.

The operator asked if anyone witnessed what happened.

"No, just the doctor, sir, the doctor was the only one there," the caller said.

"Did he see what happened?" the operator asked.

"Doctor, did you see what happened, sir?" the caller asked someone in the room. Only an urgent mumbling can be heard on the recording.

"We're on our way. It's less than a mile away from Cedars," the operator said, referring to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Paramedics, however, took Jackson to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.

(source:-cbsnews.com)

2009-07-13T18:01:00.004+05:30

JACKSON 5

2009-07-13T17:53:00.001+05:30

Jackson Family Not Doing Well Financially

TMZ is reporting Michael Jackson isn’t the only member of the family with money issues. Most of the Jackson Five are holding down the odd job in order to make ends meet.

It seems only the women in the Jackson family are doing well, Janet is the chief earner of the family and just brought her mother a home. LaToya is living with a wealthy business man and earns a living in Europe making public appearance, and Rebbe,who stayed out of the limelight is married to a successful businessman.

The men, on the other hand, aren’t doing as well. Quoted from TMZ:

- Michael is on the verge of losing Neverland ranch as well as the family’s Encino, Calif., home. He is currently hiding out in Las Vegas.
- Marlon stocks shelves at a Vons supermarket in San Diego, and had to temporarily move into an extended-stay hotel with his wife.
- Tito formed a band and plays at small gigs for $500 to $1,500.
- Randy does odd jobs for income. He acted as Michael’s business manager during the 2005 molestation trial, but ran into problems with friends after he persuaded three people to take out lines of credits against their homes to help Michael pay his attorney fees and Michael stiffed them!
- Jackie had a failed Internet clothing business and tries to produce. He still lives at home with his parents.
- Jermaine splits time between the parents home and his girlfriend’s home. He has more than $5 million in federal, state and other liens against him and a 1995 bankruptcy filing. He does not work and is still involved in a messy, protracted divorce.

What the eff is wrong with these people? Who advised them? I never get how folks can earn millions and millions of dollars and piss it all away.

And really, a bunch of 40 or 50 year olds living with their mom is truly pathetic.

(source:- glamorati.com)

2009-07-13T17:38:00.001+05:30

RECAPITULATE JACKSON FAMILY

(source:-thetimes.co.za)

2009-07-13T17:01:00.007+05:30

Michael Jackson - the plastic surgery

Michael Jackson died this week. The public will never forget his great songs and performances. They will also remember him as an odd fellow who changed dramatically over the years.

First he had rhinoplasty. Then his lips became thinner. Next, his skin lightened, along with his chin changing shape. His nose kept changing shape and eventually cartilage from his ear had to be used to reconstruct its shape.

Over time, it was obvious that Michael was suffering from Body Dysmorphic Disorder and was becoming more of a recluse due to prescription drug addiction. He stopped appearing at events like the Grammys, socializing with other celebrities, and isolated himself at his Neverland Ranch, where his enablers kept him medicated as they fed off his dwindling riches.Notice that cartilage was taken from Michael’s ear!

Michael Jackson had at least 20 different plastic surgeries according to one doctor who surmises that Jackson altered himself to ‘escape his sad childhood’. Among his surgeries were

eye reshaping
brow lift
6 rhinoplasty operations
cheek implants
cheek fat removal
lips thin
jaw implants
multiple facelifts

2009-07-13T16:39:00.003+05:30

JANET JACKSON WORDS

2009-07-13T14:32:00.000+05:30

Portrait of Jackson's pill consumption emerges

LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Singer Michael Jackson took more than 10 Xanax pills a night, asking his employees to get the prescription medicine under their names and also personally traveling to doctors' offices in other states to obtain them, said a confidential document from 2004 that CNN obtained Thursday.

Los Angeles detectives are waiting on the coroner's report on the death of Michael Jackson.

The document from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department contains confidential interviews conducted with two of Jackson's former security guards as officials prepared for Jackson's child molestation trial in 2005.

The singer was acquitted after the 14-week trial. But the information about the pills, and the lengths Jackson went to get them, adds to a growing mountain of claims tying the insomniac singer to drugs in recent days.

According to the drug's Web site, Xanax is for the treatment of panic disorder.

Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton said Thursday detectives have spoken to a number of doctors who have treated Jackson over the years, and are looking into the singer's prescription drug history.

Doctors who did not cooperate with investigators were issued subpoenas, a source told CNN Thursday. If needed, authorities will issue more, the source said.

Jackson died on June 25. Authorities are awaiting toxicology reports from the coroner's office to determine the exact cause of death.

"And based on those, we will have an idea of what it is we are dealing (with): are we dealing with a homicide or are we dealing with an accidental overdose?" Bratton said.

The speculation that prescription drugs, particularly sedatives, could have played a role in Jackson's death keeps coming up with each new nugget of information -- and there have been many.

The Jackson family knows that the probe into his death can turn into a criminal case, a source close to the family told CNN on Thursday.

"The family is aware of a potential criminal prosecution," said the source, who did not want to be identified.

The amount of Xanax that Jackson allegedly took surprised CNN chief medical correspondent Sanjay Gupta.

In addiction cases, people develop a tolerance to drugs and have to take more and more pills, Gupta said.

"No matter how you cut it, this is an extremely high dosage of Xanax," Gupta said. "It is a huge red flag, even with the tolerance that I was talking about. This dosage is exceedingly high for any human being."

Jackson's attempt to battle sleep disorder

The 2004 document details a dark picture of Jackson's attempts to battle his sleeping disorder.

One security guard that sheriff's deputies interviewed said he expressed his concern about Jackson's use of 10-plus pills a night to another staffer.

The second staffer replied: "Jackson was doing better because he was down from 30 to 40 Xanax pills a night," according to the document.

One of the guards said he and three other employees would get prescriptions for Jackson under their names.

The second guard backed up the claim, saying he had picked up medicines for the singer that were in other people's names.

The document contains the names of five doctors -- some in California, some in New York and Florida. It was not immediately clear whether police have spoken to them as part of their investigation into Jackson's death.

After the doctor visits, Jackson would be "out of it and sedated," one guard said.

According to the sheriff's office document, the guard who provided the bulk of the information quit his job after Jackson "fell on his face" in a hotel room and hurt himself. The employee told Jackson he was not comfortable getting prescriptions for him and left, he later told investigators.

Years later in 2006, Jackson was in Las Vegas, Nevada, trying to jump-start his career. Deal-maker Jack Wishna, who was helping the singer land a long-running show in Vegas, told CNN the singer would appear "drugged up" and "incoherent" -- often so weak and emaciated he had to use a wheelchair to get around.

The comeback shows were canceled because of Jackson's condition, Wishna said.

Around that time, sister Janet Jackson was so worried about Jackson that she tried to stage an intervention with assistance from her other brothers, two sources close to the Jackson family told CNN Wednesday.

Jackson reportedly ordered his security guards not to let the family members in. He also refused to take calls from his mother, Katherine, CNN has learned.

At the time, the Jackson family released a statement to People magazine denying the alleged intervention. But Janet Jackson was not among the signatories.

Along with the police investigation, which is being aided by the state attorney general's office and the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Los Angeles County coroner's office has also drawn up a list of Jackson's doctors and is trying to talk to them to determine what drugs they may have prescribed him.

Among them are Dr. Arnold Klein, Jackson's dermatologist, and Dr. Conrad Murray, his cardiologist.

Klein told CNN Wednesday that Jackson was addicted to drugs at one point but had kicked the habit.

Murray, who has been interviewed by police, has repeatedly said he will withhold comment until the coroner's tests are back.

Among others who have indicated that Jackson may have been using dangerous prescription medication are a nutritionist, Cherilyn Lee, who said Jackson pleaded for Diprivan despite being told of its harmful effects.

Sources close to Jackson told CNN that the insomniac singer traveled with an anesthesiologist who would "take him down" at night and "bring him back up" during a world tour in the mid-90s.

Another source involved with the probe told CNN that investigators found numerous bottles of prescription drugs in the singer's $100,000-a-month rented mansion in Holmby Hills.

The Associated Press and the Los Angeles Times, citing unnamed sources, said police found Diprivan.

Diprivan is a powerful sedative that is administered intravenously and is known by its generic name Propofol.

(source:-cnn.com)

2009-07-13T14:23:00.001+05:30

'Michael Jackson was murdered for his money' says sister La Toya

LONDON - The heartbroken sister of pop superstar Michael Jackson told British tabloids her brother was murdered for his billion-dollar fortune.

“We don’t think just one person was involved in the murder,” LaToya Jackson, 53, told the News of the World. “It was a conspiracy to get Michael’s money.”

And she vowed to bring his killers to justice.

“I know who did it and I won’t rest until I nail them,” Jacko’s grieving sister told the paper.

Michael Jackson died June 25 at the age of 50. The cause of his death remains under investigation.

LaToya Jackson, in separate interviews with News of the World and The Mail, did not name the King of Pop’s killers or offer any proof of foul play.

She was clear about the motive.

“I feel it was all about money,” she told the News of the World. “Michael was worth well over a billion in music publishing assets and somebody killed him for that. He was worth more dead than alive.”

And Michael’s older sister dropped this bombshell: He was robbed of $2 million in cash and jewelry as he lay dying in his rented mansion.

LaToya claimed Jacko’s killers used powerful prescription drugs to keep him submissive and away from his caring family.

Jackson’s killers kept him doped up so he’d agree to the grueling 50-show comeback concert series in London that was scheduled to begin today, LaToya Jackson alleged.

Her brother Michael was forced to perform the shows he was rehearsing for when he died, she told News of the World.

LaToya Jackson claimed she predicted her star-crossed brother would never play the long-awaited concerts.

“Less than a month ago, I said I thought Michael was going to die before the London shows because he was surrounded by people who didn’t have his best interests at heart,” she told The Mail.

(source:-bostonherald.com)

2009-07-13T13:23:00.003+05:30

Sony Comments on the Passing of Michael Jackson

Published: June 26, 2009

NEW YORK, June 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Michael Jackson, one of the most widely beloved entertainers and profoundly influential artists of all-time, leaves an indelible imprint on popular music and culture.

Commenting on his passing, Sir Howard Stringer, Chairman, CEO and President, SONY CORPoration, said: "Michael Jackson was a brilliant troubadour for his generation, a genius whose music reflected the passion and creativity of an era. His artistry and magnetism changed the music landscape forever. We have been profoundly affected by his originality, creativity and amazing body of work. The entire Sony family extends our deepest condolences to his family and to the millions of fans around the world who loved him."

Rolf Schmidt-Holtz, CEO, Sony Music Entertainment, said: "Michael Jackson's unsurpassed artistry and beloved music brought joy to every corner of the world. We join today with his millions of fans in expressing our profound sadness and we offer our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. It was a true privilege for all of us in the Sony Music family to work with one of the most talented superstars in the history of music. We will miss him greatly."

Martin Bandier, Chairman & CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing, said: "Michael was the kind of amazing talent that comes along once in a lifetime. He was an incredible recording artist, an insightful businessman, an unmatched performer, and a true icon. To all of us at Sony/ATV Music Publishing, he was also a trusted and passionate partner, who was very proud of our accomplishments. He will be dearly missed. We wish his children and entire family our deepest condolences."

Five of Jackson's solo albums - "Off the Wall," "Thriller," "Bad," "Dangerous" and "HIStory," all with Epic Records, a Sony Music label - are among the top-sellers of all time. During his extraordinary career, he sold an estimated 750 million records worldwide, released 13 No. 1 singles and became one of a handful of artists to be inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Guinness Book of World Records recognized Jackson as the Most Successful Entertainer of All Time and "Thriller" as the Biggest Selling Album of All Time. Jackson won 13 Grammy Awards and received the American Music Award's Artist of the Century Award.

Michael Jackson started in the music business at the age of 11 with his brothers as a member of the Jackson 5. In the early 1980s, he defined the art form of music video with such ground-breaking videos as "Billie Jean," "Beat It" and the epic "Thriller." Jackson's sound, style and dance moves inspired subsequent generations of pop, soul, R&B and hip-hop artists.

SOURCE Sony Corporation

New Release From Sony Japan

SonyBMG Japan has just released a 3-disc Limited Edition of ‘The Essential Michael Jackson’ (2 CD’s & 1 DVD), entitled ‘Greatest Hits’.

This new edition contains the Japanese version of ‘The Essential Michael Jackson’ and a bonus ‘Number Ones’ DVD.

Here is the full track-listing:

Disc One:
I Want You Back
ABC (The Jackson 5)
The Love You Save (The Jackson 5)
Got To Be There
Rockin’ Robin
Ben
Blame It On The Boogie (The Jacksons)
Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground) (The Jacksons)
Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough *
Off The Wall *
Rock With You *
She’s Out Of My Life
Can You Feel It *
The Girl Is Mine (Michael Jackson & Paul McCartney)
Billie Jean
Beat It
Wanna Be Startin’ Something *
Human Nature *
P.Y.T.
(Pretty Young Thing)
I Just Can’t Stop Loving You (Michael Jackson and Siedah Garrett)
Thriller (2003 Edit)

Disc Two:
Bad
The Way You Make Me Feel *
Man In The Mirror
Dirty Diana *
Another Part Of Me *
Smooth Criminal
Leave Me Alone
Black Or White *
Remember The Time
In The Closet (Duet by Michael Jackson and Mystery Girl) *
Who Is It *
Heal The World
Will You Be There *
You Are Not Alone *
Blood On The Dance Floor
One More Chance
You Rock My World

* Single Version

DVD
Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough
Rock With You
Billie Jean
Beat It
Thriller
Bad
The Way You Make Me Feel
Man In The Mirror
Smooth Criminal
Dirty Diana
Black Or White
You Are Not Alone
Earth Song
Blood On The Dance Floor
You Rock My World

You can order this set now at HMV-Japan

Source: SonyBMG Japan, HMV-Japan & MJWN with special thanks to Paul a.k.a. MJ Cool

2009-07-11T15:18:00.000+05:30

Latest on Michael Jackson's Death Investigation

2009-07-11T14:59:00.002+05:30

Jackson’s drug history being probed, chief says

Late singer’s father believes ‘foul play’ was involved in son’s death

TODAY

LOS ANGELES - Detectives investigating the death of Michael Jackson are looking at his prescription drug history and trying to talk with his numerous former doctors, the Los Angeles police chief said.

Jackson’s father, Joe Jackson, told ABC News in an interview that he believed “foul play” was involved in his son’s death. But in the interview aired Friday on “Good Morning America,” Jackson did not elaborate.

Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton told CNN that police are waiting for the coroner’s report before ruling out any possibilities in their “comprehensive” investigation into the sudden death of the 50-year-old pop star two weeks ago.

The coroner’s report will determine the cause of death and hinges on time-consuming toxicology tests.

“Based on those we’ll have an idea of what we’re dealing with,” Bratton said Thursday. “Are we dealing with homicide? Are we dealing with an accidental overdose? What are we dealing with?”

Bratton said detectives are gathering evidence, including items seized from Jackson’s rented home and arranging interviews with his many physicians, but the police chief deferred to the coroner to determine the cause of death.

“The next move really is his,” Bratton said. “We’re not marking time waiting for his report.”

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the state attorney general’s office, which keeps a database of prescription drugs, are assisting investigators.

An attorney for Dr. Arnold Klein, one of Jackson’s many physicians, told the Los Angeles Times that the dermatologist was subpoenaed for medical records, which he turned over to the county coroner’s office.

Bratton refused to discuss details of the case.

Jackson, who died June 25, had a well-known history of using prescription medications, especially painkillers. Following his death, Cherilyn Lee, a registered nurse who had worked for Jackson, told The Associated Press she repeatedly rejected his demands for the potent anesthetic Diprivan, also known as Propofol.

Jackson had multiple doctors, friends and staff who came in and out of his life. Which people were being interviewed by police was unclear because the LAPD has said virtually nothing about the probe.

Joe Jackson said he didn’t know anything about drugs his son was involved in.

“I don’t even know the name of them,” he said. “I do know that whatever he was taking was to make him rest because he had been working so hard.”

Police towed a doctor’s car from Jackson’s home hours after he died and said later it could contain medication or other evidence. Coroner’s officials also said Jackson was taking prescription medication but declined to elaborate.

Meanwhile, Joe Jackson told ABC that he and his wife, Katherine, should have custody of Michael’s three children. “They’ll grow up to be strong Jacksons,” he said.

He said Michael’s daughter, Paris, who spoke at the Tuesday memorial service, was taking the death hard and was crying whenever Michael’s name is mentioned. He said that she might have a future in the entertainment business along with the youngest son, nicknamed Blanket, who “can really dance.”

2009-07-11T14:50:00.001+05:30

DEA Joins Michael Jackson Investigation

Federal agency to help police, as Jackson's former confidantes recount tales of his drug use.

The Drug Enforcement Administration has joined the investigation into the death of Michael Jackson. According toThe Associated Press, the agency — which is tasked with enforcing the nation's controlled-substances laws — has been asked by Los Angeles police to help investigate Jackson's doctors and his possible drug use prior to his death last Thursday (June 25) at the age of 50.

A federal law-enforcement official with knowledge of the case, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed to MTV News that the DEA is now involved in the investigation.

A number of stories have emerged concerning Jackson's alleged use and potential abuse of a number of prescription sedatives, antidepressants and pain medications, as well as allegations by a former nurse that Jackson desperately sought help obtaining the powerful surgical anesthetic Diprivan (also known as Propofol), which is not intended for private use, in order to use it as a sleep aid.

The Los Angeles Police Department asked the DEA to join the ongoing probe into Jackson's death, hoping that the federal agency can provide some of its expertise in investigating drug abuse, illicit drug manufacturers known as "pill mills" and substances local police may not be familiar with, an unnamed official told the AP. To date, the LAPD has searched Jackson's home twice and removed bags of "medical evidence" and unnamed prescription medications. They also impounded the car of Jackson's private doctor, Conrad Murray, which also reportedly contained medical evidence pertinent to the case.

Jackson had reportedly struggled with a dependence on pain medication in the past. On Thursday (July 2), one of his close friends, medium Uri Geller, told the AP that he tried in vain to get the singer to stop abusing painkillers and other prescription drugs.

"When Michael asked for something, he got it. This was the great tragedy," said Geller, who lives in England and described a serious falling-out with Jackson over the issue several years ago. Geller, a performer who claims to have psychic abilities, said he often had to "shout at Michael, to scream at Michael" when he sought to confiscate the singer's stash of medication during Jackson's travels in England.

"Most of the people around Michael could not say 'No!' to him," said Geller, who claimed he slept on the floors and sofas of Jackson's hotel rooms during visits to the U.K. in a bid to talk sense into his "sometimes-incoherent" friend. "He desperately needed someone there all the time who could say 'No!' and mean it, who could warn him of the dangers ... and tell him the truth. ... The big problem was that many people wanted to help Michael, to save his life, but we could not be there all the time."

One reason Jackson allegedly relied on medication was to help him cope with the constant pressure and criticism from the media in his later years, when he was the subject of two different allegations that he sexually abused underage boys.

"With his sanity buffeted and health wracked by global bullying nonstop, I think it's actually incredible that Michael held up as well as he did," Geller said.

A similar story was told by Matt Fiddes, an English karate instructor who worked as a senior bodyguard during Jackson's travels in Britain for a decade. Fiddes said Jackson abused prescription medications and sometimes took so many pills that it was difficult to wake him up for appearances.

"I confiscated packages and Uri did too. I mean, Uri confiscated injection equipment from his room," Fiddes said in an interview with Britain's Sky News on Thursday. "And Uri would scream at Michael, you know, intensely, to stop doing this. But we just were getting pushed out."

On one occasion, Fiddes said Jackson wanted to visit the London Zoo, but was so out of it that he could not leave his room, even after the bodyguard and Geller were "both shaking him trying to wake him up. It was clear that he had taken something that morning and he was hard to wake. We were extremely concerned. ... We couldn't get him in a state that would portray him in a good light."

Fiddes said both he and Geller told others in Jackson's inner circle who were allegedly supplying the pop star with medications to stop, but when word got back to Jackson of their efforts, he would "have a screaming fit that we were interfering with his private life," Fiddes recalled. "He was in denial."

2009-07-11T14:28:00.000+05:30

Michael Jackson, 1958-2009: talent and tragedy

In this undated file photo, the Jackson 5, Michael Jackson, front right, Marlon Jackson, front left, Tito Jackson, back left, Jackie Jackson and Jermaine, back right, are shown in Los Angeles. (AP Photo, file)

In this Dec. 1, 1984, file photo, pop artist Michael Jackson, center, is shown onstage at opening night of his Victory Tour at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Lennox McLendon)

In this Jan. 30, 1981 file picture, Michael Jackson, right, and Diana Ross hold their American Music Awards in Los Angeles. Jackson won for favorite soul album and Ross won for favorite female soul vocalist. (AP Photo)

The tragedy of Michael Jackson's death at age 50, reportedly from cardiac arrest, pales in comparison to the tragedy of his life.

To understand all that Jackson had and lost requires wiping away three decades of plastic surgeries that deformed him, erratic behavior that made his name synonymous with the warping powers of fame, and a 2005 trial for sexually abusing a child that, even though he was spared of any finding of wrongdoing, made him a pariah to all but the most brainwashed of fans. (See pictures and listen to: "(Sort of) Celebrating Michael Jackson's 50th Birthday")

But if you can forgive or forget all that, underneath was one of the most talented entertainers of the 20th century. Quincy Jones who produced Jackson's quintessential solo albums was devastated by the news of his passing. "I've lost my little brother today," Jones said in a statement, "part of my soul has gone with him." Said Jones: "Divinity brought our souls together... and allowed us to do what we were able to throughout the 80's. To this day, the music we created together on Off The Wall, Thriller and Bad is played in every corner of the world and the reason for that is because he had it all...." (TIME reports: Mourning Michael on Twitter)

Jackson was born in 1958, the seventh of nine Jackson children, and before he reached age six he had joined his brothers in the Jackson Five. By the age of eight he had taken over lead singing duties with brother Jermaine, but there was no question who was the star of the group. Little Michael was the best dancer and singer of the bunch, but he also had the mysterious thing that record bosses and studio chiefs crave: star power. Michael appeared to be his best and most interesting self when everyone in the world was watching. (See the All-TIME 100 Albums.)

As Michael aged into adolescence the Jackson Five, renamed The Jacksons after their departure from Motown Records, inevitably lost some of its charm. A solo career followed, and after a steady stream of middling hits that attempted to milk the last bit of innocence from Jackson's voice, Jackson had the good fortune to hook up with Quincy Jones while filming The Wiz. The two shared a vision for what Jackson's career as an adult might be and on 1979's Off The Wall they executed it beyond even Jackson's dreams. With songwriting help from Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder, Off the Wall spun off four Top 10 hits and two number-ones - "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" and "Rock with You." (Read TIME's 1984 cover story on Michael Jackson)

At 22, Jackson not only became one of the most admired pop musicians in the world, but one of the globe's most famous people. And his fame only increased with the 1981 release of Thriller, which was to become the best-selling album of all-time (until it was eclipsed in the late '90s by The Eagles Greatest Hits, 1971-1975.) Seven of the record's nine tracks made the Top 10, and the Quincy Jones-produced hooks remain awe-inspiring. In a cover story about Jackson and Thriller, TIME described him as "a one-man rescue team for the music business. A songwriter who sets the beat for a decade. A dancer with the fanciest feet on the street. A singer who cuts across all boundaries of taste and style and color too."

While Jackson had few ambitions at the time beyond global domination, it's worth noting that "The Girl is Mine" established interracial love as a pop music theme and "Beat It" (with Eddie Van Halen's guitar solo) bridged arena rock and soul four years before Run DMC met Aerosmith. On March 25, 1983, Jackson may have reached the very peak of his fame when he unveiled his signature dance move, the moonwalk, live on the "Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever" television special.

The years after Thriller, however, were marked by a slow descent into what was first dismissible as eccentricity. Jackson attended the Grammys on a triple date with Emmanuel Lewis and Madonna, purchased a chimpanzee named Bubbles and was diagnosed with vitiligo, a condition that he said was responsible for the steady lightening of his skin. But his songwriting genius remained undeniable. With Lionel Richie Jackson, he co-wrote "We Are the World," a 1985 charity single that raised an estimated $50 million for famine relief in Africa and ushered in the era of celebrity philanthropy.

After the release of 1987's Bad, a disappointing follow-up to Thriller, Jackson purchased the 2,800-acre Neverland Ranch in California, and his public weirdness became almost aggressive. In his biography, Moonwalk, Jackson wrote of childhood abuse at the hands of his father and multiple plastic surgeries, subjects he returned to in a 1993 interview with Oprah Winfrey that was one of the most watched non-sports programs in American history.

Shortly after, Jackson was accused of child sexual abuse in a suit brought by Evan Chandler on behalf of his then 13-year-old son Jordan. Chandler told a psychiatrist and police that he and Jackson had engaged in sexual acts that included oral sex; the boy gave a detailed description of Jackson's genitals. The case was settled out of court for a reported $22 million, but the strain led Jackson to begin taking painkillers. Eventually he became addicted.

To counteract the stigma that came with the allegations of pedophilia, Jackson married Lisa Marie Presley in a relationship Elvis' only daughter later dismissed as a sham. Two years later they divorced.

Given the tumult in his personal life, it's no surprise that the 1990s were a barren period for Jackson creatively. In 2001 he managed to pull himself together enough to release Invincible and stage two concerts celebrating his 30th anniversary as a performer at New York's Madison Square Garden. The shows, held a few days before Sept. 11, were a capsule of all Jackson had become. There were bizarre cameos from friends Marlon Brando, Liza Minnelli and Eliabeth Taylor. Macaulay Culkin sat next to Jackson in a royal box. But several hours after the proceedings began, when Jackson finally took the stage, all the years of Wacko Jacko melted away. Then in his early 40s, he could still dance and sing better than almost anyone in the world, and he still had star power. The Jackson on display in those concerts was one the world admired and the one that will be missed.

(source:-english.sina.com)

2009-07-11T14:25:00.000+05:30

TJ Thomas and Marie Bouchard remember Michael Jackson at Jackson's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Thursday June 25, 2009 in Los Angeles. Jackson, the sensationally gifted 'King of Pop' who emerged from childhood superstardom to become the entertainment world's most influential singer and dancer before his life and career deteriorated in a freakish series of scandals, died Thursday. (AP Photo)

People watch the news and video about Michael Jackson in New York's Times Square, Thursday, June 25, 2009. Jackson has died at the age of 50 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo)

Police are seen outside UCLA Medical Center, where Michael Jackson was taken in Los Angeles Thursday, June 25, 2009. Michael Jackson died Thursday at age 50. (AP Photo)

A Michael Jackson fans sits at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles June 25, 2009. Pop giant Michael Jackson, who took to the stage as a child star and set the world dancing to exuberant rhythms for decades, died on Thursday after being taken ill at his home, the Los Angeles Times said. He was 50. (Reuters Photo)

Michael Jackson's fans gather at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles June 25, 2009. Pop giant Michael Jackson is dead, the Los Angeles Times reported on June 25, 2009, citing city and law enforcement sources. (Reuters Photo)

Hundreds of people are converging on the UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles as word spreads across radio, television and the Internet that Michael Jackson died.

The crowd, growing minute by minute Thursday, gathered in front of one of the entrances to the hospital where Jackson was rushed after collapsing at his home.

Some people in the group cried, waiting for an official announcement from the hospital as news helicopters whirled overhead and news vans clogged streets leading to the hospital.

Some people called friends by cell phone to pump them for any information they may have heard about Jackson.

(source:-english.sina.co)

2009-07-11T14:15:00.001+05:30

How Michael Jackson Started My Love for Music

My first taste of music as a 7 year old was THAT renowned Grammy Awards cassette – that had “Beat It”, “Billie Jean”, “Uptown Girl”, “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”, “Let’s Dance”, “Every Breath You Take”, “Karma Chameleon”, “Flashdance – What a Feeling” on the album.

That’s where my love for MJ commenced - “Beat It” & “Billie Jean”.

I recalled how my late dad had the “Thriller” cassette, and how I perpetually listened to the whole album and for some reason, my favorite song off the album back then was “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’”.

I remembered attending some event for children in 1987 (can’t recall what event), but I definitely recall dancing to a Michael Jackson song all on my own in front of everyone. It was a spontaneous moment. I clearly can recollect a lady (I was 10), asking me to marry her jokingly – and then keep saying she wished I was older? LOL!

I remembered how I hotfooted to a friend’s house (he had the largest TV set in the neighbourhood) to join a big group of children and adults and catch the debut of MJ’s music video – “Bad”.

I think there were 2 memories in 1988, once during my primary school prefects’ gathering, I sang “Man in the Mirror” solo, and another, dancing in a group of 4 in front of strangers at Central Market KL to “The Way You Make Me Feel”.

I remembered how in 1991, when I first heard “Black or White” on the radio, and pestered my mom to get me the “Dangerous” cassette as an early Christmas gift – I even accompanied her to Lot 10 Salem Power station to buy it!

Fast forward to 1997, I went to Langkawi with my then girlfriend, and another couple. We were having boozing and chilling, typical Langkawi fun, and at night we drove to Sheraton Langkawi to a pub there. When “Blood on the Dancefloor” unexpectedly came on, I took the stage again and danced like there’s no tomorrow, when the tune ended, everyone in the pub clapped. Either they were enjoyed it or happy that it was over. LOL.

Every single memory there continued my love for music, with Michael Jackson being the catalyst.

RIP MJ. The LAST LEGEND on Earth. No other musician will ever come close to you, even the ones in the past. You did what Elvis and the Beatles didn’t really achieve, uniting the world, different races, religion and ages. We were blessed by your presence.

(source:-danielfranklingomez.com)

2009-07-11T14:08:00.002+05:30

Remembering Michael Jackson – Share Your Memory

Sir Paul McCartney, singer songwriter: “It’s so sad and shocking. I feel privileged to have hung out and worked with Michael. He was a massively talented boy man with a gentle soul. His music will be remembered forever and my memories of our time together will be happy ones.”

Quincy Jones, musician and record producer who collaborated with Jackson on Off the Wall, Thriller and Bad: “He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever.

“To this day that music is played in every corner of the world, and the reason is because he had it all – talent, grace, and professionalism.”

Madonna, singer: “I can’t stop crying over the sad news. I have always admired Michael Jackson.

“The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on forever! My heart goes out to his three children and other members of his family. God bless.”

Britney Spears: “I was so excited to see his show in London. We were going to be on tour in Europe at the same time and I was going to fly in to see him. He has been an inspiration throughout my entire life and I’m devastated he’s gone!”

Lisa Marie Presley, who was briefly married to Jackson in the mid-1990s:”I am so very sad and confused with every emotion possible.

“I am heartbroken for his children, who I know were everything to him, and for his family. This is such a massive loss on so many levels, words fail me.”

Brooke Shields, actress who briefly dated Jackson: “My heart is overcome with sadness for the devastating loss of my true friend Michael.

“He was an extraordinary friend, artist and contributor to the world. I join his family and his fans in celebrating his incredible life and mourning his untimely passing.”

Dionne Warwick, singer and Jackson’s friend: “We have lost an icon in our industry and my heartfelt condolences go out to his family and children in this hour of sorrow that they are now going through.

“He will live on in my memory and most definitely through the music he shared with so many.”

Justin Timberlake, singer: “We have lost a genius and a true ambassador of not only pop music, but of all music.

“He has been an inspiration to multiple generations, and I will always cherish the moments I shared with him onstage and all of the things I learned about music from him and the time we spent together.”

Martin Bashir, broadcaster who made controversial documentary about Jackson: Many of us were excited about the prospect of him performing in London.

“Thousands of people had bought tickets from all over the world and now to hear this news is very, very sad.

“I think it’s worth remembering that he was probably singly the greatest dancer and musician the world has ever seen.”

Slash, guitarist from the band Guns N’ Roses, who performed on Jackson’s 1991 hit Black or White: “Really sad news about Michael. He was talent from on high.”

Liza Minnelli, singer and friend: “He was a kind, genuine and wonderful man. He was also one of the greatest entertainers that ever lived. I loved him very much and I will miss him every remaining day of my life.”

Steven Spielberg, film maker: “Just as there will never be another Fred Astaire or Chuck Berry or Elvis Presley, there will never be anyone comparable to Michael Jackson. His talent, his wonderment and his mystery make him legend.”

Chuck D, rapper from the group of Public Enemy: “Jackson probably died of a broken heart and a broken soul. … He was a victim of the drug of celebrity and he was never trained to wean himself off it.”

Martin Scorsese: “Michael Jackson was extraordinary. When we worked together on Bad, I was in awe of his absolute mastery of movement on the one hand, and of the music on the other.

“Every step he took was absolutely precise and fluid at the same time. It was like watching quicksilver in motion.”

Mark Lester, childhood friend and godfather to Jackson’s children: “The last time we saw him he was in London a few weeks ago.

“He was absolutely fine. I can’t believe this, it’s such a shock.

“I’ll always remember him as being a very sweet, kind and loving man.”

Cher, singer and actress: “When I think of him, I think of this young boy, this teenager I first met … He was a great teenager, optimistic and adorable.”

Jane Fonda, actress: “I am stunned. My friend, Michael Jackson is dead. He lived with me for a week on the Golden Pond set after ‘Thriller.’ “

Serena Williams, tennis player: “Even though I met him, knew him, if I saw him on the streets I still would have been like ‘Aaaah!’. He is just iconic on all levels.

“He was definitely the ultimate celebrity. Any celebrity who met Michael Jackson was completely (in) awe, I know I was.”

Lenny Kravitz, singer: “He was a boy that God blessed with the most angelic voice. Just listen to an early Jackson Five album and listen to that voice. The purity, the feeling, the interpretation of the lyrics.

“At the age of 10, he was on par with James Brown and Aretha Franklin. But the thing he had that they could not match was the fact that he was a child. But at the same time he sang as an adult. That line between child and experienced adult took his expression to an unmatched level.

“I got to work with Michael on a track that has not been released and it was the most amazing experience I’ve had in the studio. He was funny. Very funny and we laughed the whole time. I also saw what a beautiful father he was. He was a beautiful human being.”

Mariah Carey, singer: “I am heartbroken. Let us remember him for his unparalleled contribution to the world of music, his generosity of spirit in his quest to heal the world, and the joy he brought to his millions of devoted fans throughout the world.

“I feel blessed to have performed with him several times and to call him my friend. No artist will ever take his place. His star will shine forever.”

Coldplay, band: “MJ was the best of the best. His music and performances made the world a brighter place. His light will shine on forever.”

Dame Shirley Bassey, singer: “I have very fond memories of Michael with one dinner in particular where he renamed me Lady Goldfinger.

“For the rest of the time I knew him that was my name. He was an icon and the King of Pop, quite simply magic.”

Robin Gibb, singer: “We’ve not only lost a great friend in Michael but also lost a wonderful sensitive human being.

“This tragedy should teach us a lesson to value and praise those gifts while we still have them in the world.

“If even a small portion of the praise that is bestowed on Michael Jackson now in death was given to him last year, in life, he might well still be with us.

“That is the sad truth. One consolation is that he will triumph by his legacy.”

Alice Cooper, singer: “Michael Jackson was easily as influential as James Brown, and that’s saying a lot. He was the Fred Astaire of his time”

Michael Jackson - Forever a Legend

Share your memories here: www.michaeljackson.com

Arnold Schwarzenegger: “Michael was a pop phenomenon who never stopped pushing the envelope of creativity. Though there were serious questions about his personal life, Michael was undoubtedly a great entertainer and his popularity spanned generations and the globe.”

Sir Paul McCartney: “It’s so sad and shocking. I feel privileged to have hung out and worked with Michael. He was a massively talented boy man with a gentle soul. His music will be remembered forever and my memories of our time together will be happy ones.”

Quincy Jones: “He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever. To this day that music is played in every corner of the world, and the reason is because he had it all – talent, grace, and professionalism.”

Madonna: “I can’t stop crying over the sad news. I have always admired Michael Jackson. The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on forever! My heart goes out to his three children and other members of his family. God bless.”

Britney Spears: “I was so excited to see his show in London. We were going to be on tour in Europe at the same time and I was going to fly in to see him. He has been an inspiration throughout my entire life and I’m devastated he’s gone!”

Lisa Marie Presley: “I am so very sad and confused with every emotion possible. I am heartbroken for his children, who I know were everything to him, and for his family. This is such a massive loss on so many levels, words fail me.”

Brooke Shields: “My heart is overcome with sadness for the devastating loss of my true friend Michael. He was an extraordinary friend, artist and contributor to the world. I join his family and his fans in celebrating his incredible life and mourning his untimely passing.”

Dionne Warwick: “We have lost an icon in our industry and my heartfelt condolences go out to his family and children in this hour of sorrow that they are now going through. He will live on in my memory and most definitely through the music he shared with so many.”

Justin Timberlake: “We have lost a genius and a true ambassador of not only pop music, but of all music. He has been an inspiration to multiple generations, and I will always cherish the moments I shared with him onstage and all of the things I learned about music from him and the time we spent together.”

Martin Bashir: “Many of us were excited about the prospect of him performing in London. Thousands of people had bought tickets from all over the world and now to hear this news is very, very sad. I think it’s worth remembering that he was probably singly the greatest dancer and musician the world has ever seen.”

Slash: “Really sad news about Michael. He was talent from on high.”

Liza Minnelli: “He was a kind, genuine and wonderful man. He was also one of the greatest entertainers that ever lived. I loved him very much and I will miss him every remaining day of my life.”

Steven Spielberg: “Just as there will never be another Fred Astaire or Chuck Berry or Elvis Presley, there will never be anyone comparable to Michael Jackson. His talent, his wonderment and his mystery make him legend.”

Chuck D: “Jackson probably died of a broken heart and a broken soul. … He was a victim of the drug of celebrity and he was never trained to wean himself off it.”

Martin Scorsese: “Michael Jackson was extraordinary. When we worked together on Bad, I was in awe of his absolute mastery of movement on the one hand, and of the music on the other. Every step he took was absolutely precise and fluid at the same time. It was like watching quicksilver in motion.”

Cher: “When I think of him, I think of this young boy, this teenager I first met … He was a great teenager, optimistic and adorable.”

Jane Fonda: “I am stunned. My friend, Michael Jackson is dead. He lived with me for a week on the Golden Pond set after ‘Thriller.’ ”

Serena Williams: “Even though I met him, knew him, if I saw him on the streets I still would have been like ‘Aaaah!’. He is just iconic on all levels. He was definitely the ultimate celebrity. Any celebrity who met Michael Jackson was completely (in) awe, I know I was.”

Lenny Kravitz: “He was a boy that God blessed with the most angelic voice. Just listen to an early Jackson Five album and listen to that voice. The purity, the feeling, the interpretation of the lyrics. At the age of 10, he was on par with James Brown and Aretha Franklin. But the thing he had that they could not match was the fact that he was a child. But at the same time he sang as an adult. That line between child and experienced adult took his expression to an unmatched level. I got to work with Michael on a track that has not been released and it was the most amazing experience I’ve had in the studio. He was funny. Very funny and we laughed the whole time. I also saw what a beautiful father he was. He was a beautiful human being.”

Mariah Carey: “I am heartbroken. Let us remember him for his unparalleled contribution to the world of music, his generosity of spirit in his quest to heal the world, and the joy he brought to his millions of devoted fans throughout the world. I feel blessed to have performed with him several times and to call him my friend. No artist will ever take his place. His star will shine forever.”

Coldplay: “MJ was the best of the best. His music and performances made the world a brighter place. His light will shine on forever.”

Shirley Bassey: “I have very fond memories of Michael with one dinner in particular where he renamed me Lady Goldfinger. For the rest of the time I knew him that was my name. He was an icon and the King of Pop, quite simply magic.”

Robin Gibb: “We’ve not only lost a great friend in Michael but also lost a wonderful sensitive human being. This tragedy should teach us a lesson to value and praise those gifts while we still have them in the world. If even a small portion of the praise that is bestowed on Michael Jackson now in death was given to him last year, in life, he might well still be with us. That is the sad truth. One consolation is that he will triumph by his legacy.”

Alice Cooper: “Michael Jackson was easily as influential as James Brown, and that’s saying a lot. He was the Fred Astaire of his time.”

Demi Moore: “I am greatly saddened for the loss of both Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson. Especially for their children!”

John Mayer: “Dazed in the studio. A major strand of our cultural DNA has left us. RIP MJ. Think we’ll mourn his loss as well as the loss of ourselves as children listening to Thriller on the record player.”

Wyclef Jean: “He lives forever in my heart i will never forget the day he came to see me in the studio and i played him music… R i p to Michael Jackson my music god … Some lost Elvis Presley and we lost Michael Jackson… I cried today because Michael Jackson was a Father that we all lost!”

Kim Kardashian: “Wow I am truly in shock that Michael Jackson has passed away! I love u Jackson family, my prayers are with the whole family! Music will never be the same”

Mandy Moore: “RIP michael jackson and farrah fawcett. what a tremendous loss in one day…. thoughts and prayers with their families and loved ones….”

Peter Andre: “Michael Jackson dying is absolutely devastating. I am totally shocked. MJ, you’re the best.”

Lance Armstrong: “Terrible news about Michael Jackson and Farah Fawcett. My best to their friends, fans, and families.”

Fergie: “We have lost one of the greatest icons of all time. He forever set the bar for entertainers all around the world.”

Diana Ross: “I can’t stop crying, this is too sudden and shocking. I am unable to imagine this. My heart is hurting. I am in prayer for his kids and the family.”

Ne-Yo: “Michael Jackson will live forever through the thing that he put all of his life energy into: his music. I will do my part to keep the melody alive, to keep the energy forever changing form, but never ever dying. Long live Michael Jackson.”

Akon: “Michael Jackson’s accomplished so much that there’s not even words to explain what he’s done for urban and pop music. Every artist that I personally know has been influenced by him. The world has lost one of the greatest entertainers who shaped many generations and will continue to for years to come.”

Beyonce: “The incomparable Michael Jackson has made a bigger impact on music than any other artist in the history of music. He was magic. He was what we all strive to be. … I love you Michael.”

Celine Dion: “From the beginning of my career, he was my idol in show business. … I had his poster on my wall.”

Usher: “He broke barriers, he changed radio formats. With music, he made it possible for people like Oprah Winfrey and Barack Obama to impact the mainstream world. His legacy is unparalleled.”

(source:-danielfranklingomez.com)

2009-07-11T14:05:00.000+05:30

Michael Jackson vs. Elvis Presley: The parallels of two of pop music's royal players

Basra Arte, from Canada, stands outside Staples Center before

a memorial service for Michael Jackson Tuesday, July 7, 2009,

in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

The media attention has been hard to escape. The death of Michael Jackson has commandeered the airwaves, internet and even those 140 character shots of off-the-cuff chatter known as Twitter. While the methods have changed and the players aren’t quite the same, there was another death in pop culture history that commanded the same amount of attention over 30 years ago.

When Elvis Presley died on August 16, 1977, there was no dot com to break the news. No Perez Hilton speculating about a hoax and the closest thing to Twitter was overhearing a stranger’s comment in the supermarket. Despite all that, the similarities are there and they are strong. Presley’s death was immediately the stuff of tabloid fodder. Mourners crowded Elvis Presley Blvd. in Memphis as the world mourned the King of Rock and Roll.

The similarities don’t end there. The King of Rock and Roll and the King of Pop had many similarities and one would think, if the two could get together for a chat sometime soon, they’d have lots to talk about and compare.

Both had “eccentric” tastes – Elvis had the Jungle Room. Michael had Neverland. While Elvis decorated Graceland in lavish fabrics (even completely ensconcing the billiard room in wildly patterned fabrics) and created a TV room complete with multiple televisions, mirrored ceilings and wild yellow accents, Michael recreated Disneyland as his home. His estate, Neverland, became the stuff of pop culture legend. Much like Elvis’ eccentric Memphis home.

Both suffered from the loneliness caused by mega fame – In Peter Guralnick’s book, Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley, Billy Smith, Elvis’ first cousin, recounts how Elvis retreated to his room and became more like Howard Hughes than the electrifying Elvis of his youth. He surrounded himself with the people he knew and used them as a buffer between himself and the ever-scrutinizing eyes of the world at large. Like Elvis, Michael Jackson enveloped himself in a self-made world away from the prying eyes of the media. Because of his troubled childhood, or complete lack of one, he frequently regressed to a state of perpetual childlike behavior that caused him even more trouble as accusations of pedophilia and inappropriate behavior surfaced in the media. This scrutiny further encapsulated him in the world he made to escape the larger, more sinister world around him. Robert Hilburn, journalist for the Los Angeles Times who covered many of Jackson’s most defining moments, says of Jackson, “Michael struck me as one of the most fragile and lonely people I've ever met.”

Both had Lisa Maries in their life – Perhaps one of the most obvious parallels in both Jackson and Presley’s lives was a woman by the name of Lisa Marie Presley. She was known as daughter to Elvis. She was once known as wife to Michael. Though the roles were extremely different, the role she filled in both lives was a monumental one.

Both had plastic surgery – While Michael’s adventures in plastic surgery have become a pop culture punchline in the past two decades, Michael wasn’t alone in his quest for perfection. In Alanna Nash’s book, Elvis and the Memphis Mafia, Marty Lacker recounts how Elvis showed him his new face after having a face lift. “He couldn’t take seventy-five pounds off overnight, but he could do something about looking tired. So he scheduled a facelift for June, to take the bags from his eyes and to tighten his facial tone.”

Both held addictions to prescription drugs – Few people can handle the extreme fame that comes with the talent exercised by both Presley and Jackson. In fact, like Icarus’ ill-fated flight and its close proximity to the sun, it seems that no one can truly withstand such a bright spotlight fixated on one’s life – both public and private. Finding a way to deal with such scrutiny is near impossible and, unfortunately, both Presley and Jackson eventually turned to prescription drugs in order to temporarily dull the pain that came with the loneliness and acute self-awareness of mega fame. While authorities are still unsure how much of a role Jackson’s addiction played in his death, his addiction had become well known and had been the subject of much tabloid fodder for years. Elvis’ notorious prescription drug addiction has been documented in numerous biographies and firsthand accounts of those who surrounded him in his final years.

Both died before giving a concert to which fans held tickets – When Elvis died in August of 1977, many fans held tickets to concerts that were just days away. Some fans opted to get refunds while others chose to keep the tickets as a souvenir or, in some cases, in hopes that the unused ticket would one day be worth substantially more than the original ticket cost. Likewise, many fans left holding tickets to the shows that Michael was preparing for just before his death are faced with the same dilemma. While promoter AEG has promised a refund to all ticket holders, many are choosing to keep the tickets as a final keepsake of Michael’s musical legacy.

Both were laid to rest in a “Forest” – Well, not exactly, but both were laid to rest in similarly named cemeteries. Before later being moved to Graceland by father Vernon, Elvis was laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetary in Memphis, TN. Michael was recently laid to rest at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Hollywood, CA.

Both were the subject of rampant speculation regarding the actual contents of their coffins – When Elvis Presley passed away in 1977, rumors of a wax figure replacing Elvis’ body in his coffin led to theories of Elvis’ death being a hoax. These wild rumors supplied fans with decades of debates on whether or not Elvis was truly dead. And in a case of pop history repeating itself, fans have already begun to speculate whether or not Jackson’s body was in the coffin that was present at his memorial service and eventually taken to Forest Lawn Cemetery. Will fans be speculating about the possibility of Jackson’s livelihood three decades from now as they do with Elvis?

It’s obvious that both Elvis and Michael Jackson shared many similarities even beyond what is mentioned here. What is probably the most notable similarity is the way both performers became such a large part of pop culture history and how their music and performances changed the face of music. Elvis changed the face of music forever by bringing rock and rhythm out of the rhythm and blues clubs and into the homes of families who had never heard nor seen such performances. Michael’s electrifying performances and unforgettable dance moves created a legion of fans and imitators. His cinematic music videos would create a format for telling stories with music that would completely change the way music videos were created and perceived.

And above all else, one thing is certain: whether it’s Jailhouse Rock or Beat It, both will long live through their music when all the hoopla and speculation settles from a frantic frenzy to a hushed whisper in the years to come.

(source:-examiner.com)

2009-07-11T14:02:00.001+05:30

Elvis Presley vs. Michael Jackson - Who`s a better king?

I believe that Elvis Presley was good back then, but he stole the throne from the rightful owner of the King of Rock n Roll. That was Little Richard. I like Michael Jackson better, he is the rightful king.

Voting Results:

Elvis Presley leads by 57 votes

2009-07-11T13:59:00.000+05:30

Indian Jackson's tribute to Michael Jackson

Chennai : Prabhu Deva is still in shock over the death of the King of pop, Michael Jackson.

Prabhu Deva, who is known as Indian Michael Jackson, described Michael Jackson as the most influential personal his life.

“He is truly the icon as he was a singer, dancer and composer par excellence. He was my biggest inspiration and actually I idolized him. I’m still in a daze and it will take time for me to come to reality'

During my school days I happened to see a Michal Jackson's video and it changed my all life. When I was a young boy, I used to practice Michael Jackson’s steps in front of a mirror for hours on end.

After death, Michael Jackson storms the web

" After seeing Jaksons' thriller , I thought why I cant dance like him, on that day I decided to take up dance as a career'

Prabhu Deva feels 'he is truly a legend. I refuse to believe he is dead'

"Like the whole world, I am absolutely devastated and lost for words. He has been an inspiration since a kid and I am devastated.

Michael Jackson was pronounced dead at 2:26 p.m. at a hospital in Los Angeles after reportedly suffering cardiac arrest. He had been rehearsing in Los Angeles for the past two months in preparation for a series of concerts in London on July 13 until March 2010.

Prabhu Deva Sundaram, better known simply as Prabhu Deva is a choreographer, actor and film director in India. He is popularly called "India's Michael Jackson" for his fast dance movements.

(source:-oneindia.in)

2009-07-11T13:40:00.001+05:30

Bollywood personalities react to the passing away of the King of Pop.

Mithun Chakraborty (Actor) :

He was an inspiration for me. As a kid, I used to collect and watch all his video footages. I remember trying to ape his moves, his unique charisma on stage. The 'Mi' in my son Mimoh's name stands for Michael Jackson. There could be only one Michael Jackson and it's really sad he is no more.

Javed Jaffrey (Actor) :

My immediate reaction on hearing the news was like I've lost some one close to me. Three people inspired me to take on dancing and Michael Jackson was one of them. He's irreplaceable. I never copied him but was inspired by his style.

Jackie Shroff (Actor) :

Considering the maligning controversies he was embroiled in over the years – as my son rightly put it – it was good that he breathed his last. I was unlucky to not see him perform live when he was in Mumbai. How I would have loved to watch him live for the last time!

Prabhu Deva (Actor, Choreographer):

I was deeply shocked. It was an honour to meet him when he had come to Mumbai. He was my inspiration and I'd attribute my success to him. The biggest compliment of my career was when people would call me the Indian Michael Jackson.

Minissha Lamba (Actress):

The news has completely devastated me.

Sandip Soparrkar (Choreographer):

It is a really sad day in the history of music, especially for those who love music and dance. Michael Jackson was a musical genius, a pioneer of modern dance. It was my dream to work with him some day. But unfortunately that would never happen.

Hard Kaur (Singer):

There can be only one like him. There's nobody before and after Michael Jackson. We salute him for his creations and his style, be it his dance his clothes and so on. We will miss him; there can be no one like him ever!

Neil Nitin Mukesh (Actor):

The man who taught the world to dance has left us with his memories. It's a great loss!

Celina Jaitley (Actor):

The biggest tribute we can pay the legend is that the overseas media should not demean his death by questioning the way he died. His life was made hell anyway by the paparazzi. But in death, let us give him his due respect.

2009-07-11T12:34:00.002+05:30

ABC News Pays $200,000 for Jackson Video

First on TVNewser:

Yesterday afternoon, ABC News correspondent Chris Connelly sat down with Michael Jackson's father Joe Jackson -- Jackson's first one-on-one interview since his son's death. A small portion was used on "Nightline" last night, more of it today on "Good Morning America" and insiders tell us the interview may be used in an hour-long "Family Secrets" special Tuesday night.

But it didn't come free.

TVNewser has learned ABC News paid upwards of $200,000 for rights to video featuring Joe and Katherine Jackson - and with it, the interview with Joe Jackson. A source close to the situation tells us the video was shot more than a year ago, "for some kind of reality show project." ABC licensed that footage from the production company and then approached Joe Jackson about getting a current interview "to address everything that's happened in the last couple of weeks," says the source.

Connelly's interview lasted about 45 minutes. Only a few minutes has already aired, which means ABC News will stretch the access into next week, perhaps culminating with the Tuesday night special. This past Tuesday ABC's "Family Secrets" about Michael Jackson's children was the show of the night .

And while critics will lambaste ABC News for what amounts to paying for an interview, an insider tells us the network made off easy, considering the comparable cost of some hour-long productions. "This was a good deal for ABC," says the source.

(source:-yuku.com)

2009-07-11T12:30:00.002+05:30

New Michael Jackson Game in the Works

Since the pop star's unfortunate passing, the news publications have been providing non-stop coverage, and gaming websites have seemingly all put together requisite Michael Jackson gaming stories, looking back fondly at the Sega Genesis Moonwalker title and others.

While Jackson is sadly no longer with us, we may soon be able to relive some of his music in a new video game. Reports (as spotted by MCV) have indicated that Michael Jackson's own production company, MJJ Productions, has been working on a title for "several months," and the game even features speech he recorded for it before he died.

The game is apparently scheduled for release on home consoles for this Christmas. An MJJ Productions spokesperson commented, “I am sure it will still be released. Michael loved games.”

It's not clear exactly what kind of game this will be or what the basic gameplay will offer, but it's reportedly going to feature some of Jackson's most memorable hits. We can only guess that the game will be of the music variety, perhaps something along the lines of a SingStar or Dance Dance Revolution, since Jackson revolutionized pop singing and dancing.

(source:-industrygamers.com)

2009-07-11T12:17:00.003+05:30

THE JOURNEY OF MICHAEL JOSEPH JACKSON

2009-07-11T11:22:00.006+05:30

Pakistan

Manila, Philippines

Madrid, Spain

Moscow

London

Karachi Pakistan

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, OH

L.A.

India

Seoul, Korea

Tokyo,Japan

Romania

Brazil

Bulgaria

Hollywoood

Gary, Indiana

Paris

New York

Beijing, China

L.A.

Beirut

Sydney, Australia

Michael Jacskon was truly loved around the World
His music has transcended race,age, and gender

2009-07-10T16:22:00.000+05:30

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Michael Jackson's Brain Will Tell Stories About His Life

Zuma Press

Renowned pathologist Dr Michael Baden has exclusively told RadarOnline.com that tests on Michael Jackson's brain could unlock many secrets about the performer's life as well as his death.

An examination of Jackson's brain is part of the forensic examination still underway. "The brain is like a database and these tests will reveal a lot of information like if he was beaten as a child to any small tumors or previous overdoses that he may have suffered," Baden, who recently conducted an autopsy on David Carradine, said.

"The brain results will determine if he was given improper medication and how authentic statements provided by his physicians were."

As the world waits for the toxicology results that will determine the exact cause of Jackson's death Dr Baden believes that they will not be released until the brain analysis is also complete, a process that can take "around four weeks."

It is possible that Diprivan in itself caused him to die, Baden said. "It can slow down breathing and causes blood pressure to fall and a person can die as a result but all the other drugs also mentioned like Demerol, Morphine and Methadone can also be lethal if taken in large quantities.

"It is going to be very interesting to see what all these results tell us about the precise condition Michael Jackson was in."

(source:-www.radaronline.com)

2009-07-10T13:33:00.000+05:30

Michael Jackson 'This Is It' waxwork on show in London

On display ... the depiction at Madame Tussaud's waxworks museum matches the "This Is It" concert posters. Picture: AFP

New waxwork of Michael Jackson on display
Is 13th time Madame Tussaud's has done MJ
Was to debut for "This Is It" concerts

A NEW waxwork of Michael Jackson made to mark his planned "This Is It" London comeback concerts went on show in the British capital today.

The US singer, who died on June 25, had been due to play 50 gigs at London's O2 Arena from July 13.

The depiction of Jackson at Madame Tussaud's waxworks museum shows him in his prime in a classic performance pose, matching the "This Is It" concert posters.

Only Queen Elizabeth, who has been replicated 20 times by Madame Tussauds, has been depicted more than Jackson.

"As the response to his tragic death has shown, Michael Jackson was one of the most powerful forces in contemporary music and culture, and he has remained one of the most popular personalities at Madame Tussauds throughout his career," said spokeswoman Liz Edwards.

"We enjoyed a very special relationship with Michael and this is the 13th time we have portrayed him, a reflection of that popularity.

"It was always our intention to make this figure a celebratory one, signalling his much-anticipated return to the stage but also acknowledging all of his incredible achievements.

"We hope it will still be a celebration."

The figure was created using information gathered at a sitting the singer gave in 1989, together with extensive photography and research to reflect the "This is It" image.

The star is dressed in a black Fedora hat, white v-neck T-shirt, sparkly black jacket, white glove, black ankle-length trousers, white socks and black loafers.

"I have produced 100 waxworks but they don't come any tougher than Jackson's," said the sculptor, Stephen Mansfield.

One of the first fans in, Mark Crew, 29, from Yeovil in southwestern England, wore a Jackson-style outfit in tribute.

"I am absolutely thrilled by this new version ... there is something timeless about this waxwork," he said.

"I was concerned about which version of Jackson they would choose to imitate - I don't think fans would have wanted him symbolised in his latter years."

Matt Blank, spokesman for the World Michael Jackson Network, said: "The new waxwork will undoubtedly be very popular. It is in this sad time that people need to share their grief, not just through tears but also through celebrating the life and legacy of the King of Pop."
(source:-www.news.com.au)

2009-07-10T13:23:00.001+05:30

Inside Neverland, few touches of past fantasy

No more amusement park or petting zoo — mostly a sense of calm at ranch

For those of us devoted to the study of pop culture, or for those who are just devout Michael Jackson fans, visiting the Neverland Ranch is something akin to a political junkie getting to walk unaccompanied through the White House.

Certainly, the Neverland I visited on Wednesday is a shell of what it was when Jackson used it as a refuge from the world and a place where he could have — what he felt — was a normal life.

At barely dawn of another day post-“King of Pop,” dozens of satellite trucks are stacked up like a technical armada along the windy road that leads to the Neverland gates. The amusement park is gone and the petting zoo is no more.

But despite not being able to shake from memory the alleged wrongdoing that took place at the ranch, you do get a sense of calm when walking the grounds. The property is more vast than it appears in photos, and does not look like the overmanicured estate of an eccentric.

Neverland fits right in to the greater Los Olivos, Calif., backdrop. But that’s not to say the place is entirely normal.

Just when you've convinced yourself that this is just a visit to a bucolic ranch, you see a weathered bronze statue of a child where you least expect it. Then you see another, and another. Like ants at a picnic, by the time you notice one it's too late; your meal is about to be ruined.

Given Jackson’s penchant for bedazzling any piece of clothing possible, you might expect the interior of the main house to look more ornate — a rustic version of Versailles. Not so. But for a rogue bathroom fixture, the house is quite storybook. But then it starts to feel a little too fictitious. There is escape, and then there is escaping; the distinction is subtle, but the end result of the latter, in the case of Jackson, sent him so far from reality, a return trip back to the real world wasn't possible. Add Neverland to the list of enablers.

There's been a lot of talk this week about turning Neverland into another Graceland. I've said I don't think it's a good idea, and I maintain it isn't. However, I do consider myself lucky to have had the chance to visit. While turning the ranch into a shrine still doesn't feel right, I would hope that there's a way that the land is never lost, that it can be visited by those who want to see and sense its uniqueness. After all, Neverland is now a part of history.

(source:-msnbc.msn.com)

2009-07-10T13:21:00.000+05:30

Jackson’s parents to decide on his burial

Estranged couple may deal with remains according to their own wishes

LOS ANGELES - Authority over how and where Michael Jackson’s remains are buried is left in the hands of his parents Joe and Katherine Jackson, according to California code.

If a person didn’t leave instructions and means to provide for their own burial, there is a clear pecking order of who has the right to control disposition of remains and make arrangements, according to California Health and Safety Code Section 7100.

Control goes first to the power of attorney for health care (Jackson doesn’t appear to have one), then to a surviving competent spouse, then to a competent adult child, and if none of those options exist, power rests with the deceased’s parents.

That means that Joe and Katherine Jackson may bury their son according to their own wishes, and they also are not legally bound to follow any desires Michael might have indicated verbally.

That Joe and Katherine are left to make the burial decision could go a long way in explaining the delay, as they have an estranged relationship. Although they are legally married, they’ve been living separately — he in Las Vegas and she in the family’s Encino, Calif., home. And even during the days leading up to Tuesday's public memorial service, the parents were at odds with each other.

“Joe would call to have the front gate opened for a buddy of his, and he’d be allowed inside,” said a law enforcement official stationed outside the Encino compound. “Then a few minutes later, the car would come back out the driveway, and we’d get a call from Katherine saying not to let Joe’s buddy back in. This happened over and over.”

A representative for the family is not making any comment on the status of burial arrangements, or the current location of Jackson’s remains.

Why can’t we keep track of the body?
Michael Jackson’s death certificate listed Forest Lawn Memorial Park as the “temporary” destination for his remains. But beyond that indication, neither the family nor Forest Lawn is under obligation to update any public records in a way that clarifies the current or future location of Jackson’s remains.

“There is no requirement that the family notify the state when the body is moved from the temporary location to another location,” said Russ Heimerich, spokesperson for the California Cemetery and Funeral Bureau.

Not only that, but “remains can be stored indefinitely, provided they are in the proper facility,” Heimerich said. In other words, while most prefer to come to a conclusion about disposition as quickly as possible, there’s certainly no ticking clock.

And there’s yet another wrinkle: A “proper” facility does not necessarily indicate a licensed facility. In other words, there can exist a business capable of “proper” storage of remains that is not necessarily a licensed facility, like a cemetery or crematorium.

“It’s going to be difficult to find out where this body is until the family wants to share that information,” said Heimerich.

(source:-msnbc.msn.com)

2009-07-10T13:19:00.000+05:30

Jackson children staying out of spotlight

Grandmother is protecting three children from storm of media attention

LOS ANGELES - Many members of the Jackson family have been photographed in the days since the singer's June 25 death, but his three children, Michael Jr., 12; Paris, 11; and Prince Michael II, 7, have not been seen.

However, a Jackson family friend who recently spent time with them said, “the kids are doing as OK as can be expected,” adding that the children are mostly isolated from the storm of media attention surrounding the family.

“They’ve been with their grandmother (Katherine Jackson) ever since and she’s doing everything she can to protect them from all the media focus,” the friend said. “They aren’t even close to processing all of this. They are probably years away from that, really. But they’re doing OK.”

Stars stay mum on plans for memorial
Scores of celebrities paid tribute to Michael Jackson during the hours and days following his death. Far fewer are confirming that they’ll attend the July 7 memorial for the King of Pop.

So far, a firm “yes” from an A-list star has remained elusive. However, several top stars are said to be in talks about attending and performing, including Jennifer Hudson, Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys and Aretha Franklin. Publicists for talk-show host Oprah Winfrey couldn’t confirm whether or not she’d be attending.

Although one rumor claimed that non-disclosure agreements were stopping celebrities from discussing their attendance, an organizer says that’s not the case.

Instead, stars aren’t talking out of respect for the gravity of the event.

“Remember, it’s a memorial,” said the source. “We’re trying to get everyone to treat it that way.”

Big costs for L.A.
Although the city of Los Angeles has a budget for “extraordinary events” such as the public memorial scheduled for July 8 at the Staples Center, the city is still looking at as much as $2.5 million in incidental costs associated with the memorial.

A source within the LAPD who is directly involved with the calculations of those costs, which include sanitation, IT expenses and technical support, among others, confirms that $2.5 million is the current “best calculation” for now.

The LAPD will have a final deployment review later on Monday to make sure there are “sufficient resources” for the memorial. Another estimate could be expected then.

Jan Perry, Los Angeles City Councilwoman and acting mayor, said she does not yet have an exact number for the incidental costs, but conceded they could be significant and every effort will be made to keep track of them. “I'll be proposing a motion, likely on Tuesday (July 7) that will require every department to report their costs associated with the memorial.”

Perry also clarified, “We are not paying for this memorial. Costs from Staples or AEG are not ours to cover, this is a private event. In terms of police protection, for one of the designated ‘extraordinary’ events like the memorial, it is covered by the existing police budget.”

No shortage of video from Jackson rehearsals
The video AEG released from Michael Jackson's final rehearsal, which took place 48 hours before his sudden death, is just one of many that exist.

“Practically every minute of every rehearsal, since they began in March, was videotaped,” according to a well-placed source inside the “This Is It” tour production. “After Michael died everything was turned over to AEG.”

Also, the source verifies that the tape that's already been released is indeed from Jackson's last rehearsal.

“Some people are saying that because he wasn't performing to 110 percent it must be from an old rehearsal. That's ridiculous — it's the last rehearsal. You can tell he's totally on, that is just how an artist rehearses. When it's a real show, that's when you go all out.”

(source:-msnbc.msn.com)

2009-07-10T13:14:00.002+05:30

Jackson knew kids’ veils would have to come off

But singer’s three children may be well-prepared for spotlight

Mark J. Terrill / AP

Michael Jackson's siblings comfort his daughter, Paris, and sons, Prince Michael and Prince Michael II, during their father's memorial service.

LOS ANGELES - Even Michael Jackson knew the masks and veils would have to come off one day.

After a lifetime of hiding from the media glare at the insistence of their impossibly famous father, Jackson's children are front and center. Though their inevitable debut came a way no one could have predicted, those close to Jackson and the family say his three kids may be better prepared for the onslaught of attention than anyone could expect.

"They are going to grow up in the limelight," said Al Malnik, a former Jackson financial adviser and friend, "but I think because (of the) way that Michael has brought them up they have the capacity to deal with it."

They are also — for now at least — being cared for by Katherine Jackson, who has raised a whole family in the public eye.

"If anyone knew how to deal with the scrutiny and the whole culture of paparazzi, it was the Jacksons," said Rev. Al Sharpton, a confidant of the Jackson family. "It is not new to them."

The lives of Michael Jackson's children never qualified as normal. They had no mother, wore masks to conceal their faces and traveled the world while being raised by one of the planet's most famous figures.

But by all accounts from those who have watched and been close to the children, Prince Michael, 12, Paris-Michael Katherine, 11, and Blanket (Prince Michael II), 7, are not only normal, but model children: unaffected by fame, sweet, polite and very smart.

"Those kids are exceptionally bright. They really have the capacity and understanding," said Malnik of Jackson's kids, who were home-schooled.

Whether they will retain those qualities following the death of their father, a potential custody fight and the enormous media scrutiny that they have been placed remains to be seen. Already, they have been on the covers of magazines and tabloids, their images endlessly replayed on television — ABC this week devoted an entire hour in prime-time to an expose on their lives.

"Michael just having passed away, it's difficult enough to deal with privately, much less publicly and making statements about it," said Malnik.

But Sharpton says that Katherine Jackson, 79, and the rest of the Jackson clan are working hard to provide some semblance of normalcy as they grieve.

"The kids are at the compound," said Sharpton of the Jacksons' Encino, Calif., home. "The days that I was there, they would play with their cousins and were very familiar with them and their aunts and uncles. ... That's the only family they knew."

Unity displayed at memorial
Katherine Jackson, who Michael named as his choice of caretaker in case of his death, was named by a judge as the temporary guardian of Jackson's children, and they have been with her and the entire Jackson clan ever since his June 25 death. Their longtime nanny, Grace Rwaramba, has also been with the children, according to a source close to the family who is not authorized to speak for the family and requested anonymity.

While the Jackson family has long been perceived as dysfunctional — their battles have played out famously on the public stage — what struck many people at Jackson's memorial service on Tuesday was their display of unity.

Paris-Michael clutched grandmother Katherine during the service, while Prince Michael held onto his Aunt Janet as his sister made her tear-jerking testament of love about her father. Blanket hid behind a phalanx of Jacksons siblings onstage, and when Michael's brother Marlon broke down while addressing the Staples Center crowd, the entire Jackson family, including the children, embraced in one powerful group hug.

"The family is much closer than one wanted to perceive," said Sharpton, who acknowledged that Paris' speech was spontaneous. "People far overestimate and embellish any perceived differences in that family."

Custody battle?
The public images of a Jackson family united in grief may help Katherine Jackson as she heads into Monday custodial hearing involving Mrs. Jackson and the biological mother of Jackson's two oldest children, Deborah Rowe. Rowe, who was previously married to Jackson, has not had a relationship with Prince or Paris-Michael, but since Jackson's death has expressed interest in raising not only her two biological children, but Blanket as well, to whom she has no relation (the mother of Blanket, born to a surrogate, has never been revealed).

It is unclear if a custody battle will develop. Rowe's attorney said she has not decided it she plans to seek custody, and people close to interactions with both camps, who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject, said both sides have been gracious and cordial, not contentious.

Sharpton said the Jacksons haven't been anticipating a battle, but when asked about the best interests of the kids, said: "They ought to be around the people they are most familiar with. This is not the beginning of their relationship (with the Jacksons)."

Still, some have expressed concern that the Jackson's kids may suffer by being placed with their extended family. Michael's father Joe has been roundly criticized for promoting a record label on television in the days after his death, and Michael had long described him as physically and emotionally abusive. Katherine's age has led to questions about her ability to look after adolescent children.

Dr. Arnold Klein, Jackson's longtime dermatologist and friend, told "Larry King Live" on Wednesday night he feared that the performing family might turn Jacksons' kids into "The Jackson 3, their intelligence dancing away — because these children are bright."

But Sharpton dismissed the idea that the Jacksons would seek to exploit the children or take them on a path other than the one Michael Jackson had intended for them.

"For the life of me I don't now why people would assume based on no evidence at all why the Jacksons wouldn't have their own grandchildren and niece and nephews at heart," he said. "It is the most ridiculous notion I've heard."

(source:-.msnbc.msn.com)

2009-07-10T13:12:00.000+05:30

Jackson kids ‘are really level-headed’

Family friend says Blanket ‘a lot like Michael,’ Paris thoughtful, Prince fun

Mark J. Terrill / AFP - Getty Images

For most of her life, Paris, center and her brothers Prince Michael I, right, and Prince Michael II (a.k.a. "Blanket"), were carefully shrouded from the public eye, often emerging with their father wearing colorful masks.

At the Michael Jackson memorial Tuesday, the world met — and was deeply moved by — the King of Pop's 11-year-old daughter, Paris, who gave an unplanned, emotional tribute to her father.

For most of her life, Paris, and her brothers Prince Michael I, 12, and Prince Michael II (a.k.a. "Blanket"), 7, were carefully shrouded from the public eye, often emerging with their father wearing colorful masks. So, who are the Jackson children?

According to family friend Gotham Chopra, the late star's eldest son Prince is a "fun kid" who "has a lot of energy." He describes Paris as "very thoughtful, very caring, and very sensitive" and quiet Blanket as "a lot like Michael."

As PEOPLE reported in 2007, by all accounts, the kids are bright, well-behaved and seemingly well-adjusted. A spokesman from the National Zoo, who accompanied the family on a visit, told PEOPLE at the time, "I was struck by how considerate and nice and normal they all were." Jackson's longtime bodyguard Miko Brando recently echoed that sentiment. "They are well-mannered, well-behaved kids," he said. "They are really level-headed."

It may seem like a contradiction, given their father's staggering fame and highly scrutinized lifestyle, but many say that as a father, Jackson was nothing but normal and loving. "There were a few times he brought his kids to work," says tour dancer Christopher "Kriyss" Grant. "You could tell by the way they looked at him that they adored him."

Adds Jackson's former publicist Raymone Bain: "They were Michael's first priority."

Looking forward, Prince, Paris and Blanket will continue to be well cared for. "The Jacksons have come together and are really loving the kids," says Chopra. "Cousins and puppies are [around in] full-force, and the kids are enjoying [it]." And no matter what the public may have thought about Jackson, adds Bain, "his children will be his greatest legacy."

(source:-msnbc.msn.com)

RIP MICHAEL JOSEPH JACKSON (1958-2009)

orkut Blog: Face detection in orkut photo albums– photo tagging just got easier

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Where Will Michael Jackson Be Buried?

Michael Jackson's Estate: Saved by the Beatles

Did Drugs Kill Michael Jackson?

Michael Jackson's Missing Music: More to Come?

The Young Michael Jackson at Home

Michael Jackson: The Last Photos

Michael's Meccas: Places to Honor Jackson's Memory

Inside Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch

Michael Jackson's Last speech in March'09

Michael Jackson Memorial To Be Worldwide Television Event

911 Caller: Jackson "Not Breathing"

Jackson Family Not Doing Well Financially

Portrait of Jackson's pill consumption emerges

More associates link Jackson to prescription drugs

'Michael Jackson was murdered for his money' says sister La Toya

Sony Comments on the Passing of Michael Jackson

New Release From Sony Japan

Latest on Michael Jackson's Death Investigation

Jackson’s drug history being probed, chief says

Late singer’s father believes ‘foul play’ was involved in son’s death

DEA Joins Michael Jackson Investigation

Michael Jackson, 1958-2009: talent and tragedy

In this undated file photo, the Jackson 5, Michael Jackson, front right, Marlon Jackson, front left, Tito Jackson, back left, Jackie Jackson and Jermaine, back right, are shown in Los Angeles. (AP Photo, file)

Michael Jacskon was truly loved around the World
His music has transcended race,age, and gender

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Michael Jackson's Brain Will Tell Stories About His Life