'This Is It' Tops $200 Million Worldwide..(12/11/2009)
Michael Jackson's concert movie "This Is It" has taken more than $200 million at box offices worldwide in the first two weeks of release, the studio behind the movie said on Thursday.
Sony Pictures Entertainment said the movie had grossed $61 million in North America and more than $140 million internationally
The movie is now the 22nd biggest grossing movie worldwide of 2009, according to industry tracker boxofficemojo.
"This Is It", distributed by Sony Corp-owned Columbia Pictures, was compiled from footage of Jackson rehearsing for a series of planned comeback concerts before his sudden death in June.
Sony paid concert promoters AEG and Jackson's estate about $60 million for the right to make and distribute the movie.
The $200 million plus gross is almost three times more than 2008's "Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour" -- a movie some box office watchers had used as a benchmark for "This Is It."
The Jackson film opened on October 28 for a planned two week run but has since been extended until early December.
MJFC / Reuters
Warhol's Michael Jackson Portrait Sells For $812K..(11/11/2009)
A "Thriller"-era silk-screened portrait of Michael Jackson created by Andy Warhol has sold for $812,500 to an anonymous collector.
The artwork sold at Christie's in New York City Tuesday evening.
Christie's estimated that the portrait would sell for $500,000 to $700,000.
The 1984 portrait depicts a smiling Jackson in a jacket with squiggles of red and yellow in his hair.
The auction house says the seller is an anonymous private collector based in New York who bought the image from the Andy Warhol Foundation in the 1990s. It did not say who bought the artwork.
The image was one of 47 lots auctioned Tuesday, including two other Warhol paintings.
MJFC / AP
The artwork sold at Christie's in New York City Tuesday evening.
Christie's estimated that the portrait would sell for $500,000 to $700,000.
The 1984 portrait depicts a smiling Jackson in a jacket with squiggles of red and yellow in his hair.
The auction house says the seller is an anonymous private collector based in New York who bought the image from the Andy Warhol Foundation in the 1990s. It did not say who bought the artwork.
The image was one of 47 lots auctioned Tuesday, including two other Warhol paintings.
MJFC / AP
'This Is It' Is # 1 Album In 17 Countries..(7/11/2009)
MICHAEL JACKSON’S THIS IS IT” made motion picture history as the highest grossing concert film of all time. And now, the two-disc album companion to the movie Michael Jackson’s This is It released by Sony Music’s Epic Records makes its first week debut in the #1 spot of the Billboard Top 200 album chart, as well as the Soundtrack album chart. U.S. sales of the album - which features new hit song “This is It” – totaled 373,100 units this week according to Nielsen Soundscan – this figure does not include significant sales from non-
Sales figures from other parts of the world are still being tallied although the album did hit #1 in 16 other countries including Canada, Japan, France, Italy, Holland, Belgium, Turkey, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Korea, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, the Middle East and Colombia and Top-3 in the UK, Australia, Argentina, Austria, Denmark, Norway, Portugal, Switzerland and Spain. A simultaneous #1 album and a #1 documentary film has not happened since 1971 when the Rolling Stones did it with the album Sticky Fingers and movie Gimme Shelter.
Michael Jackson albums now occupy the top five spots of Billboard catalog album chart at #1, #3 and #4; his Number Ones album is this year’s best-selling overall album year to date as of this week. Throughout his career, Michael Jackson has spent a total of 51 weeks at #1 on the Billboard album chart. Only The Beatles and Elvis Presley have spent more weeks at the top. His last #1 was Invincible in 2001 although Thriller hit the top of the Billboard catalog album chart last October.
Disc one features the original album masters of some of Michael's biggest hits such as "Billie Jean," "Smooth Criminal," "Human Nature," and "Thriller" arranged in the same sequence as they appear in the film. The disc ends with two versions of "This Is It," the original and an orchestral version. Disc two offers fans a rare listen to the early demo versions of classics "She's Out Of My Life," "Wanna Be Startin'," "Somethin'," and "Beat It." This disc also features a recently discovered spoken word poem from Michael Jackson entitled "Planet Earth."
Michael Jackson's This Is It also includes a 36-page, commemorative booklet featuring exclusive photos of Michael from his last rehearsal.
MJFC / michaeljackson.
MJ THIS IS IT TOPS CHARTS WORLD WIDE WITH $101 MILLION SALES..(1/11/2009)
LOS ANGELES — "Michael Jackson's This Is It" is the No. 1 Halloween thriller for movie audiences.
"This Is It" led the weekend box office with a domestic debut of $21.3 million and raised its five-day total worldwide to $101 million.
The low-budget horror sensation "Paranormal Activity" slipped from first-place to second domestically with $16.5 million. "Paranormal Activity" raised its total to $84.8 million.
"This Is It" captures Jackson in behind-the-scenes performances in the weeks before his death in June, as he rehearsed his biggest hits for a marathon concert stand that was to begin in July.
Distributor Sony paid $60 million for the film rights and released "This Is It" simultaneously for a limited run worldwide.
Associated Press
"This Is It" led the weekend box office with a domestic debut of $21.3 million and raised its five-day total worldwide to $101 million.
The low-budget horror sensation "Paranormal Activity" slipped from first-place to second domestically with $16.5 million. "Paranormal Activity" raised its total to $84.8 million.
"This Is It" captures Jackson in behind-
Distributor Sony paid $60 million for the film rights and released "This Is It" simultaneously for a limited run worldwide.
Associated Press
Jackson's 'This Is It' draws $20.1M worldwide..(29/10/2009)
LOS ANGELES — The King of Pop is No. 1 again.
"Michael Jackson's This Is It" has landed on top of the domestic box office with $7.4 million in its first day and $12.7 million overseas.
That gives the film documenting Jackson's rehearsals for his planned concert tour a worldwide total of $20.1 million.
Distributor Sony said the $7.4 million domestic haul is the best ever for a movie on a Wednesday in October. "This Is It" was easily the No. 1 film domestically, coming in ahead of the $1.5 million gross for "Paranormal Activity," last weekend's top box-office earner.
Jackson died June 25, just before he was to begin a marathon run of comeback concerts in London. "This Is It" was built around more than 100 hours of behind-the-scenes footage shot between March and June as Jackson and his backup performers developed the numbers intended for his elaborate stage shows.
Sony said it expected strong results for the film this Friday and Sunday, though Saturday may leave a hole in the overall box office, falling on Halloween, when audiences typically are preoccupied with parties and trick-or-treating.
In a single day, "This Is It" climbed into the ranks of top-grossing music documentaries, just behind the $8.6 million domestic haul of "U2: Rattle and Hum."
By this weekend, "This Is It" is likely to shoot past such films as "Madonna: Truth or Dare" ($15 million) and "Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience" ($19.2 million) to become the No. 2 draw all-time on the music-documentary chart.
The No. 1 music documentary is "Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert," which had a $31.1 million opening weekend last year and took in $65.3 million over its entire theatrical run.
Among the totals from other countries, "This Is It" brought in $1.9 million in Great Britain, $1.4 million France, $1.2 million in Japan and $1.1 million in Germany.
The film debuted in 99 countries Wednesday and expands to 10 more Thursday.
The film features Jackson doing all his biggest hits, including "Billie Jean," "Beat It," "Thriller," "Human Nature" and "Smooth Criminal."
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j2N11Nmsz5JMu1UHWwfK4Lcii9UQD9BKU45O3
mjsunifc..
"Michael Jackson's This Is It" has landed on top of the domestic box office with $7.4 million in its first day and $12.7 million overseas.
That gives the film documenting Jackson's rehearsals for his planned concert tour a worldwide total of $20.1 million.
Distributor Sony said the $7.4 million domestic haul is the best ever for a movie on a Wednesday in October. "This Is It" was easily the No. 1 film domestically, coming in ahead of the $1.5 million gross for "Paranormal Activity," last weekend's top box-office earner.
Jackson died June 25, just before he was to begin a marathon run of comeback concerts in London. "This Is It" was built around more than 100 hours of behind-
Sony said it expected strong results for the film this Friday and Sunday, though Saturday may leave a hole in the overall box office, falling on Halloween, when audiences typically are preoccupied with parties and trick-
In a single day, "This Is It" climbed into the ranks of top-grossing music documentaries, just behind the $8.6 million domestic haul of "U2: Rattle and Hum."
By this weekend, "This Is It" is likely to shoot past such films as "Madonna: Truth or Dare" ($15 million) and "Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience" ($19.2 million) to become the No. 2 draw all-time on the music-
The No. 1 music documentary is "Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert," which had a $31.1 million opening weekend last year and took in $65.3 million over its entire theatrical run.
Among the totals from other countries, "This Is It" brought in $1.9 million in Great Britain, $1.4 million France, $1.2 million in Japan and $1.1 million in Germany.
The film debuted in 99 countries Wednesday and expands to 10 more Thursday.
The film features Jackson doing all his biggest hits, including "Billie Jean," "Beat It," "Thriller," "Human Nature" and "Smooth Criminal."
http:
mjsunifc..
'This Is It' Grosses $2.2 Million..(28/10/2009)
Sony’s Michael Jackson concert pic “This Is It” grossed an estimated $2.2 million in Tuesday night shows at the domestic box office, a record for an October Tuesday.
Studio said Wednesday shows have already surpassed the $2.2 million generated as the film opened around the globe at 9 p.m. Pacific time.
Film is playing in roughly 3,500 theaters domestically and thousands more overseas.
“This Is It,” a compilation of rehearsal footage, opened in 97 countries including the U.S. and Canada. Sony didn’t have an international number as of midday Wednesday, but said the pic was doing equally well overseas.
Film has drawn largely positive reviews.
Sony will release Wednesday box office numbers on Thursday morning.
Sony paid $60 million to concert promoter AEG Entertainment for distribution rights to the film.
MJFC / Variety
Studio said Wednesday shows have already surpassed the $2.2 million generated as the film opened around the globe at 9 p.m. Pacific time.
Film is playing in roughly 3,500 theaters domestically and thousands more overseas.
“This Is It,” a compilation of rehearsal footage, opened in 97 countries including the U.S. and Canada. Sony didn’t have an international number as of midday Wednesday, but said the pic was doing equally well overseas.
Film has drawn largely positive reviews.
Sony will release Wednesday box office numbers on Thursday morning.
Sony paid $60 million to concert promoter AEG Entertainment for distribution rights to the film.
MJFC / Variety
'This Is It' DVD Not Being Released Until February..(23/10/2009)
Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” opens worldwide in theaters on October 28th. But according to Roger Friedman, you won’t be seeing in on DVD until February 2010.
That’s because the movie studios have a deal with DVD companies. There has to be a 90-day window after the movie has played in theaters before it’s available in stores.
“This Is It” is set to play for two weeks, from October 28th through November 13th. Sony won’t admit it, but if it does well, the documentary could get a one or two week extension in theaters.
Either way, count 90 days from the end of its theater run before you can buy it as a DVD. That means no Michael Jackson Christmas. The earliest it would turn up is February 13, 2010.
That nugget of info should create even more demand for tickets to the theater run. Even this reporter assumed “This Is It” would be the stocking stuffer of all time. But sources inside say no, and that’s it. Fans will have to rely on the collector’s item soundtrack CD featuring the songs from the movie in their original recorded versions.
MJFC / Showbiz411.com
That’s because the movie studios have a deal with DVD companies. There has to be a 90-day window after the movie has played in theaters before it’s available in stores.
“This Is It” is set to play for two weeks, from October 28th through November 13th. Sony won’t admit it, but if it does well, the documentary could get a one or two week extension in theaters.
Either way, count 90 days from the end of its theater run before you can buy it as a DVD. That means no Michael Jackson Christmas. The earliest it would turn up is February 13, 2010.
That nugget of info should create even more demand for tickets to the theater run. Even this reporter assumed “This Is It” would be the stocking stuffer of all time. But sources inside say no, and that’s it. Fans will have to rely on the collector’s item soundtrack CD featuring the songs from the movie in their original recorded versions.
MJFC / Showbiz411.com
Michael Jackson Getting Record Biz Tribute..(23/10/2009)
Michael Jackson gets a big tribute on Wednesday night Oct 28th at the annual T. J. Martell dinner in New York.
The T.J. Martell Foundation is the premiere charity in the music business, set up by Columbia Records’ beloved Tony Martell in memory of his son, T.J.
The foundation is a leader in raising money for cancer, leukemia, and AIDS research. Every year, the dinner honors a record exec for his humanitarian efforts. This year it’s Bruce Lundvall, the popular veteran chief of Blue Note Records. Bruce is one of the last great music men in the record biz. Among his many successes: Dexter Gordon, Willie Nelson, James Taylor, Natalie Cole, Wynton Marsalis, and Norah Jones.
Willie Nelson, Wynton Marsalis, Diane Reeves, Michelle Branch, Big Kenny of Big & Rich, and a host of other musicians will serenade the Martell crowd. And at the end of the night, there’s a big, secret tribute planned to Michael Jackson.
Martell will also honor board members who passed away this year including my pal, and everyone’s, the great Michael Klenfner. Michael, one of the most successful promotion men in the history of the record business, loved the Martell Foundation and all its events. His passing is a loss for them.
There are probably tickets still available. Email kfitzpatrick@tjmartellfoundation.org This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information. As Tony Martell said to me yesterday: “Cancer does not know about a bad economy. It just keeps going.”
MJFC / Showbiz411.com
The T.J. Martell Foundation is the premiere charity in the music business, set up by Columbia Records’ beloved Tony Martell in memory of his son, T.J.
The foundation is a leader in raising money for cancer, leukemia, and AIDS research. Every year, the dinner honors a record exec for his humanitarian efforts. This year it’s Bruce Lundvall, the popular veteran chief of Blue Note Records. Bruce is one of the last great music men in the record biz. Among his many successes: Dexter Gordon, Willie Nelson, James Taylor, Natalie Cole, Wynton Marsalis, and Norah Jones.
Willie Nelson, Wynton Marsalis, Diane Reeves, Michelle Branch, Big Kenny of Big & Rich, and a host of other musicians will serenade the Martell crowd. And at the end of the night, there’s a big, secret tribute planned to Michael Jackson.
Martell will also honor board members who passed away this year including my pal, and everyone’s, the great Michael Klenfner. Michael, one of the most successful promotion men in the history of the record business, loved the Martell Foundation and all its events. His passing is a loss for them.
There are probably tickets still available. Email kfitzpatrick@
MJFC / Showbiz411.com
'This Is It' Dancers Call MJ 'The Greatest'..(21/10/2009)
On October 27 at 8:30 p.m, just hours before Michael Jackson's "This Is It" opens in theaters, MTV will air a live red-carpet special from the documentary's gala premiere at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. As guests arrive and stop to chat about the impact of MJ on their own lives, we'll also be bringing you exclusive interviews with the director, choreographer, musicians and dancers who were rehearsing with Jackson during his final days.
"As a dancer, Michael is one of the most amazing improvisational artists I've ever seen in my life," said Misha Hamilton, a backup dancer for MJ's planned London comeback concerts. "He has his vocabulary of movement, but it seems like he's never done the same exact set of things twice."
That sentiment was backed up by Devin Jamieson, a self-described farm boy from Saskatchewan who was selected to be a backup dancer and who counts himself lucky to have seen an inside look at Jackson's meticulous commitment to putting on a stage show like no other. "We got to see the greatest," he explained. "And not only did we get to see him perform, but we got to see the building blocks, we got to see the process behind it and his work ethic. Being led by MJ was so solidifying, to know that you're going to be a part of the best thing the world has ever seen."
As huge a star as Jackson was, however, the performers were struck by his humble nature. "He didn't make a big entourage entrance," Jamieson said. "He wasn't the big superstar that entered the room and was demanding attention or anything."
The dancers are all accomplished artists in their own right, but performing alongside Jackson and taking in his knowledge of techniques like popping, locking and boogaloo changed their conception of what was possible on stage. "Dancing with Michael Jackson, I learned dancing over again," said Dutch-born Timor Steffens. "He is one with the music. If you see him on camera, you think, 'Damn, how does he do that?' If he's next to you performing and you see how he does every move, it's just amazing."
And it was during performances, Hamilton made clear, that Jackson was truly in his element. "You could tell he was just itching to get up and dance," he said of watching MJ during rehearsal downtime. "You could tell he was home [when] he was back on stage."
Don't miss "Michael Jackson's This Is It" Premiere Special, airing on MTV and VH1 on Tuesday, October 27 at 8:30 p.m. ET! "Michael Jackson's This Is It" opens in a limited engagement on October 27 and wide on October 28.
MJFC / MTV
"As a dancer, Michael is one of the most amazing improvisational
That sentiment was backed up by Devin Jamieson, a self-described farm boy from Saskatchewan who was selected to be a backup dancer and who counts himself lucky to have seen an inside look at Jackson's meticulous commitment to putting on a stage show like no other. "We got to see the greatest," he explained. "And not only did we get to see him perform, but we got to see the building blocks, we got to see the process behind it and his work ethic. Being led by MJ was so solidifying, to know that you're going to be a part of the best thing the world has ever seen."
As huge a star as Jackson was, however, the performers were struck by his humble nature. "He didn't make a big entourage entrance," Jamieson said. "He wasn't the big superstar that entered the room and was demanding attention or anything."
The dancers are all accomplished artists in their own right, but performing alongside Jackson and taking in his knowledge of techniques like popping, locking and boogaloo changed their conception of what was possible on stage. "Dancing with Michael Jackson, I learned dancing over again," said Dutch-born Timor Steffens. "He is one with the music. If you see him on camera, you think, 'Damn, how does he do that?' If he's next to you performing and you see how he does every move, it's just amazing."
And it was during performances, Hamilton made clear, that Jackson was truly in his element. "You could tell he was just itching to get up and dance," he said of watching MJ during rehearsal downtime. "You could tell he was home [when] he was back on stage."
Don't miss "Michael Jackson's This Is It" Premiere Special, airing on MTV and VH1 on Tuesday, October 27 at 8:30 p.m. ET! "Michael Jackson's This Is It" opens in a limited engagement on October 27 and wide on October 28.
MJFC / MTV
Ne-Yo Excited To See 'This Is It'...(19/10/2009)
Three days after the death of Michael Jackson, Ne-Yo took the stage at the BET Awards to croon a melodious tribute to the fallen King of Pop with a cover of "She's Out of My Life." He then returned to the stage alongside Jamie Foxx with a piano-driven rendition of "I'll Be There."
"I love you and I miss you," Ne-Yo declared during the show, citing Jackson as his artistic inspiration.
Less than two weeks from now, "Michael Jackson's This Is It," the documentary about the singer's final days as he prepped for his London comeback concerts, opens for a two-week theatrical run. As Ne-Yo told MTV News during a recent interview, he's itching to check out MJ on opening night.
All I've seen is what they've shown on TV — the little trailer, that's all I've seen. But I'm definitely looking forward to being one of the first in a theater somewhere to check that out."
As the R&B singer explained, Jackson not only provided Ne-Yo with his original musical guidance — MJ also continues to be the artistic ideal that Ne-Yo strives to achieve. "I've said on numerous occasions that Michael Jackson is half the reason I even sing," he said. "I've talked about how I learned to sing listening to Mike and Stevie Wonder and people of that nature. He's still an inspiration to me. I aspire to be what he was, as far as musically, as far as philanthropy and you name it, Michael Jackson was cream of the crop and I'm just trying to follow in his footsteps."
MJFC / MTV
"I love you and I miss you," Ne-Yo declared during the show, citing Jackson as his artistic inspiration.
Less than two weeks from now, "Michael Jackson's This Is It," the documentary about the singer's final days as he prepped for his London comeback concerts, opens for a two-week theatrical run. As Ne-Yo told MTV News during a recent interview, he's itching to check out MJ on opening night.
All I've seen is what they've shown on TV — the little trailer, that's all I've seen. But I'm definitely looking forward to being one of the first in a theater somewhere to check that out."
As the R&B singer explained, Jackson not only provided Ne-Yo with his original musical guidance — MJ also continues to be the artistic ideal that Ne-Yo strives to achieve. "I've said on numerous occasions that Michael Jackson is half the reason I even sing," he said. "I've talked about how I learned to sing listening to Mike and Stevie Wonder and people of that nature. He's still an inspiration to me. I aspire to be what he was, as far as musically, as far as philanthropy and you name it, Michael Jackson was cream of the crop and I'm just trying to follow in his footsteps."
MJFC / MTV
'This Is It' Makes Historic R&B Chart Debut...(16/10/2009)
With just a few days in rotation, Michael Jackson's "This Is It" has rocketed up the R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart to make a significant debut at number 43.
Released Sunday, "This Is It" becomes the late King of Pop's first entry on the R&B/Hip Hop songs chart since 2004 and according to Billboard, is ironically Jackson's 50th entry on the chart.
Trumping debuts from Snoop Dogg and R. Kelly, Jackson's single earned significant airplay and attention at radio and online after its debut early Monday morning.
While the song is currently unavailable as a single, it will appear on a forthcoming double disc set for release later this month.
MJFC / Billboard
Bid On Michael's Dirty Diana Jacket..(16/10/2009)
Artfact Live! is pleased to announce a number of exceptional collectibles auctions in the month of October are available for online bidding exclusively through Artfact Live! With over 5,000 lots being offered between October 21st and October 29th, these sales make Artfact Live! the destination for collectibles worldwide.
One of the many items up for auction is Michael Jackson's "Dirty Diana" Video Rehearsal Worn Leather Jacket. Accompanied by considerable documentation of its provenance, this black leather jacket is heavily decorated with numerous buckles, straps and zippers. It was designed by Michael Jackson’s personal costume designers, Dennis Tompkins and Michael Bush, and worn during rehearsals for 'Dirty Diana' his 5th number one song from the Bad album. Bidding opens at $75,000.
Other items up for auction include signed Michael Jackson contracts, lyrics and a fedora signed by the late King of Pop.
http://www.artfact.com/auction-lot/michael-jackson-s-dirty-diana-video-rehearsal-w-3-u-7d8e9a89a1
MJFC / Artfact Live
One of the many items up for auction is Michael Jackson's "Dirty Diana" Video Rehearsal Worn Leather Jacket. Accompanied by considerable documentation of its provenance, this black leather jacket is heavily decorated with numerous buckles, straps and zippers. It was designed by Michael Jackson’s personal costume designers, Dennis Tompkins and Michael Bush, and worn during rehearsals for 'Dirty Diana' his 5th number one song from the Bad album. Bidding opens at $75,000.
Other items up for auction include signed Michael Jackson contracts, lyrics and a fedora signed by the late King of Pop.
http:
MJFC / Artfact Live
The Truth Behind The Song “This Is It” Revealed..(13/10/2009)
When Michael Jackson’s new single, “This Is It,” was released on Sunday night, many listeners were surprised by its resemblance to “I Never Heard,” a 1991 track by the R&B singer Safire, which gave songwriting credit to Mr. Jackson and Paul Anka.
But no one was more surprised than Mr. Anka, who said in an interview on early in the day on Monday that he had not been contacted about the use of the song and that he was not given proper writing credit for the single, which now credits only Mr. Jackson as a writer.
“They have a major, major problem on their hands,” he said. “They will be sued if they don’t correct it.”
For Mr. Anka, the song has a long and painful history. He said in an interview that he and Mr. Jackson wrote and recorded it in 1983 in Mr. Anka’s studio in Carmel, Calif., and that it was intended as a duet for Mr. Anka’s album “Walk a Fine Line.” But shortly after it was recorded, Mr. Jackson took the tapes, Mr. Anka said. He threatened to sue to get them back, he said, and now has the original multitrack tapes in his possession, along with documentation that the copyright for the song was held by both.
It did not take long for the Jackson estate to move to rectify the situation. By late afternoon, Mr. Anka said, John McClain, a record executive and producer whom Mr. Jackson named in his will as an executor, called to acknowledge his co-authorship and promise “all due credit and royalties.” The estate also released a statement that said in part, “The song was co-written by the legendary Paul Anka.”
Mr. Anka also said that his lawyers were already negotiating with the estate for compensation.
“This Is It” was based on a tape that Mr. Jackson left behind, containing only his piano and vocal. Mr. McClain built a full arrangement around it, including backup vocals by Mr. Jackson’s brothers. Aside from a few major differences in the lyrics, the song is almost identical to “I Never Heard.”
Rob Stringer, the chairman of the Columbia/Epic Label Group, said in an interview on Sunday that he did not know when Mr. Jackson’s original tape had been recorded and that he had not known about its similarity to the Safire track until Mr. Jackson’s fans discussed it online over the weekend.
Mr. Anka said that Mr. McClain told him: “We took Sony 50 songs, and this was the best of all of them. My thought was that this one sounded different. Now I know why.”
MJSTAR/NYTimes
World Exclusive: Brand New Michael Jackson Track..(10/10/2009)
The brand new single by Michael Jackson has been leaked early before its official release.
SonyMusic..
Official Michael Jackson Toy To Be Released In Time For Xmas..(10/2009)
Japanese premier vinyl specialists Hot Toys have created a new set of Michael Jackson figures, showcasing the King of Pop exhibited on his famous Thriller music video. The figures will come in a 1/6 scale, featuring all the intricate details one would come to expect from a Hot Toys release.
A launch is set for December 2009 with a suggest retail price tag of ¥24,000 (Approx. $255 USD).
Below lists a set of photographs taken from the forthcoming Michael Jackson Thriller toy:
The toys have been licensed through Bravado – the official online company representing Michael Jackson’s merchandise.
GO TO LINK AND PRE-ORDER NOW:
http:
MSTAR/Hottoys
UNRELEASED MICHAEL JACKSON SONG "THIS IS IT" TO BE UNVEILED..(9/10/2009)
UNRELEASED MICHAEL JACKSON SONG "THIS IS IT" TO BE UNVEILED at MIDNIGHT ON
OCTOBER 12TH ON MICHAELJACKSON.COM
SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT DISCLOSES
TRACKLISTING OF MICHAEL JACKSON ALBUM
THIS IS IT...
NEW YORK, NY - At the stroke of 12 a.m. (midnight) EST on October 12th, a never-before released song from Michael Jackson - a single entitled "This Is It" - will be unveiled to the world on www.MichaelJackson.com "This Is It," a brand new song, marks yet another exciting moment in music history for one of the world’s most revered artists; featuring backing vocals by Michael’s brothers The Jacksons, the song plays during the closing sequence of Sony Pictures' forthcoming film MICHAEL JACKSON'S THIS IS IT and is on the 2-disc CD set Michael Jackson's This Is It, which is the stand-alone companion to the motion picture. The single artwork - a new photo of Michael taken recently at his Staples Center rehearsals - will also be disclosed.
Later this month, Sony Music Entertainment's Columbia/Epic Label Group will release the two-disc album Michael Jackson's This Is It internationally on October 26th and North America on October 27th to coincide with the worldwide release of the motion picture, which arrives in theaters on October 28th and runs for a limited two-week engagement.
Disc one features the original album masters of some of Michael's biggest hits such as "Billie Jean," "Smooth Criminal," "Human Nature," and "Thriller" arranged in the same sequence as they appear in the film. The disc ends with two versions of "This Is It," the original and an orchestral version. "This Is It" is featured in the film's closing sequence and includes backing vocals by Michael's brothers, the Jacksons.
Disc two offers fans a rare listen to the early demo versions of classics "She's Out Of My Life," "Wanna Be Startin'," "Somethin'," and "Beat It." This disc also features a recently discovered spoken word poem from Michael Jackson entitled "Planet Earth."
Michael Jackson's This Is It also includes a 36-page, commemorative booklet featuring exclusive photos of Michael from his last rehearsal.
THIS IS IT – COMPLETE TRACKLISTING
Disc 01
1.Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’
2.Jam
3.They Don’t Care About Us
4.Human Nature
5.Smooth Criminal
6.The Way You Make Me Feel
7.Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground)
8.I Just Can’t Stop Loving You
9.Thriller
10.Beat It
11.Black Or White
12.Earth Song
13.Billie Jean
14.Man In The Mirror
15.This Is It
16.This Is It (Orchestra Version)
Disc 02
1.She’s Out Of My Life (Demo)
2.Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ (Demo)
3.Beat It (Demo)
4.Planet Earth (Poem)
The motion picture MICHAEL JACKSON’S THIS IS IT will offer Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts that would have taken place beginning this summer in London's O2 Arena. Chronicling the months from March through June, 2009, the film is drawn from more than one hundred hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing a number of his songs for the show. Kenny Ortega, who was both Michael Jackson's creative partner and the director of the stage show, is also directing the film, which is being produced by Randy Phillips, Kenny Ortega and Paul Gongaware. Executive producers are John Branca and John McClain. The film will be distributed worldwide by Sony Pictures Releasing.
For more information about the film please visit www.thisisit-movie.com
michaeljackson.com
OCTOBER 12TH ON MICHAELJACKSON.
SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT DISCLOSES
TRACKLISTING OF MICHAEL JACKSON ALBUM
THIS IS IT...
NEW YORK, NY - At the stroke of 12 a.m. (midnight) EST on October 12th, a never-before released song from Michael Jackson - a single entitled "This Is It" - will be unveiled to the world on www.
Later this month, Sony Music Entertainment'
Disc one features the original album masters of some of Michael's biggest hits such as "Billie Jean," "Smooth Criminal," "Human Nature," and "Thriller" arranged in the same sequence as they appear in the film. The disc ends with two versions of "This Is It," the original and an orchestral version. "This Is It" is featured in the film's closing sequence and includes backing vocals by Michael's brothers, the Jacksons.
Disc two offers fans a rare listen to the early demo versions of classics "She's Out Of My Life," "Wanna Be Startin'," "Somethin'," and "Beat It." This disc also features a recently discovered spoken word poem from Michael Jackson entitled "Planet Earth."
Michael Jackson's This Is It also includes a 36-page, commemorative booklet featuring exclusive photos of Michael from his last rehearsal.
THIS IS IT – COMPLETE TRACKLISTING
Disc 01
1.Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’
2.Jam
3.They Don’t Care About Us
4.Human Nature
5.Smooth Criminal
6.The Way You Make Me Feel
7.Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground)
8.I Just Can’t Stop Loving You
9.Thriller
10.Beat It
11.Black Or White
12.Earth Song
13.Billie Jean
14.Man In The Mirror
15.This Is It
16.This Is It (Orchestra Version)
Disc 02
1.She’s Out Of My Life (Demo)
2.Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ (Demo)
3.Beat It (Demo)
4.Planet Earth (Poem)
The motion picture MICHAEL JACKSON’S THIS IS IT will offer Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-
For more information about the film please visit www.
michaeljackson.
MJ's Estate -- Mo' Money, Mo' Problems..(8/10/2009)
For what seems like the 4 billionth time, another former Michael Jackson associate claims the pop star stiffed him out of $180,400 back before MJ kicked the bucket.
This time, the claim comes from a former business manager who says Michael's brother Randy Jackson hired him to fix MJ's tax problems back in 2004.
According to the creditor's claim, filed by entertainment attorney Perry C. Wander today in L.A. County Superior Court, Don Stabler claims he spent 632 hours "dealing with others on [MJ's] behalf" -- a service for which he charged $325 per hour.
We're assuming the Jackson estate will throw this in the to-do list ... which has got to be one hell of a stack by now.
TMZ..
Michael Jackson to be given another award..(6/10/2009)
Michael to Be Given Award As Largest Donor in T.J. Martell Foundation History..
MADISON ‑ On the heels of its Oct. 4 annual walkathon in Madison, the T.J. Martell Foundation will hold its 34th annual Awards Gala, a celebratory evening of fund-raising to support research for cures and treatments for leukemia, cancer and AIDS, on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at the Hilton New York Hotel.
Bringing together leaders from a variety of industries, the T.J. Martell Foundation’s annual Awards Gala serves to provide recognition for humanitarian work, and to raise funds for innovative research and treatments in the fight against leukemia, cancer and AIDS.
The T.J. Martell Foundation was founded in 1975. T.J. Martell, son of music industry executive Tony Martell of Madison, was a young victim of leukemia. Before his death at 21, he convinced his father to promise he would raise $1 million to fight the disease. Since then, the foundation in T.J. Martell’s name has provided more than $225 million for research.
“For 34 years, we have raised funds for groundbreaking leukemia, cancer and AIDS research,” said Tony Martell, who created the foundation. “The proceeds from our Gala will allow us to provide our research facilities with the funds vital to their scientific achievement.”
Country music legend Willie Nelson will headline this year’s event with jazz great Dianne Reeves and up-and-coming artist Kristina Train, and the Gala will pay a special posthumous tribute, its first-ever Legend award, to the late Michael Jackson, the single largest donor in the T.J. Martell Foundation’s 34-year history.
Humanitarian Awards
The Gala will honor the work of humanitarians. The award recipients will include Jon Luther, executive chairman of Dunkin Brands, as “Humanitarian of the Year;” Bruce Lundvall, president of Blue Note Records, with a Lifetime Artistic Achievement Award, and John Esposito, president of Warner Music Nashville, with the Spirit of Excellence Award.
The T.J. Martell Foundation, having provided more than a quarter of a billion dollars for cancer, leukemia and AIDS research since 1975, hosts the annual awards Gala as a significant fund-raising event for its efforts. In addition to cocktails, dinner and a full evening of entertainment, a silent auction with one-of-a-kind auction items is part of the Gala. Auction packages will include autographed guitars from Kings of Leon and Gavin DeGraw, a personal demo critique by Phil Ramone, lunch with best selling author Jane Green, trips to exotic locales, and an autographed script from Rob Reiner.
‘We Are Getting Closer’
“There is no question that we are getting closer to finding a cure,” Tony Martell said. “Thanks to our supporters, we are saving and extending lives every day. We are profoundly grateful that we are able to continue our mission.”
The 34th annual Awards Gala will take place Wednesday, Oct. 28, at the Hilton Hotel in New York, located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas, near 54th Street. Cocktails will begin at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7:30 p.m.
To purchase tickets to the Gala or to make a donation, visit www.TJMartellFoundation.org . To make a quick and easy $5 donation, simply text “TJ” to 90999. Continental Airlines is the official airline of the T.J. Martell Foundation.
Research facilities funded by the foundation include the T.J. Martell Memorial Laboratories at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City; the Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles, Calif.; the Frances Williams Preston Laboratories at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, Tenn.; the Columbia-Presbyterian Cancer Center in New York City; the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center in Boston, and the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.
http://www.recordernewspapers.com/articles/2009/10/04/madison_eagle/latest_news/doc4ac94003d74d6297185410.txt
MaxJax..
MADISON ‑ On the heels of its Oct. 4 annual walkathon in Madison, the T.J. Martell Foundation will hold its 34th annual Awards Gala, a celebratory evening of fund-raising to support research for cures and treatments for leukemia, cancer and AIDS, on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at the Hilton New York Hotel.
Bringing together leaders from a variety of industries, the T.J. Martell Foundation’s annual Awards Gala serves to provide recognition for humanitarian work, and to raise funds for innovative research and treatments in the fight against leukemia, cancer and AIDS.
The T.J. Martell Foundation was founded in 1975. T.J. Martell, son of music industry executive Tony Martell of Madison, was a young victim of leukemia. Before his death at 21, he convinced his father to promise he would raise $1 million to fight the disease. Since then, the foundation in T.J. Martell’s name has provided more than $225 million for research.
“For 34 years, we have raised funds for groundbreaking leukemia, cancer and AIDS research,” said Tony Martell, who created the foundation. “The proceeds from our Gala will allow us to provide our research facilities with the funds vital to their scientific achievement.”
Country music legend Willie Nelson will headline this year’s event with jazz great Dianne Reeves and up-and-coming artist Kristina Train, and the Gala will pay a special posthumous tribute, its first-ever Legend award, to the late Michael Jackson, the single largest donor in the T.J. Martell Foundation’s 34-year history.
Humanitarian Awards
The Gala will honor the work of humanitarians. The award recipients will include Jon Luther, executive chairman of Dunkin Brands, as “Humanitarian of the Year;” Bruce Lundvall, president of Blue Note Records, with a Lifetime Artistic Achievement Award, and John Esposito, president of Warner Music Nashville, with the Spirit of Excellence Award.
The T.J. Martell Foundation, having provided more than a quarter of a billion dollars for cancer, leukemia and AIDS research since 1975, hosts the annual awards Gala as a significant fund-raising event for its efforts. In addition to cocktails, dinner and a full evening of entertainment, a silent auction with one-of-a-kind auction items is part of the Gala. Auction packages will include autographed guitars from Kings of Leon and Gavin DeGraw, a personal demo critique by Phil Ramone, lunch with best selling author Jane Green, trips to exotic locales, and an autographed script from Rob Reiner.
‘We Are Getting Closer’
“There is no question that we are getting closer to finding a cure,” Tony Martell said. “Thanks to our supporters, we are saving and extending lives every day. We are profoundly grateful that we are able to continue our mission.”
The 34th annual Awards Gala will take place Wednesday, Oct. 28, at the Hilton Hotel in New York, located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas, near 54th Street. Cocktails will begin at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7:30 p.m.
To purchase tickets to the Gala or to make a donation, visit www.
Research facilities funded by the foundation include the T.J. Martell Memorial Laboratories at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City; the Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles, Calif.; the Frances Williams Preston Laboratories at the Vanderbilt-
http:
MaxJax..
Autopsy Reveals MJ Was Healthy..(1/10/2009)
According to the autopsy report obtained by The Associated Press, Michael Jackson's arms were covered with punctures, his face and neck were scarred and he had tattooed eyebrows and lips, but he wasn't the sickly skeleton of a man portrayed by tabloids.
In fact, the Los Angeles County coroner's report shows Jackson was a fairly healthy 50-year-old before he died of an overdose. His 136 pounds were in the acceptable range for a 5-foot-9 man. His heart was strong with no sign of plaque buildup. And his kidneys and most other major organs were normal.
Still, Jackson had health issues: arthritis in the lower spine and some fingers, and mild plaque buildup in his leg arteries. Most serious was his lungs, which the autopsy report said were chronically inflamed and had reduced capacity that might have left him short of breath.
However, according to the document, the lung condition was not serious enough to be a direct or contributing cause of death.
"His overall health was fine," said Dr. Zeev Kain, chairman of the anesthesiology department at the University of California, Irvine, who reviewed a copy of the autopsy report for the AP. "The results are within normal limits."
Kain was not involved in the autopsy. The full autopsy report has not been released publicly, but the AP obtained a copy.
Jackson died at his rented Los Angeles mansion June 25 after his personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, administered the anesthetic propofol and two other sedatives to get the chronic insomniac to sleep, court documents state. Propofol, normally a surgical anesthetic used in operating rooms, acts as a respiratory depressant and requires constant monitoring,
Murray told police he left the room to use the bathroom and phone records show he also made calls for 47 minutes around the time Jackson encountered problems. When Murray realized Jackson was unresponsive, he began frantic efforts to revive him, but Jackson never regained consciousness and was declared dead at the University of California, Los Angeles Medical Center.
The coroner's office announced last month that Jackson's death was a homicide caused by "acute propofol intoxication," with the other sedatives listed as a contributing factor. They said the standard of care for administering propofol was not met and the recommended equipment for patient monitoring, precision dosing and resuscitation was missing.
Murray is the target of what Los Angeles police term a manslaughter investigation. The decision on criminal charges will come from the Los Angeles County district attorney's office. Murray has been interviewed twice by police.
Except for a brief video posted to YouTube, Murray has not spoken publicly since Jackson's death. In the video, he said: "I told the truth and I have faith the truth will prevail." Murray's attorney, Edward Chernoff, previously has said nothing Murray gave Jackson "should have" killed him.
Jackson was declared dead a little more than two hours after paramedics were called. Evidence of the desperate struggle to save the star were evident on his body. He had chest bruising and cracked ribs from CPR, and a mechanical device known as a balloon pump was inserted into his heart to try to restart it, according to the autopsy report.
Jackson's body was taken by helicopter to the coroner's office where the following morning Chief Medical Examiner Lakshmanan Sathyavagiswaran and Dr. Christopher Rogers carried out an extensive review and ordered a toxicology screening to look for drugs in his system.
Aside from propofol and the sedatives, the only substances found in his system were the local anesthetic, Lidocaine, sometimes used to numb injection sites and ephedrine, a commonly used resuscitation stimulant.
No other drugs - legal or otherwise - were detected, nor was any alcohol.
Kain said he was surprised that three other sedatives, known as benzodiazepines, were present with propofol. Anesthesiologists sometimes mix one "benzo" with propofol to help put a patient under, but using three increases the danger for the patient.
"People don't mix the benzodiazepines together because they interact with each other and increase the risk of respiratory arrest," Kain said, adding it was likely Jackson first stopped breathing and then suffered cardiac arrest.
The autopsy findings cut off a potential defense for Murray - that Jackson hid serious pre-existing conditions that increased the risk of death from the drugs he willingly took. Even if he did hide a condition such as his weakened lungs, a prosecutor could argue Murray should have detected the condition before administering drugs, said Michael Brennan, a clinical law professor at the University of Southern California who specializes in criminal defense.
"A doctor has some obligation to know what his patient's physical condition is," Brennan said. "The doctor is going to try to substantiate whatever the patient told him ... and not simply rely on a patient's descriptions of his physical condition."
At the time of his death Jackson was preparing for a series of comeback concerts in London. Rehearsals were rigorous and there were questions about whether Jackson would be physically able to hold up.
But aside from his lungs, the autopsy report did not identify any serious physical problems that might have limited Jackson's ability to perform. It also provided details about his physical state from head to toes.
He had a ¾-inch scar behind his left ear and another apparent scar behind his right ear. He had a scar beside each of his nostrils and another, 4-inch scar on his right shoulder. He had a pair of additional scars about 3-inches long at the base of his neck and smaller scars on his arms and wrist. He also had a small scar near his navel and a 2-inch scar on the right-hand side of his abdomen.
Kain said most of the scars appeared to be from plastic surgery though others, like a scar on the knee, could have been from a medical procedure.
The medical examiner found numerous punctures on both arms and on a knee and ankle. The leg punctures could have been from intravenous therapies not described in the autopsy report, Kain said.
Jackson had several tattoos, all them cosmetic, including dark tattoos in the areas of both eyebrows and under his eyes, and a pink tattoo around his lips.
He was going bald at the front of his head, with his remaining hair described as short and tightly curled. The bald part of his scalp was darkened with what appeared to be a tattoo stretching across the top of his head from ear to ear.
The coroner found depigmentation of his skin around his chest, abdomen, face and arms.
The coroner also found Jackson was actively producing sperm.
MJFC / AP
In fact, the Los Angeles County coroner's report shows Jackson was a fairly healthy 50-year-old before he died of an overdose. His 136 pounds were in the acceptable range for a 5-foot-9 man. His heart was strong with no sign of plaque buildup. And his kidneys and most other major organs were normal.
Still, Jackson had health issues: arthritis in the lower spine and some fingers, and mild plaque buildup in his leg arteries. Most serious was his lungs, which the autopsy report said were chronically inflamed and had reduced capacity that might have left him short of breath.
However, according to the document, the lung condition was not serious enough to be a direct or contributing cause of death.
"His overall health was fine," said Dr. Zeev Kain, chairman of the anesthesiology department at the University of California, Irvine, who reviewed a copy of the autopsy report for the AP. "The results are within normal limits."
Kain was not involved in the autopsy. The full autopsy report has not been released publicly, but the AP obtained a copy.
Jackson died at his rented Los Angeles mansion June 25 after his personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, administered the anesthetic propofol and two other sedatives to get the chronic insomniac to sleep, court documents state. Propofol, normally a surgical anesthetic used in operating rooms, acts as a respiratory depressant and requires constant monitoring,
Murray told police he left the room to use the bathroom and phone records show he also made calls for 47 minutes around the time Jackson encountered problems. When Murray realized Jackson was unresponsive, he began frantic efforts to revive him, but Jackson never regained consciousness and was declared dead at the University of California, Los Angeles Medical Center.
The coroner's office announced last month that Jackson's death was a homicide caused by "acute propofol intoxication," with the other sedatives listed as a contributing factor. They said the standard of care for administering propofol was not met and the recommended equipment for patient monitoring, precision dosing and resuscitation was missing.
Murray is the target of what Los Angeles police term a manslaughter investigation. The decision on criminal charges will come from the Los Angeles County district attorney's office. Murray has been interviewed twice by police.
Except for a brief video posted to YouTube, Murray has not spoken publicly since Jackson's death. In the video, he said: "I told the truth and I have faith the truth will prevail." Murray's attorney, Edward Chernoff, previously has said nothing Murray gave Jackson "should have" killed him.
Jackson was declared dead a little more than two hours after paramedics were called. Evidence of the desperate struggle to save the star were evident on his body. He had chest bruising and cracked ribs from CPR, and a mechanical device known as a balloon pump was inserted into his heart to try to restart it, according to the autopsy report.
Jackson's body was taken by helicopter to the coroner's office where the following morning Chief Medical Examiner Lakshmanan Sathyavagiswara
Aside from propofol and the sedatives, the only substances found in his system were the local anesthetic, Lidocaine, sometimes used to numb injection sites and ephedrine, a commonly used resuscitation stimulant.
No other drugs - legal or otherwise - were detected, nor was any alcohol.
Kain said he was surprised that three other sedatives, known as benzodiazepines
"People don't mix the benzodiazepines
The autopsy findings cut off a potential defense for Murray - that Jackson hid serious pre-existing conditions that increased the risk of death from the drugs he willingly took. Even if he did hide a condition such as his weakened lungs, a prosecutor could argue Murray should have detected the condition before administering drugs, said Michael Brennan, a clinical law professor at the University of Southern California who specializes in criminal defense.
"A doctor has some obligation to know what his patient's physical condition is," Brennan said. "The doctor is going to try to substantiate whatever the patient told him ... and not simply rely on a patient's descriptions of his physical condition."
At the time of his death Jackson was preparing for a series of comeback concerts in London. Rehearsals were rigorous and there were questions about whether Jackson would be physically able to hold up.
But aside from his lungs, the autopsy report did not identify any serious physical problems that might have limited Jackson's ability to perform. It also provided details about his physical state from head to toes.
He had a ¾-inch scar behind his left ear and another apparent scar behind his right ear. He had a scar beside each of his nostrils and another, 4-inch scar on his right shoulder. He had a pair of additional scars about 3-inches long at the base of his neck and smaller scars on his arms and wrist. He also had a small scar near his navel and a 2-inch scar on the right-hand side of his abdomen.
Kain said most of the scars appeared to be from plastic surgery though others, like a scar on the knee, could have been from a medical procedure.
The medical examiner found numerous punctures on both arms and on a knee and ankle. The leg punctures could have been from intravenous therapies not described in the autopsy report, Kain said.
Jackson had several tattoos, all them cosmetic, including dark tattoos in the areas of both eyebrows and under his eyes, and a pink tattoo around his lips.
He was going bald at the front of his head, with his remaining hair described as short and tightly curled. The bald part of his scalp was darkened with what appeared to be a tattoo stretching across the top of his head from ear to ear.
The coroner found depigmentation of his skin around his chest, abdomen, face and arms.
The coroner also found Jackson was actively producing sperm.
MJFC / AP
.Jackson daughter: Stress contributed to death...(1/10/2009)
Michael Jackson's eleven-year-old daughter has reportedly told her aunt LaToya the strain of preparing for planned gigs in London were too much for the singer to handle.
LaToya makes the claim on Channel 4's The Paul O'Grady show. She quoted her daughter as saying: "What happened is they worked him too hard. He never got the chance to rest. It was non-stop work."
LaToya, 53, tells the chat show host: "She said, 'No, you don't understand. They kept working him and Daddy didn't want that, but they worked him constantly'. I felt so bad."
She and her brother Jermaine paid tribute to Michael Jackson at the Mobo Music awards in Glasgow on Wednesday night
yahoo,.
LaToya makes the claim on Channel 4's The Paul O'Grady show. She quoted her daughter as saying: "What happened is they worked him too hard. He never got the chance to rest. It was non-stop work."
LaToya, 53, tells the chat show host: "She said, 'No, you don't understand. They kept working him and Daddy didn't want that, but they worked him constantly'. I felt so bad."
She and her brother Jermaine paid tribute to Michael Jackson at the Mobo Music awards in Glasgow on Wednesday night
yahoo,.
Michael Jackson:This Is It (2CD)..(26/9/2009)
Attention all UK Michael jackson fans,you can pre-order michael jacksons 'This Is It' Album from UK music site Play.com now..
Due for release on 26/10/2009
Price: £11.99
Pre-order Now!!
http://www.play.com/Music/CD/4-/11924566/This-Is-It/Product.html
MJcool
Due for release on 26/10/2009
Price: £11.99
Pre-order Now!!
http:
MJcool
This Is It single will only be available for radio stations..(25/9/2009)
“This Is It” will hit the airwaves on October 12, two weeks before it is available as part of a two-disc album release. Sony Music’s Columbia/Epic Label Group said it would release the “This Is It” album internationally on October 26 and in North America on October 27, to coincide with the simultaneous global release of the Michael Jackson movie of the same name on October 28.
A spokeswoman in London said that contrary to some reports, the posthumous single would not go on sale separately but would be available for radio stations to play from October 12.
KOP/ legendarymichaeljackson.nl/
A spokeswoman in London said that contrary to some reports, the posthumous single would not go on sale separately but would be available for radio stations to play from October 12.
KOP/ legendarymichae
Jackson tapes reveal singer's fears..(25/9/2009)
Pop superstar Michael Jackson feared the ravages of old age, sought the company of sycophants and appeared to be abusing prescription drugs and cosmetic surgery nearly a decade before his death, according to a new book by a former adviser. Skip related content
The Michael Jackson Tapes by Shmuley Boteach, based on 30 hours of taped interviews, provides eyewitness details about the performer's excesses and obsessions.
"I don't want to be seen now," Jackson confessed. "Because I am like a lizard. It is horrible."
The book suggests Jackson, who died on June 25 aged 50, seemed to sense during the interviews in 2000 and 2001 that his life was winding down.
"I would like some way to disappear where people don't see me anymore at some point," he said. "I don't want to grow old. I never want to look in the mirror and see that."
"He lost the will to live," Boteach told NBC television. "I think he was just going through the motions of life toward the end."
Jackson tells Boteach he had never asked a woman out on a date, although he admitted to having sexually charged phone conversations with Madonna.
In recounting one conversation, he said: "Madonna laid down the law to me before we went out," saying, "'I am not going to Disneyland, OK? That's out.'" Jackson said Madonna was jealous of him because his female fans screamed and swooned while her male fans were less demonstrative.
Madonna's spokeswoman, Liz Rosenberg, said: "Madonna has very fond feelings for Michael Jackson, and I don't think anything in the book is going to change that."
http://www.pressassociation.com/
The Michael Jackson Tapes by Shmuley Boteach, based on 30 hours of taped interviews, provides eyewitness details about the performer's excesses and obsessions.
"I don't want to be seen now," Jackson confessed. "Because I am like a lizard. It is horrible."
The book suggests Jackson, who died on June 25 aged 50, seemed to sense during the interviews in 2000 and 2001 that his life was winding down.
"I would like some way to disappear where people don't see me anymore at some point," he said. "I don't want to grow old. I never want to look in the mirror and see that."
"He lost the will to live," Boteach told NBC television. "I think he was just going through the motions of life toward the end."
Jackson tells Boteach he had never asked a woman out on a date, although he admitted to having sexually charged phone conversations with Madonna.
In recounting one conversation, he said: "Madonna laid down the law to me before we went out," saying, "'I am not going to Disneyland, OK? That's out.'" Jackson said Madonna was jealous of him because his female fans screamed and swooned while her male fans were less demonstrative.
Madonna's spokeswoman, Liz Rosenberg, said: "Madonna has very fond feelings for Michael Jackson, and I don't think anything in the book is going to change that."
http:
Michael Jackson Tribute Comic Book..(23/9/2009)
In October there is a new comic book being released by Bluewater Production honouring Michael called ‘Tribute: Michael Jackson Comic Book’.
The Comic book has been beautifully illustrated and can be pre-ordered now.
For further information, please click here.
http://www.bluewaterprod.com/news/MICHAEL_JACKSON_COMIC.php
http://www.tfaw.com/Search?quick_sstring=michael+jackson+tribute
Tribute Michael Jackson - King of Pop (Cover A)
Tribute Michael Jackson - King of Pop (Cover B)
To Pre-order go here:
http://www.tfaw.com/Search?quick_sstring=michael+jackson+tribute
MJWN..
The Comic book has been beautifully illustrated and can be pre-ordered now.
For further information, please click here.
http:
http:
Tribute Michael Jackson - King of Pop (Cover A)
Tribute Michael Jackson - King of Pop (Cover B)
To Pre-order go here:
http:
MJWN..
‘This Is It’ Europe..(22/9/2009)
Kinepolis cinemas in Europe have information on their web site regarding Michael’s ‘This Is It’ film in Europe.
For fans in Belgium or The Netherlands – Please Go here:
http:
For fans in France – Please Go here:
http:
For fans in Spain – Please Go here:
http:
For fans in Switzerland – Please Go here:
http:
MJWN..
3,000 Seats Available for Advance Screenings of This is it..(21/9/2009)
EXCLUSIVE: 3,000 Seats Available for Advance Screenings of Michael Jackson Film.
AEG President and CEO Tim Leiweke exclusively announced on Ryan's radio show Monday that Michael Jackson's biggest fans will have the opportunity to reserve seats for L.A.'s first screening's of Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT
Only 3,000 tickets will be available for the screenings and the first 500 fans will win special commemorative tickets created and designed by Michael Jackson for the London Concerts. (Limit one lenticularly-printed commemorative ticket for every two movie tickets purchased.)
No internet sales will be available for the special advance screenings at Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE Stadium 14. All later shows will be available for puchase online. L.A. LIVE is the only location worldwide where fans can buy tickets in person.
Ticket purchases will be limited to two per person.
IMPORTANT DATES:
September 24 - 5:00PM - Fans can begin to line up at L.A. LIVE on Nokia Plaza to purchase tickets to the special advance screenings of Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT taking place on October 27 beginning at 9:00PM
September 27 - 12:01AM - Tickets go on sale exclusively at L.A. Live on Nokia Plaza for the special advance screenings taking place at the band new Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE Stadium 14 on October 27.
October 27 - Grand opening of Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE Stadium 14 with special advance screenings of Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT on all 14 screens.
October 28 - Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE Stadium 14 begins limited engagement run of Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT.
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfIic0bXU74
Only 3,000 tickets will be available for the screenings and the first 500 fans will win special commemorative tickets created and designed by Michael Jackson for the London Concerts. (Limit one lenticularly-printed commemorative ticket for every two movie tickets purchased.)
No internet sales will be available for the special advance screenings at Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE Stadium 14. All later shows will be available for puchase online. L.A. LIVE is the only location worldwide where fans can buy tickets in person.
Ticket purchases will be limited to two per person.
IMPORTANT DATES:
September 24 - 5:00PM - Fans can begin to line up at L.A. LIVE on Nokia Plaza to purchase tickets to the special advance screenings of Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT taking place on October 27 beginning at 9:00PM
September 27 - 12:01AM - Tickets go on sale exclusively at L.A. Live on Nokia Plaza for the special advance screenings taking place at the band new Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE Stadium 14 on October 27.
October 27 - Grand opening of Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE Stadium 14 with special advance screenings of Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT on all 14 screens.
October 28 - Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE Stadium 14 begins limited engagement run of Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT.
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfIic0bXU74
MJSUNIFC..
Official MJ Commemorative Coins Released..(21/9/2009)
Bravado, the world's leading global music merchandising company, has partnered with The First Commemorative Mint, Inc. to be the exclusive worldwide manufacturer of the ONLY official coins and coin collections available featuring the images of entertainment icon Michael Jackson. The commemorative coins and collections are being produced and approved under a license from the Estate of Michael Jackson. The announcement was made today by Tom Bennett, Chief Executive Officer of Bravado, and Bernie Neumark, President and CEO of the First Commemorative Mint.
Michael Jackson fans can now enjoy his likeness on high-quality mint condition, previously uncirculated United States coins. The coins and collection features a variety of iconic Michael Jackson images on state coins and on special coins, such as the Silver Eagle Dollar coin. For example, the Michael Jackson 5 Decades Coin Collection features an image of Jackson from the 1960's, 1970's, 1980's, 1990's and 2000's professionally colored onto various state quarters and showcased in a custom designed case.
"The value of the Michael Jackson coins lie in their unique status as both official collectibles and legal tender issues," stated Mr. Neumark. "This has never been possible before so we are excited about the opportunity. Each new coin will be a coveted first edition, so there will be tremendous demand from both coin collectors as well as Michael Jackson fans. Most coins will be produced in limited editions which will add to their scarcity and historic importance."
The Michael Jackson Commemorative Coin Collection is now available through Home Shopping Network's (HSN) television network and online website, www.hsn.com, and through retailers worldwide.
About First Commemorative Mint:
FCMint is one of the nation's leading coin retailers, and it helped develop the technology to enhance United States coins with permanent colorized images. It markets coins and other collectibles through Internet sales, television shopping networks, direct mail and retail outlets. Recent colorized coins include tributes to President Barack Obama on the occasion of his inauguration, as well as colorized State Quarters, Kennedy Half Dollars, Presidential Dollars and Silver Eagle Dollars.
Visit www.fcmint.com to learn more about the First Commemorative Mint.
MJFC
About First Commemorative Mint:
FCMint is one of the nation's leading coin retailers, and it helped develop the technology to enhance United States coins with permanent colorized images. It markets coins and other collectibles through Internet sales, television shopping networks, direct mail and retail outlets. Recent colorized coins include tributes to President Barack Obama on the occasion of his inauguration, as well as colorized State Quarters, Kennedy Half Dollars, Presidential Dollars and Silver Eagle Dollars.
Visit www.fcmint.com to learn more about the First Commemorative Mint.
MJFC
'Tough' talking Michael Jackson:18/9/2009)
Michael Jackson "talked tough" and had a deep voice.
According to one of the late pop superstar's closest friends, concert promoter David Gest, Michael's real voice was heavy and powerful and nothing like the high-pitched whimper he used when speaking publicly.
David said: "I'm showing an interview I did with Michael that shows him talking in his real voice, like, 'C'mon David, let's get it done now.' "
Mimicking Michael's famous high-pitched tone, he added: "You know - he doesn't talk like, 'Hi, how are you?' He talks very, very tough. I'm telling you the truth."
Fans were shocked earlier this year when Michael announced his 'This Is It' London residency in an unusually deep voice - which prompted speculation as to whether an impersonator had appeared instead of the 'King of Pop'.
David, 56, is making a documentary called 'My Best Friend Michael' which he promises will show this real side of the 'Thriller' singer.
Since his untimely passing in June, David has been in regular contact with the Jackson family, and revealed Michael's mother Katherine is struggling with the loss of her son.
Appearing on British TV show 'Live From Studio Five', David - who had Michael as his best man when he married Liza Minnelli in 2002 - said: "I went to the funeral about two months ago and I speak to his mother about every week.
"It's very hard on Mrs. Jackson, to bury a son when a son's supposed to bury a mother. She's trying to cope, but she's a very strong woman, she helped raise me when I was a kid."
bangshowbiz.com
According to one of the late pop superstar's closest friends, concert promoter David Gest, Michael's real voice was heavy and powerful and nothing like the high-pitched whimper he used when speaking publicly.
David said: "I'm showing an interview I did with Michael that shows him talking in his real voice, like, 'C'mon David, let's get it done now.' "
Mimicking Michael's famous high-pitched tone, he added: "You know - he doesn't talk like, 'Hi, how are you?' He talks very, very tough. I'm telling you the truth."
Fans were shocked earlier this year when Michael announced his 'This Is It' London residency in an unusually deep voice - which prompted speculation as to whether an impersonator had appeared instead of the 'King of Pop'.
David, 56, is making a documentary called 'My Best Friend Michael' which he promises will show this real side of the 'Thriller' singer.
Since his untimely passing in June, David has been in regular contact with the Jackson family, and revealed Michael's mother Katherine is struggling with the loss of her son.
Appearing on British TV show 'Live From Studio Five', David - who had Michael as his best man when he married Liza Minnelli in 2002 - said: "I went to the funeral about two months ago and I speak to his mother about every week.
"It's very hard on Mrs. Jackson, to bury a son when a son's supposed to bury a mother. She's trying to cope, but she's a very strong woman, she helped raise me when I was a kid."
bangshowbiz.com
Jackson Estate Scores Deal on "This is It"..(17/9/2009)
We've learned lawyers for Michael Jackson's estate went to court today and the probate judge gave permission for them to strike a deal with Sony Music for the production and distribution of a soundtrack album in connection with the "This is It" film release.
Sources say Sony and the estate have reached an agreement.
http://www.tmz.com/2009/09/17/michael-jackson-sony-this-is-it-film-soundtrack/
New Michael Jackson Recordings to Be Released This Fall..(15/9/2009)
Legendary Engineer of Original Jackson Hits Mixing New Tracks Just Discovered in Motown Vaults.
Written by Joe Klein with Brett Bumeter
Hot on the heels of the MTV Video Music Awards telecast that featured multiple tributes to Michael Jackson and just days before Oprah Winfrey will be airing her own televised homage to the King of Pop,comes the word that a number of early recordings of Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 have been unearthed and are set for a November release.
The precious gems sat unnoticed, buried deep in the vaults of Motown Records for decades. As of this writing, there are no less than 11 newly discovered songs, never put out as singles or included on any Jackson 5 or Michael Jackson albums, which are now in the process of being mixed for the first NEW Jackson 5 album in decades.
Russ Terrana, the very same gifted recording engineer who mixed all of the original Jackson 5 and Michael Jackson records 40 years ago, has confirmed that he is mixing down new Motown tracks never before released nor heard by the public. Terrana also recorded and mixed hits for virtually every other major Motown star and superstars from other labels as well, including the No. 1 hit "Didn't We Almost Have It All" by Whitney Houston.
The news of the discovery of a cache of historically significant recordings comes on the heels of a succession of wild rumors and speculation about the existence of hundreds of so-called "lost" Michael Jackson recordings.
But this is the first bona fide report of an actual "find" of never-before-heard performances of the late pop icon or his musical brothers.
The songs on the newly recovered masters were never mixed down or otherwise prepared for public release until now, and it's most likely these tracks have only been heard by the group, the producer at the session, the people in the studio and Berry Gordy himself back when they were being recorded in 1969 or 1970.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2172551/new_michael_jackson_recordings_to_be.html?cat=33
Written by Joe Klein with Brett Bumeter
Hot on the heels of the MTV Video Music Awards telecast that featured multiple tributes to Michael Jackson and just days before Oprah Winfrey will be airing her own televised homage to the King of Pop,comes the word that a number of early recordings of Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 have been unearthed and are set for a November release.
The precious gems sat unnoticed, buried deep in the vaults of Motown Records for decades. As of this writing, there are no less than 11 newly discovered songs, never put out as singles or included on any Jackson 5 or Michael Jackson albums, which are now in the process of being mixed for the first NEW Jackson 5 album in decades.
Russ Terrana, the very same gifted recording engineer who mixed all of the original Jackson 5 and Michael Jackson records 40 years ago, has confirmed that he is mixing down new Motown tracks never before released nor heard by the public. Terrana also recorded and mixed hits for virtually every other major Motown star and superstars from other labels as well, including the No. 1 hit "Didn't We Almost Have It All" by Whitney Houston.
The news of the discovery of a cache of historically significant recordings comes on the heels of a succession of wild rumors and speculation about the existence of hundreds of so-called "lost" Michael Jackson recordings.
But this is the first bona fide report of an actual "find" of never-
The songs on the newly recovered masters were never mixed down or otherwise prepared for public release until now, and it's most likely these tracks have only been heard by the group, the producer at the session, the people in the studio and Berry Gordy himself back when they were being recorded in 1969 or 1970.
http:
Michael Jackson's wishes..(13/9/2009)
Michael Jackson wrote a series of 'wishes for the world' the day he died.
The late pop star - who died of acute Propofol intoxication on June 25 - left several motivational, handwritten notes in his bathroom before he passed away to help mentally prepare him for his London 'This Is It' shows.
A source told Britain's News of the World newspaper: "These notes show that Michael was positive until the last - but also what a mess his mind must have been as he fought to keep it all together towards the end."
One of the notes read: "I am so grateful that I am a magnet for miracles."
The phrase 'magnet for miracles' is one often used by self-help programmes in the US for recovering alcoholics and it is believed regular repetition could improve your success of beating addiction.
Another note pinned to his mirror read: "Love, no violence ever! Remember a beautiful future promise of tomorrow."
Friends of the late 'King of Pop's say these words show he was positive, happy and upbeat in his final days.
One explained: "I think this reveals how positive Michael was until the last. He was such a sweet natured man who saw the good in everyone. The note about a beautiful future is especially sad as it shows he was looking forward to a successful, happy life."
Michael also used the notes to remind himself to perform his 1985 charity single 'We Are the World' - which he recorded with Lionel Ritchie - during his record-breaking 50-date residency at London's O2 Arena.
Meanwhile, a hand-written reminder to "Call Temperton" - believed to be British song-writer and producer Rob Temperton, who Michael recorded 'Thriller' and 'Rock With You' with - was propped up in the room with his agent Dr Tohme Tohme's business card and a note to call him too.
Pals of the troubled singer say his addiction to prescription drugs was affecting his memory.
The source added: "It's worrying that he had to write reminders about things as obvious as these while he was rehearsing for his tour. And he would have had Dr Tohme's number in his phone - so why would he need the card?
"But the drugs he was taking obviously had a huge impact on his mind."
Meanwhile, it has been revealed Michael's three children - Prince Michael I, 12, Paris, 11 and seven-year-old Prince Michael II, aka 'Blanket' - will be protected "like royalty" by a team of six bodyguards.
Jackson family lawyers have drafted in the team at a cost of £750,000 a year to look after the children, who are being looked after by Michael's mother Katherine.
bangshowbiz.com
The late pop star - who died of acute Propofol intoxication on June 25 - left several motivational, handwritten notes in his bathroom before he passed away to help mentally prepare him for his London 'This Is It' shows.
A source told Britain's News of the World newspaper: "These notes show that Michael was positive until the last - but also what a mess his mind must have been as he fought to keep it all together towards the end."
One of the notes read: "I am so grateful that I am a magnet for miracles."
The phrase 'magnet for miracles' is one often used by self-help programmes in the US for recovering alcoholics and it is believed regular repetition could improve your success of beating addiction.
Another note pinned to his mirror read: "Love, no violence ever! Remember a beautiful future promise of tomorrow."
Friends of the late 'King of Pop's say these words show he was positive, happy and upbeat in his final days.
One explained: "I think this reveals how positive Michael was until the last. He was such a sweet natured man who saw the good in everyone. The note about a beautiful future is especially sad as it shows he was looking forward to a successful, happy life."
Michael also used the notes to remind himself to perform his 1985 charity single 'We Are the World' - which he recorded with Lionel Ritchie - during his record-
Meanwhile, a hand-written reminder to "Call Temperton" - believed to be British song-writer and producer Rob Temperton, who Michael recorded 'Thriller' and 'Rock With You' with - was propped up in the room with his agent Dr Tohme Tohme's business card and a note to call him too.
Pals of the troubled singer say his addiction to prescription drugs was affecting his memory.
The source added: "It's worrying that he had to write reminders about things as obvious as these while he was rehearsing for his tour. And he would have had Dr Tohme's number in his phone - so why would he need the card?
"But the drugs he was taking obviously had a huge impact on his mind."
Meanwhile, it has been revealed Michael's three children - Prince Michael I, 12, Paris, 11 and seven-year-old Prince Michael II, aka 'Blanket' - will be protected "like royalty" by a team of six bodyguards.
Jackson family lawyers have drafted in the team at a cost of £750,000 a year to look after the children, who are being looked after by Michael's mother Katherine.
bangshowbiz.com
Announcement: 2009 MTV VMA's To Broadcast This Is It Trailer..(10/9/2009)
MTV TO EXCLUSIVELY DEBUT TRAILER FROM MICHAEL JACKSON'S THIS IS IT DURING "2009 MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS" ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 AT 9PM ET/PT
New York, NY (September 10, 2009) -- MTV is partnering with Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment to exclusively premiere the official trailer from the highly anticipated film Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT during the "2009 Video Music Awards" on Sunday, September 13, 2009 at 9PM (Live ET/Tape delayed PT). The trailer debut on the "Video Music Awards" will provide audiences their first look at the extraordinary new film which opens worldwide in theaters for a two-week limited engagement beginning October 28, 2009.
Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT will offer Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts that would have taken place beginning this summer in London's O2 Arena. Chronicling the months from April through June, 2009, the film is produced with the full support of the Estate of Michael Jackson and drawn from more than one hundred hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing a number of his songs for the show. Audiences will be given a privileged and private look at Jackson as he has never been seen before. In raw and candid detail, Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT captures the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect, creative genius and great artist at work as he creates and perfects his final show. Kenny Ortega, who was both Michael Jackson's creative partner and the director of the stage show is also directing the film, which is being produced by Randy Phillips, Kenny Ortega and Paul Gongaware. Executive producers are John Branca and John McClain. The film will be distributed worldwide by Sony Pictures Releasing. Tickets for the limited two-week engagement of the film go on sale beginning September 27.
The movie website www.thisisit-movie.com will be launched simultaneously with the trailer debut on the Video Music Awards. For more information on the film, please visit the website after the trailer is presented during the show.
The trailer for Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT will make its debut in theaters on September 18th with the Sony Pictures Animation release of Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs.
MTV will be promoting the trailer with MTV News and during promotion spots that will air throughout the week leading up to the debut of the Video Music Awards.
As previously announced, comedian Russell Brand will host the show, and Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Lady Gaga, Green Day, P!nk, Taylor Swift and Muse are confirmed to perform. In addition, Katy Perry, Ne-Yo, Nelly Furtado, Chace Crawford, Leighton Meester and Miranda Cosgrove are confirmed presenters. Wale and the legendary go go band UCB are the official VMAs house band and will collaborate with artists including The All-American Rejects, Pitbull and 3OH!3. The "2009 MTV Video Music Awards" will air live on Sunday, September 13, 2009 at 9PM (Live ET/Tape delayed PT) and on Sunday, September 20 at 5pm ET with Spanish subtitles on MTV Tr3?s.
MTV News and V CAST from Verizon Wireless are giving customers an All Access video pass to the 2009 VMAs, with an unprecedented inside look at the making of the biggest music event of the year. Verizon Wireless customers can sign up for VMA text alerts by texting VIP to 8911 to receive VMA news insider reports delivered directly to their Verizon Wireless phones.
Viewers can vote for the "Best New Artist" category throughout the show, live on September 13.
MTV, Pepsi and Rock BandT have created a new category at this year's VMAs, "Best Performance in a Pepsi Rock Band Video" that allows fans, for the first time, a chance to win their very own Moonman. This summer, contestants entered their original Rock BandT music videos, which fans voted on to select the ultimate winner. The winning band will travel to the "2009 MTV Video Music Awards," walk the red carpet, receive their Moonman, and be featured in an MTV produced promotional spot airing the night of the show.
Shugoll Research and Telescope are the Official Business Advisors of the "2009 MTV Video Music Awards" Nominee and Winner Voting periods.
Jesse Ignjatovic/Den of Thieves is the Executive Producer for the "2009 MTV Video Music Awards." Dave Sirulnick is Executive Producer. Garrett English is co-Executive Producer/Executive in Charge of Production. Amy Doyle is co-Executive Producer. Joanna Bomberg is Executive in Charge of Music and Talent. Jen Jones is Producer. Hamish Hamilton is Director. Robin Reinhardt-Locke is Celebrity Talent Executive.
Official sponsors of the "2009 MTV Video Music Awards" are 5 ® Gum, Febreze, Pepsi, Rhapsody ®, Sears, Taco Bell ®, U.S. Army and Verizon Wireless.
The "2009 MTV Video Music Awards" will be available to a potential viewing audience of more than 1.2 billion people via MTV's global network of 68 channels reaching 577 million households around the world as well as through syndication. In addition, its convergent programming & content will reach the entire interactive community, via MTV's more than 200 digital media properties around the world.
Sony Music
New York, NY (September 10, 2009) -- MTV is partnering with Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment to exclusively premiere the official trailer from the highly anticipated film Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT during the "2009 Video Music Awards" on Sunday, September 13, 2009 at 9PM (Live ET/Tape delayed PT). The trailer debut on the "Video Music Awards" will provide audiences their first look at the extraordinary new film which opens worldwide in theaters for a two-week limited engagement beginning October 28, 2009.
Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT will offer Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-
The movie website www.
The trailer for Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT will make its debut in theaters on September 18th with the Sony Pictures Animation release of Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs.
MTV will be promoting the trailer with MTV News and during promotion spots that will air throughout the week leading up to the debut of the Video Music Awards.
As previously announced, comedian Russell Brand will host the show, and Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Lady Gaga, Green Day, P!nk, Taylor Swift and Muse are confirmed to perform. In addition, Katy Perry, Ne-Yo, Nelly Furtado, Chace Crawford, Leighton Meester and Miranda Cosgrove are confirmed presenters. Wale and the legendary go go band UCB are the official VMAs house band and will collaborate with artists including The All-American Rejects, Pitbull and 3OH!3. The "2009 MTV Video Music Awards" will air live on Sunday, September 13, 2009 at 9PM (Live ET/Tape delayed PT) and on Sunday, September 20 at 5pm ET with Spanish subtitles on MTV Tr3?s.
MTV News and V CAST from Verizon Wireless are giving customers an All Access video pass to the 2009 VMAs, with an unprecedented inside look at the making of the biggest music event of the year. Verizon Wireless customers can sign up for VMA text alerts by texting VIP to 8911 to receive VMA news insider reports delivered directly to their Verizon Wireless phones.
Viewers can vote for the "Best New Artist" category throughout the show, live on September 13.
MTV, Pepsi and Rock BandT have created a new category at this year's VMAs, "Best Performance in a Pepsi Rock Band Video" that allows fans, for the first time, a chance to win their very own Moonman. This summer, contestants entered their original Rock BandT music videos, which fans voted on to select the ultimate winner. The winning band will travel to the "2009 MTV Video Music Awards," walk the red carpet, receive their Moonman, and be featured in an MTV produced promotional spot airing the night of the show.
Shugoll Research and Telescope are the Official Business Advisors of the "2009 MTV Video Music Awards" Nominee and Winner Voting periods.
Jesse Ignjatovic/Den of Thieves is the Executive Producer for the "2009 MTV Video Music Awards." Dave Sirulnick is Executive Producer. Garrett English is co-Executive Producer/
Official sponsors of the "2009 MTV Video Music Awards" are 5 ® Gum, Febreze, Pepsi, Rhapsody ®, Sears, Taco Bell ®, U.S. Army and Verizon Wireless.
The "2009 MTV Video Music Awards" will be available to a potential viewing audience of more than 1.2 billion people via MTV's global network of 68 channels reaching 577 million households around the world as well as through syndication. In addition, its convergent programming & content will reach the entire interactive community, via MTV's more than 200 digital media properties around the world.
Sony Music
Michael Jackson VMA 2009 Tribute Promo Ad..(10/9/2009)
Replicas of Michael Jackson's iconic jeweled glove rain from the sky in a tribute like no other to the King of Pop.
This is the tribute promo video for Sundays MTV Video Music Awards, which promises a tribute like no other to a performer like no other. Janet Jackson will perform a dance tribute to Michael at Sundays show with 20 dancers.
'This Is It' Movie Poster..(9/9/2009)
Sony Pictures has released the official poster for their upcoming release 'This Is It' on October 28, 2009. The film chronicles the months before Michael Jackson's sudden death, as he rehearsed and planned for his 50 date residency at London’s O2 Arena.
Director Kenny Ortega calls this film,
A gift to Michael’s fans”
It promises to be an intimate look at Michael Jackson, preparing for,
The greatest concert that no-one got a chance to see.”
It will undoubtedly play on the tragedy inherent in the death of any influential person, chopped down before their time, and leaving concerts unplayed, songs unwritten, and words never spoken. Some beauty lost to the world forever.
MJFC
MJFCTribute Concert Performers Announced..(8/9/2009)
Mary J. Blige, Chris Brown and Natalie Cole will be among the top artists performing at a Sept. 26 Michael Jackson tribute concert in Vienna, organizers said Tuesday.
Jackson's brother Jermaine told reporters that up to 25 performers are expected to perform outside a 17th-century palace in the Austrian capital. More names will be unveiled later this week in London and Berlin, he said.
Sister Sledge, Akon, Angela Bassett, and the Germany-based boy band US5 are also among the 13 artists confirmed so far, Jackson and event promoter Georg Kindel said. Jackson's original band and dancers will also perform.
All the artists will play some of Jackson's greatest hits at the concert, including "Thriller," ''Billie Jean" and "Black or White."
Organizers are billing the event as the main global tribute to Jackson, who died June 25 in Los Angeles. Jackson's family and children will be in Vienna, and 65,000 fans are expected to attend, Kindel said.
Organizers say the tribute will be held on a large crown-shaped stage to be built in front of Vienna's former imperial Schoenbrunn Palace, one of the Austrian capital's top tourist attractions.
Jermaine Jackson has said Vienna was chosen as the venue because his brother "loved castles," and because Jermaine was impressed with how a smaller tribute held in July outside a mothballed nuclear power plant was organized.
Negotiations are ongoing to select a broadcaster to show the event live to an estimated 1 billion fans worldwide, Jackson said.
MJFC / AP
Jackson's brother Jermaine told reporters that up to 25 performers are expected to perform outside a 17th-century palace in the Austrian capital. More names will be unveiled later this week in London and Berlin, he said.
Sister Sledge, Akon, Angela Bassett, and the Germany-based boy band US5 are also among the 13 artists confirmed so far, Jackson and event promoter Georg Kindel said. Jackson's original band and dancers will also perform.
All the artists will play some of Jackson's greatest hits at the concert, including "Thriller," ''Billie Jean" and "Black or White."
Organizers are billing the event as the main global tribute to Jackson, who died June 25 in Los Angeles. Jackson's family and children will be in Vienna, and 65,000 fans are expected to attend, Kindel said.
Organizers say the tribute will be held on a large crown-shaped stage to be built in front of Vienna's former imperial Schoenbrunn Palace, one of the Austrian capital's top tourist attractions.
Jermaine Jackson has said Vienna was chosen as the venue because his brother "loved castles," and because Jermaine was impressed with how a smaller tribute held in July outside a mothballed nuclear power plant was organized.
Negotiations are ongoing to select a broadcaster to show the event live to an estimated 1 billion fans worldwide, Jackson said.
MJFC / AP
Jackson's glove sells for £29,500..(6/9/2009)
A bejewelled white glove Michael Jackson tossed to an Australian fan more than a decade ago has sold at auction for 57,600 Australian dollars (£29,500).
Charlotte Stanes, spokeswoman for the Melbourne auction house Bonhams and Goodman, said a buyer for the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas beat five others for the late King of Pop's glove.
Jackson visited Australia in 1996 as part of his HIStory world tour.
While in Sydney, he attended the Australian premiere of the film Ghosts, in which he had a starring role.
National head of collectables Giles Moon said at the end of the screening, Jackson tossed the glove at audience member Bill Hibble, who has since died.
Jackson died in June aged 50.
Yahoo...
Charlotte Stanes, spokeswoman for the Melbourne auction house Bonhams and Goodman, said a buyer for the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas beat five others for the late King of Pop's glove.
Jackson visited Australia in 1996 as part of his HIStory world tour.
While in Sydney, he attended the Australian premiere of the film Ghosts, in which he had a starring role.
National head of collectables Giles Moon said at the end of the screening, Jackson tossed the glove at audience member Bill Hibble, who has since died.
Jackson died in June aged 50.
Yahoo...
Keep Michael Shining..(2/9/2009)
MichaelJackson.com has a new video which is a ‘must see’ for all Michael fans. It is produced by a hip hop group from California and was made to promote the campaign to ‘Keep Michael Shining’.
It contains great lyrics, amazing visual effects and spectacular costumes..
MJWN..
Auction Items Still In Limbo..(2/9/2009)
The auction items Michael Jackson fought to have returned to him before he died are still not in his estate's possession ... and it's all because MJ's former manager won't let the auction house give the stuff back.
The drama began back in May, when Julien's Auction House filed documents saying they couldn't return the property to Michael because someone else was trying to claim it too: Dr. Tohme Tohme.
In new documents filed by Julien's, they say Dr. Tohme² still hasn't signed release papers for the property -- which is the final step in returning Michael's stuff to its rightful owner.
We spoke to Jerry Hawxhurst -- a lawyer for Julien's -- who said Tohme has had the papers for nearly a month. Jerry said if Tohme doesn't sign the papers within the next few weeks, he'll have to take MJ's estate and Tohme to court.
Jerry said this would be "completely unnecessary" and a waste of time and money.
Source: TMZ
The drama began back in May, when Julien's Auction House filed documents saying they couldn't return the property to Michael because someone else was trying to claim it too: Dr. Tohme Tohme.
In new documents filed by Julien's, they say Dr. Tohme² still hasn't signed release papers for the property -- which is the final step in returning Michael's stuff to its rightful owner.
We spoke to Jerry Hawxhurst -- a lawyer for Julien's -- who said Tohme has had the papers for nearly a month. Jerry said if Tohme doesn't sign the papers within the next few weeks, he'll have to take MJ's estate and Tohme to court.
Jerry said this would be "completely unnecessary" and a waste of time and money.
Source: TMZ
Death Certificate Reflects Homicide Ruling..(2/9/2009)
Michael Jackson's death certificate has been amended to reflect his cause of death as a homicide, specifying "injection by another" as the fatal injury.
The designation was not a surprise - coroner's officials said last week that they believed Jackson's death on June 25 was a homicide.
Investigators have said a mix of the powerful anesthetic propofol and another sedative killed the pop singer. The new record lists "acute propofol intoxication" as the main cause of death and "benzodiazepine effect" as another significant contributor.
The public copy of Jackson's death certificate has not been changed to reflect his permanent resting place. Jackson is scheduled to be interred on Thursday evening at Forest Lawn Glendale.
The document does not mention Dr. Conrad Murray, who was Jackson's personal physician. He told detectives that he gave the singer a series of sedatives and propofol to try to help him sleep.
The coroner's determination of homicide makes it easier for prosecutors to seek criminal charges, but does not necessarily mean a crime was committed. Authorities investigating the singer's death have served search warrants in at least three states, California, Nevada and Texas.
No criminal charges have been filed over Jackson's death.
MJFC / AP
The designation was not a surprise - coroner's officials said last week that they believed Jackson's death on June 25 was a homicide.
Investigators have said a mix of the powerful anesthetic propofol and another sedative killed the pop singer. The new record lists "acute propofol intoxication" as the main cause of death and "
The public copy of Jackson's death certificate has not been changed to reflect his permanent resting place. Jackson is scheduled to be interred on Thursday evening at Forest Lawn Glendale.
The document does not mention Dr. Conrad Murray, who was Jackson's personal physician. He told detectives that he gave the singer a series of sedatives and propofol to try to help him sleep.
The coroner's determination of homicide makes it easier for prosecutors to seek criminal charges, but does not necessarily mean a crime was committed. Authorities investigating the singer's death have served search warrants in at least three states, California, Nevada and Texas.
No criminal charges have been filed over Jackson's death.
MJFC / AP
Michael Jackson To Rest Among Quiet..(2/9/2009)
Michael Jackson's life played out on a world stage, headlines screaming his every move, frenzy following his footsteps.
His death, memorial and investigation amplified the delirium and prolonged the anguish of family and fans. On Thursday, he is scheduled to be interred at Forest Lawn Glendale in what will be a hidden monument in a mausoleum made of marble and mortar.
There will be only silence. No marquees, no spotlights, no paparazzi.
He will be enveloped by the grandeur of the grounds, the majesty of the buildings and the significance of history.
In the Great Mausoleum, he will join Hollywood legends of yesterday like Clark Gable, Jean Harlow, W.C. Fields and Red Skelton, as well as "The Last Supper Window," a lifesize stained glass recreation of Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, and Moses, a reproduction of Michelangelo's sculpture for the tomb of Pope Julius II in Rome.
On a hilltop nearby, in a building the size of a sports arena, hang two of the world's largest paintings, "The Crucifixion" and "Resurrection."
When asked if there had been increased interest in Forest Lawn since the Jackson family announced its plans, they responded, "The public interest has been raised. That's putting it mildly."
The park is a good fit for Michael Jackson, because they are experts at handling celebrity security "and they will do it with elegance and good taste."
Forrest Lawn said if the Jackson family wants privacy, they will get it at the mausoleum. "It's impossible to get in there. It was before and it will be worse now."
Even though visitors see a portion of the mausoleum when they go see the Last Supper show - a 10-minute presentation about the stained glass window, put on regularly 365 days a year - most of the multistory building is restricted. It is well monitored and some areas are only accessible with pass keys.
MJFC / AP
His death, memorial and investigation amplified the delirium and prolonged the anguish of family and fans. On Thursday, he is scheduled to be interred at Forest Lawn Glendale in what will be a hidden monument in a mausoleum made of marble and mortar.
There will be only silence. No marquees, no spotlights, no paparazzi.
He will be enveloped by the grandeur of the grounds, the majesty of the buildings and the significance of history.
In the Great Mausoleum, he will join Hollywood legends of yesterday like Clark Gable, Jean Harlow, W.C. Fields and Red Skelton, as well as "The Last Supper Window," a lifesize stained glass recreation of Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, and Moses, a reproduction of Michelangelo's sculpture for the tomb of Pope Julius II in Rome.
On a hilltop nearby, in a building the size of a sports arena, hang two of the world's largest paintings, "The Crucifixion" and "Resurrection."
When asked if there had been increased interest in Forest Lawn since the Jackson family announced its plans, they responded, "The public interest has been raised. That's putting it mildly."
The park is a good fit for Michael Jackson, because they are experts at handling celebrity security "and they will do it with elegance and good taste."
Forrest Lawn said if the Jackson family wants privacy, they will get it at the mausoleum. "It's impossible to get in there. It was before and it will be worse now."
Even though visitors see a portion of the mausoleum when they go see the Last Supper show - a 10-minute presentation about the stained glass window, put on regularly 365 days a year - most of the multistory building is restricted. It is well monitored and some areas are only accessible with pass keys.
MJFC / AP
MJ Exhibition - O2 Arena..(26/8/2009)
Michael’s memorabilia and some of his personal belongings will be exhibited in the UK later this year.
The administrators who look after Michael’s estate - John McClain and John Branca, have given permission for the pieces to go on show at London’s O2 Arena in a couple of months.
John Norman is chairman of the company behind the exhibit and he said of the exhibition; “This will be one of the most momentous projects in our history because Michael Jackson meant so much to so many.
We are honored to have a role in celebrating Michael Jackson’s artistry and the place he holds in our hearts.”
NME & MJWN
The administrators who look after Michael’s estate - John McClain and John Branca, have given permission for the pieces to go on show at London’s O2 Arena in a couple of months.
John Norman is chairman of the company behind the exhibit and he said of the exhibition; “This will be one of the most momentous projects in our history because Michael Jackson meant so much to so many.
We are honored to have a role in celebrating Michael Jackson’s artistry and the place he holds in our hearts.”
NME & MJWN
Jackson Time of Death a Mystery..(26/8/2009)
Law enforcement sources tell TMZ the L.A. County Coroner cannot pinpoint the time of Michael Jackson's death ... but paramedics say when they arrived they believed he was dead for at least an hour and maybe longer.
Dr. Conrad Murray's statement to LAPD detectives lays out a timeline in which Dr. Murray administered Propofol at 10:40 AM and then ten minutes later (10:50) he walked out of the room, went to the bathroom and returned two minutes later (10:52) to find Jackson was not breathing. He did not have anyone call 911 until 12:21 PM ... approximately an hour-and-a-half later.
Sources say cops are suspicious of Dr. Murray's account. They say when Dr. Murray was interviewed by them two days after Jackson died -- his lawyer by his side -- the doctor's account seemed "scripted."
So when did Jackson really die? Rigor mortis typically doesn't set in for at least 3 hours, and often longer. If rigor mortis has not set in, the only way to approximate time of death is by body temperature. Once a person dies, their temperature eventually rises or falls to the temperature of the environment. For example, if Jackson were in a 70 degree room, his body temp would drop to 70. The body temperature typically drops a degree to a degree and a half per hour, but it's dependent on the ambient temperature.
Here's the problem -- when paramedics arrived the room was sweltering. So Jackson's body temperature could register in the 90 degree range, even if he were dead for a long time. But we're told paramedics did not get a read on his body temp because they were busy performing CPR.
Bottom line -- it's possible Jackson could have been dead much longer than Dr. Murray said. There's no scientific way of knowing.
TMZ..
Dr. Conrad Murray's statement to LAPD detectives lays out a timeline in which Dr. Murray administered Propofol at 10:40 AM and then ten minutes later (10:50) he walked out of the room, went to the bathroom and returned two minutes later (10:52) to find Jackson was not breathing. He did not have anyone call 911 until 12:21 PM ... approximately an hour-and-a-half later.
Sources say cops are suspicious of Dr. Murray's account. They say when Dr. Murray was interviewed by them two days after Jackson died -- his lawyer by his side -- the doctor's account seemed "scripted."
So when did Jackson really die? Rigor mortis typically doesn't set in for at least 3 hours, and often longer. If rigor mortis has not set in, the only way to approximate time of death is by body temperature. Once a person dies, their temperature eventually rises or falls to the temperature of the environment. For example, if Jackson were in a 70 degree room, his body temp would drop to 70. The body temperature typically drops a degree to a degree and a half per hour, but it's dependent on the ambient temperature.
Here's the problem -- when paramedics arrived the room was sweltering. So Jackson's body temperature could register in the 90 degree range, even if he were dead for a long time. But we're told paramedics did not get a read on his body temp because they were busy performing CPR.
Bottom line -- it's possible Jackson could have been dead much longer than Dr. Murray said. There's no scientific way of knowing.
TMZ..
Michael Jackson's Death Ruled 'Homicide'..(24/8/2009)
Michael Jackson's death has been ruled a homicide by the LA County coroner as it it emerged that lethal levels of the anaesthetic propofol were found in his body.
It makes it more likely criminal charges will be filed against Jackson's personal doctor who was with the star when he died.
The official says the coroner determined a fatal combination of drugs was given to Jackson hours before he died in his rented Los Angeles mansion on June 25.
The official spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the findings have not been publicly released.
LA County coroner's officials found a lethal dose of propofol after examining Jackson's body, reports the Los Angeles Times.
Dr Conrad Murray told detectives he gave the pop superstar the drug to treat insomnia, according to a newly unsealed search warrant affidavit.
According to the search warrant, Dr Murray told police he had been giving Jackson 50 milligrams of propofol every night using an intravenous line, said the LA Times.
Dr Murray apparently said he feared the pop star was forming an addiction and began trying to wean him off the drugs by lowering the dosage and mixing it with two other sedatives.
On the morning Jackson died, Dr Murray told detectives he tried to induce sleep without using propofol.
According to the affidavit, Dr Murray said he gave the singer various drugs over a period of nearly 12 hours:
:: 1.30am - He gave Jackson valium.
:: 2.00am - When the valium failed to work, he injected lorazepam intravenously.
:: 3.00am, When Jackson was still awake, Murray administered midazolam.
:: 3.00am until 10.40am - Murray said he gave Jackson various drugs.
:: 10.40am - Murray administered 25 milligrams of propofol after Jackson repeatedly demanded the drug.
Sky News..
It makes it more likely criminal charges will be filed against Jackson's personal doctor who was with the star when he died.
The official says the coroner determined a fatal combination of drugs was given to Jackson hours before he died in his rented Los Angeles mansion on June 25.
The official spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the findings have not been publicly released.
LA County coroner's officials found a lethal dose of propofol after examining Jackson's body, reports the Los Angeles Times.
Dr Conrad Murray told detectives he gave the pop superstar the drug to treat insomnia, according to a newly unsealed search warrant affidavit.
According to the search warrant, Dr Murray told police he had been giving Jackson 50 milligrams of propofol every night using an intravenous line, said the LA Times.
Dr Murray apparently said he feared the pop star was forming an addiction and began trying to wean him off the drugs by lowering the dosage and mixing it with two other sedatives.
On the morning Jackson died, Dr Murray told detectives he tried to induce sleep without using propofol.
According to the affidavit, Dr Murray said he gave the singer various drugs over a period of nearly 12 hours:
:: 1.30am - He gave Jackson valium.
:: 2.00am - When the valium failed to work, he injected lorazepam intravenously.
:: 3.00am, When Jackson was still awake, Murray administered midazolam.
:: 3.00am until 10.40am - Murray said he gave Jackson various drugs.
:: 10.40am - Murray administered 25 milligrams of propofol after Jackson repeatedly demanded the drug.
Sky News..
Katherine Jackson Wants Help with MJ Deal..(20/8/2009)
Katherine Jackson won't give her blessing to a key deal in Michael Jackson's estate until her financial peeps have a chance to review it.
Katherine's lawyers went to court today, asking the judge to give her permission to show the confidential AEG memorabilia deal to her financial advisors. Under the current court protective order, she's only allowed to show the unredacted version to her lawyers.
Meanwhile, AEG is threatening to pull out of the deal, because the company is worried people are quickly losing interest in an MJ memorabilia tour.
Katherine's lawyer, Burt Levitch, thinks AEG may be crying wolf just to ram the deal through.
AEG has no comment on the matter.
TMZ..
Michael Jackson burial set for August 29..(18/8/2009)
Michael Jackson will be buried in a private ceremony for family and friends on August 29, which would have been the pop star's 51st birthday, representatives for the Jackson family said on Tuesday.
The 10 a.m. PDT (6 p.m. British time) burial will be held at Glendale Forest Lawn Memorial Park, in a suburb of Los Angeles, a family spokesman said in a statement.
"The Jackson family once again wishes to express its gratitude to Michael's fans around the world for their support during these difficult times," the spokesman said.
The "Thriller" singer died suddenly on June 25 after suffering cardiac arrest. But the reason why Jackson's heart stopped, if one is known, has not been made public.
An autopsy report remains sealed while police complete their investigation into the role prescription drugs may have played in his death and the actions of his doctors.
Dr. Conrad Murray, who was with Jackson when he died, said in a personal video posted on YouTube on Tuesday that he was "afraid to return phone calls" or use e-mail due to the controversy over Jackson's death.
"I want to thank all of my patients and friends who have sent such kind e-mails, letters and messages to let me know of your support and prayers for me and my family," Murray said.
"I have done all I could do," Murray added. "I told the truth, and I have faith the truth will prevail."
Police have raided Murray's Las Vegas home and medical office, as well as his Houston office, but he has not been formally charged. Police have also searched the offices of other doctors who treated Jackson.
A spokeswoman for the Los Angeles Police Department declined to comment about Murray on Tuesday or say when police might wrap up their investigation.
http://uk.reuters.com/
The 10 a.m. PDT (6 p.m. British time) burial will be held at Glendale Forest Lawn Memorial Park, in a suburb of Los Angeles, a family spokesman said in a statement.
"The Jackson family once again wishes to express its gratitude to Michael's fans around the world for their support during these difficult times," the spokesman said.
The "Thriller" singer died suddenly on June 25 after suffering cardiac arrest. But the reason why Jackson's heart stopped, if one is known, has not been made public.
An autopsy report remains sealed while police complete their investigation into the role prescription drugs may have played in his death and the actions of his doctors.
Dr. Conrad Murray, who was with Jackson when he died, said in a personal video posted on YouTube on Tuesday that he was "afraid to return phone calls" or use e-mail due to the controversy over Jackson's death.
"I want to thank all of my patients and friends who have sent such kind e-mails, letters and messages to let me know of your support and prayers for me and my family," Murray said.
"I have done all I could do," Murray added. "I told the truth, and I have faith the truth will prevail."
Police have raided Murray's Las Vegas home and medical office, as well as his Houston office, but he has not been formally charged. Police have also searched the offices of other doctors who treated Jackson.
A spokeswoman for the Los Angeles Police Department declined to comment about Murray on Tuesday or say when police might wrap up their investigation.
http:
Michael Jackson label sees sales boom..(14/8/2009)
Britain's Chrysalis Group, publisher of Michael Jackson hit songs including "Thriller" and "Rock With You," has seen a huge surge in the sale of his work, and is set to see the benefit in the coming months.
Chrysalis, which on Friday reported a rise in quarterly normalised operating profit, said it held the rights to a number of Jackson's best-known hits through their writer Rod Temperton.
"The unexpected death of Michael Jackson has resulted in an extraordinary surge in the sale of his work," Chrysalis said in a statement.
Jackson died on June 25 and the increase in sales would not be seen in the third-quarter results for April to June, but the regular playing of Jackson songs on radio, TV and in public are likely to have an impact on the fourth quarter and beyond.
"There will be some income coming in from the mechanical sale of CDs and downloads, from the frenzy after he died, and undoubtedly there will be performances coming through from when he was played on the radio," Finance Officer Andy Mollett told Reuters.
"But none of that income comes in immediately. We'll get it probably in the next financial year."
Apple Inc.'s iTunes, the biggest music retailer in the United States, said shortly after Jackson's death that his albums accounted for the top nine sellers, led by a hits package and his 1982 blockbuster "Thriller."
Chrysalis said that its quarterly financial performance had been in line with its expectations, following good performances from The Gossip, Bat for Lashes and The Fleet Foxes.
The net publisher's share (NPS), a key revenue metric for the group based on royalties, was up 9.9 percent for the nine months, but down 3.8 percent on a constant currency basis.
Despite uncertainty of macro-economic and exchange rate effects, Chrysalis said it expected an annual consolidated NPS growth for 2009 on a constant currency basis and that the fiscal fourth quarter was usually its strongest.
Shares in the group were up 14.8 percent at 77.5 pence, giving it a market value of about 52 million pounds.
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/22/20090814/ten-uk-chrysalis-91c27f7.html
Yahoo.,
Chrysalis, which on Friday reported a rise in quarterly normalised operating profit, said it held the rights to a number of Jackson's best-known hits through their writer Rod Temperton.
"The unexpected death of Michael Jackson has resulted in an extraordinary surge in the sale of his work," Chrysalis said in a statement.
Jackson died on June 25 and the increase in sales would not be seen in the third-quarter results for April to June, but the regular playing of Jackson songs on radio, TV and in public are likely to have an impact on the fourth quarter and beyond.
"There will be some income coming in from the mechanical sale of CDs and downloads, from the frenzy after he died, and undoubtedly there will be performances coming through from when he was played on the radio," Finance Officer Andy Mollett told Reuters.
"But none of that income comes in immediately. We'll get it probably in the next financial year."
Apple Inc.'s iTunes, the biggest music retailer in the United States, said shortly after Jackson's death that his albums accounted for the top nine sellers, led by a hits package and his 1982 blockbuster "Thriller."
Chrysalis said that its quarterly financial performance had been in line with its expectations, following good performances from The Gossip, Bat for Lashes and The Fleet Foxes.
The net publisher's share (NPS), a key revenue metric for the group based on royalties, was up 9.9 percent for the nine months, but down 3.8 percent on a constant currency basis.
Despite uncertainty of macro-economic and exchange rate effects, Chrysalis said it expected an annual consolidated NPS growth for 2009 on a constant currency basis and that the fiscal fourth quarter was usually its strongest.
Shares in the group were up 14.8 percent at 77.5 pence, giving it a market value of about 52 million pounds.
http:
Yahoo.,
Jackson glove under the hammer..(13/8/2009)
The glittery glove that Michael Jackson wore when he first unveiled his moonwalk on TV is to to be put up for auction.
The left-handed glove accompanied Jackson's fedora and dance moves on Motown's 25th-anniversary TV special in 1983.
It will be featured alongside other one-of-a-kind items -- such as an early Madonna demo tape and unreleased Jimi Hendrix lyrics -- at the November 21 Music Icons auction at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York City's Times Square.
Walter "Clyde" Orange, a founding member of the Commodores, has been holding onto the glove since Jackson gave it to him in 1983.
Orange said he got to know Jackson when the Commodores toured with the Jackson 5 in the 1970s. Orange would always ask the young entertainer for an autograph, but Jackson refused, saying Orange was the more famous of the two. The autograph request became a private joke.
They met again in March 1983 when the Motown special was taped. Michael sang with his brothers, then took the stage alone to wow the world with his moonwalk during his solo performance of Billie Jean.
When Orange found his friend backstage and again requested an autograph. Jackson gave him the glove instead.
After Jackson's death on June 25, aged 50, Orange decided the glove was too significant to keep.
"There's a hundred other gloves out there, but this is the one you want. He blew up after that (performance) with Billie Jean," Orange, 62, said in an interview. "The world should see this. This is the first. That's the song that made him shoot through the roof as a superstar."
Yahoo/AP..
The left-handed glove accompanied Jackson's fedora and dance moves on Motown's 25th-
It will be featured alongside other one-of-a-kind items -- such as an early Madonna demo tape and unreleased Jimi Hendrix lyrics -- at the November 21 Music Icons auction at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York City's Times Square.
Walter "Clyde" Orange, a founding member of the Commodores, has been holding onto the glove since Jackson gave it to him in 1983.
Orange said he got to know Jackson when the Commodores toured with the Jackson 5 in the 1970s. Orange would always ask the young entertainer for an autograph, but Jackson refused, saying Orange was the more famous of the two. The autograph request became a private joke.
They met again in March 1983 when the Motown special was taped. Michael sang with his brothers, then took the stage alone to wow the world with his moonwalk during his solo performance of Billie Jean.
When Orange found his friend backstage and again requested an autograph. Jackson gave him the glove instead.
After Jackson's death on June 25, aged 50, Orange decided the glove was too significant to keep.
"There's a hundred other gloves out there, but this is the one you want. He blew up after that (performance) with Billie Jean," Orange, 62, said in an interview. "The world should see this. This is the first. That's the song that made him shoot through the roof as a superstar."
Yahoo/AP..
Jackson estate expected to balloon by $200 million..(13/8/2009)
Album sales, a movie deal and other projects could boost Michael Jackson's estate by $200 million (120.6 million pounds) before the end of this year, the Los Angeles Times reported on Thursday.
And the "King of Pop's" estate is expected to generate at least $50 million in annual revenue, John Branca, one of the executors of Jackson's estate and his former lawyer, told the newspaper in an interview.
Jackson's album sales have surged following his death in June and the singer has dozens of unreleased songs, some of which executors believe could be released in album form.
Branca said record sales and other revenue could generate $100 million for the estate by the end of 2009. A movie based on the singer's last rehearsals, which is expected to be released in October, and other business deals will generate another $100 million in the same timeframe, Branca said.
Jackson left about $400 million in debts when he died of cardiac arrest on June 25, the newspaper said. But his assets, including partial ownership of the Sony/ATV music catalogue and many songs by The Beatles, outweigh his debts by at least $200 million.
Branca said there were no plans to part with the catalogue. "We're definitely not selling it," he told the LA Times.
On Monday, a Los Angeles judge is expected to rule on a planned merchandising deal with Bravado International Group and plans for a travelling exhibition of Jackson memorabilia.
The judge must approve the deals because Jackson's 2002 will is the subject of probate proceedings, which ensure creditors are paid and assets are properly administered.
A reprint of Jackson's 1988 autobiography "Moonwalk" and a glossy 400-page photo book about his life and career have already been authorized.
Jackson left his money to a trust that benefits his mother, Katherine, his three children and charities.
Almost two months after Jackson's death, police are continuing an investigation into possible criminal responsibility.
The homes and offices of Jackson's personal doctor, Conrad Murray, have been raided twice by police probing the singer's reported use of powerful anaesthetics to help him sleep.
The LA Times, quoting unidentified sources close to the investigation, said on Thursday that Murray legally acquired an anaesthetic to treat Jackson's insomnia.
But the newspaper said Murray had left the singer alone under its influence to make telephone calls on the morning that he died.
Yahoo,...
And the "King of Pop's" estate is expected to generate at least $50 million in annual revenue, John Branca, one of the executors of Jackson's estate and his former lawyer, told the newspaper in an interview.
Jackson's album sales have surged following his death in June and the singer has dozens of unreleased songs, some of which executors believe could be released in album form.
Branca said record sales and other revenue could generate $100 million for the estate by the end of 2009. A movie based on the singer's last rehearsals, which is expected to be released in October, and other business deals will generate another $100 million in the same timeframe, Branca said.
Jackson left about $400 million in debts when he died of cardiac arrest on June 25, the newspaper said. But his assets, including partial ownership of the Sony/ATV music catalogue and many songs by The Beatles, outweigh his debts by at least $200 million.
Branca said there were no plans to part with the catalogue. "We're definitely not selling it," he told the LA Times.
On Monday, a Los Angeles judge is expected to rule on a planned merchandising deal with Bravado International Group and plans for a travelling exhibition of Jackson memorabilia.
The judge must approve the deals because Jackson's 2002 will is the subject of probate proceedings, which ensure creditors are paid and assets are properly administered.
A reprint of Jackson's 1988 autobiography "Moonwalk" and a glossy 400-page photo book about his life and career have already been authorized.
Jackson left his money to a trust that benefits his mother, Katherine, his three children and charities.
Almost two months after Jackson's death, police are continuing an investigation into possible criminal responsibility.
The homes and offices of Jackson's personal doctor, Conrad Murray, have been raided twice by police probing the singer's reported use of powerful anaesthetics to help him sleep.
The LA Times, quoting unidentified sources close to the investigation, said on Thursday that Murray legally acquired an anaesthetic to treat Jackson's insomnia.
But the newspaper said Murray had left the singer alone under its influence to make telephone calls on the morning that he died.
Yahoo,...
The Official Michael Jackson Opus'..(12/8/2009)
According to USA Today, the first new book about Michael Jackson sanctioned by his estate will be published on December 7, 2009. It will be entitled 'The Official Michael Jackson Opus'. Publisher is Kraken Opus, whose opulent publications focus on major figures and brands in sports and the arts.
The oversized, 400-page tribute will be driven by photos but also will include essays, illustrations and poetry, at least half of it exclusive — all handbound in leather and enclosed in a silk clamshell case.
While books by Kraken Opus usually are very expensive, the price of the book will be US$165.
According to Kraken CEO Karl Fowler it was a special request by Michael to keep the price of the book as low as possible:
"Michael wanted this to be accessible to as many people as possible."
Kraken Opus will accept pre-orders for the book at michaeljacksono
Negotiations for the book project started last year already when Kraken reached out to Michael Jackson through attorney Peter Lopez. Initially, the plan was to include the concerts at London's O2 Arena.
"We wanted to tell the behind-
While Michael was in rehearsals, he invited Kraken executives to his house in Los Angeles (USA). When Fowler mentioned they were working on a Disney Opus, Michael reacted "like a boy in a sweet shop. He asked if he could contribute and get a copy." Lopez says Michael Jackson was impressed by the Opuses' "sense of grandeur" and "expressed a definite desire to get on board." But Lopez and Kraken were still in negotiations when Michael Jackson died June 25.
They had to make changes to the book..s content and the chronicling of the London shows "will be sorely missed," Fowler says. "But everyone involved in that tour wants to take part." Celebrities and insiders who knew and worked with Michael Jackson also are expected to contribute.
"We're asking people to write a sentence, a paragraph or a chapter," says Kraken's Jeff Wald. "We expect a huge turnout."
All books include Michael Jackson Opus Reality membership, which provides access to interactive footage with periodic updates.
Additionally, five copies signed by a variety of famous fans will be auctioned to benefit five charities favored by Michael.
http:
MJFC / USA Today
Jackson not buried yet..(12/8/2009)
Michael Jackson's father Joe has dismissed reports the superstar was secretly buried in Los Angeles last week.
Reports over the weekend claimed the Jackson family held a private burial on Thursday and laid the singer to rest at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles' Hollywood Hills.
The news coincided with reports that Jackson's brain, which was removed as part of the investigation into his death, was returned to the family by coroners.
However, Joe Jackson insists the family has still yet to decide on a resting place for the Thriller icon - seven weeks after his death in June, according to E! Online.
The family has been dogged by rumours of a disagreement over the King of Pop's remains, with his mother Katherine reportedly asking for her son to be interred at Forest Lawn and his brother Jermaine pushing for a burial at Jackson's Neverland Ranch in Santa Barbara, California.
Yahoo/wenn
Reports over the weekend claimed the Jackson family held a private burial on Thursday and laid the singer to rest at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles' Hollywood Hills.
The news coincided with reports that Jackson's brain, which was removed as part of the investigation into his death, was returned to the family by coroners.
However, Joe Jackson insists the family has still yet to decide on a resting place for the Thriller icon - seven weeks after his death in June, according to E! Online.
The family has been dogged by rumours of a disagreement over the King of Pop's remains, with his mother Katherine reportedly asking for her son to be interred at Forest Lawn and his brother Jermaine pushing for a burial at Jackson's Neverland Ranch in Santa Barbara, California.
Yahoo/wenn
Jacksons Family Lawyer Hits Back at Mark Lester Claims..(11/8/2009)
MICHAEL Jackson’s family lawyer yesterday rejected claims from former child star Mark Lester that he could be the biological father of the pop legend’s daughter, Paris.
Speaking on GMTV from Los Angeles, Brian Oxman said: “The thing I always heard from Michael was that Michael was the father of these children, and I believe Michael.”
Lester, who starred in 1960s musical Oliver! and is godfather to Jackson’s three children, revealed on Sunday that he donated sperm to the King of Pop 13 years ago.
The actor cited similarities between his own 15-year-old daughter Harriet and Paris, 11, saying: “I gave Michael my sperm so that he could have kids – and I believe Paris is my daughter.”
Lester, 51, also said he was willing to take a paternity test to determine the truth.
Mr Oxman told GMTV: “Mark Lester is a friend of mine, he is a straight shooter. I think what Mark said is what he understands, he was told these things. That’s what Michael wanted it to be. But Michael always told me he was the papa.”
Mr Oxman said he also talked to Jackson’s sister La Toya on Sunday, and she also said the late singer was the real father of his children.
“I think that Michael was the dad, but Mark sure tells it straight,” he said.
“Mark is a man of his word . . . he was the godfather of these children. But I have to go with Michael because Michael told me he was the dad.”
http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1346668?UserKey=
Source: GMTV
Speaking on GMTV from Los Angeles, Brian Oxman said: “The thing I always heard from Michael was that Michael was the father of these children, and I believe Michael.”
Lester, who starred in 1960s musical Oliver! and is godfather to Jackson’s three children, revealed on Sunday that he donated sperm to the King of Pop 13 years ago.
The actor cited similarities between his own 15-year-old daughter Harriet and Paris, 11, saying: “I gave Michael my sperm so that he could have kids – and I believe Paris is my daughter.”
Lester, 51, also said he was willing to take a paternity test to determine the truth.
Mr Oxman told GMTV: “Mark Lester is a friend of mine, he is a straight shooter. I think what Mark said is what he understands, he was told these things. That’s what Michael wanted it to be. But Michael always told me he was the papa.”
Mr Oxman said he also talked to Jackson’s sister La Toya on Sunday, and she also said the late singer was the real father of his children.
“I think that Michael was the dad, but Mark sure tells it straight,” he said.
“Mark is a man of his word . . . he was the godfather of these children. But I have to go with Michael because Michael told me he was the dad.”
http:
Source: GMTV
Michael Jackson tribute to be televised..(11/8/2009)
Michael Jackson's tribute concert in Vienna will be televised live to a global audience of one billion people, the event promoter said.
Georg Kindel, of World Awards Media GmbH, said negotiations are ongoing with networks over rights to broadcast what's being billed as Jackson's main global tribute, and the pop legend's brother Jermaine is assembling the line-up of about 10 "of the biggest artists of our time".
"Jermaine thinks maybe one billion people will watch the television show," Mr Kindel said.
He wouldn't divulge the cast, although he hinted that Madonna would be among the artists performing 15-20 Jackson hits on a crown-shaped outdoor stage in front of Vienna's Schoenbrunn Palace. Austrian media has reported that U2, Lionel Richie and Whitney Houston may also perform.
The event will be held in the second half of September, he said. Organisers have pledged to announce the date and line-up soon, with tickets set to go on sale on August 20.
Mr Kindel said the show will also feature family members and Hollywood stars reminiscing as images and video clips of the late King of Pop are screened.
He said a "significant portion" of the proceeds will benefit several charities, including the Larry King Cardiac Foundation.
He said the tribute was originally planned for London's Wembley Stadium on August 29, which would have been Jackson's 51st birthday, but that Jermaine Jackson decided instead on Vienna. The singer had been rehearsing for a series of London concerts when he died.
Mr Kindel said the switch took him by surprise: "Everyone was expecting it would be staged maybe in London or New York or Los Angeles."
Jermaine Jackson told Larry King Live on Friday that his brother loved Vienna and "loved castles".
Yahoo/AP..
Georg Kindel, of World Awards Media GmbH, said negotiations are ongoing with networks over rights to broadcast what's being billed as Jackson's main global tribute, and the pop legend's brother Jermaine is assembling the line-up of about 10 "of the biggest artists of our time".
"Jermaine thinks maybe one billion people will watch the television show," Mr Kindel said.
He wouldn't divulge the cast, although he hinted that Madonna would be among the artists performing 15-20 Jackson hits on a crown-shaped outdoor stage in front of Vienna's Schoenbrunn Palace. Austrian media has reported that U2, Lionel Richie and Whitney Houston may also perform.
The event will be held in the second half of September, he said. Organisers have pledged to announce the date and line-up soon, with tickets set to go on sale on August 20.
Mr Kindel said the show will also feature family members and Hollywood stars reminiscing as images and video clips of the late King of Pop are screened.
He said a "significant portion" of the proceeds will benefit several charities, including the Larry King Cardiac Foundation.
He said the tribute was originally planned for London's Wembley Stadium on August 29, which would have been Jackson's 51st birthday, but that Jermaine Jackson decided instead on Vienna. The singer had been rehearsing for a series of London concerts when he died.
Mr Kindel said the switch took him by surprise: "Everyone was expecting it would be staged maybe in London or New York or Los Angeles."
Jermaine Jackson told Larry King Live on Friday that his brother loved Vienna and "loved castles".
Yahoo/AP..
MJ's death reopens old memories for Elvis fans..(11/8/2009)
By JOHN GEROME (AP)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In the days after Michael Jackson's death, Joann Smith couldn't turn off her TV. She felt she was reliving the pain of her own idol's death almost 32 years ago — Elvis Presley.
"I said 'I can't believe it's happening again,'" Smith recalled. "It hurt, it really did. Even though I wasn't a Michael Jackson fan, I could feel the pain because it happened to somebody I had loved, and I know what his family and his fans were going through."
Smith, who is president of the Elvis Fever fan club in Jacksonville, Fla., and millions of others will remember the fallen icon Aug. 16, the day he was found dead in his home at age 42 in 1977, the victim of heart failure worsened by prescription drug abuse.
They are quick to offer advice to Jackson fans: Focus on the pop idol's music and generosity, not his shortcomings or the rumors about his death.
"Don't believe everything you hear and read," Smith warned. "Respect him for what you hear of his music and don't listen to the gossip."
Sandi Pichon of Slidell, La., who says she knew Presley personally and has written two books about him, "Raised on Elvis! Elvis! Elvis!" and "Elvis on Tour '75," says the pain will ease but never lift.
"Much like Elvis, once he touched your life you're never the same," Pichon said of Jackson. "The comfort they are going to find is listening to his music and relying on his memories and keeping the positive things alive."
Pichon will travel to Presley's Graceland mansion in Memphis for Elvis Week, a nine-day run of festivals and events that begins Saturday.
If Presley is any guide, there will be a proliferation of Jackson fan clubs. Elvis Presley Enterprises, a corporate entity created by Presley's trust to run Graceland, recognizes more than 500 active fan clubs around the world.
"It's really nice to get together and reminisce — 'Did you see Elvis in concert?' 'What was it like?' 'I played this record until it was no more and I had to replace it,'" said Geri Vegher, president of Oklahoma Fans for Elvis. "It makes a difference to get together and talk things out and relive your memories. I'd tell Michael Jackson fans to be prepared to do that and to do it with gladness."
Fans say it also helps having Graceland, a bustling museum and tourist site with more than 600,000 people a year passing through its music-note encrusted gates. The 13.8-acre home and grounds include the singer's grave.
"I think it makes a difference," Vegher said. "I stand honor guard every year (at Graceland), and when people go up the hill to the grave site they're laughing, they're talking, they're reliving their memories. But when they come back down on the other side, they're sober, they're crying, they're very emotional."
The connections between Presley's Graceland and Jackson's Neverland ranch are strong. Presley's daughter, Lisa Marie, was once married to Jackson, and some of the same questions about the future of Neverland were raised about Graceland.
The Presley estate opened the property as a for-profit museum in 1982 to help pay for upkeep. Graceland has since become one of Memphis' top attractions.
"Elvis kind of set the bar for a lot of things, not just the music but even concert production and how security is done. I think beyond his death he's still setting the bar in terms of how to manage the estate and market him," said Jamie Coyne, founder and vice president of Elvis Extravaganza Fan Club in Columbus, Ohio, which bills itself as the largest Elvis fan club in the world with 164,000 members.
"If you take Elvis' grave away from Graceland and put it in a cemetery, you take away the moneymaking ability and the focal point for fans," Coyne said.
But others believe Presley and Jackson shared a magnetism and connection to their fans that transcends any physical place or structure.
"He could give you a grin that would melt your heart or make you believe you were the most special person in the world," Pichon said of Presley. "His love for his fans was reflected through his performance, and I think the same thing is true of Michael Jackson. People felt they were part of his life whether they knew him or not."
http://www.elvisweek.com/
With Thanks to MJstar..
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In the days after Michael Jackson's death, Joann Smith couldn't turn off her TV. She felt she was reliving the pain of her own idol's death almost 32 years ago — Elvis Presley.
"I said 'I can't believe it's happening again,'" Smith recalled. "It hurt, it really did. Even though I wasn't a Michael Jackson fan, I could feel the pain because it happened to somebody I had loved, and I know what his family and his fans were going through."
Smith, who is president of the Elvis Fever fan club in Jacksonville, Fla., and millions of others will remember the fallen icon Aug. 16, the day he was found dead in his home at age 42 in 1977, the victim of heart failure worsened by prescription drug abuse.
They are quick to offer advice to Jackson fans: Focus on the pop idol's music and generosity, not his shortcomings or the rumors about his death.
"Don't believe everything you hear and read," Smith warned. "Respect him for what you hear of his music and don't listen to the gossip."
Sandi Pichon of Slidell, La., who says she knew Presley personally and has written two books about him, "Raised on Elvis! Elvis! Elvis!" and "Elvis on Tour '75," says the pain will ease but never lift.
"Much like Elvis, once he touched your life you're never the same," Pichon said of Jackson. "The comfort they are going to find is listening to his music and relying on his memories and keeping the positive things alive."
Pichon will travel to Presley's Graceland mansion in Memphis for Elvis Week, a nine-day run of festivals and events that begins Saturday.
If Presley is any guide, there will be a proliferation of Jackson fan clubs. Elvis Presley Enterprises, a corporate entity created by Presley's trust to run Graceland, recognizes more than 500 active fan clubs around the world.
"It's really nice to get together and reminisce — 'Did you see Elvis in concert?' 'What was it like?' 'I played this record until it was no more and I had to replace it,'" said Geri Vegher, president of Oklahoma Fans for Elvis. "It makes a difference to get together and talk things out and relive your memories. I'd tell Michael Jackson fans to be prepared to do that and to do it with gladness."
Fans say it also helps having Graceland, a bustling museum and tourist site with more than 600,000 people a year passing through its music-note encrusted gates. The 13.8-acre home and grounds include the singer's grave.
"I think it makes a difference," Vegher said. "I stand honor guard every year (at Graceland), and when people go up the hill to the grave site they're laughing, they're talking, they're reliving their memories. But when they come back down on the other side, they're sober, they're crying, they're very emotional."
The connections between Presley's Graceland and Jackson's Neverland ranch are strong. Presley's daughter, Lisa Marie, was once married to Jackson, and some of the same questions about the future of Neverland were raised about Graceland.
The Presley estate opened the property as a for-profit museum in 1982 to help pay for upkeep. Graceland has since become one of Memphis' top attractions.
"Elvis kind of set the bar for a lot of things, not just the music but even concert production and how security is done. I think beyond his death he's still setting the bar in terms of how to manage the estate and market him," said Jamie Coyne, founder and vice president of Elvis Extravaganza Fan Club in Columbus, Ohio, which bills itself as the largest Elvis fan club in the world with 164,000 members.
"If you take Elvis' grave away from Graceland and put it in a cemetery, you take away the moneymaking ability and the focal point for fans," Coyne said.
But others believe Presley and Jackson shared a magnetism and connection to their fans that transcends any physical place or structure.
"He could give you a grin that would melt your heart or make you believe you were the most special person in the world," Pichon said of Presley. "His love for his fans was reflected through his performance, and I think the same thing is true of Michael Jackson. People felt they were part of his life whether they knew him or not."
http:
With Thanks to MJstar..
WORLD EXCLUSIVE ANNOUNCEMENT: THIS IS IT...(10/8/2009)
MICHAEL JACKSON'S "THIS IS IT"
TO BE PRESENTED IN THEATERS AROUND THE WORLD
BY SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT
AND SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
Film Drawn From Legendary Entertainer's Last Rehearsals and Behind-The-Scenes Footage
Will Be Released October 30th in High Definition with Digital Sound
CULVER CITY, Calif., August 10, 2009 - Beginning October 30th, the world will have a front-row seat for Michael Jackson’s final concert, as Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment release Michael Jackson's This Is It.
This Is It is being produced with the full support of the Estate of Michael Jackson and will be drawn from hundreds of hours of rehearsal and behind-the-scenes footage, captured in high definition with state of the art digital sound as the late singer was preparing for his concert series in London. The film, which will also offer select sequences in 3-D, will provide a unique career retrospective and feature interviews with some of Jackson's closest friends and creative collaborators.
The announcement was made by Michael Lynton, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sony Pictures Entertainment, Amy Pascal, Co-Chairman of the studio, Rolf Schmidt-Holtz, Chief Executive Officer of Sony Music Entertainment, and Rob Stringer, Chairman of Columbia/Epic Label Group, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment. The companies serve as the principal entertainment divisions of Sony Corporation.
Joining Sony in the announcement was The Estate of Michael Jackson, administered by his longtime attorney John Branca and veteran music executive John McClain, a Jackson family friend for more than 40 years. Proceeds the Estate earns from the film’s release will benefit the Michael Jackson Family Trust, the entity that Mr. Jackson specified in his will is to receive all of his assets.
The rights to the exclusive footage were acquired from AEG Live and The Estate of Michael Jackson. Sony Pictures and Sony Music will co-produce with AEG Live and the Estate, and Sony Pictures will distribute the film worldwide. Randy Phillips and Paul Gongaware of AEG Live will serve as producers of the film.
The majority of the film's footage was shot in June, 2009 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California, and The Forum in Inglewood, California, as Jackson prepared for "This Is It," the series of fifty concerts Jackson planned to present at the O2 Arena in London.
This Is It will offer Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer, his career, and the stage spectacular that would have been. The film will provide moviegoers with an unforgettable front row experience compiled from extensive footage that shows Jackson's meticulous preparation for his 2009 London shows.
Said Branca, “Our goal is to work with partners who treat Michael’s legacy with dignity and respect, while allowing us to substantially build the value of his estate for the benefit of Mrs. Katherine Jackson, Michael’s three children and the charitable causes that meant so much to him during his life. We are confident we found the right partners for this project in Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment. Sony and Michael enjoyed a long and mutually beneficial history together, and it’s only fitting that the relationship continues.”
Said McClain, “This film is not only a tribute to an artist who created excitement every moment he was on stage, but also is a fitting gift to the millions of fans worldwide who loved him and who he devoted his professional life to entertaining. John and I are thrilled to be working with Sony to build on Michael’s musical legacy in a way that will generate significant proceeds for his family and for children in need.”
"People who have seen this footage are astounded by the amazing quality of Michael Jackson's performance," said Lynton. "This historic recording of the last time he sang and danced on stage shows the legendary artist in an incredibly powerful way, with crystal clear images and sound. We understand the importance of producing a film that pays tribute to Michael as an artist, and are honored to work with the Estate of Michael Jackson to give audiences the gift of his final performances. I know this film will serve as further proof that Michael Jackson is one of the greatest entertainers who ever graced a stage."
"Michael lives on through his songs, his creative genius, his body of work and his passion for his art," said Rob Stringer. "He was a perfectionist on stage and through this unique film, audiences will be able to see, many for the first time, how much Michael poured into making his performances as special as they were perfect."
Said Kenny Ortega, director of and Jackson’s creative partner on the This Is It concert, “The world will see what our team was so fortunate to experience, which was the full commitment, passion and creativity that Michael put into this project. He was the architect of This Is It, and we were his builders. The footage that was captured from the early stages of the production to our technical rehearsals at the STAPLES Center in L.A. will show Michael as he truly was, creatively involved with every aspect of the production, from the staging and choreography, to the music, lighting, production design and conception of the original short films and video backdrops. It will also show Michael as one of the greatest entertainers in the world and one of the industry's most creative minds. This Is It was Michael’s last theatrical work and although it was still a work in progress, I think the footage will show that the process was something that Michael deeply enjoyed and that it was clear that he was on his way to another theatrical triumph.”
In the coming weeks, additional information about the film will be available at www.michaeljackson.com
Peter Schlessel, President of Worldwide Affairs, negotiated for the footage on behalf of Sony Pictures. Branca represented The Estate of Michael Jackson.
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.
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 and “Thriller” holds the distinction as the largest selling album worldwide in the history of the recording industry with more than 70 million units sold. Additionally, singles released from the Thriller album sold more than 100 million copies worldwide, another all time record.
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.
Sony Music / MJSTAR
TO BE PRESENTED IN THEATERS AROUND THE WORLD
BY SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT
AND SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
Film Drawn From Legendary Entertainer's Last Rehearsals and Behind-
Will Be Released October 30th in High Definition with Digital Sound
CULVER CITY, Calif., August 10, 2009 - Beginning October 30th, the world will have a front-row seat for Michael Jackson’s final concert, as Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment release Michael Jackson's This Is It.
This Is It is being produced with the full support of the Estate of Michael Jackson and will be drawn from hundreds of hours of rehearsal and behind-
The announcement was made by Michael Lynton, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sony Pictures Entertainment, Amy Pascal, Co-Chairman of the studio, Rolf Schmidt-Holtz, Chief Executive Officer of Sony Music Entertainment, and Rob Stringer, Chairman of Columbia/Epic Label Group, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment. The companies serve as the principal entertainment divisions of Sony Corporation.
Joining Sony in the announcement was The Estate of Michael Jackson, administered by his longtime attorney John Branca and veteran music executive John McClain, a Jackson family friend for more than 40 years. Proceeds the Estate earns from the film’s release will benefit the Michael Jackson Family Trust, the entity that Mr. Jackson specified in his will is to receive all of his assets.
The rights to the exclusive footage were acquired from AEG Live and The Estate of Michael Jackson. Sony Pictures and Sony Music will co-produce with AEG Live and the Estate, and Sony Pictures will distribute the film worldwide. Randy Phillips and Paul Gongaware of AEG Live will serve as producers of the film.
The majority of the film's footage was shot in June, 2009 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California, and The Forum in Inglewood, California, as Jackson prepared for "This Is It," the series of fifty concerts Jackson planned to present at the O2 Arena in London.
This Is It will offer Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-
Said Branca, “Our goal is to work with partners who treat Michael’s legacy with dignity and respect, while allowing us to substantially build the value of his estate for the benefit of Mrs. Katherine Jackson, Michael’s three children and the charitable causes that meant so much to him during his life. We are confident we found the right partners for this project in Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment. Sony and Michael enjoyed a long and mutually beneficial history together, and it’s only fitting that the relationship continues.”
Said McClain, “This film is not only a tribute to an artist who created excitement every moment he was on stage, but also is a fitting gift to the millions of fans worldwide who loved him and who he devoted his professional life to entertaining. John and I are thrilled to be working with Sony to build on Michael’s musical legacy in a way that will generate significant proceeds for his family and for children in need.”
"People who have seen this footage are astounded by the amazing quality of Michael Jackson's performance," said Lynton. "This historic recording of the last time he sang and danced on stage shows the legendary artist in an incredibly powerful way, with crystal clear images and sound. We understand the importance of producing a film that pays tribute to Michael as an artist, and are honored to work with the Estate of Michael Jackson to give audiences the gift of his final performances. I know this film will serve as further proof that Michael Jackson is one of the greatest entertainers who ever graced a stage."
"Michael lives on through his songs, his creative genius, his body of work and his passion for his art," said Rob Stringer. "He was a perfectionist on stage and through this unique film, audiences will be able to see, many for the first time, how much Michael poured into making his performances as special as they were perfect."
Said Kenny Ortega, director of and Jackson’s creative partner on the This Is It concert, “The world will see what our team was so fortunate to experience, which was the full commitment, passion and creativity that Michael put into this project. He was the architect of This Is It, and we were his builders. The footage that was captured from the early stages of the production to our technical rehearsals at the STAPLES Center in L.A. will show Michael as he truly was, creatively involved with every aspect of the production, from the staging and choreography, to the music, lighting, production design and conception of the original short films and video backdrops. It will also show Michael as one of the greatest entertainers in the world and one of the industry's most creative minds. This Is It was Michael’s last theatrical work and although it was still a work in progress, I think the footage will show that the process was something that Michael deeply enjoyed and that it was clear that he was on his way to another theatrical triumph.”
In the coming weeks, additional information about the film will be available at www.
Peter Schlessel, President of Worldwide Affairs, negotiated for the footage on behalf of Sony Pictures. Branca represented The Estate of Michael Jackson.
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.
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 and “Thriller” holds the distinction as the largest selling album worldwide in the history of the recording industry with more than 70 million units sold. Additionally, singles released from the Thriller album sold more than 100 million copies worldwide, another all time record.
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-
Sony Music / MJSTAR
The godfather of Michael Jackson's three kids says he "could be" the father of Michael Jackson's daughter, Paris .. and it sounds like he may be waging a legal fight...(8/9/2009)
The godfather of Michael Jackson's three kids says he "could be" the father of Michael Jackson's daughter, Paris .. and it sounds like he may be waging a legal fight.
However, Katherine Jackson's lawyer, Londell McMillan, is scoffing at Lester's claim and the move made by Dr. Arnold Klein's lawyer in court last Monday. McMillan said, "These genetic lottery attempts aren't going anywhere. They have no legal standing. They may seek 5 seconds of fame but the claims have no merit."
Source: TMZ
However, Katherine Jackson's lawyer, Londell McMillan, is scoffing at Lester's claim and the move made by Dr. Arnold Klein's lawyer in court last Monday. McMillan said, "These genetic lottery attempts aren't going anywhere. They have no legal standing. They may seek 5 seconds of fame but the claims have no merit."
Source: TMZ
THIS IS IT REHEARSALS FILM DETAILS..(5/8/2009)
If the probate judge in the Los Anegels (USA) court approves the deal by Monday, a full-length motion picture filled with footage of Michael Jackson's last rehearsals for the This Is It shows in London (UK) could be released soon. The judge has scheduled a hearing for Monday to see if Michael Jackson's mother, Katherine, has any objections.
A redacted agreement filed on Friday and released on Tuesday details the film project. The agreement is between concert promoter AEG Live, one of Michael Jackson's companies, Columbia Pictures and others. The movie would come with all the elements of a major studio release: product tie-ins, merchandising and even a director's cut and special editions.
The contract states Columbia Pictures paid $60 million for rights to the project. The movie will have to meet the standards for a PG rating and not run any longer than 150 minutes. The contract also states that the movie can't include any footage that is considered to paint Michael Jackson in a bad light.
The deal was negotiated by the two men who are administering Michael Jackson's estate, longtime attorney John McClain and music executive John McClain. It calls for Michael Jackson's company to receive 90 percent of the film's profits, with the remainder going to AEG Live.
The deadline for the judge's approval isn't the only tight timeline the project faces. According to the contract, Columbia must screen the movie for Michael Jackson's representatives no later than Oct. 2.
Source:AP
A redacted agreement filed on Friday and released on Tuesday details the film project. The agreement is between concert promoter AEG Live, one of Michael Jackson's companies, Columbia Pictures and others. The movie would come with all the elements of a major studio release: product tie-ins, merchandising and even a director's cut and special editions.
The contract states Columbia Pictures paid $60 million for rights to the project. The movie will have to meet the standards for a PG rating and not run any longer than 150 minutes. The contract also states that the movie can't include any footage that is considered to paint Michael Jackson in a bad light.
The deal was negotiated by the two men who are administering Michael Jackson's estate, longtime attorney John McClain and music executive John McClain. It calls for Michael Jackson's company to receive 90 percent of the film's profits, with the remainder going to AEG Live.
The deadline for the judge's approval isn't the only tight timeline the project faces. According to the contract, Columbia must screen the movie for Michael Jackson's representatives
Source:AP
More MJ Products Under Consideration...(5/8/2009)
The current administrators of Michael Jackson..s estate have presented several proposed contracts to a probate judge for approval.
Trading cards, T-shirts, calendars, lighters, stuffed animals that play Michael's music and games are among the items being considered. So too are denim products and high-end clothing lines, according to the filings. Other possible products include cell phone screen savers, X-Box themes, video games and digital tattoos for characters in games such as "Second Life."
The proposed deals are between Michael Jackson's estate, concert promoter AEG Live and Bravado International Group Merchandising Services. The contract calls for Bravado, which is Universal Music Group's retailing arm, to receive worldwide merchandise rights. But AEG Live would retain rights to sell certain merchandise related to Michael Jackson's canceled London performances.
The administrators have the authority to combat unauthorized merchandise, and the deals provide Bravado with access to the use of Michael Jackson's name, image, symbols, emblems and other trademarks. Michael Jackson's estate would have input into which products are ultimately manufactured, the proposed agreements state. The agreements with Bravado do not indicate how much the estate would be paid.
A judge has scheduled a hearing for Monday to consider the proposals.
Attorney Jeryll S. Cohen wrote in a court filing on Friday that the merchandising and other entertainment agreements are expected to generate "advances in the high eight figures." Negotiations for other deals are also in the works, Cohen wrote.
An amendment to an agreement between Michael Jackson's estate and AEG Live allows for a traveling exhibit of the performer's memorabilia. Exact details of the exhibit were redacted, but it calls for the displays to be shown only at museums or venues that both sides agree on.
MJFC / AP
Trading cards, T-shirts, calendars, lighters, stuffed animals that play Michael's music and games are among the items being considered. So too are denim products and high-end clothing lines, according to the filings. Other possible products include cell phone screen savers, X-Box themes, video games and digital tattoos for characters in games such as "Second Life."
The proposed deals are between Michael Jackson's estate, concert promoter AEG Live and Bravado International Group Merchandising Services. The contract calls for Bravado, which is Universal Music Group's retailing arm, to receive worldwide merchandise rights. But AEG Live would retain rights to sell certain merchandise related to Michael Jackson's canceled London performances.
The administrators have the authority to combat unauthorized merchandise, and the deals provide Bravado with access to the use of Michael Jackson's name, image, symbols, emblems and other trademarks. Michael Jackson's estate would have input into which products are ultimately manufactured, the proposed agreements state. The agreements with Bravado do not indicate how much the estate would be paid.
A judge has scheduled a hearing for Monday to consider the proposals.
Attorney Jeryll S. Cohen wrote in a court filing on Friday that the merchandising and other entertainment agreements are expected to generate "advances in the high eight figures." Negotiations for other deals are also in the works, Cohen wrote.
An amendment to an agreement between Michael Jackson's estate and AEG Live allows for a traveling exhibit of the performer's memorabilia. Exact details of the exhibit were redacted, but it calls for the displays to be shown only at museums or venues that both sides agree on.
MJFC / AP
More MJ Products Under Consideration..(5/8/2009)
The current administrators of Michael Jackson..s estate have presented several proposed contracts to a probate judge for approval.
Trading cards, T-shirts, calendars, lighters, stuffed animals that play Michael's music and games are among the items being considered. So too are denim products and high-end clothing lines, according to the filings. Other possible products include cell phone screen savers, X-Box themes, video games and digital tattoos for characters in games such as "Second Life."
The proposed deals are between Michael Jackson's estate, concert promoter AEG Live and Bravado International Group Merchandising Services. The contract calls for Bravado, which is Universal Music Group's retailing arm, to receive worldwide merchandise rights. But AEG Live would retain rights to sell certain merchandise related to Michael Jackson's canceled London performances.
The administrators have the authority to combat unauthorized merchandise, and the deals provide Bravado with access to the use of Michael Jackson's name, image, symbols, emblems and other trademarks. Michael Jackson's estate would have input into which products are ultimately manufactured, the proposed agreements state. The agreements with Bravado do not indicate how much the estate would be paid.
A judge has scheduled a hearing for Monday to consider the proposals.
Attorney Jeryll S. Cohen wrote in a court filing on Friday that the merchandising and other entertainment agreements are expected to generate "advances in the high eight figures." Negotiations for other deals are also in the works, Cohen wrote.
An amendment to an agreement between Michael Jackson's estate and AEG Live allows for a traveling exhibit of the performer's memorabilia. Exact details of the exhibit were redacted, but it calls for the displays to be shown only at museums or venues that both sides agree on.
MJFC / AP
Trading cards, T-shirts, calendars, lighters, stuffed animals that play Michael's music and games are among the items being considered. So too are denim products and high-end clothing lines, according to the filings. Other possible products include cell phone screen savers, X-Box themes, video games and digital tattoos for characters in games such as "Second Life."
The proposed deals are between Michael Jackson's estate, concert promoter AEG Live and Bravado International Group Merchandising Services. The contract calls for Bravado, which is Universal Music Group's retailing arm, to receive worldwide merchandise rights. But AEG Live would retain rights to sell certain merchandise related to Michael Jackson's canceled London performances.
The administrators have the authority to combat unauthorized merchandise, and the deals provide Bravado with access to the use of Michael Jackson's name, image, symbols, emblems and other trademarks. Michael Jackson's estate would have input into which products are ultimately manufactured, the proposed agreements state. The agreements with Bravado do not indicate how much the estate would be paid.
A judge has scheduled a hearing for Monday to consider the proposals.
Attorney Jeryll S. Cohen wrote in a court filing on Friday that the merchandising and other entertainment agreements are expected to generate "advances in the high eight figures." Negotiations for other deals are also in the works, Cohen wrote.
An amendment to an agreement between Michael Jackson's estate and AEG Live allows for a traveling exhibit of the performer's memorabilia. Exact details of the exhibit were redacted, but it calls for the displays to be shown only at museums or venues that both sides agree on.
MJFC / AP
THIS IS IT REHEARSALS FILM DETAILS...(5/8/2009)
If the probate judge in the Los Anegels (USA) court approves the deal by Monday, a full-length motion picture filled with footage of Michael Jackson's last rehearsals for the This Is It shows in London (UK) could be released soon. The judge has scheduled a hearing for Monday to see if Michael Jackson's mother, Katherine, has any objections.
A redacted agreement filed on Friday and released on Tuesday details the film project. The agreement is between concert promoter AEG Live, one of Michael Jackson's companies, Columbia Pictures and others. The movie would come with all the elements of a major studio release: product tie-ins, merchandising and even a director's cut and special editions.
The contract states Columbia Pictures paid $60 million for rights to the project. The movie will have to meet the standards for a PG rating and not run any longer than 150 minutes. The contract also states that the movie can't include any footage that is considered to paint Michael Jackson in a bad light.
The deal was negotiated by the two men who are administering Michael Jackson's estate, longtime attorney John McClain and music executive John McClain. It calls for Michael Jackson's company to receive 90 percent of the film's profits, with the remainder going to AEG Live.
The deadline for the judge's approval isn't the only tight timeline the project faces. According to the contract, Columbia must screen the movie for Michael Jackson's representatives no later than Oct. 2.
Source:AP
A redacted agreement filed on Friday and released on Tuesday details the film project. The agreement is between concert promoter AEG Live, one of Michael Jackson's companies, Columbia Pictures and others. The movie would come with all the elements of a major studio release: product tie-ins, merchandising and even a director's cut and special editions.
The contract states Columbia Pictures paid $60 million for rights to the project. The movie will have to meet the standards for a PG rating and not run any longer than 150 minutes. The contract also states that the movie can't include any footage that is considered to paint Michael Jackson in a bad light.
The deal was negotiated by the two men who are administering Michael Jackson's estate, longtime attorney John McClain and music executive John McClain. It calls for Michael Jackson's company to receive 90 percent of the film's profits, with the remainder going to AEG Live.
The deadline for the judge's approval isn't the only tight timeline the project faces. According to the contract, Columbia must screen the movie for Michael Jackson's representatives
Source:AP
Robbie Williams' MJ Tribute..(4/8/2009)
UK singer Robbie Williams has written a last-minute Michael Jackson tribute track which will reportedly be included on his new album. The album is scheduled to be released this autumn.
As Williams wrote in a blog on his official website at the end of July he was very moved by the sudden death of Michael Jackson:
"Michael Jackson died then....It's all so very sad...Couldn't get a lyric to fit on one of the new songs...When he passed away I rewrote it with him in mind.....[...] I went on Itunes the other day to listen to snippets of his Michael's songs..MY god..(understatement of the decade) He was good...They sound different somehow Now that he's gone."
MJFC / AP
As Williams wrote in a blog on his official website at the end of July he was very moved by the sudden death of Michael Jackson:
"Michael Jackson died then....It's all so very sad...Couldn't get a lyric to fit on one of the new songs...When he passed away I rewrote it with him in mind.....[...] I went on Itunes the other day to listen to snippets of his Michael's songs..MY god.
MJFC / AP
Wyclef Jean Froze Up When Meeting MJ..(4/8/2009)
In an interview that was not included in MTV's "Michael Jackson's Human Nature" special, which aired over the weekend, Wyclef Jean (Fugees) admitted that when he and Michael worked together briefly on a recording session for the album 'Blood on the Dance Floor' in 1997 (the track was not included on the final album version) the prospect of meeting Michael Jackson was overwhelming.
"When I knew he was coming, I went to the bathroom, put some water on my face and I was rehearsing how I would be talking to Mike. When I was in the presence of Michael Jackson, I go to shake his hand — and my whole voice box goes out. This is the kind of effect that this man had on me!"
Jean said that even his bodyguards, who tended to shrug off everything, got wound up once Michael was in the room. But as he explained, Michael Jackson's music was such a huge part of everybody's development that they couldn't help but get excited.
"When somebody is the soundtrack of your life, you can just imagine. Michael Jackson and Bob Marley — those were the soundtracks of my life."
MJFC / MTV
"When I knew he was coming, I went to the bathroom, put some water on my face and I was rehearsing how I would be talking to Mike. When I was in the presence of Michael Jackson, I go to shake his hand — and my whole voice box goes out. This is the kind of effect that this man had on me!"
Jean said that even his bodyguards, who tended to shrug off everything, got wound up once Michael was in the room. But as he explained, Michael Jackson's music was such a huge part of everybody's development that they couldn't help but get excited.
"When somebody is the soundtrack of your life, you can just imagine. Michael Jackson and Bob Marley — those were the soundtracks of my life."
MJFC / MTV
MJ Secures 14 Spots On US Billboard Charts...(4/8/2009)
According the Nielsen SoundScan, 13 of Michael Jackson's albums will be ranked on the Billboard Top Catalog Albums chart for the week of August 8, 2009. The rankings included:
Number Ones – # 1
The Essential Michael Jackson – # 2
Thriller – # 3
Bad – # 4
Off the Wall – # 5
Dangerous – # 6
The Ultimate Collection (Jackson 5) – # 7
The Best of the Jackson 5 – # 8
Blood on the Dance Floor – # 10
Greatest Hits: HIStory – Volume II - # 11
Invincible – # 12
Live (Jacksons) – 17 (debut)
HIStory: Past, Present And Future – # 25
Also in the USA on the Digital Albums chart, ‘The Essential Michael Jackson’ took the # 8 spot.
Across the rest of the world, Michael Jackson's also sold very well. Some highlights from Billboard include:
Japan – King Of Pop Japan Edition (Ltd Version) - # 2
UK – The Essential - # 1
UK – Thriller - # 6
UK – The Motown Years - # 7
Germany – King of Pop German Edition - # 1
Germany – Number Ones - # 2
Germany – The Collection - # 4
Germany – The Collection - # 5
Germany – HIStory - Past Present & Future Book 1 - # 9
Germany – Live In Bucharest:The Dangerous Tour - # 10
MJFC / Billboard
Number Ones – # 1
The Essential Michael Jackson – # 2
Thriller – # 3
Bad – # 4
Off the Wall – # 5
Dangerous – # 6
The Ultimate Collection (Jackson 5) – # 7
The Best of the Jackson 5 – # 8
Blood on the Dance Floor – # 10
Greatest Hits: HIStory – Volume II - # 11
Invincible – # 12
Live (Jacksons) – 17 (debut)
HIStory: Past, Present And Future – # 25
Also in the USA on the Digital Albums chart, ‘The Essential Michael Jackson’ took the # 8 spot.
Across the rest of the world, Michael Jackson's also sold very well. Some highlights from Billboard include:
Japan – King Of Pop Japan Edition (Ltd Version) - # 2
UK – The Essential - # 1
UK – Thriller - # 6
UK – The Motown Years - # 7
Germany – King of Pop German Edition - # 1
Germany – Number Ones - # 2
Germany – The Collection - # 4
Germany – The Collection - # 5
Germany – HIStory - Past Present & Future Book 1 - # 9
Germany – Live In Bucharest:The Dangerous Tour - # 10
MJFC / Billboard
R&R Hall Of Fame Adds MJ Memorial Wall..(2/8/2009)
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland (USA) has a permanent exhibit dedicated to Michael and recently they added a memorial wall in the Ahmet M. Ertegun Main Exhibit Hall celebrating his career.
From the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame website:
"In addition to the Rock Hall’s permanent Michael Jackson exhibition in the Legends of Rock exhibit, the Museum has unveiled a special memorial wall dedicated to Jackson’s life and legacy in the Ahmet M. Ertegun Main Exhibit Hall. Featured in the exhibit are rare photographs from throughout his musical career along with magazine covers and clothing items from the two-time Inductee’s personal collection from various television appearances, music videos and live concerts."
The address of the museum is as follows:
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
1100 Rock and Roll Boulevard
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
216.781.ROCK
MJFC / Examiner
From the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame website:
"In addition to the Rock Hall’s permanent Michael Jackson exhibition in the Legends of Rock exhibit, the Museum has unveiled a special memorial wall dedicated to Jackson’s life and legacy in the Ahmet M. Ertegun Main Exhibit Hall. Featured in the exhibit are rare photographs from throughout his musical career along with magazine covers and clothing items from the two-time Inductee’s personal collection from various television appearances, music videos and live concerts."
The address of the museum is as follows:
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
1100 Rock and Roll Boulevard
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
216.781.ROCK
MJFC / Examiner
Funeral Held For MJ In Krindjabo..(2/8/2009)
The village of Krindjabo have been mourning the death of the man they titled Prince Michael Amalaman Anoh since his death on June 25. Villiagers appealed unsuccessfully to have his body returned and decided that Michael needs a proper burial according to the customs in the Sanwi Kingdom.
The village's football field was transformed into a green square, surrounded by tents filled with around 1,000 people from the village and surrounding areas to formally say goodbye to Michael Jackson.
Organizer of the event, Emmanuel Kassy Kofi said that they appealed through international media and the US embassy in Abidjan for Michael's body to be returned. Michael was enthroned as king-in-waiting and should normally be laid to rest in a river.
"If for example the Americans or his family permitted for us to bring the body here we'd do what needs to be done," Mr Kofi said. "We asked for the body - it's for us. It was Michael Jackson himself who tested his DNA and said it'd be good to find his family. "And by certain signs the King also recognized certain signs that he was part of the dynasty. And the royal seat that the king's sitting on - Michael Jackson sat on it too."
Organizers of the event say that Michael's spirit is already there and will be put to rest.
The entire village is in mourning until Sunday when the successor to Prince Michael Jackson Amalaman Anoh will be announced. Parties and memorials will continue throughout the night.
MJFC / BBC News
The village's football field was transformed into a green square, surrounded by tents filled with around 1,000 people from the village and surrounding areas to formally say goodbye to Michael Jackson.
Organizer of the event, Emmanuel Kassy Kofi said that they appealed through international media and the US embassy in Abidjan for Michael's body to be returned. Michael was enthroned as king-
"If for example the Americans or his family permitted for us to bring the body here we'd do what needs to be done," Mr Kofi said. "We asked for the body - it's for us. It was Michael Jackson himself who tested his DNA and said it'd be good to find his family. "And by certain signs the King also recognized certain signs that he was part of the dynasty. And the royal seat that the king's sitting on - Michael Jackson sat on it too."
Organizers of the event say that Michael's spirit is already there and will be put to rest.
The entire village is in mourning until Sunday when the successor to Prince Michael Jackson Amalaman Anoh will be announced. Parties and memorials will continue throughout the night.
MJFC / BBC News
Latoya Jackson: A Few Words For Her Brother..(2/8/2009)
Michael Jackson's sister, Latoya, has published the following message for her brother:
Michael, after 50 years of waiting, God has finally called you home to do what you do best.
He shared your extraordinary talent with us all for many decades and now it’s time for you to spread your wings to a much higher level, which of course I know you will do, and join the other angels and give them an incredible eternal performance.
Keep the angels smiling, Joker!
I love you deeply and I can’t wait to see you perform again!
Mike, you will always be in my dreams!
I LOVE YOU SO VERY! VERY! VERY! VERY! MUCH!
La Toya
Source: LatoyaJackson
( With thanks to MJSTAR..)
Michael, after 50 years of waiting, God has finally called you home to do what you do best.
He shared your extraordinary talent with us all for many decades and now it’s time for you to spread your wings to a much higher level, which of course I know you will do, and join the other angels and give them an incredible eternal performance.
Keep the angels smiling, Joker!
I love you deeply and I can’t wait to see you perform again!
Mike, you will always be in my dreams!
I LOVE YOU SO VERY! VERY! VERY! VERY! MUCH!
La Toya
Source: LatoyaJackson
( With thanks to MJSTAR..)
Charges Expected Against Doctor, But Which Ones?..(31/7/2009)
The recent searches of Dr. Conrad Murray’s home and offices indicate that investigators have gathered significant evidence against him; likely enough to charge him with manslaughter and possibly even with murder, legal experts say.
Dr. Conrad Murray’s Las Vegas country club mansion and his office, Global Cardiovascular Associates, were searched on Tuesday, less than a week after investigators entered the cardiologist's clinic and a nearby storage facility in Houston.
Although Murray hasn't been charged with a crime, experts say the searches insinuate that detectives are making progress in building a criminal case against him. The search warrants revealed that investigators were looking for evidence of manslaughter and "prescribing to an addict," among other potential charges.
Tuesday’s searches indicate that Los Angeles investigators had enough evidence against Murray to obtain search warrants, Kenneth Padowitz, former Broward County, Fla., homicide prosecutor, told FOXNews.com.
“A search warrant has to have affidavit of probable cause, and probable cause is less than reasonable doubt — and to win a criminal case you need beyond reasonable doubt — but probable cause is sufficient to say there is evidence that indicates a potential violation of law,” Padowitz said.
“That there is sufficient evidence already accumulated that allows them to go into his office, home, look at his computer hard drive and files that is significant.”
“This clearly indicates they’re focusing on gathering evidence for criminal charges.”
The affidavit of probable cause that accompanied the warrants would provide the details of what kind of evidence has been gathered against Murray. Those affidavits have been sealed.
The search warrant served in Houston stated that investigators were looking for “evidence of manslaughter,” but that doesn’t mean that more serious charges aren’t being considered — or that Murray’s cooperation will yield lesser charges.
Experts say it’s unlikely that Murray would have the kind of information that would be needed to cut a deal with prosecutors. Even if Murray provided information about other doctors who had given medication to Jackson, he would likely be offered a deal only if he could implicate someone more culpable in Jackson’s death than himself, experts said.
“If several other doctors gave medications improperly before Jackson’s death but if Murray gave medication, the last doctor to provide the medication is more culpable than the others,” Padowitz said.
Murray’s attorney has said the doctor is cooperating fully with the investigation.
“We’re kind of operating in a vacuum right now," Padowitz said. "We really don’t know, but if it is true that he administered this drug that’s only used in hospitals, I’m not thinking that there’s a more culpable individual out there.”
Padowitz was referring to propofol, the intravenous anesthetic that was reportedly found in Jackson's system and was reportedly present in the King of Pop's home when he died on June 25.
If prosecutors believe Murray was responsible for Jackson's death, he could be charged with second-degree murder, even though the search warrants specified the possibility of manslaughter, experts said.
Padowitz noted that it’s general practice to put the lesser crime on the search warrant.
Under California Penal Code 187, a doctor who acts with “conscious disregard” may be charged with second degree murder even if that doctor did not intend to kill the victim.
Dr. Robert M. Kahn, a clinical professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and expert medical consultant appointee for the Medical Board of California, said homicide charges would be filed if it were determined that propofol contributed to Jackson’s death and that Murray obtained or administered the anesthetic.
Law enforcement sources previously told FOXNews.com that Murray admitted to giving Jackson propofol shortly after midnight the day he died.
Murray’s attorney Ed Chernoff has said, “Dr. Murray didn’t prescribe or administer anything that should have killed Michael Jackson.”
Once the autopsy results are completed and the cause of Jackson’s death is reported to the police — and if the cause of death is listed as narcotics overdose — the next step will be to determine who administered the drugs in question.
But no matter how many other drugs are found in Jackson’s system, Kahn said, the responsibility is going to fall largely on Murray, who was Jackson’s attending physician.
“What are the duties of the attending physician? To be familiar with the patient’s diseases and conditions,” Kahn said. “Not knowing is not a defense.”
But criminal defense attorney and former New York prosecutor Sam Goldberg said the repeated delays in releasing the autopsy results may indicate that the case against Murray is not so cut and dry.
“I think there is a reason that autopsy results have been delayed, and not just because they want to keep it secret for longer," Goldberg said.
"It could be that the results they’ve gotten back weren’t the results they expected and now there are more questions. One question could be, ‘Is there enough here to show that the medication is what killed him?
“They want to be very, very cautious with their report because the case will likely rise or fall on the autopsy results.”
Goldberg said unclear results would weaken the case against Murray.
Experts agree that if Murray is charged with a crime, his defense will likely be that he was a licensed doctor who properly administrated medication he thought appropriate for the situation, and that something went horribly wrong. The defense could argue that administering propofol might have been outside the norm of medical practice, but it wasn't gross, wanton and reckless enough to rise to the level of a crime.
But Padowitz said that argument would fail. “It doesn’t matter if he had other medications in his system, it doesn’t matter that Michael Jackson was the one directing this. This guy is a licensed doctor with certain standards and he’ll be held responsible even if Michael Jackson was a willing participant,” he said.
“If they can tie him to administering the drug and the medical examiner indicates that drug was a part of cause of death, then this will be a serious criminal case.”
Investigators have been working with prosecutors for weeks, but they will wait until they receive the final autopsy report to present their case before the district attorney. Only then, if they have sufficient evidence, will an arrest warrant be written.
“The only thing we have to expect is that the unexpected is going to happen," Goldberg said. "That’s the way it was with Michael Jackson in life, and now, sadly, that’s how it is in his death—always mysterious, always unexpected.”
MJFC / FOXNews.com
Dr. Conrad Murray’s Las Vegas country club mansion and his office, Global Cardiovascular Associates, were searched on Tuesday, less than a week after investigators entered the cardiologist's clinic and a nearby storage facility in Houston.
Although Murray hasn't been charged with a crime, experts say the searches insinuate that detectives are making progress in building a criminal case against him. The search warrants revealed that investigators were looking for evidence of manslaughter and "prescribing to an addict," among other potential charges.
Tuesday’s searches indicate that Los Angeles investigators had enough evidence against Murray to obtain search warrants, Kenneth Padowitz, former Broward County, Fla., homicide prosecutor, told FOXNews.com.
“A search warrant has to have affidavit of probable cause, and probable cause is less than reasonable doubt — and to win a criminal case you need beyond reasonable doubt — but probable cause is sufficient to say there is evidence that indicates a potential violation of law,” Padowitz said.
“That there is sufficient evidence already accumulated that allows them to go into his office, home, look at his computer hard drive and files that is significant.”
“This clearly indicates they’re focusing on gathering evidence for criminal charges.”
The affidavit of probable cause that accompanied the warrants would provide the details of what kind of evidence has been gathered against Murray. Those affidavits have been sealed.
The search warrant served in Houston stated that investigators were looking for “evidence of manslaughter,” but that doesn’t mean that more serious charges aren’t being considered — or that Murray’s cooperation will yield lesser charges.
Experts say it’s unlikely that Murray would have the kind of information that would be needed to cut a deal with prosecutors. Even if Murray provided information about other doctors who had given medication to Jackson, he would likely be offered a deal only if he could implicate someone more culpable in Jackson’s death than himself, experts said.
“If several other doctors gave medications improperly before Jackson’s death but if Murray gave medication, the last doctor to provide the medication is more culpable than the others,” Padowitz said.
Murray’s attorney has said the doctor is cooperating fully with the investigation.
“We’re kind of operating in a vacuum right now," Padowitz said. "We really don’t know, but if it is true that he administered this drug that’s only used in hospitals, I’m not thinking that there’s a more culpable individual out there.”
Padowitz was referring to propofol, the intravenous anesthetic that was reportedly found in Jackson's system and was reportedly present in the King of Pop's home when he died on June 25.
If prosecutors believe Murray was responsible for Jackson's death, he could be charged with second-degree murder, even though the search warrants specified the possibility of manslaughter, experts said.
Padowitz noted that it’s general practice to put the lesser crime on the search warrant.
Under California Penal Code 187, a doctor who acts with “conscious disregard” may be charged with second degree murder even if that doctor did not intend to kill the victim.
Dr. Robert M. Kahn, a clinical professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and expert medical consultant appointee for the Medical Board of California, said homicide charges would be filed if it were determined that propofol contributed to Jackson’s death and that Murray obtained or administered the anesthetic.
Law enforcement sources previously told FOXNews.com that Murray admitted to giving Jackson propofol shortly after midnight the day he died.
Murray’s attorney Ed Chernoff has said, “Dr. Murray didn’t prescribe or administer anything that should have killed Michael Jackson.”
Once the autopsy results are completed and the cause of Jackson’s death is reported to the police — and if the cause of death is listed as narcotics overdose — the next step will be to determine who administered the drugs in question.
But no matter how many other drugs are found in Jackson’s system, Kahn said, the responsibility is going to fall largely on Murray, who was Jackson’s attending physician.
“What are the duties of the attending physician? To be familiar with the patient’s diseases and conditions,” Kahn said. “Not knowing is not a defense.”
But criminal defense attorney and former New York prosecutor Sam Goldberg said the repeated delays in releasing the autopsy results may indicate that the case against Murray is not so cut and dry.
“I think there is a reason that autopsy results have been delayed, and not just because they want to keep it secret for longer," Goldberg said.
"It could be that the results they’ve gotten back weren’t the results they expected and now there are more questions. One question could be, ‘Is there enough here to show that the medication is what killed him?
“They want to be very, very cautious with their report because the case will likely rise or fall on the autopsy results.”
Goldberg said unclear results would weaken the case against Murray.
Experts agree that if Murray is charged with a crime, his defense will likely be that he was a licensed doctor who properly administrated medication he thought appropriate for the situation, and that something went horribly wrong. The defense could argue that administering propofol might have been outside the norm of medical practice, but it wasn't gross, wanton and reckless enough to rise to the level of a crime.
But Padowitz said that argument would fail. “It doesn’t matter if he had other medications in his system, it doesn’t matter that Michael Jackson was the one directing this. This guy is a licensed doctor with certain standards and he’ll be held responsible even if Michael Jackson was a willing participant,” he said.
“If they can tie him to administering the drug and the medical examiner indicates that drug was a part of cause of death, then this will be a serious criminal case.”
Investigators have been working with prosecutors for weeks, but they will wait until they receive the final autopsy report to present their case before the district attorney. Only then, if they have sufficient evidence, will an arrest warrant be written.
“The only thing we have to expect is that the unexpected is going to happen," Goldberg said. "That’s the way it was with Michael Jackson in life, and now, sadly, that’s how it is in his death—always mysterious, always unexpected.”
MJFC / FOXNews.com
The Search Warrant Served To Murray..(31/7/2009)
While it remains to be seen exactly what role Dr. Conrad Murray played in the death of Michael Jackson, more information is coming out about the doctor who was with the pop icon in his final hours.
ABC News has obtained a copy of search warrant served to Dr. Conrad Murray earlier this week. The document can be viewed here.
http://abcnews.go.com/images/US/ht_Scan001_090730.PDF
Investigators are still sifting through the evidence from raids on Murray's offices. Among the items seized from Murray's Texas office last week were a vial containing 27 tablets of the weight loss drug phentermine, a vial containing a tablet of the muscle relaxant clonazepam, a photocopy picture of Murray, Rolodex cards, public storage receipts, and a receipt for a "Cricket" phone, according to an inventory attached to the warrant.
Investigators looking into Jackson's death believe that someone was intravenously administering propofol, a powerful sedative, to Jackson at his home.
In the warrant, police said they were investigating a potential charges of "manslaughter,"excessive prescribing," "prescribing to an addict,"excess treatment or prescribing" and "unprofessional conduct."
Propofol was not listed on the court documents among the items seized from Murray's property.
Other items seized from the storage unit, according to the court records, included two computer hard drives and a "Texas Department of Public Safety controlled substance registration." Authorities also obtained a suspension notice from a Houston hospital.
MJFC / ABC
ABC News has obtained a copy of search warrant served to Dr. Conrad Murray earlier this week. The document can be viewed here.
http:
Investigators are still sifting through the evidence from raids on Murray's offices. Among the items seized from Murray's Texas office last week were a vial containing 27 tablets of the weight loss drug phentermine, a vial containing a tablet of the muscle relaxant clonazepam, a photocopy picture of Murray, Rolodex cards, public storage receipts, and a receipt for a "Cricket" phone, according to an inventory attached to the warrant.
Investigators looking into Jackson's death believe that someone was intravenously administering propofol, a powerful sedative, to Jackson at his home.
In the warrant, police said they were investigating a potential charges of "
Propofol was not listed on the court documents among the items seized from Murray's property.
Other items seized from the storage unit, according to the court records, included two computer hard drives and a "Texas Department of Public Safety controlled substance registration." Authorities also obtained a suspension notice from a Houston hospital.
MJFC / ABC
Jackson gets most number one album spots this year..(26/7/2009)
Michael Jackson's "The Essential" held onto the top spot for the fourth week in a row, meaning he has been number one in the album chart longer than any other artist this year, the Official Charts Company said on Sunday.
"Essential" and his hits package "Number Ones" have been at the top for five weeks, surpassing Lady Gaga, whose album "The Fame" was number one for four weeks.
Fans have been snapping up copies of many of Jackson's albums following his death last month. He has 10 albums in the top 50.
There was no change at number two in the album chart, where Florence & the Machine held on with "Lungs," while "The Fame" moved up two places to three.
X-Factor's R&B boy band JLS stayed at number one in the singles chart with their debut release "Beat Again."
Mr Hudson, featuring Kanye West, were a new entrant at number two with "Supernova."
Black Eyed Peas remained at three with "I Gotta Feeling."
Yahoo.
"Essential" and his hits package "Number Ones" have been at the top for five weeks, surpassing Lady Gaga, whose album "The Fame" was number one for four weeks.
Fans have been snapping up copies of many of Jackson's albums following his death last month. He has 10 albums in the top 50.
There was no change at number two in the album chart, where Florence & the Machine held on with "Lungs," while "The Fame" moved up two places to three.
X-Factor's R&B boy band JLS stayed at number one in the singles chart with their debut release "Beat Again."
Mr Hudson, featuring Kanye West, were a new entrant at number two with "Supernova."
Black Eyed Peas remained at three with "I Gotta Feeling."
Yahoo.
Jermaine pays tribute to Michael..(24/7/2009)
Jermaine Jackson has said his brother Michael was a "wonderful humanitarian" who considered it important to help others.
Jermaine also said the late singer looked for the good in everyone and described his unexpected death on June 25 at the age of 50 as a "tragic loss".
"As much as my brother achieved in the music industry, he was a wonderful human being and a wonderful humanitarian," Jermaine said.
"My brother, he was well-versed in just knowing what was most important and that's giving back ... to make the world a much better place."
Jermaine said his brother donated the proceeds of many of his concert tours to charity and said there were "pages and pages and pages" filled with examples of his humanitarian work.
The former Celebrity Big Brother contestant spoke at a news conference in the Austrian capital just hours before he was to attend a gala paying tribute to Michael Jackson's charity efforts.
Others to be honoured include sprinter Carl Lewis, whose foundation supports underprivileged children.
Lewis said Michael Jackson had "done so much for children" and would be remembered forever.
Actress Andie MacDowell, who will host the evening event, said she has admired Michael Jackson since she was young.
"I have been a huge fan of Michael Jackson's since I was a child and had posters of all the Jacksons on my wall - I just feel very honoured to facilitate and participate at these awards," she said.
Yahoo/AP..
Jermaine also said the late singer looked for the good in everyone and described his unexpected death on June 25 at the age of 50 as a "tragic loss".
"As much as my brother achieved in the music industry, he was a wonderful human being and a wonderful humanitarian," Jermaine said.
"My brother, he was well-versed in just knowing what was most important and that's giving back ... to make the world a much better place."
Jermaine said his brother donated the proceeds of many of his concert tours to charity and said there were "pages and pages and pages" filled with examples of his humanitarian work.
The former Celebrity Big Brother contestant spoke at a news conference in the Austrian capital just hours before he was to attend a gala paying tribute to Michael Jackson's charity efforts.
Others to be honoured include sprinter Carl Lewis, whose foundation supports underprivileged
Lewis said Michael Jackson had "done so much for children" and would be remembered forever.
Actress Andie MacDowell, who will host the evening event, said she has admired Michael Jackson since she was young.
"I have been a huge fan of Michael Jackson's since I was a child and had posters of all the Jacksons on my wall - I just feel very honoured to facilitate and participate at these awards," she said.
Yahoo/AP..
Moonwalk Reprint..(24/7/2009)
"Moonwalk," the autobiography penned by Michael Jackson, will soon be hitting the shelves of a bookstore near you. That is, of course, if you live in United States, Canada, England, Germany and France.
On Thursday, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff approved a request by the administrators of the Jackson's estate to enter into new publishing deals. According to the court records, the documents state:
The Special Administrators believe that it is in the best interest of the Estate for all book publishing agreements to be entered as soon as possible, as sales of the book and profits for the estate will be maximized the sooner the book is released due to the notoriety surrounding Michael Jackson's unexpected death and the resulting heightened demand for such products."
The book, which was originally published in 1988 by Doubleday, has been out of print for more than a decade. Publishing rights for the reprint in the United States and Canada will be handled by Shaye Areheart, who was the original editor of "Moonwalk." Her company is a part of Random House Inc. Other publishers will handle the oversees releases.
"Moonwalk" could be in bookstores in France as early as August. No word yet on when the book will be released in other countries.
MJFC / AP
On Thursday, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff approved a request by the administrators of the Jackson's estate to enter into new publishing deals. According to the court records, the documents state:
The Special Administrators believe that it is in the best interest of the Estate for all book publishing agreements to be entered as soon as possible, as sales of the book and profits for the estate will be maximized the sooner the book is released due to the notoriety surrounding Michael Jackson's unexpected death and the resulting heightened demand for such products."
The book, which was originally published in 1988 by Doubleday, has been out of print for more than a decade. Publishing rights for the reprint in the United States and Canada will be handled by Shaye Areheart, who was the original editor of "Moonwalk." Her company is a part of Random House Inc. Other publishers will handle the oversees releases.
"Moonwalk" could be in bookstores in France as early as August. No word yet on when the book will be released in other countries.
MJFC / AP
Michael Jackson Tells X17 He's 'Okay' After Leaving Doctor's: 10/6/2009..
X17 Xclusive - June 9th, 2009: The paps caught up with Michael Jackson Tuesday afternoon leaving a medical building. When asked how he was doing, he said that he was, "Okay." When asked if he was still able to moonwalk, he said, "Why wouldn't I be able to..
Pictures+
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGqtVnT5lyc
x17video.com
Michael Jackson and His Kids( 3rd June 2009): 4/6/09
Since Michael Jackson's children were first unveiled from their masked existence a year ago, they haven't been seen since without their face covered.
But yesterday Prince Michael I, 12, and Paris Michael, 11, were seen enjoying the fresh air with their faces revealed to the world as they joined their famous father at a Los Angeles recording studio.
Not realising they could be seen from the street, Prince and Paris looked like regular pre-teens as they strolled through the car park.
As well as fathering Prince and Paris with ex-wife Debbie Rowe, Michael also has a seven-year-old Prince Michael II, aka Blanket.
While the physical similarities between the elder Prince and Paris is striking, Blanket is much darker than his older siblings in skin tone and hair colour.
Blanket was the child famously dangled off a hotel balcony in Germany in November 2002.
In an interview last year, former nurse Debbie insisted it was her choice to have the children's faces covered.
She said: 'The veils were my idea, not Michael's. I had kidnap threats when they were babies. I did not want them to be recognised.'
Despite widespread belief the children are not biologically his, Michael insists he is the father of all three.
During his infamous 2003 interview with Martin Bashir, he said: 'I used a surrogate mother (for Blanket) and my own sperm cells. I had my own sperm cells in my other two children.
'They are all my children but I used a surrogate mother and she doesn't know me, I don't know her.'
Debbie reiterated in 2008: 'Of course it was artificial insemination. Paris was conceived in Paris, that's how she got her name.
'I turned out two pretty good-looking kids. For that I am proud.'
DailyMail.co.uk
Michael Jackson Visits The Doctor! Again-21st May 2009: 22/5/2009..
Either Michael Jackson
is taking his comeback tour seriously by having a doctor keep tabs on him or there is some truth to the rumor that the "Off The Wall" singer is suffering from skin cancer.
This is the "King of Pop's" third trip to the doctors this week, during which he announced that his 50-date tour has been delayed by five days.
So what do you guys think? Is Jacko suffering from skin cancer or just keeping an eye on his health while he trains for his concerts..
MaxJax/
Michael Jackson Back At The Doctors ( 20th May 2009): 21/5/2009..
Hours after Michael Jackson announced that he was delaying the start of his much publicized London concerts, our cameras caught the King of Pop leaving his doctor's office in Los Angeles.
Reps for the singer continue to deny stories of a serious medical problem, saying the only reason for the delay is production related.
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Splashnewsonlin
Michael "Is As Healthy As Can Be: 19/05/2009..
In response to a recent rumour spread by a British tabloid claiming that Michael Jackson has been diagnosed with skin cancer, Randy Phillips, president and CEO of AEG Live, said that the rumour is not true:
"He's as healthy as he can be -- no health problems whatsoever."
Phillips said he asked Michael Jackson point-blank about the skin cancer rumor, and the entertainer just brushed it off and laughed.
"He's used to rumors like this. He's been famous ever since he was 5. He doesn't read the newspapers or watch news reports."
He also had an answer for an item in the British tabloid that said Jackson had been "making regular trips to a dermatologist in Beverly Hills."
"Michael is very close friends with his dermatologist. It's as simple as that."
Michael Jackson had already passed a stringent physical exam before he and AEG signed teh contract for the London shows.
"And he'll have to take another before the shows start," he offered.
Phillips also said that a tour with sister Janet Jackson and other performing members of the Jackson family was "never in the works, at least from Michael Jackson's side."
"Never say never, but right now, he's focusing on his own show. It's not about his family.
He's working out every day with his choreographers and his dancers. He's in better shape at 50 than I was at 30," Phillips laughed.
Phillips also took the opportunity to knock down a couple of other rumors.
"For now, he has no plans for his kids to be in the show. And there are no elephants. No elephants in the show, and he's not dying of cancer."
Phillips also confirmed again that the London shows were the first step in a multi-phase package with Michael Jackson that he called "more than a 360-degree deal." There are also plans for recorded music and movies, including a 3-D live concert film and a 3-D movie based on Jackson's 1983 "Thriller" music video. He didn't rule out a tour or a concert residency in another city, stating it would most likely start in Europe, then roll out to Asia, North America and South America.
MJFC / CNN
"He's as healthy as he can be -- no health problems whatsoever."
Phillips said he asked Michael Jackson point-blank about the skin cancer rumor, and the entertainer just brushed it off and laughed.
"He's used to rumors like this. He's been famous ever since he was 5. He doesn't read the newspapers or watch news reports."
He also had an answer for an item in the British tabloid that said Jackson had been "making regular trips to a dermatologist in Beverly Hills."
"Michael is very close friends with his dermatologist. It's as simple as that."
Michael Jackson had already passed a stringent physical exam before he and AEG signed teh contract for the London shows.
"And he'll have to take another before the shows start," he offered.
Phillips also said that a tour with sister Janet Jackson and other performing members of the Jackson family was "never in the works, at least from Michael Jackson's side."
"Never say never, but right now, he's focusing on his own show. It's not about his family.
He's working out every day with his choreographers and his dancers. He's in better shape at 50 than I was at 30," Phillips laughed.
Phillips also took the opportunity to knock down a couple of other rumors.
"For now, he has no plans for his kids to be in the show. And there are no elephants. No elephants in the show, and he's not dying of cancer."
Phillips also confirmed again that the London shows were the first step in a multi-phase package with Michael Jackson that he called "more than a 360-degree deal." There are also plans for recorded music and movies, including a 3-D live concert film and a 3-D movie based on Jackson's 1983 "Thriller" music video. He didn't rule out a tour or a concert residency in another city, stating it would most likely start in Europe, then roll out to Asia, North America and South America.
MJFC / CNN
Michael jackson and kids at Tom's Toys: 16/05/2009...
Yesterday,15th May 2009.Pop superstar Michael jackson and his children were out again in Los Angeles (USA) on a shopping trip. Where they visited Tom's Toys.Some pics below..
MJFC
Magician Alonzo Says He Is Involved In MJ Concerts: 16/5/2009...
It seems Michael is still adding more bells and whistles to what promises to be an extraordinary spectacle not to miss - the 'This Is It' concerts in London (UK).
On Friday, E! Online talked to magician Ed Alonzo, who most recently worked on Britney Spears' Circus tour. He said he will be involved in the Michael Jackson concerts and will create some magical moments for the shows.
"I met with Michael Jackson a couple of days ago and am now officially creating magic and illusions for his concert.
I will not be performing in the show as I do with Britney. I'm just creating the magic that Michael has requested in his vision."
Instead, Michael will take the magic into his own hands. Alonzo said the entertainer "has a great knowledge of magic and has performed illusions in his shows before."
"Michael has two routines in mind so far using magic elements that I am creating. I have to show him a demo of the effects next week. Then the props are to be built and he will start rehearsals. I will teach him the effects and help in staging them."
Ed Alonzo is one of America's most famous comedy magicians who is known for his retro-style costuming. He has done Command Performances in London, multiyear headline contracts in Las Vegas, and international tv appearances. He has also won the title 'Stage Magician Of The Year' for two consecutive years, and 'Comedy Magician Of The Year' for another two consecutive years from the internationally recognized Academy of Magical Arts. Ed is currently on tour with Britney Spears performing a magic production number with her playing the magicians assistant.
MJFC / E! Online
On Friday, E! Online talked to magician Ed Alonzo, who most recently worked on Britney Spears' Circus tour. He said he will be involved in the Michael Jackson concerts and will create some magical moments for the shows.
"I met with Michael Jackson a couple of days ago and am now officially creating magic and illusions for his concert.
I will not be performing in the show as I do with Britney. I'm just creating the magic that Michael has requested in his vision."
Instead, Michael will take the magic into his own hands. Alonzo said the entertainer "has a great knowledge of magic and has performed illusions in his shows before."
"Michael has two routines in mind so far using magic elements that I am creating. I have to show him a demo of the effects next week. Then the props are to be built and he will start rehearsals. I will teach him the effects and help in staging them."
Ed Alonzo is one of America's most famous comedy magicians who is known for his retro-style costuming. He has done Command Performances in London, multiyear headline contracts in Las Vegas, and international tv appearances. He has also won the title 'Stage Magician Of The Year' for two consecutive years, and 'Comedy Magician Of The Year' for another two consecutive years from the internationally
MJFC / E! Online
MJ-More Concert Details...updated: 12/05/2009...
Details of
rehearsals for the upcoming 'This Is It' concerts in London are closely
held secrets, but the LA Times reports that four mornings a week, an
SUV with darkened windows bears Michael Jackson through the gates
outside a nondescript building in California. There he spends the next
six hours on a soundstage in the company of 10 dancers and pop music's
best-known choreographers.
Randy Phillips of concert promoter AEG Live says that the show will break new ground in both artistry and sheer cost. The production budget is "north of $20 million" and will include as many as 22 different sets:
"It's going to be the biggest, most technologically advanced arena show -- and the most expensive -- ever mounted."
Besides denying media reports that the show would feature animals - "No animals. No animals!" - Philips is tight-lipped about what the fans in the O2 arena will see. But he revealed that some choreography will feature aerial dancing similar to routines by Cirque du Soleil.
Choreographer and director Kenny Ortega (59) will direct and design the shows. Kenny Ortega has worked a lot with Michael Jackson in the past. He was also the choreographer of the movie 'Dirty Dancing', directed the successful 'High School Musical' movies, staged Madonna's concert tours and also created the Sirens outdoor pyrotechnics show at Treasure Island in Las Vegas. Ortega agreed to work around his schedule as director of the planned remake of the 1984 movie "Footloose" to take on Michael Jackson's shows. In a statement, Ortega said he was eager to collaborate with him again:
"My answer without a beat was 'nothing could keep me away' - collaborating with Michael on the Dangerous and HIStory tours were two of the greatest creative experiences of my life, to be invited to partner with him again is a dream come true.
Working with Michael is always a true and full partnership, he is a creative mastermind.
He is the most significant artist and entertainer of our generation."
Travis Payne will work as the show's choreographer and associate director. He has already worked with Michael Jackson on various award shows, music videos ('Scream') and tours (Dangerous World Tour, HIStory World Tour). Furthermore, he was a choreographer for Beyonce and Madonna, series such as Dancing With the Stars (Michael Jackson tribute), So You Think You Can Dance, and Everybody Loves Raymond, worked as a choreographer on films, music videos, and commercials, and was a host of Popstars. He has won an American Choreography Award and several MTV Video Music Awards.
Also involved are younger choreographers: Todd
Sams, who has worked with Usher, and Rich & Tone Talauega, who have
for example worked for Chris Brown, Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin, Pink,
Madonna, and Mariah Carey, were present for auditions last month. As
teenagers, the Talauega brothers were actually dicovered by Michael
Jackson..s choreographer while freestyling at a club in Oakland (USA)
and later went on tour with Michael Jackson.
The two-day casting call for teh London concerts drew 700 dancers from all over the world to Los Angeles' (USA) Nokia Theatre.
"They were from the elite agencies across the world -- London, France, New York," said Australian dancer Nandy McClean, who was not chosen. "There were hip-hop dancers and jazz dancers. You could tell a lot of them were crazy Michael Jackson fans who grew up watching him."
Michael himself attended the second day of tryouts. One agency head compared the experience to basketball players auditioning for Michael Jordan.
"Dancing for an artist who is so amazing and who everyone looks up to was the best feeling of my life," said Atlanta dancer Victor Carter, who did not make the cut. "He perfected the profession."
According to Ortega and Phillips, Michael himself is taking a hands-on role in coming up with routines. He is developing a move that he hopes will be as distinctive as the moonwalk.
"He's working on it," Phillips said, refusing to say more: "I'm sworn to secrecy."
In preparation for the shows, Michael Jackson is doing aerobics with a personal trainer and has had no difficulty keeping up with dancers half his age during rehearsals in Burbank, Phillips said. Those practice sessions occur in secrecy, thanks to security patrols and confidentiality agreements.
While rehearsals for the shows are very exciting, there is also time to relax according to Kenny Ortega:
"Michael, the team and I will hash out a creative idea, we're ready to implement it and Michael will say let's sleep on it.
The next day he is back in studio raising the bar to the next level and pushing us further for greater dynamic results."
MJFC / LA Times...
Randy Phillips of concert promoter AEG Live says that the show will break new ground in both artistry and sheer cost. The production budget is "north of $20 million" and will include as many as 22 different sets:
"It's going to be the biggest, most technologically
Besides denying media reports that the show would feature animals - "No animals. No animals!" - Philips is tight-lipped about what the fans in the O2 arena will see. But he revealed that some choreography will feature aerial dancing similar to routines by Cirque du Soleil.
Choreographer and director Kenny Ortega (59) will direct and design the shows. Kenny Ortega has worked a lot with Michael Jackson in the past. He was also the choreographer of the movie 'Dirty Dancing', directed the successful 'High School Musical' movies, staged Madonna's concert tours and also created the Sirens outdoor pyrotechnics show at Treasure Island in Las Vegas. Ortega agreed to work around his schedule as director of the planned remake of the 1984 movie "Footloose" to take on Michael Jackson's shows. In a statement, Ortega said he was eager to collaborate with him again:
"My answer without a beat was 'nothing could keep me away' - collaborating with Michael on the Dangerous and HIStory tours were two of the greatest creative experiences of my life, to be invited to partner with him again is a dream come true.
Working with Michael is always a true and full partnership, he is a creative mastermind.
He is the most significant artist and entertainer of our generation."
Travis Payne will work as the show's choreographer and associate director. He has already worked with Michael Jackson on various award shows, music videos ('Scream') and tours (Dangerous World Tour, HIStory World Tour). Furthermore, he was a choreographer for Beyonce and Madonna, series such as Dancing With the Stars (Michael Jackson tribute), So You Think You Can Dance, and Everybody Loves Raymond, worked as a choreographer on films, music videos, and commercials, and was a host of Popstars. He has won an American Choreography Award and several MTV Video Music Awards.
Also involved are younger choreographers:
The two-day casting call for teh London concerts drew 700 dancers from all over the world to Los Angeles' (USA) Nokia Theatre.
"They were from the elite agencies across the world -- London, France, New York," said Australian dancer Nandy McClean, who was not chosen. "There were hip-hop dancers and jazz dancers. You could tell a lot of them were crazy Michael Jackson fans who grew up watching him."
Michael himself attended the second day of tryouts. One agency head compared the experience to basketball players auditioning for Michael Jordan.
"Dancing for an artist who is so amazing and who everyone looks up to was the best feeling of my life," said Atlanta dancer Victor Carter, who did not make the cut. "He perfected the profession."
According to Ortega and Phillips, Michael himself is taking a hands-on role in coming up with routines. He is developing a move that he hopes will be as distinctive as the moonwalk.
"He's working on it," Phillips said, refusing to say more: "I'm sworn to secrecy."
In preparation for the shows, Michael Jackson is doing aerobics with a personal trainer and has had no difficulty keeping up with dancers half his age during rehearsals in Burbank, Phillips said. Those practice sessions occur in secrecy, thanks to security patrols and confidentiality
While rehearsals for the shows are very exciting, there is also time to relax according to Kenny Ortega:
"Michael, the team and I will hash out a creative idea, we're ready to implement it and Michael will say let's sleep on it.
The next day he is back in studio raising the bar to the next level and pushing us further for greater dynamic results."
MJFC / LA Times...
The MJ Economic Stimulus Package: 08/05/2009...
Michael Jackson’s concerts at London’s 02 Arena are set to give the UK economy a huge boost.
Second-hand ticket website Seatwave claimed “The Jackson Effect” it will provide a much-needed increase in “economic activity”. Joe Cohen, chief executive of Seatwave, told BBC 6 Music:
“There’s gonna be somewhere near on a billion pounds worth of economic activity brought to London through hotels, restaurants, shops, pubs, people coming to see Michael Jackson.
It’s the Michael Jackson economic stimulus package that the tax payer isn’t paying a penny for.
We’ve sold in the neighbourhood of 10,000 tickets so far. Depending on how the reviews are after the first couple of shows, we think that number should have at least doubled by the end of the run.
I’m not surprised at all. This is the most popular performer of a generation who hasn’t performed for a very long time and may not perform again for a very long time, if ever.”
Cohen claimed a third of the trading going on at Seatwave is between people trying to upgrade their tickets for better seats.
Doubt has been cast in the media on whether Michael Jackson will be able to sustain such a long series of comeback, but Cohen reckons there’s no cause for concern.
“I don’t think that AEG Live would have put this together if they weren’t absolutely confident that Michael Jackson could perform all of these dates to the best of his ability.”
MJFC-USA
Second-hand ticket website Seatwave claimed “The Jackson Effect” it will provide a much-needed increase in “economic activity”. Joe Cohen, chief executive of Seatwave, told BBC 6 Music:
“There’s gonna be somewhere near on a billion pounds worth of economic activity brought to London through hotels, restaurants, shops, pubs, people coming to see Michael Jackson.
It’s the Michael Jackson economic stimulus package that the tax payer isn’t paying a penny for.
We’ve sold in the neighbourhood of 10,000 tickets so far. Depending on how the reviews are after the first couple of shows, we think that number should have at least doubled by the end of the run.
I’m not surprised at all. This is the most popular performer of a generation who hasn’t performed for a very long time and may not perform again for a very long time, if ever.”
Cohen claimed a third of the trading going on at Seatwave is between people trying to upgrade their tickets for better seats.
Doubt has been cast in the media on whether Michael Jackson will be able to sustain such a long series of comeback, but Cohen reckons there’s no cause for concern.
“I don’t think that AEG Live would have put this together if they weren’t absolutely confident that Michael Jackson could perform all of these dates to the best of his ability.”
MJFC-USA
Jackson’s Comeback - What The Experts Think: 07/03/2009...
Michael Jackson has announced a series of comeback concerts at the O2 arena in London.
These will be the 50-year-old’s first shows 12 years.
Music industry insiders give their verdict on whether it will be landmark or lacklustre.
LEMAR - MUSICIAN
“It’s great that he’s announced the tour. Whether he’ll do it or whether he’ll finish it is another thing.
I will definitely be buying a ticket. Whenever you see him nowadays he looks quite fragile, but at the same time it’s an exciting prospect.
Obviously the moves aren’t going to be him doing Thriller. It’s not going to be the exact same Michael. But people wonder what is it going to be, so you’re going to buy the ticket because you need to know.
He’ll probably be moonwalking in slow motion. You’ll probably have to tape it and then take it home and speed it up again. I want to see everything - I want to see him do all the tricks that he can still do without injuring himself.
I want to see all of the old tracks. When you get to a certain age and you’ve had the type of hits he’s had it’s not about bringing out a new album. He’s done the best of his work, so just celebrate it.
”
AMANDA GHOST - HEAD OF JACKSON’S RECORD LABEL EPIC
“I met Michael Jackson a few weeks ago. He helped build Epic. Why does he mean so much? He’s the consummate artist. He’s so talented - as a writer, as a dancer, as a singer, as a performer. He’s a star. We’re not making stars any more.
His legacy is great music, incredible image and an important message. It got corny towards the end. He’s a child star and he paid a heavy price to be Michael Jackson. I don’t know anybody in the world that hasn’t got a Michael Jackson song that they love. He’s universal. He’s an icon. I used to dress up as Michael Jackson when I was a kid.
”
KANYA KING - MOBO AWARDS FOUNDER
“I think at the heart of Michael is a showman. If you look at the earlier performances they were a huge spectacle and it wasn’t just about his vocal ability.
It’ll need more than hardcore Michael Jackson fans buying tickets but you only need look at some of the nostalgic tours recently - they haven’t been half as big as Michael Jackson but they’ve sold out.
The fact that he’s committed to a huge series of gigs means he needs to be fully prepared. But as long as he rehearses, performs and gives the people what they want to hear, no-one will come away disappointed and I for one will be in the front row.
”
PETE WATERMAN - RECORD PRODUCER
“I actually think it’s about money and I can’t blame him. But it’ll also please the fans. My son is a Michael Jackson fanatic and left home at eight o’clock on Thursday morning to queue up to see him. That says it all.
”
PAUL GAMBACCINI - BROADCASTER
“There will be such a big demand. There used to be this phenomenon of the ‘harvest’ tour which was when your stars from the 60s and early 80s would go out, without the benefit of a new record, and just harvest what they deserve from their past records.
In the last year we’ve had Madonna, Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, The Eagles and The Police raise over £150 milion from tours.
Michael is 50 this year. There were reports in the last couple of years of serious illness. Any ex-athlete will tell you it’s harder to move around at speed at 50 than when you’re 25. I saw Michael and the Jackson Five at Wembley Arena and Michael as an adult at Wembley Stadium. He was moving fine and famously then but the problem, if there is to be one, would be his health.
”
Source: BBC News
O2 Announcement Sends Album Sales Soaring: 07/03/2009...
Michael Jackson’s London gig announcement has sent sales of his classic albums soaring higher than his high-pitched voice.
Web retailer Play.com saw a 110 per cent increase in purchases of ‘Bad’ overnight with ‘Dangerous’ up 165 per cent.
It follows Jackson’s revelation that he’ll perform 10 gigs at The O2 Arena this July.
The 25th Anniversary version of ‘Thriller’ was also flying off the virtual shelves up 155 per cent while 1979’s ‘Off The Wall’ recorded the biggest increase of 200 per cent.
A Play.com spokesman said:
“With the King of Pop back in the UK it seems that music is back in the hearts of British MJ fans.
”
Source: Play.com
Web retailer Play.com saw a 110 per cent increase in purchases of ‘Bad’ overnight with ‘Dangerous’ up 165 per cent.
It follows Jackson’s revelation that he’ll perform 10 gigs at The O2 Arena this July.
The 25th Anniversary version of ‘Thriller’ was also flying off the virtual shelves up 155 per cent while 1979’s ‘Off The Wall’ recorded the biggest increase of 200 per cent.
A Play.com spokesman said:
“With the King of Pop back in the UK it seems that music is back in the hearts of British MJ fans.
”
Source: Play.com
Michael Jackson attends 'Oliver' on March 6, 2009: 07/3/3009..
Pop Superstar Michael Jackson causing hysteria outside the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane, London,on March 6th 2009..
MJSTAR..
MJSTAR..
MJ & Audigier Go Shopping: 28/02/2009..
Last night (February 27, 2009), Michael Jackson and designer Christian Audigier (Ed Hardy) went shopping on Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles (USA).
Reportedly, they visited the Dior and Dolce & Gabbana stores.
MJFC...
MJFC...Michael Jackson Out and About: 15/01/2009...
"Not fond of public appearances as of late, Michael Jackson was mobbed by fans as he tried to sneak out the back door of a medical building in Beverly Hills on Wednesday (January 14).
Sporting a surgical mask, the “King of Pop” kept as much of his face covered as possible as he made his way to his car, also wearing a scarf over his head and a hat to obscure most of his face.
Despite blocking his remodeled mug from being seen, Jackson did take a few moments to sign autographs for his adoring fans before hopping into his car with a packet of Kettle Chips to snack on while driving away.
And though there are rumors of serious financial troubles, it was recently reported that Jackson is leasing a mansion in the ritzy Bel-Air section of Los Angeles for an impressive $100,000 a month"
MJSTAR...
MJSTAR...