Michael Jackson
Content
MICHAEL JACKSON
story of a legend
Antonio Oroian
12 C
Pedagogical Highschool Tg.Mures
teacher Pop Svetlana
Michael Jackson was an American singer, dancer, songwriter and actor. His contributions to music, made him a
global figure in popular culture for over four decades. Being a
controversial person, I would try to present the less known
things about the man and the artist.
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Early years
Michael Jackson was born on August 29th,
1958 in Gary, Indiana. He was the 7th child of
Joseph and Katherine Jackson, the others 9 brothers
being Rebbie, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, LaToya,
Marlon,Brandon(Marlon's twin,died at birth), Randy
and Janet.
Both Joseph and Katherine were musical: he
was a bluesman who played guitar, she was a
country-western fan who played clarinet and piano.
Michael feels he inherited his singing ability from
5-year-old Michael
his mother, who was holding him in arms and
singing many songs. Katherine has said that she was so affected by her parents divorce and
the fact that she was raised in a broken home, she promised herself once she found a husband,
she would stay married to him, no matter what circumstances may come their way.
The couple moved in Gary, Indiana. The all 11 Jacksons, lived on 2300 Jackson street
in a very small house, which was "no bigger than a garage" said Michael. Katherine and
Joseph shared one bedroom with a double bed. The boys slept in the only other bedroom in a
triple bed, Tito and Jermaine sharing a bed on top, Marlon and Michael in the middle, and
Jackie alone on the bottom. The three girls slept on a convertible sofa in the living room.
When Randy was born, he slept on a second couch. In the cold winter months, the family
would huddle together in the kitchen in front of the open oven.
Being very rough, Joseph believed in value and impact of brute force as a disciplinary
tool. Michael often spoke about abuses he suffered from his father. Michael was a very
sensitive child, his mother remembers that she always saw him being different to the others
children of her. He was abused as a child, his father often punished and beated him. He
remembers that he was more faster than his brothers and he often escaped from his father
hands but his brothers received many fights.
After an incident, when Joseph caught Tito playing guitar with a broke string, he
decided to create a music group. Tito, Jermaine and Jackie showed interest in singing and
formed their own group. Later, 5-year-old Marlon, joined the group in 1962.
In 1963, at the age of five, Michael Jackson began attending Garnett Elementary
School. At those times, were organised many talent shows in schools. During a show like
this, Michael perfomed 'Climb Every Mountain' from The Sound of Music. Joseph, Katherine
and Samuel (Michael's grandfather) attended the show. Michael's performance was amazing
and he received a standing-ovation. The audience was impressed by his talent and his selfconfidence, Samuel being moved to tears by his grandson performance. Katherine realized
that Michael was a special child.
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Michael joins the group
After this show, family realized that five-year-old Michael has
so much energy and charisma so Jackie decided that his youger
brother must become the lead singer of the group.
Ever since he was a child, Michael watches his idols
performances like James Brown, Sammy Davis Jr. and other. He
sometimes asked his mother to wake him up to watch his masters at
work.
The Jacksons started to perform in the opening of famous artists
concerts. After their act, Michael's brothers would go off on their own, but Michael would
stay behind and observe the other performers on the stage. Whenever anyone wanted to find
Michael being 8
eight-year-old Michael, they always knew where to look: he would
be in the wings, watching, studying and, as he remembered, ‘really taking note of every step,
every move, every twist, every turn, every grind, every emotion. It was the best education for
me.’
Michael was always seemed by others being an grown-up child because of his mature
personality, his professional dance moves and his strong voice. We can say that he was born
as an adult.
In August 1967, The Jackson Five performed at the famous Apollo Theater in Harlem,
as contestants in its amateur show. Performing at the Apollo was the dream of the most young
black entertainers at the time.
Encountering success, Joseph
continued to work with their performance
and doing daily rehearsals. The kids were
rehearsing in front of Joseph, who has a
belt in his hands. They were very
concentrated for fear not to make a
mistake. Once, Jospeh asked Michael to
do a dance step, but Michael refused so
Joseph slap him on face. Michael
remembers that Joseph, older he get,
violent he became.
Michael had a very busy
childhood. Being adult, he often
remembers that he never had a childhood
in a true way of the word. Being physicaly
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The Jacksons including Randy
abused by his father, he sometimes had nightmares such how his father will enter his room
and scary him while Michael is sleeping.
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The Jacksons sign with Motown
Motown Records it's one of the most famous record labels in music industry. With
Berry Gordy as a chief, Motown grew up many talents like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye,
Tammi Terrel and many groups like The Supremes, The Temptations, The Miracles transform
them in international superstars. These was the results of the brilliance of the producers and
arrangers in the back, like Smokey Robinson, Lamont Dozier and others.
It was the summer of 1968, when Joseph took his boys in Detroit for an audition for
Motown. After they dropped out of the van, Joseph held a last 'speech' for his boys. ‘Either
you're a winner in this life, or a loser' Jermaine said. That being sad, they entered the building
greeted by a sharply dressed, black man. Joseph explained that they were Jackson family and
they were there for an audition. The man said that he'd been expecting them. The family was
then led into a small studio. All of the boys equipment was lugged in from the van and set up.
Michael was ready to speak into the microphone. ‘First song we'd like to do is James Brown's
“I Got the Feeling”,’ Michael announced. ‘Okay? Here we go.’ He counted off , ‘A-one, atwo, a-three’, and then Tito on guitar, Jermaine on bass, and Johnny Jackson on drums began
to play.
After the boys finished, no one in the audience applauded. Instead, everyone hardly wrote on
their notepads. ‘Next song we'd like to do is a Motown song,’ Michael announced. He paused,
waiting for smiles of acknowledgement that never materialized. ‘It's Smokey Robinson's
“Who's Loving You” Ok? Here we go. A-one, a-two, a-three…’ They closed the song with a
big finish and waited for a reaction from the Motown staffers. Again, everyone was
writing.The boys were clearly disappointed. As they filled out, no one said a word.
Two days later, Berry Gordy saw the sixteen-millimetre black-and-white film. He
made a quick
decision. ‘Yes,
absolutely, sign these
kids up,’ he told
Ralph Seltzer.
‘They're amazing.
Don't waste a
second. Sign 'em!’
On 26 July 1968,
Ralph Seltzer called
Joseph into his
Motown office for a
meeting. During the
two hours meeting,
while the boys
waited in the lobby,
he explained that
Michael, Jermaine, Jackie, Marlon, Tito
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Berry Gordy was interested in signing The Jackson Five to the label, and then outlined the
relationship he hoped the label will develop with the Jackson youngsters. Joseph must have
felt like he was dreaming... Ralph Seltzer quickly set up the contract. Joseph called his boys
into the office. ‘We got it, boys,’ he announced. ‘Oh, man, that's too much!’ ‘We're on
Motown!’ ‘We got us a contract!’ They all began jumping up and down and hugging each
other. So, on 26 July 1968, in small, barely legible handwriting, Michael signed the deal:
‘Michael Joseph Jackson’.
Jackson 5 performing at a show
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Living the dream
In August 1969, more than a year since their audition, the call came from Motown:
Gordy wanted Joseph, his five sons and Johnny Jackson and Ronny Rancifer to move to Los
Angeles. They would attend school on the West Coast while recording at Motown's new
facilities.
Joseph with a part of the group, drove to Los Angeles. It was his decision not to move the
entire family from Gary to Los Angeles until he was certain about their future would be
secure. Motown paid for Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael to fly out a few days later.
After a time, Berry invited Deke Richards, who was responsible for some terrific
songs of the Motown, to the show The Jackson 5 gave at the Daisy, presented by Diana Ross.
Deke was impressed.
When Deke played the track of ‘I Want to Be Free’ for Berry, he liked it so much he thought it
might be ideal for the Jackson boys. For the next few weeks, those kids worked a tremendous
number of hours on this one song. It was hard work. Eventually, the song was retitled “I Want
You Back”.’ ‘I remember that Deke Richards was one of my first teachers,’ Michael Jackson
said. ‘God, we spent so much time on “I Want You Back”. He was really patient with me, all
of us. I think I must have recorded that thing two dozen times. I had no 71 idea that recording
could be such work. I remember falling asleep at the mike. I wondered if it would ever be
finished. Just when I thought we were through, we'd have to go back and do it again.’
On 2 October 1969, after the final mixing of ‘I Want You Back’, Berry asked Deke how he
thought the group's name should appear on the record's label. ‘Jackson Five’? ‘Jackson Five
featuring Michael Jackson’? Deke said he thought the group should be called simply The
Jackson 5, with the numeral 5. Berry agreed. Joseph Jackson wasn't even consulted. Once ‘I
Want You Back’ was released, The Jackson 5 had an image makeover .
By the end of 1969, Michael Jackson, now eleven years old and reunited with his
mother, was an energetic and happy youngster. ‘All I want now is to see how far we can go as
a family,’ he told Soul magazine.
In December, Motown Records released the brothers' first album, Diana Ross Presents
The Jackson 5. It was sold in 629,363 copies, an amazing number for a debut album.
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Later in the month, on 14
December 1969, The Jackson 5 appeared
on
The Ed Sullivan Show. Michael, again,
was the star. When he sang, his eyes
sparkled.
In February 1970, Motown
released ‘ABC’ as the second Jackson 5
single. It went straight to the top of the
Billboard charts in just six weeks,
supplanting ‘Let It Be’ by The Beatles.
The song, which sold 2,214,790 copies.
On 5 May 1971, after the boys
returned from another national tour, the
Jacksons moved into their large estate at
4641 Hayvenhurst in Encino, California.
Joseph decided that Michael
should also record a song on his own.
He
and Berry Gordy decided to release a
song called ‘Got to Be There’, as
Michael's first solo. Globally, ‘Got to be
There’ sold 1,583,850 copies.
Michael with Ed Sullivan
As Michael grew up, he became
more lonely. He was different of his brothers, who were amazed by their succes. Michael was
affected by this success and by being in the public eye because he was very sensitive. A
person who has known Michael since 1974, once told me, ‘I was having a conversation with
Rebbie when she said, “Michael doesn't have time for girls.” I asked, “Which guy doesn't
have time for girls?” She said that were special circumstances with Michael. When I asked her
what she was talking about, she told me a horrible story. ‘She said that when Michael was
fifteen years old, a certain member of his family, someone he trusted decided he was old
enough to have sex, and that he had to have it. This person arranged then the services of two
hookers for Michael. He told them to work him over, and then locked Michael in a room with
them. Rebbie said that this incident absolutely traumatized her brother. I don't know if
Michael actually had sex with the hookers. Rebbie didn't say.’
Moving to CBS Records
Motown continued to release solo singles by Michael, like Ben and Rockin Robin. As
puberty set in, Michael's voice changed. Gone was the thin voice popularized on ‘I Want You
Back’, ‘ABC’, and ‘The Love You Save’. It was replaced by a clearer, more delicate tone, as
heard in ‘Dancing Machine’.
In January 1975, Motown released Michael Jackson's fourth solo album, Forever
Michael. It was not a success,topping at only 101 on the charts, eight positions lower than
Michael's poorly selling Music and Me album.
When his future at Motown was concerned, sixteen-year-old Michael Jackson was prepared to
take the problem into his own hands. He picked up the phone in his bedroom and called. ‘Mr
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Gordy,’ he said, ‘you and I need to talk.’ Michael and Berry arranged to meet at the Gordy
estate in Bel Air on 14 May 1975. ‘It was one of the most difficult things I've ever done,’
Michael would recall. ‘We're all unhappy, Mr Gordy,’ he said, according to his memory. ‘Do
you really want us to leave Motown?’ ‘Well, Michael, someone as smart as you,’ Berry began,
‘should know that without Motown, The Jackson 5 would still be in Gary, Indiana, today.’ In
Michael's eyes, Berry Gordy was a hero. He respected him and admired the tenacity with
which he had transformed The Jackson 5 of Gary, Indiana, from local music group to
international superstars. He thought of Berry as one of the smartest men he had ever known
and was amazed by the way he made Motown such an international success story. Berry was
an inspiration to Michael. To hear him now say that the Jackson family was being unfair to
him,was difficult for Michael. ‘I can promise you this,’ Berry concluded, ‘I won't do anything
to hurt you or your family.’ The night after Michael's meeting with Berry, Joseph hold a group
meeting in the living room of their Encino home. Jackie, Tito, Marlon, Michael and Joseph
voted unanimously to leave Motown. ‘If we stay at Motown,’ Joseph concluded, ‘we lose.
And we're not losing.’ Because Jermaine married with Berry Gordy's daughter, Hazel, he
decided to remain at
Motown. Young
Randy took his place
in the group.
Ron
Alexenberg, president
of Epic, and,
ironically enough, a
former protege of
Motown's Ewart
Abner, was interested
in signing The
Jackson 5.
Ron Alexenburg told
Walter Yetnikoff,
The Jacksons at Congressional Black Caus
president of CBS
Records, that he wanted to sign The Jackson 5 immediately. Walter was sceptical. ‘They
haven't been hot in a long time,’ he said. ‘And now look at them. They're into this kitschy,
Vegas thing.’ ‘Trust me,’ Ron told him, according to his memory. ‘This group isn't finished. It
hasn't even begun yet.’ Michael was amazed by the contract CBS offered the family. He had
no idea that the group worthed so much. He had to admire his father's tenacity. ‘I had to admit
it,’ Michael later noted, ‘this was one incredible record deal. My father did an amazing job for
us.’ It seemed, at first, that leaving Motown would be easier than Joseph think it would be.
Berry Gordy have done nothing to prevent their leaving; he was preoccupied with Motown's
film business, anyway, and didn't seem too distracted by the fact that The Jackson 5 was
leaving the company.
On Monday 30 June 1975, Joseph Jackson arranged a press conference to announce
the family's new affiliation with CBS. With over eight months still to run on the Motown
contracts, Joseph seemed more eager than ever to leave Motown.
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When Joseph signed the boys to CBS-TV to do a television series in 1976, Michael
made it clear that he didn't want to participate. However, he was outvoted. The Jacksons was a
thirty minutes programme that run for four weeks featuring the family, with celebrity gueststars. The first episode, aired 16 June 1976. As in the family's Las Vegas act, LaToya, Janet
and Rebbie participated in the series, too.
The first Jacksons album for CBS, The Jacksons, was released in the spring of 1977,
on the Epic label. The album had a lot going for it. ‘Blues Away’, one of the first songs
Michael had ever written, and ‘Style of Life’, written by the brothers, were both included. The
Jacksons spawn one big hit for the group, ‘Enjoy Yourself’, their first single for Epic.
Press speculations
About Michael's personal life there were made many speculations. By the time he
turned ninteen, he was one of the most known entertainers, being the idol of many young
girls.
Because of his high-pitched voice or his dance moves, Michael's sexuality has been
subject of speculations. Michael has dealing with tabloid press for many years and this thing
began when an untruth appeared in press: Michael is going to have a sex-change. When heard
about that story, he became very upset and sad on press.
He didn't understand why people think he is homosexual. "It is my voice?" he asked
once. "Is it because I have a soft voice? I don't understand it!" Michael became subconciously
scared about this problem. He became very shy and embarrased to meet people. This problem
was so bad for him that it messed his whole personality.
Michael at the age of 19
'The Wiz'
By 1977, when he turned ninteen, Michael wanted to begin to take his own decisions
regarding his future, just as his mentor Diana Ross who was determined to be a film actress.
Motown acquired "The Wiz" a musical based on The Wonderful World of The Oz, by
L.Frank Baum. Diana was casted to play as Dorothy and the director wanted Michael for the
role of Scarecrow. Joseph Jackson felt that this step of Michael will be a mistake and warn
him about this thing. Michael decided to follow his heart and accepted the role. During the
production, there was a kind of tensions between Michael and Diana, because Michael wasl
learning the dance-steps very quicly while Diana needed hours of rehearseals to learn the
steps. Diana felt embarrased about this aspect.Anyway, The Wiz became a critical failure and
a box-office disappointment.
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'Off the wall'
Turning twenty, Michael wanted to set a new solo album. So, he called Quincy Jones,
a producer who helped him with 'The Wiz'. When Quincy and Michael came together in a
recording studio in Los Angeles to start laying rhythm tracks together in 1979, the
artist and producer turned out to be a perfect match. Finally, after listening to hundreds of
songs, Michael and Quincy decided on a batch to record. Among them were three
Michael Jackson compositions: the funky ‘Don't Stop 'Til You Get
Enough’, ‘Working Day and Night’, and ‘Get on the Floor".
The album that resulted from all of Michael's work withQuincy, Off the Wall, was released in
August 1979. Michael Jackson had officially arrived. The performances revealed sides of him
never before heard by record buyers. For instance, no one knew Michael could be as smooth
and sophisticated as he was on this album.
During dance-moves rehearsals, Michael fell down and broke his nose so he gets a
nose surgery. He always did think that his nose is too big and that was the moment when he
could get it thiner.
Michael in 1981
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The best-selling album.. of all time
In August 1982, Michael began work
with Quincy Jones on a new album at Westlake
Studios in Los Angeles. The album would be
entitled Thriller with a budget of about
$750,000 to produce, and nine songs carefully
selected by Michael and Quincy from about
three hundred. The sessions went well, Michael
was satisfied with the work. However, once
they played back the album, the ‘master
pressing’, as the final mix was called, it didn't
sound as good as Michael thought it should. In
fact, to his ears, it sounded terrible. He was
crushed. Michael ran from the studio, sobbing.
To solve the problem, each song had to
Michael in 1982, 'Thriller' era
be remixed. To Michael, the music now
sounded terrific. He was optimistic, bobbing his head to the rhythm and smiling broadly as
each cut played. But John Branca, Michael's attorney and Quincy Jones didn't think that
'Thriller' will have such a success as 'Off the wall'. Michael was very mad because they didn't
have faith in the album. He didn't let the album to come out. But Michael came back on his
decision and let 'Thriller' to be released, on December 1, 1982. What did I tell you?’ Michael
crowed to John Branca when it was clear that Thriller had taken off in an astronomical way. ‘I
knew it. I just knew it.’ John could only smile. By the end of 1983, Thriller would sell a
staggering thirteen million copies in the United States and nearly twenty-two million
worldwide. Michael revolutionized the idea of music video, making shorts film.'Thriller'
music video was released as 14-minute short film, with many special effects and a iconic
coreography. Michael also broke all races bariers, his music video of 'Billie Jean' being the
first of an black artist aired on MTV.
'Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever'
In March 1983, Suzanne de
Passe was in the final stages
of mounting a anniversary
show celebrating 25 years of
Motown Records. It was
decided, besides other artists,
to be a reunion of Michael
and Jackson 5, including
Jermaine. All of Jackson 5
members accept the idea,
except Michael. For the first
time in his career, didn't
want to appear at a television
Jackson 5 performing in 1984
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show. Berry Gordy tried to convince Michael to join his brothers. But Michael had one
condition: to have a solo spot during the show. Gordy accepted, think that Michael will
perform "Got to be there" or "Ben", but Michael had a very special surprise. During the show,
Jacksons performed medley with the most popular songs of them. All the brothers seemed to
be very happy being together. After this performance, Michael remains alone on stage.
Wearing black sequined jacket with cuffs that matched the silver sequined shirt, the white
glitter socks that peeped from beneath the just-abovethe- ankle black trousers, the shiny black
penny loafers. And of course, there was the single left-handed white glove with its handsewn
rhinestones. ‘I have to say those were the good old days. I love those
songs,’ he said of the medley. ‘Those were magic moments with
all my brother, including Jermaine.’ Michael began pacing the
stage, his hand in his pocket, talking as though he were just
voicing some thoughts that happened to pop into his head. Actually, he was walking to the
side of the stage to sneak the fedora into his hand. ‘But, uh, you know,’ he continued, ‘those
were the good songs. I like those songs a lot. But especially, I like’, he was centre stage by
this time, facing the audience, ‘the new songs,’ The audience knew what was coming. They
began calling out for ‘Billie Jean’. As the funk-infused guitar riff of ‘Billie Jean’ began,
Michael went into his routine. He threw the hat aside with a graceful flourish, the audience
went wild. He moved constantly. Even when he was standing still, he seemed to be moving.
Michael's brothers stood in the wings, their mouths open. His parents and sisters sat in the
audience, spellbound. The whole of Michael's performance was spellbinding, but during a
brief instrumental interlude, he executed a combination of moves that would seal his
reputation as a dance legend. He commenced with a series of split-second locking moves and
poses before gliding across the stage via his now-famous sleek and graceful moonwalk, a
reversed syncopated glide, heading forwards and sliding backwards at the same time. The
moonwalk gave way to that equally renowned spin, now refined, after years of practice, to
tornado speed – and then, immediately, he was up on his toes. Nobody but Michael Jackson
could dance like that and the audience went wild.
Michael performing solo at Motown 25
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Recordsman
On 7 February Michael was inducted
into the Guinness Book of Records during a
ceremony at the American Museum of Natural
History in New York City, in recognition of
Thriller having broken all records for album
sales at twenty-five million copies.
On Tuesday, 28 February 1984, Grammy
night, the scene at the Shrine Auditorium in Los
Angeles was one of pure pandemonium. When
twenty-fiveyear- old Michael Jackson arrived
Michael with Brooke Shields, 1984
for his coronation as king of the pop music
world, he wore a spangled uniform with epaulets and the rhinestoned glove on his right hand.
With him was Brooke
Shields. Indeed, when Michael and Brooke arrived in a white Rolls-Royce just moments
before the ceremony began, there was such hysteria from the fans one might have thought
they were visiting royals. Comedienne Joan Rivers noted in an explanation of how the votes
were tabulated, ‘The reason we're reading the rules is so that all the losers will know why they
lost to Michael Jackson.’
That night, Michael made Grammy history when he won eight
awards out of a possible ten wins on twelve nominations (three of his nominations were in
one category).
Michael won 8 Grammies in 1984
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Michael approach a new
manager
The upcoming Victory tour promised
forty concert dates and, at least as far as
Michael was concerned,but as many
opportunities for something to go wrong, as
long as Don King is in the picture. Michael felt
that he needed someone to protect his interests.
John
Branca was an excellent attorney, but now he
Michael and Frank DiLeo, 1984
needed a hands-on manager. Seven months
earlier, in August 1983, Michael had asked Epic Records head of promotion, Frank Dileo, if
he would be interested in managing him. The two were having a meeting about Thriller in
a bungalow at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Michael firmly believed that Frank was largely
responsible for Thriller's success, and also for the huge sales of all of its single releases..
However, Michael told Frank that if he took the job as his manager, he would not be allowed
to manage anyone else. He had to be exclusive to Michael. Frank agreed.
Awarded by US President
President of the US, Ronald Reagan, decided to award Michael for his contribution as
humanitarian. The presentation was set for 14 May 1984. It had started out as an exciting day.
Michael appeared resplendent in an electric-blue sequined jacket adorned with sequined braid,
a sequined gold sash, and sequined gold epaulets. He also wore his trademark single white,
rhinestoned glove.
Once at the podium, the President noted that Michael was ‘proof of what a person can
accomplish through a lifestyle free of alcohol or drug abuse. People young and old respect
that. And if Americans follow his example, then we can face up to the problem
of drinking and driving, and we can, in Michael's words, beat it.’ After the President handed
him a plaque, the only words Michael nervously spoke, or whispered, rather, were, ‘I'm very,
very honoured. Thank you very much, Mr President.’ A pause. ‘Oh, and Mrs Reagan, too,’ he
added as an afterthought. Then,
he giggled as if it suddenly
occurred to him that yes, he
really was standing there with
the President of the United
States. before they left, the
entourage was given a special
tour of the White House;
Michael was fascinated by a
portrait of Andrew Jackson in a
military jacket very much like
the bluesequinned one he wore
that day.
Michael at The White House, 1984
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Health problems
Michael, who had dropped to 105 pounds from his normal weight of 125 pounds, the
skinniest he had ever been, looked as if he was under a great deal of stress. ‘He's a health nut,’
said his cousin Tim Whitehead, a roadie on the tour. ‘People don't know that the reason he's a
vegetarian is not so much because of what meat does to a person, but because he can't stand
the idea of having an animal killed so he can have dinner. I've often wondered how he gets by
on the little food he does eat.’
Also, Michael was diagnosed with vitiligo and lupus. Vitiligo is a disease which
destroy the pigmentation of the skin. This is the reason why Michael became so whiter. The
rumours that Michael bleached his skin are not true. He was very proud of his race.
'We Are The World'
After the Victory tour, Michael became involved in ‘We Are the World’, the historic
effort to feed the hungry of Ethiopia. For some time, Harry Belafonte had been making plans
to draw
together some of the biggest artists in the entertainment business to record a song, the
proceeds of which would go to a new nonprofit foundation, USA for Africa, to feed the
starving masses. In addition to providing emergency food, medical relief, and selfhelp
programmes to stricken areas of Africa, the undertaking was also to set aside funds for hunger
relief in the United States. While working on ‘We Are the World’, Lionel Richie went to
Hayvenhurst every night for a week where he and Michael sequestered themselves in
Michael's room to labour on lyrics and melodies. They knew that what they wanted was some
sort of anthem, a song both easy to sing and memorable. Though Michael and Lionel have
never said as much publicly, LaToya, whowatched the pair work, claims that Lionel only
wrote a couple of lines of the song. She contends that 99 per cent of the lyrics were written by
Michael, ‘but he's never felt it necessary to say that.’ The lyrics and the melody were finished
on 21 January 1985, just one night before the recording session. The gentle, uplifting spirit of
the song also touched the public's emotions when it was finally released on 7 March 1985.
The initial shipment of 800,000 records sold out within three days of its release. The song
was number one in America for a
month, and also spent a couple of
weeks at the top spot in Britain, as well
as in other countries. The 'We Are the
World’ video lent itself well to the
benevolent spirit of the celebration and
helped to sell four million records in
all, earning
about eight million dollars for the USA
for Africa fund.
Artists performing 'We are the World'
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Going BAD
At twenty-seven years of age,
Michael Jackson faced the
challenge of recording an
album that would top the
tremendous success of
Thriller. Could he do it? Could
anyone? In the summer of
1986, when he began working
on the follow-up album, which
would be called Bad, Michael
put himself under enormous
pressure. Interestingly,
Michael cannot read music. He Michael on the cover of 'Bad' album
writes his songs in his head,
sings them on to a tape, and then hires musicians to put
them down on paper. He is an incredibly musical person, however.
Finally, in July 1987, Michael Jackson's Bad was released to the public. In September
1987, the month his Bad tour kicked off in Tokyo, People published a cover story on Michael
with the headline, ‘Michael Jackson: He's Black. He's Bad. Is This Guy Weird, Or What?’
Because of such adverse publicity, Michael's tour had a shaky start. Michael thought the act
still needed work, but he had no choice but to begin the schedule. The dates were set.
Therefore, in September 1987, he reluctantly began what would end up being an
exhausting, eighteen-month-long
world tour. Michael stated at the
end of the tour, that he never
going in another tour.
'Bad' Tour 1988
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Neverland, Michael's paradise
In March 1988, while he was still on the road, Michael Jackson finalized the purchase of his
new home, a twenty-seven-hundred acre estate in the Santa Ynez Valley then called Sycamore
Ranch. Jackson, thereby dissolving the trust. Michael hoped for a serene lifestyle in his new,
palatial estate. He said he needed space, a place to think, time off after the Bad
tour. However, his family now felt that he'd distanced himself from them geographically, as
well as emotionally. As much as they missed him, they were also worried about their futures
without him.Time by time, Michael transformed Neverland in the childhood universe which
he never had. A funfair, a zoo, a cinema and other things like that were putted there in order to
Michael felt child again.
Michael at Neverland, 1993
19
Michael is Dangerous
Being disappointed because 'Bad' has not been sold in as many copies
as 'Thriller', Michael decided to make a new album. After finish his
'Bad' Tour in January 1989, he started working on a new album.
Michael
announcing his
new tour, 1992
In March 1990, he is invited again at White House, for receiving an
award from the
President George
Bush.
In 1991, after
Michael renewed his
contract with Sony for $65 milion, a
record-breaking deal at the time, he
released his new album 'Dangerous which
was sold in 30 million copies now. Michael
incorporating a newer genre, new jack
Michael with G.Bush, at White House,
swing. Lyrical themes expressed in the
album included racism, poverty, paranoia, 1991
romance and self-improvement.
In 1992, Michael founded 'Heal the World' foundation. It purpose was to provide
medicine to children and fight world hunger. Altough he said that he never go on a new tour,
Michael announces in March 1992, start of a new world tour, Dangerous Tour, which purpose
is to raise funds for his foundation.The tour ran from June 27, 1992 to November 11, 1993.
This 'Dangerous' Era is meaned to be Michael's best.
In 1992, HBO paid $20milion to broadcast Michael's concert in Bucharest,
Romania.
1993 debuted with Oprah Winfrey interviewing Michael at Neverland. This
interviewed was viewed by millions of people. It was the Michael first public interview in
which he talked about his childhood, his sexuality and controversies. Days later, Michael
performed in half-time show at
Superbowl, being the best
Superbowl half-time show ever.
'Dangerous' Tour, 1993
19
First child-abuse allegations
In May 1992, Michael met Jordie Chandler, a 13-year-old boy. They were traveled
together during Michael's Dangerous Tour. Jordie sometimes stayed at Neverland. They were
very good friends. But Evan Chandler, Jordie's father, wanted to get profit from this friendship
and in the summer of 1992, being dentist, anesthetized his son and make him to say that
Michael sexual-abused him.
Michael was prepared to start his performance in Bangkok for a Dangerous Tour ,
when the allegations were made public.Regardless of it, he mustered up strength and
performed. At the beggining of it, he removes his glass and revealing wet eyes and a tear
streaking down to his cheeck.
During the investigation, Michael became addicted of painkillers. In November 1993,
he was body-investigated while in Mexic and later he decided he couldn't performed rest of
the concert of Dangerous Tour and cancelled the tour. Being traumathized, he decided to pay
$40 milion to Chandler family, just to end that nightmare. He later regreted this decision.
After this episode, Michael's life had never been the same
Michael with Jordie Chandler
19
Marriage with Lisa-Marie Presley
Michael and Lisa-Marie Presley had known since 1974, when she was present at a
Jackson 5 concert. They remained friends. When Michael was accused of child-molestation,
Lisa-Marie helped him to remain strong and positive. In 1994, when the case was closed,
Michael needed time to recover. Lisa and Michael got very closer then they decided to marry
in secret, in Dominican Republic, on May 20th 1994. When Michael announced his mother
about this, she didn't realize but he was very happy for them.
Michael and Lisa-Marie Presley made their first public appearance at MTV Video
Music awards in 1994, where they shared a kiss on the stage. Their relationship was going
very well, even they were very different: Michael was warm and shy and Lisa was a bit
rough.Lisa-Marie also appeared in Michael's 'You are not alone' music video. They divorced
in 1996, but remained very close friends.
Michael and Lisa-Marie kissing at
VMA 1994
19
Making HIStory
In 1995, Michael released his most
ambitious project, a new album: HIStory:
Past, Present and Future Book 1 and 2. This
double-disc album was a great success given
the problems that Michael had. He promoted
this album,going on a new world tour,
HIStory Tour. Beside tour, were created few
statues of Michael, a energy drink and many
other things to promote this album.
In September 1995, Michael
perfomed at MTV Video Music Awards. His
performance it's said to be the best ever at
MTV Video Music Awards.
Cover of 'HIStory' album
HIstory album is special because the single 'Scream' is a duet of Michael with his
sister Janet.Also, the music video of 'Scream' is the most expensive ever being $7 milion.
Michael
at the
filmming
Michael
filmming
of 'Childhood'
music
'HIStory' teaser
video
Michael in 'Scream' music video
Second marriage and children
In November 1996, Michael married to his dermatologist
Debbie Rowe. They married in Australia, during Michael's stay there for HIstory Tour. Debbie
Rowe gave Michael two children: Prince Michael Jackson and Paris Katherine Jackson.
After 1997, he supported many charities and made many non-profit shows. He
once joined Pavarotti for a benefit concert.
19
In 1997, Michael and the Jacksons were inducted in Rock and Roll Hall of
Fame.
Michael joined Nelson Mandela in 1999, for a charity, making two concerts in
Munich and Seoul named Michael Jackson& Friends.
Michael amicaly divorced to Debbie Rowe,in 1999, and he will have the
custody of the children.
Michael and Debbie Rowe holding
their babies: Prince and Paris
Michael with Nelson Mandela,
1999
Jacksons at Rock&Roll Hall of Fame induction, 1997
19
Invincible
In 1997, Michael started recordings from
a new album. These sessions would result in the
album Invincible, released in October
2001. Invincible was Jackson's first full-length
album in six years, and it would be the last album
of new material he released while still alive. The
release of the album was preceded by a dispute
between Jackson and his record label,Sony Music
Entertainment. Jackson had expected the licenses
to the masters of his albums to revert to him
sometime in the early 2000s. Once he had the
Cover of 'Invincible' album
licenses, he would be able to promote the
material however he pleased and keep all the profits. However, due to various clauses in the
contract, the revert date turned out to be many years away. Jackson discovered that the
attorney who represented him in the deal was also representing Sony.Jackson was also
concerned about the fact that for a number of years, Sony had been pressuring him to sell his
share in their music catalog venture. Jackson feared that Sony might have a conflict of
interest, since if Jackson's career failed, he would have to sell his share of the catalog at a low
price. Jackson sought an early exit from his contract.
In March 2001, Michael was inducted in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist.
In September 2001, Michael held two anniversary shows at MSG, celebrating 30 years
of solo career. Jackson appeared onstage alongside his brothers for the first time since 1984. The show
also featured performances by Mya, Usher, Whitney Houston, NSYNC, Destiny's Child, Monica, Luther
Vandross, and Slash, among other artists. After 9/11 attacks, Michael help organize United We Stand: What
More Can I Give benefit concert where he sang What More Can I Give as the final performance.
Michael at his
induction in
Rock&Roll Hall of
Fame, 2001
Michael at 30th
Anniversary
Celebration of his
solo career
Michael perfoming with other artists at the
charity concert 'United We Stand: What More
Can I Give' 2001
19
Second child sexual abuse allegations
Beginning in May 2002, Jackson allowed a documentary film crew, led by British TV
personality Martin Bashir, to follow him around nearly everywhere he went. The program was
broadcast in March 2003 as Living with Michael Jackson. In a particularly controversial
scene, Jackson was seen holding hands and discussing sleeping arrangements with a young
boy. After the young boy involved in the documentary and his mother later told investigators
that Jackson had been improper with the boy, Jackson was arrested in November 2003, and
was charged with seven counts of child molestation and two counts of administering an
intoxicating agent in relation to the 13-year old boy shown in the film. The People v.
Jackson trial began on January 31, 2005, in Santa Maria, California, and lasted five months,
until the end of May. On June 13, 2005, Jackson was acquitted on all counts. After this,
Michael left Neverland.
Michael with Gavin Arvizo, 2003
Michael at trial, 2005
News after Michael acquited in trial, 2005
19
Comeback
In March 2009, Michael held a press conference at London's O2 Arena and announced
a series of comeback concerts titled This Is It. The shows would be Jackson's first major series
of concerts since the HIStory World Tour finished in 1997. Michael suggested possible
retirement after the shows, he said it would be his "final curtain call". He rehearsed in Los
Angeles in the weeks leading up to the tour under the direction of choreographer Kenny
Ortega. Most of these rehearsals took place at the Staples Center, which was owned by
AEG. The concerts would have commenced on July 13, 2009, and finished on March 6, 2010.
Less than three weeks before the first show was due to begin in London and with all concerts
being sold out, Michael died after suffering cardiac arrest. On October 28, 2009, a
documentary film about the rehearsals titled Michael Jackson's This Is It was released.
Rehearsing for 'This Is It'
Tour, 2009
Michael announcing his
comeback, 2009
The unexpected
Rehearsing for 'This Is It'
Tour, 2009
` Since he started
Tour, Michael had problems
anesthezics to sleep better.
death
rehearsing for 'This is it'
with sleeping. He many
19
On June 24 2009, Michael rehearsed at Staples Center. Witnesess said that he looked very
good and energic. Rehearsal last until midnight.
The day after, Michael didn't come out of his bedroom. Conrad Murray, Michael's personal
doctor, entered the room and found him not breathing. He began CPR but realized that he had
to call 911. Michael was took to the hospital and was resuscitated more than hour,
unsuccesfull. He was pronounced dead at 2.26 p.m.
A public memorial at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California on July 7, where Jackson
had rehearsed on June 24, the day before he died. The service was broadcast live around the
world, and was believed to have been watched by up to 2.5 billion people. His brothers each
wore a single, white, sparkling glove, while Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Lionel
Richie,Jermaine Jackson and others sang his songs. Jackson's then 11-year-old daughter,
Paris, broke down as she told the crowd, "I just want to say, ever since I was born, Daddy has
been the best father you could ever imagine ... and I just want to say I love him... so much."
Marlon Jackson said, "Maybe now, Michael, they will leave you alone."
Jackson family at Michael's
Michael's casquet
Memorial at Staples Center,
2009
Bibliography
J.Randy Tarraboreli - Michael Jackson "The Magic and the Madness"
19
Michael Jackson- Moonwalk-autobiography
Mikael Dobrescu- Michael Jackson- un simplu tribut
www.wikipedia.com
www.mjpassion.ro
www.mjworld.com
www.michaeljackson.com
19
Summary
EARLY YEARS---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3
MICHAEL JOINS THE GROUP-------------------------------------------------------------------4
THE JACKSONS SIGN WITH MOTOWN--------------------------------------------------------5
LIVING THE DREAM----------------------------------------------------------------------------7
MOVING TO CBS RECORDS------------------------------------------------------------------8
PRESS SPECULATIONS-----------------------------------------------------------------------10
'THE WIZ'------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10
'OFF THE WALL'------------------------------------------------------------------------------11
THE BEST-SELLING ALBUM.. OF ALL TIME--------------------------------------------------13
'MOTOWN 25: YESTERDAY, TODAY, FOREVER'-------------------------------------------------------13
RECORDSMAN----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------15
MICHAEL APPROACH A NEW MANAGER-----------------------------------------------------16
AWARDED BY US PRESIDENT---------------------------------------------------------------16
HEALTH PROBLEMS--------------------------------------------------------------------------17
'WE ARE THE WORLD'----------------------------------------------------------------------17
GOING BAD---------------------------------------------------------------------------------18
NEVERLAND, MICHAEL'S PARADISE--------------------------------------------------------19
MICHAEL IS DANGEROUS--------------------------------------------------------------------20
FIRST CHILD-ABUSE ALLEGATIONS----------------------------------------------------------21
MARRIAGE WITH LISA-MARIE PRESLEY----------------------------------------------------22
MAKING HISTORY---------------------------------------------------------------------------23
SECOND MARRIAGE AND CHILDREN---------------------------------------------------------24
INVINCIBLE-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------25
SECOND CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE ALLEGATIONS----------------------------------------------26
COMEBACK-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------27
THE UNEXPECTED DEATH--------------------------------------------------------------------28
BIBLIOGRAPHY-------------------------------------------------------------------------------29
19
story of a legend
Antonio Oroian
12 C
Pedagogical Highschool Tg.Mures
teacher Pop Svetlana
Michael Jackson was an American singer, dancer, songwriter and actor. His contributions to music, made him a
global figure in popular culture for over four decades. Being a
controversial person, I would try to present the less known
things about the man and the artist.
19
Early years
Michael Jackson was born on August 29th,
1958 in Gary, Indiana. He was the 7th child of
Joseph and Katherine Jackson, the others 9 brothers
being Rebbie, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, LaToya,
Marlon,Brandon(Marlon's twin,died at birth), Randy
and Janet.
Both Joseph and Katherine were musical: he
was a bluesman who played guitar, she was a
country-western fan who played clarinet and piano.
Michael feels he inherited his singing ability from
5-year-old Michael
his mother, who was holding him in arms and
singing many songs. Katherine has said that she was so affected by her parents divorce and
the fact that she was raised in a broken home, she promised herself once she found a husband,
she would stay married to him, no matter what circumstances may come their way.
The couple moved in Gary, Indiana. The all 11 Jacksons, lived on 2300 Jackson street
in a very small house, which was "no bigger than a garage" said Michael. Katherine and
Joseph shared one bedroom with a double bed. The boys slept in the only other bedroom in a
triple bed, Tito and Jermaine sharing a bed on top, Marlon and Michael in the middle, and
Jackie alone on the bottom. The three girls slept on a convertible sofa in the living room.
When Randy was born, he slept on a second couch. In the cold winter months, the family
would huddle together in the kitchen in front of the open oven.
Being very rough, Joseph believed in value and impact of brute force as a disciplinary
tool. Michael often spoke about abuses he suffered from his father. Michael was a very
sensitive child, his mother remembers that she always saw him being different to the others
children of her. He was abused as a child, his father often punished and beated him. He
remembers that he was more faster than his brothers and he often escaped from his father
hands but his brothers received many fights.
After an incident, when Joseph caught Tito playing guitar with a broke string, he
decided to create a music group. Tito, Jermaine and Jackie showed interest in singing and
formed their own group. Later, 5-year-old Marlon, joined the group in 1962.
In 1963, at the age of five, Michael Jackson began attending Garnett Elementary
School. At those times, were organised many talent shows in schools. During a show like
this, Michael perfomed 'Climb Every Mountain' from The Sound of Music. Joseph, Katherine
and Samuel (Michael's grandfather) attended the show. Michael's performance was amazing
and he received a standing-ovation. The audience was impressed by his talent and his selfconfidence, Samuel being moved to tears by his grandson performance. Katherine realized
that Michael was a special child.
19
Michael joins the group
After this show, family realized that five-year-old Michael has
so much energy and charisma so Jackie decided that his youger
brother must become the lead singer of the group.
Ever since he was a child, Michael watches his idols
performances like James Brown, Sammy Davis Jr. and other. He
sometimes asked his mother to wake him up to watch his masters at
work.
The Jacksons started to perform in the opening of famous artists
concerts. After their act, Michael's brothers would go off on their own, but Michael would
stay behind and observe the other performers on the stage. Whenever anyone wanted to find
Michael being 8
eight-year-old Michael, they always knew where to look: he would
be in the wings, watching, studying and, as he remembered, ‘really taking note of every step,
every move, every twist, every turn, every grind, every emotion. It was the best education for
me.’
Michael was always seemed by others being an grown-up child because of his mature
personality, his professional dance moves and his strong voice. We can say that he was born
as an adult.
In August 1967, The Jackson Five performed at the famous Apollo Theater in Harlem,
as contestants in its amateur show. Performing at the Apollo was the dream of the most young
black entertainers at the time.
Encountering success, Joseph
continued to work with their performance
and doing daily rehearsals. The kids were
rehearsing in front of Joseph, who has a
belt in his hands. They were very
concentrated for fear not to make a
mistake. Once, Jospeh asked Michael to
do a dance step, but Michael refused so
Joseph slap him on face. Michael
remembers that Joseph, older he get,
violent he became.
Michael had a very busy
childhood. Being adult, he often
remembers that he never had a childhood
in a true way of the word. Being physicaly
19
The Jacksons including Randy
abused by his father, he sometimes had nightmares such how his father will enter his room
and scary him while Michael is sleeping.
19
The Jacksons sign with Motown
Motown Records it's one of the most famous record labels in music industry. With
Berry Gordy as a chief, Motown grew up many talents like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye,
Tammi Terrel and many groups like The Supremes, The Temptations, The Miracles transform
them in international superstars. These was the results of the brilliance of the producers and
arrangers in the back, like Smokey Robinson, Lamont Dozier and others.
It was the summer of 1968, when Joseph took his boys in Detroit for an audition for
Motown. After they dropped out of the van, Joseph held a last 'speech' for his boys. ‘Either
you're a winner in this life, or a loser' Jermaine said. That being sad, they entered the building
greeted by a sharply dressed, black man. Joseph explained that they were Jackson family and
they were there for an audition. The man said that he'd been expecting them. The family was
then led into a small studio. All of the boys equipment was lugged in from the van and set up.
Michael was ready to speak into the microphone. ‘First song we'd like to do is James Brown's
“I Got the Feeling”,’ Michael announced. ‘Okay? Here we go.’ He counted off , ‘A-one, atwo, a-three’, and then Tito on guitar, Jermaine on bass, and Johnny Jackson on drums began
to play.
After the boys finished, no one in the audience applauded. Instead, everyone hardly wrote on
their notepads. ‘Next song we'd like to do is a Motown song,’ Michael announced. He paused,
waiting for smiles of acknowledgement that never materialized. ‘It's Smokey Robinson's
“Who's Loving You” Ok? Here we go. A-one, a-two, a-three…’ They closed the song with a
big finish and waited for a reaction from the Motown staffers. Again, everyone was
writing.The boys were clearly disappointed. As they filled out, no one said a word.
Two days later, Berry Gordy saw the sixteen-millimetre black-and-white film. He
made a quick
decision. ‘Yes,
absolutely, sign these
kids up,’ he told
Ralph Seltzer.
‘They're amazing.
Don't waste a
second. Sign 'em!’
On 26 July 1968,
Ralph Seltzer called
Joseph into his
Motown office for a
meeting. During the
two hours meeting,
while the boys
waited in the lobby,
he explained that
Michael, Jermaine, Jackie, Marlon, Tito
19
Berry Gordy was interested in signing The Jackson Five to the label, and then outlined the
relationship he hoped the label will develop with the Jackson youngsters. Joseph must have
felt like he was dreaming... Ralph Seltzer quickly set up the contract. Joseph called his boys
into the office. ‘We got it, boys,’ he announced. ‘Oh, man, that's too much!’ ‘We're on
Motown!’ ‘We got us a contract!’ They all began jumping up and down and hugging each
other. So, on 26 July 1968, in small, barely legible handwriting, Michael signed the deal:
‘Michael Joseph Jackson’.
Jackson 5 performing at a show
19
Living the dream
In August 1969, more than a year since their audition, the call came from Motown:
Gordy wanted Joseph, his five sons and Johnny Jackson and Ronny Rancifer to move to Los
Angeles. They would attend school on the West Coast while recording at Motown's new
facilities.
Joseph with a part of the group, drove to Los Angeles. It was his decision not to move the
entire family from Gary to Los Angeles until he was certain about their future would be
secure. Motown paid for Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael to fly out a few days later.
After a time, Berry invited Deke Richards, who was responsible for some terrific
songs of the Motown, to the show The Jackson 5 gave at the Daisy, presented by Diana Ross.
Deke was impressed.
When Deke played the track of ‘I Want to Be Free’ for Berry, he liked it so much he thought it
might be ideal for the Jackson boys. For the next few weeks, those kids worked a tremendous
number of hours on this one song. It was hard work. Eventually, the song was retitled “I Want
You Back”.’ ‘I remember that Deke Richards was one of my first teachers,’ Michael Jackson
said. ‘God, we spent so much time on “I Want You Back”. He was really patient with me, all
of us. I think I must have recorded that thing two dozen times. I had no 71 idea that recording
could be such work. I remember falling asleep at the mike. I wondered if it would ever be
finished. Just when I thought we were through, we'd have to go back and do it again.’
On 2 October 1969, after the final mixing of ‘I Want You Back’, Berry asked Deke how he
thought the group's name should appear on the record's label. ‘Jackson Five’? ‘Jackson Five
featuring Michael Jackson’? Deke said he thought the group should be called simply The
Jackson 5, with the numeral 5. Berry agreed. Joseph Jackson wasn't even consulted. Once ‘I
Want You Back’ was released, The Jackson 5 had an image makeover .
By the end of 1969, Michael Jackson, now eleven years old and reunited with his
mother, was an energetic and happy youngster. ‘All I want now is to see how far we can go as
a family,’ he told Soul magazine.
In December, Motown Records released the brothers' first album, Diana Ross Presents
The Jackson 5. It was sold in 629,363 copies, an amazing number for a debut album.
19
Later in the month, on 14
December 1969, The Jackson 5 appeared
on
The Ed Sullivan Show. Michael, again,
was the star. When he sang, his eyes
sparkled.
In February 1970, Motown
released ‘ABC’ as the second Jackson 5
single. It went straight to the top of the
Billboard charts in just six weeks,
supplanting ‘Let It Be’ by The Beatles.
The song, which sold 2,214,790 copies.
On 5 May 1971, after the boys
returned from another national tour, the
Jacksons moved into their large estate at
4641 Hayvenhurst in Encino, California.
Joseph decided that Michael
should also record a song on his own.
He
and Berry Gordy decided to release a
song called ‘Got to Be There’, as
Michael's first solo. Globally, ‘Got to be
There’ sold 1,583,850 copies.
Michael with Ed Sullivan
As Michael grew up, he became
more lonely. He was different of his brothers, who were amazed by their succes. Michael was
affected by this success and by being in the public eye because he was very sensitive. A
person who has known Michael since 1974, once told me, ‘I was having a conversation with
Rebbie when she said, “Michael doesn't have time for girls.” I asked, “Which guy doesn't
have time for girls?” She said that were special circumstances with Michael. When I asked her
what she was talking about, she told me a horrible story. ‘She said that when Michael was
fifteen years old, a certain member of his family, someone he trusted decided he was old
enough to have sex, and that he had to have it. This person arranged then the services of two
hookers for Michael. He told them to work him over, and then locked Michael in a room with
them. Rebbie said that this incident absolutely traumatized her brother. I don't know if
Michael actually had sex with the hookers. Rebbie didn't say.’
Moving to CBS Records
Motown continued to release solo singles by Michael, like Ben and Rockin Robin. As
puberty set in, Michael's voice changed. Gone was the thin voice popularized on ‘I Want You
Back’, ‘ABC’, and ‘The Love You Save’. It was replaced by a clearer, more delicate tone, as
heard in ‘Dancing Machine’.
In January 1975, Motown released Michael Jackson's fourth solo album, Forever
Michael. It was not a success,topping at only 101 on the charts, eight positions lower than
Michael's poorly selling Music and Me album.
When his future at Motown was concerned, sixteen-year-old Michael Jackson was prepared to
take the problem into his own hands. He picked up the phone in his bedroom and called. ‘Mr
19
Gordy,’ he said, ‘you and I need to talk.’ Michael and Berry arranged to meet at the Gordy
estate in Bel Air on 14 May 1975. ‘It was one of the most difficult things I've ever done,’
Michael would recall. ‘We're all unhappy, Mr Gordy,’ he said, according to his memory. ‘Do
you really want us to leave Motown?’ ‘Well, Michael, someone as smart as you,’ Berry began,
‘should know that without Motown, The Jackson 5 would still be in Gary, Indiana, today.’ In
Michael's eyes, Berry Gordy was a hero. He respected him and admired the tenacity with
which he had transformed The Jackson 5 of Gary, Indiana, from local music group to
international superstars. He thought of Berry as one of the smartest men he had ever known
and was amazed by the way he made Motown such an international success story. Berry was
an inspiration to Michael. To hear him now say that the Jackson family was being unfair to
him,was difficult for Michael. ‘I can promise you this,’ Berry concluded, ‘I won't do anything
to hurt you or your family.’ The night after Michael's meeting with Berry, Joseph hold a group
meeting in the living room of their Encino home. Jackie, Tito, Marlon, Michael and Joseph
voted unanimously to leave Motown. ‘If we stay at Motown,’ Joseph concluded, ‘we lose.
And we're not losing.’ Because Jermaine married with Berry Gordy's daughter, Hazel, he
decided to remain at
Motown. Young
Randy took his place
in the group.
Ron
Alexenberg, president
of Epic, and,
ironically enough, a
former protege of
Motown's Ewart
Abner, was interested
in signing The
Jackson 5.
Ron Alexenburg told
Walter Yetnikoff,
The Jacksons at Congressional Black Caus
president of CBS
Records, that he wanted to sign The Jackson 5 immediately. Walter was sceptical. ‘They
haven't been hot in a long time,’ he said. ‘And now look at them. They're into this kitschy,
Vegas thing.’ ‘Trust me,’ Ron told him, according to his memory. ‘This group isn't finished. It
hasn't even begun yet.’ Michael was amazed by the contract CBS offered the family. He had
no idea that the group worthed so much. He had to admire his father's tenacity. ‘I had to admit
it,’ Michael later noted, ‘this was one incredible record deal. My father did an amazing job for
us.’ It seemed, at first, that leaving Motown would be easier than Joseph think it would be.
Berry Gordy have done nothing to prevent their leaving; he was preoccupied with Motown's
film business, anyway, and didn't seem too distracted by the fact that The Jackson 5 was
leaving the company.
On Monday 30 June 1975, Joseph Jackson arranged a press conference to announce
the family's new affiliation with CBS. With over eight months still to run on the Motown
contracts, Joseph seemed more eager than ever to leave Motown.
19
When Joseph signed the boys to CBS-TV to do a television series in 1976, Michael
made it clear that he didn't want to participate. However, he was outvoted. The Jacksons was a
thirty minutes programme that run for four weeks featuring the family, with celebrity gueststars. The first episode, aired 16 June 1976. As in the family's Las Vegas act, LaToya, Janet
and Rebbie participated in the series, too.
The first Jacksons album for CBS, The Jacksons, was released in the spring of 1977,
on the Epic label. The album had a lot going for it. ‘Blues Away’, one of the first songs
Michael had ever written, and ‘Style of Life’, written by the brothers, were both included. The
Jacksons spawn one big hit for the group, ‘Enjoy Yourself’, their first single for Epic.
Press speculations
About Michael's personal life there were made many speculations. By the time he
turned ninteen, he was one of the most known entertainers, being the idol of many young
girls.
Because of his high-pitched voice or his dance moves, Michael's sexuality has been
subject of speculations. Michael has dealing with tabloid press for many years and this thing
began when an untruth appeared in press: Michael is going to have a sex-change. When heard
about that story, he became very upset and sad on press.
He didn't understand why people think he is homosexual. "It is my voice?" he asked
once. "Is it because I have a soft voice? I don't understand it!" Michael became subconciously
scared about this problem. He became very shy and embarrased to meet people. This problem
was so bad for him that it messed his whole personality.
Michael at the age of 19
'The Wiz'
By 1977, when he turned ninteen, Michael wanted to begin to take his own decisions
regarding his future, just as his mentor Diana Ross who was determined to be a film actress.
Motown acquired "The Wiz" a musical based on The Wonderful World of The Oz, by
L.Frank Baum. Diana was casted to play as Dorothy and the director wanted Michael for the
role of Scarecrow. Joseph Jackson felt that this step of Michael will be a mistake and warn
him about this thing. Michael decided to follow his heart and accepted the role. During the
production, there was a kind of tensions between Michael and Diana, because Michael wasl
learning the dance-steps very quicly while Diana needed hours of rehearseals to learn the
steps. Diana felt embarrased about this aspect.Anyway, The Wiz became a critical failure and
a box-office disappointment.
19
'Off the wall'
Turning twenty, Michael wanted to set a new solo album. So, he called Quincy Jones,
a producer who helped him with 'The Wiz'. When Quincy and Michael came together in a
recording studio in Los Angeles to start laying rhythm tracks together in 1979, the
artist and producer turned out to be a perfect match. Finally, after listening to hundreds of
songs, Michael and Quincy decided on a batch to record. Among them were three
Michael Jackson compositions: the funky ‘Don't Stop 'Til You Get
Enough’, ‘Working Day and Night’, and ‘Get on the Floor".
The album that resulted from all of Michael's work withQuincy, Off the Wall, was released in
August 1979. Michael Jackson had officially arrived. The performances revealed sides of him
never before heard by record buyers. For instance, no one knew Michael could be as smooth
and sophisticated as he was on this album.
During dance-moves rehearsals, Michael fell down and broke his nose so he gets a
nose surgery. He always did think that his nose is too big and that was the moment when he
could get it thiner.
Michael in 1981
19
The best-selling album.. of all time
In August 1982, Michael began work
with Quincy Jones on a new album at Westlake
Studios in Los Angeles. The album would be
entitled Thriller with a budget of about
$750,000 to produce, and nine songs carefully
selected by Michael and Quincy from about
three hundred. The sessions went well, Michael
was satisfied with the work. However, once
they played back the album, the ‘master
pressing’, as the final mix was called, it didn't
sound as good as Michael thought it should. In
fact, to his ears, it sounded terrible. He was
crushed. Michael ran from the studio, sobbing.
To solve the problem, each song had to
Michael in 1982, 'Thriller' era
be remixed. To Michael, the music now
sounded terrific. He was optimistic, bobbing his head to the rhythm and smiling broadly as
each cut played. But John Branca, Michael's attorney and Quincy Jones didn't think that
'Thriller' will have such a success as 'Off the wall'. Michael was very mad because they didn't
have faith in the album. He didn't let the album to come out. But Michael came back on his
decision and let 'Thriller' to be released, on December 1, 1982. What did I tell you?’ Michael
crowed to John Branca when it was clear that Thriller had taken off in an astronomical way. ‘I
knew it. I just knew it.’ John could only smile. By the end of 1983, Thriller would sell a
staggering thirteen million copies in the United States and nearly twenty-two million
worldwide. Michael revolutionized the idea of music video, making shorts film.'Thriller'
music video was released as 14-minute short film, with many special effects and a iconic
coreography. Michael also broke all races bariers, his music video of 'Billie Jean' being the
first of an black artist aired on MTV.
'Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever'
In March 1983, Suzanne de
Passe was in the final stages
of mounting a anniversary
show celebrating 25 years of
Motown Records. It was
decided, besides other artists,
to be a reunion of Michael
and Jackson 5, including
Jermaine. All of Jackson 5
members accept the idea,
except Michael. For the first
time in his career, didn't
want to appear at a television
Jackson 5 performing in 1984
19
show. Berry Gordy tried to convince Michael to join his brothers. But Michael had one
condition: to have a solo spot during the show. Gordy accepted, think that Michael will
perform "Got to be there" or "Ben", but Michael had a very special surprise. During the show,
Jacksons performed medley with the most popular songs of them. All the brothers seemed to
be very happy being together. After this performance, Michael remains alone on stage.
Wearing black sequined jacket with cuffs that matched the silver sequined shirt, the white
glitter socks that peeped from beneath the just-abovethe- ankle black trousers, the shiny black
penny loafers. And of course, there was the single left-handed white glove with its handsewn
rhinestones. ‘I have to say those were the good old days. I love those
songs,’ he said of the medley. ‘Those were magic moments with
all my brother, including Jermaine.’ Michael began pacing the
stage, his hand in his pocket, talking as though he were just
voicing some thoughts that happened to pop into his head. Actually, he was walking to the
side of the stage to sneak the fedora into his hand. ‘But, uh, you know,’ he continued, ‘those
were the good songs. I like those songs a lot. But especially, I like’, he was centre stage by
this time, facing the audience, ‘the new songs,’ The audience knew what was coming. They
began calling out for ‘Billie Jean’. As the funk-infused guitar riff of ‘Billie Jean’ began,
Michael went into his routine. He threw the hat aside with a graceful flourish, the audience
went wild. He moved constantly. Even when he was standing still, he seemed to be moving.
Michael's brothers stood in the wings, their mouths open. His parents and sisters sat in the
audience, spellbound. The whole of Michael's performance was spellbinding, but during a
brief instrumental interlude, he executed a combination of moves that would seal his
reputation as a dance legend. He commenced with a series of split-second locking moves and
poses before gliding across the stage via his now-famous sleek and graceful moonwalk, a
reversed syncopated glide, heading forwards and sliding backwards at the same time. The
moonwalk gave way to that equally renowned spin, now refined, after years of practice, to
tornado speed – and then, immediately, he was up on his toes. Nobody but Michael Jackson
could dance like that and the audience went wild.
Michael performing solo at Motown 25
19
Recordsman
On 7 February Michael was inducted
into the Guinness Book of Records during a
ceremony at the American Museum of Natural
History in New York City, in recognition of
Thriller having broken all records for album
sales at twenty-five million copies.
On Tuesday, 28 February 1984, Grammy
night, the scene at the Shrine Auditorium in Los
Angeles was one of pure pandemonium. When
twenty-fiveyear- old Michael Jackson arrived
Michael with Brooke Shields, 1984
for his coronation as king of the pop music
world, he wore a spangled uniform with epaulets and the rhinestoned glove on his right hand.
With him was Brooke
Shields. Indeed, when Michael and Brooke arrived in a white Rolls-Royce just moments
before the ceremony began, there was such hysteria from the fans one might have thought
they were visiting royals. Comedienne Joan Rivers noted in an explanation of how the votes
were tabulated, ‘The reason we're reading the rules is so that all the losers will know why they
lost to Michael Jackson.’
That night, Michael made Grammy history when he won eight
awards out of a possible ten wins on twelve nominations (three of his nominations were in
one category).
Michael won 8 Grammies in 1984
19
Michael approach a new
manager
The upcoming Victory tour promised
forty concert dates and, at least as far as
Michael was concerned,but as many
opportunities for something to go wrong, as
long as Don King is in the picture. Michael felt
that he needed someone to protect his interests.
John
Branca was an excellent attorney, but now he
Michael and Frank DiLeo, 1984
needed a hands-on manager. Seven months
earlier, in August 1983, Michael had asked Epic Records head of promotion, Frank Dileo, if
he would be interested in managing him. The two were having a meeting about Thriller in
a bungalow at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Michael firmly believed that Frank was largely
responsible for Thriller's success, and also for the huge sales of all of its single releases..
However, Michael told Frank that if he took the job as his manager, he would not be allowed
to manage anyone else. He had to be exclusive to Michael. Frank agreed.
Awarded by US President
President of the US, Ronald Reagan, decided to award Michael for his contribution as
humanitarian. The presentation was set for 14 May 1984. It had started out as an exciting day.
Michael appeared resplendent in an electric-blue sequined jacket adorned with sequined braid,
a sequined gold sash, and sequined gold epaulets. He also wore his trademark single white,
rhinestoned glove.
Once at the podium, the President noted that Michael was ‘proof of what a person can
accomplish through a lifestyle free of alcohol or drug abuse. People young and old respect
that. And if Americans follow his example, then we can face up to the problem
of drinking and driving, and we can, in Michael's words, beat it.’ After the President handed
him a plaque, the only words Michael nervously spoke, or whispered, rather, were, ‘I'm very,
very honoured. Thank you very much, Mr President.’ A pause. ‘Oh, and Mrs Reagan, too,’ he
added as an afterthought. Then,
he giggled as if it suddenly
occurred to him that yes, he
really was standing there with
the President of the United
States. before they left, the
entourage was given a special
tour of the White House;
Michael was fascinated by a
portrait of Andrew Jackson in a
military jacket very much like
the bluesequinned one he wore
that day.
Michael at The White House, 1984
19
Health problems
Michael, who had dropped to 105 pounds from his normal weight of 125 pounds, the
skinniest he had ever been, looked as if he was under a great deal of stress. ‘He's a health nut,’
said his cousin Tim Whitehead, a roadie on the tour. ‘People don't know that the reason he's a
vegetarian is not so much because of what meat does to a person, but because he can't stand
the idea of having an animal killed so he can have dinner. I've often wondered how he gets by
on the little food he does eat.’
Also, Michael was diagnosed with vitiligo and lupus. Vitiligo is a disease which
destroy the pigmentation of the skin. This is the reason why Michael became so whiter. The
rumours that Michael bleached his skin are not true. He was very proud of his race.
'We Are The World'
After the Victory tour, Michael became involved in ‘We Are the World’, the historic
effort to feed the hungry of Ethiopia. For some time, Harry Belafonte had been making plans
to draw
together some of the biggest artists in the entertainment business to record a song, the
proceeds of which would go to a new nonprofit foundation, USA for Africa, to feed the
starving masses. In addition to providing emergency food, medical relief, and selfhelp
programmes to stricken areas of Africa, the undertaking was also to set aside funds for hunger
relief in the United States. While working on ‘We Are the World’, Lionel Richie went to
Hayvenhurst every night for a week where he and Michael sequestered themselves in
Michael's room to labour on lyrics and melodies. They knew that what they wanted was some
sort of anthem, a song both easy to sing and memorable. Though Michael and Lionel have
never said as much publicly, LaToya, whowatched the pair work, claims that Lionel only
wrote a couple of lines of the song. She contends that 99 per cent of the lyrics were written by
Michael, ‘but he's never felt it necessary to say that.’ The lyrics and the melody were finished
on 21 January 1985, just one night before the recording session. The gentle, uplifting spirit of
the song also touched the public's emotions when it was finally released on 7 March 1985.
The initial shipment of 800,000 records sold out within three days of its release. The song
was number one in America for a
month, and also spent a couple of
weeks at the top spot in Britain, as well
as in other countries. The 'We Are the
World’ video lent itself well to the
benevolent spirit of the celebration and
helped to sell four million records in
all, earning
about eight million dollars for the USA
for Africa fund.
Artists performing 'We are the World'
19
Going BAD
At twenty-seven years of age,
Michael Jackson faced the
challenge of recording an
album that would top the
tremendous success of
Thriller. Could he do it? Could
anyone? In the summer of
1986, when he began working
on the follow-up album, which
would be called Bad, Michael
put himself under enormous
pressure. Interestingly,
Michael cannot read music. He Michael on the cover of 'Bad' album
writes his songs in his head,
sings them on to a tape, and then hires musicians to put
them down on paper. He is an incredibly musical person, however.
Finally, in July 1987, Michael Jackson's Bad was released to the public. In September
1987, the month his Bad tour kicked off in Tokyo, People published a cover story on Michael
with the headline, ‘Michael Jackson: He's Black. He's Bad. Is This Guy Weird, Or What?’
Because of such adverse publicity, Michael's tour had a shaky start. Michael thought the act
still needed work, but he had no choice but to begin the schedule. The dates were set.
Therefore, in September 1987, he reluctantly began what would end up being an
exhausting, eighteen-month-long
world tour. Michael stated at the
end of the tour, that he never
going in another tour.
'Bad' Tour 1988
19
Neverland, Michael's paradise
In March 1988, while he was still on the road, Michael Jackson finalized the purchase of his
new home, a twenty-seven-hundred acre estate in the Santa Ynez Valley then called Sycamore
Ranch. Jackson, thereby dissolving the trust. Michael hoped for a serene lifestyle in his new,
palatial estate. He said he needed space, a place to think, time off after the Bad
tour. However, his family now felt that he'd distanced himself from them geographically, as
well as emotionally. As much as they missed him, they were also worried about their futures
without him.Time by time, Michael transformed Neverland in the childhood universe which
he never had. A funfair, a zoo, a cinema and other things like that were putted there in order to
Michael felt child again.
Michael at Neverland, 1993
19
Michael is Dangerous
Being disappointed because 'Bad' has not been sold in as many copies
as 'Thriller', Michael decided to make a new album. After finish his
'Bad' Tour in January 1989, he started working on a new album.
Michael
announcing his
new tour, 1992
In March 1990, he is invited again at White House, for receiving an
award from the
President George
Bush.
In 1991, after
Michael renewed his
contract with Sony for $65 milion, a
record-breaking deal at the time, he
released his new album 'Dangerous which
was sold in 30 million copies now. Michael
incorporating a newer genre, new jack
Michael with G.Bush, at White House,
swing. Lyrical themes expressed in the
album included racism, poverty, paranoia, 1991
romance and self-improvement.
In 1992, Michael founded 'Heal the World' foundation. It purpose was to provide
medicine to children and fight world hunger. Altough he said that he never go on a new tour,
Michael announces in March 1992, start of a new world tour, Dangerous Tour, which purpose
is to raise funds for his foundation.The tour ran from June 27, 1992 to November 11, 1993.
This 'Dangerous' Era is meaned to be Michael's best.
In 1992, HBO paid $20milion to broadcast Michael's concert in Bucharest,
Romania.
1993 debuted with Oprah Winfrey interviewing Michael at Neverland. This
interviewed was viewed by millions of people. It was the Michael first public interview in
which he talked about his childhood, his sexuality and controversies. Days later, Michael
performed in half-time show at
Superbowl, being the best
Superbowl half-time show ever.
'Dangerous' Tour, 1993
19
First child-abuse allegations
In May 1992, Michael met Jordie Chandler, a 13-year-old boy. They were traveled
together during Michael's Dangerous Tour. Jordie sometimes stayed at Neverland. They were
very good friends. But Evan Chandler, Jordie's father, wanted to get profit from this friendship
and in the summer of 1992, being dentist, anesthetized his son and make him to say that
Michael sexual-abused him.
Michael was prepared to start his performance in Bangkok for a Dangerous Tour ,
when the allegations were made public.Regardless of it, he mustered up strength and
performed. At the beggining of it, he removes his glass and revealing wet eyes and a tear
streaking down to his cheeck.
During the investigation, Michael became addicted of painkillers. In November 1993,
he was body-investigated while in Mexic and later he decided he couldn't performed rest of
the concert of Dangerous Tour and cancelled the tour. Being traumathized, he decided to pay
$40 milion to Chandler family, just to end that nightmare. He later regreted this decision.
After this episode, Michael's life had never been the same
Michael with Jordie Chandler
19
Marriage with Lisa-Marie Presley
Michael and Lisa-Marie Presley had known since 1974, when she was present at a
Jackson 5 concert. They remained friends. When Michael was accused of child-molestation,
Lisa-Marie helped him to remain strong and positive. In 1994, when the case was closed,
Michael needed time to recover. Lisa and Michael got very closer then they decided to marry
in secret, in Dominican Republic, on May 20th 1994. When Michael announced his mother
about this, she didn't realize but he was very happy for them.
Michael and Lisa-Marie Presley made their first public appearance at MTV Video
Music awards in 1994, where they shared a kiss on the stage. Their relationship was going
very well, even they were very different: Michael was warm and shy and Lisa was a bit
rough.Lisa-Marie also appeared in Michael's 'You are not alone' music video. They divorced
in 1996, but remained very close friends.
Michael and Lisa-Marie kissing at
VMA 1994
19
Making HIStory
In 1995, Michael released his most
ambitious project, a new album: HIStory:
Past, Present and Future Book 1 and 2. This
double-disc album was a great success given
the problems that Michael had. He promoted
this album,going on a new world tour,
HIStory Tour. Beside tour, were created few
statues of Michael, a energy drink and many
other things to promote this album.
In September 1995, Michael
perfomed at MTV Video Music Awards. His
performance it's said to be the best ever at
MTV Video Music Awards.
Cover of 'HIStory' album
HIstory album is special because the single 'Scream' is a duet of Michael with his
sister Janet.Also, the music video of 'Scream' is the most expensive ever being $7 milion.
Michael
at the
filmming
Michael
filmming
of 'Childhood'
music
'HIStory' teaser
video
Michael in 'Scream' music video
Second marriage and children
In November 1996, Michael married to his dermatologist
Debbie Rowe. They married in Australia, during Michael's stay there for HIstory Tour. Debbie
Rowe gave Michael two children: Prince Michael Jackson and Paris Katherine Jackson.
After 1997, he supported many charities and made many non-profit shows. He
once joined Pavarotti for a benefit concert.
19
In 1997, Michael and the Jacksons were inducted in Rock and Roll Hall of
Fame.
Michael joined Nelson Mandela in 1999, for a charity, making two concerts in
Munich and Seoul named Michael Jackson& Friends.
Michael amicaly divorced to Debbie Rowe,in 1999, and he will have the
custody of the children.
Michael and Debbie Rowe holding
their babies: Prince and Paris
Michael with Nelson Mandela,
1999
Jacksons at Rock&Roll Hall of Fame induction, 1997
19
Invincible
In 1997, Michael started recordings from
a new album. These sessions would result in the
album Invincible, released in October
2001. Invincible was Jackson's first full-length
album in six years, and it would be the last album
of new material he released while still alive. The
release of the album was preceded by a dispute
between Jackson and his record label,Sony Music
Entertainment. Jackson had expected the licenses
to the masters of his albums to revert to him
sometime in the early 2000s. Once he had the
Cover of 'Invincible' album
licenses, he would be able to promote the
material however he pleased and keep all the profits. However, due to various clauses in the
contract, the revert date turned out to be many years away. Jackson discovered that the
attorney who represented him in the deal was also representing Sony.Jackson was also
concerned about the fact that for a number of years, Sony had been pressuring him to sell his
share in their music catalog venture. Jackson feared that Sony might have a conflict of
interest, since if Jackson's career failed, he would have to sell his share of the catalog at a low
price. Jackson sought an early exit from his contract.
In March 2001, Michael was inducted in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist.
In September 2001, Michael held two anniversary shows at MSG, celebrating 30 years
of solo career. Jackson appeared onstage alongside his brothers for the first time since 1984. The show
also featured performances by Mya, Usher, Whitney Houston, NSYNC, Destiny's Child, Monica, Luther
Vandross, and Slash, among other artists. After 9/11 attacks, Michael help organize United We Stand: What
More Can I Give benefit concert where he sang What More Can I Give as the final performance.
Michael at his
induction in
Rock&Roll Hall of
Fame, 2001
Michael at 30th
Anniversary
Celebration of his
solo career
Michael perfoming with other artists at the
charity concert 'United We Stand: What More
Can I Give' 2001
19
Second child sexual abuse allegations
Beginning in May 2002, Jackson allowed a documentary film crew, led by British TV
personality Martin Bashir, to follow him around nearly everywhere he went. The program was
broadcast in March 2003 as Living with Michael Jackson. In a particularly controversial
scene, Jackson was seen holding hands and discussing sleeping arrangements with a young
boy. After the young boy involved in the documentary and his mother later told investigators
that Jackson had been improper with the boy, Jackson was arrested in November 2003, and
was charged with seven counts of child molestation and two counts of administering an
intoxicating agent in relation to the 13-year old boy shown in the film. The People v.
Jackson trial began on January 31, 2005, in Santa Maria, California, and lasted five months,
until the end of May. On June 13, 2005, Jackson was acquitted on all counts. After this,
Michael left Neverland.
Michael with Gavin Arvizo, 2003
Michael at trial, 2005
News after Michael acquited in trial, 2005
19
Comeback
In March 2009, Michael held a press conference at London's O2 Arena and announced
a series of comeback concerts titled This Is It. The shows would be Jackson's first major series
of concerts since the HIStory World Tour finished in 1997. Michael suggested possible
retirement after the shows, he said it would be his "final curtain call". He rehearsed in Los
Angeles in the weeks leading up to the tour under the direction of choreographer Kenny
Ortega. Most of these rehearsals took place at the Staples Center, which was owned by
AEG. The concerts would have commenced on July 13, 2009, and finished on March 6, 2010.
Less than three weeks before the first show was due to begin in London and with all concerts
being sold out, Michael died after suffering cardiac arrest. On October 28, 2009, a
documentary film about the rehearsals titled Michael Jackson's This Is It was released.
Rehearsing for 'This Is It'
Tour, 2009
Michael announcing his
comeback, 2009
The unexpected
Rehearsing for 'This Is It'
Tour, 2009
` Since he started
Tour, Michael had problems
anesthezics to sleep better.
death
rehearsing for 'This is it'
with sleeping. He many
19
On June 24 2009, Michael rehearsed at Staples Center. Witnesess said that he looked very
good and energic. Rehearsal last until midnight.
The day after, Michael didn't come out of his bedroom. Conrad Murray, Michael's personal
doctor, entered the room and found him not breathing. He began CPR but realized that he had
to call 911. Michael was took to the hospital and was resuscitated more than hour,
unsuccesfull. He was pronounced dead at 2.26 p.m.
A public memorial at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California on July 7, where Jackson
had rehearsed on June 24, the day before he died. The service was broadcast live around the
world, and was believed to have been watched by up to 2.5 billion people. His brothers each
wore a single, white, sparkling glove, while Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Lionel
Richie,Jermaine Jackson and others sang his songs. Jackson's then 11-year-old daughter,
Paris, broke down as she told the crowd, "I just want to say, ever since I was born, Daddy has
been the best father you could ever imagine ... and I just want to say I love him... so much."
Marlon Jackson said, "Maybe now, Michael, they will leave you alone."
Jackson family at Michael's
Michael's casquet
Memorial at Staples Center,
2009
Bibliography
J.Randy Tarraboreli - Michael Jackson "The Magic and the Madness"
19
Michael Jackson- Moonwalk-autobiography
Mikael Dobrescu- Michael Jackson- un simplu tribut
www.wikipedia.com
www.mjpassion.ro
www.mjworld.com
www.michaeljackson.com
19
Summary
EARLY YEARS---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3
MICHAEL JOINS THE GROUP-------------------------------------------------------------------4
THE JACKSONS SIGN WITH MOTOWN--------------------------------------------------------5
LIVING THE DREAM----------------------------------------------------------------------------7
MOVING TO CBS RECORDS------------------------------------------------------------------8
PRESS SPECULATIONS-----------------------------------------------------------------------10
'THE WIZ'------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10
'OFF THE WALL'------------------------------------------------------------------------------11
THE BEST-SELLING ALBUM.. OF ALL TIME--------------------------------------------------13
'MOTOWN 25: YESTERDAY, TODAY, FOREVER'-------------------------------------------------------13
RECORDSMAN----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------15
MICHAEL APPROACH A NEW MANAGER-----------------------------------------------------16
AWARDED BY US PRESIDENT---------------------------------------------------------------16
HEALTH PROBLEMS--------------------------------------------------------------------------17
'WE ARE THE WORLD'----------------------------------------------------------------------17
GOING BAD---------------------------------------------------------------------------------18
NEVERLAND, MICHAEL'S PARADISE--------------------------------------------------------19
MICHAEL IS DANGEROUS--------------------------------------------------------------------20
FIRST CHILD-ABUSE ALLEGATIONS----------------------------------------------------------21
MARRIAGE WITH LISA-MARIE PRESLEY----------------------------------------------------22
MAKING HISTORY---------------------------------------------------------------------------23
SECOND MARRIAGE AND CHILDREN---------------------------------------------------------24
INVINCIBLE-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------25
SECOND CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE ALLEGATIONS----------------------------------------------26
COMEBACK-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------27
THE UNEXPECTED DEATH--------------------------------------------------------------------28
BIBLIOGRAPHY-------------------------------------------------------------------------------29
19
