Michael Joseph Jackson was born on the 29th of August 1958 in Gary, Indiana. He was born to parents Katherine and Joseph and was the 7th of nine children, beginning his music journey within his family itself.
Upon realising the talent his sons had in music, Joseph Jackson encouraged the five brothers to pursue music and hence comes the formation of the 'Jackson 5'. Michael Jackson broke into the business quick and became a household icon for his impeccable talent,gravity-defying dance moves and trend-setting fashions.
Michael Jackson began as a 5-year old R&B vocalist and the rest is history.As we bid goodbye to this musical legend on the 25th June 2009, we hold on to the memory of a man that was truely, the King of Pop.
1. Adam. "All Michael Jackson." 2002.http://www.allmichaeljackson.com (accessed 24th Nov 2010)
2. Jackson, Michael. "Heal the Kids." Oxford Union Speech. Oxford University, Oxford, England, UK. 06 003 2001. Speech.
3. "Michael Jackson talks to Oprah." The Oprah Winfrey Show. Harpo Productions: 10th 002 1993 . Television. 23 Nov 2010.
4. Lewis(Jones),Jel D.. Michael Jackson: The King of Pop, The Big Picture! The Music! The Man! The Legend! The Interview: An Anthology. 1 ed. Tony Rose. Phoneix: Amber Books2, 2005.
5. "Jesse Jackson Interviews Michael Jackson." Jesse Jackson: Keep the hope alive. 27 003 2005. Radio. 24 Nov 2010. .
6. "Michael Jackson Interview." At Large With Geraldo Rivera. Fox News: 05 002 2005. Television. 24 Nov 2010.
7. "Michael Jackson Interview." CBS '60 Minutes' . Dec 2003. Television. 24 Nov 2010.
8. Michael jackson. (1999, April 13). The Daily Mirror
9. "Michael Jackson and Lisa-Marie Presley." Prime Time Live. 1995. Television. 24 Nov 2010
10. ABC News, "Michael Jackson memorial: Key quotes." July 8th 2009.http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/07/08/2619615.htm (accessed 24th Nov 2010).
11. People Magazine, People '09. "Paris Jackson Calls Michael ‘The Best Father You Can Ever Imagine’." July 7th, 2009.http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20422235,00.html (accessed 24th Nov 2010).
Many thanks also go to the following websites for previously unseen pictures as well as videos:
"Human knowledge consists not only of libraries of parchment and ink - it is also comprised of the volumes of knowledge that are written on the human heart, chiselled on the human soul, and engraved on the human psyche. And friends, I have encountered so much in this relatively short life of mine that I still cannot believe I am only 42." (Oxford Union Speech)
A hurried memorial was set up for Michael to commemorate his passing and to allow fans and fellow celebrity to pay their respects to an influential part of music. Performances, Speeches and covers of his songs were presented at the memorial held at the Staples Centre, the last place Michael was seen alive and the place where he was preparing for his 'This is It' world tour.
It was a emotional and tearful goodbye to an icon and artistes such as Mariah Carey, Usher and more sang for the man who inspired much of their own music. The Jackson Brothers brought in Michael's casket and were each adorning his signature rhinestone glove. The Reverend Al Sharpton received a standing ovation with cheers when he told Jackson's children, "Wasn't nothing strange about your daddy. It was strange what your daddy had to deal with. But he dealt with it anyway."
"God has now called for you to come home, collect your wings and to fulfill your demands in heaven and continue your magic amongst the angels," sister La Toya Jackson.(ABC News)
A touching and tearful goodbye from Michael's 11-year old daughter, Paris Jackson who says, "I just want to say ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you can ever imagine," she said through tears. "And I just want to say I love him so much."(People)
That Michael Jackson's spirit lives on in the hearts of those he's touched with his music and of the kids he's helped with his generosity. Michael Jackson's music lives on and he will always be the true, "King of Pop".
Rest in Peace, Michael Jackson.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010,10:06 PM |
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Michael and Death
On June 25, 2009, Jackson died in his bed at his rented mansion, and could not be resuscitated. His death was a shock to fans, especially since he had just recently announced a final concert and world tour, 'This is It'. Michael's death was so prominent that it caused multiple search engines to fail upon an overload of tweets, requests and searches for Michael Jackson's name. It was later stated that the Los Angeles coroner had decided to treat Jackson's death as a homicide.
Upon his death, it was stated that Michael Jackson had traces of propofol, lorazepam and midazolam. An investigation was launched of his personal physician, Conrad Murray who was later charged with involuntary manslaughter.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010,11:22 PM |
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Michael and Rumours
When we say Michael Jackson usually one of the few things that becomes associated with him is rumours of child molestation, plastic surgery, sleeping in a special chamber etc.
Michael Jackson's was charged in court for multiple cases of child molestation charges after parents of kids started that he shared a bed with their kid. This caused a great interest in the star and affected Michael's career and personal life greatly, tarnishing his squeaky-clean family-orientated image.
In his book, 'Michael Jackson: The King of Pop', author Lewis defends Michael stating that, “Tabloids were making up their own stories and selling them like hot cakes. A group of Jehovah’s Witnesses announced that he was a Messiah; it was claimed that he had undergone massive plastic surgery; and photographs were published that suggested that he slept in a special chamber to prevent himself aging. It was all tabloid trash publicity”(Lewis).
In a CBS 60 minute interview, Michael was quizzed on rumours of child molestation and the pop star had this to say:
"Totally false. Before I would hurt a child, I would slit my wrists. I would never hurt a child. It'stotally false. I was outraged. I could never do something like that."("Michael Jackson Interview")
He also states that he believes his fortune and fame maybe a reason as to why these rumours and false allegations even started.
"Because parents have power over children. They feel they have to do what their parents say ...But...the love of money is the root of all evil. And this is a sweet child. And to see him turn like this, this isn't him. This is not him"("Michael Jackson Interview")
All charges towards Michael had been dropped but not without first tainting his supposedly-clean image of a humanitarian and a man who loved children.
"Know why? People think sex. They're thinking sex. My mind doesn't run that way. When I see children, I see the face of God. That's why I love them so much. That's what I see."("Michael Jackson Interview")
Michael was also said to have done multiple plastic surgeries to his face, which initially began with a bleaching that changed his skin colour from ebony to white. However, the stories didn't stop here. Jackson was accused of having done multiple work on skin, nose, forehead and chin.
Michael's original skin colour and looks.
Michael's transformation after bleaching, a nose job and other facial reconstructions
Michael's look that has changed significantly over the years
Michael Jackson in a hyperbaric chamber, apparently using oxygen therapy to prevent aging. Representatives of Michael as well as his friends state that the rumour is false, even when these pictures surfaced on the net.
Just as how regular celebrities get multiple rumours said about themselves, Michael Jackson was one of the unfortunate few who was targeted at every instance of his life. However, how much of the rumours are true are however,impossible to confirm without proof.
Michael Jackson was also well-known for his charity work with kids. Michael states that it was because it of his bad childhood that he dedicated his life to ensure that other kids do not have the same childhood that he did.
"He was listed in the 2000 edition of the Guiness Book Of World Records for breaking the world record for the "Most Charities Supported By a Pop Star". It states that Michael Jackson has supported 39 charity organizations either with monetary donations through sponsorships of their projects or by participating in their silent auction. "(Jackson)
In a union speech at Oxford, Michael, "propose tonight that we install in every home a Children's Universal Bill of Rights, the tenets of which are:
1. The right to be loved without having to earn it
2. The right to be protected, without having to deserve it
3. The right to feel valuable, even if you came into the world with nothing
4. The right to be listened to without having to be interesting
5. The right to be read a bedtime story, without having to compete with the evening news
6. The right to an education without having to dodge bullets at schools
7. The right to be thought of as adorable - (even if you have a face that only a mother could love)."
-(Oxford Union Speech)
Michael's most famous charity is the Heal the World Foundation that he helped set up and this foundation has helped numerous kids and people all around the world, especially sick kids in paying medical bills. Michael Jackson's humanitarian nature was one that many looked up to him for. "Our goal is simple - to recreate the parent/child bond, renew its promise and light the way forward for all the beautiful children who are destined one day to walk this earth," Michael says when asked about the foundation's goals.
Michael has also been under media scrutiny especially since the birth of his three children, Michael Joseph Jackson Jr (commonly known as Prince) was born in1997, his sister Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson who was born a year later in1998 and the youngest Prince Michael Jackson II. Michael's second wife, Debbie Rowe is the mother of his two eldest kids while the mother of his youngest (who is nicknamed 'Blanket'), is unknown. When the couple divorced in 1999, and Jackson got full custody of the two oldest children.
They mean, it’s hard to put it into words because they mean everything. The way you would explain how your children make you feel... They’re the world for me, I wake up and I’m ready for the day because of them. I get them breakfast, I change diapers, if they want to read, we do a lot of reading, we play hide and seek, we play blind fold and have a wonderful time with it.("Michael Jackson Interview")
One of the things Michael has been said to do is to hide his kids faces from the media and says that he wanted
to keep them away from the limelight. Michael Jackson has also been stated by multiple interviewers and friends that he was the best father they had ever known.
The Jackson Kids with singer Lionel Richie accepting an award on their late father's behalf
"Well, I enjoy taking care of my children myself it’s... it’s fun that’s why I had them so I could take care of them and it’s just great relief for me you know it’s a pleasure it keeps me happy and laughing and you know, they’re wonderful sweet innocent children."("Michael Jackson Interview")
"Family is everything. It’s love. It’s what we were taught. We’re friends at the end of the day, which is important. Other than what the public or press people say, we’re friends. We love each other very much."
("Michael jackson," 1999)
Another huge part of Michael Jackson's life was the story of his two marriages. First, the high-profile marriage to the daughter ofElvis Presley,Lisa-Marie Presley. Although initially the marriage was seen as a sham to boost Michael's demeaning public image, Lisa-Marie stated time and again that she was devoted to Michael and that they were having a healthy, happy relationship. When asked about Lisa-Marie and how marriage was discussed, Michael said, "Well, well at first this is what happened. When she was eighteen I used to tell my lawyer John Branca, do you know Lisa Marie Presley 'cause I think she's really cute. And he'd laugh every time. He goes, "I'll try my best", that's what he'd say. Then he'd come back and I'd say "well did you find out?" He'd say "no, there's nothing". So I would worry him about this all the time. The next thing I noticed, there was a picture on a magazine cover where she's married, which really tore me to pieces because I felt that was supposed to be me, I really did."("Michael Jackson and Lisa-Marie Presley")
The marriage lasted less than 2 yrs and Jackson later married his dermatology nurse Deborah Jeanne Rowe, who was pregnant with the couple's first child at the time. That marriage too, ended too soon.
About Debbie:
"I love my wife, and we have a happy marriage. Debbie is a nurse who loves her work, who loves taking care of people. Every day she wants to get up and look after others, to help them and make them better. That's why I love her, and that's what gives her bliss in life, God bless her."(The Daily Mirror)
"There are a lot of surprises. Film. I love film. It’s innovating, taking the medium to a new place. I used the music video medium as a short film medium to take me to the next level. I’m having a lot of fun."("Michael Jackson Interview")
Michael Jackson was not only a highly sought after musician and dancer, he was also, for a period of time an actor. Upon his death in 2009, he was memorialized as well, in his final days for the preparation of his last show, "This is It", in a movie of the same name. During his life however, Michael acted in 3 movies, namely 'The Wiz', 'Moonwalker' and 'Ghosts'.
'The Wiz' was Michael's first movie, a remake of the Wizard of Oz and Michael played the Scarecrow and was praised by critics for his role in the movie(Jackson).
Michael's next break came when his autobiography, "Moonwalker" was turned into a movie in which he played himself. Released in 1988, it dived into Michael's life and journey to get to where he was.
His final movie was one that Michael and Stephen King wrote together. It was a short film and was directed by none other then well-known director of animation, Stan Winston. In the movie,"plays a number of characters that look nothing like each other making use of great make-up and special effects."(Jackson)
Finally of course, was a movie made in tribute of Michael's final moments as a performer and clips of behind-the-scenes footage from his preparation for his world tour, 'This is It', was released. A major blockbuster that received criticisms saying that the show's producers were trying to make money from Michael's death. Despite the criticisms, the movie was popular globally and had good sales for DVD sales.
When asked what he would be doing if he was not a performer but in the film business, Michael had this to say in an interview:
"I’ll be directing myself. I love directing. I love creativity and I think when an artist steps forward with a production of some type, if he can express himself the way he sees it should be done. I feel it and I see it. I’m a visionary. If I can give that, I do and that’s what I love to do with music and dance and the arts."("Michael Jackson Interview")
Michael Jackson's rise to fame was not just in his incredible music but of his dance moves and some have labelled him as the "King of the Dance floor".
When Fred Astaire saw Jackson dance, he called him a "a hell of a mover"
Michael's dancing began early in life and continued to grow throughout his musical journey. It was not long before he was considered one of the greatest dancers of all time.
Here's what Michael Jackson had to say on his dancing ability:
"You know what, I never studied dancing before. It always became natural for me. Whenever I was little, any music would start, they couldn’t sit me down. They couldn’t tie me down actually. Even to this day, if anyone played a beat, I’ll start kicking in and making counter rhythms to the beat that I’m hearing. It’s just a natural instinct. I never studied. And Fred Astaire who was a good friend of mine, and Gene Kelly, they used to always marvel at my ability for dance. When I was a little kid, Fred Astaire used to always tell me how that he knew in his heart that I would be a special star. I used to just look at him thinking what are you talking about? [laughs] But uh, you could see, you know."("Jesse Jackson Interview Michael Jackson")
Michael Jackson was probably most well-known for the 'Moonwalk' which was globally popular and still practiced my R&B and Hip Hop dancers all over the world and has inspired many artists like Usher, Chris Brown and many more. His first moonwalk was during the 25th Motown anniversary where he performed "Billie Jean"(Jackson)
Michael Jackson may be an household name now but his shot to stardom only began during the release of "Off the Wall" that introduced Michael as an adult.
Off the wall was Michael's first album as a solo artist and the album was well-received and became the start of Michael's musical journey.
Michael's shot to stardom however, began with the release of the highly anticipated and highly recognized, "Thriller". Thriller got many positive reviews from many around the world and was considered as a revolutionary moment for music videos. Using many special effects that was new at the time, with incredible costumes and sets, Thriller was considered possibly the best music video of its time. Due to the success of the video, the behind-the-scenes look at the thriller video was also released.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010,9:49 AM |
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Michael and Music
To speak of Michael Jackson would be to speak of a musical legend, an icon and undoubtedly, the King of Pop.
He released a record breaking number of singles and a total of 10 solo albums that went on to break international sale records. The 10 albums include, "Bad", "Thriller", "Off the Wall" and his final album, "Invincible"
When quizzed about his musical influence, Michael had this to say:
"My greatest influence learning to write music. I think this is when I was lucky. In my opinion, I came into the Factory, the greatest song writers at that time in the sixties. Holland, Dozier, Holland of Motown. These two guys were phenomenal. You know, Lamont Dozier, Eddie Holland. These guys were amazing. They wrote all the great Supreme hits and the Four Top hits. They were just amazing. And I got to learn and work with these guys. And I love of course some of the Beatles stuff. I love the Beatles music actually. I love a lot of the show tune writers. Richard Rogers, and Oscar Hammerstein and Leonard Lowe and Harold Arland, Johnny Mercer and these kind of show tune. I love melody. I love the great Irish pub songs. I love English melody. The rhythms of Africans. Which is the roots of rhythm . That’s my favorite music. That’s my favorite music of the world because all music is defined from that. Africa is music. It is the origin. It is the dawn of existence. You can’t avoid that. It is in everything that is about myself."("Jesse Jackson Interviews Michael Jackson")
Michael Jackson's music is what some call the "beginning of Pop as we know it". Michael has also stated that the song closest to his heart and his favourite song is "Man in the Mirror"
When Michael Jackson was 8 years old, he started taking on the lead vocals in the family band, The Jackson 5. The brothers went on to become a household name and a highly sought after band. Michael and his brothers did multiple tours, performances together as the Jackson 5 before Michael was offered a solo career, one that shot him to stardom.
Part of the Jackson 5 during a performance
One of Michael's breakout performances happened to be "Ben", and also one of his first solo performances. Michael said he was inspired by many and had developed his own unique singing style early on in the music business and was widely recognised for it.
"I didn’t have a childhood. But, when you don’t have a childhood like people like myself and other child stars, you try to compensate for the loss for later on you try to catch up. That’s why you see, like you may see a theme park or amusement rides, that type of environment at my home. But what I like to do is help other children who are less fortunate than I am. You know kids who are terminally ill, kids who have diseases, poor children from the inner cities, you know the ghettos, to let them see the mountains, or to let see or go on the rides, or to watch a movie or to have some ice cream or something."("Jesse Jackson Interviews Michael Jackson")
Michael Jackson's childhood has been the talk of the nation, especially since news of abuse, lost childhood and family problems started to appear in the tabloids. Michael's life became the core focus, especially after the construction of his home, a full-scale amusement park that he nicknamed, Neverland Ranch.
"All of us are products of our childhood. But I am the product of a lack of a childhood, an absence of that precious and wondrous age when we frolic playfully without a care in the world, basking in the adoration of parents and relatives, where our biggest concern is studying for that big spelling test come Monday morning."(Oxford Union Speech)Michael's life was clouded by hardwork, fame and money at the age that most kids were supposed to be playing. He states in several interviews, that while he is grateful for the success that he has received, he missed the chance to be just that regular boy.
"But while performing and making music undoubtedly remain as some of my greatest joys, when I was young I wanted more than anything else to be a typical little boy. I wanted to build tree houses, have water balloon fights, and play hide and seek with my friends. But fate had it otherwise and all I could do was envy the laughter and playtime that seemed to be going on all around me."(Oxford Union Speech)
And he also then says that it is because of this lost childhood, that he unconsciously has tried to relieve this childhood in his adult age.
"I loved to set foot in all those regular suburban houses and catch sight of the shag rugs and La-Z-Boy armchairs with kids playing Monopoly and grandmas baby-sitting and all those wonderful, ordinary and starry scenes of everyday life. Many, I know, would argue that these things seem like no big deal. But to me they were mesmerising."(Oxford Union Speech)
One part of Michael's childhood that came under scrutiny was of his father and the revelation that he was abused by his father, beaten and emotionally traumatised by his father. Michael said that his father had teased him about pimples and called him ugly. When asked about his relationship with his father Michael said "I love my father but I don't know him". ("Michael Jackson talks to Oprah")
When asked however, about his schooling and when he stopped schooling, Michael had this to say on the Jesse Jackson interview:
"I think it was the fifth, fifth, fourth or fifth I think. Then I had tutoring the rest of my life. Because we did so many tours and concerts and TV shows and things, all the albums and all the recordings because we would have three hours of schooling, then we would do the concerts, then we travel to another state or another country. Then by that time we would do some concerts again and then it would be time to record the next J5 album, then after the J5 album, it was time for another Michael Jackson album. So in my youth, as a little kid, I was always busy. I remember across the street from Motown recording studio, there was a park. I used to hear the roar of the kids and the throwing of the football and the basketball. I remember going to the studio everyday, and I was just feeling kinda sad, because I wanted to go to that park. But I knew I had a different job to do, you know so going in and make the records. All day till late at night, then you would go to sleep, then you were up for the next day, just the same regimentation."
("Jesse Jackson Interviews Michael Jackson")
Whatever opinion you have of Michael Jackson, I think it is safe to say, he was a boy who had to grow up too fast. A boy who wished for a childhood but got fame instead and a man who wanted nothing more, than to be a kid again.
