MJ Secrets - 'The Mini Series'

by Pammy Tue Sep 29, 2009 7:26 pm

this is relating to the topic : https://mjkit.forumotion.net/news-and-odd-things-f8/june-24th-must-readdd-please-t2123.htm#51410

Part 1

(10.September 2009)

'Making History

Michael Jackson made history with his 1995 album of the same name. The HIStory album sold 18-22 million DOUBLE albums breaking the world record for a multi disc album. History was in fact almost as great a money spinner as the world record breaker Thriller, retailing at nearly twice the price of a single album.

Jackon produced a massive 12 million dollar short video clip shown to advertise the album
This video, filmed in Hungary and directed by Rupert Wainwright showed the King of Pop marching with a small army of soldiers, whilst wearing a lavish golden military outfit.

Critics immediately claimed the video depicted Jackson as a military dictator (complete with the unveiling of his giant History Statue). Jackson retaliated by stating that the video was simply about love and those who criticised this had fallen into his trap.

This History album was released in a time when global album sales were on the decline - not just of those of Michael Jackson. The advent of the internet and digital downloads (both legal and otherwise) had seen a depression in sales. Long gone were the days when artists would sell astronomical numbers of albums - that is, unless the artist in question was the King of Pop - Michael Jackson.

Michael's You Are Not alone single went straight to Americans Billboard charts at no 1 - breaking the record for this achievement and also a record for the artist to have had a number 1 over the longest time span.
Michael's Earth song became a million seller in the UK alone and was the most requested video on MTV at that time.

Jackson launched the record breaking History World Tour to follow, comprising of 82 spectacular concerts. The History World Tour was attended by a massive 4.5 million fans, and broke his previous record of 4.4 million set by the Bad Tour. Numerous record breaking sell out stadiums were filled as fans flocked to see the King of Pop once again return to the limelight. On stage Michael wore a spectacular gold suit - as designed by the legendary Italian fashion designer who tragically died shortly after in 1997. Versace had previously been responsible for designing Michaels famous Dangerous costume as depicted in the monumental statues Jackson had erected across the globe as part of its lavish marketting campaign.

History truly demonstrated the awesome power of the King of Pop. With record breaking album sales, staggering concert attendances and an embarassing shower of music awards, History was a reminder to the naysayers world wide who would try and claim that Jackson was yesterdays news. History was phenomenal achievement and so was Michael's place in the history books. The King of Pop had once again performed his magic, and the world watched in awe.

by Pammy Tue Sep 29, 2009 7:29 pm

Part 2 (15. September 2009 )

Big Boy

Did you know that MJ's first ever commercial record was entitled 'Big Boy', written by Ed Silver for Steel Town records?

Steel Town records was formed by Mr Gordon Keith in 1966 to 1972 and is famous for signing up the Jackson 5 well before they joined Mowtown records. Gordon Keith was first introduced to the Jacksons during a performance at Beckman Junior High. From there on the group was taken on board, although never achieved commercial success.

The song 'Big Boy' sold little over 10 000 records, but nonetheless marked the beginning of their career in big time commercial music.

Although the single never gained commercial success, it was the first of two singles to be released prior to the Jackson 5 moving on to Mowtown. The second single was called 'We dont have to be over 21 (to fall in love)'.

The original recordings were thought to have been lost, but by sheer chance were rediscovered in 1994 and released by Ben Brown.

by Pammy Tue Sep 29, 2009 7:36 pm

Part 3 (20. September 2009)

Ghosts

"Your weird, your strange - and I dont like you"

'The Mayor' - from Michael Jackson's Ghosts.

On May 8th 1997, Michael Jackson attended the midnight premier of his new 38 minute 'short film' enitled Ghosts at the 50th Cannes film festival.
The screening, attended by dozens of celebrities, was shown in the main auditorium and was received with rapturous applause.

Penned and co-authored by the 300 million selling, international author Stephen King, the film ghosts tells the story of a strange and reclusive isolationist, living in castle-like mansion in 'normal valley'. The 'Maestro' however is somewhat eccentric and is accused of scaring the local children by performing strange and ghostly tricks.
The Maestro (Jackson) is soon confronted by the local Mayor (also played by Jackson), who leads a crowd of angry torch wielding villagers to the gates of his mansion, asking him to leave.

Clearly drawing parallels with his personal life, the Mayor was most likely deemed to be representative of district attorney Tom Sneddon, who has twice led the failed allegation cases against Michael Jackson. Michael Jackson angrily hits back at Tom Sneddon, in the song 'D.S' from the 1995 album History.

Directed and produce by legendary hollywood special effects wizard Stan Winston, responsible for the creature special effects in blockbusters such as The Terminator, Aliens and Jurassic park, Ghosts was a spectacular event. With a budget of nearly $9 million dollars (some sources claiming as high as $15 million), the video was one of the most expensive videos of all time, and even received an entry in the Guinness book of world records as the longest popular music video of all time.

Ghosts features spectacular choreography by Michael Jackson, and stunning special effects, which saw a motion captured MJ, moonwalking as a skeleton.

"We wrote it on the telephone, Stephen and I," said Michael. "He's a lovely guy - he's amazing. We wrote it on the phone , just talking together."

Ghosts was shown for a limited period in select theatres across the world, just prior to the screening of Stephen Kings film 'Thinner'.
Interestingly, since 2003, Stephen King has written a regular feature in Entertainment Weekly called 'The Pop of King' in which he has often discussed the events of Michael Jackson.
Ghosts represented one of Michael's most ambitious projects to date and was described by Stan Winston as 'Michael Jackson's newest Thriller'. The song Ghosts as peformed in the vide was taken from the number one best selling remix album of all time, 'Blood on the Dancefloor'.

Once again, Michael Jackson made music history, setting a track record that has yet to be approached, let alone beaten. But then, would you really expect anything less from the all time King of Pop?

Now i finally found the source again .... i wrote something in the other thread about comparsion between This is it and Ghosts ...

by Pammy Tue Sep 29, 2009 7:39 pm

Part 4 (25. September 2009)

Captain EO

"We are here to change the world'

In 1986, Michael Jackson teamed up with renowned film director-producer George Lucas to produce the short, 3D music film, entitled Captain EO. The film, featuring original music written and peformed by Jackson, would also star Angelica Houston. Running for 17 minutes long and costing well over a million dollars per minute, Captain EO was, at the time, the most expensive short film ever made. Captain EO was shown as a Disney Land attraction at all 4 of Disney's theme parks in Florda, California, Japan and France. The film featured spectacular effects both on screen and off, inlcuding lasers, smoke and star effects directly over the audience. Lucas was himself reknowned for his pioneering work in special effects, including his world class effect studio Industrial Light and Magic.

The film depicted Michael Jackson and his crewe on a mission to deliver a gift to the evil alien queen. Unfortunately for them, the crewe are captured and sent to be toturted. However Captain Eo (Jackson) claims that he can see and unleash the beauty and goodness within her. The name EO are derived from the Greek goddess of dawn Eos. According to the mythology, Eos was a goddess capable of unlocking the gates of heaven gates to the glory of the sun.
What ensues is a spectacular series of dance sequences and special effects, as the Captain liberates himself and his crew from the clutches of the Queen.

Michael Jackson himself performed the songs and dance routine for two songs, 'Another part of me' and 'We are here to change the world'.

The film was originally planned to be directed by film legend Stephen Spielberg, with George Lucas as producer. Spielberg however pulled out at the last minute to due other commitments and so the search was on to find a suitable replacement. George Lucas however, soon found the answer.

1968, Lucas spent time shadowing his fellow film graduate, Francis Ford Coppola who later become famous for his work on The Godfarther films and The Apocolypse Now. The two set up their own studio was later reknowned for his work on the Godfather films. The two set up their own film studio American Zoetrope, which later broke down due to the delayed production of Star Wars. It was however through this relationship that Lucas was able to bring on board Francis Ford Coppola to direct Michael Jackson's new short music video, Captain EO.

The attraction drew huge audiences across the world for over 10 years from September 1986 to August 1998, its last performance.

Captain EO proved once again the awesome drawing power of Michael Jackson and his world class collaborations. Jackson would continue to produce record breaking music videos for decades to come, setting the benchmark for the way modern music clips are made and ultimately judged.

By now the King of Pop had established himself as the premier pop act on the planet. And long may his reign continue.

by Pammy Sat Oct 03, 2009 10:02 am

Part 5 (01-10-2009)

Michael & the Music

Michael Jackson, the Beatles and the Billion dollar music catalogue.

In the early 1980's, whilst recording the duet Say Say Say with Beatles Legend, Sir Paul McCartney, the young Michael Jackson was given some advice. Namely that Jackson should get into in two things: music video and music publishing. McCartney had considerable experience in music publishing, generating a substantial income from the musical rights of Buddy Hollys songs, amongst others. 'Everytime a song gets plaid - I get paid' proclaimed McCartney to Michael.

In typical Michael Jackson fashion, he absorbed the knowledge form the masters before him, and ran with the advice:

In addition to the ground breaking music video collaboration, Thriller (with renowned horror director John Landis), Jackson also proceeded to acquire a music publising catalogue of his own. And the grand prize? The 250 Lennon-McCartney beatles catalogue, that was a part of the ATV music catalogue .

Jackson launched a massive bid for the catalogue 'at any cost', finally acquiring ownership for the sum of $47.5 million dollars. This figure more than doubled the previous proposal led by McCartney and Yoko Ono of $20 million dollars, which was deemed by Yoko to be too expensive.

Michael Jackson was victorious in a spectacular deal that cemented Michael Jackson as true music royalty. Not only was MJ the hottest act on the planet, he was also the owner of the hottest music catalogue on Earth, the history of which goes back many years.

In the 1980's, whilst under financial distress, Sir Lew Grade sold his ATV music publishing to Robert Homes Court, who then flipped these onto Michael Jackson for the sum of $47.5 million dollars.

Jackson himself later sold half the ATV catalogue to Sony music publishing for the sum of $95 million dollars, keeping his own music publishing catalogue (Mijac) in the process. Jackson thus retained the rights to his own music catalogue, pocketed a massive $50 million dollar profit and retained a massive 50% share in the gigantic music catalogue.

Today, Sony/ATV music publishing has been valued at around 1 Billion dollars, of which MJ owns 50%. The publishing group owns or administers over 700,000 copyrights, including works by The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Eminem, Jimmy Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Neil Diamond, and numerous others.

Further music acquisitions include the 2007 Sony/ATV purchase of Famous Music publishings 125 000 songs for $400 million dollars, adding the copyrights of artists such as Akon, Eminem, Shakira and Bjork.

More recently, in 2009, Sony/ATV purchased South Africa's Extreme Music. Music from the library is used in television shows, television commercials, radio commercials, corporate videos, online content and more. The catalogue now includes likes of Jacksons old Thriller and Off the Wall producer, Quincy Jones.

This did however, mark the end of the brief but successful collaboration with Sir Paul McCartney.
But there could be no doubt from thereonwards, the King of Pop truly was a force to be reckoned with.

by BJ Sat Oct 03, 2009 10:21 am

Great.
Btw. I love your sig. It drives me crazy. (I hope you know what I mean ^^)

by Pammy Wed Oct 07, 2009 10:17 am

YESSSS i know what you mean MJ Secrets - 'The Mini Series' 072

by Pammy Wed Oct 07, 2009 10:22 am

Part 6
(6.10.2009)

You rock my world

You Rock My World (YRMW) was the title of the killer song written by and performed by Michael Jackson.
The single, recorded in September 2000, debuted from Michael's international number 1 best selling album, Invincible- the most expensive album ever produced.

Featuring a spectacular music video with a Hollywood cast list greater than most blockbuster movies, the release of YRMW was an event in itself. The cast comprised of comedian Chris Tucker (who starred as MJ's side kick in picking up 'the girl'),
Godfather actor Marlon Brando, Reservoir Dogs actor Michael Madson and Billy Drago.
Directed by the acclaimed music video maestro, Paul Hunter - who is renowned for his work on high budget projects, the video won an NACCP award for best music video in 2001.

However the release of YRMW was not without its troubles. The single debuted on 21st of September 2001, in the aftermath of the attacks in New York.
The global sentiment was that of depression and all eyes were on the sombre world changing events - not on pop music releases.

Furthermore, Michael Jackson had become embroiled in a massive dispute with his record label, Sony Music (of which he was a 50% shareholder).
In particular he became involved in a vicious war of words with Sony Music Entertainment boss, Tommy Motola. The timing could not have been worse.

Despite the successful initial release of Invincible, debuting at number 1 across the world, Michael Jackson's new album and single were in trouble.

The, then head of Sony Music, Tommy Mottola was rumoured to be deeply unhappy with Jacksons unwillingness to sign on for further albums with Sony Music. Furthermore Jackson was allegedly unwilling to commit to a World Tour which would provide substantial promotion for the album.

In response to this, Mottola cancelled all promotion for the Invincible album and canned Jacksons charity single 'What More Can I Give' (Todo Para Ti - in the Spanish Version). Furthermore, the music video for Butterflies and Unbreakable were also scrapped. The only other video which was released was Cry, which did not even star Michael Jackson.

What More Can I Give was an all star charity single written by Michael Jackson and featuring over 30 different artists including Mariah Carey, Celine Dione, Usher and Ricky Martin.
Jacksons stated goal was to raise funds for the disaster relief efforts that were taking place in the aftermath of September 11th 2001.
Jackson accused Sony of dropping the single as a retaliation against him not renewing his contract with them.

Jackson was also apparently concerned that Sony in fact wanted Jackson to fail, thus pushing him into financial distress.
This would open up the opportunity for Sony Music to buy back the remaining 50% of their music catalogue from Jackson and achieve full ownership of one of greatest music catalogues in the world.

Launching into a massive retaliation, Jackson branded Sony's Tommy Mottola as racist in a massive public display of discontempt which saw Jackson touring Paris and London in a bus wielding the signs 'Sony Sucks'.

Sony responded by stating that it was Jacksons own camp that had that had canned the What More Can I Give music video, after discovering that the director Marc Shaffel was in fact a gay porn director.
Michael did however launch a spectacular 2 day promotion entitled 'The 30th anniversary solo concerts', once again featuring an all star cast of performers.
The shows were not without their own troubles however.

In September 2001 Michael Jackson performed two concerts entitled '30th anniversary celebration - the solo years'. Organised by David Gust, featuring an all star cast of celebrities from Britney Spears, Beyonce and Usher to Whitney Housten and Gloria Estevan - the concerts were an all out affair celebrating the achievements of the King of Pop.

The tickets for the event, which sold out in less than 5 hours, cost up to $5000.
Jackson was reported to have earned $7.5 million over the two days taking in a massive $150 000 per minute.

Furthermore the concerts marked the first onstage reunion of Michael Jackson with his brothers the Jacksons since the Victory World Tour in the late 1980's.

The televised show, taking edits from both shows (mainly the 10th) - was shown on CBS and drew massive viewing figures across America and subsequently the rest of the world.

The show was not without its problems however. David Gest reported that Jackson was difficult to coordinate, appeared late to the first show and was somewhat reluctant to peform.
The second concert took place on September 10th, one day before the world changing attacks in New York City. David Gest commented that had the attacks taken place one day earlier, he would have been made bankrupt.

During the concerts, Jackson showcased his new single, You Rock My World, which would later receive a multi million dollar video treatment.

Despite the spectacular show of force from Jackson, the ongoing dispute with his record company and the subsequent lack of promotion would see disappointing record sales for Invincible for Michael Jackson. However with sales in excess of 10 million copies world wide, the kind of figure most best selling acts would never achieve, there was still no dispute that Michael Jackson was the true King of Pop.

by Guest Wed Oct 07, 2009 10:50 am

Yup, he's pretty busy guy ya know. If it wasnt me he'd have done much more...well, sorry ... MJ Secrets - 'The Mini Series' Icon_rolleyes

BTW-hes not coming back, because hes sleeping with me MJ Secrets - 'The Mini Series' Lol

by BJ Wed Oct 07, 2009 11:34 am

Angie777 wrote:Yup, he's pretty busy guy ya know. If it wasnt me he'd have done much more...well, sorry ...
BTW-hes not coming back, because hes sleeping with me

And with me! MJ Secrets - 'The Mini Series' Lol

by 4evermichael71 Wed Oct 07, 2009 11:55 am

me too! LOL

by Guest Wed Oct 07, 2009 12:10 pm

Its getting crowded girls...lets order some bigger bed! MJ Secrets - 'The Mini Series' Lol

I've got cookies, get some milk and u can join US Razz

by LoveisMagical Wed Oct 07, 2009 2:58 pm

Angie777 wrote:Its getting crowded girls...lets order some bigger bed! I've got cookies, get some milk and u can join US

No I keep him in my closet!!!!

by Guest Wed Oct 07, 2009 3:05 pm

LoveisMagical wrote:
Angie777 wrote:Its getting crowded girls...lets order some bigger bed! I've got cookies, get some milk and u can join US

No I keep him in my closet!!!!

Thats my text! Lmaooooo MJ Secrets - 'The Mini Series' Lol

Besides, The Boy Is Mine and The Way I Make Him Feel causes that He Just Can't Stop Loving Me and makes him Speechless and i can see Man In The Mirror cuz he's taking shower in my bathroom! MJ Secrets - 'The Mini Series' Lol

by LoveisMagical Wed Oct 07, 2009 3:11 pm

Angie777 wrote:
LoveisMagical wrote:
Angie777 wrote:Its getting crowded girls...lets order some bigger bed! I've got cookies, get some milk and u can join US

No I keep him in my closet!!!!

Thats my text! Lmaooooo
Besides, The Boy Is Mine and The Way I Make Him Feel causes that He Just Can't Stop Loving Me and makes him Speechless and i can see Man In The Mirror cuz he's taking shower in my bathroom!

YOU CAN COME AND VISIT HIM ANYTIME...ITS A BIG CLOSET!!
LOL

by Guest Wed Oct 07, 2009 3:22 pm

LoveisMagical wrote:
Angie777 wrote:
LoveisMagical wrote:
Angie777 wrote:Its getting crowded girls...lets order some bigger bed! I've got cookies, get some milk and u can join US

No I keep him in my closet!!!!

Thats my text! Lmaooooo
Besides, The Boy Is Mine and The Way I Make Him Feel causes that He Just Can't Stop Loving Me and makes him Speechless and i can see Man In The Mirror cuz he's taking shower in my bathroom!

YOU CAN COME AND VISIT HIM ANYTIME...ITS A BIG CLOSET!!
LOL

It must be his double, right Mike? -Right Ang! MJ Secrets - 'The Mini Series' Lol

Peace Sis! MJ Secrets - 'The Mini Series' Lol

by Pammy Wed Oct 07, 2009 3:33 pm

sorry to say that but its OFF TOPIC ladies Embarassed

and MJ IS MINE MJ Secrets - 'The Mini Series' K015

by spider monkey Fri Oct 09, 2009 12:52 am

Pammy wrote:
Part 6
(6.10.2009)

You rock my world Part 1 of 3

You Rock My World (YRMW) was the title of the killer song written by and performed by Michael Jackson.
The single, recorded in September 2000, debuted from Michael's international number 1 best selling album, Invincible- the most expensive album ever produced.

Featuring a spectacular music video with a Hollywood cast list greater than most blockbuster movies, the release of YRMW was an event in itself. The cast comprised of comedian Chris Tucker (who starred as MJ's side kick in picking up 'the girl'),
Godfather actor Marlon Brando, Reservoir Dogs actor Michael Madson and Billy Drago.
Directed by the acclaimed music video maestro, Paul Hunter - who is renowned for his work on high budget projects, the video won an NACCP award for best music video in 2001.

However the release of YRMW was not without its troubles. The single debuted on 21st of September 2001, in the aftermath of the attacks in New York.
The global sentiment was that of depression and all eyes were on the sombre world changing events - not on pop music releases.

Furthermore, Michael Jackson had become embroiled in a massive dispute with his record label, Sony Music (of which he was a 50% shareholder).
In particular he became involved in a vicious war of words with Sony Music Entertainment boss, Tommy Motola. The timing could not have been worse.

Continued in the next MJ Secret, You Rock My World (2 o 3)

thanks, Pammy. looking forward to continuation...

by Pammy Fri Oct 23, 2009 4:37 pm

Update on You rock my world above and Next Part "They dont care about us " is coming later

by Pammy Fri Oct 23, 2009 4:42 pm

Part 7
(21-10-2009)

They don´t care about us

Michael Jacksons single 'They Don't Care About Us', recorded in 1995 and released in 1996 was the subject of substantial controversy.

Firstly the song itself, made references to terms such as 'Jew me, Sue me' and was blasted for its anti-semitic lyrics. Jackson vigorously defended this allegation stating that many of his best friends were in fact Jewish and that the lyrics had been taken out of context. Stephen Spielberg told Jackson that the lyrics were unnecessary and only served to reintroduce terms which were on the decline. Jackson then proceeded to issue re-recordings of the song, with key words blurred out with noises.

urthermore there were two Music videos filmed, primarily in Rio De Janeiro. Directed by renowned anti racist, Hollywood director Spike Lee, the videos themselves fuelled further controversy.

One video was quickly banned by MTV and other networks around the world, depicted Jackson in prison with black inmates. Videos of human rights atrocities were displayed on the walls in the background and the video implied black oppression.

The second video which was aired across the world, featured Jackson singing and performing in the streets of Rio De Janerio. It was widely rumoured that the government did not want the video filmed there Jackson was alleged to have paid a fee to enable its filming on location.

The single debuted in the top ten across most of the world and further boosted sales of the History album, the best selling double album of all time.

by ishealive Fri Oct 23, 2009 5:25 pm

Why do I get the feeling Michael has taken it a step further and going about breaking more world records...

by CantStopLovingU Fri Oct 23, 2009 5:58 pm

BJ wrote:Great.
Btw. I love your sig. It drives me crazy. (I hope you know what I mean ^^)

I know what you mean too !! Oh my - that Fedora drives me crazy.

by Pammy Sun Nov 22, 2009 5:16 pm

Part 8
26.10.2009

Stranger In Moscow

Released in November 1996, and described by many to be Michael Jacksons best song of the 90's, Stranger in Moscow remains one of Michael Jacksons most powerful and critically acclaimed songs to date. As the fifth single from the record breaking History album, the song met with mixed commercial success across the globe reaching number 1 in Spain and 4 in the UK.

Written in 1993 during a turbulent time in Jacksons life, when allegations were made against him, the lyrics in Stranger in Moscow reflect the state of mind that Michael was going through during the turbulent time.

In the song itself, Jacksons once again draws parallels to his own personal life and refers to a 'swift and sudden fall from grace' 'happy days will drown the pain' and 'take my name and just let me be'. The song is highly emotive and resonates with listeners in a deep and moving way. It has been claimed that only after finishing composing the song Stranger in Moscow, did Jackson agreed to upscale the History album from its original 'Greatest hits only - with a few new songs' status - to a full on double album.

The stylish music video that accompanied the single was filmed in black and white by director by Nick Brandt (who also director the videos for Earth Song and Childhood) and used a pioneering technique which enabled Jackson to walk in real time, whilst the surrounded environment and rain played out in slow motion. This created the effect of loneliness and complimented the songs lyrics beautifully. The video was widely praised for its artistic style and direction. Michael worked with long time make up artist Karen Fay for the video, which was shot in an unused hangar in Van Nuys, California, as was Michael Jackson's movie 'Ghosts'.

This however wasn't the only incarnation of MJ's Stranger in Moscow. As we shall see in the next MJ Secret, the song was originally destined to be released in another perhaps more surprising format.

Stranger in Moscow was critically acclaimed as one of Jacksons best songs of recent times. However Jackson originally had other plans for this song which he wrote, allegedly whilst on his Dangerous Tour in 1993.

Many fans of the Sega Genesis console were surprised to discover that the theme tune to Stranger in Moscow can clearly be heard in the ending credits of the video game Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Although the tune has been modified and any references to Jackson removed, the introduction was nearly identical.

The rumour goes that Michael Jackson was originally brought in to write the music for the entire videogame. When various allegations broke out against Jackson, there was a massive rush to replace his music. This was not entirely complete however and traces can still be heard today. Other samples audible in the game include short extracts from Jam, a possible sped up version of Who Is It and the music for the game Sonic the Hedgehog, however his involvement was played down when Jackson came under sudden media scrutiny. Brad Buxer, the musician who helped Jackson in the arranging, keyboards and sequencing for Blood on the Dance Floor and Invincible was rumoured to have stayed and provided considerable input to the project.

This wouldn't be MJ's first foray into video game involvement however, as he has appeared in various guises in a number of titles over the years, not least his very own 'Moonwalker' videogame on the Sega Genesis.

by Pammy Sun Nov 22, 2009 5:18 pm

Part 9
6-11-2009

Guitar Heroes fit for a King

Michael Jackson has long been renowned for having sky high production values. Everything from his carefully choreographed dancing sequences and stage shows to his world class music collaborations have set new standards in how music stars are judged. Any pop star looking for a guide on how to make it in the music business, need look no further than the works of the King of Pop. Jackson has truly set the standard in all aspects, whether from world class music writing ability, to unique and trademark style of singing and dancing.

It should therefore come as no surprise to discover the list of world class guitar heroes who've found themselves working alongside Jackson. The most famous example is perhaps Eddie Van Halen's breathtaking musical rift, found in Michael Jacksons 1983 mega hit Beat It. Rocker Van Halen reportedly performed the guitar backing free of charge as a favour to MJ, although was asked to tone down the hardcore nature of his original version to match Jacksons more pop feel. In fact, Van Halen's album, 1984 blasted into the American Billboard charts, reaching number 2, behind Jacksons very own Thriller album at number 1. Van Halen's guitar performance in Beat It is a truly inspirational performance that resonates with listeners even today.

Other famous collaborations include Slash, from rock band 'Guns n Roses'. Slash was the very definition of a super cool guitar hero, and was idolised by millions, inspiring many to learn the craft of guitar playing itself. Slash first debuted on Jacksons 30 million selling Dangerous album, performing guitar backings for the international number one hit Black or White and the spectacular rock track Give In To Me. Slash even appears in the music video for Give In To Me, complete with signature hat, long hair and cigarette perched firmly, but somewhat precariously between his lips. Slash himself stated, "I worked with Michael on his 'Dangerous' album in 1990 and in my mind he'll always be a hero."

Jackson was so impressed by the natural talent of the legendary guitarist that he invited him to play alongside him for a number of live performances, including the Dangerous tour, MTV music awards, Michael Jackson and Friends charity events and his 30th anniversary celebration. He also worked alongside Jackson for his HIStory album on the tracks D.S and Morphine from Blood on the Dancefloor. It is however Slash's contribution to rock track 'Give In To Me' that best exemplifies the synergy between the two musical styles.

Michael Jacksons Off The Wall album was a world wide phenomenal, widely regarded as Jacksons best album to date. The album went on to sell a staggering 20 Million copies. Album sales like this were virtually unheard of, especially by a black artist at the time. The success of Off the Wall proved to the world beyond all doubt that Jackson was his own man and musician, and was here to stay.

Off The Wall's success was helped in no small part by Jackson's choice of collaborators. Quincy Jones was the producer, who later worked on Thriller and Bad. Even at this early age, Jackson was highly selective in his choice of backing musicians.
Jazz and Rock guitarist Larry Coulton, who would later go on to win 3 Grammy Awards for his work on various projects, was chosen to perform the gentle guitar backing for Jacksons balad 'She's Out Of My Life'. The powerful track, written by Tom Bahler, saw Jackson nearly in tears towards the songs finale he famously became submerged in the powerful emotion of the song.

This however, was merely the beginnings of Jacksons collaborations with Guitar legends.
In the year 2000, at the 42n annual Grammy Awards, Mexican guitar guru Carlos Santana scooped a massive 8 Grammy awards for his musical works on his album 'Supernatural'. This staggering number of awards was a world record, a feat achieved by only one other artist in the history of the Grammys: The King of Pop - Michael Jackson.

Jacksons 2001 Invincible album, would see the two record breakers teaming up together for the acclaimed Invincible song 'Whatever Happens'. Santana went on to comment, "I was very honoured that he called on me to work with him, and I love the song". Although the track was never released as a single, largely due to Jacksons involvement in a broil with Sony Music, the track is widely regarded by fans as one of the strongest on the Invincible album.

Whether Jackson will release new future material or not is the source of much speculation. There is one thing we can be certain of however, and that is that any future material released must be fit for the King of Pop himself. And that is a very high standard indeed.

by Pammy Sun Nov 22, 2009 5:21 pm

Part 10
22.11.2009

King of Charity

The King of Pop, arguably the worlds most successful pop star of all time - is also one of the largest charitable givers of all time.

Listed in the 2000 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records as the pop star supporting the most charitable organisations - a massive 39 - Jackson has a long history of devotion to a greater. That cause being the helping and healing of others.
A complete list of charitable donations is far too numerous and wide ranging to cover here - however he famously donated the entire profits from his ardous, record breaking Dangerous World Tour to charity.

Michael has long since recognised that along with his huge success and fame, comes the ability - and responisbility - to help others in need.
The list of charities supported by Jackson range from the American Cancer Society, to the Juvenile Diabetes foundation.

When Michael Jackson was famously burned during the filming of the Pepsi commercial in the 80's, he generously donated all of his $2 million dollar payout to a local Brotman medical centre in culver city, who renamed the burns ward to the Michael Jackson Burns Centre in his honour.

In 1985, Michael Jackson co-wrote, sang and recorded the bestselling single 'We Are The World' raising 60 million dollars to alleviate famine in Aftica. In fact the profits from Michael Jacksons 'Man In The Mirror', 'Heal the World' and 'Earth Song' have all been donated to charity.

In 1988, Michael Jackson met Princess Diana and Prince Charles, donating £150 000 to the Princes trust and £100 000 for the Childrens hospital at Great Ormand Street.
In August 1988, Michael Jackson raised £60 000 to help immunise 40 000 children.

In February 1990, Michael Jackson donated $250 000 to the United Negro College Fund after performing a show in honour of Sammy Davis Junior. In June 1992 Jackson donated £100 000 to a childrens hospital in Rotterdam and £400 000 worth of earnings to various charities in Ireland.

Jackson then presented Prince Charles with a further £200 000 worth of charitable donations in 1992 towards the Princes Trust.

Jacksons set up a new chartiy in the early 90's called the Heal The World foundaiton which collaborated with Medicares to bring over $2 million dollards to the united nations fund for Sarajevo. He also gave $100 000 to the Heal the World foundation in Tokyo.

In 1993 Jackson donated $1.25 million dollar payout from his record breaking superboal half time performance to 'Heal LA'. He further donated $1.25 million dollards to children who suffered from riots in LA.
In 1994 he donated $500 000 to Elizabeth Taylors AIDS foundation.

In January 2000 Jackson helped raise $13.5 million dollars for the United College Negro Fund along with other famous peformers.
All these examples and many many more go toward showing that not only is Michael Jackson the undisputed King of Pop - he is without doubt one of the most generous people on Earth, with a heart of gold.

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