MICHAEL JACKSON’S THRILLER COLLECTION…CURTAIN CALL

“The late 20th century pre-eminent pop icon.”

Blender Magazinebeautiful man

“A musical phenomenon…in the world of pop music, there is Michael Jackson and there is everybody else.”

New York Times

Vincent Price was offered $20.000 for his guest performance on THRILLER, or alternatively, a percentage profit-sharing (royalties) deal for the album THRILLER and the short film.  He accepted the cash.  In 1990, he described his decision with a tender smile…as the worst mistake he had ever done in his life.  “But, I am happy for Michael, Iadorable twenty three am proud of him!”

In November 2006, Michael Jackson accepted the WORLD MUSIC AWARDS special DIAMOND AWARD, which honors those recording artists who have sold over 100 million albums during their career.  This award has only been given to five artists.  Michael Jackson received the award for being the most successful musician of all time, his lifetime achievements, and especially for the remarkable success of his album, THRILLER, the biggest-selling album of all time. 

“When Quincy Jones, Bruce Swedien, Rod Temperton and myself created the THRILLER album, it was my dream that THRILLER would become the biggest-selling album ever.  God has answered my prayers.  25 years later, THRILLER has become the biggest-selling album of all time, with 104 million copies sold.  I  thank God and you for the success.  There have been so many who have loved me, and stood by me throughout the 42 years that I have been in the entertainment business.  While I cannot name all of them, I would like to thank:  My wonderful children, Paris, Prince and Blanket for their unconditional love and support.  My mother and my father.  My brothers and my sisters, my entire familythriller six for their  love and support.  I thank YOU.  I love all the fans from the bottom of my heart.”

Michael Jackson

November 15, 2006

Michael Jackson was awarded with a special lifetime achievement award at the NRJ Awards in Cannes, France on January 26, 2008.  The NRJ is Europe’s biggest private radio chain.

“It is hard to believe that 25 years ago, Quincy Jones and I embarked on an album named THRILLER.  To be able to say that THRILLER still holds the record as the biggest-selling album of all time, is just mind blowing.  I have you, my fans throughout the world, to thank for this achievement.  There is still much more to come from Michael Jackson.  My passion for music  has never stopped.  And for those who don’t know, I’ve been in the studio recording THRILLER 25 Anniversary Album, with a lot of surprise guests.  It’s my hope that THRILLER continues to live  on for each new generation to discover.  And thank you to my fans, I love you from the bottom of my heart and I hope to see you very soon.  I love you.  God bless you.”

Michael JacksonSWIMMING

Michael Jackson’s THRILLER album is considered important enough to keep for all time.  It’s among the 25 recordings included in the United States Library of Congress National Recording Registry.  The National Recording Registry preserves recorded works that are considered culturally or historically important.  The recordings aren’t all music.  Others that have been added include the first Trans-Atlantic broadcast from 1925 and the ‘Sounds of Earth’ disc prepared for the Voyager spacecraft in 1977

Associated Pressthriller five

“Michael is probably the most talented person in the world, and moreover, highly professional in the studio, maybe the most professional I’ve ever met with an extraordinary discipline and perfectionism.  His fantasy, his talent…he is very, very unique.  And THRILLER…it was Michael’s coronation and still…it’s unbelievable.”

Quincy Jones

THRILLER 25  Michael’s Personal Thoughts

PEACEFUL BE HEAVEN

PEACEFUL THE EARTH

PEACEFUL THE BROAD SPACE BETWEEN

PEACEFUL FOR US THE RUNNING WATERS

PEACEFUL THE PLANTS AND HERBS

PEACEFUL TO US BE THE SIGNS OF THE FUTUREthriller four

PEACEFUL WHAT IS DONE AND UNDONE

PEACEFUL TO US WHAT IS AND WHAT WILL BE

MAY ALL TO US GRACIOUS BE.

Atharva Veda

Prince, Paris, and Blanket…You are my peace, my joy, my hope and my life. 

In memory of my dear friend, Marlon Brando…I love you, I cherish you, I miss you.

In memory of James Brown…who continues to be my biggest inspiration.

To all my fans…my deepest gratitude for your love, loyalty, and endless support.

All my friends…I thank you.

Thanks to Epic, Legacy and Sony Music.MOTOWN 25 TWO

Michael Jackson is the most successful recording artist in entertainment history.  In a career spanning four decades, he has earned the title of  KING OF POP.  He is not only the most successful singer in entertainment history, but also a songwriter, dancer, choreographer, actor, filmmaker and celebrity icon with a vast catalog of hit records and countless awards to his credit.  Beyond that, he has transformed the world like no other entertainer before or since.  As a solo performer, Michael Jackson has enjoyed a level of super-stardom that will  probably never be surpassed in the entertainment industry and pop culture.

GRAMMY LEGEND AWARD

ARTIST OF THE CENTURY

DIAMOND AWARD

BEST SELLING ARTIST OF THE MILLENNIUM

GUINNESS BOOK OF RECORDSawards

ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME

SONGWRITERS’ HALL OF FAME

DANCERS’ HALL OF FAME

LEGEND AWARD

PRESIDENTIAL RECOGNITIONSBEAUTY SEVENTEEN

POP STAR OF THE MILLENNIUM

24 AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS

17 GRAMMY AWARDS

34 BILLBOARD AWARD

12 WORLD MUSIC AWARDS

800MILLION RECORDS SOLD

BIGGEST SELLING ALBUM OF ALL TIME

BIGGEST SELLING ARTIST OF ALL TIME

BIGGEST SELLING VIDEO OF ALL TIME

BIGGEST TOUR BY SOLO ARTISTWhite House

18 NUMBER ONES

10 NUMBER ONE ALBUMS

There has been the purest of joys in recording some of the highlights of MICHAEL JACKSON’S THRILLER ERA, because it has caused me to return to a time when Michael’s light flooded our world on a daily basis.  I have smiled and wept.  Offering a glimpse into the miracle of a man who captures our hearts and souls these many years later, the pure fun of remembering gives us flight.  We soar, using everything we have learned, everything we feel, everything we know.  IT IS A THRILLER.

Dear Michael…you have given us the world.gbowr

In our unconditional love, we give it back.

MICHAEL JACKSON’S THRILLER COLLECTION…part three

“A one man rescue team for the music business.”

New York Timesthriller era seven

THRILLER RELEASED November, 1982

~unemployment 10.8%

~record companies laid off employees due to the worst record sales in history

“I heard some say that recorded pop music couldn’t possibly survive.”  Bruce Swedien

In the summer of 1982, no one could have imagined all THRILLER would accomplish.

1983-84

The music industry went from recession to boom.

Epic celebrated a 500% increase in profits.

“There’s no question that THRILLER was the driving force behind what became the hottest span in Epic’s history.”  Epic Vice President Dan BeckTHRILLER PHOTO FOUR

“The quality of THRILLER inspired many people in the music industry.  People were revitalized in believing that music would achieve great results.”  Matt Forger

“The pulse of America and much of the rest of the world moves irregularly…beating in time to the tough street of BILLIE JEAN, the asphalt aria of BEAT IT, the supremely cool chills of THRILLER.”  Time Magazine 1984

80 weeks in Top US

37 weeks #1

7 songs in Top 10

THRILLER WAS THE CITIZEN KANE OF SHORT FILMS  Joseph Vogel

When you choose to KNOW the real Michael Jackson…ASK HIM!

“The idea is to take it a step forward and to innovate, or else, why am I doing it.  I don’t want to be another can in the assembly line.  I want to create, to do something totally different and unusual.”

~asked about Thriller and the short filmthriller era six

“You let it create itself really…I know I do.  In my opinion it has to be completely entertaining and have a linear sense of continuity.  I like having a beginning, and middle, and an ending…so you can follow a story…and, not just a collage of images.  Sometimes that’s great, too…it depends on what the director as a visionary…what he sees.  I’m very much involved in the complete making and creating of the piece.  It has to be from my soul.  Usually, it’s an interpretation of the music.  I contacted John Landis, and we came together and we wrote it, the two of us.  My idea was to make a short film with conversation at the beginning, make it linear and bookend it with conversation at the end.  I love working with him (John Landis).  We sat together and the chemistry, it starting working. Believe it or not, I’m afraid to watch scary movies, honestly, I don’t quite like to watch them very much.  I never thought I’d be involved in making that sort of thing, but I am.  I thought about watching it again, (THRILLER) but, I don’t cuz I don’t want to scare the children.”thriller photos three

“My idea, I always try to be a pioneer and innovator in whatever I do.  My dream was always to make short little films cuz I’m a big fan of the Three Stooges and I love watching Curly, who I think is wonderful…they make these 15 minute shorts and I said, Gee, I would love to do something like that one day…with a linear story.  So, this was my opportunity.”

Rod Temperton, who wrote THRILLER…that was one of the first Raps actually, he thought of having a rap at the end of it.  We called Vincent Price and he said YES right away.  So, Rod was taking his taxi from his hotel, he’s a German fellow, from his hotel to the studio and he wrote it within transit.  He did a great job.”

“It was a delicate thing to work on.  I remember my original approach was…how do you make zombies and monsters dance without it being comical?  We have to do just the thriller era fiveright kind of movement so it doesn’t become something that you laugh at…you know, take it to another level.   I got in a room with Michael Peters and he and I together kind of imagined how these zombies should move by making faces in the mirror…I used to come to rehearsals sometimes with monster make-up on.  I love doing that…so he and I choreographed the piece.  I thought we should start and go into this kind of jazzy step, kind of gruesome things like that…not too much ballet or whatever.”

~when asked if the length worried himTHRILLER ERA PUBLIC APPEARANCE

“No, because I knew if we did something with substance and content, that people would watch…if it had great entertainment value and it held you, I knew we would be okay, and that was the idea.  When I was in the editing room I knew I liked it.  I enjoyed it.  It has to be something that’s satisfying to me.  I enjoyed what I’d seen when we finished it.  So, I was happy with it…never completed satisfied, but I was happy.  I’m not always happy with certain cuts and angles and timing, those sorts of things.  It has to be just right.”

Interview…MTV’s 100 Greatest Videos 1999

May 14, 2008 THRILLER JOINED A LIST OF 25 RECORDED ITEMS PRESERVED IN THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS…FOR CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCEgorgeous seventeen

2009 FIRST MUSIC SHORT FILM EVER TO BE INDUCTED IN THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS FILM REGISTRY OF 100 FILMS.

2010 ALBUM SALES 110,000,000

1996 WORLD MUSIC AWARDS…ALBUM SALES OF MICHAEL JACKSON’S CATALOG 800,000,000shy two

Dick Zimmerman is the man who took the legendary photographs for the THRILLER Album cover.  He recalls that at the beginning of the photo shoot, Michael was very shy.  Once the little tiger was brought into the studio, Michael started to relax.  He had a way to interact and connect with the animal that was significant.  It was absolutely fascinating THRILLER FOURto work with such a person.  Michael is truly unique, and one day, maybe in 100 or 1000 years, the world will get it.  The tiger was named William, and was much more nervous than Michael.  But Michael’s tender personality and spirit helped him to calm down.  TheHANDSOME IN YOUTH harmony between the tiger and Michael inspired the entire team, and more than 300 pictures were taken that day.  In the end, Michael and the tiger were inseparable.”

~the legend continues

MICHAEL JACKSON’S THRILLER COLLECTION…part two

“I love to create…to put together something that’s so unusual, so unexpected that it blows people’s heads off.  Something ahead of the times.  Five steps ahead of BEAT IT SHORT FILMwhat people are thinking.  So people see it and say, “Whoa, I wasn’t expecting that.”

Michael Jackson Interview 1982

To 24-year-old Michael Jackson, the formula was simple:  if he made a great album, people would buy it.

Jackson’s philosophy for overcoming racism was simple:  he would make everything he did so good it simply couldn’t be denied.

Man in the Musicsmile six

THE THRILLER PHENOMENON

“Thriller was more than just an album; it was a mass-cultural, multimedia phenomenon that hasn’t been matched in scope before or since.  It marked the arrival of a new sound, a new musical era, and a new kind of pop star and pop album.  ‘In today’s world of declining sales and fragmented audiences, it is almost impossible to imagine how much this one album dominated and united the culture.’  Alan Light  At its peak-1982 to 1984-THRILLER crossed every barrier imaginable:  it reached young and old, black and white, middle-class and poor; it reached fans of rock as well as R&B; it reached beyond America to the Soviet Union, Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, and just about everywhere in between.”  Joseph Vogel  MAN IN THE MUSIC

“THRILLER was a thorough restoration of confidence, a rejuvenation.  Its effect onincredible listeners, especially younger ones, was nearer to a revelation.  THRILLER brought Black music back to mainstream radio, from which it had been effectively banished after ‘restrictive special-format programming’ was introduced in the mid-seventies.”  Time Magazine Jay Cocks

EMOTIONAL DEPTH/SONIC INNOVATION

“Each time Jackson brought in a new demo he had worked out at his home studio or on his tape recorder, his collaborators were amazed.  According to Quincy Jones, Jackson was ‘writing music like a machine’ during this period.  Over the next two years, he THRILLER ERAcontinued to come up with new track after new track, many of which never made it onto the album’s final lineup.  Any misconceptions that  Jackson was simply a singer are quickly dispelled.”  J.V.

Jackson’s originality, creativity, and talent are imprinted on every track.  “THRILLER’S parts added up to the most improbable kind of art.  It was a work of personal revelation that was also a mass-market masterpiece.  It’s an achievement that will likely never be topped.”  Jody Rosen

“From the beginning, Epic intended to live up to its name.  The label made THRILLER the first major release to debut worldwide simultaneously, the first album to be worked for close to two years instead of the usual six to eight months and the first album to spin off seven singles to radio…more than double the normal number.”  Billboard Gail Mitchell

“On ballads he is hushed, reverent, trembling, his tenor arching into a supple, pure thriller era twofalsetto.  On up-temp dance tunes he’s hoarse, ecstatic, possessed…singing an awesome repertoire of pops, clicks, squeaks, gurgles, moans, almost any sound that can be juggled rhythmically.  Michael’s voice haunts these songs, gives them heart.  It transcends all the electronic gimmickry.  It is what will make the music endure.”  Newsweek Jim Miller

“Michael Jackson helped demolish the longstanding segregation between black and white music…Before Michael Jackson, the fruits of black innovation were often reaped by white artists.  However, Jackson’s music and style were so dynamic and singular they simply couldn’t be appropriated to any other form.  NO ONE COULD DO WHAT HE DID BETTER, AND THE WORLD WAS FINALLY READY TO FULLY EMBRACE AN ARTIST OF COLOR.”

Joseph Vogelandy warhol

“In 2009 alone, THRILLER sold more than a million copies…the best-selling album in the United States.  Globally, it more than triples the sales of any other album. “

In 2008, THRILLER was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

In 2008, THRILLER was selected as one of twenty-five albums preserved by the Library of Congress for being “culturally significant”.

For nearly thirty years, THRILLER has served as the holy grail of pop, perpetually dazzling and beckoning new generations of listeners and artists.”

WITH JUST NINE SONGS, THREE VIDEOS, AND ONE MAGICAL PERFORMANCE, motown 25 threesexy sevenIT CHANGED POPULAR MUSIC FOREVER.

MAN IN THE MUSIC

“Making the THRILLER album was very hard work, but it’s true that you only get out of something what you put into it.”

Michael Jackson MOONWALK

THE LEGEND CONTINUES

 

MICHAEL JACKSON’S THRILLER Collection part one

“THRILLER is timeless.  There is not a single pop star today that was not influenced by it.  THRILLER changed the entire industry.  No one ever thought an album could be a blockbuster event like THRILLER.  It was the first time in history an album sold that many copies and fueled a cultural phenomenon.”thriller popcorn

Tamara Conniff  Billboard Magazine

 

MTV Awards

Best Video

Best Choreography

Video Vanguard Award

The Greatest Video in the History of the World

The Greatest Video of All Time

ROLLING STONE MAGAZINE

Video of the Decade

GRAMMY AWARDSthriller photo two

Best Video Album

AMERICAN VIDEO AWARDS

Best Long Form Video

Best Home Video

GUINNESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS

Most Successful Music Video of All Time

OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS

VH-1 The Greatest Video of All Time

Music Video of the Millennium

Most Influential Music Video of All Time

“Michael Jackson’s THRILLER video is without any doubt the most successful, most revolutionary, most influential, and most popular music video of all time.  This short film is the greatest milestone in music video history.  Today, the short film for Michael Jackson’s song THRILLER has cult status. It is also considered legendary, and is still the leveling judgment for all music videos to come.BILLIE JEAN PERFECTION

The THRILLER short film premiered on December 2, 1983, one year after the release of the THRILLER album.  Even before that, Michael Jackson had already pioneered the music video genre with his videos for BILLIE JEAN and BEAT IT.  The videos were costly and had guest actors, professional directors, different camera angles, an entire storyline, and fascinating dance choreographies showing off Michael’s unique dancing abilities.  Michael Jackson’s ideas and visions revolutionized the music industry and the standing of Black artists worldwide.

The video for THRILLER created the genre of short film within the popular entertainment industry.  Instead of a standard music video, Michael produced a “Zombie-Epic” that had a price tag of $1,000,000.  It became the most aired video in MTV history.”

THRILLER 25thriller dance

GRAMMY HISTORY

Album of the Year

Record of the Year (BEAT IT)

Best Male Pop Vocal Performance (THRILLER)

Best Male Rock Vocal Performance (BEAT IT)

Best Male R&B Performance (BILLIE JEAN)

Best R&B Song (BILLIE JEAN)BILLIE JEAN INCREDIBLE

Producer of the Year (Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson)

Best Engineered Recording Non-Classical (Bruce Swedien)

Best Children’s Recording (E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial with narration by Michael Jackson)

The Jackson’s Pepsi Commercials are aired during the Grammy Telecast and are amongst the most successful and most  popular ads ever, and the FIRST  and ONLY set of advertisements ever to be included in the weekly TV Guide listings.

Twenty-eight nominations in eight categories for the 2nd Annual American Video Awards.

Michael’s Thriller spent 37 weeks as Number One

U.S. Presidential Recognition Award

May 14, 1984

To Michael Jackson

With appreciation for the outstanding example you have set for the youth of American and the world.  Your historic record-breaking achievements and your preeminence in popular music are a tribute to your creativity,  dedication, and great ability.PERFORMANCE VICTORY TOUR

The generous contribution of your time and talent to the National Campaign Against Teenage Drunk Driving will help millions of young Americans learn that drinking and driving can kill a friendship.

President Ronald Reagan

February 7, 1984

“I’ve always wanted to do great things and achieve many things, but for the first time in my entire career, I feel like I have accomplished something because I’m in the Guinness Book of World Records”

Michael Jackson

The Guinness Book of World Records is the global authority on world-breaking achievements.  And, who is more global than Michael Jackson?  He is undoubtedly the world’s most famous living human being.”  Craig Glenday, Editor-in-Chief Guinness Book of World Records.

BILLBOARD MAGAZINE 1983

POP ARTIST OF THE YEAR

BLACK ARTIST OF THE YEAR

POP ALBUM:  THRILLER

POP ALBUM ARTIST

POP SINGLES ARTIST

POP MALE ALBUM ARTIST

POP MALE SINGLES ARTISTBREATH-TAKING FOUR

BLACK SINGLES ARTIST

DANCE/DISCO ARTIST

BEST VIDEO:  BEAT IT

BEST PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ARTIST

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY

BEST USE OF VIDEO TO ENHANCE A SONG

BEST USE OF VIDEO TO ENHANCE AN ARTIST’S IMAGE

…a portion of International Honors

Best Artist, Best Male Vocalist, Album of the Year…JAPAN

Album of the Year, Single of the Year…AUSTRALIA

Artist of the Year…ITALY

Record of the Year…GREECE

Album of the Year…HOLLAND

Most Important Foreign Album…SPAIN

International Artist of the Year…BRAZIL

11th AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS

Youngest Recipient of the Award of Meritthriller four

Favorite Pop Album

Favorite Soul Album

Favorite Pop Single BILLIE JEAN

Favorite Pop Video

Favorite Soul Video

Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist

Favorite Soul Male Vocalist

BLACK GOLD AWARDS

Top Male Vocalist

Best Video Performance BEAT ITthriller two

Best Single Record of the Year BILLIE JEAN

Best Album of the Year

CANADIAN BLACK MUSIC AWARDS

Top International Album

Top International Single BILLIE JEAN

Top Male Vocalist

Entertainer of the Year

…the legend goes on

 

TAKING A MEASURE OF THE LOSS AND A MEASURE OF THE LEGACY

voiceless“PEOPLE ASK ME HOW I MAKE MUSIC.  I TELL THEM I JUST STEP INTO IT.  IT’S LIKE STEPPING INTO A RIVER AND JOINING THE FLOW.  EVERY MOMENT IN THE RIVER HAS ITS SONG.  SO I STAY IN THE MOMENT AND LISTEN.

WHAT I HEAR IS NEVER THE SAME.  A WALK THROUGH THE WOODS BRINGS A LIGHT, CRACKLING SONG: LEAVES RUSTLE IN THE WIND, BIRDS CHATTER AND SQUIRRELS SCOLD, TWIGS CRUNCH UNDERFOOT, AND THE BEAT OF MY HEART HOLDS IT ALL TOGETHER.  WHEN YOU JOIN THE FLOW, THE MUSIC IS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE, AND BOTH ARE THE SAME.  AS LONG AS I CAN LISTEN TO THE MOMENT, I’LL ALWAYS HAVE MUSIC.”

MICHAEL JACKSON DANCING THE DREAM 1992

You must get to know someone, to know their heart and soul before you can even attempt to judge their character.

“PREJUDICE IS IGNORANCE” … MICHAEL JACKSONbeat it

     Innocence of spirit, looking at the world unencumbered by color, race, religion, borders or boundaries, freed Michael Jackson’s imagination.  That imagination knew no limits.  Present every day of his life, the magic and wonder and mystery of life informed themes.  They are found in every facet of Michael’s creativity, his body of work, his humanitarian efforts.  These pervasive themes received their life’s blood from the values Michael lived out on a world stage.  He shared them all with millions.  In a career spanning 45 years, great and sustained energy produced the threads of themes to the tenth power.

To get closer to an understanding of who Michael Jackson is, one fact becomes clear…in a world filled with lies, Michael is the truth.  His character, personality, persona, whether before thousands or in private, remains the same having roots deep inside his values and a belief in the power of the people.  All have their basis in a belief in God.rock

“Many in the media have suggested that Michael Jackson’s legendary humanitarian works were undertaken to further publicize the most famous human being on the planet or for tax write-off purposes.  Such suggestions are laughable as well as irrelevant.  Although Michael has opened his wallet and his home to deprived, disadvantaged and ill children the world over, his most significant contribution, and one that remains an inspiration to millions of fans, is his time and his attention…a much more valuable commodity than money. 

His genuine delight in the presence of children can be experienced by watching his visits-caressing the bald head of a young cancer victim gently-watching his timid smile as he approaches-the way his face lights up, as if from within, when children are present providing evidence to his open-hearted sincerity.  Such reactions cannot be faked nor can they be hidden.heal the world

During the peak of his career, Michael did more for people and the world than any other super star, his contributions so great they would have put many governments in big industrial countries to shame.”  Journalist Frederic Taddei 2008

“MICHAEL JACKSON’S WORLD TOURS HAVE BEEN MORE LIKE GLOBAL LOVE-INS THAN CONCERTS.  HE’S TAKEN ALL THIS LOVE AND HIS OWN DEEP FEELINGS AND CHANNELED THEM INTO DOZENS OF HUMANITARIAN CAUSES.  ON BEHALF OF VH1, WE WOULD LIKE TO PRESENT THIS AWARD TO YOU FOR THE WORK YOU’VE DONE OVER THE YEARS FOR SO MANY CHARITIES.  IN ADDITION, VH1 IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE CREATION OF A SPECIAL VH1 INTERNATIONAL HONORS AWARD FOR THE KING OF POP WHICH WILL BE PRESENTED IN FUTURE YEARS TO ARTISTS WHOSE WORLD-WIDE CHARITABLE WORK FOLLOWS IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF YOURSELF.” Morgan Freeman  VH1 Honors 1995will you be there

“Thank you to all the fans.  You’ve given me so much it’s allowed me to pass it on to those who need and deserve our help.  A perfect example is the recent United Nations announcement that 1 to 3 million lives could be saved if children in third world countries were given a vitamin A pill three times a year…the cost, 6 cents, that’s all.  We must join together in healing the world so we can share this beautiful planet in joy and love.  I love you very much.”  Michael Jackson

“With the untimely passing of an incomparable legend, the 2009 BET Awards will be shifting gears to honor the late Michael Jackson and his contributions to not only the music industry, but to the entire world.  His loss is a difficult one to accept and BET will do its part to ensure that his legend lives on.

The 2009 BET Awards will be dedicated to the life, the legacy and the legend of music icon Michael Jackson.  Jackson’s impact on our lives has been significant.  Whether exhibited by his humanitarian efforts, his ability to reshape the concept of the music video, or his engaging star power, THE KING OF POP is unlike any other artist, defining the very fabric of what popular music is today.  Michael Jackson’s influence is undeniable as traces of his style are prevalent in a number of today’s top artists.  But, his significant impact on this network will also forever be etched into the history tablets of BLACK ENTERTAINMENT TELEVISION.  Michael’s influence is felt every day in so many ways at BET Network, and it’s been that way throughout our network’s entire 29 year history.  We watched him grow up and he truly feels like a member of the family.moonwalk two

He will be missed more than we can say…but his legend and memory live on in the artists, musicians, producers, dancers, FANS and everyone else who LOOKS TO HIM FOR INSPIRATION.

Who could forget that one of the most memorable milestones in BET history was Michael Jackson’s surprise appearance during the tribute to James Brown at the 2003 BET Awards?  His impromptu performance with the Godfather of Soul left everyone breathless.

Jackson has done more for music and popular culture than any other artist.  His influence crosses generations, races, genders and even continents.  That incredible global reach matched with decades of musical integrity and genius is why Jackson was the very first artist inducted in the BET WALK OF FAME back in 1995.

Taking all his monumental contributions into consideration, the 2009 BET Awards will be dedicated to the unparalleled KING OF POP and will spend the evening paying tribute to the legacy of Michael Jackson.”  2009 BET AWARDS DEDICATED TO MUSIC ICON MICHAEL JACKSON WRITTEN BY CHAIRMAN AND CEO OF BET NETWORK DEBRA LEEsmooth criminal

“THIS SENSE OF WORLD IN ME”  DANCING THE DREAM MJ 1992

“Children show me in their playful smiles the divine in everyone.  This simple goodness shines from their hearts.  Being with them connects us to the deep wisdom of life.  These children are a reminder of the preciousness of all life, especially young lives untouched by hatred, prejudice and greed.  Now, when the world is so confused and its problems so complicated, we need our children more than ever.  Their natural wisdom points the way to solutions that lie waiting to be recognized in our own hearts.  Children are the world’s foremost idealists and optimists.  It is for that reason HEAL THE WORLD is organizing THE WORLD’S CHILDREN’S CONGRESS next year made up exclusively of delegates aged 8-16. The world desperately needs their innocent perspective on the world’s problems.  heal

We have to heal our wounded planet of the chaos, despair and senseless destruction we see today.  THE MISSION OF HEAL THE WORLD, MY MISSION, IS HEALING PURE AND SIMPLE.  To heal the world we must start by healing our children.  Today we come bearing gifts for the children of wartorn Sarejevo.  In 1992, Sarajevo has become a symbol of so much that is tragic but avoidable in our world.  Prejudice and ethnic hatred , the destruction of the environment, the shattering of families and centuries old communities.

We are pleased to announce at this special time of year, that we will turn our efforts home to the plight of our American children.  Towards this end, we are planning Convoy USA.  This will be an effort to help all Americans work together towards a single objective…TO HEAL THE CHILDREN OF OUR INNER CITIES.  This Thanksgiving is particularly special to me with the launch of the single, “Heal the World”.  I wrote this song for everyone in our world to help bring global harmony.  All the proceeds of this song will go to the Foundation”  Inside a hangar at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, Michael witnesses the loading of 43 tons of medical supplies, blankets, winter clothing and shoes onto a DC-8 cargo jet bound for the children of Sarajevo in Bosnia-Herzegovina, a war zone in the former Yugoslavia.  The Heal the World Foundation teams up with AmeriCares to fly the $2.1 million worth of aid to the Croatian capital, Zagreb, and then to Sarajevo for distribution under the supervision of the UN High Command for Refugees.  November 24, 1992  ‘Michael Jackson A Visual Documentary 1958-2009’ Adrian Granthistory world tour

BAMBI POP STAR OF THE MILLENIUM 2002 BERLIN, GERMANY ACCEPTANCE SPEECH FOR THE BAMBI POP STAR OF THE MILLIENIUM

“WOW!  THANK YOU!  THANK YOU!  THANK YOU VERY MUCH!  DEAR DR. BURDA, DEAR DR. TURNHOFER, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN…I HAVE WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF MY VISITS TO GERMANY…TO BERLIN, A CITY FULL OF ENERGY.  IT’S VERY SPECIAL TO ME.  BERLIN, I LOVE YOU.  BERLIN, ICH LIEBE DICH!

SEPTEMBER 11TH HAS CHANGED OUR WORLD.  NOT LONG AGO, THE BERLIN WALL CAME DOWN.  BUT, RECENTLY, NEW WALLS HAVE BEEN BUILT.  1989, PEOPLE IN GERMANY SAID…’WIR SIND EIN VOLK.  WE ARE ONE NATION.’

WE ARE GERMANS, WE ARE ARMENIANS, FRENCH, ITALIAN, RUSSIAN, AMERICAN, ASIAN, AFRICAN AND MANY OTHER NATIONALITIES.  WE ARE CHRISTIANS, JEWISH, MUSLIMS AND OF SO MANY DIFFERENCES, SO COMPLEX AND YET, SO SIMPLE.  WE DO NOT NEED TO HAVE WAR.ijcsly two

AND, TO THE CHILDREN OF GERMANY, I WANT TO SAY THIS…WE NEED YOU.  THE WORLD NEEDS YOU!  PLEASE GO FOR YOUR DREAMS, WHATEVER YOUR IDEALS, YOU CAN BECOME WHATEVER YOU WANT TO ;BECOME.  BECOME AN ASTRONAUT OR A FAMOUS SCIENTIST, A FAMOUS DOCTOR…AND, OF COURSE, BECOME AN ARTIST AND MAYBE YOU GET A BAMBI AWARD LIKE ME.  I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT I LOVE GERMANY AND THAT YOU HAVE A VERY SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART.  I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH.  REALLY!  ALWAYS APPRECIATE THE GIFT OF LIFE.  BE HAPPY AND HAVE FUN.  I LOVE YOU!  THANK YOU VERY MUCH!”glasses

BERLIN 1989

THEY HATED THE WALL, BUT WHAT COULD THEY DO?  IT WAS TOO STRONG TO BREAK THROUGH.  THEY FEARED THE WALL, BUT DIDN’T THAT MAKE SENSE?  MANY WHO TRIED TO CLIMB OVER IT WERE KILLED.  THEY DISTRUSTED THE WALL, BUT WHO WOULDN’T ?  THEIR ENEMIES REFUSED TO TEAR DOWN ONE BRICK, NO MATTER HOW LONG THE PEACE TALKS DRAGGED ON.  THE WALL LAUGHED GRIMLY, “I’M TEACHING YOU A GOOD LESSON,”  IT BOASTED, “IF YOU WANT TO BUILD FOR ETERNITY, DON’T BOTHER WITH STONES.  HATRED, FEAR, AND DISTRUST ARE SO MUCH STRONGER. ”  THEY KNEW THE WALL WAS RIGHT, AND THEY ALMOST GAVE UP.  ONLY ONE THING STOPPED THEM.  THEY REMEMBERED WHO WAS ON THE OTHER SIDE.  GRANDMOTHER, COUSIN, SISTER, WIFE.  BELOVED FACES THAT YEARNED TO BE SEEN.  “WHAT’S HAPPENING?” THE WALL ASKED, TREMBLING.  WITHOUT KNOWING WHAT THEY DID, THEY WERE LOOKING THROUGH THE WALL, TRYING TO FIND THEIR DEAR ONES.  SILENTLY, FROM ONE PERSON TO ANOTHER, LOVE KEPT UP ITS INVISIBLE WORK.  “STOP IT!” THE WALL SHRIEKED.  “I’M FALLING APART.”  BUT IT WAS TOO LATE.  A MILLION HEARTS HAD FOUND EACH OTHER.  THE WALL HAD FALLEN BEFORE IT CAME DOWN. Dancing the Dream 1992 Michael Jackson

     Michael’s perfectionist theme came from his very core and was apparent in all aspects of his life.  His approach was deliberate and measured by these tenets: REVISIT NURTURE DEFINE.  Practicing this philosophy of not being hurried, taking the time to move the vision informed all the gifts Michael shared with the world…vision…seeing the overall, the big picture…working tirelessly to that end…FAITH, TRUST…asking the question, “God, where do you want me to go next?”ibt

“Even the least breath is a gesture of gratitude to the creator.  It smiles to be alive, waiting patiently for ages of ignorance and sorrow to pass away like a mirage.”  Dancing the Dream Michael Jackson 1992japan two

     I will end this brief look at the loss and legacy of Michael Jackson, knowing that there is so much more to say and share.  Really getting to know Michael’s heart and soul, who he was and his committment to his art and to the world is an enormous task and a wonderful labor of love.  The impact he had on popular culture will be the focus for another day.  “Lies run in sprints, the truth runs in marathons.  In the end, the truth always triumphs.”  MJ  Michael’s truth was that his 45 year career never faltered…his success is unparalleled yet today.  Michael’s music is heard across this planet each and every day.  For the fourth year in a row, he has been voted by a global public as the MOST FAMOUS PERSON 2013.  Michael Jackson Immortal Tour continues to be the hottest ticket on the planet.  Thriller Live has drawn huge crowds in London since 2006.  Bad 25 continues to sell millions.  Thriller remains the biggest selling album of all time.  But, there is so much more…another day!

When I want to be inspired, entertained…when I want to escape or fantasize…when I want to be challenged to think and be a better person…all those roads lead to Michael.  I chose to write this Blog because I have a burning desire to share this joy, this beauty, this inspiration with you.  Thank you for taking time from your day!  Whenever you are ready to know the real Michael Jackson, I am excited to introduce him to you!dangerous two

Jude

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