I found this.
Topic: MJ's Side Segments

For so long that I have been on Facebook many know me not only a MJ Fan but a gamer too.

I was playing Monster Galaxy, I came across this character in game see who remind you of this picture.

Anna

 MJ Facebook 

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20 People Who Changed Black Music: Michael Jackson, the Child Star-Turned- Adult Enigma
Topic: MJ's Side Segments

When it comes to the history of black music - or simply music, period - very few people have achieved accolades, success and the adoration of fans throughout the world like Michael Joseph Jackson.

Not only has Jackson dominated pop and R&B charts over the course of five decades, he ushered in the MTV era, helping the burgeoning network draw viewers in the 1980s with his music videos that were more feature-film than a few minutes of smoke and mirrors to sell a song. The most awarded recording artist in history, Jackson is a double inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ? as a member of the Jackson 5 and as a solo artist.

With his albums reaching platinum status multiple times over, Jackson has truly earned the symbolic Guinness World Records title "Most Successful Entertainer of All Time." And the electrifying dance moves he displayed in his sold-out shows - brilliantly captured in his Emmy Award-nominated, "moonwalk"-punctuat ed performance at "Motown 25" in 1983 - are still being imitated by today's R&B upstarts and impersonators across the world.

Yet despite Jackson's extraordinary talent, his personal life has recently overshadowed his untouchable musical abilities. But true fans remain loyal.

"He is a super talent regardless of the stuff that's happened," said Niecy Davis, assistant programs director for Radio One in St. Louis. A self-proclaimed "die-hard Michael Jackson fan," Davis said she's followed the Gloved One's career for more than 30 years, from the "Jackson 5" cartoon of the 1970s to the famous video debuts of the 1980s and 1990s that were appointment television for everyone.

"Michael Jackson has always been unique and daring. Man, he is just the bomb."


"I was glued to all of his videos. The choreography was always good, and the music just had a feeling to it," Davis told BlackAmericaWeb. com. "Michael Jackson has always been unique and daring. Man, he is just the bomb."

It all began for Jackson in the early 1960s. Touring with his brothers in their native Indiana, Jackson, and the group that would become the Jackson 5 won a local talent show in 1966. The winning song was a rendition of The Temptation's "My Girl," with Michael singing the lead. It was only a matter of time before the Jacksons would become label mates with the Temptations, signing with Motown Records in 1968. A string of hits would follow ? "I Want You Back," "ABC," The Love You Save," and "I'll Be There." In addition to the success the group saw, Michael Jackson was a solo cash cow for Motown, releasing "Got to Be There" and "Ben."

Life wasn't all roses with Motown for the Jackson 5, and the group - with strict disciplinarian father/manager Joe Jackson leading the way - signed a contract with CBS Records. The move angered Motown, and a suit accusing the group of breaching their contract was filed. In the end, the group had to rename themselves The Jacksons and brother Jermaine - who was married to Motown head Berry Gordy's daughter - was replaced by the youngest Jackson son, Randy. From 1976 to 1984, Michael Jackson was more than a front man for The Jacksons. As the lead songwriter, he penned such hits as "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)," and "Can You Feel It."

As the 1980s approached, Jackson was once again focusing on a solo career and, after appearing in "The Wiz" as the Scarecrow and performing songs produced by music impresario Quincy Jones, Jackson started a business relationship that would reap big rewards.

In 1979, Jackson released "Off the Wall," an international chart-topper that produced four Top 10 hits, including "Don't Stop 'Til You get Enough" and "Rock with You." The Jackson/Jones collaboration spent 48 consecutive weeks on the Top 20 charts, with song lyrics and music written by Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney, to name a few.

The next year, Jackson won his first awards for his solo work. He won Favorite Soul/R&B Album (for "Off the Wall"), Favorite Male Soul/R&B Artist and Favorite Soul/R&B Single (for "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough") at the American Music Awards. That hardware would be followed by two Billboard Awards for Top Black Artist and Top Black Album and a Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male (for "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough").

"Michael was and really always will be a major force in R&B."


The Jackson 5-less Michael Jackson was a true phenomenon, said Al Payne, operations manager for Radio One in Richmond, Va.

"When Michael broke out on his own, it was obvious that he would take the world by storm," Payne told BlackAmericaWeb. com. "From his moves to his showmanship to his Quincy Jones-infused grooves, Michael was and really always will be a major force in R&B."

That force hit with vengeance in late 1982 on the wings of "Thriller," the biggest selling album in history, with worldwide sales totals that surpass 104 million. It delivered a slew of classic tracks - the first album to garner seven top-10 Billboard Hot Singles - including the title cut, "Beat It" and "Billie Jean," which was the first music video by a black performer to be aired on MTV.

Ironically, Jackson's entry into music video history would not come easily, despite his subsequent mastery of -- and influence on -- the medium.

An October 2005 article in Blender, lauding "Billie Jean" as its top pick of "The 500 Greatest Sings Since You Were Born, details how CBS Records heads Walter Yetnikoff "went ballistic" at the music channel's refusal to air the video. "I said to MTV, 'I'm pulling everything we have off the air, all our product. I'm not going to give you any more videos. And I'm going to go public and f---ing tell them about the fact you don't want to play music by a black guy.'" "Billie Jean" was promptly put in heavy rotation, and neither Jackson nor MTV ever looked back."

Even the critically-acclaime d, often-referenced video for "Thriller" was a groundbreaking piece of filmmaking: Directed by John Landis, it was 13 minutes long and even led to a VHS release entitled, "Making Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'," which become the best-selling music home video ever.

Davis says she can still remember racing home to catch one of Jackson's music videos, regardless of how many times she had already seen them.

"I was sitting in front of MTV everyday trying to catch the entire 'Thriller' video," Davis told BlackAmericaWeb. com.

The relatively new concept of music videos didn't hurt record sales; "Thriller" was the No. 1 song for 37 weeks and as a certified Platinum album 27 times over, stayed on the Billboard charts for 122 weeks - or slightly more than two years.

At an age where most people are beginning to find their way professionally, Jackson was being lauded in ways that many veteran musicians never see. The New York Times called Jackson a "musical phenomenon" when he was just 25, saying, "in the world of pop music, there is Michael Jackson and there is everybody else." While Jackson was easily a crossover act, appealing to white audiences as well as blacks, his success also helped black artists get mainstream radio play for the first time since the 1970s.

"Michael Jackson took the baton from James Brown and worked his own magic into it," Payne said.

Jackson also showed his humanitarian side, serving as one of the forces behind "We Are the World," sharing co-writing honors with Lionel Richie in 1985. With 20 million copies sold, "We Are the World" won Song of the Year honors at the Grammy Awards. Jackson also allowed "Beat It" to be used in anti-drunk driving ads and was honored at a White House ceremony for lending his song to the cause.

The 1990s saw Jackson marry and divorce twice - to Elvis Presley's daughter, Lisa Marie, and to Debbie Rowe, a dental hygienist. His union with Rowe produced two children, Michael Joseph "Prince" Jackson, Jr. and Paris Katherine, both of whom Rowe and Jackson say were conceived naturally.

"Jackson remains one of the most popular musical icons of all time"


And the 2003 documentary "Living With Michael Jackson" was the match that lit the fire under accusations that Jackson engaged in improper behavior with children. Jackson, who always seems to speak as if he's the childhood lead of the Jacksons, shared with camera crews that he would share his bed with young children. Later that year, he was charged with two counts of child molestation and acquitted of all charges in May 2005 after a highly-publicized trial.

Despite the controversy, Jackson remains one of the most popular musical icons of all time. He is especially beloved overseas, where throngs of fans appear whenever he is out in public. Even in the United States, Davis said, his star still shines bright, if not in mainstream circles.

"He is a super talent, regardless," Davis told BlackAmericaWeb. com. "Sometimes you find super talented people that are very eccentric, and that's Michael Jackson. People get wrapped up in his personal life. And at the end of the day, that's really none of our business."


Source:Black America Web


paul(mjcool)

Michael Jackson. NOT A SCANDAL BUT AN INNOVATOR!!! Michael Jackson
Topic: MJ's Side Segments

Michael Jackson. NOT A SCANDAL BUT AN INNOVATOR!!!
Michael Jackson

Innovating Contemporary Performance Practices.

We are witnessing, at the beginning of the XXI century, a comeback of the original concept of performance (defined as the representation of an artistic product before an audience), and, also, a return to the ancient performance model, mainly characterized by great spatial and temporal coordinates (ex. the Roman Coliseum gladiator shows, the esthetically hybrid Greek feasts, musical, dance and theatre, religious celebration given in the honor of the god Dionysus).

These years represent also the turning point for the foundation and the consolidation of the "spectacular society" (Guy Debord), also known as the Western society, within which human experiences (life, death, sufferance, disease, criminality, happiness) are turned into merchandise ready to be consumed, to be possessed by an audience that, through mass media, becomes globally wide spread and interconnected.

The social and political areas turning more theatrical, or more spectacular, coupled with the redefinition of citizens as audiences whose realities are meditated and turned into hyper realities, are, in my opinion, some of the factors that have determined not only the returning of the performing arts towards the ancient Roman/Greek performance model (defined by grandeur), but also a trespassing of esthetic grounds and a hybridization of various genre and styles. Nothing seems too great; nothing is too much in this amazing era.

MEGA and SUPER are the keywords of this new century, while the most representative esthetic format of the artistic life becomes the scenic concert, a performance structure that reunites dancers, musicians, actors, singers, artistic, technical directors, scene designers, costume designers, make up artists, video artists, special effect artists and thousands of audiences from all over the world. In other words, an interdisciplinary structure, between
various arts, merging verbal, musical, theatre, filmic, video and body practices amplified and augmented at gigantesque proportions.

The innovator of this new esthetic format is the American artist, Michael Jackson, who, starting from the 80, has
invented and constantly rewritten the rules based on which the scenic concert remains still a functional contemporary artistic structure.

Yet, the American singer is most known for innovating another esthetic format (the short movie video starting with
Thriller in 1983), and who, in my opinion, reached a perfect format in 1997 with the short movie GHOSTS, produced by the American director Stan Wilson, based on a script written by Stephen King and Michael Jackson. Released at the 50th edition of the Cannes Festival, Ghosts could be seen for the first time in the off section
of the festival.

The film tells the story of a scary Maestro with supernatural powers, who is being forced out of a small town by its
mayor. The movie includes a series of dance routines performed by Michael Jackson and his "family" of ghouls. Every song from the film was taken from Michael Jackson's HIStory and Blood on the Dance Floor albums. Ghosts has much in common with its most direct predecessor, "Thriller". Originally released in 1983, "Thriller" also featured Jackson as the main protagonist/antagonist, interacting and choreographed with "undead" dancers. Likewise, both films act as homage to monster films past. While "Thriller" could be viewed as a tribute to 1950's - '70's genre films (I Was a Teenage Werewolf and George Romero's Living Dead Series among them), Ghosts
owes more directly to the Universal Monsters series of films. Even its opening sequence recalls scenes of torch-wielding villagers storming the castle gates of an assumed antagonist, a repeating motif in movies ranging from 1931's Frankenstein to 2004's Van Helsing.

Ghosts also can be viewed as a not-so-thinly veiled self-commentary by Jackson on his personal circumstances in the years preceding (and ironically, following) its production. Direct parallels can be drawn between various elements in the film and Jackson's own life: The Maestro - a reclusive, solitary figure, living removed from the townspeople, and interacting primarily with their children - suffers much the same reaction as the self-styled "King of Pop" did. (It could be similarly argued that the character of The Mayor most directly represents vocal Jackson critic and prosecutor Tom Sneddon).

Artistic codes taken from various artistic practices (theatre, film, dance, video, scenic concert, video clip) interfere
and fuse, creating an outcome that can not, even nowadays, be categorized and easily referenced.

From a theatrical point of view, it is amazing to observe the amount of focus the creators of Ghosts give to the
concept of public (the villagers brought by the Mayor), as almost 45 percent of the film footage consists of general shots and zoom in-s on different characters, capturing their reactions to what they are experiencing. Another interesting aspect represents the implicit classification of these reactions in the context of Aristotle and post Aristotle's cathartic esthetic categories: fear, pity, joy. These moods and reactions change and replace themselves very quickly according not only to the evolution of the story line, but also to a subtle manipulation of the so called safe space between the audiences and the actors (the public is delighted, laughs when the ghosts dance, walk on the walls, make tricks, but keep their distance from them, and becomes frighten, cries and yells when they get closer).

A third theatrical element worthy to be pointed out, when considering the theatre practice, is the typology of two
characters; the Buffoon ghost and the Maestro (Michael Jackson), who, as a stage director, sets the rules of the game, creates his acting/performing troop (materializing the ghosts) leads and controls this troop, separates the performance space from the public space, and, at the end, asks his audience if they have liked what they had seen. (Were you scared? But did we all have a good time?).

To this theatrical structure, video and media codes are added (the virtual special effects for the creating of the skeleton of the maestro) together with contemporary dance codes that imply a set choreography not only for the dancers but for the video cameras themselves.

The artistic genius of the American performer, Michael Jackson (who has recently made himself present in the artistic world, after a time off for almost 2 years) has given to the artistic and entertainment world two esthetic formats: the scenic concert (the mega concert or the multimedia concert) and the short movie/long video clip (still having trouble finding a right name for it), by which, he has not only innovated the contemporary performance practices, but he has also established himself as an international vanguard artist, pushing even further the questions of what art and entertainment are supposed to be. The wonderful news is that this great artist is back again in the rehearsal studio, creating and innovating new material to the delight of his public.


Submitted by: Ozana Budau

School choir backs Michael Jackson's show!!
Topic: MJ's Side Segments

TEENAGERS who sang with Michael Jackson at the World Music Awards have said people overeacted to the pop star's truncated performance.

Around 20 pupils from Holy Family Catholic College, Shernhall Street, Walthamstow, were asked to sing with Mr Jackson on-stage while he sang We Are The World at the glitzy award ceremony in Earls Court.
But the pop star got cold feet and fellow singer Beyonc Knowles, who was going to present him with an award, was left waiting for 20 minutes.

In the end, Michael Jackson managed to sing a couple lines from the song he wrote and produced with Lionel Richie.

It is alleged he was booed by fans.

However, the teenagers singing with him thought it was a dream come true and said there had been an over-reaction to his performance.

Portuia Douglas, 16, said: "The press got the wrong end of the stick. There wasn't any booing. There was booing for other artists because the crowd wanted to see Michael perform.

"I think everybody wanted to be in our shoes because it is a once in a life time opportunity to perform with Michael Jackson.

"I am a massive fan of his and when I knew I was going to sing with him I phoned everyone in my phone book. I was so excited I couldn't sleep."

Joesph Perry,16, said: "It was the first time Michael Jackson had performed in a while and perhaps people were expecting Thriller and I think they were surprised when he sang only four lines of the song.

"But It was really amazing singing with him. We were stuck in a room for ten hours and we were saying Where's Michael?' but when we were on stage it just clicked. "When we finished he said Thank you guys' and I even touched him.

"I was thrilled that our performance was shown round the world and my family in India saw me."He added that one of the teachers, who knew an event organisers, was asked if she knew any teenagers who wanted to sing with Michael Jackson. "Most people in my class weren't that bothered but, to me, it was a dream come true," said Joseph.

Michael Jackson Inches His Way Back
Topic: MJ's Side Segments

Nov 15, 5:13 AM EST
Elroy R.C. Smith

Michael Jackson is no longer hiding out in Bahrain.

Though he fled the United States after his acquittal on child molestation charges last year, apparently happy to live in seclusion in the Middle East, Jackson has started inching his way back into the spotlight.

Earlier this year, he went to Tokyo to accept MTV Japan's "Legend Award." This month, he allowed the syndicated TV show "Access Hollywood" to film him in the studio, working on music with superhot producer will.i.am from the Black Eyed Peas.

And on Wednesday, in a rare public performance, he is set to sing the classic charity song he co-wrote, "We Are The World," at the World Music Awards in London, where he will get another special award.

Move over Justin. Jackson, still one of the best-selling artists of all time, is looking to reclaim his title as the King of Pop.

But does the public care?

"Michael needs to come back strong and come back of today, not of yesterday," said Elroy R.C. Smith, a program director at the Chicago-based radio station WGCI 107.5, which plays R&B, hip-hop and old-school music. "He could get back in the studio, but if he is out of touch with what's going on musically, he'll be considered, 'Well, he's finished.'

"Would the world love to see this guy come back musically? Absolutely. Because he's still one of the greatest performers of all time."

But Jackson the entertainer has long taken a back seat to Jackson the one-man freak show. His acquittal on allegations of molesting a young boy was just the latest, and most dramatic disaster for a man who has admitted to sharing a bed (chastely) with kids, dangled his baby from a balcony and shocked people with his cosmetically enhanced visage. And that's just THIS century ? don't get us started on blunders of the '90s or the late '80s.
Jackson's last album, 2001's "Invincible," went double-platinum but didn't register any megahits. Not-so-awesome news for the guy who made the world's best-selling album in "Thriller" and once released multiplatinum albums with ease.

Smith said Jackson's new music would have to earn its way on his radio station.

"I'm not going to play Michael Jackson because it's Michael Jackson," Smith said.

"But if it has an urban flair to it, if it has potential, oh yeah, we will truly give it a shot."

"Access Hollywood" host Billy Bush recently interviewed Jackson at his Ireland-based studio. Bush is also spending time with Jackson this week in London.

"He wants to show that he's moving forward and getting back to doing what he does," Bush told The Associated Press. "The theory (for his new album) is he's gonna build it in Europe and Asia and mount it that way, and eventually, I think the endgame would be the United States."

And he's still got plenty of fans. Bush was stunned earlier this week while watching Jackson generate a frenzy when he stepped out of a car in London.

"It's the most amazing thing I've ever seen," he said. "I mean I've seen a lot of celebrities get out of their car and get screams of adoration and adulation and all that, but nothing as emotional and vociferous as this."
Music makers are clamoring to work with him. R&B hitmaker Akon, who has a smash hit with Eminem and is collaborating on Gwen Stefani's new album, is one of them ? he plans to do a song for Jackson's album next year. His advice to Jackson? Go with his gut instincts, "just do music that feels good, that feels right, that's fun."
"Once he understands that, he'll be able to go in a studio and make an album within 30 days, because he just put his feeling into it," Akon told the AP. "Not only to think strategically... throw all that out the window. Do what you love to do and put it out and I promise you it will be successful."

That may be true. But in addition to hearing Jackson, fans also have to look at him ? and from the Pluto T-shirt and big-hair look he showed off this week, Jackson likely needs some fashion superstars to help him in that department.
Celebrity stylist Nicole Chavez, whose clients include "OC" actress Rachel Bilson, said Jackson should "tone down" his look ? style, hair and make-up ? to appeal to a broader audience.

"I think if you get the right people involved, everybody could create a look that would work for Michael and would work for the public," she told the AP.

Americans, Smith said, are "forgiving." They love to see down-and-out stars bounce back (see: Britney and Whitney). A radio-friendly, slickly produced album from Jackson might be something worth rooting for ? or not.
"I don't think he can do it like he did it the first time in the '80s ... Album sales just don't work like that anymore," Bush said.

"But I think he can capture the fascination. Good music is good music. And he's already proven that in that mind ? from that mind ? comes great, great music. So there's no question he can do it again. It's `will he?' and `will people accept it'?"


Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Access Hollywood Interview - Part 2: Transcript Saturday, November 04, 2006
Topic: MJ's Side Segments

Saturday, November 04, 2006

The below is a transcript of an interview between Michael Jackson and Access Hollywood's Billy Bush that aired on Friday, November 3rd.

Billy Bush: Yesterday, in Part 1 of my exclusive in-studio visit, you saw a mixed Michael. He chose his words carefully. But when super producer Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas turned on the beats, Michael came alive!

There is no doubt in my mind that Jackson is coming back, but how? Amazingly, he hasn't really thought about it.

(Cuts to footage of inside the studio)

BB: There was nothing ever bigger than (Thriller) that. That is the biggest album ever.

(Cuts to footage of Thriller video before returning to studio)

BB: If you went back and took it to a second chapter...

Michael Jackson: That's a great idea.

(Cuts to footage of Billie Jean video)

BB: (Voiceover) Imagine Michael Jackson re-visiting Thriller. Remix, DVD's, Web Saturation. The sky's gotta be the limit with the biggest selling album with nearly 100 million copies worldwide.

(Returns to studio)

BB: Is that the first time you've heard of it? I mean like, or or, have you thought that...

Michael: No I haven't really thought about it in that way but I would give it more thought. We haven't really discussed it yet, on that level, but I'm sure at some point we will. But it's a great thought.

BB: Feel like I'm a collaborator here.

Michael: Yeah, yeah, you are...

(Laughter all round)

BB: I get a credit...

Michael: You are.

BB: I might get a credit.

(Cuts to footage of Michael, Will.I.Am and Billy Bush walking around Irish estate with new track produced by Will.I.Am playing in the background)

BB: (Voiceover) For right now Michael is focused on creating and not re-creating. And it is right here at this recording studio on the sprawling classic old Irish estate outside of Dublin where Michael has teamed up with Black Eyed Peas leader Will.I.Am to take his music to the next level.

(Cuts back to studio)

BB: Do you see something big with the music that you make again, or getting that ground swell going? Doing clubs and intimate things and getting it bigger and bigger and bigger?

Michael: Jee, you know I'm not sure, on that level.

Will.I.Am: I can answer that direct (as) a fan...

(Michael points at Will.I.Am)

BB: Go ahead.

Will.I.Am: Big!

(Cuts to footage of Michael dancing away to the music before returning)

Will.I.Am: Something needs to put a jolt back in the music industry. And the only thing that can do that is the jolt itself. The energy that sparked the imagination of the kids that are... me, you know, the Justin Timberlake's, we're all products of this. (Motions to Michael) So the only person that can put that jolt back in to that monstrosity of entertainment and music is the one who created that. (Motions to Michael again)

(Cuts to footage of Don't Stop 'till You Get Enough video)

BB: (Voiceover) But what about those people Michael inspired...

(Cuts to footage of Justin Timberlake's Rock Your Body video)

BB: (Voiceover) ...to aspire?

(Cuts back to the studio)

BB: Michael, I would love to hear what you thought of Justin Timberlake or something like that, because he's the closest thing to Michael Jackson I think today. You know what I mean?

Michael: I think Justin's doing a wonderful job, as well as Usher (Michael smiles) it's great to see. I'm inspired by what they do, and I'm sure I've inspired them. It's very nice.
------------------------------

Came from Paul email And MJEOL.

Access Hollwood Interview - Part 1: Transcript
Topic: MJ's Side Segments

Part 1: Transcript
Friday, November 03, 2006

The below is a transcript of an interview between Michael Jackson and Access Hollwood's Billy Bush that aired on Thursday, November 2nd.

Billy Bush: Michael invited me to Ireland, to observe him, as he got back into the studio. Can lightning strike twice for the King of Pop?

Michael insisted this was NOT a formal interview. He wanted us to be more like flies on the wall. Let's face it, the way Michael sees it, when a camera and microphone has charmed its way into his personal space, it has turned out badly for him.

So with that in mind, we agreed to just turn the cameras on.

(Cuts to footage of Michael in the studio, and walking around around Irish estate with Billy Bush and Will.I.Am from the Black Eyed Peas, with a new track playing in the background)

BB: So this is really a kind of an exploratory mission. You (pointing at Michael) deciding to get back into making music...

Michael: (Smiling) I never stopped... I'm always writing a potpourri of music, you know, it's how it is.

BB: (Voiceover) Relaxed, and ready to return.

(Cuts to footage of Michael laughing)

BB: (To Will.I.Am) Let's hear it.

(Will.I.Am starts playing a track he has prepared for Michael)

BB: (Voiceover) That, is the Michael Jackson we found when Access journeyed over 5000 miles to this classic old Irish estate (footage on screen) outside of Dublin. The stone manor is built to rock with a state of the art recording studio. But it's because of the beauty of the emerald landscape that Michael chose to be here.

(Cuts to footage of BB in grounds of the estate)

BB: What goes on on these grounds is a lot of exercise and walking and horse back riding. Michael wakes up in the morning, he makes porridge for his kids, which is oatmeal, and fruit. All the food is organically grown here. The amazing thing is, is that the man that is known as the P.T. Barnum of the recording industry (everything done big and extravagant) is really sort of dialling it back... to the roots.

(Cuts to more footage of Michael in the studio)

BB: (Voiceover) Michael is on the search for fresh sounds and Black Eyed Peas leader Will.I.Am is the man with the beats.

(Footage of Will.I.Am and Michael nodding away to a track that is being played)

BB: Will, we were talking a little earlier, you got a phone call on the tour bus, right? Someone said, "Mike's on the phone..."

Will: I was like, "no, come one, stop playing around." I didn't know it. I thought somebody was joking.

BB: So this is like eh, this is baby steps? Of just checking out what may be a collaboration or some work together?

Michael: Yeah, yes.

BB: Why Will?

Michael: Because I think he's doing wonderful, innovative, positive great music. Thought it'd be interesting to collaborate or just, you know, see how the chemistry works... be wonderful.

Will: This is like, a dream come true for me, you know.

BB: (To Michael) Does he take your advice well?

Michael: (Nodding and smiling) Yeah, we uh, yeah we...

(Will.I.Am interrupts, Michael laughs)

Will: I have... you have to take advice from the King of Pop.

(Billy Bush laughs)

Michael: I like to take sounds and put them on a microscope and just talk about how we wanna manipulate the character of it.

BB: (Voiceover) Will brought something new to the table, while keeping that classic Michael sound intact.

Will: (To Michael about the music playing) Living 'Off the Wall' with them kind of strings... (smiles)

Michael: Oh yeah, yeah, 'Off the Wall' yes.

(Laughter all around)

BB: (Voiceover) If Michael likes what he hears, he'll add his own musical touches. But for now, the two (Michael and Will) work the board, weaving out a sound and tapestry - layer by layer.

Michael: Pretend we're technically inclined. (Laughter all round)

BB: (Voiceover) Do NOT doubt his (Michael's) tech savvy, Michael knows his way around a recording studio AND our new digital camera.

(Footage of Michael holding a camera from the Access Hollywood crew)

Michael: That's a beauty. You can edit within the camera...

BB: Film me.

Michael: So s...

BB: Can you operate it?

Michael: Uh, I don't know, ok yeah... (points camera at Billy Bush)

BB: Are you a technology...

Michael: Yeah, I love cameras...

BB: Love the action?

Michael: Yeah. Love it. It's a beauty. (Starts to put camera down, turns to crew member) What's the price of this one on retail?

Crew member: $6,000.

Michael: Wow!

BB: (Voiceover) But what really impressed Michael? Will's music.

(Footage of Michael bopping his head to the music before it stops)

BB: What you think there?

Michael: They're very nice grooves...

Will: Alright...

Michael: I like the chords, I like what you did.

Will: That's a... that's a club banger.

BB: Yeah...

Will: That's what they call that one.

(Music starts playing again, Will and Michael move to the music)

BB: (Voiceover) Will's beats are infectious, and an enthusiastic Michael could NOT contain himself.

(Cuts to footage of Michael moving to other side of studio to dance a few steps)

Michael: (To Billy Bush) Do you feel you have enough (footage)?

BB: I could go forever Michael. (Laughter all round) You don't wanna ask me that Michael.

Originally posted by: Eve The Music Lady

Can Michael Jackson Make A Comeback!!!!!!!!!
Topic: MJ's Side Segments

Is Michael Jackson still the King of Pop? Personally, I say hell yes. The reason being, despite what personal issues the man may have encountered, it still hasn't stopped the likes of Omarion, Justin Timberlake, Robin Thicke, Usher and so many others from trying their hardest to mimic his likeness even if in tribute.

But can Michael make a comeback?

When I say comeback I mean, like Mariah Carey. Not like say... Monica. Oh come on... "Sideline Ho"????

Any ways, it seems that Michael will try to restore the Jackson name and plans to discuss his NEW CD in an exclusive interview scheduled to air on "Access Hollywood" on November 2nd.

I can't lie. I would love for Michael to come back and make a hit that changes the world on the level of "We Are the World" or "Thriller" or "Man In the Mirror." I think musical genius is timeless. Besides, we know the American conscious is based on greenbacks and if the right person is set to make the right amount of money, most people would act as if he's never been publicly chastised. Journalists went from constantly mentioning Mariah's breakdown to mentioning her chart position.


Source:SOHH.com

----------------------

Anna M.'s Note:

He will make a comeback!!!!!!

A Touching Story
Mood:  hug me
Topic: MJ's Side Segments
The following story was forward by the founder of PV4MJ.

This really happened when MJ was in Japan.

----------------

Eve - TheMusicLady wrote:

Hi everyone

Here's a shared story, from one of MJJ fans, regarding her son. Please read
in its entirety!




Hi Friends,

Something very nice happened to my 13-year-old son, and I wanted to share the happiness with you.

My son has been Michael's fan for 10 years, and Michael is his life. He started learning dance five years ago, because he wanted to dance like Michael. And, some time ago, he became the winner of "Michael Jackson Dance Battle." You can imagine how proud he was! He received a very nice trophy as a prize.

He also won the second place in the ALL JAPAN JUNIOR ENGLISH SPEECH CONTEST which was held this February this year by his speech on Michael Jackson Trial.

Ms. Raymone Bain was extremely kind and understanding to me, and when I saw her to hand in one of the newspapers with Michael and Ms. Bain’s photo on it on Tuesday, she said that she would try to let Michael sign his autograph on the trophy. Of course, as Michael has many many things to do, and it might not be possible. Still, I hoped it would be possible. Separately, I also handed the manuscript of my son's speech to a Japanese staff.

Then, on Wednesday, one of the staff told me that Michael read the speech. My son was overjoyed to hear this, as you can imagine.

However, the trophy was still not back, and we had absolutely no idea when Michael would leave! Michael might leave any moment. Also, there are thousands of presents Michael was receiving from fans and it could just get lost among all other things. The hotel people also said that they would not keep things for the fans at the concierge. So, how can we retrieve the trophy?

My son said that he would be happy to give the trophy to Michael, but, as a mother, I knew what that trophy meant to my son. It was a proof of his love to Michael.

The security of the hotel was incredibly tight and it was just impossible to have a direct contact with Ms. Bain. They just pretend that there is no person called Ms. Bain in the hotel.

So the drama started. The wonderful member at MJJF, MJDANCER123, kindly offered me help to get through to Ms. Bain. She and I started writing to each other day and night by e-mail, trying to get hold of the situation. It was not easy, as Ms. Bain was very very busy and flooded with all other messages.

I was in total panic, and frantically kept on writing messages to MJDANCER123, “What will I do?” “What can I do?” “Help me, please!!” MJDANCER123 is just an ANGEL, and did everything she could, although she had never met me, she had not known me three days before. She even made a phone call to the hotel from the USA.

There were all sorts of speculations about when Michael would leave, and at one moment, I was sending e-mail messages to MJDANCER123 from the PC room in the hotel in confusion, like, “They say the security people are leaving now, Michael may leave probably any moment!” (It turned out later that it was just a shift-change!)

MJDANCER123 patiently read my messages, and she finally secured a word from the staff that, although it was not clear if Michael would sign it, Michael would not leave without returning the trophy to my son! You simply cannot imagine how relieved I was.

Around the same time, a Japanese fan, who was trying to help me by talking to the staff, wrote to me saying that one of the staff saw my son’s trophy in Michael’s room!

Then, last night, when Ms. Bain tried to call me to say that the trophy was signed to be collected, I was with my son in Shibuya, coming across with Michael just by chance. I was getting calls from other Michael fans (who gave me the information about Michael’s visit to Shibuya) and Ms. Bain could not reach me by the phone!

When we got back, still drunk from the excitement of witnessing Michael, MJDANCER123’s mail was waiting for me, telling me about the trophy!!! It was too late to go to the hotel to collect it, so we went to bed. The best night ever!

The trophy is now back, with Michael's autograph, AND Michael also attached a signed self-portrait photo with my son's name on it. My son is still at school, but I think he is going to faint as soon as he sees them. They are now treasure of our household.

Although my son did not have any chance to talk to Michael (he just saw him with thousands of other fans from some distance), but his love and respect for Michael, I hope, reached Michael.

My sincere, deepest gratitude goes to MJDANCER123, Ms. Bain, Japanese staff, my fellow Japanese fans, and of course to Michael Jackson, who brought so much happiness to our lives.

Here is the speech my son gave:

Michael Jackson Trial

Today, I am going to tell you the truth. It is about Michael Jackson. He is a genius and the world's biggest superstar. I respect Michael Jackson more than anyone else. For, he has been energetically involved in various charity works. For example, he visits children in hospitals all over the world, donates profits from the concert tours to help underprivileged people, and is the founder of the Heal the World Foundation that works to support the poor children.

Recently, Michael Jackson was involved in a very unfortunate incident. Well, it was not just an incident, but a conspiracy. He was accused of the crime of "child abuse." Although there was no evidence, he was arrested and brought to court. He was accused by a child he liked very much, and Michael's heart was broken into pieces. Michael was very sad, but he had to win the trial. He couldn't lose a trial based on no evidence. And, finally, after months of witnesses' statements and arguments by the prosecution and the defense, Michael Jackson got a verdict of "Not guilty on all charges, "by a jury of 12 people on June 13, 2005.

Do you believe Michael Jackson's innocence? If your answer is NO, please tell me the reason. If you think you can explain why you said NO, please answer the next question. Have you followed the whole record and process of the trial? Do you know all that was said at the trial? If so, even a ten-year-old child can tell that Michael Jackson was completely innocent.

You may not believe this, but most of what is reported on TV about Michael Jackson is not true. To get a high viewing rate, they sensationalize everything. "Michael Jackson in trouble" can earn good viewer ratings. Please go and research the facts about Michael Jackson on the Internet and get the truth by yourself.

What is so funny about seeing a person like Michael Jackson being lynched by the media? What is so entertaining about looking at a person like Michael Jackson in distress? Can you answer these questions? I must tell you this. Michael Jackson's innocence is a fact and the truth.

When you voice your opinion, it should be based on accurate information and proven truth. Otherwise, you would end up giving someone suffering. In this society full of information where the media tends to seek sensationalism, a false rumor is often reported as a fact, and the truth can't be found so easily. Even so, we should try to be as truthful as possible. Please give it a thought again today.


Source: MJJF/GailFelix/PV4MJJ
http://www.mjjforum.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=75095

Posted by MJ Friend Anna at 1:47 AM JST
Post Comment | Permalink | Share This Post

Michael goes to a concert in Bahrain
Mood:  a-ok
Topic: MJ's Side Segments

Lebanese singer Ragheb Alama was shocked when American singer Michael Jackson appeared at a concert he was holding in Bahrain, where Jackson is currently residing.

According to the Qatar based daily, Al Raya, Jackson listened to the concert and exchanged greetings with Ragheb after the show. Jackson admired Ragheb’s talent, and Ragheb told Michael he had hoped to have the opportunity to meet him, and described his music as a source of inspiration.

Source:MJTKOP

The King Of Pop Interviews Pharrell Williams July 18, 2003
Mood:  happy
Topic: MJ's Side Segments
Please all read this.. and you can get the feel of just how much Michael loves God/Music/Creating -- thru his own joy of interviewing someone else.

The King Of Pop Interviews Pharrell Williams July 18, 2003 For once, Michael Jackson gets to ask the questions in the August edition of "Interview" magazine where he quizzes Pharrell Williams in a phone conversation. "Interview" magazine is published in the USA.

Michael Jackson: Hello?

Pharrell Williams: Hello! How are you man?

MJ: You must forgive me, but Gregory Peck, who just died yesterday, was a very dear friend of mine, and I've been helping his wife prepare the memorial and all those things. So please forgive me for being late with this call.

PW: No, listen, man, I can't believe I'm on the phone with you.

MJ: Oh, God bless you.

PW: Thank you, sir. You too.

MJ: Thank you. So, I'm interviewing you, right? And I think it's seven questions, or something lime that?

PW: Sure. Whatever you like.

MJ: Okay. What would you say inspires you in your music? What is it that inspires you to create your music.
PW: It's a feeling. You treat the air as a canvas and the paint is the chords that come through your fingers, out of the keyboard. So when I'm playing, I'm sort of painting a feeling in the air. I know that might sound corny, but -

MJ: - No. No, that's a perfect analogy.

PW: And when you know it's done, you know it's done. It's like painting or sculpting. When you let it go it's because you know that it's finished. It's completed. And vice versa-it tells you, "Hey, I'm done."

MJ: Yeah. And it refuses to let you sleep until it's finished.

PW: That's right.

MJ: Yeah, I go through the same thing. [laughs] And what do you think of the music today - are you into the new sounds that are being created and the direction that music is going?

PW: Well, personally, I kind of feel like I'm taking notes from people like yourself and Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway, and just sort of doing what feels right.

MJ: Right.

PW: You know, like when everyone was going one way, you went "Off The Wall".

MJ: Right. [laughs]

PW: And when everyone else was going another way, you went "Thriller". You just did it your way. And I'm taking notes from people like yourself, like not being afraid to listen to your feelings and turn your aspirations and ambitions into material. Making it happen, making it materialize.

MJ: That's beautiful. That's lovely. You said that very well. I wanted to ask you - do you feel, the way I do, that it's almost like pregnancy, giving birth? Writing a song is like having a child, and once the song is finished, it's like letting the child into the world. Do you ever feel like that, like it's hard to let go?

PW: You know what? I did an interview the other day to present a video, and I was afraid to let it go. That was for a video, but the video to me is like the second part of the song because it is the interpretation given in a visual perspective. So, yes, I completely feel that way. And it's like sometimes if you play something to people and they don't get it, it's like your child who's done something and everyone is pointing fingers and you're like, "Wait! This is my kid!" Now, I'm not a father, but I imagine that's the way it would be - at least that's how I feel about my songs.

MJ: Right. Now the different forms of music/popular-culture music/that the black race has been responsible for bringing in, ushering in, from jazz to pop to rock-n-roll to hip hop, you name it, what do you think all that is about? Is it given from God?

PW: I think all music is a gift from God. And - [a fan interrupts] Michael, can you hold on for one second? [Williams talks to a fan for a few seconds, then resumes talking to Jackson] - Sorry.

MJ: [laughs] Blues, rock-n-roll, all the different forms of popular music like rock-n-roll was invented by Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Fats Domino.

PW: Absolutely.

MJ: Even the dances from the cakewalk to the Charleston, the popping, the breaking, the locking. Don't you think they're a gift from God?

PW: Absolutely. God gave us that gift when he gave us the gift of interpretation. I mean, when you write your lyrics, you're writing to someone, or to the world. When you're playing, you're playing something for the world to hear. When you're dancing, you're dancing for people to see. It's just a form of expression. And the there are times when you might be a little more introverted about it, when you're dancing, writing, or playing for yourself, and you have no idea how amazing what you're doing looks, sounds, or feels, until somebody else tells you, or until you record it and go back and look at it.

MJ: That's right. Who are some of the older artists - not the artists on the radio today - who inspired you when you were younger? Like the artists your father listened to, did you learn anything from those artists?

PW: Absolutely. The "Isley Brothers".

MJ: Yeah, me too. I love the "Isley Brothers". And I love Sly & the "Family Stone".

PW: Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder...

MJ: You like all the people I like. [laughs]

PW: Those chord changes. They take you away.

MJ: Beautiful, beautiful. Okay, well where are you? In New York?

PW: I'm in Virginia Beach, Virginia, sir.

MJ: Virginia! Oh, beautiful. Will you give my love to Virginia?

PW: Yes. Thank you.

MJ: And your mother and your parents? Because God has blessed you with special gifts.

PW: Thank you, sir. And I just wanted to say something, and I don't know if you want to hear this, but I have to say it because it's on my heart. But people bother you -

MJ: - Yeah.

PW: - Because they love you. That's the only reason why. When you do something that people don't necessarily understand, they're going to make it into a bigger problem than they would for anybody else because one of the most amazing talents that's ever lived. You've accomplished and achieved more in this century than most other men.

MJ: Well, thank you very much. That's very kind of you.

PW: What you do is so amazing. When you are 100 years old, and they're still making up things about what you've done to this and what you've done to that on your body - please believe me, if you decided you wanted to dip your whole body in chrome, you are so amazing that the world, no matter what they say, is going to be right there to see it. And that is because of what you have achieved in the music world, and in changing people's lives. People are having children to your songs. You've affected the world.

MJ: Thank you very much. It's like the bigger the star, the bigger the target. You know when you're - and I'm not being a braggadocio or anything like that - but you know you're on top when they start throwing arrows at you. Even Jesus was crucified. People who bring light into the world, from Mahatma Gandhi to Martin Luther King to Jesus Christ, even myself. And my motto has been "Heal The World", "We Are The World", "Earth Song", "Save Our Children", "Help Our Planet". And people want to persecute me for it, but it never hurts, because the fan base becomes stronger. I'm resilient. I have rhinoceros skin. Nothing can hurt me. Nothing.

PW: Well, that's precisely my point. I just want to let you know you're amazing, man. What you do to music, from
"Billie Jean" to "That's What You Get (For Being Polite)" - [sings "That's what you get for being polite"].

MJ: Oh, you know that one? [laughs]

PW: [sings "Jack Still Sits All Alone"]

MJ: Boy, you know all those ones.

PW: When you do that, you do that to the world. [resumes singing "Jack Still Sits All Alone"]

MJ: [hums a guitar riff]

PW: If I never work with you, just know that you are unstoppable. That's why I said, when you're 100 years old and you decide to dip your entire body in chrome, as much as they say things - and I don't care what they say about you, sir - they're going to be right there to see it.

MJ: There's a lot of jealousy there. I love all races, I love all people, but sometimes there's a devil in people, and they get jealous. Every time there's a luminary that goes beyond the heights of his field of endeavor, people tend to get jealous and try to bring him down. But they can't with me because I'm very, very, very, strong. [laughs] They don't know that, though.

PW: They know! Please believe me, they know!

MJ: Anyone else would've cracked by now; they can't crack me. I'm very strong.

PW: Of course. They couldn't crack you when you were 10, because you were destroying grown men doing what you did with your voice and your talent. And when you were 20, you were outdoing people that had been doing it for 20 or 30 years. And nowadays they're still waiting to see where you're at. They want to see your kids, they want to see your world. You're amazing, and I just wanted to tell you that, man. And I hope that this all gets printed because it's very important to me. I hope I can be half as dope as you one day.

MJ: Oh, God bless you. You're wonderful, too. Thank you so much.

PW: Thank you, man.

MJ: Have a lovely day.

PW: You too, sir.

MJ: Thank you. Bye.

PW: Bye.

[Source: http://www11.brinkster.com/turgay/PharrellWilliams.htm "Interview" magazine, Jackson Dailynews]

What They Don't Want You to Know About Michael Jackson!!
Mood:  energetic
Topic: MJ's Side Segments
What They Don't Want You to Know About Michael Jackson!!


January 5, 2006

By Christopher Hamilton

What do you think of when you hear the name, Michael Jackson? Wacko? Criminal? Great Entertainer? Businessman? Whatever you think of MJ, throw all your thoughts out of the window and let's examine some facts.

For years the media has labeled him "Wacko Jacko." What happened to MJ? Wasn't he the biggest thing in music at one point? When did he go crazy?

All anyone has to do is look when Michael started being portrayed as "Crazy." It wasn't during the "Thriller" years. It's cool being a song and dance man. That's what they want. DON'T DARE BECOME A THINKING BUSINESSMAN. DON'T DARE BUY THE BEATLES CATALOG. DON'T DARE MARRY ELVIS' DAUGHTER. DON'T DARE BEAT THE RECORD INDUSTRY AT THEIR OWN GAME. Michael started being labeled crazy when he began making business moves that no one had been successful at doing.

Michael took two cultural icons and shattered them to pieces. All our lives, we've been bombarded with 2 facts. The Beatles were the greatest group of all time and Elvis was the King of Rock and Roll. Michael bought the Beatles and married the King's daughter. (if that ain't literally sticking it to the man) If I wasn't a cynic, I'd say Michael did the Lisa Marie thing just to stick it to the people who consider Elvis the King.

The Beatles were great, but they weren't great enough to maintain publishing rights over their own songs.

Elvis was great, but he didn't write his songs. His manager, Col Tom Parker, was the mastermind behind Elvis ... keeping him drugged with fresh subscription pills and doing all the paperwork.

Michael could do no wrong as an entertainer. "Off the Wall," first solo artist with 4 top ten singles. "Thriller," the biggest selling album of all time, with a then record 7 top ten singles. "Bad," the first album to spawn 5 number one songs (even Thriller only had 2 number one songs). All this is cool. But that is all you better do. SING AND DANCE. Michael wanted to be greater. He bought the legendary Sly and the Family Stone catalog and no one really cared. When he bought the Beatles, people noticed. The Sony merger took the cake. Sony, in their eagerness to have a part of the Beatles catalog, agreed to a 50/50 merger with Jackson, thus forming Sony/ATV music publishing. Now, Michael co-owns half of the entire publishing of all of Sony artists. Check out the complete lists of songs at sonyatv.com. A sampling of the songs he owns the publishing rights to are over 900 country songs by artists such as Tammy Wynette, Kenny Rogers, Alabama. All Babyface written songs. Latin songs by Selena and Enrique Iglesias. Roberta Flack songs, Mariah Carey songs, Destiny's Child's songs. 2pac, Biggie and Fleetwood Mac songs. In essence over 100,000 songs. "What is this man doing?" None of the greats did this. Not Bono, Springsteen, Sinatra. "Who does he think he is? Get whatever you can on him."

To "get" someone, you have to attack what they love the most. I'll say no more on that.

The only man who even approaches MJ in taking on the industry is Prince and to a lesser extent, George Michael. They went after poor George Michael, publicly outing the man as a homosexual. Prince fought hard and made his point, but nevertheless still had to resort to using a major company to distribute his materials. There is nothing wrong with that. Prince would get the lion's share, but the result were years of being labeled crazy and difficult.

The greatest moment for them was the Sneddon press conference. "We got him." Never was such glee so evident. Who cares if we have evidence?

Michael was acquitted, did not celebrate, went home and left the USA. Best move ever. Now what is there left for the haters to do? He's gone. "Gone, what do you mean he moved to Bahrain? Well, how the hell can we get him if he's not here? Quick, get that columnist to write a series of articles on how MJ's teetering on the brink of destruction. Oh we did that? Well, what can we do?"

On the outer surface, it appears Michael is not doing anything to make money. Don't even count the weekly sales of his CDs. 15,000 CDs a week is nothing for Michael. The Sony/ATV catalog is money for Michael Jackson every time he breathes. Serious money. The fact that no one reports on the actual amount is proof of that. They would rather you believe he is broke than tell you the truth. Neverland is still owned by MJ. The family home in Encino is still owned by MJ. Michael still owns the Beatles songs through the merger with Sony as well as full ownership of his own songs. But, hey, that's our little secret.

Michael Jackson is literally walking in the shoes that no Black person has ever walked in before. If he ever writes an autobiography, it will be one of the most interesting ever. A Black man with no real formal education becomes the most powerful man in the industry, DESPITE hatred, racism, enemies in his own camps and a media willing to be bought to the highest bidder.

If Sony had any sense, right now they should offer to continue the partnership. That's the only way they will make future money off of Michael's catalogue. Tommy Mattola did not lose his job with Sony because he was a bad label head. It was a casualty of war. MJ exposed him and Sony had to cut their losses. Companies do it all the time. Notice no one at Sony nor did Matolla himself ever sue MJ for slander. Michael always was loyal to his bosses at Epic/Sony. Back at the 1984 Grammys, he even brought then label head Walter Yetnikoff on stage with him at one point. He's always thanked Dave Glew, Mattola and others at Sony in his acceptance speeches.

Sony can still do right by Michael, but it may be too late. However, they still should make a goodwill gesture, but how many times do businesses do that? If I were them, I'd still want MJ as an ally, not as an enemy. It is/was a mutally profitable merger.

I'd be scared as hell if I was an enemy of MJ while he is with the multi-billionaires overseas. Believe me, they aren't just over there discussing designer clothing. A conglomerate is in the making.

One last note, these facts that I write here should not be the only times you hear this, but the sad fact is it probably is. I was worried that Michael would go down because of the uncertainty of the jury. That's playing unfair. If I'm presenting these facts here at EURweb, YOU CAN BELIEVE THE MEDIA KNOWS IT ALREADY AS WELL. They aren't salivating over everything MJ related just because he made "Thriller." They know what's up. Think about it. That's why I laugh when I see shows like BET's "The Ultimate Hustler." We all know who that is. (How can Damon Dash know who the ultimate hustler is anyway? He lost Roc-a-fella to Jay-Z)

In the end, Michael won't be known for being an alleged child molester. He won't be known for "Thriller." He will be known as the man that fought the record industry and won and lived to tell the tale. That is a book worth buying.

http://eurweb.com/story.cfm?id=24224

Source;mjno...


paul(mjcool)

The King Of Style!!
Mood:  flirty
Topic: MJ's Side Segments
Since the early days of the Jackson Five, Michael Jackson has set himself apart from every other musical artist with his tremendous talent, but also utterly unique sense of style. From his bell-bottoms and Afro as a child star to his current military inspired suits, his fashion statements are etched permanently into our memory banks. Regardless of your particular opinion of Michael Jackson, it is undeniable that he has driven fashion and style to a whole new level. In these times of political correctness in unrecognizable styles of celebrities it is popular to bash the fashion sense of Michael Jackson. But, those that look without prejudice were excited to see his unique fashion picks on that famous trial. For those who wish to draw from the Michael Jackson’s ever-changing looks, each decade of his career provides a host of incredibly creative design elements.

Michael Jackson burst upon the pop scene in the early 1970’s wearing fringed shirts, platform heels, and wide bell-bottom pants. With a “Huggy Bear” inspired hat to top off his look, he delighted crowds with his astonishingly polished stage presence. If you are attracted to this era of Michael Jackson, try paisley shirts, and suede vests.

As Jackson reached early adulthood, the album “Off The Wall” introduced a new sleeker look. With tuxedo jackets, pegged pants, black shoes, and stark white socks, his iconoclastic style was beginning to take shape. From all of the different fashion eras in Jackson’s career, this look is probably the most sophisticated and easily emulated. For this retro look, try a simple black suit with an open collared white dress shirt. Add black loafers, and a fedora hat, and you’ll be ready to impress everyone with your “moonwalk”.

What most of us think of as the “Michael Jackson” style came to fruition when the album “Thriller” shot to the top of the billboard charts. His signature red leather jacket with its zippered details, tight fitting parachute pants, and a single white sequined glove encompassed the look of the 1980’s. His hair was styled in collar length, Jerry curls and he was frequently seen in mirrored aviator sunglasses. While most of us would probably avoid wearing all elements of this look these days, a nod to Michael Jackson’s style can be achieved by donning a cool pair of aviator specs and a custom leather jacket. Who doesn’t want to look a little like “Jacko” when they are belting out Billie Jean at the local karaoke bar?

When thinking of Michael’s fashion in 90s, what usually come to mind are his edgy, theatrical costumes he wore on performances. Forgotten are his fine, sophisticated suits and ensembles he was wearing those years. He always strived to look neat and sophisticated. Michael was never caught by the trends and popular fads of the moment. His fashion sense was composed of classic styles, with addition of his own touches like his trademark armbands and other military inspired accessories.

In the last several years, Jackson’s cutting edge fashion has taken a backseat to his drastic plastic surgery and his controversial lifestyle. While defending himself against charges of child molestation, crowds of reporters and fans gathered at the court house to capture a glimpse of what Michael was wearing each day. And they had what to see. Michael Jackson never wore the same thing twice for his courtroom appearances and clothes were made each day, his designers have revealed. He tended to favor an unusual array of greatly tailored suits with pinned brass medals, and brightly colored vests leaving a very strong impression. Once again he declined to “fit in”. Instead he was sticking to himself - superstar he really is. He even appeared before the judge one day wearing pajamas.

After being acquitted of all charges last year, he is living in Bahrain, planning an anticipated comeback. Michael Jackson now has an opportunity to recreate his image once again. Fashion will certainly play an important role. Who knows if he will remain commercially viable after such a long hiatus? What we know for sure: he won’t fashion what everyone else does. And that’s an important style lesson to be learnt from Michael Jackson.

Source:mjstar...

paul(mjcool)

MJ In Hamburg-A Special Gift For A Fan
Mood:  happy
Topic: MJ's Side Segments
While in Hamburg, a fan had his hat taken so that Michael could sign it. But it seems that Blanket, who was there, admired the hat so much that he was allowed to keep it! Michael then took Blanket's t-shirt signed it and gave that to the fan instead! The shirt read "Blankets T-Shirt love Michael Jackson."

Source: MJFC / Many thanks to Gail for relaying this special moment/

The Fan!
Mood:  hug me
Topic: MJ's Side Segments
A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare collections of art, including Michael Jackson. They had everything in their collection, from Motown to the very latest Essential, to other valuable collections of art such as the Van Goghs, the Rembrandts. They would often sit together and admire the great talent of Michael Jackson while admiring the famous art that decorated the estate.

When the allegations broke out, the son was sent off to Iraq. He was very courageous and died in combat while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son.

Just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in
his hands.

He said, "Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives
that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your great admiration for Michael Jackson and his great talent." The young man held out this package. "I know this isn't much. I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this."

The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, and himself posing with Michael Jackson, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son's great admiration for Michael in the painting. The father was so drawn to the painting that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture. "Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift. I call it 'The Fan'."

The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of The Fan before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected.

The old man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of him and his son's collection. Many influential people gathered in hopes to own a famous painting.

On the platform sat the painting of The Fan. The auctioneer pounded his gavel. "We will start the bidding with this picture of The Fan. Who will bid for this picture?"

There was silence.

Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, "We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one."

But the auctioneer persisted. "Will somebody bid for this painting. Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?"

Another voice angrily. "We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Goghs, the Rembrandts. Get on with the real bids!"

But still the auctioneer continued. "The Fan! The Fan! Who'll take The Fan?"

Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the longtime gardener of the man and his son. "I'll give $10 for the painting." Being a poor man, it was all he could afford.

"We have $10, who will bid $20?"

"Give it to him for $10. Let's see the masters.""$10 is the bid, won't someone bid $20?"

The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't want the picture of The Fan.

They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections.

The auctioneer pounded the gavel. "Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!"A man sitting on the second row shouted, "Now let's get on with the collection!"

The auctioneer laid down his gavel. "I'm sorry, the auction is over."

"What about the paintings?"

"I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of The Fan would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings.

The person who took The Fan gets everything!"

Never underestimate a Michael Jackson fan.


From: Breakofdawnmjj ( Member Of MJNO..)
>
> paul(mjcool)