Charitable Activities

Charitable Activities
Michael Jackson’s humanitarian background commences during his early years, when, out of his
daily earnings as a Jackson – 5 lead member, he would purchase ice-cream and chewing gum for
children in his neighborhood, according to himself, his mother, Katherine, and father Joseph. Both
as a child and until later in his life (as required by his Jehovah’s Witnesses religion), he would
deliver Bibles door to door to families and preach to them the word of God, while concealing his
renowned identity with disguises. As Jehova's Witnesses, he, along with his mother and siblings
would not celebrate birthdays and Christmases. This subsection will also include other significant
events of worth.
The Early Years:
In 1963, at the age of five, Michael Jackson performs a rendition of song “Climb Every Mountain”
from the “Sound Of Music” for his class at Garnett Elementary School in Gary, Indiana. The song is
a hopeful ode to dreams coming to life. His performance moves many teachers to tears and he
receives a standing ovation. Immediately after the performance, young Michael is invited into the
Jackson brothers group as their lead singer. A lady from their neighbourhood will suggest calling
the group “The Jackson 5”.
One of Michael Jackson’s earliest gigs is a local hospital performance in Gary, Indiana with the
Jackson 5 around 1965, where a real live Santa Claus features on the program the same day.
On July 26, 1968, The Jackson 5 are officially signed to Motown Records, following a series of
local won talent shows. Michael Jackson is 9 years old.
A month and a half after the Jackson Five’s June, 1970 concert at the Los Angeles Forum in
California, the group returns to the stage, at Cobo Arena in Detroit, Michigan as part of a starstudded tribute to boxer Joe Louis. By 1970, the ‘Brown Bomber’ was broke and ailing, and the
organizing committee hopes to raise 100,000 dollars to help him defray hospital costs. Comedians
Bill Cosby and Redd Foxx, and music artists Billy Ekstine, Mahalia Jackson, B. B. King, the Four
Tops and the Jackson 5 entertain crowd of 12,000 spectators on August 12. Louis himself is too ill
to attend, although a vacant chair is left in front in his honor. Berry Gordy, himself a former boxer,
serves as the Honorary Chair for the event, and is probably responsible for getting the Jackson Five
to perform for the gig.
On January 31, 1971, the Jackson 5 return to their home county, Gary, Indiana, to play two benefit
concerts for Mayor Richard G. Hatcher’s re-election campaign at Westside High School. A
ceremony is held outside their former home at 2300 Jackson Street.
In July 28, 1971, the Jackson 5 perform a concert at Allen County War Memorial Colliseum, a
13,000-seat multi-purpose arena in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The grounds immediately surrounding the
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum display the anchor from World War II's USS Indiana
battleship. South and east of the central complex is an expansive parking lot, containing 4,500
available parking spaces. To the south and west along the St. Joseph River, lies Johnny Appleseed
Park, containing the gravesite of American folklore figure John Chapman.
Approximately in 1972, Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 visit the Children’s Heart Hospital in
Philadelphia County, PA., the singer also being seen signing pictures and autographs for the
children therein.
In early 1972, the Jackson 5 and The Supremes are the headlines performing a benefit concert, the
first annual 'Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Concert' in Atlanta, Georgia, helping to raise the startup funds for the "Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Social Change" in Atlanta.
Michael Jackson’s fourth single, “Ben”, is released on July 12, 1972. The song was written for a
film of the same name and was about a young man and his pet rat friend. The response to the single
is impressive, reaching the number 1 spot in the United States and Australia and number 7 in the
U.K. and selling over 2 million copies. It becomes his first ever solo number 1 single, and he
becomes the third youngest artist to have a number 1 hit at just fourteen years old.
On September 30, 1972, the Jackson 5, and a variety of entertainers, perform for "Save The
Children", a film theme of the 1972 "Black Exposition" and conducted by "Operation PUSH"
("People To Save Humanity") in the International Amphitheater of Chicago, the event highlighting,
among musical acts, footage of the city’s black population, their churches, schools, slums and
playgrounds, and promoting the hope for an improved future, benefiting the children of Chicago,
Illinois.
On November 18, 1972, Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 perform at an NAACP fund-raising
dinner at Hollywood, Palladium, California, at the 6th annual Black Image Awards. The NAACP is
the National Association For The Advancement Of Colored People, one of the oldest and most
influential civil rights organizations in the United States.
On December 9, 1972, Michael J. and the Jackson 5 make an appearance in the Watts Christmas
Parade in Los Angeles, California, and they serve as honorary chairmen. The parade is televised the
following day on KTLA.
On December 23, 1972, in Los Angeles, California, the 14-year old singer and the Jackson 5,
dressed as Santas, make their appearance at a Christmas party held at the Pacific Townclub, to visit
and offer presents - on behalf of their record company, Motown - to 700 (according to some
sources, others reporting a number of 400) underprivileged children.
In an article, titled “The Jackson 5 Really Changed!”, the writer points out that “the first time the J5 did a benefit at a children’s hospital, Michael came home and cried all night at the memory of all
those sick children lying in beds, some not even able to move their hands to clap. That is when he
became actively involved in communicating with these kids. He corresponds with youngsters his
own age in hospital all over the country. These are not letters dictated to a secretary by a superstar,
but letters written in Michael’s own hand during breaks in recording or rehearsing or even in
school.”
On December 24, 1972, the Jackson 5 perform Christmas songs during a benefit concert at the
"Foundation for the Junior Blind" in Los Angeles, California, for 1000 visually impaired children,
400 of which attending the benefit party. On his thoughts about the event, Michael Jackson
declares: "You know, really, this is what Christmas is all about - giving."
On March 7, 1973, young Michael Jackson visits the bedside of 6-year old Leslie Robinette suffering from from aplastic anemia caused by the genetic disease fanconi anemia – at the Seattle
Children’s Hospital - then The Children's Orthopedic Hospital and Medical Center. Robinette
received a bone marrow transplant, and was one of the youngest to ever have the procedure. She
went through chemotherapy, radiation, an ever-changing plethora of medications and was kept in
isolation for three months; her state of health was precarious, the doctors saying, after she was
dismissed from the hospital, that she might live 10 years. “I was sitting in my room looking out the
window, ironically listening to 'Looking Through the Window' by the Jackson 5, when I heard all
the nurses going wild and carrying on”, Robinette declares 26 years later. Coincidentally, the
Jackson 5 were there. “They asked me which one I wanted to see, and I said I wanted to see
Michael - he was the cute one”, she says, laughing. She describes teenage Jackson as shy, but kind
and sincere, signing an autographer for her, holding her hand and asking about her state. “I would
never say that he saved her life - that's crazy - but he gave her back a little of her will to live
because she had lost it”, Trine Robinette, Leslie’s sister adds. Leslie eventually did improve, and her
family returned to their farm in Greeneville, Tenn., where she still lives with her parents. 11 years
later, Leslie met Jackson again, while he was on tour in Knoxville with his brothers, where she
received free tickets, then went backstage to meet the Jackson clan. "I asked him if he remembered
me, and he said yes. We talked about my singing in chorus and how I was getting my back brace off
soon”, Robinette says. Jackson then told his security detail that she was his guest, so she got to
watch the third show from a raised VIP platform, seated right next to Jackson's mother, Katherine.
Still struggling with her disease, she is less than 4 feet tall and weighs about 60 pounds, but she is
now 42 and is involved in North American Riding for the Handicapped Association and currently is
training to become an instructor. "I've always felt that Michael and I were kind of kindred spirits,
because we both grew up not being able to really go anywhere or do anything normal kids do”,
Robinette says, adding that she hopes people will remember Michael Jackson for his good deeds
and music.
On August 16, 1973, Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 perform in a benefit gig at St. Paul Civic
Center Arena in Minnesota, with proceeds of the concert being funneled to the Afro-American
Music Opportunities Association (AAMOA). AAMOA, based in the Twin Cities, promotes Black
Music and assists Black composers and musicians worldwide.
On January 29, 1974, the Jackson 5 start their one-week tour in Dakar, Senegal for their first
African tour, where they perform concerts, attend representations from several African dancers, visit
the humble dwelling places of some inhabitants there, and also pose for pictures with and sign
autographs for them, among sightseeing and shopping experiences. They also hold a press
conference with a Senegalese radio, and visit Goree Island.
On August 17, 1974, the Jackson 5 perform at the World Expo/Expo ‘74 in Spokane (Washington).
Expo '74 was an environmentally themed world's fair, which ran from May 4 to November 3, 1974.
Spokane was the smallest city to host a world's fair until Knoxville, Tennessee held the 1982
World's Fair eight years later. The theme for Expo '74 was “Celebrating Tomorrow's Fresh New
Environment.” The fair had 5,2 million visitors and was considered a success, nearly breaking even,
revitalizing the blighted urban core, and pumping an estimated 150 million dollars into the local
economy and surrounding region.
In a back issue of Harlem's Black newspaper, the “Amsterdam News”, a display commercial
announcing a performance of the Brewery Puppet Troupe at the Space for Transnational Arts on
November 29-30, 1974 is featured. ‘The Jackson 5 Meet Malcolm X’ - with puppets is “a comedy
musical adventure chronicling through the art of puppetry the dancing and singing talents of the
Jackson 5 and their encounter with one of the most important modern-day black leaders, Malcolm
X”.
The Jackson 5 attend The Tournament of Roses Parade in 1974. Better known as the Rose Parade, it
is "America's New Year Celebration", a festival of flower-covered floats, marching bands,
equestrians and a college football game on New Year's Day, produced by the non-profit ‘Pasadena
Tournament of Roses Association’.
In 1977, The Jacksons (as they would be named themselves since 1975) visit the impoverished
areas of Trinidad, Port-au-Spain, namely the economically deprived inhabitants, not affording to
attend a Jacksons’ concert. Michael Jackson enters their cardboard – stone houses and visits and
greets the Catholic – school girls therein. The mentioned year finds The Jacksons competing with
other teams of entertainers in the "Rock ‘N’ Roll Sports Classics" special program; being joined in
their East team by affiliated show business members, they are awarded as first – place winners of
the competition with a set of 20,000 dollars, a charitable contribution funneled to the University of
California, U.S.A.
On May 17, 1977, the Jacksons flow to Glasgow, Scotland for a command performance for Queen
Elizabeth II, with proceeds of the show going to the Silver Jubilee Fund. The Fund was established
1977 to commemorate the Queen’s Silver Jubilee, and its purpose is to enable a small number of
senior students in Cumbria’s schools and colleges to undertake work experience projects of
academic nature overseas, connected to industry, service to the community, the arts, sport etc.
On October 23, 1978, Michael Jackson, a renowned toy and cartoon enthusiast, visits the famous
toy store F.A.O Schwartz in Manhattan, New York.
Michael Jackson is seen signing autographs prior a benefit show at the Shubert Theatre in Los
Angeles, California, in October, 1978.
In January, 1979, the singer donates a certain amount of books, including J.M Barrie's "Peter Pan",
to the "Chicago Public Library’s Young Adult Section", and, on occasion of a library project,
"Boogie To The Book Beat", he delivers a speech on the importance of reading.
On July 28 1979, Michael released the first single from the forthcoming album, “Don’t Stop Till
You Get Enough”. The love song is written by Jackson and features a spoken intro, a surprising
falsetto voice and funky percussion by Michael and his brother Randy. Jackson said that the song's
lyrics were not a reference to sex, but could be about whatever people wanted them to be about. The
song is released with a bright music video featuring a playful, ecstatic Jackson singing and dancing
an ode for love – including that which is cosmic – that he feels one with: “Eternal love shines in my
eyes”. The song goes to number 1 in the US and Australia and becomes a top 10 hit in 6 countries.
In 1979, "The Black Linkage For Adoptive Children" hosts a charity event during which the
Jacksons’ costumes from their 1979 Destiny Tour were auditioned off to the highest bidder; Michael
Jackson’s costume garnered 575,00 dollars, the highest price from an impersonator who performed
in an outfit that night for a gig.
In 1979, the entertainer participates at a fundraiser organised by American actress, writer and
activist, Jane Fonda.
In 1980, Michael Jackson performs song “Rock With You” at “Because We Care”, a UNICEF
Charity Gala held at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. "Thank you.
Thank you very much. Thank you very much, not only for your applause, but thank you for caring;
and I’m very happy to be here. I love you all. Thank you”, he says to the audience after performing
his song.
The 1980's
Around 1980, while touring in Philadelphia, Michael Jackson and The Jacksons visit the local
Children’s Hospital, the group making other such relief apperances during their tours.
In 1980, a very excited and cheerful Michael Jackson – already a huge fan of anything Disney appears on Kraft Salutes Disneyland’s 25th Anniversary Show’, performing a medley of songs,
namely “When You Wish Upon A Star” (from Walt Disney's 1940 adaptation of ‘Pinocchio’), “Ease
On Down The Road” from film ‘The Wiz’ and “Follow The Yellow Brick Road” (from the
soundtrack to the 1939 film The Wizard Of Oz’), and is accompanied in song and dance by Mickey
and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and other Disney characters.
For The Jacksons' Triumph Tour, opened on July 9, 1981 in Memphis, Tennessee, Michael Jackson,
inspired by film “Close Encounters Of The Third Kind”, designs a space-age set and also brings in
magician Doug Henning to work on the show’s special effects. ‘Close Encounters of the Third
Kind’ is a 1977 American science fiction film written directed by Steven Spielberg. The film stars
Richard Dreyfuss, François Truffaut, Melinda Dillon, Teri Garr, Bob Balaban, and Cary Guffey. It
tells the story of Roy Neary, an Indiana electrical lineman, whose life changes after he has an
encounter with an unidentified flying object (UFO). In addition, the United States government is
also aware of the UFO’s, as is a team of international scientific researchers. Jackson meant to create
a special atmosphere of triumph, in celebration of brother Randy’s recuperation following a serious
car accident in Hollywood the year before.
On July 22, 1981, The Jacksons give a special benefit concert for the "Atlanta Children’s
Foundation" at the Omni Auditorium in Atlanta, Georgia, and raise 100,000 dollars for the charity,
subsequently to lengthy episodes of Black youth disappearances and murders in the mentioned city.
Speaking on behalf of himself and his brothers, Michael Jackson reveals, "We Are doing this
because we care". LeBaron Taylor, vise president and general manager of Divisional Affairs for
CBS Records, distributor of Epic Efforts for whom the Jacksons record, and coordinator of the
special event comments, "We are pleased that The Jacksons have scheduled this special
performance for such a worthy cause [...]".
On September 22, 1980, “Can You Feel It”, the first track off the Jacksons’ Triumph album, written
by Michael and Jackie Jackson, gets released. The song preaches or rebels against racism and
xenophoby. The accompanying video, directed by Bruce Gowers and Robert Abel is noted for its
remarkable special effects. Michael Jackson creates the video's concept, which features him and his
brothers appearing as celestial beings or missionaries, spreading their light and message unto the
world and is easily assumed to have been based on the singer’s Jehovah’s-Witnesses upbringing.
Tito Jakson's sons, Taj and Taryll appear as extras among a number of people of all ages and races.
Michael J. creates and produces a short promotional film based on the single, “Can You Feel It”,
entitled “The Triumph”. The video includes impressive special effects ahead of its time, as well as
animated images of fire and water symbolizing the world’s genesis. One of the first times the film
will be broadcast will be on “American Bandstand”, which wouldn’t normally show films. In 2001,
it will be voted one of the 100 best videos of all time, in a poll to mark the 20th anniversary of
MTV. Released as a single in 1981, the song reached number 77 on the pop charts and number 30
on the R&B charts in United States, but reached number six in the United Kingdom and number
two in the Netherlands in 1981.
* During the years of residing at Hayvenhurst mansion with his family, Michael Jackson accepts a
large number of children’s requests to visit him there through foundations such as "Make A Wish",
most of these visits not being publicized, sister La Toya Jackson confirms in her 1991
autobiography, as well as the singer himself. The young visitors would be treated to screenings,
sweets to their preference from the residence’s Candy Store, to petting the exotic pets of his
menagerie, to arcade and video - game playing and the like.
In July, 1982, Jackson attends the City of Hope Spirit of Life Awards Dinner, producer Quincy
Jones being honoured with a ‘Spirit of Life’ award that evening. ‘City of Hope’ is an organization
recognized worldwide for its compassionate patient care, innovative science and translational
research, which rapidly turns laboratory breakthroughs into promising new therapies. For nearly
100 years, City of Hope’s pioneering research has brought the world closer to cures for many lifethreatening diseases, from cancer to diabetes.
In 1982, singer Donna Summer covers world-anthem "State Of Independence" on her album,
“Donna Summer” produced by Quincy Jones. Summer's version of the song features an all-star
choir including Michael Jackson, Brenda Russell, James Ingram, Dionne Warwick, Kenny Loggins,
Michael McDonald, Lionel Richie, Christopher Cross, Dyan Cannon and Stevie Wonder. This song
was originally written and recorded by Jon Anderson and Vangelis for their 1981 album, The
Friends Of Mr. Cairo. It was cited by Quincy Jones as being the precursor to and inspiration for the
1985 'We are the world', written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, and thematically, it is a
spiritually-driven song about universal love, peace, and unity unfolding under God’s guiding truth.
Thriller is the sixth studio album by American recording artist Michael Jackson, released on
November 30, 1982 by Epic Records as the follow-up to Jackson's critically and commercially
successful 1979 album, Off the Wall. The album is one of the first to use music videos as successful
promotional tools, the videos for "Thriller", "Billie Jean" and "Beat It" all receiving regular rotation
on MTV. Thriller sells 1 million copies weekly at its peak, according to Jay Cocks’ 1984 article,
‘Why He’s A Thriller’. The album will rank at number 20 on Rolling Stone magazine's 500 Greatest
Albums of All Time list in 2003, and will be listed by the National Association of Recording
Merchandisers (NARM) at number 3 in its Definitive 200 Albums of All Time. On August 21, 2009,
Thriller will be certified 29 times Multi-Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of
America, for shipments of at least 29 million copies in the US. The album tops the charts in many
countries, sold 3.7 million copies in the UK, 2.5 million in Japan and going 15 times Platinum in
Australia. Still popular today, Thriller sells an estimated 130,000 copies in the US per year; it
reached number two in the US Catalog charts in February 2003 and number 39 in the UK in March
2007. According to The Washington Post, Thriller paved the way for other African-American artists
such as Prince. "The Girl Is Mine" is credited by Robert Christgau for getting interracial love on the
radio, it being a collaboration between Jackson and Paul McCartney. Time notes that "Jackson is the
biggest thing since The Beatles. He is the hottest single phenomenon since Elvis Presley. He just
may be the most popular black singer ever". In February 2008, Epic Records releases Thriller 25, a
remastered collection of Thriller’s songs and a new song, ‘For All Time’, about love being the only
enduring thing on earth. Jackson serves as executive producer for those album, which includes a
DVD featuring three music videos, the Motown 25 "Billie Jean" performance, and a booklet with a
message from Jackson, who allows the remixing of 5 Thriller songs, featuring American artists
Fergie, will.i.am, Kanye West and Akon. According to will.i.am (this being more or less a rumor),
Jackson and him did not entertain the idea of remixes appearing on Thriller 25. Jackson also didn’t
like the idea of “Blood On The Dancefloor”, the 1997 album, to include remixes of some HIStory
and “BOTDF” songs, however is convinced by Sony’s approach of Jackson reaching the young
generations, which will also be the case with Thriller 25.
“Billie Jean” is released as the ‘Thriller’’s album’s second single on January 2, 1983. The song is a
dramatic recount of a stalker fan who claimed that Jackson was the father of her child. The woman
would come over to his house, saying she was his wife, and would write him countless of letters
about a son she thought was his. Jackson had a hard time dealing with her and became more
reclusive as a result. In his autobiography, Moon Walk, Jackson says that Jones wanted to change
the title to "Not My Lover" because he thought it would be confused with tennis star Billie Jean
King. Years later, including currently, in 2010, a woman by the name of Theresa Gonzalez proudly
admits to her being the real Billie Jean, offering inconsistent and self-contradicting graphic details
about their alleged relationship. In an August, 2009 issue of Q magazine Quincy Jones, producer of
the single, adds: "According to Michael, this song was about a girl that climbed over (his) wall. He
woke up one morning and she was laying out by the pool, bathing suit on. Just invaded the place, a
stalker almost. And Michael says she had accused him of being the father of one of her twins."
Jackson also gives another, more substantial meaning to the song, when, during an interview in
Thailand, he explains: "There is a girl named Billie Jean, but it's not about that Billie Jean. Billie
Jean is kind of anonymous. It represents a lot of girls. They used to call them groupies in the '60’s.
They would hang around backstage doors, and any band that would come to town they would have
a relationship with, and I think I wrote this out of experience with my brothers when I was little.
There were a lot of Billie Jeans out there. Every girl claimed that their son was related to one of my
brothers." Over the years, several women would falsely claim Jackson to be the father of their
children. The music video is given a budget of 250,000 dollars and is directed by Steve Baron.
Inspired in part by the film Somebody Up There Likes Me, and directed by Steve Barron, the video
shows a photographer who follows Jackson. The paparazzo never catches the singer, and when
photographed, Jackson fails to materialise on the developed picture. To add to the suspense and
dramatic quality of it, Jackson goes to a hotel room where Billie Jean was sleeping, lies beside her,
then disappears in bright light, the scene likely representing the temptations that Jackson underwent
while on tours. The concept came from both director and artist and proved to be very successful.
After 3 weeks, “Billie Jean” hits the number 1 spot in the U.S. charts. At this time, MTV (or Music
Television), until then a fairly unknown, obscure music channel, has rarely played black artists on
their daily rotation. Michael Jackson is one of the first black artists to get played on the station and
the first to get played in heavy rotation with the video for ‘Billie Jean”. Starting with March 1983.
The video for ‘Beat It” will follow this trend. Jackson’s breakthrough with the channel will start
other black artists’ music videos being played on MTV, bolstering the station’s popularity. Thriller’s
sales will soar and it will be the first time an album reaches the number 1 spot in the United States
and the United Kingdom at the same time. The video will also be a precursor to the video game,
‘Dance Dance Revolution’, as some scenes showed Jackson performing his dance moves by
stepping on squares as they would light up.
Thriller’s third single, “Beat It”, written by Michael Jackson, is released on March 5, 1983, and it
features guitarists Eddie Van Halen and Steve Lukather. Van Halen records his guitar solo free of
charge. "I did it as a favor", Valen later says. "I was a complete fool, according to the rest of the
band, our manager and everyone else. I was not used. I knew what I was doing - I don't do
something unless I want to do it." The short film for “Beat It” is paid for and conceptualised by
Michael Jackson himself, directed by Bob Giraldi and co-choreographed by Michael Jackson and
Michael Peters, and takes place on Los Angeles Skid Row around February 14, 1983. Jackson asks
Giraldi to come up with a concept for the "Beat It" video because of the singer liking a commercial
Giraldi has directed for WLS-TV in Chicago, which it features a married couple of two elderly
blind people who, instead of running from a run-down neighborhood of minorities, which all the
other white folks had fled from, choose to stay and throw a block party for all the young kids in the
area. The cast for ‘Beat It’ includes 80 members of two real rival street gangs from L.A., Crips and
Bloods - the entertainer’s idea - the promo for the video costing Jackson an estimated 140,000 or
50,000 dollars, after CBS refusing to finance it. “Beat It” sees the unification of two gangs through
the power of music, message and dance. The heavily repeated chorus goes “Beat it, beat it, / No one
wants to be defeated. / Showing how funky, strong is your fight, / It doesn’t matter who’s wrong or
right” draw up an emblematic anthem against violence and taking chance on it as a demonstration
for manhood. Allmusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine states that the song is both "tough" and
"scared". In his room, Jackson contemplates the violence breaking outside, him dancing his way
through the diner and pool room of a hotel (presumably), towards the gang conflict, where he starts
dancing and the gang members joining him. The single reaches to the number-1 chart position a
week after its release and Michael Jackson becomes the first black artist to have a number-one
album and single simultaneously in the United States and the United Kingdom. The single will be
certified gold, a few months after its release, for shipments of at least one million units. In 1989, the
standard format single will become re-certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of
America, based on the revised sales level of one million units for platinum singles. The total
number of digital sales in the United States, as from September 2010, amounts to at 1,649,000.
On May 8, 1983, “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” is released and becomes Thriller’s forth number-1
single. It is written, composed and co-produced by Jackson, the song’s lyrics pertaining on rumors
and conflicts being started out and embellished by the media and press, as well as regular people,
such as Billie Jean, the prototype of stalkerish girls lying for fame achievement: “Billie Jean is
always talkin’ / When nobody else is talkin’. / Tellin’ lies and rubbin’ shoulders”. It was originally
written for sister La Toya Jackson about her troubled relationship with her sisters-in-law, but
Michael ended up recording the song, while La Toya sometimes will perform it at her concerts. He
refers to sister La Toya and other loved ones (whether family members or friends) when he repeats
throughout the song, “Someone’s always trying to start/keep my baby crying, / Talkin’,
squealin’/screamin’, lyin’, / You got my baby cryin’”. Towards the end of the song, Jackson
addresses a sharp message to careless parents who don’t tend to their offspring: “If you can’t feed
your baby, / Then don’t have a baby, / And don’t think maybe […]”, adding that “You’ll be always
tryin’ / To stop that child from cryin’, /Hustlin’, stealin’, lyin’, / Now baby’s slowly dyin’”. The
song is also commercially successful, charting within the top twenty and top thirty in multiple
countries, and becoming Jackson's fifth consecutive top ten single in the United States on the
Billboard Hot 100, peaking within the top ten at number five. The song will re-enter charts in 2008
after the release of Thriller 25.
Released on October 3, 1983, “Say, Say, Say”, another duet between Michael J. and Paul
McCartney (a follow-up of “The Girl Is Mine”) and is a single from the former Beatle’s album,
‘Pipes Of Peace’. The lyrics to "Say Say Say" reflect an attempt to "win back" a girl's affection. The
music video (or "short film") for "Say Say Say" is directed by Bob Giraldi, (who also directed "Beat
It"). The ‘Say, Say, Say’ collaboration features cameo appearances by Linda McCartney, and
Jackson’s older sister La Toya. To accommodate Jackson's busy schedule the video is filmed at Los
Olivos in the Santa Ynez Valley, California. In the short film, the duo play "Mac and Jack", a pair of
conmen who sell a "miracle potion". The salesman (McCartney) offers Jackson the potion, and
claims that it is "guaranteed to give you the strength of a raging bull". Jackson drinks the potion and
challenges a large man to arm wrestle, competition which is won by the frail artist – the rest of
crowd being . Mac and Jack then donate all of the money earned from the scam to an orphanage.
That is the theme of English folklore, Robin Hood, the highly skilled archer and swordsman known
for “robbing from the rich and giving to the poor”. McCartney and Jackson also star as vaudeville
performers/clowns who entertain people at a local bar. The first theme from the videoclip is a
"Child/Man" theme, the role of both a boy and an adult, which writer James M. Curtis states
Jackson plays throughout the music video. Curtis writes that the bathroom scene (of Jackson
washing his hands, then looking at McCartney in the mirror while he shaves) is reminiscent of boys
copying their fathers. He adds that the scene marks "the distinction between Michael's roles as a
Child and as a Man". The writer also highlights the part where the singer supposedly becomes
strengthened with a miracle potion, a further play on the "Child/Man" theme. Furthermore, Curtis
observes that Paul and Linda McCartney seem to act as if they are Jackson's parents in the short
film. The author also notes that in a scene where Jackson is handed a bouquet of flowers from a girl,
it is a reversal of one from City Lights, a 1931 film starring Charlie Chaplin, whom the singer
deeply admired.
The short film and single “Thriller”, featuring Vincent Price, and written by Rod Temperton, is
released on December 2, 1983. It is a horror story, the victim being a girl (played by Ola Ray in the
video) which is reassured by Jackson that she only had a nightmare by waking her up, and that in
the midst of that terror she felt, “Now it’s the time / For you and I to cuddle close together (yeah). /
All through the night / I’ll save you from the terror on the screen […] Girl, I can thrill you more
than any ghoul will ever dare try’, although on waking his set partner, he turns at the camera,
revealing a smile and wearwolf eyes. This represents the clear possibility and belief that monsters
(evil-mindeddness) can lurk inside of real people as well. Jackson took a special interest since
childhood in studying everything monstruous, especially that which is produced by distorted human
perceptions. The entertainer himself was erroneously depicted by the media and at times called a
‘monster’, when Jackson tried all along to evoke and/or illustrate in darker-themed songs/videos
such as Thriller, Ghosts, Is It Scary, Threatened, Black Or White or Bad, the terror and pains
consuming him various times in his life, and that his public persona is a reflection of the media’s
perception of him, including a large part of society’s. He also was a victim of scare and emotional
abuse early in his life, thus reproduced a similar fear in Thriller, where he most likely exorcised his
demons, art always being cathartic for Jackson, and a way to express what he wasn’t willing to in
real life in front of people, i.e. violence, anger, frustrations or terror. John Landis directs the
video/film and Rick Baker is responsible for special effects and make-up. The film costs an
estimated 1 million dollars which Jackson himself provides. To re-coup some of the budget costs,
John Landis will negotiate a deal with Showtime, MTV and Vestron to fund a 60-minute
documentary on the making of the short film. ‘Making Michael Jackson’s Thriller’ will be aired a
year later and sold on video tape. It will become the biggest selling music video of all time, with
estimated sales of 9 million as of 2006. A week after the single and short film gets released, sales of
the album soar and once again, Thriller retains its number-one charts position. At this time, Michael
Jackson hires a new manager, Frank DiLeo, who will remain with him for five years.
In 1983, Michael Jackson is reported to have been baptized a Jehovah Witness at the Kingdom Hall
of Los Angeles, California.
The entertainer’s father, Joseph Jackson, in partnership with American boxing promoter, Don King,
make a multimillion-dollar in 1984 deal to film a commercial for Pepsi, a product the health
devotee neither drank nor liked, however, he complies with the deal as the company was sponsoring
The Jacksons’ Victory Tour. The commercial will, however, prove to be ominous... in a negative
way.
On January 27, 1984, Michael Jackson is burned on the back of his head while filming the said
commercial with his brothers for the Pepsi Corporation. The magnesium smoke bombs used for the
commercial are to blame, being only two feet away from either side of the singer’s head. A spark
from one of the bombs set his hair alight and resulted in second and third degree burns his scalp. As
a result of the incident and news coverage, both Pepsi and Jackson’s sales soar. Two subsequent
Pepsi commercials are debuted at the Grammy awards ceremony in 1984. Jackson does not sue
Pepsi, instead donates the entire earnings in damages from the sponsor - 1,5, million dollars – to a
center named after the singer, “The Michael Jackson Burn Center For Children”.
On February 7, 1984, Michael Jackson visits the ‘New York Metropolitan Museum of Natural
History’ together with actress and friend, Brooke Shields. That evening, he is honored for two
entries in the Guinness Book of World Records - selling the most popular album in history
(Thriller), then winning the most Grammy Awards (8).
“Eat It”, a parody of Beat It by “Weird Al” Yankovic is released, on February 28, 1984. The musicvideo spoof was blessed by a healthily amused Jackson, who will also give permission to Yankovic
to release his other parody, for “Bad”, on April 12, 1988.
On April 9, 1984, through the auspices of the "Brass Ring Society", an organization which fulfills
the wishes of terminally ill children, he welcomes 14-year-old David Smithee to his mansion, the
boy suffering from cystic fibrosis, as a result, granting his last wish. During the afternoon visit at
Jackson's Encino, California home, the boy watches a movie with Jackson in his home theater, plays
video games and learns how to moonwalk from the star. Of the video games, David later tells a
Tulsa Tribune reporter, "I played two games with him and beat him both times.” The visit was
topped off with Jackson giving David the red leather jacket he had worn in the "Beat It" video and a
beaded glove he had worn to the American Music Awards, where he collected eight awards. 7
weeks after, however, Smithee unfortunately passes away.
On April 14, 1984, Jackson equips a 19 – bed unit at "Mount Sinai Medical Center", a division of
the "T.J. Martell Foundation for Leukemia and Cancer Research" and attends a dinner event
organized by the said foundation. That day, he also poses for a picture with young David Smithee,
which will unfortunately pass away a month later.
On April 27, 1984, the Disney-enamored artist is visited by Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at
Hayvenhurst mansion in Encino, California, with whom he plays, as well as throws a coin in the
wishing well, then makes a wish, hands joined in prayer position.
In 1984, he engages in supporting the "National Campaign Against Teenage Drunk Driving",
campaign addressing the perils of alcohol use: car accidents, and/or life loss. In May, he is asked to
donate the song "Beat It" for anti drink driving advertisements
In June, 1984, the entertainer meets with other supporters of the “Camp Goodtimes”, a non-profit
organization founded by parents of children with cancer, in Malibu, Los Angeles, such as O.J.
Simpson, Dustin Hoffman, David Soul, Neil Diamond and Richard Chamberlain. The first Camp
Goodtimes event will be held in Vashon Island at Camp Sealth, August 1984. Ninety-three children,
cancer patients and siblings attended and twenty-five American Cancer Society volunteers staffed
the camp along with the summer staff at Camp Sealth.
On July 5, 1984, on occasion of a Jacksons’ press conference at former restaurant in New York,
USA, "Tavern on the Green", Michael Jackson announces that his Victory – tour share of proceeds
are to entirely cover three charitable organizations: "The United Negro College Fund", "Camp Good
Times" and "T.J. Martel Foundation". Furthermore, at each gig, 500 places are reserved for invalids
and hospital patients, taken on stretchers into the stadiums.
On July 6, 1984, Michael Jackson and his brothers embark on their Victory Tour as The Jacksons,
the tour starting in Kansas City, Missouri, and the Victory album was released on the same day. The
tour consists of 55 shows over 5 months in the United States and Canada andwas the biggest and
most successful of its time. It will end in Los Angeles, California on December 9, and be Michael’s
last tour with the brothers.
In 1984, the group donates 1200 tickets, valued at 39,000 dollars, to a number of disadvantaged
children, subsequently to a performance at Texas Stadium in Dallas, Texas. In addition, they
perform for eight children suffering from incurable illnesses in Jacksonville, Florida, where Michael
Jackson grants the wish of 14-year old Malanda Cooper in Miami, Florida, paralyzed in a car
accident, visiting her backstage and presenting her with a tape of his Victory tour concerts and a
jacket worn by the singer during the concerts. The group also performs for 700 other
underprivileged people during another performance. Furthermore, they enable the transportation of
40 children from the "Thelma Marshall Children's Home" for orphans, foster and abandoned
children, - The Hoosier Boys Home and the Donzels Work Study Program for high school students
working toward a college education to Detroit, Michigan for a performance there. The selfsame
year, Michael Jackson meets and supports a moribund young patient by offering his black sequined
glove and leather jacket to him.
On December 13, 1984, he visits the unit for burn victims at "Brotman Memorial Hospital" in Los
Angeles, him having been admitted there previously for head injuries, derived from a stage
pyrotechnics incident during filming the commercial for Pepsi along with his brothers. Among the
victims, he meets 23-year old mechanic, Keith Perry, burned over 90 percent of his body in a car
crash. The surgeons declare that Jackson’s visit at Perry’s bedside was the main reason he had
pulled through: "Michael encouraged him, talking to him for hours", says Los Angeles hospital
spokesman, Judy Davis.
1984 is the year when the United Negro College Fund the 'Michael Jackson Scholars' program
while the singer is on tour with his brothers.
On January 28, 1985, Michael Jackson arrives at A&M Lion Share Studios, Los Angeles, California
to record with a variety of American singers the highly successful benefit anthem, "We Are The
World" (co-written with singer Lionel Richie), grossing a total of more than 60 million dollars for
the most severely famine – stricken African countries. Among the long list of other performers are:
Harry Belafonte, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, James Ingram,
Bob Geldoff, Jackie, La Toys, Marlon, Randy and Tito Jackson, Al Jarreau, Billy Joel, Cyndi
Lauper, Bette Midler, Willie Nelson, Steve Perry, The Pointer Sisters, Smokey Robinson, Kenny
Rogers, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Dionne Warwick etc. The recording session begins at 9:00
p.m., and lasts the entire night. Jackson doesn’t leave until 8:00 a.m. the next morning. “We Are The
World – The Video Event” will become the ninth best selling video cassette of 1985. The song itself
will be released on March 7, 1985 to be selling approximately 800,000 copies in its first three days
of release. By 1986, the song will have sold in excess of 7,5 million copies and raised 8 million
dollars for famine relief.
On February 14, 1985, the singer helps with the delivery of Valentino, a baby deer born to his pet
deer, Prince and Princess at Hayvenhurst in Encino.
In 1985, for the “Hands Across America” project, which follows the USA For Africa one, Jackson
favors use of “We Are The World”. He has been outvoted by the other board members and a new
song was specially written for the event, “Hands Across America”, with “We Are The World” as the
B-side, though the song won’t achieve nearly the amount of success “We Are The World” has. A
second version of “We Are The World” will be produced by George Duke, with children singing the
lyrics. Jackson has always preferred this version to the USA For Africa one, feeling the song was
meant to be sung by children.
In March, 1985, Michael Jackson purchases ATV Music Publishing Company for 47.5 million
dollars. ATV’s music catalogue includes the rights to more than 4000 songs, including 251 of The
Beatles’ compositions. This purchase made Michael Jackson one of the top music publishers in the
world and demonstrates his savvy businessmanship at just 26 years of age and his passion for all
music.
On March 29, 1985, the singer visits the Royal London Hospital, it being his second visit there in
two years. Jackson also views the remains of Joseph Carey Merrick John Merrick - the Elephant
Man - , sometimes incorrectly referred to as John Merrick. He became well known in London
society after he went to live at the London Hospital. Merrick died in 1890, at the age of 27.
Following his hospital visit, Jackson attends an evening party and reception afterwards in his honor,
CBS Records presenting him with a platinum wall-mounted plaque.
On July 30, 1985, Michael Jackson severely sprains his right hand during the filming of 3-D fantasy
musical, ‘Captain EO’. He is treated at the ‘Brotman Memorial Hospital’ where he also visits a sick
fan, confined to her wheelchair.
In 1985, he attends an Australian Telethon in Perth. He also makes a brief speech outdoors, before a
crowd of fans. In August, 1985, after his appearance on the Telethon, he visits the ‘Princess
Margaret Children’s Hospital’ in Perth, which benefits the hospital’s children. He chats with
children there and their parents and poses for picture. On October 21, 1985, while in Perth, he also
visits the animals from the “Cohuna Wildlife Sanctuary”, and is photographed with a Koala bear in
his arms, being fed leaves.
An animal advocate, the singer rescues a chimpanzee (that would become his pet animal) from a
cancer research facility in Texas, U.S. in 1985, and would, moreover, house other endangered
species of animals as part of his menageries from both Hayvenhurst and Neverland ranches
throughout the years.
On February 28, 1986, he telephones and invites 14-year-old Donna Ashlock from California convalescing after a heart transplant - over to "Hayvenhurst" mansion in Encino, there dining and
watching a film with the young patient, the actual visit taking place on March, 8. That same year, he
invites 12-year-old Danielle Finmark (attending "Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times", an
organization for children with cancer) to the ranch, where she tours the residence, visits his
menagerie, has lunch with Jackson and watches movie "Short Circuit" with him, according to
Finmark.
Michael Jackson sets a new world record in 1986. In February, Pepsi-Cola Corporation signs a 3year deal with the entertainer for a staggering 15 million dollars. The endorsement deal will include
two Pepsi commercials and the sponsorship of the artist’s first solo tour. It will be the largest
endorsement deal of its kind in history. His first major project for the year will be a groundbreaking
3D movie called “Captain Eo”, directed by Francis Ford Coppola and produced by George Lucas.
Jackson writes and records two songs for the 17 minute epic: “We Are Here to Change the World”
and “Another Part of Me”. He also helps create a “Captain Eo” ride for Disneyland. The movie will
enjoy great success and run ran for 8 years at Disneyland and 10 years at Epcot. It will also be
released at Tokyo Disneyland where it will run for 9 years and Disneyland Park in Paris - for 6
years. The attraction, now entitled Captain EO Tribute, re-opened at Disneyland Park on February
23, 2010. The attraction returned to Discoveryland at Disneyland Park (Paris) on June 12, 2010,
returned to Epcot at Walt Disney World on July 2 and to Tokyo Disneyland on July 1.
In May, 1986, he attends the annual ‘Family Day’ at brother Tito and his wife, Dolores ‘Dee-Dee’’s
home.
In the afore – mentioned year (1986), he establishes the "Michael Jackson UNCF Endowed
Scholarship Fund", a foundation then estimated at 1,5 million dollars, aiming to boost youth
education, specialization in art performances and communication. The company’s funds would be a
yearly supply for the African-American students attending a "UNCF" college or university. That
year, the fund had provided 97 scholarship awards and enrolled scholars in nearly all of UNCF’s 42
schools, it was reported.
On July 30, 1986, Michael Jackson attends the funeral of film director Vincent Minnelli, and is seen
sympathetically holding hands with visibly mourning Liza, Minnelli’s daughter, and fourth wife,
Lee Anderson. Minnelli died at age 83, after struggling with emphysema and bouts with pneumonia
that caused him to be repeatedly hospitalized in his final year. He was interred in Forest Lawn
Memorial Park fro Glendale, Los Angeles.
“Michael’s Pets”, a collection of stuffed animals made in the likeness of Jackson’s own pets is
marketed in October, 1986. The singer was “very instrumental in the designing of the toys” and “in
how it should be programmed”, according to Bob Michaelson, who helped develop the line with
Jackson. The stuffed pets are ten in number, namely Cool Bear, based on the singer himself, Jabbar
the giraffe, Louie the llama, Muscles the snake, Bubbles the chimpanzee, Uncle Tookie the frog,
Spanky, a white dog, Mr. Bill, another dog, Suzy the rabbit, and Jeannine the ostrich. The singer
requests that one dollar out of each purchase from the "Michael’s Pets" set be placed aside for a
children’s organization.
On August 31, 1987, the seventh studio album, “BAD” is released by Epic/CBS Records, cited as
one of the best selling albums of all time. Bad is the only album to have five of its singles peak at
number one on the Billboard Hot 100, and being ranked number 43 in the 100 Greatest Albums of
All Time of the MTV Generation in 2009 by VH1 music channel. Bad saw Jackson exercise even
more artistic freedom than he did with his two previous Epic releases (Off the Wall and Thriller).
The album's songs lyrics pertain to wistful romance, world redemption and personal justifiable
paranoia. Allmusic notes that Bad moved Jackson “deeper into hard rock, deeper into schmaltzy
adult contemporary, deeper into hard dance - essentially taking each portion of Thriller to an
extreme, while increasing the quotient of immaculate studiocraft”. By February 1988, the Bad
album sales will amount to circa 7 million copies and it will reach the number one spot in 21
different countries.
On September 12, 1987, Jackson kicks off his “Bad World Tour” in Tokyo, Japan. The show
includes a 90-member crew, state-of-the-art light show, special effects and massive video screens.
The tour in Japan is greeted with mass hysteria and the Japanese press dubs Michael Jackson
“Typhoon Michael”. He plays nine sold-out shows to thousands of fans, and earns approximately 20
million dollars. The entertainer will donate millions of dollars to schools, hospitals and charities in
Japan.
On November 13, 1987, Michael Jackson meets 4-year old wounded Angela Darlington and her
mother, Helen, in Melbourne Children’s Hospital during a stop from his BAD concert there at the
Olympic Park Stadium. The mother has this to say on the visit 21 years later: “My daughter, Angela,
was in hospital with head injuries after being hit by a car. One day we were told by the nurses that
Michael Jackson was coming to visit. We had to keep it a secret, so the hospital wasn’t
overwhelmed with fans. There was a big flurry, as his assistants handed out T-shirts and signed
copies of his Bad album to everyone on the ward. Then he just walked around and talked to the
patients. […] I said hello. He said he was pleased to meet me. I was gobsmacked. He was very
gentle and seemed shy. I got the sense he had a deep love for children, especially those who’d been
hurt. Then he crouched down and said ‘Hello, Angela’. She couldn’t talk, because she’d just come
out of a coma, but she started smiling. After that day, she started to get better. I think of him as an
inspiration. We’d been having a terrible time – Angela was in hospital and I’d been ringing Lifeline
to keep myself together, but he was a total inspiration for the whole ward. I thought: ‘Thank God
for sending him’. He just had a presence about him – this great empathy with people who needed to
get better. Now, Angela is 25, at university and full of life. There was another boy on the ward who
was about 15 and was a huge fan. After Michael’s visit, he started getting better too. His mom
thought it was a miracle. I believe many of the children got better after meeting him. I think people
should know about this side of Michael. I’ve never believed he was anything but a good person.”
On September 10, 1987, on a stop from his Bad Tour concerts, Michael Jackson visits the Korakuen
Amusement Park in Tokyo, Japan, and the Disneyland Tokyo the following day.
In September, 1987, Michael Jackson donates 20,000 dollars to a family in Japan, for their 5-year
old kidnapped and murdered son, Yoshiaki Hagiwara, in memory of whom the singer says a few
words while on stage in Yokohama, Japan, on the second leg of his Bad World Tour. He also
dedicates the Tour to the late youth. Furthermore, on September 13, he displays his support towards
a campaign against racism, as well as towards "NAACP"s mission to help arrest prejudiced conduct
against black artists.
In 1987, country singer, Kenny Rogers releases a book of collection of photographs he has taken of
some of his famous friends, titled “Your Friends and Mine”. Rogers recounts the story of the idea
behind the book’s creation and publishing. In one of the photos, Jackson poses with Bubbles the
chimpanzee in his arms, the entertainer being dressed casually, in worn jeans and a simple shirt.
Rogers’ several other photos of Jackson feature another black-and-white shot of him sitting on the
floor and holding a fedora up to his face.
Below, is the book’s introductory excerpt about how Rogers met the entertainer, and his pleasant
impression of the star he would call a “friend”:
“The first person I shot for the book was Michael Jackson. In 1986, I hosted the Grammy Awards
telecast in Los Angeles. That night, my son Christopher met Michael backstage. Christopher had
always loved Michael. He would even dress like him at home […] As it happened, Marianne,
[Roger’s wife] sent me some flowers with a little plastic Grammy attached. Unbeknownst to me or
anyone else, Christopher took the plastic Grammy, walked into Michael Jackson’s press conference,
and handed it to him. The next day, Michael called to tell Christopher how much he appreciated it.
He also invited him out to his house to see his animals, so Marianne and Christopher went out to
Encino. Michael knew I was a photographer, he mentioned that he’d like it if I took a picture of him
and Christopher together. I called Michael th next day to set up an appointment, and he agreed to
come down to my studio. I told Michael during our first session that I was thinking about doing a
book of portraits and calling it Your Friends And Mine. I had heard about his chimpanzee, Bubbles,
and we did a shot with the chimp. Later on, Michael and I did another session alone, at his request.
That was the start. Michael Jackson’s agreeing to be part of the book was, in fact, the jumping off
point for the whole project. Michael Jackson is unique, both as an individual and as a performer.
Yet, while I’d been around him many times, I never honestly felt I knew him until we spent a day
together in the photography studio. As I explained earlier, Michael had invited Christopher, my
youngest son, to his home to see his zoo. They had such a good time that Michael, who heard I was
a photographer, suggested I take a picture of him and Christopher in my studio. I told him of my
ideas for this book and asked him to bring his chimp, Bubbles. There were maybe twenty-five
people in the studio that day, and the chimp was the center of attention. That meant the focus was
off Michael, and I think the relative anonymity gave him a chance to relax. And Bubbles was so
human it was almost frightening. He would take Christopher by the hand, walk over to the
refrigerator, open it, take out a banana, and hand it to him. Christopher was amazed – we all were.
The session was the first time I’d had the chance to be one on one with Michael. It means a lot to
me to be able to say that not only do I love his music, but I also like him very much as a person and
consider him a friend.”
Jackson previously collaborates with the country singer for a duet called “Going Back To Alabama”
off of Rogers’ 1981 album, “Share Your Love”, Jackson being a big fan of country music. The song
tells a brief story of a strong man emerging from life’s trials and tribulations – which could also be
the story of Jackson himself. The two artists also will cross paths on occasion of the 1985 “USA For
Africa” relief project and song, “We Are The World”.
In October, 1987, he gives away 30 personal items and memorabilia such as t-shirts, sunglasses or a
windbreaker for an auction addressing "UNESCO", the proceeds of which being invested into
awareness raising and helping educate children in developing countries.
On October 16, 1987, he visits the Osaka Amusement Park in Osaka, Japan.
On November 12, 1987, while on tour in Australia, he visits a children's hospital in Melbourne.
On November 18, 1987, he visits the Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick, Australia. Natasha
Lang, mother of a child committed in the hospital at the time, offers her account of his visit there
years later: “[…] I will never forget that day as long as I live, when Michael came to the hospital
with an abundance of stuffed animal toys, so generously given, to all the children in the children’s
ward. He went around the ward and visited each child personally and quietly spoke words of
comfort to them and I will never forget the delight of these children, the medical staff and the
parents who visited on that day. My son now is a grown man and I wish to share this photograph
with the whole world because it shows Michael’s selfless and generous nature. My son,
unfortunately, lost his eye in a school accident that week and, as you can imagine, it was a real
tragedy for the whole family, but that day he gave us all some joy, great pleasure and an abundance
of happiness.”
World-conscious single, “Man In The Mirror” (written by Siedah Garrett and Glen Ballard), is
released on January 9, 1988, and is the fourth consecutive number-1 single off album BAD. It was
recorded with The Andre Crouch Choir. The song is described as Jackson going “a step further" and
offering "a straightforward homily of personal commitment”, which can be seen in the lyrics: “I'm
starting with the man in the mirror/I'm asking him to change his ways/And no message could have
been clearer/If you wanna make the world a better place/Take a look at yourself and then make a
change.” The videoclip features shots of starving children, homeless people, intermixed with shots
of individuals that have made contributions towards helping them: Bob Geldoff, organizer of Band
Aid and Live AID for the relief of famine victims, Willie Nelson, organizer of Farm Aid benefiting
farmers, shots of Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Theresa, Dr. Martin Luther King, Bishop Desmond
Tutu, President Reagan with Soviet leader, Mikhail Gorbachov. Other notable people appearing
include Raúl Alfonsín, Lech Wałęsa, Anwar El Sadat, Menachem Begin, Jimmy Carter, Rosa Parks,
Pieter Willem Botha, and Adolf Hitler. Tragic events such as the Iranian hostage crisis, John
Fitzegerald and Robert Kennedy’s assassinations, King’s, John Lennon’s are combined with a more
joyful occurrence, the rescue of Jessica McClure from a well in Midland, Texas. Jackson is featured
in only a brief shot, raising his arms giving the peace sign, surrounded by a crowd of children while
on tour in Japan. “Man In The Mirror” peaks at number 1 in the United States soon afterwards. It is
one of Jackson's most critically acclaimed songs, topping the Billboard Hot 100 charts for two
weeks. The song reaches the number 8 in the UK Singles Charts in 1988, but in 2009, following the
news of his passing, the song will peak at number two.
In January, 1988, one of his Bad Tour concert proceeds in Los Angeles are funneled to "Childhelp
USA", the largest organization against child abuse.
In February, 1988, the singer’s (inspirational) song, "Man in the Mirror", in partnership with "Camp
Ronald McDonald", provides the cancer-plagued children of "Good Times" with its royalties.
On February 24, 1988, two-year old cancer patient, Allan Bufford, held by his mother, Brenda,
meets his favorite entertainer backstage in Kansas City, Missouri on occasion of Jackson’s US leg
of his first solo world tour, the Bad Tour. The ill boy obtained his doctor’s permission to attend the
sold-out show.
On March 1, 1988, (on occasion of the United Negro College Fund's 44th dinner) at a press
conference organized by his sponsor, Pepsi, in Manhattan, N.Y., he offers UNCF’s President and
CEO, Christopher Edley a check for 600,000 dollars, the entire grossings from his private sold-out
benefit concert held at Madison Square Garden in New York City (for the 42 UNCF institutions,
including Fisk University), making him one of "UNCF"s most significant donators. The event
featured children reading their dreams and wishes as Jackson looks on.
At the 30th Grammy Awards held at the Radio City Music Hall, New York City, March 2, 1988, he
performs “The Way You Make Me Feel”, as well as gives a powerful gospel performance of “Man
In The Mirror”, chanting repeatedly exhortations. “Stand up for your brother! / Stand up for your
sister! / Stand up for mother! […]”, cries he, being joined on stage by the New Hope Baptist Church
Choir, all in blue gowns. His other background singers include Siedah Garret and Andre Crouch.
Jackson is given a standing ovation for his performance, and many ensuing press praises, but he
wins no Grammy awards. Jackson was nominated at 4 categories.
Cable channel Showtime airs a special on Michael Jackson, titled “Motown On Showtime: Michael
Jackson… The Legend Continues” on March 12, 1988. Executive producers are Motown’s Susanne
de Passe and Jackson. The program covers his entire career, with a focus on his earlier years with
Motown. Three fans are included in the special, winners of an “Ask Michael” contest sponsored by
Showtime and MTV; part of the prize was the opportunity to appear on the special, and they also
got to tour Jackson’s home and meet with him in one of his concerts in Australia.
In the spring of 1988, Michael Jackson moves out of his home in Encino, California, which he has
shared with his parents, brother Randy, and sisters La Toya and Janet since approximately 1971. He
purchases a 2,800 acre ranch in Los Olivos, California in March for the reported price of 28 million
dollars, while other sources say it was closer to 17 million. Previously called 'Sycamore Ranch', it
was spotted by Jackson 5 years before, when he filmed a music video for "Say, Say, Say" with Paul
McCartney. The grounds of this ranch consist in a mansion, guest house, tennis courts, lakes,
streams, thousands of oak trees and a large space for his menagerie. Shortly before purchasing his
new home, his Encino house is used for an auction of artwork, the 2 million-dollar proceeds from
the auction going to the “South African Council of Churches” for housing, clothing and medical
supplies. The auction is hosted by actress Whoopi Goldberg; Jackson was not at home at the time.
On March 15, 1988, at his new mansion, Michael Jackson hosts benefits for Saint Vincent’s
Residence. Saint Vincent’s Residence is one of the charity organizations from the Catholic
Community Services of Northern Nevada, which offers 28 studio apartments and 25 rooms at
affordable weekly rates for low-income and special needs individuals and families. Its mission
statement reads: “With food, clothing, shelter and a helping hand, Catholic Community Services
brings hope to all people in order to build spirit and self reliance within them and within our
community.”
In early 1988, Bubbles, Michael Jackson’s chimpanzee pet, makes another TV appearance on talkshow “Dick Clark Presents-Live!”. Bubbles arrives with a note from his famous owner, typed on
Moonwalker stationery and signed by the entertainer.
In April, 1988, Jackson gives away free-of-charge tickets for three concerts in Atlanta, Georgia to
the "Make A Wish Foundation".
On April 12, 1988, “Weird Al” Yankovic releases his second parody of a Michael Jackson hit single.
After “Eat It” (“Beat It” parody), the sequel for it will be “Fat”, a parody of “Bad”, included on
Yankovic’s album, “Even Worse”, the cover of which almost exactly replicating “Bad”’s album
cover. Jackson, easily amused by the spoof, grants him permission to parody his song, and also
helps the film crew gain access to the set for the “Fat” video. Jackson enjoys the video so much,
that he orders twelve copies for his friends. Yankovic tells one interviewer: “He doesn’t have to let
me do this kind of stuff. He doesn’t need the additional royalties. The only reason he would let me
is that he has a sense of humor. It is heartening to find somebody that popular, talented and
powerful who can really take a joke”.
The Bad album’s fifth single, “Dirty Diana”, is released on April 18, 1988, with a music video that
is filmed in front of a live audience. The hard rock ballad tells the story of a persistent groupie, a
sexual, seducing predator, the prototype for those women chasing after the rich and famous, among
whom the singer himself. It tops the US charts and becomes the fifth consecutive number one single
from the Bad album. Michael Jackson becomes the first artist in history to have five consecutive
number one singles from an album.
On April 27, 1988, after four years in the works, Michael Jackson’s autobiography, “Moon Walk” is
finished, released and published by Doubleday, and has been edited by friend Jacqueline Onassis. It
is written in a highly unpretentious style and in it, he discusses his childhood, his career starting
with the Jackson 5 era, dispels a few persistent rumors made against him along the while, and
shares a few details of his private life (largely speculated upon by the media), such as him not being
gay or the strained relationship between him and his father. He also describes himself as being “one
of the loneliest people in the world”. The first manuscript of the book has been put together by
Robert Hillburn, however will be refused by Doubleday, due to its lacking in juicy details. Stephen
Davis will be the next to help Jackson put the book together, however the singer will substantially
edit Davis’ manuscript, due to its sensationalistic feel. In the end, Jackson writes the book himself,
with a little help from Shaye Ayreheart.
On May 22, 1988, he visits the Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital in Rome, Italy, where he signs
autographed pictures and delivers sweets, records and moral comfort to the ill children, among
whom 13-year old heart-transplant patient, Nunzia Glaccio. Jackson signs a check for 100,000
pounds to the hospital for leukemia research. While in Rome for his Bad Tour, he also visits the
Sistine Chapel, the Vatican City, Saint Peter’s Cathedral, and other significant places.
On May 23, 1988, the musician embarks on his European leg of the Bad World Tour, selling out
shows at most venues in Italy, Sweden, Germany, Austria and other countries. Jackson breaks all
existing attendance records when he plays seven sold out shows at London’s 72,000-seat Wembley
Stadium in July and August. 504,000 fans attended these concerts.
In June, 1988, he visits the Liseberg Amusement Park in Goteborg, Sweden, and poses for a few
pictures with children there, including with life-size cartoon characters. He also sinks his hands as
part of a Hand In Cement ceremony there.
On June 16, 1988, Michael Jackson performs a concert at St. Jakob Stadium in Basel, Switzerland,
which is attended by Bob Dylan and close friend Elizabeth Taylor. The following day, he pays a
visit to Oona O’Neill Chaplin, the widow of Jackson’s most favorite actor, silent film legend
Charlie Chaplin, who reveals to the singer that he and her late husband had a lot in common, having
risen to success and distinction from poverty. After the meeting, Jackson briefly declares that “I
have just fulfilled my biggest childhood dream.”
On June 19, 1988, Michael Jackson is performing a concert during Bad World Tour at the Reichstag
Building in Berlin, West Germany, before an audience of 50,000 people. Over 3,000 East Germans
gather at the Berlin Wall to listen to Jackson performing on the other side of the Wall in West
Berlin. The entertainer decided to perform at Reichstag to send out a message of peace and unity.
The Berlin Wall was a barrier constructed by the German Democratic Republic between East Berlin
and West Berlin which ran just behind Reichstag, from August 13, 1961, this completely cutting off
West Berlin from surrounding East Germany and from East Berlin. The barrier included guard
towers placed along large concrete walls, which circumscribed the death strip that contained antivehicle trenches, fakir beds and other defenses. The fall of the Wall started on the evening of
November 9, 1989, and was the first step toward German reunification, which was formally
concluded on October 3, 1990. Michael Jackson wrote a poem dedicated to this historic episode for
his 1992 book, “Dancing The Dream”, titled simply “Berlin 1989”.
In 1988, he presents an idea for a new toy to Matel, a transformer type of toy which looks like an
animal. He enjoys his visit to the factory, meeting the company’s toy designers, watching them
work. “There were stars in his eyes”, one employee says of Jackson. His idea, however, was
rejected. That same year, he is said to be contributing to the design of a multi-million dollar
waterpark for the grounds of the mirage hotel and to the organization of Jackson Attraction, which
is to house Michael Jackson souvenirs and memorabilia. He creates the attraction and attends
interviews held by the president of Golden Nugget for reporters to see the 3100 room hotel.
On July 4, 1988, he visits the Phantasialand amusement park in Cologne, Germany.
In 1988, Jackson’s signed fedora is given away on occasion of a music celebrity auction
advantaging the "T.J. Martell Foundation for Leukemia, Cancer and AIDS Research", the hat being
sold for over 4,000 dollars.
In the summer of 1988, there is a request made in Malaysia by some officials there that Michael
Jackson perform to raise money for the Welfare Fund, which distributes money to children’s homes
and charities. The Ministry asks the cabinet, but reject their offer.
Around 1988, Jackson has his giraffe, Jabbar shipped to California in Encino from a breeder in
Missouri, and he applies for a state permit from the Fish and Game commission to keep the giraffe
– neighbors complaining of the smell from Jabbar’s pen. Years before, at Hayvenhurst, neighbors
also would complain of the noise his three peacocks at the time, Winter, Spring and Summer would
make when mating. Jabbar grows to become a movie star like Bubbles the chimpanzee, appearing
in Pee Wee Herman’s “Big Top Pee Wee”. Jackson has given Herman permission to use any of his
animals that he wanted to in his film after agreeing to follow all instructions for their caring. Jabbar
later will get a playmate in June 1989, Mahali, for his Neverland Ranch, which he purchases from
the Sedwick County Zoo in Wichita, Kansas, for 15,000 dollars. With the help of trainer Bob Dunn,
Bubbles the chimpanzee will be taught to do several tricks: going to the toilet, flushing it himself,
kissing pictures of himself, playing dead, blowing bubbles, moving his lips like he is talking,
joining pillow fights, sticking his tongue out, giving the high fives, riding a horse, rollerscating,
imitating his owner’s famous moonwalk dance. Bubbles also appears in a film, “Back To School”,
by Rodney Dangerfield. Michael Jackson will also rescue a gorilla, Ivan, having spent 25 of his 28
years in a cage at Tacoma, Washington’s B&I’s shopping mall. He adds to his collection a baby lion,
who first went to a trainer before joining his fellow zoo mates; most of his animals are harmless,
having been declawed and no longer having venom.
The sixth single from the Bad album, “Another Part of Me”, is released on July 11, 1988, peaking at
number 11 on the US chart. The music video to accompany the single is a compilation of footage
from Michael’s performances of the song in London (England) and Paris (France). As with earlier
songs in his career such as "Can You Feel It" and "We Are the World", the lyrics emphasize global
unity, love, outreach as well as possible religious themes.
On July 16, 1988, he meets Prince Charles and Princess Diana of Wales before his third "Bad"
concert at Wembley Stadium, London, and presents a check for 150,000 dollars/300,000 pounds for
the "Prince’s Trust" (an organization addressing disadvantaged children), as well as one for 100,000
pounds for the "Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital" in the U.K. Jackson also presents the
royal couple gives with Bad Tour jackets for sons Prince William and Prince Harry; he also presents
them with a framed set of cassettes and compact discs of solo albums “Off The Wall”, “Thriller”
and “Bad”. “I was so excited at meeting the royal couple. I’m very very happy that they came to
watch me perform. I thought the Princess was just wonderful.”, says the singer following the
meeting. Originally, Jackson did not wish to perform “Dirty Diana” in order to not offend the
Princess who bears the name, but she told him that is one of her favorite songs and that he should
perform it, which the singer eventually does.
On July 20, 1988, he returns to meet with the critically ill children and their parents at the "Great
Ormond Street Children’s Hospital", where he spends longer time with the less critical patients,
reserving words of comfort to them, reading them stories and delivering presents, including albums,
signed photos and T-shirts. He associates himself with the "Wishing Well Fund" for sponsoring the
contruction of a novel unit, as part of the "Hospital for Sick Children" in Great Ormond Street,
London, England. Notably, 9-year old Neil Clark, having undergone live-saving surgery to remove
a brain tumour – and originally not scheduled to see the popstar – is visited by the singer, the boy’s
father declaring with gratitude that the visit "cheered my son up". 4-year-old Joanne Doeffer, having
undergone a throat operation and breathing through a special tube, was visited by the star, the meetand-greet prompting her to struggle and say "Thriller" to a delighted Jackson. In the evening, a
banquet is held in his honor at the Guildhall.
In July, 1988, on occasion of a ceremony honoring the singer in England, Jackson is accompanied
by 10-year old Jimmy Safechuck, a young American orphan he had taken under his wing. At
Hamley’s in London, the world’s largest toy store, he shops with Safechuck and purchases computer
games, over twenty dolls and teddy-bears, and six puppets: three Stevie Wonder ones and three of
himself. He also wishes to purchase a carnival for the backyard of his ranch, offering 2 million
dollars to John Carter’s Steam Fair; however, Carter isn’t interested in selling it, thus Jackson’s
offer is declined.
On his 30th birthday in 1988, on August 29, he delivers a concert to the "Give For Life" charity in
Roundhay Park, Leeds, England, where 90,000 admirers sing him "happy Birthday". The benefit
concert’s 130,000-dollar grossings will favor immunization programs for 40,000 children. He also
presents a check for 65,000 pounds to the mentioned charity-organization.
Michael Jackson lends his song, “Beat It”, for use in a Flinstone Kids cartoon special encouraging
children to avoid drugs. “The Flinstone Kids” airs in September, 1988. In it, little Fred, Barney,
Wilma and Betty work odd jobs to earn money for tickets to a Michael Jackon concert. They finally
make it to the concert and see Michael Jackstone singing new lyrics to “Beat It” about not needing
drugs: “They told the girl / Why don’t you step over here? / You wanna be cool, / Take a look in
here. / They wanna do drugs / And their words are really clear, / So beat it! / You don’t need it! (Say
no!) / You don’t need friends / Doing things that are wrong, / There’s lots of kids like you / Who are
cool and strong, / It might be kinda tough, / But you can move along, / So beat it! And say it ain’t
fair, /Don’t mean it! / Don’t need it! / Just say no to drugs! / Defeat it! Have a life that’s happy, / A
future that’s bright, /You make it happen,/ Drugs are wrong / And you’re right./ Just beat it! / Just
beat it! (Say no!) / And defeat it! / Now, Moms and Dads. / You ought to listen to me: / To be a kid
today, / It ain’t easy. /Just make your home and family / A loving place to be. / So beat it! Send it
riding a wave!” Sister La Toya also contributes to the special with “Just Say No” from her album,
“LaToya”.
On October 5, 1988, "Smooth Criminal", is the seventh single from the BAD album. ‘Smooth
Criminal’ will shortly reach the number 7 spot No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song
contains a fast-paced beat intertwined with Jackson's lyrics about a girl named Annie, who has been
attacked in her apartment by a "smooth" assailant. "Smooth Criminal"s music bears resemblance to
"the popcorn-chomping manner" of ‘Thriller’, and is thought of as an example to “Jackson's freeform language” that keeps people “aware that we are on the edge of several realities: the film, the
dream it inspires, the waking world it illuminates”. The song was adapted into a short film which
was the centerpiece of the 1988 film Moonwalker starring Michael Jackson and Joe Pesci in the
lead roles. The making of ‘Smooth Criminal”, including the interlude featuring Jackson and a group
of dancers growling in a salloon is Jackson’s way of “letting out what we’ve always wanted to say
to the world. Passion, linger, fire!...” The music played on the jukebox in the sallon, along with
Jackson's precise dance and some fight techniques thrown in render the criminals (from the video)
helpless. The repeated question ‘Annie, Are You Okay?’ originally is the alarm code set for
detecting hooligans at home. The endangered Annie could also be the prototype for deprived
children living in precarious conditions. Jackson, a big fan of musical Annie, and known to have
written songs with more than one theme in mind, could have included 11-year old orphan Annie
from the Municipal Girls Orphanage who tries to find her parents.
On October 23, 1988, the performer also signs a check for 125,000 dollars, to Mr. Esther Edwards
and Motown founder, Mr. Berry Gordy, finance sustaining the maintenance of the "Motown
Museum Historical Foundation" in Detroit, Michigan, the highest amount of money donated up
until that time to the museum; Jackson also donates a black fedora, one of his rhinestone gloves and
a stage costume dating from 1972.
Later that year, ITV Telethon disseminates 4000 Michael Jackson concert tickets to the "Hospital
for Sick Children" in Great Ormond Street, London, tickets valued at 200,000 pounds; the
entertainer, accompanied by a number of patients, visits the institution and the children charged
therein, as well as reads a story to the less affected patients, comforts them verbally, poses for
pictures and hands out dozens of presents to them.
In December, 1988, he visits 12-year-old David Rothenburg, doused with kerosene and severely
burned 5 years before by his father during a custody conflict; the boy had suffered an estimated 50
reconstructive operations, yet, remained disfigured. Afterwards, the singer visits the injured youth
more times, and pays for the necessary further operatory interventions.
On January 10, 1989, at the completion of his Bad tour, the "Children’s Wish Foundation", in
association with Jackson, donates 100 tickets to critically ill children for each concert.
On January 27, 1989, Michael Jackson plays his final show of the Bad World Tour at the Sports
Arena in Los Angeles, California. The Tour has lasted 16 months and is the largest any entertainer
has undertaken - with 123 shows in 15 countries on 4 continents and played to approximately 4,4
million fans. The Tour grossed a staggering 125 million dollars, with all proceeds going to charities
around the world.
* During his Bad World Tour (as well as other tours of his), he is joined backstage prior to his
concerts by children with illnesses from the respective local areas of his performances, with whom
the entertainer would pose for pictures and sign autographs to, often, the singer spending time
purchasing and assembling playthings he would personally deliver to them the following day,
according to Seth Riggs, Jackson's vocal coach. Jackson invites underprivileged children to watch
him perform, and contributes to hospitals, orphanages, and other charities. At every Bad Tour
concert, he makes sure that 400 tickets are being reserved for underprivileged children. These
tickets will be distributed across hospitals, orphanages and charities. Jackson also donates concert
takings to multiple causes. He also brings out several children on stage to dance at the end of each
Bad Tour concert. They are usually chosen at each stop from local hospitals or charitable
organizations, such as “Make A Wish Foundation”. Then he joins in, dancing like them. While in
Los Angeles, California, he also brings young Jimmy Safechuck on stage.
On February 7, 1989, Michael Jackson visits each classroom from the "Cleveland Elementary
School" in Stockton, California, the parents of the children at the nearby Central United Methodist
Church, as well as the children checked in the hospital, 3 weeks after a gunman had fired 100
bullets into a playground, then committing suicide. 5 children were murdered and 39 injured during
the attack. The pop star arrives to comfort the surviving children by giving them the confidence to
view the world more positively subsequently to the traumatic experience. 8 year-old Thahn Tran,
who had lost his younger brother during the massacre, speaks about the effect Jackson’s visit had on
him: "I didn’t want to go back to school, but Michael made it all right again. If he goes there, it
must be safe. Michael is my friend and I’m very glad.", sharing the sentiments of other children
there, according to Diane Batres, a counselor from the district support unit. In addition to making
another visit to the nearby church hosting the injured ones from the attack and the parents of the
dead – to whom he offers words of sympathy, signs plaster casts on the wounded youngsters’ legs,
while chatting and joking to them -, he makes another stop at the "San Joaquin General Hospital",
and talks to two wounded children under treatment there. 7-year-old Alice Montejano says, while
raising her autographed picture: "I’m not frightened about going back to school now, because
Michael will keep all of those bad men away". Afterwards, Michael Jackson says the following to
the children in the mentioned hospital: "You are very brave. When you are better, perhaps you will
come and visit my private zoo." Vice-Mayor of Stockton, Ron Coale, has this to declare on
Jackson’s goodwill visits: "Words cannot say how much turmoil this town had been through over
the past few months. Michael Jackson’s visit has helped us to try and overcome it a little."
“Leave Me Alone” is the eighth single released from the BAD album on February 13, 1989. It is
only released in Australia and Europe and reaches number 1 in the United Kingdom. On January 2,
1989, video for the single premieres on MTV and is a unique blend of live action and animation,
combining a small carnival animal setting with Jackson crusing around in a small plane, and
verbally poking fun at the false rumors about him such as the stories about him purchasing the
bones of The Elephant Man, sleeping in a hyperbanic chamber, devoting a shrine for actress and
friend, Elizabeth Taylor, or his cosmetic surgeries. Newspapers are thrown on a doorstep carrying
outrageous titles: “Michael’s Space Age Diet”, “Bubbles The Chimp Bares All About Michael”,
“Michael Proposes To Liz”, “Michael To Marry Brooke”; “Michael’s Cosmetic Nose Surgery”;
“Michael and Diana Same Person”; “Jackson’s Third Eye Starts Sunglass Fad”, “Michael Weds
Alien”; “Michael Frozen For 50 Years”, “Michael Confides To Pet Chimp”, “Michael Sleeps In
Hyperbanic Chamber”. The song’s lyrics are mainly addressed to the media: “Leave me alone, stop
it / Just stop dogging me around”, while cruising by an image of his ‘shrine’ to Elizabeth Taylor,
lying in his hyperbanic chamber and dancing next to the Elephant Man’s bones. The closing part of
the video features Jackson freeing himself from the enormous ties of fame holding him down.
On February 13 1989 is also the date when Michael Jackson announces that he and manager Frank
DiLeo are parting ways. DILeo had been his manager for 5 years, but was fired due to him being
“too controlling”.
On March 5, 1989, he invites 200 disadvantaged children from "Saint Vincent’s Home for
Dysfunctional Children" and "Big Brothers and Big Sisters Programs" to visit the Circus Vargas in
Santa Barbara, California, with him, after which he welcomes them to his newly constructed
mansion at the time, Neverland, showing them around, as well as introducing them to his private
zoological garden.
Prior to shutting down the Bad album campaign, the ninth and final single off of album “BAD”,
“Liberian Girl”, is released on July 3, 1989. The song was dedicated to his good friend, Elizabeth
Taylor and the short film for the song stars thirty-five of his other famous friends, such as Lou
Ferrigno, “Weird Al” Yankovic, John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, Danny Glover, Suzanne
Somers, David Copperfield, Dan Aykroyd, Paula Abdul and Whoopi Goldberg. The single reaches
the top spot of the charts in the United Kingdom. By this time, the Bad album had sold 17 million
copies and had become the second biggest selling album of all time. It is also the ninth largestselling album in British history.
He contributes to the creation of a new California Raisin commercial which first airs in theaters in
July 1989, and on TV in September, and it features a claymation of Michael Jackson. The
claymation dreams of being ‘Michael Raisin’, who performs “I Heard It Through The Grapevine”,
by Marvin Gaye. His singing voice isn’t used in the ad, because of his exclusive contract with Pepsi
at the time, but his speaking voice is. The singer acts as a model for the claymation figure and
contributes to the creation of six other backup raisins. He receives 25,000 dollars for his
contribution to the ads, which he donates to charity.
Written and composed by Michael J., “Speed Demon” is a pop-rock song whose lyrics pertain to
driving fast because of outer pressure and delay; it is released on October 12, 1989, as a
promotional single for both the album (BAD) and the 1988 film Moonwalker and is the tenth and
last single to be released off BAD, although not officially. The song achieves minor commercial
success, having only received minor airplay in the United States. Speed Demon is also Jackson’s
rebellious, allegorical statement against the media and those criticizing his lifestyle and faulting him
although it is not their place to do so. He assuringly cries in falsetto: “Speed demon, / You're the
very same one / Who said the future's in your hands, / The life you save could be your own. / You're
preachin' 'bout my life like you're the Law, / Gonna live each day and hour like / For me there's no
tomorrow!” The policeman asking him to pull over is representative of the obstacles and people
trying to and or succeeding temporarily to put a stop to his life’s road (“pull over, boy”, the
appellation being an offensive one) and punish him by handing him a ‘ticket’ for living “my way”.
The video for the song is directed by Will Vinton, and is an amusing display of Jackson’s not taking
himself seriously. In the video, Jackson, in an attempt to avoid overzealous, screaming fans and
media members (even The Noid), disguises himself as a rabbit named Spike (symbol of the
innocent prey), this only taunting them into chasing him. During the chase, he morphs into other
celebrities, including Sylvester Stallone, Tina Turner and Pee-Wee Herman. After finally losing the
fans, he removes the costume, which comes to life and challenges him to a dance-off. In the end, a
policeman (played by Clancy Brown) tells him he is in a "No Moonwalking Zone", and when
Jackson turns to point to Spike, the rabbit has already left. The policeman then sarcastically asks for
his autograph (as opposed to "signature") on the ticket. Just as Jackson is preparing to leave, the
rocky crag in front of him morphs into Spike's head, who then nods to him, leaving Jackson oneupped by his own alter-ego.
On November 13, 1989, Jackson performs song "You Were There" (that he wrote with Buz Kohan)
for singer-entertainer Sammy Davis Jr., the first and only time, at the 'Sammy Davis Jr. 60th
Anniversary TV Special', the event’s funds advantaging the "United Negro College Fund"; for the
show's all-star finale, Jackson accompanies Ella Firzgerald and Eddie Murphy on stage. The
reaction to Jackson's simple, yet intense performance earns him a nomination for an Emmy award.
At the same date, he is reported to have hosted 50 children from "Maclaren Hall" and "Make A
Wish Foundation" at his residence, while, via the "Wishes Granted" charity, 4-year-old Darian
Pagan, suffering from leukemia, is granted the wish to meet the singer and is, additionally, invited
to watch a performance by a group of Canadian acrobats with him.
On December 19, 1989, the entertainer visits F.A.O Schwartz toy store in Manhattan, New York to
purchase Christmas gifts. He then goes to Radio City Music Hall with several children to view the
'Christmas Spectacular', an annual musical stage show, featuring over 140 performers, lavish sets
and costumes and an original musical score.
On December 28, 1989, young HIV victim and activist Ryan White befriends the entertainer, and
shares a holiday with him at Neverland Ranch at the singer’s invitation. Following the youth’s swift
disappearance, Michael Jackson dedicates song "Gone Too Soon" (from his 1990 "Dangerous"
album, composition also performed in loving memory of late Princess of Wales in 1997) as well as
the poem: "Ryan White" (from his book, "Dancing The Dream") to him.
In 1989, Michael Jackson has teamed up with a Las Vegas Hotel in Nevada to create a new waterthemed park. Jackson arrives at the Mirage Hotel to begin designing a new water and mountain
attraction that will resemble Hawaii’s Diamond Head. Diamond Head is a defining feature of the
view known to residents and tourists of Waikīkī alike. The volcanic tuff cone is a United States
State Monument. While part of it serves as a platform for antennas used by the U.S. government
and is closed to the public, the crater's proximity to Honolulu's resort hotels and beaches makes the
rest of it a popular destination.
The 1990's:
On January 6, 1990, he organizes a festivity for 82 deprived children at his residence via "Childhelp
USA, who are offered a tour of the ranch, games to play, a barbeque for meal and a film
representation to watch: "The Little Mermaid" and "Back To The Future II".
On April 4, 1990, while in Washington to receive a humanitarian award on behalf of President
Bush, he visits the capitol Children's Museum there; he plays with exhibits and enjoys being
surrounded by children. On April 5, following his award reception, he is a guest of honor at the
Children's Museum fund-raising reception at the historic Merrywood Estate, McLean.
On April 12, 1990, 18-year old activist Ryan White dies from AIDS. He has been treated as an
outcast in his home town in Indiana since contracting the disease through a blood transfusion at 14,
it has been reported. This will result in him being banned from his school in Kokomo, Indiana as
parents would protest. Over 1,500 people attend White's funeral on April 11, a standing-room-only
event held at the Second Presbyterian Church on Meridian Street in Indianapolis. White's
pallbearers include Elton John, football star Howie Long and television talk show host, Phil
Donahue. Elton John performs "Skyline Pigeon" at the funeral and also trains the Hamilton Heights
High School choir to sing with him. The funeral is also being attended by friend Michael Jackson,
seated beside Ryan’s sister, Andrea, and his mother, Jeanne (whom he comforts throughout the
service) and First Lady, Barbara Bush. Busloads of Ryan's schoolmates at Hamilton Heights High
School in Arcadia, 25 miles north of Indianapolis, also attend the funeral, which is carried live by
‘Cable News Network’.
“2300 Jackson Street” is a 1989 single by The Jacksons, released from their album of the same
name on April 16. The song features Michael Jackson, who previously left the group, although this
is the only track that he is featured on the album. It also features two of the Jackson sisters Rebbie
and Janet. "2300 Jackson Street" is about the Jacksons reminiscing about their early hard-work for
stardom and their missing childhood, declaring or concluding that “We’re all united / And standing
strong /And still today / We’re one big family”. The video for the song is shot a month earlier, and
features most of the Jackson family members, bar La Toya and Marlon, seen seated together
singing, playing pool, running around, making jokes and laughing. The track was written and
composed by Tito, Jackie and Randy Jacksons, as well as Teddy Riley among others. It peaks on the
Billboard R&B singles chart at number 9.
In May, 1990, Manhattan, New York, Michael Jackson visits ‘F.A.O Schwartz Toy Store’ with two
young girls but is soon forced to retreat due to an overzealous admirer inside the store.
In May, 1990, Michael Jackson attends the annual Family Reunion, as he would yearly.
On June 3, 1990, he suffers from chest pains while at home in Encino, where he was doing his
regular Sunday dance exercises. He is taken to St. John's Hospital and Health Center, and three days
after, he is diagnosed with costochondritis, an inflammation of the cartilage on the front rib cage,
suspectedly caused by overexertion and stress. However, the tests performed show no problems
with the heart and lungs. Jackson has lost maternal grandmother Martha, Sammy Davis Jr., with
whom he was a good friend, as well as young Ryan White, all gone within weeks of each other
which have taken toll on him; he also has been immersed in a variety of conflicting projects
involving theme parks like Disney or the Universal Studios in Florida. Before being discharged fom
the hospital, the singer visits Elizabeth Taylor recovering from a bad case of pneumonia, and after
her release a few weeks later, she is invited by her good friend to recover at Neverland.
In July, 1990, he invites 45 critically ill children from the Project "Dream Street", from Los Angeles
to Neverland, where they are treated to a tour of his ranch, a meal and a film. The Dream Street
program is an organization for children with life-threatening illnesses.
On August 18, 1990, he welcomes 130 children from the "YMCA" summer program in Los Angeles
and Santa Barbara, treating them to a barbeque meal, video games, a free pair of footgear and the
permission to visit his private zoo and watch films.
In September 1990, partners Walter Yetnikoff and David Geffen refuse to allow Jackson to
contribute a song to the soundtrack album of film, “Days Of Thunder”, starring Tom Cruise and
Nicole Kidman, and released on Geffen Records, Yetnikoff also refusing to allow him to contribute
to “Listen Up! The Lives Of Quincy Jones” documentary. Jackson later does contribute to the latter
with an off-camera interview; on September 4, 1990, Yetnikoff resigns as CEO and president of
CBS Records.
On September 12, 1990, Michael Jackson attends a ‘City Of Hope’ Gala in honour of CBS Record
Division President at the time, Tommy Mottola.
In her autobiography released in October, 1990, Katherine Jackson, Michael’s mother, recounts a
few stories of her children, especially the famous late star: “I’ll never forget the lecture that LaToya,
Janet, and I received from Michael one day as he happened upon us relaxing in front of the TV.
“Don’t you know you’re just wasting precious time?” he scolded. “Get up and do something! Write
a song I feel guilty just sitting around when I know I can be doing something.” She also opens up
about her son’s exemplary health and vegetarian diet: “The other key to his good health, I believe,
had been his diet. Before Michael had left on the tour, his doctor had insisted that he go on a highprotein diet, including fish, so that he’d be able to keep his stamina up. Michael had reluctantly
agreed.”
In November, 1990, Michael Jackson invites British lung cancer victim, John Brown, to visit him to
his Neverland Ranch in America. The 14-year old jets to Los Angeles, California with sister
Michelle. The trip is arranged by “Make A Wish Foundation”. Mother of two, Michelle, has written
to them when John was told there was nothing that doctors could do. On the arrangement: “It’s
wonderful. This is a fantastic, kind-hearted act. John can’t believe it. Michael is his favorite pop
star.”, his sister says. “It’s just in time for John. He knows he is dying and he probably has weeks
left rather than months. He’s such a brave lad.”
In December 1990, Michael Jackson’s performance of song “Come Together” is included in “A
Tribute To John Lennon” special. Jackson, a big admirer of John Lennon and The Beatles, covered
the song for the concert portion of his film, “Michael Jackson: Moonwalker” in 1988. The recording
also appears on Jackson's studio album, ‘HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I’ (in a shorter
edit), and is performed live at certain concerts during his HIStory World Tour. “Come Together” is a
song by The Beatles, written primarily by John Lennon and credited to Lennon/McCartney. The
song is the opening track on the Beatles' September, 1969 album, “Abbey Road” and its history
begins when Lennon is inspired by the Timothy Leary’s failed gubernatorial campaign for governor
of California, titled "Come together, join the party" against Ronald Reagan, which promptly ends
when Leary will be sent to prison for possession of marijuana. Lennon is known to also have been a
political activist, having written anti-war anthem, ‘Give Peace A Chance’, and sung by a quarter of
a million anti-Vietnam-War demonstrators in Washington, D.C. on October 15, 1969, the second
Vietnam Moratorium Day.
La Toya Jackson, Michael’s sister, recounts in her 1991 (controversial) autobiography, “La Toya:
Growing up in the Jackson Family”, released February 9, one of the many memorable stories of her
brother, which is relevant to his character and life philosophy: “When Mother picked Michael’s
shoes one day, she noticed gaping soles in the holes and brought him a new pair. He refused to wear
them. I had to plead with him to discard the old shoes and, really tempting fate, to change his socks.
Forget about it. “La Toya, these things are not important”, he said. “Why do people care about
clothes? Music is what’s important to me, how it sounds, that I get it right. And why do we care
about having new shoes? What about the man who has no shoes? Or the man who has no feet? […]
These are great shoes […] and I’m going to keep wearing them.” […] At home, it was back to
wrinkled jeans and old sweaters. […]”
In March, 1991, Bubbles stars in an episode of “Father Dowling Mysteries”, as a murder suspect
who had been framed. After this role, the chimpanzee has lost his passion for life. Jackson consults
chimpanzee expert, Jane Goodall, who suggests he gets Bubbles two female companions and a
kinder trainer. Bubbles later starts in a vaudeville act in TV movie, “The Entertainers”.
In March, 1991, Michael Jackson renegotiates his contract with Sony Music, which includes a 15year 6 album deal. The royalty rates included are the largest for any artist at 25% of the retail price
of every album sold. The deal also includes Jackson’s own record label, landing Jackson in the
Guinness Book of World Records again, for the Largest Entertainment Contract Ever, worth 890
million dollars.
In 1991, he organizes and hosts a "Chimpanzee Tea Party", in benefit of Jane Goodall’s ape research
institute. On May 6, 1991, he also attends Mrs. Goodall’s "International Tribute Benefit".
On June 1, 1991, Temptations' group member, David Ruffin, dies of a drug overdose. Because it has
been found that Ruffin was peniniless, Jackson contacts Swanson Funeral Home in Detroit and
makes arrangements to cover a large portion of the funeral costs. He also sends a heart-shaped
arrangement of carnations to the New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit with the note, "With Love,
from Michael Jackson". Jackson was a big admirer of Temptations. He would not attend the funeral
ceremony to not divert attention from it.
In June, 1991, the singer is co-chair at an event dedicated to Stevie Wonder, who receives the
Nelson Mandela Award. The other co-chairpeople at this special dinner hosted by Bill Cosby are
Harry Belafonte, Quincy Jones, Eddie Murphy, Lionel Richie, Denzel Washington and Oprah
Winfrey.
On July 26, 1991, Jackson visits the "Community Youth Sports & Arts Foundation" in Los Angeles,
California, (charity addressing drug abuse problems and approaching relief programs for families
with gang members), talks to the children there, offers them financial support and a wide-screen
television set. He attends the event along with child star and friend, Emmanuel Lewis.
On July 27, 1991, the artist invites the Jackson family in Neverland to celebrate the first ever ‘Joe
Jackson Day’ in honor of the family’s patriarch. Later at the Hayvenhurst mansion, Joseph Jackson
receives his present from Janet and Michael: a boat.
In July, 1991, news surface of Michael Jackson’s first movie under his new contract with Sony,
Colombia Picture Entertainment, a science fiction musical action adventure, “Midknight”. He also
expresses interest in portraying Little Richard in a biopic of the entertainer’s life. However, he
accepts to appear in “Midknight”, to be written by Caroline Thompson, (who also wrote ‘Edward
Scissorhands’), and Larry Wilson, author of ‘Beetlejuice’. Anton Furst, the director for ‘The
Addams Family’ dark comedy, was to be directing “Midknight” as well, although the plans never
came to fruition.
The music video for racially-conscious "Black or White" is first broadcast on November 14, 1991,
the single being released 3 days before. Along with Jackson, it features actors Macaulay Culkin
(also Jackson’s friend), Tess Harper, and George Wendt, with cameo appearances by the singer’s
niece, Brandi Jackson and Wade Robson. The video is directed by John Landis, who previously
directed Thriller, and it simultaneously premieres in 27 countries, with an audience of 500 million
viewers, the most to ever watch a music video. The video shows scenes in which Maasai tribesmen
begin dancing like Jackson; so do, in sequence, Thais, Native Americans, a woman from India and a
set of Russians. Towards the end of the song, Jackson is seen dancing and singing in the torch of the
Statue of Liberty, the Roman goddess of freedom situated in New York City. The statue has become
an iconic symbol of freedom and of the United States. According to the US proclaimed
independence of people and nations, America would concur with Jackson (“it don’t matter if you’re
black or white’). However, “don’t tell me you agree with me”, protests Jackson, adding that “I saw
you (US) kicking dirt in my (and the other minorities’) eye”. During the song’s explosively
dramatic bridge, Jackson boldly screams his frustrations at the injustices produced by America, in
the background being shown flashes of history, such as from the race riots of the 60’s, officers
beating and kicking black men, a cross burned by the Ku Klux Klan (referring to KKK’s torch
ceremonies) also being featured: “I am tired of this devil, / I am tired of this stuff, I am tired of this
business, / Sew (or sue?) when the going gets rough. / I ain't scared of your brother, / I ain't scared
of no sheets, / I ain't scared of nobody, / Girl, when the goin' gets mean.” Therefore, Jackson calls
America (its industries and political elites) hypocritical and evil while singing and dancing furiously
on its key symbol. At the end of the song, different people dance as they morph into one another
(shown as "talking heads"). Controversy was generated concerning the last four minutes of the
original music video. Jackson walks out of the studio as a black panther and then morphs into
himself. The “panther dance’, as it was called, contains complicated dance techniques, sexually
suggestive behaviour and physical aggression, which the entertainer would later say they formed an
interpretation of the animal instincts of a black panther. MTV and other music video networks
removed the last four minutes from subsequent broadcasts. The performer is seen smashing shop
windows and car window panes reading racist graffiti "Hitler Lives", a swastika, "Nigger Go
Home", "No More Wetbacks", and "KKK Rules"). The video also shares the message that
“Prejudice is ignorance”. What has not been brought into discussion is the complexity of message
behind this video (or other videos of Jackson). The black panther Jackson portrays in the video is a
reference to “The Black Panther Party” (originally the “Black Panther Party for Self-Defense”), an
African-American revolutionary left-wing organization working for the self-defense for black
people aginst police brutality. It was active in the United States from the mid-1960’s into the 1970’s.
The Black Panther Party achieved national and international impact through their deep involvement
in the Black Power movement and in US politics of the 1960’s and 70’s, as the intense anti-racism
of the time is today considered one of the most significant social, political and cultural currents in
US history. The group's "provocative rhetoric, militant posture, and cultural and political flourishes
permanently altered the contours of American Identity", hence Jackson’s provocative dance
testimony in the video. While Jackson does not promote violence, the dance was a ‘free speech’
bodily statement, a venting off against human injustice.
The Dangerous album is released worldwide on November 26, 1991. The album, adopting a
developed maturity in themes as love and sex, both optimism and the pain of frustration, world
betterment and children care. It has got a ‘New Jack Swing’ sound as a result of him collaborating
with producers Teddy Riley and Bill Bottrell, and is more influenced by gospel and hip hop. The
mysterious, elaborate cover art of the album was created by Mark Ryden and the first pressing of
Dangerous came with a pop-up artwork cover. The cover illustrates Jackson’s eyes (meaning
himself) being surrounded by a spectacular, yet dangerous world (possibly the entertainment
industry), full of occult symbolism. Dangerous is one of the most anticipated albums of the 1990’s,
so much so that armed robbers have stolen approximately 30,000 copies when the first shipment has
arrived at the Los Angeles Airport. Dangerous receives many favorable reviews and goes straight to
number one in several countries, also becoming the highest selling album of 1992 and the first
album ever to spawn eight consecutive UK Top 20 hits. It will continue to sell well, spending 117
weeks in the US charts, and will sell over 20 million copies worldwide at the end of era.
On November 27, 1991, on occasion of MTV's 10th Anniversary Show, he appears live on stage to
perform songs, 'Black Or White' and 'Will You Be There', the latter being included in the videoclip
as part of a montage of other stage performances of the song.
In December, 1991, the entertainer’s company in Los Angeles, California, "MJJ Productions",
donate 200 turkey dinners to a number of destitute families.
Before heading for a two-week venture in Africa, the singer pays a visit to a storage facility in
Oxnard, California, where a sequined glove of his will sell for 1,000 dollars. Before the auction, he
meets with four children, to whom he sings "Man In The Mirror" after one child didn't believe it
was truly Jackson singing.
On January 14, 1992, single “Remember The Time” is released with a spectacular short film
directed by John Singleton. The 9-minute clip stars actor/comedian Eddie Murphy, supermodel
Iman and basketball player, Magic Johnson. Joanna Burns, Jackson spokesperson at the time, says
“He’s very concerned about AIDs. He hopes the appearance of Magic Johnson [on Remember The
Time video] will help raise public awareness.” In November, 1991, Magic Johnson announced that
he had been contaminated with the HIV virus, shortly afterwards setting the ‘Magic Johnson
Foundation’ to help combat HIV. Jackson also wished to draw attention to the African origins, the
video being set in Ancient Egypt, Ira Robbins of ‘Entertainment Weekly’ describing "Remember
The Time" as being a "gorgeous ancient Egyptian extravaganza" video. The short film presents
elaborate dance sequences and groundbreaking visual effects, with Jackson interpreting a wizard
coming to entertain the Pharaoph’s (Eddie Murphy) bored partner (Iman). The single goes to
number one on the U.S. R&B chart and it becomes a top ten single in nine different countries.
On February 3, 1992, he informs on the creation of "Heal The World Foundation" during a press
conference at the New York Radio City Music Hall, the mission of the foundation being that to
provide rescue to world-wide children; protection against abuse; caregiving; to deliver medicines
for children and fight world hunger, as well as to convey awareness on children’s rights and
necessities, and improve world’s life standards.
Between February 11 and February 18, 1992 - and on occasion of Black History Month - the artist
tours 30,000 miles of the African continent in 11 days (covering Gabon, The Ivory Coast, Tanzania,
Kenya and Libreville), where he visits medical centers, schools, churches, children’s housings and
educational NGO’s for disabled children. He phones his ranch daily, however, to make sure his
property and animals are unaffected by the storms and floods in California at the time. He is
reportedly interested in making a film, "Return To Africa", for his own video library. While in
Gabon, President El Hadj Omar Bongo Ondimba, declares that “the return of Michael Jackson (to
Africa) fits into the tradition of the abolition of time and the integration of space. His music made
us feel that he’s never really been away”. In return for the honors received by the entertainer in
Gabon, he presents President Bongo with the album Jackson was awarded when he was named
‘Artist of the Decade for the Eighties’. The President’s grandchildren, Christopher, Neata and
Malika join some one thousand children, including the singer’s friend, Brett Barnes at a party given
by Jackson back at the Intercontinental Hotel. He also gives an interview while in London regarding
his visit and more for May's issue of "Ebony" magazine, confessing towards the end, "You know,
that's the most I've said in eight years... You know I don't give interviews. That's because I know
you and I trust you. You're the only one I trust to give interviews to."
On February 20, 1992, Michael Jackson and young friend, Brett Barnes, visit Hamleys Toy Store
and Rock Circus on Piccadilly Circus in London, Britain.
While in England, on February 22, 1992, he and his young friend visit comedian Benny Hill at the
Royal Brompton Hospital in London for a reported 35 minutes. The 67-year-old comic has been
convalescing from a heart attack, but refused to undergo a heart bypass. Jackson hands him a
bouquet of flowers and enthusiastically tells him: "Great to see you at long last‘, and keeps
repeating You’re my hero’. Jackson is said to also have asked Hill if he wanted to appear in a video
with him, to which the comic replies, "Of course, why not?" Jackson then confesses to Hill that he
watches his shows every day and that he has hundreds of his videos. Benny Hill's best friend, TV
producer Dennis Kirkland, reveals, "Michael has invited Benny to stay with him next time he is in
L.A. [...] Michael's visit was the tonic he needed." Benny Hill passes away three months later from
coronary thrombosis. Michael Jackson was a big Benny Hill fan. "I just love your Benny Hill
(impression)!" the young Michael Jackson told a bemused English music-press critic during a
1970’s tour. "He's so funny!". In a ‘New Musical Express’ 1981 interview with The Jacksons, the
entertainer reveals that Benny Hill makes him laugh: “Uh! Are you kidding? Every day! I love
Benny Hill. I like him better than Monty Python. […] He just cracks me up. A genius.”
On June 27, 1992, Michael kicks off his Dangerous World Tour in Munich, Germany. The show
features special effects by David Copperfield, a strategically built stage, special lighting and
pyrotechnics, new and original choreography and notable costumes. It took tow 747 jets to transport
the equipment from country to country.
On May 1, 1992, after being rewarded with another "Point of Light" award by President George
Bush Sr., the singer visits 7-year old Raynal Pope - other sources at the time, such as Associated
Press reporting that the girl's name was actually Raynelle Tucker, severely injured by four dogs
March 21 in District Heights, Maryland. He spends forty five minutes with the young girl, her
younger sister, Myjan and two of their cousins; they play hide-and-seek, wrestle and dance, after
which Jackson poses for pictures and autographs a Beat It jacket.
On May 6, 1992, he pays expenses for young Ramon Sanchez’ funeral, mortuary and cemetery
costs and a headstone, illustrating how he is a "point of light" and that each person can help a
dispriviliged someone. 9-year old Sanchez was killed during the Rodney King violent riots in
California, while in his kitchen having a glass of milk. His parents couldn't afford to bury him,
hence Jackson's aid. The Sanchez family later have the opportunity to thank the singer in the flesh,
being arranged for them to visit a studio in Culver City, where he was filming a Pepsi ad. Through a
translator, the mother of Ramon tells Jackson that "Ramon was one of your biggest fans. You have
helped to make a very tragic time for us more bearable. Your involvement was a pleasant surprise,
and we are eternally grateful."
In June, 1992, Jackson attends a Soccer’s Charity match held in Italy, after which he will receive
funds on behalf of Nazionale Italiana Cantanti for his Heal The World Foundation.
On June 26, 1992, a day before the first leg of his Dangerous Tour, Michael Jackson donates 40,000
DM to then Mayor of Munich, Mr. Georg Kronawitter, as a relief for the needy children residing in
the urban areas. On June 29, he visits the "Sophia Children’s Hospital" in Rotterdam, The
Netherlands, publicly signing a check for 100,000 pounds for the institution's "Michael Jackson
Playroom"; the singer is also presented with a check for the Heal The World Foundation.
In July, 1992, the performer finances "La Partita del Cuore" ("The Heart Match") in Rome, Italy
with L. 821,477,296, and children’s foundations in Estonia and Latvia with 120,000 DM.
On July 11, 1992, he visits Phantasialand in Cologne, Germany on a halt from his concert that day.
Song “Jam” is released on July 13, 1992. The video is directed by Michael Jackson along with
David Kellogg. The music video for "Jam" takes place inside an abandoned indoor basketball court,
where Jackson teaches basketball legend Michael Jordan how to dance, and in return, Jordan
teaches Jackson how to play basketball. Special effects have Jackson throwing a basketball from a
window and scoring in the hoop at the opposite end, as well as tossing the ball behind him and
kicking the ball into the hoop with his heel. The song addresses the necessity for unity between the
nations of a highly increasing problematic world, however, the singer restates his resilience in the
midst of such chaos.
On July 21, 1992, on a break from his Dangerous tour in Copenhagen, Denmark, he visits the Tivoli
Gardens, a famous amusement park and pleasure garden there.
On July 25, 1992, while on tour in Dublin, Ireland, he announces a donation of 400,000 pounds, out
of his concert earnings, to various charities there - some reports solely mentioning the 'British
Children Charity'. A delay provoked by a malfunction before his Dangerous Tour concert in Leeds,
UK, leads to the singer being fined by a national council with 60,000 pounds, that are paid by
Jackson to a music charity fund.
On July 29, 1992, via his helicopter, the entertainer fetches characters Mickey and Minnie Mouse
from Euro-Disney, Paris, to the "Queen Elizabeth Hospital for Children" in Haggerston Park,
London, and distributes toys to the ill children there. While in London, he visits one of his favorite
comedy actors, Benny Hiil, at a hospital where he was interred for cardiac problems. Jackson
excitedly tells him he is his hero, having watched all his work, Hill confessing to Jackson he too is a
fan and that he has material of the entertainer which he very much enjoys. Hill dies, however, a few
weeks after, and Jackson releases a statement to the press on the set of his video for "Jam": "The
world is suffering the great loss of a great talent".
Eric Herminie, a fan of Jackson’s, threatens to jump off the roof opposite the Dorchester Hotel,
where the entertainer is staying on his Dangerous Tour concert in London, Britain. “It was worth
it.”, Herminie says. “He was fabulous on the phone. I talked for quite a while with him. He sounded
a very warm person. He told me not to do it again - to stay together. Of course, I am going to. He
basically saved my life. If he hadn’t come out, I obviously would have jumped.”
On July 31, 1992, before performing on his second concert at the Wembley Stadium in Great
Britiain, he financially (re)acknowledges the "Prince’s Trust" with a 350,000-pound check. The very
year, the first "Heal The World European Children’s Congress" is established in England, the
occasion of which 84 children, aged between 8 and 16, have gathered to discuss global issues of
imminent interest and their possible solutions. Despite being down with laryngitis, the artist also
participates at "Regent’s College" for several hours.
On August 16, 1992, backstage in Leeds, England, he meets with 6-year-old Nicholas Killen, left
visually impaired after a cancer procedure.
On August 24, 1992, Michael Jackson attends the first ‘Heal The World European Children
Congress’ at Regent’s College in London, Great Britain.
In September, 1992, Michael Jackson presents the Queen of Spain’s charity with a sum of 1,000,000
pesetas.
In September, 1992, during his Dangerous Tour, Jackson visits Valencia, Spain in a secret trip just to
go to the Lladró factory, hosting porcelain figures. Since a young boy, Jackson appreciated their
little statues. It is there where he catches site of a delicate Tinkerbell figure, which he kisses.
However, the singer will lose the statue on occasion of some 2005 Neverland auctions. In the spring
of 2009, Jackson will try to reobtain his beloved statue by phoning Lladró, and will be able to
repurchase some statues also lost in the mentioned auctions – he will receives all of them but the
Tinkerbell. 2 weeks after calling the factory again and pleading for it, Michael Jackson,
unfortunately, passes away. A Facebook group of fans, touched by this story, have launched the
online project, ‘Let’s Return Tinkerbell To Michael Jackson’, “to lay next to her Peter Pan” via a
Pay Pal donation, the fans involved in this campaign being determined to raise the needed monies –
1,500 Euros to purchase for the entertainer’s three children. They are clarifying, however, that the
coveted Disney figure is not the one kissed by the entertainer, it not being out for sale, but belongs
to another company working with them and is “100 % Lladró”.
On September 30, 1992, Jackson visits the "Leaganul De Copii Sfanta Ecaterina" care facility and
its children, in Bucharest, Romania, before his "Dangerous" tour concert on October 1. He spends
quite a large amount of time in the orphanage, where 5-year old Alice, whose mother was an
employee at the facility, gives to a gracious Jackson a drawing and photo album created by the
home's children, which he patiently browses. Before his concert, he officially launches the Heal
The World Foundation in presence of then Prime Minister, Theodor Stolojan, and discusses
HTWF’s tenets in a press conference, before which a group of children sing "Heal The World" to
him. He also finances a playground for 500 homeless children there via Playday, in the amount of
10,000 dollars, and inaugurated by then Romanian President, Ion Iliescu. A portion of the proceeds
from this concert is reported to have been directed to the Serbian refugees at the time. During his
stay in Bucharest, he also takes time to visit the Snagov Monastery, built by Vlad Tepes, the socalled Dracula; he requests privacy, and spends 6 hours inside, reportedly, in order to pray and
explore the building, but agrees to sign an autograph for one of the female journalists waiting
outside.
On October 1, 1992, Jackson chooses a concert in Bucharest, Romania for worldwide television
broadcast, the country being known for the large number of children’s housings.
Michael Jackson, along with other celebrities of color, contributes to the financing of director Spike
Lee's 1992 film, "Malcolm X", a biographical film about the African-American minister, human
rights activist and black nationalist, Malcolm X. The public speaker was shot dead by three men,
while speaking to a meeting of Afro-American Unity. The story of the film is based on "The
Autobiography of Malcolm X" as told to African-American writer, Alex Haley. Actor Denzel
Washington was nominated for an Academy Award For Best Actor for his role as Malcolm X.
On November 15, 1992, a biographic film detailing the Jacksons' life airs on ABC. Although it isn't
a superficial representation, some aspects are overlooked, such as patriarch Joseph Jackson's
abusive treatment towards his children, certain members of the family indicating he was more
abusive than portrayed, as well as more infidel in his marriage. Other areas are also grossly
neglected, and some errors also intervene. The film, however, will draw very high ratings.
On November 23, 1992, ‘Dangerous’’s fifth single, “Heal the World”, is released. The song is a top
ten hit in four countries. The music video, Jackson’s vision, features children living in countries
suffering from unrest especially Burundi. Towards the end of the video, children of various
nationalities ensemble and run around the war-stricken roads, among whom a little girl offering a
flower (symbol of peace) to an armed soldier. The children take over the zone populated by men of
war, them eventually throwing their guns away.
On November 24, 1992, inside a hangar at "John F. Kennedy Airport" in New York, Michael
Jackson monitors the loading of 43 tons of medical supplies, blankets, shoes and winter clothing
onto a cargo jet bound for the children of Sarajevo, a war-torn zone in the former Yugoslavia. The
Heal The World Foundation teams up with "AmeriCares" to fly the 2.1 million-dollar worth of aid
to Sarajevo for distribution by the United Nations. The aid is reported to have been also addressed
to the Serbians, Croatians and Muslims in need.
On November 25, 1992, Michael Jackson grants the wish of young David Sonnet, whom he meets
via the Make A Wish Foundation, the boy being invited to go along with other children from the
foundation to Jackson’s Neverland Ranch. Sonnet suffered a brain aneurysm at the tender age of 8,
leaving him only able to function through a communication device, it helping him convey his
thoughts through a specialized computer. Young David had received a ‘Beat It’ jacket from a local
charity in a West Palm Beach, Florida, which he wore for his special encounter. Jackson notices it
and says “I see you have my jacket on’. Among the activities David did together with his mother at
Neverland, he held Bubbles, Jackson’s monkey, rode the Octopus, the merry-go-round and other
activities suchlike. Because Sonnet was unable to talk or walk, the two shared an “I Love You” in
sign language. A visibly emotional Jackson receives a stuffed lion and a picture of himself from the
youngster and tells the boy he would keep his photo in his room. Before this encounter, David
Sonnet had written to Jackson on various occasions as a show of support, and the entertainer would
write back and include photos and other personal mementos. A hat of his featured in this auction
from West Palm Beach was gifted from Jackson to Sonnet, while Sonnet sent a thank you card to
the singer, inclusing a wedding card when he married Lisa Marie Presley in 1994. Both times
Jackson responded with a signed letter and salutation. According to Debbie Sonnet, David’s mother,
Jackson’s music did help him recover of a coma his recovery room was decorated with numerous
Jackson photos and his music was played at all times. Sonnet passed away on July 26, 2004.
On December 26, 1992, the singer acknowledges the merits of the "United Negro College Fund", by
virtue of which the "Michael Jackson Scholarship Program" had enabled over 200 young men and
women to receive qualified education up until that time. Jackson contributes a taped performance of
"Heal The World" to Lou Rawls' UNCF telethon, taken from a "Dangerous" concert mixed with
footage of Jackson during his journey in Africa.
On December 26-28, 1992, Michael Jackson flies to Nagasaki-Ken in Japan to visit Huis Ten
Bosch, with brother Tito’s children, Tarryll, T.J. and ‘Taj’. Huis Ten Bosch is a theme park in
Nagasaki Prefecture that recreates the Netherlands by displaying real size copies of old Dutch
buildings. The name Huis Ten Bosch translates into English as “House in the Forest”. He receives
an orange stuffed animal which he kisses and gives an embrace to.
In 1992, he attends the ‘Milken Family Foundation National Educator Awards’, performs ‘Heal The
World’ on stage with a large group of children and makes a brief speech. The Milken Family
Foundation is a private foundation established by Lowell Milken and Michael Milken in 1982, with
the mission to support education and medical research.
In 1992, Michael Jackson recites via phone to Ryan White’s mother, Jeannie, part of the poem he
wrote for the late young activist and friend, during her appearance at the Maury Povich US TV
Show. Mrs. White talks about her deceased son and his friendship with the entertainer.
On January 18, 1993, he joins Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Michael Bolton, Dionne
Warwick, Kenny Rogers and various other artists, including a choir of children, all conducted by
Quincy Jones, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. to sing “We Are The
World” for a preinaugural celebration of then incoming President Bill Clinton. The new first family,
including daughter Chelsea Clinton, later joins Jackson and the other stars on stage. His appearance
at the event is unscheduled. Jackson stays at the Madison Hotel and his only requests are for clothes
pressing service and strawberry ice cream. “An American Reunion: The 52nd Presidential Inaugural
Gala” takes place a day later - January 19 - at the US Air Arena in Landover, Maryland. Jackson
first addresses President elect Clinton on the need for and importance of increased funding for
AIDS cure research, then sings “Gone Too Soon” - in memory of his friend, late activist, Ryan
White, and “Heal The World”, accompanied by a large group of children. He dedicates the song to
"all the children of the world". He then joins the other performers at the event, including Barbra
Streisand, Aretha Franklin, Chuck Berry, Elton John and Barry Manilow, for a finale led by reunited
music group, Fleetwood Mac, singing one of their songs, the optimistic “Don’t Stop (Thinking
About Tomorrow)”, a song about living each day in positivity, discarding past negativity.
In January, 1993, Jackson is involved in the creation of a new version of the video for “Man In The
Mirror” - “Portrait Of Change” - is shown on MTV, with footage of the Presidential campaign and
some of the areas needing the most changes: poverty, homelessness and the environment.
On January 26, 1993, at a press conference held at Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, a novel
U.S. Children’s Relief Initiative, "Heal L.A.", is announced by Jackson, a collaborative effort
sustained by "Cities in Schools", "Big Brothers/Big Sisters", "BEST Foundation", "Watta Health
Foundation", and "Partnership for a Drug Free America", with the mission to battle urban-area
troubles and those of their young denizens through instructive programs featuring AIDS prevention,
a substance-free living, as well as counseling and immunization campaigns.
On January 31, 1993, Michael Jackson performs at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California for
Superbowl XXVII’s halftime of Dallas' 52-17 trouncing of Buffalo, this raising NBC's halftime
rating higher than the Super Bowl action before it. Unlike many previous years, he was the only
performer in the entire halftime show and his set included message-oriented songs such as "Jam"
(with the beginning of "Why You Wanna Trip On Me"), "Billie Jean" and "Black or White". The
finale featured a video montage showing Jackson participating in various humanitarian efforts
around the world, and a choir of 3,500 local Los Angeles area children singing "We Are The
World", later joining Jackson as he sings his single, "Heal the World". A giant inflatable Globe also
rises on the center of the stage, as is the case with each Dangerous and later HIStory concert. The
foundation’s initiative, “Heal L.A.” is launched in conjuction with his appearance at Superbowl
XXVII. The NFL pays performers only for their expenses, but it donated 100,000 dollars to
Jackson's ‘Heal the World Foundation’, named for one of the songs he sang at halftime. Radio
City’s Music Hall marketing and special events expert, Arlen Kantarian, declares shortly after the
singer’s demise that he recalls Jackson pushing to sing newer songs from his then newly released
"Dangerous" album, as opposed to older songs like "Billie Jean" and "Black or White." According
to Kantarian, Jackson said, "'Billie Jean's' just a tune; it doesn't mean anything,'" and "It's a new
world; this has to be about 'Heal the World.'"
On February 10, 1993, Michael Jackson is interviewed by Oprah Winfrey at his Neverland Ranch. It
is his first live TV interview in 14 years. During the 90-minute special, he opens up about his
personal life and career, clears up some misconceptions and rumors about himself and gives Oprah
a night time tour of his ranch. He also dances live in his theatre and gives the audience a special an
a-capella performance of “Who Is It”. The show becomes the fourth highest rated entertainment
show in history. In spite of Jackson’s good-will and generosity, Winfrey, as, in fact, various other
journalists, will prove/have proven to be biased, her not believing in Jackson’s innocence of
wrongdoings towards children and expressing this on several occasions, particularly during the
2005 trial completed with the entertainer’s vindication.
In February, 1993, the entertainer sends his condolences to the parents of two-year-old James
Bulger, then murdered in Liverpool, Merseyside by 2 older minors.
In February, 1993, in association with "Sega", "HTW" distributes over 108,000 dollars of computer
games and equipment to children’s hospitals, housings and charities in the U.K.
In March, 1993, it is announced that Michael Jackson has formed an independent film company
dedicated to producing uplifting movies. Michael Jackson Productions, Inc., will donate a share of
its profits to the singer’s Heal The World Foundation. Another project Jackson is reported to be
involved in, also dedicated to children, is a plan to form an entertainment and educational cable
television network. Jackson was partners in the venture with former junk bond king, Michael
Milken.
In March 1993, "The Rock & Roll Cookbook", by Dick and Sandy St. John, is published, and
includes recipes from various rock stars. Included in the book is a recipe for Maple Pecan Butter
Cookies that Michael Jackson contributed. It does not reveal, however, how often he made these
cookies.The same month, the singer wins approval from officials in Santa Barbara County to build a
twenty acre breeding ground for apes, white tigers, bears, llamas, snakes and other animals on his
then Neverland Ranch.
On April 14, 1993, Michael Jackson visits the Hasbro toy factory in Powtucket, Rhode Island to
witness how toys are made; he checks out the production line and fun room where toys are tested,
as well as visits with children and signs autographs for them.
In 1993, Michael Jackson heads a list of the music industry’s Who’s Who participating on comedy
actor and occasional singer Eddie Murphy’s third musical album, ‘Love’s Alright’, “JET”’s April 23
issue reveals. A variety of charities would benefit from proceeds from the sales of the Murphywritten single, ‘Yeah’, and it features voices as Michael and Janet Jackson, Paul McCartney, Julio
Iglesias, Luther Vandross or Garth Brooks. The single’s proceeds would be funneled through
Murphy’s “Yeah Foundation”, which he founded soon after the single had been recorded. Eddie
Murphy’s album, ‘Love’s Alright’, also features a duet between himself and Michael Jackson, titled
“Whatzupwitu”, the video for this song being released that year. The song, featuring the Boys Choir
of Harlem, bears the message that man and the world are God’s creations and He is the overseer of
all, both good and evil, and the video is a light-hearted look at Murphy and Jackson singing and
dancing against a backdrop of blue skies, clouds, hearts, birds and flowers. Jackson, who featured
Murphy in his “Remember The Time” short film, agreed to be a part of the two mentioned projects.
On April 26, 1993, as part of his "Heal L.A." tour, Jackson pays an unannounced visit to the "Watta
Health Foundation" and two school centers from "Los Angeles South Central", where he engages in
discussions with the children and the service staff providers of the immunization, mentoring and
drug-abuse prevention programs. He also poses for pictures with the children in need of the
mentioned programs, and embraces them. Jackson's "Heal L.A." and "Heal The World Foundation"
will provide much needed funding to many inner-city organizations, including to the "El Santo Nino
Center" on East 23rd Street, where the singer meets with the children later in the afternoon. His
final stop that day is the "Horusman Middle School", where he listens to children boasting of a
special mentoring program.
On May 5, 1993, former American President, Mr. Jimmy Carter, and Michael Jackson, then
chairmen of the "Heal Our Children/Heal The World" initiative, visit Atlanta, Georgia to promote
their "Atlanta Project Immunization Drive", sponsored by "Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.",
"Ronald McDonald Children's Charities" etc., and commissioned to increase the number of children
benefiting from local immunization services to over 17,000, by means of a family health care
system.
In June, 1993, he announces that "HTW"s total earnings of 1,25 million dollars, along with his
entire "Super Bowl XXVII" proceeds from that year will be funneled to "Heal L.A." to the children
having suffered from the Los Angeles’ riots at the time. In the same month, he invites 100 children
at his home from "Challengers Boys" and "Girls Clubs" in Los Angeles. The Big Brothers of Los
Angeles give Jackson a rocking chair made by a woman who made them for President Kennedy and
the Pope. Another group of children visiting the ranch get a sneak peak preview of “Tom & Jerry:
The Movie”. The film wasn't scheduled to begin running in theaters until July 30, but the artist
received an advance copy from Joseph Barbera.
On June 10, 1993, Michael Jackson attends an afternoon rally at a middle school in Los Angeles,
California, to launch a new DAREPLUS (‘Play and Learn Under Supervision’) program for the
school, an initiative educating children on the perils of substance abuse and gang
memberships/grouping. Jackson was a member of the Board of Directors of DARE (‘Drug Abuse
Resistance Education’) and he was presented with a t-shirt for which he was grateful: “Thank you
very much. I love you all. Thank you.”
On June 18, 1993, he pays a visit to a hospital in Washington, D.C. for several hours, speaks to the
children and plays chess with them.
“Together For Our Children”, a syndicated special, begins airing in June, 1993. The special was put
together to help raise funds for children's immunization. Jackson lends a performance of "Jam"
from London's Wembley Stadium to be included in the special.
On June 28, 1993, “Will You Be There”, the eighth single from album Dangerous is released. Also
on the soundtrack for family movie, “Free Willy”, in the 2002 ITV interview with Martin Bashir,
Jackson says that he wrote "Will You Be There" in his Giving Tree at Neverland Ranch. The full
version of the song includes a prelude featuring the Cleveland Orchestra and the Cleveland
Orchestra Chorus performing a portion of Beethoven's ninth symphony. The segment is from the
fourth movement and is a lesser known portion of the famous "Ode to Joy". The German lyrics
were written by Friedrich Schiller, and them translated read the following: “Do you bow down,
millions? / Do you sense the Creator, world? Seek Him beyond the starry canopy! / Beyond the
stars must He dwell”. This classical introduction is then followed by a chorale interlude arranged by
Andrae and Sandra Crouch. The Andrae Crouch Singers are heard throughout the rest of the song as
well. In the song, Jackson asks for support either from his fans, a friend/lover, God, or all of them,
wondering and yearning for their love “in my deepest despair”, “in my trials and my tribulations”,
‘through our doubts and frustrations”, “in my pain, in my joy”, and makes the following vow at the
end: “I’ll never let you part. / For you’re always in my heart.” The song manages to remain in the
US top 10 and UK top 40 in the UK for over six weeks, and so far has sold 10,530,000 copies
worldwide.
In early July, Jackson sends Mallory Cyr, an eight year old girl suffering from a rare intestinal
disorder, a check and a promise to call. He has responded to a letter writing campaign conducted by
school children in Sabattus, Maine. Jackson's note reads, "I am sending you all my loving and
caring, Mallory, along with the enclosed gift, which I hope will help nourish you and keep you
strong."
The opening act for all of Jackson's Dangerous World Tour concerts was Rozalla, a Zimbabwe
native whose 1991 single, 'Everybody's Free (To Feel Good)', was on the Top Ten charts in eight
countries. The song's message is that "we are all a family / That should stand together as one /
Helping each other", resonating perfectly with Jackson's world-conscious songs and other
endeavors.
In August, 1993, "HTW" partners with "Pepsi-Cola Thailand" to endow 40,000 dollars to the
"Crown Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's" foundation and to the Rural School Children and Youth
Development Fund, as a sponsorship for school meal programs in the villages of Thailand. In the
same month, new ambulances reach "Contacts One Independent Living Center for Children" in
Moscow, Russia and the "Hospital de Niños Dr. Ricardo Gutierrez" in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
On August 24 1993, Michael Jackson resumes his Dangerous World Tour, starting the second leg in
Bangkok, Thailand. The tour moves through Asia, Russia and onto South America. He plays his last
show of the Tour on the November 11, 1993 in Mexico, canceling the other shows left due to the
severe stress and exhaustion caused by the false allegations. He had played 69 concerts to circa 3,5
million fans and donated all proceeds to his Heal the World foundation and other charities around
the world. It was the biggest tour of its time.
On August 31, 1993, the sixth single off the Dangerous album, “Who Is It”, telling the dramatic
story of a cheating lover, gets released. The videoclip is directed by David Fincher and features a
sad, distressed Jackson desperately singing his betrayal away. It includes a cheating girl taking on
different identities and being hired to offer pleasure to men, possibly a prototype of the groupies
Jackson has encountered as a celebrity ever since childhood, or of those women he wrongfully
deemed as honest and suitable. The single becomes a top ten hit in five countries and number one
on the US dance chart.
On September 3, 1993, between his two Dangerous Tour concerts at Taipei's Municipal Stadium in
Taiwan, Michael Jackson visits a Toys ‘R’ Us store that closed for two hours for his visit. He spends
4,500 dollars on video games, water pistols and other toys for his nephews who accompanied him to
the store; he also spends time with the store manager's children and stops to paint a picture.
The Dangerous tour's next stop was Fukoka, Japan. Jackson arrives in Fukoka on September 7 and
performs 2 concerts there. He also visits a school affiliated to a U.S. naval base there. At his
September 10th concert in Japan, there is also one special fan who got to see Jackson perform. The
artist has flown a terminally ill Dutch boy, 15 year old Martijn Hendricsen, and his two brothers to
Japan via “Make A Wish Foundation”. They were driven in a twenty three foot gold limousine to
Amsterdam airport to meet with the entertainer and see the concert.
Lois Sheldon, director of a San Diego shelter for women and children with AIDS, decides to
withdraw her request to name the facility after Michael Jackson. She has been seeking permission to
name the shelter the “Michael Jackson Rainbow House”, but due to the 1993 allegations made
against Jackson, Sheldon held back.
On September 13, 1993, while on his Dangerous tour in Moscow, Russia, for his concert there, he
goes shopping in Moscowand tours the Kremlin Museum and armoury. On September 15, he
postpones his flight out of Moscow, instead goes to visit a hospital for mentally challenged children
there, who rejoice at seeing him and fight for his attention. One of his aides says that the singer has
asked for one of the children to be flown to America for care and treatment which Jackson will pay
for. The singer holds a few children in his arms and on his lap, comforts and plays with them and
wishes to entertain them: “I’d like to sing with them. We all know a song together”, he says, visibly
emotional. He also visits children in a nearby orphanage, who will sing a song to him in Russian,
turning him – the ultimate performer, into an attentive spectator.
On September 18, 1993, Michael Jackson visits Jerusalem, Israel. He arrives in Israel for his
Dangerous concerts to be held the following day in Tel Aviv. Jackson visits holy sites, including the
ancient Western Wall, unfortunately is met by religious protesters there, but is welcomed at Masada,
another historic site, of ancient palaces and fortifications in the South District of Israel. He is
pictured there with open, worshipping hands. On June 16, that year, the much anticipated concert
was rescheduled from a Saturday night to a Monday at the insistence of the fervently Orthodox,
who feared a massive violation of the Sabbath by people traveling before sundown to the Saturday
concert. The superstar's tour producer, Marcel Avram, explained at a press conference that the
change was spurred by “our wish to respect the sentiments of the religious community and not to
desecrate the Sabbath.”
On September 20, 1993, during his stay in Tel Aviv, Israel, Jackson visits ill patients at a hospital,
speaks to and passes toys to them, waves to an extensive congregation of admirers from his hotel
balcony and throws down pieces of memorabilia to them. He also visits the Tsirn Army Base there.
Meantime, Jackson’s associate, "Pepsi", warrants 160,000 dollars for the "Ghandi Foundation for
Children", resulted from the singer’s concerts in New Delhi, India.
Earlier in October, 1993, Jackson's thirty-five year old cousin, Tony Jackson, dies in a car accident.
While he wasn't able to return home for the funeral (being on tour in Mexico, and having been
performed surgery on an abscessed tooth), he pays all of the funeral expenses.
In October, 1993, grants totaling in 100,000 dollars are distributed to the "Children's Defense
Fund"; "Children's Diabetes Foundation"; "Atlanta Project", and "Boys and Girl Clubs" in Newark,
New Jersey, to further the provision of health services for children.
In Buenos Aires, Argentina, October, 1993, the entertainer donates thousands of tickets to his
October 6 Dangerous concert to ill, needy and disadvantaged children.
From October 15 to 17, 1993, he is Brazil for two History concerts in Sao Paolo. In Rio de Janeiro,
he donates thousands of tickets to these for underprivileged children and visits a hospital, including
one of his fans checked in it. At the time, concert promoter Dodi Sirena recalls a "sensitive" artist
who asked for an amusement park to be reserved for his use, then invited children from the poorest
public schools. "He displayed great concern for everything in the country, with poverty, with street
children," Sirena says. 2 years later, he would film in Rio de Janeiro, in the Dona Marta slum. “This
process to make Dona Marta better started with Michael Jackson,” press liaison for Rio’s office of
tourism, Claudia Silva says. “Now it's a safe favela. There are no drug dealers anymore, and there's
a massive social project. But all the attention started with Michael Jackson.”
From October 17 to 23, 1993, Michael Jackson stays in Santiago, Chile to deliver a concert. At one
point, he is seen singing “Heal The World” with fans from his Hyatt Hotel balcony. Jackson visits
children in the Calvo Mackenna hospital on October 22.
On October 28, 1993, Michael Jackson enables 5000 deprived children in Mexico to visit "El
Nuevo Reino Aventura Park", home of whale Keiko. In the same month, Jackson passes thousands
of concert tickets to the necessitous children of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and provides thousands of
such children with another set of tickets in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
On November 5, 1993, he attends a children’s festivity at "Hard Rock Cafe" in Mexico City,
dedicated to the homeless ones from the "Tere Alarcon" orphanage.
Towards the end of 1993, Pepsi would sever ties with Jackson, due to the recently made allegations
(not resulting in trial) against the singer, him being dropped on unsubstantiated allegations. Many
other celebrity pitchmen have been dropped by Pepsi’s advertisers because of negative
circumstances, including Madonna, Burt Reynolds, Magic Johnson or Mike Tyson.
In December, 1993, "HTWF", in association with "Gorbachev Foundation USA", renders 60,000
vaccine doses to the impoverished children of Tbilisi, Georgia.
On December 16, 1993, Michael Jackson and "HTWF" offer support to U.K.’s "Operation
Christmas Child", the organization’s children airlifting over 100,000 (other sources state 30,000) of
'shoebox gifts' of toys, sweets, school items, photographs, letters and the like to the children in
Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina.
On December 6, 1993, the ninth and last single off the Dangerous album is released. “Gone Too
Soon” was written and composed by Larry Grossman and Buz Kohan, produced by Jackson, and
dedicated by him to his late friend, Ryan White. The song enjoys top 40 success in the United
Kingdom.
In 1994, Michael Jackson presents 500,000 dollars to the "Elisabeth Taylor’s AIDS Foundation".
On January 7, 1994, the pop star organizes, on occasion of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, a gala
for 100 needy children at his Neverland residence. Meanwhile, "HTWF", with partners "Unihealth"
and "Los Angeles Immunization Coalition", disseminate vaccines to the homeless children in Los
Angeles, beggared by a damaging earthquake in the area. Moreover, the singer’s "HTWF", along
with "Discovery Playthings", hands hundreds of toys to children attending an immunization drive.
"Heal L.A.", additionally, donates more than 85,000 dollars to the "Al Wooten Jr. Heritage Center",
"Casa Rutilio Grande", "Clinica Para Las Americas", "Families in New Directions", "Meeting Each
Need With Dignity", "Proyecto Esperanza", "Pueblo Nuevo", and "Vaughn Street Family Center"
sheltering the victims of the Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley earthquake. Associated with
"General Electric", "Lever Brothers" and "Surf Wash", "HTWF" deliver washers, dryers and soap to
25 NGO’s, as well as free laundry services, all for the earthquake-stricken people, in addition, along
with "Heal L.A." and "Salvation Army", 400 homeless people and their children are invited to
spend a day at "Universal Studios". Michael Jackson and his residence are also hosts to 100
children from the "Community Youth Sports and Arts Foundation" in Los Angeles, whom he speaks
and plays with, poses for pictures and signs autographs; the children, moreover, watch film
"Beethoven's 2nd" with him in his amusement park, and visit his private zoo.
In 1994, 500, 000 dollars in earnings derived from "The Jackson Family Honors" event held at the
MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada are pledged to several charities not control by the
Jacksons, such as an entertainment industry earthquake relief fund, Friends of Conservation, and
the Library of Congress - American Popular Music Program. Television broadcast fees and ticket
revenues of the gala were estimated at 6 million dollars. The remaining 5.5 million dollars are said
to be funneled to "Family Caring for Families", a then recent Jackson family NGO. At the
mentioned gala fundraiser and tribute to actress, Elizabeth Taylor and music mogul, Berry Gordy,
Michael Jackson joins members of his family and other artists, such as Elizabeth Taylor, Celine
Dion, Bruce Hornsby, Gladys Knight and Dionne Warwick to perform "If You Only Believe", a
relief anthem speaking about the blessings of life, regardless of its inevitable perils. The entertainer
originally has not wished to be present at the event, only a couple of months before being
discharged from a facility where he recuperated following the 1993 false allegations that took a
hold on him, but relents to his family's wishes. He takes the stage to present Gordy and Taylor with
their honors, after which the two of them each say their speech of support towards Jackson, Gordy
stressing, "Michael, I believed in you when you were 9, and I'll never stop believing in you!", after
which he embraces a gracious Jackson. The Honors were broadcasted on NBC three days after the
taping, on February 22, 1994.
In early 1994, Jackson has reportedly resurrected an earlier project. He was to have contributed a
song to the Addams Family Values soundtrack. That song, "Is This Scary", is now being finished
along with an extended length video. The video, financed by the artist, was said to cost 6 million
dollars.
Michael Jackson is looking at a new home - in Florida, ten minutes from Walt Disney World in
Orlando. The massive house was set on an immense piece of property and cost approximately 10
million dollars. Jackson is interested in building a park on the property for children.
In the summer of 1994, "HTWF", in partnership with Los Angeles Unified School District, "I Have
A Dream Foundation", "Best Buddies", "Overcoming Obstacles" and "California One To One",
provides 2000 children with tickets to see singer Janet Jackson, the L.A. Laker Jam and The Beach
Boys in concert; in the fall of the same year, "Heal L.A." funds implementation of the Los Angeles
Team Mentoring Program in six Los Angeles Unified School District Middle Schools, from the
South Central Los Angeles and the Pico Union Districts, reaching over 1,000 young people, and
utilizing 300 volunteers.
On June 23, 1994, the singer visits Cab Calloway in a New York Hospital. Cabell "Cab" Calloway
III (December 25, 1907 – November 18, 1994) was an American jazz singer and bandleader, and in
May, 1994 suffered a stroke leading to his passing six months later.
On August 6, 1994, Jackson and then wife, Lisa Marie Presley, visit two children’s facilities in
Budapest, Hungary: the Heim Pal Hospital For Children and the Bethesda Hospital, while shooting
the Communist-themed video for the HIStory album. The singer distributes an estimated 2,600 toys
to the afflicted young patients, while "HTWF", along with partners "Toys 'R' Us" and
"AmeriCares", distribute 20,000-dollar-worth toys, food and provisions suchlike therein. Author of
"Michael Jackson – The Visual Documentary", Adrian Grant, also present at the facilities,
remembers a highlight of this event 10 years later in an interview for a fan magazine: "During the
visit, the most amazing thing happened, when Michael brought a smile on the face of a dying 8-year
old girl who had lain motionless and silent for weeks. […] [She] reached out and touched Michael’s
hand. It was great to see the positive effect Michael’s superstar status could have on a person. […]",
says Grant. Jackson also offers to purchase a respiratory machine for the Bethesda Hospital.
At the “Budapest Royal Palace” close to the Danube, he shoots a video in which he appears as a
freedom fighter “helping to chase Soviet Red Army out of Eastern Europe”, according to journalist
Ruki Sayid, to promote his album, “HIStory”. In the video, Jackson is leading 200 soldiers in a
march against communism. He will cal them his “army of love”. A huge polystiren statue of him is
also erected in Heroes Square. The teaser receives harsh critics, erroneously portraying it as a
promoter of dictarship and fascism. “777” is the number appearing on a band on his left arm - the
number of God and divine unity, whereas the giant metal star on his right arm represents the green
star, a long-time historical symbol of Esperanto, the International peaceful Language; the star also
appears on the caps of the multi-ethnic soldiers, who instead of saluting, do Michael Jackson’s
dance moves at the Arch of Triumph. In addition, much of the background singing in the video is in
Esperanto. The opening speech and choral music in the video are in this international language. “Ni
konstruas i tiun skulptaon en la nomo de iuj landoj kaj tutmonda patrineco kaj la kuracpovo de la
muziko.”, it meaning, "… everyone in the world builds this sculpture [the Jackson statue] in the
name of worldwide motherhood and love, and the healing power of music." The same person
uttering these words (the construction foreman) later says (translated) "Come here!" while
motioning to others. Looking at the video in this context, together with the cinematography, it is an
elaborate and more profound work of art with a non-violent, gentle message, that of healing music
conquering the world and bringing joy (i.e.: the exalted, fainting admirers). The massive
promotional campaign for the forthcoming album, HIStory, is launched on MTV and around the
world on May 22, 1995, with this teaser film. The 4 minute “HIStory Teaser” is filmed in early
August 1994, and directed by Rupert Wainwright. Fans are invited to participate in the film, which
features the enormous army of soldiers of peace and impressive special effects.
On August 21, 1994, the Jacksons, minus Randy, perform at a U.K. Scientology fund-raiser “For
The Children Of The World.” It is yet unclear whether Michael attended the event, although his then
wife was and still is a devout member of the Church of Scientology.
In 1994, Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley visit almost every room in the St. Jude Hospital in
downtown Memphis, Tennessee. He hands out toys and signs autographs to the ill children, then
stops to chat with some of them. 10-year old leukemia patient, Kristen Sidman (sp) is one of them,
whom he tells, while stroking her head, “You are going to get better…”, then adds, “She’s shy as I
am – can’t believe it”.
In March, 1995, Michael Jackson and "HTWF" provide specialized treatment to 4-year-old patient,
Bela Farkas, who was abandoned by his mother and in need of a liver transplant, the singer also
visiting and befriending the boy a year before at the "Bethesda Children's Hospital" in Budapest,
Hungary where he was charged, Jackson paying for the ultimately successful surgery expenses and
care. He also meets a girl admirer from Krusevac, Serbia, backstage, following his concert in
Budapest, and empathizes on the struggles of Serbian people, praising their history to her.
On March 3, 1995, Michael Jackson attends two-year old (murdered) Craig Fleming’s memorial
service, pays his surviving brother’s medical costs, establishes a trust fund in benefit of the latter, as
well as dedicates song "Childhood" from his "HIStory" album in his memory. He also involves
himself in founding the "Community School/Safety Havens Initiative", with the purpose of creating
a secure environment for the L.A. students, families and residents, and consisting in after-school
activities, namely computer instruction, languages, mathematics and sports. In the mentioned year,
"HTWF" brings forth entertainment figures to support "Heal L.A."s initiatives, such as pop/rap
singers Kriss Kross (who visit patients at the "George C. Page Children's Hospital Community
Health Center", in support of Heal L.A. Immunization Initiative), Raven-Symone and Bryton
McClure (who visit students at Bancroft Middle School, in support of Heal L.A. Mentoring
Initiative).
In 1995, "HTWF" and "International Rescue Committee" ship two pallets of toys to children in wartorn Bosnia-Herzegovina. The singer further supports the rescue and release of caged dolphins by
addressing a plea to authorities concerning proper legal approach on the dolphins’ life standards
from zoos and parks. In the meantime, "Heal L.A." continues to support the "Community
School/Safety Havens Initiative" by including over 1200 more families to the curriculum and
extending its timetable.
On April 18, 1995, "HTWF", "Permanent Charities" and "EC2000" finance transportation facilities
for 46 children from 18 countries to attend the "World Congress of Children" ("WCC") held at
Neverland, a 3-day seminar and leadership preparation tackling children’s critical issues, such as
reports on Switzerland’s child rights, the solutions being submitted by "HTWF" and "WWC" for the
"World Summit of Children", during the United Nations’ Golden Jubilee in California. Jackson and
his wife at the time, Lisa Presley, welcome the children to the residence. Additionally, "HTW" and
"International Rescue Committee" channel 2 boxes of toys to the war regions of BosniaHerzegovina, while, along with "WCC" and "Children's Torch of Hope", convey "WCC"s mission
and statement across the U.S. at over 30 events.
On May 31, 1995, "Childhood" is released as a lead single alongside “Scream” on CD, cassette, 7"
and 12" format out of Jackson’s ninth studio album "HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I”. is a
biographical reference to Jackson's difficult years as a youngster, such as the relationship with his
father and the pressures of early stardom - as the lead member of The Jackson 5. From a young age,
Jackson was physically and emotionally abused by his father through rehearsals, whippings and
derogatory name calling. Jackson's abuse as a child had affected him throughout his later life.
Michael, Marlon, La Toya and Jackie Jackson shared experience suchlike either in a couple of
interviews or autobiographies. All through the “Childhood” song, Jackson melancholically wonders,
asking rhetorically: “Have you seen my childhood”, meekly adding that “no one understands me”,
“cause I keep kidding around like a child, but pardon me” and noting that “People say I’m strange
that way / ‘Cause I love such elementary things. / But it’s been my fate to compensate /For the
childhood I’ve never known”, and “before you judge me, / Try hard to love me”. Before the last
question, Jackson cries “the painful youth I’ve had”. In the HIStory album booklet, there is a
drawing of Jackson as a child created by him: he is huddled in a corner of the room, microphone in
hand, staring pleadingly or scared, the electric cord of his microphone looking snapped. On one
corner wall are the lyrics to "Childhood", the other wall shows Jackson's signature. The music video
to Childhood is set in a forest, with children in ships sailing through the night sky - reminiscent of
Peter Pan - with Jackson meekly sitting on a tree stump singing.
"Scream", the smashing duet between Michael and Janet Jackson, is released as a lead single along
with “Childhood”. It is cited primarily as an aggressive, retaliatory song directed at the tabloid
media and their coverage of the child sexual abuse accusations made against him in 1993. "Scream"
was written, composed and produced by Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Michael and Janet Jackson.
Inside the “HIStory” CD album booklet an artwork dedicated to illustrating the song features the
1981 “Das Lied” (“The Song”), a watercolor painting of a young girl screaming in the corner of a
room, by Austrian-Irish fine artist, painter, photographer, Gottfried Helnwein, famous for his
dramatic imagery, especially of anonymous child victims. Beside the girl are Jackson’s handwritten
lyrics of ‘SCREAM.’: “with such confusion, dont (sic) it make you wanna scream. Your bash
abusing victimized within the scheme, you try to cope with every lie they scrutinize, somebody
please have mercy, ‘cause I just can’t take it. M.J.” Towards the end of the booklet is a copy of a
child's letter to then President of the United States, Bill Clinton, asking him to end war, pollution
and to stop the negative press reports about Jackson. on Pareles of The New York Times observes,
“fear has turned to aggression. The music has polarized; it's either clipped, choppy and electronic or
glossy and sumptuous, only occasionally trying to combine the two. Most of the time, Jackson
sounds as if he's singing through clenched teeth, spitting out words in defiance of any and all
persecutors”. At a cost of million dollars, the futuristic video for ‘Scream’ will be listed in the
Guinness World Records as the most expensive music video ever made, however director Mark
Romanek has refuted the claim saying that there were two other music videos from the same era
which cost "millions more" than this video. Michael and Janet are seen on a large spacecraft away
from the earth, escaping via playing tennis, video games, making faces, although they have also a
large TV set where news that "a man has been brutally beaten to death by Police after being
wrongly identified as a robbery suspect. The man was an 18 year old black male...” causes Jackson
to scream at the injustice and burst into an aggressive dance number with his sister. The news bit
focuses on police brutality towards the minorities.
Travis Thomas, a 5-year old boy who suffers from cystic fibrosis, wished to meet the entertainer,
the issue number 2 of History Magazine reveals in 1995; his wish comes true in June through
Jackson and the Make A Wish Foundation, a non-profit group that fulfills the dreams of children
suffering from fatal illnesses and which Jackson would support for many years. Travis and his
family, along with 20 other seriously ill children, spent a weekend at Jackson’s Neverland Ranch
and were allowed to roam around the compound’s private amusement park. “The love this man has
on his face when he is with these special children is unbelievable. He is one of the kindest and most
gentle men I have ever met’, Travis’ mother says. “One evening, we were watching TV and Travis
hadn’t eaten for a couple of days. He was on TV”, Thomas recalls, “and we came across the
American Music Awards and Michael Jackson… Travis sat up and wanted to eat… He said, ‘I love
Michael Jackson, Mama!”.
On June 15, 1995, Sony continues its 30 million-dollar promotional campaign for HIStory, by
floating a collosal statue of Michael Jackson down the River Thames in the UK. There were a total
of nine statues throughout Europe. Each statue was 10 meters tall, 2,100 kilograms in weight and
made from steel and fibreglass. The promotion for HIStory was the largest campaign for a single
album at that time. “HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book 1” is released worldwide on June 18,
1995. It was Jackson’s ninth studio album, an “angry” work post-1993 allegations, largely
addressing the injustice he and the world are undergoing, and its large-scale promotion around the
world was his visual statement that those ill-meaning attempts to bring him down failed and he is a
resilient fighter. By the end of June, HIStory had sold a staggering 7,5 million copies worldwide.
As an introduction for the HIStory dramatic track, "Little Susie", Jackson utilises his own variation
of Pie Jesu from the Maurice Duruflé's Requiem. It has been rumored that Jackson found inspiration
for the song from the murder of a little girl named “Susie” in 1978. The inspiration behind the song
more likely comes from an artist called Gottfried Helnwein, which the entertainer has admired for
years, having had purchased some of his paintings. One of them, "Beautiful Victim", inspires the
song, bearing resemblance to Helnwein’s Lichtkind (Child of Light, 1972) painting to depict the
song on the History Volume 1 Booklet. In this tragic tale, little Susie, ‘the girl with the tune’,
commits suicide because of gross indifference to her well-being: “she falls down the stairs”. Her
father had abandoned the family, leaving her mother and grand-father to wither in the grave. Years
later, she is grafted into the home of an unloving family. Though she gets adopted eventually, the
family did not understand the child or connect with her, therefore she is left feeling forlorn and
depressed. Jackson, known to empathize with abused children everywhere, sends the message that
"Neglect can kill / Like a knife in your soul / Oh, it will".
On July 11, 1995, Michael Jackson makes a rare public appearance; he takes the stage in a Beverly
Hills event – the opening of ‘The Magic Johnson Sony Theatre’. Following the singer’s
introduction, he presents a pair of gold swords to the President of Ghana on behalf of friend and
business partner, Prince Al Waleed. “My brother and friend, Prince Al Waleed asked me to present
these swords to you tonight, and I’m very honored. Thank you.” Then, the entertainer receives his
own award, the Diamond of Africa. Afterwards, he signs autographs and pictures for fans, and has a
store closed for him for almost an hour’s time, when he purchases CD’s and takes time to watch
Disney animated film, “The Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs”.
In 1995, he visits the Memphis Zoo with Lisa Presley in Midtown Memphis, Tennessee. The zoo is
home to more than 3,500 animals representing over 500 different species.
Minister Louis Farrakhan reveals, for the first time, during a public lecture in Chicago, July 26,
2009, that the entertainer quietly donated 100,000 dollars to the historic ‘Million Man March’ from
October 16, 1995. ‘The Million Man March’ was a gathering of social activists, en masse, held in
Washington, D.C.. Under the leadership of Nation of Islam head, Louis Farrakhan, African
American men from across the United States converged on Washington in an effort to “convey to
the world a vastly different picture of the Black male” and to unite in self-help and self-defense
against economic and social ills plaguing the African American minority/community.
In the final chapter of a trial that started in 1995, Michael Jackson has been totally cleared of
plagiarism allegations brought against him by Italian singer-songwriter Al Bano in 1992. The Rome
appeals court has ruled that Michael Jackson was not guilty of plagiarism allegations and didn't
steal a part of the melody of Al Bano's 1987 song "I Cigni Di Balaka'' in composing "Will You Be
There". In May 1999, a lower court in Rome found Michael Jackson guilty of plagiarism and
ordered him to pay court costs. But Michael Jackson's lawyers appealed the decision. In 1999, in a
separate civil case inititated by Al Bano and involving the same song, a Milan court will also find
Michael Jackson not guilty of copyright infringement.
On November 27, 1995, HIStory’s third single, “Earth Song”, is released worldwide, but not in the
United States. The single went to number 1 in the UK and stayed at the top spot for six weeks. The
song also reached the top 10 in 16 different countries and sold 3,5 million copies worldwide. The
video/short film for the song was directed by Nicholas Brandt and was filmed in four separate
places: The Amazon Rainforest, Warzone Croatia, Tanzania and Warwick, Orange County, New
York.
In December, 1995, "HTWF" and the youth ambassadors of "WCC" address a statement to the
"Guardians of the Future" monument in Mexico City, co-sponsored by "EC2000", "Terra Christa
Communications", "UNICEF", the mayor’s office in Mexico City and the "Coalition for Children of
the Earth".
In 1995, singer, dancer, and choreographer Michael Jackson rehearses for what would have been a
concert with “just the man, just the moves, just the music”, a special due for cable-network, HBO,
and titled “Michael Jackson: One Night Only”. On August 17, 1995, on occasion of a live-chat
interview with his fans (Simulchat), he announces the existence of this project: “I’m doing an HBO
special, and it’s intimate. It’s close-up. It will allow me to do things I’ve never done before.”
Jackson also rehearsed a special pantomime number for the show with internationally acclaimed
French actor and mime, Marcel Marceau and planned to accompany this act with song,
“Childhood”, and had other 25 songs planned or performing, notably "Black Or White",
"Dangerous", "Smile" and "You Are Not Alone". The concert was set to be aired on Sunday,
December 10, 1995, 8 p.m., at New York’s historic Beacon Theater, but it was cancelled because
Jackson had collapsed on December 6, while rehearsing for this special due to a severe case of
gastro-enteritis, dehydration and electrolyte imbalances and was rushed to Beth Israel Medical
Center in New York where he remained hospitalized until December 13. William Alleyne II, the
artist’s doctor for almost two weeks at the time, speaks for the first time since Jackson’s lifethreatening experience, a month after his untimely demise fourteen years after: “Mr. Jackson was in
critical condition, Alleyne says. He was dehydrated. He had low blood pressure. He had a rapid
heart rate. He was near death. […] Michael Jackson was unconscious when he arrived. I had to
make that clear.” Alleyne adds that he found no immune system problems and no drugs while
examining Jackson and, eventually, he was stabilized. “Michael Jackson was the most soft-spoken,
least demanding guy you would ever want to meet, Alleyne says. Everything he said was a whisper.
His biggest concern was could he perform.” Alleyne advised the singer against it. Near the end of
Jackson's hospital stay, he asked Alleyne if he could visit other patients in intensive care. Jackson
met one lady, gave her an autographed picture after he prayed with her, and the lady told Alleyne, ‘I
can die now; I prayed with Michael Jackson’. “I told Mr. Jackson maybe visiting with people who
had suffered heart attacks or other serious problems wasn't such a good idea.” Before Alleyne left
the hotel that day, Alleyne recalls Jackson telling him: “Thank you for saving my life”. Then
Jackson told Alleyne he understood how difficult it had been for a black man to get to such a
distinguished position within the medical world, that Alleyne's accomplishments were inspiring to
Jackson. “It was very touching, Alleyne says. I will never forget that. That to this day he is so loved
comes as no surprise to me. He was very gracious and kind”, Jackson’s former doctor adds. The
“One Night Only” show was put on hold and soon after Jackson’s hospitalization, his then wife,
Lisa Marie Presley, would file for divorce. Asked about a possible reschedule by a fan during a VH1 interview in 1996, the artist said there were plans for the concert to still happen in South Africa.
The show would, however, not be rescheduled indefinitely.
In 1995, all proceeds from the sales of two French perfumes, "Mystique de Michael Jackson" and
"Legende de Michael Jackson", named after the singer, go to charity.
Before the end of 1995, Michael Jackson successfully merges his ATV music publishing company
with Sony, creating Sony/ATV Music Publishing. The company contains over 400,000 songs and
became the second biggest music publishing company in the world.
In February, 1996, "HTWF/WCC" youth ambassadors from Mexico exhibit a model for
sustainability to the U.N. Habitat II Prep. Committee; later on, the 2 NGO’s attend "Children First:
A Global Forum" in Atlanta, Georgia, event hosted by former President, Mr. Jimmy Carter, Mrs.
Rosalynn Carter, "Carter Center", and "Task Force for Child Survival", and co-financed by
"Rockefeller Foundation", "Annie E. Casey Foundation", "World Bank" and "Heal the World",
gathering 360 representatives from 100 countries to discuss strategies on the improvement and
development of children’s lives. "HTW" and "WCC" also assist the "Spectrum of Light Youth
Conference" in Washington , D.C., with the intention to create new collaborations benefiting a
sustainable society in a thriving environment.
On February 16, 1996, Michael Jackson performs “Earth Song” at the Brit Awards. It is Jackson’s
first TV performance in England in over 20 years. The performance is interrupted when Pulp singer,
Jarvis Cocker storms the stage in protest, but is soon carried off by security and later questioned by
police. Jackson later expressed his discontent over the incident, however, the controversy created by
the performance has led to another rise in HIStory’s sales, putting the album back in the top 10 in
Europe.
On April 1, 1996, Michael Jackson releases the fourth single from HIStory, “They Don’t Care
About Us”. The single is supported by two music videos, both directed by Spike Lee. One is shot in
Brazil with the cultural group, Olodum, and the other is shot in a New York prison, with Jackson
performing among protesting convicts. The “prison version” unhappily creates controversy due to
the use of real news footage depicting violence, i.e. police attacking African Americans,; the Ku
Klux Klan, war zones filled with dismembered people, genocide, execution and other human rights
forms of abuse, such as battery. This realistic aspect in Jackson’s videos has often, if not always
been attacked, instead of appreciated. This version was taken off MTV’s play list, therefore the
singer released the “Olodum version” in its place. The single became a top 10 hit in nine countries,
including the United States.
On June 21, 1996, Michael Jackson donates his four-time platinum "HIStory" C.D. to the Dunblane
appeal in Sevenoaks, U.K.
In 1996, a new drink, "Mystery: fresh-cool-magic", coinciding with his worldwide HIStory Tour, hit
the market. The official Michael Jackson product is described as a "healthy and vitalising isotonic
mineral drink", "refreshing, fruity, with a touch of fresh peaches", contains "Vitamin C and other
vital vitamins, as well as calcium and magnesium" and has a "unique pink colour".
Prior to the starting off the HIStory World Tour, Michael Jackson performs a free-of-charge concert
at the Jerudong Park Amphitheatre in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, on July 16, 1996, attended by
60,000 people. The concert is in celebration of the 50th birthday of Hassanal Bolkiah, the Sultan of
Brunei, and is attended by the Brunei royal family, excepting the Sultan himself.
Starting with July 18, 1996, Jackson visits South Africa for a few days, arrives in Johannesburg,
where he attends a private birthday for then President Nelson Mandela on the mentioned date.
Mandela invites an estimated 2000 children to the party and poses with the singer before cutting a
birthday cake for his 78th birthday at Hilton College in Kwazulu-Natal. Jackson has taken time off
from touring, to visit South Africa where he also reveals he is writing a song about him. Mandela,
stepping out on to a patio to greet the media, turnes to Jackson and says, “I can see who is the world
leader. I have never seen so many journalists!” While in South Africa, Jackson also visits the black
township of Soweto, where he lays a wreath of flowers at the memorial to honor the youngsters who
were shot dead by South Africa’s security forces during the 1976 Apartheid riots, and renders a
bouquet of white roses, carnations and lilies in remembrance of 11-year-old leukemia victim,
Jaymee Bowen. Meanwhile, the highest bid for a Neverland visit on behalf of the star is obtained at
the “Cities in School” celebrity auction and, with the aid of radio “KIIS-FM” in Los Angeles,
115,000 dollars are delivered to school pupils.
Michael Jackson returns to Budapest, Hungary in July 22, 23, 1996, to meet with now healthy Bela
Farkas at the Bethesda Hospital, as well as other young patients in the hospital. Farkas was
diagnosed with liver failure two years before and was in need of a transplant, the arrangements for
which having been made by the entertainer a year before. He also visits the Hungarian Parliament,
and attends a children’s show in the Nep Stadium, where he interacts with children and holds some
in his arms.
In September, 1996, the artist is guest of honor at "Hope", the first sports festivity for
underprivileged children, where 3000 children and 600 volunteers have participated.
On September 6, 1996, in Prague, Chech Republic, he visits a children’s hospital.
The entertainer embarks on his HIStory World Tour on September 7, 1996, starting in Prague,
Czech Republic. The show features 20 songs, special effects in several performances, spectacular
pyrotechnics, a specially built stage, notable costumes and choreography. His crew consist of over
200 personnel and each concert is 2,5 hours long. With Jackson travelling Europe, he sets new
attendance records in many countries. One of the concerts at Seoul, Korea, was filmed and released
in Asia on home video.
On September 13, in Bucharest, Romania, he gives away toys and sweets to and plays with children
from the "Leaganul De Copii Sfanta Ecaterina" state home, which he also visited back in 1992, and
which he also acknowledges with 35 million Lei (1 million dollars). Jackson visits a children's
hospital as well, where he plays with the toddlers there. On arriving in Bucharest, September 12, he,
alongside the Cascio family children, kneels before a monument - a cross in University Square
dedicated to the victims of the 1989 Romanian revolution, and lays flowers. He also is a guest at the
Parliament Palace where children give performances for him, including for "Heal the World", which
Jackson sings along to. As during many of his tours' stops, Jackson takes time to tour the city and
sightsee the famous architecture there.
During the HIStory Tour in Warsaw, Poland, on September 20, 1996, Jackson, who had the big
dream to build amusement parks the world over, is approached by a local businessman, Jacques
Tourel, director of the World Trade Center in Warsaw, to consider Poland as one of the possible
places to build amusement parks.
On October 1, 1996, he donates earnings from one of his concerts in Tunisia to the "National
Solidarity Fund", charity dedicated to fighting poverty. On October 3, in Amsterdam, the
Netherlands, he visits hospitals "Ronald McDonald House" and "AMC", interacts with the patients
and distributes toys and other presents to them. A unit from one of the hospitals (for parents who
want to be with their children) is named after Jackson. That month, Jackson also visits a facility for
challenged children in Kaoshiung, Taiwan, and offers 2000 free concert tickets to them.
On October 15, 1996, superior Court Judge Reginald Dunn rules that Victor Gutierrez must pay
Michael Jackson damages for refusing to identify the source that had shown him a video of Jackson
allegedly in compromising instances with a 13-year-old boy. Gutierrez was associated with
“NAMBLA”, (North American Man Boy Love Association), founded in the 70’s. For more
information about him and the named association, visit
http://vindicatemj.wordpress.com/2010/10/07/victor-gutierrez.
On October 27 and 29, 1996, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Michael Jackson performs two History
concerts. A group of children are seen sitting on the floor in a supermarket and performing Heal The
World to a gracious, applauding Jackson. He shakes hands with admirers and children inside the
hotel he is checked in and signs autographs for them. The singer also invites a group of children in
his hotel room, who are seen shooting confetti at a happy Jackson and holding colorful balloons.
On November 1, 1996, Jackson donates most of the proceeds from the HIStory concert in Bombay,
India to the poor. Michael Jackson flew to India in a private jet. Sabbas Joseph, director of Wizcraft,
the event management agency that had the airport shut down on his arrival recalls 14 years later:
“Michael met the CM and Raj Thackeray. This was followed by an aarti by Sonali Bendre. As he
was walking out, a strange incident occurred. A child fell down and Jackson immediately glided
over and picked him up. He held him and hugged him with such care like he was the child’s
mother.”, recounts Sabbas. “The (1993) allegations seemed all wrong. Michael even shot with 100
children in India for a calendar that he was producing”, he continues. On his way from the airport,
he stopped the car several times to dance with the poor. Sabbas adds that Jackson was even willing
to postpone his visit for a day or two in India to meet Mother Teresa. But that didn’t work out. Viraf
Sarkari, co-director at Wizcraft, recalls that all the celebrities and industrialists wanted to meet him.
“We arranged meet-and-greet sessions with him. Michael kept all his commitments. He was a gentle
person and met everyone respectfully.” Sabbas echoes the sentiment that Jackson was the easiest
international artiste to work with, as he was very humble and the staff very professional. Both
directors acknowledge that Jackson had a great spiritual connect with India. Viraf says, “We first
met him in Los Angeles to confirm the concert. We were told he is very keen on performing in
India. We’d presented him with a Ganesha, a Nataraj and a sherwani. And without requiring any
explanation, he said, “Yes, that’s Ganesha, the god of luck.” Even when Bal Thackeray presented a
silver statue of Nataraj to Jackson, the star didn’t need the politician’s explanation and said, “Yes, I
know, that’s the god of dance and art.” More recountings on the visit coming from Times of India
are as follows: on his arrival in India on October 31, Sonali Bendre, clad in traditional
Maharashtrian (Indian State – Maharashtra) nine yard saree, performs the aarti and tilak for the
singer at the airport, him being taken up with the ceremony. When being driven out of the air port in
his 20-car motorcade, he stops his Toyota, removes himself from his security guards and steps out
to meet the urchins lined up along the highway to catch a glimpse of him. He picks up several
children, whom he hugs and kisses. He then spends a few minutes with them before he proceeds to
the Shiv Sena chief, Bal Thackeray’s residence, Matushree, in Bandra East. Here, he is presented
with a silver tabla and tanpura, which are musical instruments from India. Later that evening, at the
special bash organized in his honour by the concert’s organizer, Bharat Shah, at the Oberoi, he
makes a brief appearance. Bharat Shah presents Jacksons with a silver replica of the Taj Mahal at
the same party. At his request, a high tea is organized at the pool side where children from
orphanages are invited to meet and play with him. He hands them gifts and chocolates that he has
brought with him. Jackson also organizes a party for children in his hotel room on the day of the
History show itself. About 50 children are invited, for whom he orders cakes and burgers. He also
plays with the invited children. Jackson requests that he is provided with a few saris which he wants
draped around the sofas during the photo session with the children, to give his pictures the ethnic
effect. Burkhas are arranged for the singer due to him wishing to visit Aasha Daan, Mother Teresa’s
ashram in Byculla, South Mumbai. But due to an extremely tight schedule, he wasn’t able to fulfill
his wish.
He visits and endows a children’s home and a school for visually-impaired ones in Bangkok,
Thailand with 100,000 dollars, toys and the like in November, 1996.
“Stranger in Moscow”, the fifth and final single off HIStory is released November 4, 1996
worldwide, but will not be released in the United States until August 28, 1997. The short film is
again directed by Nicholas Brandt, in black and white, depicting a sad, forlorn melancholy Jackson
walking a busy street in the rain, populated by people eventually running from the rain, save for
Jackson and 5 other unrelated persons, who are left isolated and disconnected from the world
around them: a man looking down at the city from his bedroom window, a woman sitting alone in a
coffee shop, a homeless youth lying on the damp street, a lone figure feeding pigeons, a boy
ostracized from a game of baseball, and Jackson himself is the sixth figure, seen walking the city
streets. The track was written by him in September, 1993, at the height of the highly publicized
child abuse accusations made against him, while on tour in Moscow, Russia; he hauntingly and
repeatedly asks: “How does it feel when you’re alone and you’re cold inside?”, him assuredly
adding that the “KGB is stalking me”. Jackson uses elements of Russian imagery and symbolism to
help promote the concept of fear and alienation in the track, i.e. the pouring rain, the young
beggar’s hand catching the raindrops being zoomed in, a window glass being broken, etc. It
concludes with a narrative, spoken in Russian, by a KGB interrogator. The narrative, translated into
English is, "Why have you come from the west? Confess! To steal the great achievements of the
people, the accomplishments of the workers…..?.". The "Stranger In Moscow" music video will
influence the advertising campaign for International Cricket Council Champions Trophy 2004,
which features "a series of smart outdoor ads and a classy TV spot". The television commercial will
be inspired by the videoclip where “the maiden in black splashes about in the rain, with kids playing
cricket for company”. The single becomes a top 10 hit in 8 countries and also reaches number 1 on
the UK Club Chart.
On November 7, 1996, 13-year old Emely Smith is granted the wish to encounter him backstage in
Auckland, New Zealand, during a halt from his concert there, where he will also pay a visit on
November 16 to children’s hospital, "Starship", room to room, and hands out toys, autographs and
C.D.’s, respectively, to each of the young patients. The visit lasts for hours, the singer conversing to
all the ailing children. He signs autographs to the children, and one cancer-stricken young girl asks
the entertainer what it is like being a superstar, to which he humbly replies: "Hmm... I don't know.. I
really don't. 'Cause I don't remember not performing, so it's fun to make people happy... It really is."
Another boy tells him his favorite song is the singer's 1972 "Ben". When asked by a reporter how
the looks on the patients' faces make him feel, he replies, his hand on his chest: "It touches my
heart. I love them very much.", after which he shakes hands with the boy asking him about "Ben",
then adds, hand on chest again: "It's heart-touching." "The Smith Family", a fund-raising NGO for
indigent people, receives a finance portion of the artist’s Australian concerts.
Michael Jackson and long-time friend, Deborah Rowe, marry on the November 14, 1996, at
Sheraton on The Park in Sydney, Australia in a private ceremony.
In November, 1996 Michael Jackson pays a visit to the "Prince of Wales Hospital" in Brisbane,
Australia, a housing of children with cancer and heart conditions, asthma and various tumors, in
which he delivers autographs and toys to over 75 children. He also visits a children’s facility in
Sydney, where he similarly acknowledges more patients, as well as 6-year old severely burned
victim, Tjandamurra O’Shane - doused in petrol and set alight in the grounds of a primary school by
an Adelaide man - at a hospital in Australia, on a halt from the HIStory tour.
On November 26, 1996, Jackson visits the "Royal Children’s Hospital" in Melbourne, Australia,
where he delivers toys to and signs autographs for the children.
On December 7, 1996, on occasion of the annual Orphans Christmas Party held at the Manila Hotel
in Manila, Phillippines, he donates toys to 300 children from different orphanages around Metro
Manila, signs autographs and speaks to the medically cared for children; additionally, he makes
known that a portion of his concerts will be used for renewing a hospital's facilities which he has
also visited. A young orphan boy present at the event says: “I got separated from my mom and
siblings. That's how I ended up in an orphanage... […] I became happier [after I had received the
gifts from Michael]… It feels like… the sadness is gone. I’m not sad anymore.” Then P.R. officer at
Manila Hotel, Gwen J. Cariño, offers a detailed insight on her blog regarding the event and its
preparations alongside Jackson himself, shortly after the susperstar’s untimely passing in 2009:
“Michael offered to fill up the 300 loot bags with goodies and toys, candies and chocolates. […] It
was at the Champagne Gardens on Dec. 7, 1996. I was surprised to see him walking towards us,
guided by his aide. Michael came up to me as I had to brief him. “Hi, how are you? Thanks so much
for letting me in, I know I’m early ’coz I didn’t want to miss the program.” I said, “Are you
kidding? Thanks so much for volunteering! Here’s what Michael, why don’t you just sit here and
watch the musical numbers before we get into the gift giving. I will have to tweak the program a
bit.” He replied, “Sure, anything you say… (pausing to look at my name tag) Gwen!” […] Amazing
how he patiently sat through the whole program. Carol Banawa, then an Ang TV mainstay couldn’t
believe MJ was watching her perform. She had her red blouse signed by him right after her number.
Then followed Stefano Mori’s dance number. Later, his back up singers and dancers came up on
stage followed by select kids from different orphanages who danced to the beat of Billie Jean. Oh,
the smile on Michael’s face was just amazing. […] He later showed me and [security] Wayne other
stuff people would use or pick up on the ground when they couldn’t find paper for him to sign on.
One lady made him sign at the back of her elegant, designer Filipiniana gown. One teenager came
up to him holding a dead leaf and another one, a popped balloon. […]”
On December 12, 1996, Michael Jackson goes to Tower Records in Tokyo, Japan to set his hand
and signature in plaster for a plaque to be displayed in the store permanently.
On December 31, 1996, Michael Jackson warms up for his HIStory World Tour with a one-off
concert staged inside the Sultan’s Jerudong Park Garden, a Disney-style theme park where
admission and all the rides are free of charge. Admission to Jackson’s concert was free of charge, as
well, moreover, around 60,000 fans packed into the park to attend his two-hour show.
Michael Jackson visits the Children’s Hospital in Detroit, Michigan around 1996, signs autographs
and hands over more than 200 toys to them.
On January 3 to 4, 1997, Michael Jackson arrives for his only US HIStory tour stop and his last – in
Honolulu, Hawaii. At the Hilton Hawaiian Village, he is greeted with what the local people there
call “The Aloha Spirit”, witnessing hula dancers, smiling, watching village guards, children
performers speaking, including father Joe Jackson Joe Jackson and then publicist, Bob Jones.
On January 25, 1997, the musician waves 85% of the $5 to $6 million ticket receipts from a concert
held on November 1, 1996 in Bombay, India, and donates 1,1 million dollars to a local NGO
educating children dwelling in slums - ”Shiv Udyog Sena” - the sum also helping to create jobs for
270,000 young unemployed people in the state of Maharashtra, Bombay; on arriving in Bombay,
the singer asks to stop in order to converse with children playing in the crowded slums for 20
minutes, according to Indian journalist, Hema Shukla.
On February 16, 1997, Michael Jackson performs at a tribute to Elizabeth Taylor for her AIDS
benefit concert in Los Angeles, California, aired on February 27, 1997, and titled "Happy Birthday,
Elizabeth" by ABC – TV.
In early April, 1997, Michael Jackson is interviewed and photographed with his personal family by
British OK! Magazine. OK! Has paid for the pictures and interview and Jackson has donated the
entire 1-million-pound profit to his Heal The World foundation. OK! has recently provided
erroneous information on the birth of his first son, releasing selective photographs of the new-born
son without the parents’ consent.
On April 19, 1997, he arrives in Paris, France at the Grévin Wax Museum for the inauguration of his
wax figure there. A huge legion of fans welcome the singer, that the Grands Boulevards had to be
closed off by the police, in collaboration with the Grévin Museum. After greeting the excited crowd
and signing autographs to fans for over 10 minutes, Jackson and his entourage enter the Museum.
French mime, Marcel Marceau makes a surprise appearance at the unveiling of Jackson’s wax
figure and performs a panthomime act for the entertainer. He imprints his hands in clay, as well as
offers one of his “HIStory” triple platinum record to the Museum. On exiting the building, Jackson
once again greets his many admirers and signs autographs for more than 15 minutes. Melissa, a
young girl brought by he parents beyond the safety barriers, runs to him happily and hands him a
photo to be autographed. He dedicates the photo to the girl and she runs off, only to return to him
three more times, Jackson eventually taking her in his arms and waiting for her parents to take a
picture. He also acknowledges a fan in wheelchair, bends down to her level and signs an autograp,
after which reaches out to kiss her both cheeks.
At the end of April, 1997, Michael Jackson releases the first single, “Blood on The Dance Floor”
from the forthcoming album of the same name. The single tackles the issues arising from one-night
stands and unsafe sex, as well as is a metaphore for the loss/killing of innocence, a very significant
topic to Jackson. “BOTDF” becomes popular in Europe, a number 1 hit in seven countries, and a
top 20 hit on the US R&B chart.
On May 20, 1997, he releases ‘Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix’, a compilation of
eight remixed tracks from the HIStory album plus five brand new songs. The five new tracks are all
written by Michael Jackson: “Blood On the Dance Floor”, “Morphine”, “Superfly Sister” (a song on
the corruption of love and depravity), “Ghosts” and “Is It Scary”. The album was very well received
despite little promotion. It peaked at number 1 in eight countries around the world, including the
United Kingdom. “HIStory/Ghosts” will be the second single released in Europe from ‘Blood on
the Dance Floor’ in July 1997. It was an AA-side single, and went onto to become a top 10 hit in
eight countries.
Michael Jackson returns to Warsaw, Poland in an unofficial, but elaborate visit on May 28, 1997, to
explore the possible venues for his new project. The local politicans are amazed, therefore decide to
support the 500-million dollar investment. Rough estimates place Jackson’s intended contribution at
100-300 million dollars. A June 1, 1999 date is scheduled for the opening. While in Warsaw, his
first stop there was the President’s Palace of Wilanow, which he tours alongside Professor Marek
Kwiatkowski, and converses with the former President’s wife, Jolanta Kwasniewska, who expresses
hope that the singer’s plans for Poland all materialize. The President of Poland at the time,
Aleksander Kwasniewski, hands a plaque over to him on behalf of the city of Warsaw and they
embrace. The singer shows interest in the interior decorative frieze of the Palace, as well as in the
monument of King John III Sobieski. Then, Jackson visits the ‘Bristol Hotel’ and a high school,
Batorego, which he tours for 15 minutes, without disturbing examinations taking place at that time.
His third stop is the ‘Warsaw’s Kings Bathrooms”, enjoys the peacock, a movie on Warsaw, and
tours the ‘Palace on Water’. He attends a piano concert - a Chopin recital at the Theatre of
Stanislaw, after which the Major of Warsaw, Marcin Swiecicki, presents him the keys to the city and
effigy of mermaid. Both Jackson and Swiecicki, furthermore, sign a letter of interest in which both
parties agree to prepare for the contructions of a theme park of the first kind there. He even will set
up a company in Delaware under "MJJ Poland Inc". He also attends a special dance show put
together by patients from the Children’s Hospital on Litewska Street and acknowledges, as he
usually/always does, the ill young patients. That day, he will shop for children at the “Kidiland” toy
store, reportedly in the amount of 670,000 dollars, then fly to Lubiaz by helicopter to visit the
“Cistercian Order Palace” for 45 minutes; Jackson expresses will of having the two-story baroque
building renovated and leased; he tours with same Professor Kwiatowski, very impressed by the
singer’s knowledge on Polish relics. The plans to build the amusement park on a nearby military
airport have won approval from state officials in February, 1998, meantime the entertainer asks
Landmark to draw up sketches for the proposed theme parks, however, following the project’s
approval and a huge hiatus, the army owning the airport does not agree to make it available for the
park, and other two grounds pointed out by the government will also be denied due to local protests.
The Polish government abandons this project altogether and nothing will come out of it.
The second leg of Jackson’s HIStory World Tour begins in Bremen, Germany on May 31, 1997 and
concludes on October 15 in South Africa. Jackson sells his millionth concert ticket at the Wembley
Stadium and sells out four concerts in a row there. The entertainer did not tour North America, but
the tour was so successful that he had played 82 concerts to 4,5 million admirers in 35 countries on
5 continents. The estimated grosses totalled more than 160 million dollars and it was the biggest
concert tour of its time.
In 1997, Michael Jackson takes part at ‘The Variety Club Of Great Britain – Central Counties
Region’, a children’s charity annual event, where he presents a pair of keys to an official there, on
behalf of Jackson and his Heal The World Foundation. At this point, no further information
regarding the keys’ exact utility is known, but can be safely assumed it was a donation made to the
Club. His wife at the time, Debbie Rowe, is also present at the event.
In early June of 1997, while on tour in Germany, the singer visits the Phantasialand family theme
park in Brühl, North Rhine-Westphalia. He goes on various amusement rides there, greets people,
signs a book and waves to his fans. Today, there is a Michael Jackson Thrill Ride in the park,
Jackson having been patron of the Colorado Adventure driverless ghost train since 1996.
On June 17, 1997, Michael Jackson, a classical music enthusiast since early childhood, attends “The
Three Tenors” in Modena, Italy, the three tenors being Luciano Pavarotti, Plácido Domingo and
José Carreras, just a day before his HIStory concert in Milan. Jackson is introduced as a guest of
Pavarotti's and is seated in the front row of the audience. The entertainer, checked in at Principe de
Savoya Hotel, is seen outside, prior to the concert, in company of Disney characters, Mickey and
Minnie Mouse, meeting with children gathered in front of the hotel and accepting gifts from
admirers.
On June 18, 1997, he signs "Children in Need", a book auctioned by UNESCO.
On June 18, 1997, the singer attends the 30th anniversary of the Phantasialand theme-park in
Germany before flying to Milano, Italy to perform a HIStory concert. In Milan, a boy from Latin
America, Daniel, suffering from AIDS, meets Jackson, the entertainer also inviting him on stage
and carrying him in his arms. Antoinette Parisi, the adoptive mother of Daniel, writes after the
ruling of the trial 2003/2005: “I’ll never forget what you did for my son, Daniel. After meeting you,
the doctors called it a miracle, because, for some months, it was like he never had AIDS. Now that
justice has been served, I just wanted to express my gratitude and happiness. […] My child is not
here with us anymore, but I know that from up there he is always looking over you. […]”
On July 5, 1997 the ‘Nezavisimaya Gazeta’ Russian daily newspaper publishes the information that,
on July 2, 1997, Michael Jackson has donated 1,5 million dollars to the Jehova’s Witnesses
organization in Russland, Russia.
On September 13, 1997, Michael Jackson attends a public memorial for late Princess Diana at a
church in Los Angeles, California. On 31 August 1997, the Princess died in a car crash in the Pont
de l'Alma road tunnel in Paris along with then boyfriend, Dodi Al-Fayed. Jackson also dedicates
song “Gone Too Soon” to his late friend and reschedules a HIStory concert from Ostende, Belgium
- that was supposed to take place precisely on August 31 – to September 3rd, which he dedicated in
loving memory to Diana, especially his performance of "Heal The World". From the September 3
HIStory concert onward, Jackson’s cover of Charlie Chaplin’s song “Smile” is played back before
each concert, pictures of the late Princess being shown on the jumbotron for some parts of the
concert.
On November 18, 1997, Michael Jackson quietly arrives in Seoul, South Korea to discuss
investment in troubled underwear maker, Ssangbangwool Ltd's Ski Resort. “Michael Jackson has
come to Korea to discuss the possibility of investing in Muju Resort,” says a company spokesman.
The spokesman adds that Ssangbangwool has planned to expand the resort complex to include a
theme park, but says the plans had been put on hold when the company faced financial troubles.
* Jackson invites underprivileged children on stage with him in each city included in his Europe
"HIStory World Tour" during world-awareness songs such as "Heal The World", similarly doing so
during his "Dangerous World Tour".
* Jackson has also acknowledged his admirers and supporters throughout the years while during his
tours, on occasions of events such as fan gatherings, displaying his appreciation to them by means
of paper notes he would cast down from windows including, greetings, pillows and blankets. Food
(such as pizza or hot chocolate), candles and the like, were delivered at his request by trucks, to
each individual, and he would occasionally be inviting a few of them for a visit inside his hotel
rooms for pictures and autographs. He would, additionally pay the costs for hotel accomodations for
some (i.e.: in New York, following the September 11 terrorist attacks). A variety of groups (varying
from families in need to his own supporters) would also be allowed to visit his mansion and its
vicinities in California, including in his absence over the years, where they would help themselves
with food and other facilities, as reported and/or witnessed.
* At a non-accurate date, Michael Jackson visits, offers a computer to and pays for the medical
costs of a 4-year-old girl and admirer of the star at a hospital, the child being gravely injured by a
dog in Washington, D.C.; in addition, he makes a discrete appearance at the funeral of two children
in South Carolina, drowned in a car by their mother, for whom he speaks in their memory and pays
for the last rites’ expenses.
In January, 1998, Michael Jackson records a demo version of charity song, “What More Can I
Give”, with tenor Luciano Pavarotti.
On February 25, 1998, the megastar attends the investiture ceremony of then South Korean
President, Kim Dae-jung, one of the century’s astute fighters for democracy and 2000 recipient of
the Nobel Peace Prize. He stays in Seoul, South Korea from February 20 to February 27. Kevin
Sullivan, reporter of Washington Post, who met with the artist at the event, answers that the latter’s
purpose for his being present at the event was because “[Jackson] praised Kim Dae-jung's
commitment to children, and he said he was considering a concert to benefit starving children in
North Korea and around the world. (Jackson did headline two huge concerts in June 1999, one in
Seoul and one in Munich, that raised several million dollars for children's charities.)” A day after
the artist’s sudden demise, former South Korean president, Kim Dae-jung, who, less than two
months later will also pass on due to a multiple organ dysfunction, says “the world has lost a hero…
and Korea also lost a beloved friend, who showed continued interest and supported unification of
Korean peninsula. Korean people are sad.”
On May 15, 1998, Jackson participates at the "Southern Africa Economic Summit" from Windhoek,
Namibia, an annual event considering the formation of a newly competitive Africa, and meets with
President Patrick Nandago. The singer is there to announces his plans to build a leisure complex
and shopping centers in the impoverished country, investments he hopes to improve the lives of ill
and impoverished children around the world.
On July 17, 1998, Michael Jackson visits South Africa again for then President, Nelson Mandela’s
80th birthday bash. held at the Gallagher outside of Johannesburg. The singer greets Mandela and
joins his other friend, singer Stevie Wonder, and others on stage in a special rendition of Wonder's
‘Happy Birthday’. Mandela also married his third wife that day, Graça Machel.
On July 27, 1998, he announces during a press conference in Tokyo, Japan the establishment of
"Michael Jackson Japan Co.Ltd.", a new Japanese Company Wonder World - Land Of Toys. The
new company's mission is the construction of theme parks and toys selling around the world.
In July, 1998, Jackson, along with with business partner, Don Barden, arrive in Detroit, Michigan,
to announce plans for the billion-dollar entertainment complex, ‘The Majestic Kingdom’ in the city
that launched his superstardom. He also speaks to fans on microphone at Chene Park, visits
Detroit's Children's Hospital and a downtown church.
Michael Jackson explores the Motown Historical Museum in Detroit with singer and friend, Stevie
Wonder, and Berry Gordy's sister, Esther Edwards on August 4. And on hearing that the abovementioned project was rejected by the people of Detroit, the singer returns to Los Angeles,
California.
In September, 1998, Michael Jackson befriends 5-year-old cancer-ailing Aza Woods at the "Hilton
Hotel" in Las Vegas, displays the "Star Treck: The Experience" show to him and invites him to his
ranch, helping with his healing stages.
In 1998, he writes and produces song "Children’s Holiday" (translated in Japanese by "Yasushi
Okimoto"), a charity anthem and number-one single in Japan performed by a Japanese group, JFriends and a children’s choir, all revenues of which being used in aid of the victims (and their
families) of a devastating earthquake in Kobe City, Japan, in January, 1995. Jackson also gives
world-relief song, "People Of The World", to J-Friends, which they would perform on various
platforms.
On December 12, 1998, Michael Jackson attends the Grand Opening of Sun International's US
"Royal Towers” of the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas with friend Gerry Inzerillo,
and goes on stage to perform "Heal The World" with a group of children. The resort was created by
South African hotel magnate Sol Kerzner and Kerzner International Limited. Other performers were
Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole, N-Tyce, Tevin Campbell, James Ingram, Stephanie Mills and many
more.
On January 15, 1999, he attends the Bar Mitzvah of the son of his friends, the Cohen family.
According to Jewish law, when Jewish children reach 13 years old for boys and 12 years old for
girls, they become responsible for their actions, and “become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah" (English:
Daughter (Bat) or Son (Bar) of the commandments).
On January 28, 1999, Michael Jackson takes son Prince to the emergency room of the Cedars Sinai
Medical Center of Los Angeles, California, because of a viral infection.
In March, 1999, the entertainer negotiates with a consortium led by Malaysian entrepreneur, Abdul
Rahman, to donate a certain amount of money to help create four African universities in Tunisia,
Ghana, Kenya and South Africa, which would be named after him.
In May, 1999, Jackson is involved in the "Pavarotti & Friends for War Child" charity concert in
Modena, Italy, event ultimately earning 1 million dollars for "United Nations High Commission for
Refugees", an NGO benefiting refugees from Kosovo, with the help of the "Safe Children" project.
The singer could not be present at the event on health purposes of his son, the late tenor performing
Jackson’s "We Are The World" with the event’s artists for the finale in his absence. At an uncertain
date, Jackson is said to have recorded a compact disc in honour of late Princess Diana, together with
singer Paul McCartney and late tenor, Luciano Pavarotti.
On May 9, 1999, the pop star participates, alongside other artists, in the "No Boundaries" relief
album, the proceeds of which being intended for providing food and shelter for the Kosovo victims.
On June 10, 1999 the first "Michael Jackson Dance Studio" (previously in the media announced as
the “Michael Jackson Entertainment School”) is opened in Tokyo, Japan.
In June, 1999, Michael Jackson performs at the “Michael Jackson & Friends – The Power of
Humanity” two sell-out stadiums spellbound, to a audience capacity of 45,000 in Seoul, Korea
(June 25) and 60,000 in Munich, Germany (June 27). Among the star friends of Jackson are Mariah
Carey, Vanessa Mae, Slash, All Saints, The Scorpions, Status Quo, Ringo Starr, Boyz II Men,
Andrea Boccelli, Luther Vandross, Luciano Pavarotti, A. R. Rahman, Prabhu Deva Sundaram and
Shobana. The concerts raised approximately 3,3 million dollars for charities Red Cross, UNESCO
and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund. Both concerts were televised in Europe and Asia to a
massive viewer response.
On June 27, 1999, while performing “Earth Song” on top of a bridge (more than 27 feet above the
ground) on occasion of the benefit concert, “MJ & Friends” in Munich, Germany, the upper part of
the bridge collapses, no longer being held by engines and only stopping from falling free by the
cables that were attached to it. Jackson was standing on the steel footbridge when it fell down and
violently hit the ground below stage level. Most of the audience didn't notice the accident and
thought it was part of the show. The singer, visibly shocked, manages to climb back on stage and
carries on his performance of “Earth Song” without showing signs of pain or distress, ending the
song with a usual routine, consisting of a tank being brought on stage, a soldier pointing his gun to a
little girl, her offering him a flower of peace and causing the soldier to break down in tears. Michael
Jackson suffers chest injuries during the accident, as reported by German newspapers the following
day, as well as back strains, causing the singer pain which would become severe in times of abrupt
movements or high stress (such as his 2005 trial, when he was visibly suffering from them). His
longtime make-up artist, Karen Faye, later recounts the frightening experience: “[…] Backstage,
there was crying and screaming, only the crew and performers knew there was something
desperately wrong. From our vantage point we had lost sight of Michael, as the bridge had fallen
below the front of the stage. My heart stopped beating, while in the strong arms of a perplexed
security guard. Even though the show continued for everyone else, time stood still for me as I could
not imagine how Michael could have survived such a fall. But slowly, and after what seemed like an
eternity, as the music and applause continued, I saw one arm reach for the floor of the stage...then a
long lean leg, another arm, another leg...he was up, center stage... finishing the end of Earth Song!
My mouth dropped open in relieved amazement . Looking dazed, he made his way to our side of the
stage. "Michael, sit down...." "No!" He demanded. “Security... please get him to the hospital!" I was
begging. "No!" He grabbed the microphone and ran out to finish performing "You Are Not Alone". I
could not believe what I was witnessing. He finished the song, took his final bow, and returned once
again to his stage dressing room and then... collapsed. Security whisked him off to a hospital in
Munich. […]Once back in the hotel... I started making the phone calls to find out how he was. I got
the reports that nothing was broken, but he was badly bruised, and his back was very badly strained.
It had been a miracle. Being the performer he was, he knew how to land. […] He was better. I asked
him...why did you continue? I cannot believe you were able to do that. "You know […], the only
thing that I heard in my head was my father's voice saying to me, ‘MIichael, don’t disappoint the
audience!’”
On August 15, 1999, Michael Jackson meets the Dalai Lama for the first time at the Mark Hotel in
New York City, New York. The Dalai Lama is a Buddhist leader of religious officials of the Gelug
or "Yellow Hat" branch of Tibetan Buddhism. The spiritual leader and Jackson speak for about 20
minutes. While in New York City, the singer also has dined at a New York apartment with country
singer, Dolly Parton and Elizabeth Taylor. According to a source, the focus of much of their talk
was the death of John Kennedy Jr. and the dangers celebrities face when flying private planes.
On September 4, 1999, at the 4th Kora All-Africa Music Awards in Sun City, South Africa, Michael
Jackson presents Mr. Nelson Mandela and his "Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund" with a check for 1
million rand (166,400 dollars, - a portion of the proceeds from the "Michael Jackson and Friends"
concerts from June 25, 1999 in Seoul, South Korea and June 27, 1999 in Munich, Germany), the
former President declaring the following on the donation: "The trustees of the Children's
Foundation and myself would like to express our deepest appreciation to our friend, Michael
Jackson. He is a supporter of worthy causes and I'm happy that the foundation is tonight one of his
benefitions (sic). [...] And the contribution of Michael Jackson, I hope, will inspire people not only
in our country, but throughout the world, to follow his example and to bring a measure of happiness
to our children. [...]" In addition, the 3,3-million-dollar grossings of the "Michael Jackson and
Friends – The Adventure of Humanity" benefit concerts held in Seoul, Korea and Munich,
Germany, advantage "UNESCO", "Nelson Mandela's Children's Fund" and "International
Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies". "What More Can I Give" is the key-phrase
utilized in these concerts – "the concept of giving" - , and a child’s face is shown on the videotron
screens during certain parts of the Munich concert.
In October 1999, Deborah Rowe and Michael Jackson file for divorce. They remain friends and
Jackson is given sole custody of the children.
On December 4, 1999, Michael Jackson attends singer Whitney Houston’s Fund Raising Event at
the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York.
In late 1990’s, the superstar partners with Burbank-based ‘Landmark Entertainment Group’ — the
creators of the Spider-Man ride at Islands of Adventure and the Jurassic Park water ride at Universal
Studios Orlando — to draft a plan for ‘Peter Pan’s Neverland’ theme park. Michael Jackson
dreamed of a theme park based on the J.M. Barrie story of “Peter Pan”, complete with looping
roller-coasters, 3-D flight simulators, water rides, stunt shows, dinner theater, night-time
spectaculars and hotels. The concept looks remarkably similar to Disneyland past and present, with
all the Peter Pan parts of the park (pirate ship, dark ride, skull rock) amplified and embellished with
plenty of pixie dust. ‘Peter Pan’s Neverland’ envisioned a grand entrance into Victorian London
with replicas of Kensington Gardens, Big Ben, Tower Bridge and the Houses of Parliament. On
Neverland Island, reached by boat, there were six themed lands: ‘Lost Boys Woods’, ‘Mermaid
Lagoon’, ‘Indian Village’, ‘Pixie Kingdom’, ‘Pirate’s Village’ and ‘Future Zone’. No price tag or
location was ever announced for the ambitious project, and the partnership dissolved after a few
years.
The New Millennium:
In January, 2000, Michael Jackson performs at the "Evening of Stars" telethon, organized by the
"United Negro College Fund", the event collecting 13,5 million dollars.
On January 22, 2000, Jackson, alongside other artists, engages in financing the restoration of the
"Chateau de Versailles" park, 10,000 trees from which being demolished in a tempest, and donates
certain items to the 4th annual online auction by the "T.J. Martell Foundation for Leukemia, Cancer
and AIDS Research".
On March 31, 2000, he takes his children, Prince and Paris to a zoological garden in Hamburg,
Germany. They are hosted by the Schleiter family in their home, where Anton and Frantcheska
reside.
On September 19, 2000, on occasion of an interview for BBC Radio Oxford, London Times'
"Millennium Preacher of the Year" at the time, Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, offers some tidbits on then
friend, Michael Jackson and his "genuine devotion" for children, including his (the Rabbi’s). He
recounts that, on occasion of Jackson’s 42 Birthday at his Neverland ranch – to which Boteach and
his family were invited – the singer also welcomed a critically ill ten-year old boy, suffering from
leukemia, and his family for four days. The singer would treat him to the amusements of his home,
speak to him in order to help him gain post-chemotherapy confidence and pays his medical
expenses, as in more such cases involving the deprived, Boteach adds, (as part of Jackson’s relief
efforts outside the public eye), continuing to say that the pop star would weekly invite hundreds of
children from inner city schools for day trips to his ranch, spending "millions of dollars on children
who are in need", an affirmation confirmed by the singer himself, by others who have been/were in
contact with Jackson and some of the media reports. Moreover, Boteach also recounts that, after
reading a piece of news on a critically cancer ailing boy, Jackson asked the staff of a New York
hospital to install a telephone in the boy’s room, the singer then phoning the young patient daily, his
paedatrician confirmed.
On October 1, 2000 (?), he attends a Jewish service in New York with then friends, Uri Geller and
Schmuley Boteach.
In October, 2000, Michael Jackson and his family support "Wave To The World", an official fundraising project of the Paralympic Games 2000 in Sydney, Australia, alongside a host of other stars,
contacted by project founders, Mark Filby and Stephen White. Jackson puts on an orange "Wave To
The World" T-shirt and participates in a video for a song, "Spirit of Life", beside siblings Rebbie
Jackson and Jermaine Jackson, the latter acting as executive producer of the song. Michael Jackson,
later on, invites founder Mark Filby at the Jacksons’ Hayvenhurst residence, into a room filled with
memorabilia, dedicated by the entertainer to his family. A video compilation with the participating
stars "waving" is, in addition, created, among whom Jermaine Jackson, Rebbie Jackson, mother
Katherine Jackson and Michael Jackson.
On October 28, 2000, escorted by actress and friend, Mrs. Elizabeth Taylor, he attends the
"Carousel of Hope" ball - a fund-raising gala addressing juvenile diabetes, held at the Beverly
Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, where he donates a self-painted plate, and a limitededition poster at the "African Ambassadors’ Spouses" annual gala, organization directed to treating
children suffering from AIDS. The "Carousel of Hope" Ball raised more than 6 million dollars
benefiting the Children's Diabetes Foundation. Marvin and Barbara Davis, founder of the "Carousel
of Hope" evening of charity fund-raising, hosted the mentioned lavish lunch for the out-of-town
guests, plus participants in the fundraiser. Among those who stopped by to hug Michael Jackson is
Berry Gordy Jr., his discoverer, and Susanne de Passe, as well as Shirley MacLaine, Carrie Fisher,
Joan Collins, David Foster, Toni Braxton, Sidney Poitier, Gregory Peck, Neil Diamond, Dustin
Hoffman, Morgan Freeman, Pierce Brosnan, Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Love Hewitt,
Sylvester Stallone, Charlotte Church, to name but a few.
On November 20, 2000 the entertainer attends the birthday party of Rabbi Shmuley Boteach in
Englewood, New Jersey, USA, and meets young Elissa Mingino, a 7-year old girl suffering from
leukaemia. Her biggest dream was to meet with her favourite singer: Michael Jackson.
On November 25, 2001, Michael Jackson and Rabbi Schmuley Boteach take their children to watch
movie “Toy Story” in New York for Thanksgiving.
In December, 2000, a Las Vegas relief project titled "The Way of the Unicorn/The Endangered
Ones", and organized by "Big International Group of Entertainment, Inc." is approved in writing though yet to be implemented - by means of the singer’s printed agreement to place his professional
ability into the project.
On December 20, 2000, in thunderous applause, he makes a surprise stage appearance at WKTU
3rd Annual Holiday Concert, the "Miracle On 34th Street" relief event in Madison Square Garden,
New York, alongside other artists who performed their finale with Whitney Houston in the lead,
such as Backstreet Boys, Melanie C., Ricky Martin, Destiny’s Child, Toni Braxton, Marc Anthony
or Christina Aguilera. The singer embraces Houston as he enters the stage and shakes hands with all
the gathered stars. Jackson addresses a few words to the audience, including a “Merry Christmas”
holiday wish and joins the other performers for the encore, but didn't perform solo due to a case of
laryngitis. He was a special guest of honor that night.
On February 14, 2001, in New York, Michael Jackson, in association with Rabbi Shmuley Boteach
and "L’Chaim Society", announces via a seminar, the creation of "Heal The Kids", a HTW
campaign lasting a year (2001) with the mission to help parents worldwide rededicate themselves to
their children, by providing them with sufficient attending and moral support. Three years
afterwards, Boteach declares that the charity completed its purpose.
On March 5, 2001, Michael Jackson has lunch with then friends Uri Geller and Shmuley Boteach in
a restaurant in the center of London. Later in the afternoon, he will accompany them to the Royal
Institute of British Architects to attend a brief ceremony for the launch of a new book co-written by
Boteach and Geller.
On March 7, 2001, the day following his critically acclaimed speech at Oxford University in
London, he attends ‘MJ Day 10”, the tenth anniversary fan event and charity auction from the
Hammersmith Apollo Theatre in London, even though in crutches due to a severe leg pain. The
party has been organized, as always, by Adrian Grant, author of ‘Michael Jackson: The Visual
Documentary”. A visible hurting, but strong Jackson welcomes the crowd and says a few words on
taking the stage in front of 3000 excited fans. The event features 100 performers which Jackson
describes as ‘beautiful and incredible’, and is, additionally, a charity auction featuring Jackson
memorabilia also unfolds, when a hat, personally signed by Jackson will be purchased for over
1,000 dollars, a personal phonecall by him on a lucky person’s birthday is also out for bidding, in
addition to one of his jackets worn at the WMA the year before, and other smaller items which
Jackson donates for the ‘Movie For Action’ charity auction; the mentioned NGO is associated with
“UNICEF” in projects concerning African children and mothers with AIDS. Other proceeds from
the evening go to Michael Jackson's "Heal The Kids" initiative. This fan event will give him the
inspiration to develop the show further and in 2005, he will put ‘Thriller Live’ into production
alongside Grant.
On March 26, 2001, Jackson delivers books to children attending a theater play in Newark, New
Jersey, upon the opening the "Michael Jackson International Book Club", a "Heal The Kids"
charitable subsidiary sponsoring juvenile reading and parental reading to children. Jackson is
accompanied by Rabbi Schmuley Boteach and friend Frank Cascio.
Michael Jackson performs at the first of two concerts in honor of his 30th anniversary as a solo
artist. “Michael Jackson: The 30th Anniversary Celebration”, organised by David Gest, is held at
New York’s Madison Square Garden. The two-part celebration is held on September 7 and
September 10, 2001. Guest performers include: Luther Vandross, Destiny’s Child, Liza Minelli,
Usher, Mya, Shaggy, Marc Anthony and more, paying tribute to Jackson by performing songs from
his musical career and their current material. The concert also includes a special Jacksons reunion
performance with a set that includes “Can You Feel It”, “I Want You Back” and “Shake Your
Body”. Michael Jackson closes the concerts with a special performance of his greatest hits,
including “Billie Jean”, “Beat It”, “Black or White” (with Slash), “You Rock My World”, and “The
Way You Make Me Feel” (with Britney Spears). The show broadcasts in November to over 26
million viewers in the United States.
On September 11, 2001, upon hearing of the terrorist attacks in New York, Michael Jackson orders
a bus for his family to return safely to California, as well as limousines for his close friends. He
leaves New York with his children and their minder and temporarily retire to Jackson’s close
friends, the Cascio family, at their house in New Jersey.
On September 21, 2001, Michael Jackson releases the first single from his forthcoming album.
“You Rock My World”. The R&B dance number, written by Michael and producer Darkchild and
features a spoken comedic intro with Chris Tucker. The short film is 12 minutes long and features
Marlon Brando, Chris Tucker, Billy Drago and Michael Madsen, a dangerous gang of people
leading a Cuban bar. The single went to number 1 in eight countries, peaked at number 2 in the UK
and number 10 in the US. It was a top 10 hit in a total of 30 countries and was nominated for a
Grammy Award.
On October 21, 2001, Michael Jackson performs alongside a host of other artists (Al Green, Bette
Midler, Backstreet Boys, Destiny's Child, Mariah Carey, Usher, Pink and more) his relief songs "We
Are The World", "Man In The Mirror" and "What More Can I Give" at "United We Stand: What
More Can I Give", a benefit concert organized by the artist and held at the RFK Stadium in
Washington, D.C., and collecting 15 million dollars for the victims of the terrorist attacks in New
York City, N.Y. The benefit gig was the third major concert in tribute to the 9/11 attacks. The other
two were held in New York City. During the telecast of this show on ABC, there was no mention of
Jackson's name and he was always filmed with the rest of the singers in the background; this was
because Jackson signed a contract with CBS over the 30th Anniversary Special (from September
10) to not appear under his name in any other program. Jackson recorded the all-star tribute that
year, which included stars such as Ricky Martin, Destiny's Child, Shakira, Celine Dion and Gloria
Estefan. But despite the commercial power of such a line-up, Sony Music did not release the song,
much the singer’s bewilderment, as he intended that the song be released immediately for the
benefit of the 9/11 victims.
The album Invincible is released worldwide on October 30, 2001. Invincible spent two years in
production and cost approximately 30 million dollars to make – it reportedly being the most
expensive album ever made. The album featured 16 tracks tackling a wide range of burning topics
such as couple’s love, world consciousness, tabloid viciousness and innocence. Invincible went to
number 1 in 13 countries including the US, UK and Australia. The album shows incredible first
week sales in the United States, selling over 300,000 copies. Invincible sold a massive 5,4 million
copies in just two months of its release. On November 7, he gives his first ever in-store signing
appearance at the Virgin Mega Store in Times Square, New York City to promote the album.
The singer dedicates album "Invincible" to 15-year-old murdered African-Norwegian, Benjamin
Hermansen, advising on the importance of not judging a person by race, but by character.
“Cry”, a world anthem from “Invincible”, is released world wide, except for the United States, on
December 3, 2001. The song was written and produced by R. Kelly. The anthem ballad features a
music video depicting people holding hands all across the world, the lyrics of the song promoting
peace between people and nations, as well as environmentalism. It does not feature the singer
himself. The song becomesa top 10 single in four countries and peaks at number 25 in the United
Kingdom.
On February 9, 2002, Michael Jackson makes a brief appearance alongside Elizabeth Taylor at the
"Art for AIDS: A Tribute To Rock Hudson" fund-raiser held at Laguna Art Museum in Laguna
Beach, California. Roy Harold Scherer, Jr., professionally known as Rock Hudson, was an
American film and television actor, and also one of the first major Hollywood celebrity to die from
an AIDS-related illness. At the beginning of the event, commemorative t-shirts signed by various
stars including Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan, Madonna, Ringo Starr, Sharon Stone, Halle Berry and
others have been auctioned. Jackson's, which was signed twice, will go for an amazing 700 dollars.
Elizabeth Taylor and him will also briefly appear later at a private 2,500 dollar per plate dinner, also
in support of the fund-raiser.
On February 21, 2002, Michael Jackson’s third child, Prince Michael II, affectionately nicknamed
Blanket, is born at the Grossmont Hospital in San Diego, California.
In early 2002, Sony Music suddenly cancels its promotion of Invincible. The third single,
“Butterflies” was due for release in early February, but Sony pulled the single’s commercial release
for unknown reasons, much to the singer’s dismay and bewilderment. The singer also originally
wanted to release “Unbreakable” as the first single. He will soon start a campaign against Sony’s
abuse and will have his fans’ support.
On April 24, 2002, the musician performs at a fund-raiser at "Apollo Theater" in Harlem, New York
for the "Democratic National Committee", to launch a campaign aimed at persuading United States
citizens to register and where nearly 3 million dollars are collected for the voting registration.
Jackson performs "Dangerous", "Black Or White" and "Heal The World" (joined by Diana Ross) at
the said event called "A Night At The Apollo", the superstar sharing the stage with former president
Bill Clinton and singers Tony Bennett and K. D. Lang.The money would be used for the then new
"Every Vote Counts" campaign, the committee said. The 1'400 audience members paid up to 5,000
dollars each to see the array of stars.
On June 14, 2002, Michael Jackson leaves Paddington Station in London, on a train ride to Exeter,
Devon (in Great Britain) with then friends, Uri Geller, David Blaine and Mark Lester, as well as
with 200 fans. They all go to Saint James Park where 10,000 have gathered for a fund-raising event
in Exeter, organized to collect money for the football club and two charities aimed at combating
AIDS and malaria. At the Stadium, the singer meets a young disabled boy, who jumps for joy
straight in Jackson’s arms. “I held him so tight… It was unbelievable”, the youth says. “And he
walks around for a bit and tapped me on the head and said “I love you”, and it was just the most
memorable thing I’ve ever done in my life.” He meets other local children at the Stadium, among
whom Lauren Setherton (sp), who, at the time, was suffering from cancer.
On September 15, 2002, by means of an auction, the performer donates 16 autographed items
(compact discs, videos and a pair of cotton napkins), valued at 3935 Euros, to victims of a flood in
Germany, as well as an autographed fedora and a jacket, worn by Jackson at the 2002 American
Music Awards, to the "Tribute To Bambi" charitable auction, items calculated at 18,303 Euros and
addressing the street children of Germany from "Off-Road-Kids e.V".
On October 12, 2002, as a personal acknowledgement of the gallantry and sacrificial services made
by the military in his community, Jackson invites over 200 U.S. Airforce members from "Team
Vandenberg" – then recently returned from overseas deployments – and their families to his
residence.
Between the 19 and 29 of November, 2002, the "Siegfried & Roy's" celebrity auction takes place,
for which Jackson donates an autographed plush bear, benefiting "Opportunity Village" (NGO in
charge of the life-expectancy issues of mentally challenged people and their families) with 5,000
dollars, including a jacket auctioned for 16,000 dollars at the "Bambi Charity Event" in Berlin,
Germany, on November 21.
In December, 2002, Michael Jackson and Bee Gee's member, Barry Gibb, write "All In Your
Name", commonly, yet falsely spread about as "Prayer For Peace", and leaked to the media a few
years ago. The two meet in Miami, Florida on December 20 to work on the charity song, which was
written in protest of the U.S. plans to invade Iraq. The war in Iraq will eventually break out as a
military campaign against "the terrorists" on March 20, 2003.
On January 5, 2003, Michael Jackson visits Maurice Gibb from the Bee Gees at a Miami hospital.
Gibb eventually died January 12 of complications from a twisted intestine. On January 15, Jackson
privately pays the last respects to Gibb at the Miami Chapel, along with his brother, Barry Gibb.
On June 11, 2003, Michael Jackson returns for the first time in 20 years to his hometown, Gary,
Indiana, where, during a news conference with Gary Mayor Scott L. King – who presents him the
key to the city, the singer announces he would partner with Mayor King to develop a performing
arts center for the city - the 'Michael J. Jackson Performing Arts Center', that would be located in
downtown Gary. According to Mayor King, the singer would support the project in any role he felt
comfortable with, for instance helping with the design or fund-raising. The implementation of these
projects fell through, though, due to the entertainer being charged with false accusations few
months later, and a trial period ending with his exoneration. Jackson, then, visits his old home
where he grew up, including the Roosevelt High School, where the Jackson 5 perfomed in the 60’s.
There, he tells students that "with a will of iron, with perseverance and determination" they „can do
anything they want.” He is given presents and made an honorary Roosevelt graduate and Later on,
he participates at „Salute To The Troops”, an event open to the public with free admission, where
the troops were recognized.
On June 12, 2003, the entertainer attends a Rainbow/PUSH Coalition breakfast planning meeting
with Reverend Jesse Jackson in Chicago, Illinois. Operation PUSH" ("People To Save Humanity")
focuses, among musical acts, the city’s black population, their churches, schools, slums and
playgrounds, and promotes the hope for an improved future, benefiting the children of Chicago,
Illinois.
Michael Jackson is one of the 3000 people who attend a memorial service for actor (and good
friend) Gregory Peck in Los Angeles, California, on June 16, 2003.
In June, 2003, Michael Jackson invites the Wolfs - a German family of two parents and two
children, Saskia and Sabrina, affected by the floods of Saxony, Germany in August, 2002 - over to
Berlin, Germany during his participation at the "Bambi Awards", including to Neverland for three
days, where they enjoy the ranch's facilities and also meet with the singer's children. In September,
he donates 16 autographed items, among which CD's, videos, a stuffed teddy-bear and two cotton
napkins in support of the floods' victims. Jackson also donates a pair of painted footgear to the
"Shoes For Charity" fund-raiser, in aid of children suffering from traumatic experiences.
On July 26, 2003, Michael Jackson organizes the ‘Joe Jackson Day’ at Neverland (attended by
Jermaine, Jackie, Tito, Janet, LaToya Jackson), although after a very large number of people arrive
at the event, Jackson decides to leave the ranch with his children and go to Monterey to spend the
weekend.
On August 30, 2003, 12 year-old Trisha, from USA suffering from asthma, recounts her story of
meeting the entertainer a year and a half before, via Make A Wish Foundation, one of the trusts the
singer would support (for two decades). Her number one wish was to meet the entertainer and she is
among the manifold children that were given the opportunity to meet him over the years. “They told
my mom and I, that we were flying to Los Angeles in three weeks to go to the Celebration Of Love
concert. I screamed and cried. I couldn't wait”, says/writes Trisha. “[…] [At the concert], some guy
[…] said that Michael would like us to go up to his dressing room. So, my mother and I, plus the
other 2 families that were there, walked up the narrow staircase and walked into the dressing room
and he was standing in the corner, in front of the firehouse”, she recounts. “I was the second to walk
up to him and he hugged me so tightly. His colonge got all over the shirt I was wearing, but I
hugged him again and started crying. I told him I was a fan since I was 1, and he went
"Wow...Thank you". I couldn't believe he said ‘Thank you’ to me. Michael and my mother were
starting up a conversation about a place in Scotland from where she was, It was Lochlomond I
believe. I still couldn't believe it.. The next day (Sunday), we got on a bus and drove for three ours
to the Neverland ranch, where fans were loaded down the street with "Happy Birthday, King Of
Pop!" banners everywhere. I [have] seen Michael pull out in his black S.U.V, I think, but wasn’t
sure... That's how I got to meet Michael Jackson”, writes Trisha onwww.mjfanclub.net.
On September 15, 2003, the entertainer hosts a star-studded charitable event at Neverland Valley
Ranch, ticket price at presale being 725 dollars, with proceeds going to the Oneness charitable
organization. Guests enjoy a tour of Jackson’s menagerie, amusement rides, various assortments of
food and other exciting things. The party subsequent to the event is hosted and broadcast live by
‘KIIS FM’. Jackson briefly addresses the guests in attendance. Prior to his speech, the "Harvest
International Children’s Choir", along with a host of fans and special guests in attendance, join in to
chant 'Happy Birthday' to their favorite star, whose birth date had been 2 weeks before.
On October 1, 2003, at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, he makes an appearance
at the "Light The Way For Lupus" charity event raising funds for "Lupus L.A." and Lupus research.
Therein, he also presents the Medical Visionary Award to his doctor, Mr. Alan Metzger in
recognition for his work with aiding Lupus patients, including the singer himself.
On October 27, 2003, Michael Jackson premieres the short film for charity single "What More Can
I Give" in the conference area of the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. The same day, the edited
version of the song, featuring a host of other artists, is released via the official "Music for Giving"
website as a 2 – dollar download to support charity projects. The charities that received donations
when "What More Can I Give" was donated were "Oneness", "Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation" and
"The International Child Art Foundation". It was due to certain legal delays and misunderstandings
that the charity anthem, (also previously devoted to the Kosovo victims and intended to be
performed with late Luciano Pavarotti in 1999), was redirected – via Interney pay - to providing
financial aid to the September 11, 2001 victims in New York, despite the numerous attempts of the
singer to have the song properly released.
On November 18, 2003, Michael Jackson releases “Number Ones”, a new compilation album.
Featuring 18 track s- 16 number one hits Jackson’s solo career with Epic / Sony and two bonus
tracks: “Break of Dawn” (from Invincible) and a new single, “One More Chance”. A DVD is
released to accompany the album which features 15 short films from Michael’s career. “One More
Chance” was released on November 20 in Europe and the United States. On November 15, 2010, 7
years later, a 2:15-minute unfinished videoclip of the song is released, which the entertainer could
not finish due to the false allegations breaking out at the time. The brief videoclip features Jackson
performing alone crying for “one more chance at love” before a group of contained admirers. The
song bears an eerily prophetic feel due to some of the lyrics: “Shelter come and rescue me out of
this storm, / And out of this cold, I need someone”, “Lightning about to strike in rain only on me, /
Hurts so bad sometimes it's hard to breathe.” It is commonly known that the trial had taken a toll on
Jackson, all the same, his children and supporters were on his side and provided him with the
strength he needed, as he confirms in a written message shortly after the trial.
Throughout 2003, Michael Jackson has been working on a new studio album, initially intended for
release sometime in 2004, including on song, “Wonderful World Of Candy”, planned for a children
charity project. Dieter Weisner, the entertainer’s manager at the time, introduces young music artist
and protégé, Nisha Kataria, to Jackson, who invites her onto his Neverland Valley Ranch at the time
to record with her a few tracks in his private recording studio. Jackson wrote the mentioned song
and recorded it with Kataria as a duet. Due to the late 2003 accusations and the resulting arrest of
the singer on the 18th November of that year, all plans had been put on halt since. (sources: Dieter
Weisner - Michael Jackson's manager, 1996-2003; www.jvillage.de, Korgnex (from
www.mjjcommunity.com, www.maximumjackson.com)
In 2004, Michael Jackson’s custom-designed car, a Bentley Arnage Red Label Turbo, is sold at an
auction benefiting the singer’s "Go For Your Dreams" foundation; the automobile served to drive to
Jackson’s Neverland Ranch the host of stars that recorded the "What More Can I Give" charity
single in 2001, in appreciation for their involvement in the benefit project.
On March 19, 2004, in light of the entertainer’s imminent ‘shakedown’ of a trial, The Department of
Child & Family Services of Los Angeles, California, refuses to remove Jackson’s children from
under his care, although more or less authorized authorities, such as controversial Gloria Rachel
Allred, an American lawyer noted for taking high-profile and often controversial cases, have
strongly opposed the official ruling. Allred wrote a letter to California's Child Protective Services,
asking for an investigation into the safety of Jackson's children, and also spoke on CNN about the
subject. On their few public appearances following their father’s passing, his children have had only
positive mentionings about him, such as him having been “the best father you could ever imagine”,
“the best cook” and “just a normal dad”, and that “his message was simple: love.”, which counter
all previous accusations made against Jackson.
On August 15, 2004, Michael Jackson is a special guest of Reverend Cecil "Chip" Murray at the
First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Los Angeles, California. The artist, his youngest
brother, Randy Jackson, entertainer Steve Harvey, and attorney, Thomas Messerau have
comfortably sat towards the back of the church and enjoyed the service. After Jackson leaves the
church, he makes his way to the Cecil F. Murray Education Center, a small school from a block
away that is run by First AME Church. There, he was scheduled to greet a class room full of about
25 African-American children.
On September 17, 2004, during his latest child-abuse pre-trial appearances (the singer being
absolved of all counts of misconduct later in 2005), he welcomes a large group of supporters to the
restaurant "Epiphany" in Boston, Massachusetts, while ordering pizzas for each individual, in
appreciation for their enduring commitment to him.
On December 17, 2004, Michael Jackson invites approximately 200 people - children and their
families from 6 special centers, among which churches, church schools etc - at his residence in
California, and reiterates previous statements regarding the access of families, as well as tourists
around the world, welcomed to spend time and tour Neverland; he also greets the gathering families
and verbally addresses them holiday wishes. Jackson’s spokesperson at the time, Raymone Bain,
also present at the event, says that it was not an out-of-the-ordinary event at Neverland (as
previously shown): "[…] And at least 2 to 4 times a month, organizations are allowed to come here.
And, since this was the last part of the holidays, he decided he would surprise the kids by doing so
and they’re very happy about that". The event was an annual Christmas festivity, where hundreds of
inner-city and underprivileged children and adults spent their time exploring the surroundings and
the singer's ranch, riding on attractions, snacking on food and drinks, watching movies and playing
in a two-story arcade, all of these being provided free-of-charge by Michael Jackson, and, often,
even during his absence there.
Joseph Jackson, the father of Michael Jackson, recounts in his 2004 autobiography a violent episode
of being attacked by vandals, his son, although small at the time, calling the police in his rescue.
“[…] One evening, when children still were small, the group was to perform in a concert in one of
hotels in the main street of Gary, it was to last about an hour. Shortly before the concert I, with
children, approached an entrance to the stage and every one of us carried a part of the equipment. I
was about to open the door when five big guys came to us and asked whether they can help us. I felt
that that was only a pretext; they wanted to see the performance without a ticket. When I refused
they simply seized some equipment and microphones and tried to get to the door. I went to take the
things away from them and the situation was heated, in an instant a fight erupted. I had to fight with
five opponents at once. My boys were still too small and could not help me. Two of them I managed
to knock down but the others started to beat me with the microphone racks and one of them kicked
me in the head so hard that I fell to the ground. From the following impact I lost consciousness.
When I regained consciousness, policemen were bending over me and shining a flashlight in my
eyes. They asked whether I was wounded. "Yes" I murmured and thus blood rushed from the broken
lip. I could barely stand up, when I touched my face I found out that one half of was numb and my
nose was broken but I did not want to go to the hospital as we had a performance. We brought in the
equipment and established it. When I asked my children what happened there they told that those
guys had beaten me until the loss of consciousness and that Michael had called the police. A whole
crowd of gapers looked at me but as soon as the police appeared these dudes run away. And if not
for Michael, they for certain would have continued to beat me, though I already laid on the ground.
The boy probably rescued my life. […]”
* In relation to Neverland, at a non-accurate date (supposedly 1992), the musician composes a
background song, titled "Neverland Entrance Theme", an eerie, classical composition starring a
choir of children and playing as a welcome for guests visiting his residence.
During his trial (in 2005), Jackson and his parents allow a visit from fans at his home and inside of
it, the admirers remaining impressed by the manifested generosity given the circumstances.
Vernay C. Lewis (USA) from MJFC fan club shares that in April, 2005, a group of fans from MJFC
went to Neverland Ranch to show him support in light of then current trial, and gave him a
basketful 2000 of roses. A week before, they were a part of the “Many Nations…One Voice” rally
on Courtroom day, April 4, 2005 in support of Jackson. Part of the group of fans (approximately
100) remaining after they handed over their present are welcome inside the singer’s Ranch by him
to view his living and dining room. In addition, fans met him, his parents, his children, and make-up
artist Karen Faye. He had opened his gates as a show of gratitude for all the events that had taken
place in his support. Michelle Basart (USA) from MJFC shares 4 years later, on occasion of late
Michael Jackson’s 51st Birthday Tribute Party in Portland, Oregon, that “we were able to see
Michael as a father that day. Paris held his had and helped daddy open the boxes & pull out ultimate
collection box sets to hand off to all of us fans there. I will treasure it and seeing Paris help her
daddy give them to us fans.” At the mentioned tribute bash, Mary Carr talks on she was present at
one of Jackson’s HIStory shows overseas and how her and eight other female fans of the entertainer
met him in a hotel elevator, as he was was staying two rooms down the hall next to theirs; the fans
would then add that, the following day, when they left the hotel to pay their bill, they found out it
had been paid already by Michael Jackson.
At an unknown date, the singer hires a circus for children with the Down’s Syndrome, according to
English musician, Pete Townshend. “[Jackson] has unselfishly helped every cause, and individual
child, I have sent his way.”, Townshend declares in June, 2005, defending his friend against the
child abuse charges. “In one case he hired a circus for the Down’s Syndrome children of a special
school of the daughter of a friend of mine, and showed up to happily, and – yes – in childlike
enthusiasm – watch the show with them. This little girl believed she was Michael’s future wife, and
he so kindly allowed her to sit next to him, as his future bride. His feathers may be badly burned,
and he may be damaged in other ways too, but he is something of an angel.”, says Townshend.
On November 3, 2005, Michael Jackson attends Rosa Parks' funeral service in Detroit, Michigan.
The megastar assists a 7-hour long long ceremony, seated between Park's relatives. Tens of
politicians, businessmen, religious leaders and people of the show business are present to pay their
respects to the woman having made the fights for the civil rights in America possible. Among the
famous guests were Reverend Jesse Jackson, former president, Bill Clinton, then president George
W. Bush and singer Aretha Franklin. Rosa Parks died on October 24, 2005, at the age of 92, notably
famous for refusing to leave her seat on a bus to a white man, in 1955, Montgomery city. Her arrest
caused the protest against the racial discriminations led by Martin Luther King Jr.
In January, 2006, while living for a year in Bahrain, the singer has been in talks with Bahraini
corporation, "AAJ Holdings", over a series of potential projects in the Saudi-Arabian Gulf, varying
from music academies to theme parks, with hopes to achieve city and urban evolution.
On January 18, 2006, following a recent investigation by federal authorities, it has been concluded
that the animals at Michael Jackson's Neverland Valley Ranch are not being mistreated, as first
speculated by PETA.
On May 28, 2006, on occasion of accepting an MTV Legend Award in Japan, Michael Jackson
visits the "Seibi Gakuen" children’s home in Tokyo, where he meets more than 160 children, and
watches children performing traditional music. He addresses a few words of appreciation to the
audience, as well as shakes hands with and signs autographs for the children.
On July 18, 2006, Michael Jackson takes his children to the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space
and American Indian museums in Washington D.C.
In 2006, while retreating for one year in Ireland following his 2005 trial (ended with his
vindication), Michael Jackson records six verses of the Irish folk ballad, “The Fields Of Athenry”
with an Irish choir, the Caheraggin Village Choir, the priceless recording being placed in a bank
vault until its exact ownership is determined. The news was reported shortly after the singer’s
sudden demise in June, 2009. The choir spokesman, Kevin Gillane has revealed that the choir and
its trustees have determined that they may hold the entire rights to the recording as technically
Jackson was merely a guest on their recording: “[…] We were in the former Sunset Studios
recording our album with owner, the late Gerry McGrade, when we were asked to work on doing
some backing vocals for material that Mr. Jackson and his people were working on. However, it was
during our paid-for time and down time in his recording that we got together to sing “The Fields of
Athenry”, so technically, this creates a different issue for the choir and the trustees. That is why we
have placed the tapes in the vault”, says Gillane, insisting they do not seek to exploit this situation
in their favor. He says they had known about the recording for three years but were unwilling to
record it out of friendship and respect for Jackson. The entertainer became attracted to the song
because of the line: "Michael, they have taken you away." “The Fields of Athenry" was created
during the Great Irish Famine (1845-1850), about a fictional man named Michael from near
Athenry in County Galway, who has been sentenced to transportation to Botany Bay, Australia, for
stealing food for his starving family. The inspirational lay is a widely known and popular anthem
for Irish sports supporters and fans of Celtic F.C. and has also been adopted in movies.
On March 8, 2007, the pop star revisits Tokyo, Japan for several "fan appreciation events", where
he first attends a V.I.P. gala as guest of honor, amid a total of 400 admirers, impersonators and
business people, as well as over 100 orphans and challenged children and adults, the deprived being
given complimentary tickets by Jackson to attend the event; he also appears on stage to read an
appreciation statement to the audience and to emphasize that he would neither change his career
path, nor would he nurse bitterness over his lifelong succession of difficulties, despite "deliberate
attempts [of "some"] to hurt me", moreover, adds: "I take it in stride because I have a loving family,
a strong faith and wonderful friends and fans who have, and continue, to support me"; he poses for
pictures with the guests, and signs autographs and acknowledges the assembled children. A day
later, he also attends a larger festivity directed at his main fan base and for those not affording high
– priced tickets, where more than 1,000 people assembled at a popular night club.
On March 10, 2007, Jackson greets approximately 3,000 U.S. forces personnel and their family
members at Camp Zama, a U.S. army base in Tokyo, shakes hands with some of its members, then
holds a brief speech in recognition for their sacrificial services in favor of freedom. The singer,
subsequently, attends a ceremony at the respective camp in honor of a member being promoted at
the time.
On June 6, 2007, Michael Jackson takes his children to a private, two-hour tour of "Bodies ... The
Exhibition" and "Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition" at the Tropicana in Las Vegas, Nevada. A day
later, they go visit the ‘Lied Discovery Children's Museum’ in Las Vegas.
On November 8, 2007, the pop star participates at Reverend Jesse Jackson’s birthday celebration,
the event also being a fundraiser.
On occasion of a charitable party held in Devon, England (where members of the Jackson family, including Michael Jackson, shortly, via telephone - , participated), on June 8, 2008, among
additional financially-valuable items, 6,000 pounds are raised through an auction of Jackson
memorabilia, including the singer’s white fedora, (worn in one of his videos) signed by himself.
On March 17, 2009, reality T.V. star, Jane Goody (housemate on "Celebrity Big Brother 2007", who
would lose the battle with brain cancer on March 22) confirmed to "New" magazine that Michael
Jackson had sent her a goodwill message while in London, U.K. Jackson was there between March
3 and March 8 to announce his last concert series in the U.K. via a press conference. The singer
called in at the hospital where she was admitted – the terminally ill patient not being available at the
time - then recorded an answerphone message for the T.V. star, with the following well-wishes: "Hi,
Jade, I'm thinking of you and hoping everything goes as well as it can. I want you to come and see
me when I'm over [to London for the concert series]. My brother [Jermaine Jackson, runner-up in
the "Big Brother 2007" finale] keeps asking me about you." Goody's publicist, Max Clifford,
declared after her death that Jackson would not be attending the memorial service, due to the singer
not wishing to detract attention from Goody and her family. "He has sent a lovely message of
condolence to her family, that she was a brave girl and that her message will save a lot of lives, and
he will be sending flowers."
On June 6, 2009, it is reported that Michael Jackson has given his socially-conscious song, „Heal
The World” to a group of young entertainers from Merseyside, Liverpool, to help raise money for
the "James Bulger Red Ballon Centres Appeal", established by his mother, Denise Fergus from
Kirkby, Merseyside. James Bolger, her 2 year-old son was killed in 1993 by 2 teenagers. With all
proceeds being funnelled to James Bulger House (a school for bullied children), hundreds gathered
at an homage event with a host of singers and dancers in Liverpool, including James’ parents. The
four-hour concert, paying homage to 3 more tragic teenagers – Rhys Jones, Francesca Bimpson and
Sarah Payne - ended with an emotional live performance of song „Heal The World”. „The Centre
will accomodate roughly 15 children, but they are never going to lose their education at school
because of bullies at school. These kids are going to have the best education that we can offer them
through our charity Red Ballon Learner Centres”, the fundraiser’s organizer, Steve Linder, said. On
the singer and his offer, Fergus later comments: "[Michael] was aware of James, as he sent a
personal message to me, with a large basket of flowers. He wrote a couple of lines for James and he
named it 'Child Of Innocence'. We played Michael's song at James' funeral. I've listened to 'Heal
The World' over and over again and it gave me such a buzz when we found out we could release it
to raise money for the James Bulger House. The words in the song are very touching. I feel the
world does need healing with children committing crimes. It is very upsetting the way the world is
at the moment, bullying is going on everywhere." The song performed by the Merseyside
entartainers would be released on October 26, 2009.
* Michael Jackson is reported to have been owner of two top floors of the Dolphin Hotel at the
"Walt Disney World Resort" in Orlando, Florida, in which ill children and their families have been
allowed to stay for gratis.
* The entertainer also donated to local schools in Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara County,
California, according to local residents there. (information from Linh Ngo)
* At the wishes of the late entertainer – as expressed in his will - The Michael Jackson Family Trust
would devote 20% of its trust earnings to a number of undisclosed charities.
* Before his passing, Michael Jackson had hired entertainment company, The Machine
Management, with the purpose of helping him create animation companies, another company meant
to be a vehicle to launch his own film projects, and the "Michael Jackson Global Warming
Awareness Initiative", according to a creditor claim of the entertainment company. The singer had
been expressing concerns with global warming on different known occasions, the latest having been
the 2007 Ebony magazine interview, the 2008 „Good Morning, America” radio interview, or the
making of the 2009 This Is It concerts (via song "Earth Song", preceded by a special introduction
on this theme).
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In September, 2009, a YouTube member, MYGRANDSONDEVIN, posts the following lines
underneath a fan video by mjchicco for song “Privacy”: “I know people judged him so wrongly. I
met Mike & got to know him, because my 3 year old little grandson had severe cerebal (sic) palsy couldn't walk - talked very few sounds - couldn't eat by mouth (fed through a tube) - blind in both
eyes & Mike came to see him. He stayed at our house to see if there was anything he could do. But,
unfortunately, my grandson died.”, the post reads.
On October 19, 2009, it is reported that 2 legal documents, signed by Michael Jackson, handing to
USA for Africa the profits from the 1985 hit "We Are the World" that Jackson and Lionel Richie
wrote, and which brought in „tens of millions”, will go to auction, benefiting VH1's Save the Music
Foundation. „(Michael Jackson) was a bigger philanthropist than most people gave him credit for,”
USA for Africa Executive Director, Marcia Thomas, says of the singer-entertainer. „He didn't do it
for the credit. He did it because he felt it was the right thing to do.” Nancy Birdsall, president of the
Washington-based Center for Global Development, adds that „'We Are the World' marked what at
that time was a high point in rich-world concern about poor people in the developing world. That
sort of awareness helps to open the way not only for more effective foreign assistance but for other
changes in policy, such as trade and migration, that can have a big impact on poor people's lives.”
The 2 legal documents, transferring his rights and profits to the group USA for Africa, are estimated
to gross in 50,000 dollars at the Alexander Autographs auction at the Mohegan Sun casino in
Connecticut. The in-person and online auction includes a huge number of rock-and-roll and
Hollywood artifacts and is organized by an auction house noted for its historical and political
offerings.
On February 1, 2010, over 80 musicians are involved in the (re-)recording of best-selling charitable
hymn, We Are The World (written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie in 1985), at the Henson
Studios in Los Angeles, California, in order to raise funds for the capital of Haiti, Port-Au-Prince,
roughly stricken by an earthquake on January 12, 2010). The project was organized by singer Lionel
Richie and producer Quincy Jones, the song containing updated lyrics and music, including a rap
segment pertaining to Haiti. Michael Jackson’s original segment of the song was kept, his sister,
Janet, joining him in a duet through a montage. Among the voices provided for this new version
were Pink, Lil Wayne, Kanye West, Nick Jonas, Celine Dion, Wyclef Jean, Jeff Bridges, Vince
Vaughn, Barbra Streisand, Justin Bieber, Jennifer Hudson, Jamie Foxx, Will.I.Am, Carlos Santana,
Enrique Iglesias, Miley Cyrus, Nicole Scherzinger and Nicole Richie, with other artists joining for
the chorus, among whom Patti Austin, Natalie Cole, Faith Evans, India.Arie, nephews of Michael
Jackson - Taj Jackson, Taryll Jackson, T.J Jackson, Gladys Knight, A.R. Rahman or Rob Thomas. A
shortened video of the 2010 version of We Are The World premiered on US TV channel, NBC on
February 12, during their coverage of the opening ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics, while
the full video was played a day later. The “We Are The World 25 For Haiti” project, apart from
raising money benefiting the Haiti victims, it will make grants for efficient Haiti relief efforts and
continual development of programs for the nation in the future, via the newly created We Are The
World Foundation. On February 19, 2010, Latin artists such as Emilio and Gloria Estefan gather to
record a Spanish-language version of the song - "Somos El Mundo" - for the same purpose. Other
singers involved in recording this song version are Banda El Recodo, Carlos Santana, Chayanne,
David Archuleta and José Feliciano.
Twelve years after it closed, Michael Jackson’s 3-D space adventure/music video epic, “Captain
E.O”, is screening again at Disneyland Paris in June, 2010, the attraction receiving overwhelming
response from Disneyland and Michael Jackson fans, all excited to experience the musical mastery
of Jackson’s “E.O.” one more time. “Captain E.O.” is a collaboration between Walt Disney
Imagineering and Michael Jackson, and is directed by Francis Ford Coppola with George Lucas
receiving executive producer credit. The project was initiated by former Disney CEO Michael
Eisner, who wanted to help bring something new and relevant to the struggling Disneyland Park in
Anaheim, California. Himself a tremendous lifelong Disney fan (Jackson often frequented Disney
Parks, and visited Disneyland in California two weeks before his passing), the artist composed two
original songs for the film – “We Are Here To Change the World” and “Another Part of Me”, the
latter of which appearing on 1987′s album, “BAD”. The story of the film consists of E.O., played by
Jackson, leading a troupe of space misfits on yet another dangerous mission to the nether regions of
space. This particular mission involves traveling to a surreal, industrial-looking planet and finding
the Supreme Leader (played by actress Anjelica Houston) to give her the gift of music; this gift,
E.O. says, will help her unlock the beauty within. “Captain E.O.” originally opened at Disneyland
Park and Epcot at Disney World in September 1986; it opened the following year at Tokyo
Disneyland and was an opening-day attraction at the then-named Euro Disneyland (now Disneyland
Paris) in 1992. By 1998, however, all the “Captain E.O.” attractions in the four Disney Parks were
closed, and later replaced with the far less successful, “Honey, I Shrunk the Audience”. Due to
popular demand by guests, spurred by Jackson’s untimely passing on June 25, 2009, Disneyland
offered a special engagement limited return of “Captain E.O.”. The show will also re-open later this
summer at Epcot and Tokyo Disneyland. Although the run is limited, Disney has not announced a
timeframe for the show’s closing.
Prince Jackson, Michael’s first son, is seen packing food for starving children in October, 2010, for
a charity event organized by The Buckley School he and sister Paris study at. The youth and his
classmates stopped by a Los Angeles warehouse owned by the ‘Children's Hunger Fund’ and
assembled over 500 20-pound boxes for children in Peru. According to sources, the boxes contained
various food courses, including canned goods, beans, rice, and pasta.
Charities:
The singer’s humanitarian commitments during the course of his life are accredited in the Guiness
Book of World Records and in the Year 2000 Millennium Edition, establishing him as the pop
celebrity having supported the most charities, registered as 39, as well as other affiliated
organizations and projects, namely: AIDS Project L.A., American Cancer Society, Angel Food, Big
Brothers of Greater Los Angeles, BMI Foundation, Inc., Brotherhood Crusade, Brotman Burn
Center, Camp Ronald McDonald, Childhelp U.S.A., Children's Institute International, Cities and
Schools ScholarshipFund, Community Youth Sports & Arts Foundation, Congressional Black
Caucus (CBC), Dakar Foundation, Dreamstreet Kids, Dreams Come True Charity, Elizabeth Taylor
Aids Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Love Match, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Minority
Aids Project, Motown Museum, NAACP, National Rainbow Coalition, Nelson Mandela's Children's
Fund, Red Cross, Rotary Club of Australia, Society of Singers, Starlight Foundation, The Carter
Center's Atlanta Project, The Sickle Cell Research Foundation, Transafrica, Unesco,United Negro
College Fund (UNCF), United Negro College Fund Ladder's of Hope, Volunteers of America, Watts
Summer Festival, Wish Granting, YMCA - 28th Street/Crenshaw.
Research has shown that Mr. Jackson supported at least 33 more charities, namely: Democratic
National Committee, Community School/Safety Havens Initiative, Lupus L.A., United Nations
High Commission for Refugees, Atlanta Children’s Foundation, Martin Luther King Jr. Center for
Social Change, Foundation for the Junior Blind, Oneness, Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, The
International Child Art Foundation, Go For Your Dreams, Opportunity Village, Off-Road-Kids e.V,
UNICEF, T.J. Martell Foundation for Leukemia, Cancer and AIDS Research, International
Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, National Solidarity Fund, Family Caring for
Families, Operation Christmas Child, Children's Defense Fund, Children's Diabetes Foundation,
Boys and Girl Clubs, Ghandi Foundation for Children, Crown Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's,
Heal L.A., Prince’s Trust, Youth Sports & Art Foundation, Jane Goodall’s Ape Research institute,
Children’s Wish Foundation, Give For Life, Wishing Well Fund, MusiCares and Camp Good Times.
"Besides his talent as a musician and entertainer, it's his humanitarian efforts. the fact that he really
wanted to bring joy and happiness to sick and disabled children. [...] Michael has always used that
fame to give to others. He worked with lots of charities to help sick children and their families. He
worked very hard every day yet during the Thriller period, through the Victory Tour and even after,
he'd go and visit children's hospitals, do appearances for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Ronald
McDonald House, local hospices when he was off, much of the time it went unnoticed by the
media. That was Michael's decision, these were private moments dedicated to help. Lots of artists
today don't do that, you don't see them as concerned as Michael was.”
source: http://www.thesilencedtruth.com/