Michael jackson tribute-to_a_legend

www.storemags.com & www.fantamag.com

CONTENTS
6
Fifty years of genius

A STAR IS BORN
8
The early years
/6
Motown magic
:10
Going solo
-10
_____ _iS_C O days
D
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__ ____-:::
.

THE MUSIC
-16
Off The Wall
:;-1-
Thriller
70
Bad
78
Dangerous
86
HIStory
9:.!
Invincible

THE MAN
C)(j
Husband & father
/(J:.!
The showm an
II:.!
Difficult times

HIS WORK
II{'
Chart history
12()
TV and film
122
In print

FAREWELL,
I:.!-I-
Michael's final curtain call
I:.!(j
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$
$. $ , Vigil
128
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.... .. ... ...
!III '" :h Celebs pay tribute
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From his humble working-class beginnings, Michael captured the hearts of the
world. His life was one of twists and turns - and awe-inspiring music

29 AUGUST 1958 AUG1987 MAR2001
Michael Joseph Jackson is born to Releases Bad, selling Inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall
Joseph and Katherine in 30m copies worldwide Of Fame as a solo artist, four years after
Gary, Indiana, US the Jackson S were inducted
MAY 1988
1963 Moves into the SEPT 2001
Michael joins Tito, Jackie, Jermaine Neverland ranch Performs two 30th anniversary shows
and Marlon in the Jackson Five in New York, with a third show United
NOV 1991 We Sland: Whal More Call I Give?
JUL1968 Releases Dangerous album, selling 32m a benefit in the wake of9/11
The Jackson Five audition for copies worldwide
Moton Records, changing their name OCT 2001
to The Jackson 5 once signed FEB 1993 Releases final studio album Invincible,
Appears on Oprah, telling her he selling 8 million copies worldwide
JAN1970 suffers from skin condition vitiligo and
Releases debut Jackson 5 single, that his father beat him as a child 2002
T Want You Back Michael's second son, Prince
MAY 1994 Michael IT (aka Blanket), is born to
JAN1972 Marries Lisa Marie Presley an unnamed woman
Releases debut solo album,
Got To Be There JUN1995 NOV2002
Releases HISlory, selling 20m Causes outcry when he dangles Blanket
AUG1979 copies worldwide out of a third-floor hotel window
Releases DjfThe Wall, selling 20m
copies worldwide JAN1996 FEB 2003
Divorces Lisa Marie The Martin Bashir documentary Lil'illg
NOV1982 With Michael is broadcast 011 TV
Releases Thriller. Becomes the biggest SEPT 1996
selling album of all time with up to 100 Launches his final tour, HIS/ory World NOV2003
million copies sold Tour in Prague Releases Number Ones, selling 7m
copies worldwide
MAR 1983 NOV1996
Performs his signature move, the Marries Debbie Rowe SEPT 2006
Moollwalk, for the first time Settles a lawsuit filed by Debbie Rowe
FEB 1997 and retains full custody of kids while
FEB 1984 Debbie gives birth to son Prince she receives a cash sum
Thriller wins eight Crammy Awards Michael Jackson Jnr
MAR2009
JAN 1984 MAY1997 Announces he will be performing
Suffers seriolls burns to his scalp while Releases Blood On The Dance Floor, a series of This Is 11 gigs at the
filming an advert for Pepsi selling Sm copies 02 arena later in the summer,
saying they will be the last ofhis
NOV 1984 APR1998 career. Some are postponed two
Receives a star on the Hollywood Debbie gives birth to daughter months later
Walk Of Fame Paris Michael
25 JUNE2009
MAR1985 OCT 1999 It is confirmed that Michael has died
Releases We Are The World, a charity Divorces Debbie. Michael gets full after suffering cardiac arrest at his
single co-written with Lionel Richie custody of their children home in Los Angeles


Michael Jackson began life in a working-class suburb of Gary,
Indiana. Naturally musical, he joined his brothers in a band
that would take the locals - and later the world - by storm

O
n 29 August 1958, Michael Joseph reduced his teacher to tears when he sung
Jackson was born into a large, Climb Every Mountain.
working-class family in the small, It was his first public appearance, and his
suburban town of Gary, Indiana, in the US. skill didn't go unnoticed by Joe.
Baby Michael was the seventh child So, at just five, Michael and brother
of Joseph and Katherine Jackson. Joe, a Marlon, six, joined their siblings in the
former boxer, worked as a crane operator in group. Originally playing the tambourinc,
a steel company, while stay-at-home mum Michael quickly progressed to backing
Katherine looked after her brood. vocals. By 1966, he took on lead vocals with
Michael grew up with siblings Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, after mum Katherine hcard him
Jermaine, La Toya, Marlon, Rebbie, Randy singing while he made his bed one morning.
and Janet in the industrial suburb. With Michael at the helm, the prototype
It was a tough upbringing fOT the young Jackson Five was born.
boy, as his strict father ruled the Jackson Realising their potential, Joe wus
clan with an iron rod. determined to see them succeed,
A mischievous boy, Michael used to put presumably in a hid to lift his fumily out of
spiders in his sister L3 Toya's bed, and he their hand-to-mouth existence.
often suffered the wrath of his angry father. But he demunded perfection. Michucl once
Later in life, Mich3Cl would open up about suid: 'We were really nervous rehearsing,
his early experiences in a revealing interview because uyou didn't do it the right wuy, Dud
with chat show host Oprah Winfrey. would tear you UI). He was tough.'
He said: 'There's u lot of sadness uhout Performing warm-up gigs for grown-up

'We were really nervous rehearsing,
because if you didn't do it the right way,
Dad would tear you up. He was tough'
my past life, adolescence and my father that acts in African-American clubs, the boys
make me very sad: toured the Midwest of America, going down
But Joe, who sang in a rhythm and blues a storm with their energetic mix of singing
band, The Falcons, was quick to see the and dancing.
musical potential of his eldest sons, Jackie, In 1966, the group won a local talent show.
Tito and Jermaine. Their success at the show led the five boys
Michael's older brothers performed with to record songs for a local record label,
other kids from the neighbourhood, under Steeltown Records, in 1967.
Joe's direction, calling themselves The Soon they were travelling far and
Jackson Brothers. wide, competing ill bigger and bigger
It wasn't long before Michael was also talent competitions.
showcasing th3t f31l10us J3ckson talent for The following year, their first single Big
singing. At 3 school recital, a yaung Michael Boy was released. Just a few months later,
reportedly received a standing ovation and The Jackson Five would hit the big time.


*The early years

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1969-1976

The Jackson Five started off in the back rooms of clubs in motor town -
Detroit, USA. When' Want You Back blasted to the top of the charts in
1969, Michael, as the 11-year-old frontman, was on his way to stardom

ichacl was aged nine and Joe moved in with Berry, while music biographer, David Ritz, who
when, together with Michael and his brother Marlon wrote: 'The singing and the songs
his brothers, The moved in with The Supremes make us happy. They are moments
Jackson Five, auditioned for singer Diana Ross. of incandescent beauty - young and
Motown Records. Michael went on to forge a close wildly optimistic.'
After being impressed by the friendship with Diana and once The band's youthful, soulful
band's performances in local said he shared his 'deepest, darkest sound was even dubbed
clubs, soul singer Bobby Taylor secrets' with her. Some even 'bubblegum soul'.
recommended them to bosses at believe that Michael's 1988 song. Eleven-year-old Michael may
the legendary label. Dirty Diana, was named after hcr. have been the smallest member of
Ali lhe major artists of the It was she who was credited as the band, but he was the biggest
time, including Stevie Wonder, having discovered the group after star, fronting the group with his
Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and The formally introducing the band to sweet, soulful voice and his James
Suprcmes and The Four Tops were the public in August 1968 at a club Brown-style showmanship.
signed to Motown. called The Daisy in Beverly Hills. Jacksonm:mia swept the country
The company was named after The label renamed the band the and, even more importantly to
the 'motor town' of Detroit, where Jackson 5 and i t was under their Michac, the rest of the family
the label had been set up by car guidance that Michael and his were finally able to join them
assembly line worker Berry Gordy. brothers became one of the biggest in California.
It had played an import:mt role pop-music phenomena of the 70s. So, in 1970, 12-year-old Michael
in the racial integration of Their debut single, J Wanl YOIl was reunited with his mum,
pop music. Bcrrywas the first Back, became the fas test-selling Katherine, and his other siblings,
und the family moved into a house
together in Los Angeles.
The singing and the songs make us To celebrate their success,
Motown focused on their youth
happy. They are moments ofbeauty, allpeal and launched a range of
youth and wild optimism Jackson 5 merchandise, including
stickers, posters, colouring books
African-American to own a record i n Motown's history, selling and sewable patches.
record label and feature African six million copies across A Saturday morning children's
American artists paving their way the world. cartoon, The .lackson 5ive, debuted
to mainstream success. Their next four singles, Who's in the US in 1971 and the band
He had a vision of taking black Lovin' You, ABC, The Low! You Save continued to star in two of their
inspired music out of the slums and and I'll Be There continued the own TV specials, Coin'Back To
giving it broad appeal. And in an era band's success and all reached Indiana and The.lackson 5 Show.
of racial tensions, Motown Records' No I in the US chart. The brothers wenl on to record
music transccnded colour. Just two years after their first 14 albums worldwide with Motown
The deal to sign The Jackson Five audition for the label, the Jackson Records before finally quitting the
was done in 1969 and Berry moved 5 had become one of the biggest label amid acrimony in 1976.
the band, along with dad Joe, to names in music, knocking The The reason, according to
California, while the rest of Supremes off Motown's top spot. Michael, was that: 'We didn't
their family stayed at home in The reason for their soaring like the way we were
Indiana. Jermaine, Tito, Jackie success was summed up by SQul- being recorded.'


* � f()[() 11'11 m(fyie

* Michael and his brothers
tal."e a breakfrom their
hectic schedule and stage an
impromplu dance on a beach


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Michael
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enjoys the luxu up with dad
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_and -white
an early black their
their outfits matched 1970
in this
joyo us melodies young star
the
publicity shot; pro
raphs like a
signing autog


Oq Moto n, the band's infectious sound
was labelled 'bubblegum soul'


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oloWI7 magic


1971-1978

After several years fronting the Jackson 5,
Michael was eager to go it alone in the
competitive world of mainstream pop

fier four years of stardom star Donny Osmond but, as
with the Jackson 5, hewas on tOUf at the time, i t of bcing in a band had been
1ichael released his first was offered t o Michael. broken and, always ambitious,
solo single Got To Be There in And in the end, he proved he was determined to continue
the autumn of 1971. He was just to be the perfect choice. pursuing a solo path.
13 years old. The ballad was actually In 1977, movies beckoned as
It has since been suggested about a pet rat, yet the he was cast in the film The TViz,
that Michael was groomed for words were still resonant alongside his friend, Diana Ross.
a solo career after his father and thousands of people The film was an African
and industry experts realised across the world were moved. American adaptation of
his potential but, at such a Later that year, Michael The Wizard oro?" and
tender age, it was still extremely sang Ben in front of a Michael played the
daunting for him. live studio audience at Scarecrow, while Diana
The song, however, was an the Academy Awards. It was played the role of Dorothy. This

<The spell o being in a band had been broken and,
f
always ambitious, Michael was determined to
continue pursuing a solo path'
immediate success. It shot incredibly daunting for proved to his fans that Michael
straight to No 1 in the Cashbox Michael as he was used to the was a great all-rounder and
singles chart and No 4 in the support of his older brothers, was a forerunner to his
US Billboard chart. but he bravely took to the sensational video appearances
Given the taste of a solo career, stage alone and pulled off the following decade.
Michael recorded his debut a flawless performance. Suddenly he was a true
album, also called Got To Be The experience confirmed star and was seen partying in
There, released in January 1972. the belief that Michael had the New York's celebrity hotspot
Teenage girls across the world ability to be an incredible solo Studio 54 ,,>jth the likes of
were smitten with the young star and he was even labelled film director Woody Allen,
star and music bosses were a child prodigy. actress Liza Minnelli and
impressed with his talent. He But despite his sudden rocker Steve Tyler.
became the biggest teen pin-up success, loyal Michael didn't Michael ruso signed to Epic
in the world. abandon his brothers. Records as a solo artist and the
A month after his solo album He briefly returned to the {ollowingyear he began dating
went on sale, Michael released Jackson 5, who signed up to Epic fcllow child star Tatum O'Neal.
the single Ben, writtcn for a film Records, and went. on to have And although !lo one knew it,
of the same name. It had actually more hits, including Rockin' Michael was about to take the
been written for fellow rival teen Robin. Yet for Michael, the spell world by storm.


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*G oing solo

credible solo star
e ability to be an in
ael had th prodigy'
'Mich d a child
and was even labelle

----

*Going solo

•

•

* Clockwisejromfar
left: Michael at The Wiz
premiere in 1978; with
fellow teen idol Donny
Osmond at the American
Music Awards in 1974;
confident and in control
as he poses in New York
in 1976; Michael as the
Scarecrow with the cast
from the musical The Wiz,
with Diana Ross; the cover
for 1972 solo album Ben


1978 1984

After his success as an artist
in his own right, Michael was
eager to find a new sound

versatile singer, songwriter and
performer, Michael proved himself
"n every genre.
And as he rejoined his brothers in the
late 70s, he dazzled the world with his
abilities as a disco star.
The Jackson 5 left Motown in 1976
and joined Epic Records, where they
had to change their name to The Jacksons
for contractual reasons.
Now having more creative input, they
wrote and released three albums
Destiny. Triumph and Victory and Michael
began to carve a name for himself as
a serious disco songwriter.
Tn 1978, The Jacksons released their
first album on their new label, Destiny,
where Michael led the vocals all the
classic single, Blame rt On The Boogie.
They also released the single Shake
Your Body (Down To The GrolllUl) The
-

Jacksons' biggest post-Motown song.

'Michael dazzled the
world with his abilities'
The Jacksons' second disco album,
Triumph, came out in 1980, with Michael
biggest hit Can You Fee/It.
v. itingits
...

When it was released, the album became
The Jacksons' first album to reach No 1
since 1971.
Victory, released i n 1984, was the only
album to include all six Jackson brothers.
Other hits also included a cover of
Bobby Day's Rockin' Robin, which they
released on a special Christmas album. record producer Quincy Jones and was
Meanwhile, Michael was busy a mix of disco, pop and funk.
developing his own sound and keen to Selling 20 million, it featured four
break away yet again from The Jacksons. top 10 hits, proved a culmination of all
His 1979 solo album, OJJ'The Wall, was Michael's solo talents and introduced him
a result of collaboration with legendary to a significant new audience.


Disco da)'s

o
o
o
o


*Disco days

." Clockwisefrom left:
looking halldsome and
happy, Michael relied
on trustedfriends
such as Diana Ross
for company on nights
out; Bianca Jagger and
Liza Minnelli celebrate
New Year's Eve at
New York nightclub
Studio 54; with disco
queen Donna Summer;
whose 1982 single,
State Of Independence,
featured an all-star
choir including Michael,
Stevie Wonder;
Dionne Wanvick
and Lionel Richie


1979 1981

Michael's celebrated first solo adult album marked
a new era in his life, with the singer gaining
commercial success and critical acclaim

ichael's breakthrough album, during this time when he split from
OJJThe Wall, propelled him his first girlfriend, Tatum O'Neal, in
to super-stardom in his own 1979. The relationship never became quiet. I think the
righl, and is widely regarded as one of physical as Michael said sexual intimacy stage might have done that to him.
his most important records. 'scared and frightened' him. Vherever he goes, everyone is coming
The album, his first released on Epic He recalled: 'J really loved her but out to see Michael Jackson. They want
Records, went global and included I don't think I was ready for some of the to see what he looks like. He said he
songs written by music legends such things she talked about.' feels like an animal in a cage.'
as Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney. Later, Michael dedicated the song Michael, then 22, said: 'J get
The first single Don't SLOp 'Til You Gel She's Oul OfMy Life to Tatum. embarrassed easily. I'm most
Enough was released on 28 July 1979. Professionally, Michael went back comfortable on stage than any other
With this album, Michael became the into the studio with his brothers to place, on stage is the greatest place in
first artist in history to generate four record the album Triumph, which was the world. Ijust light up, it's magic.
No I singles for an album, including released in 1980 and reached No 1 in the 'The thing I like most about living on
Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough and Rock US R&B chart. stage is making people happy. I'm here
With YOll. The album reached No 3 011 That year, Michael and some of his on earth for a reason and that's myjob
the Billboard 200 and eventually sold a family were interviewed by Sylvia to do that. I've been doing it for so long,
staggering 20 million copies worldwide. Chase for American TV channel 20/20. as long as people enjoy it, I'll be happy.'
The famous album cover shows In the interview, Michael revealed his But he went on to say: 'Being around
everyday people, I feel strange. It's hard
to [live ill the real world) in my position.
'On stage is the greatest place in the I try to sometimes but people won't deal
with me in that way because they see me
world. Jjust light up, it's magic... As long differently. They won't talk to me like
they will the next-door neighbour.'
as people enjoy it, I'll be happy' Asked whether he ever wanted to stop
performing. Michael smiled: 'No. Don't
Michael smiling, wearing a tuxedo and feelings about his career, saying: 'My stop until you get enough. No way.'
his trademark white socks. father started rehearsals every day after On 9 July 1981, The Jacksons began
His manager said: 'The tuxedo was school. Other kids would be outside a 39-city tour of the US, starting
the overall plan for the Off The Wall playing, and they would tease us.' in Memphis Tennessee, called The
project and package. The tuxedo was Talking of the single Rock Wilh You, Triumph Tour. It broke stadium records
our idea - the socks were Michael's.' interviewer Sylvia said that it seemed around the country and The Jacksons
Later that year, Michael broke his to be playing everywhere in Southern played to approximately 600,000 fans.
nose during a complex dance routine. California at that time. OffThe W won Billboard Music
all
The subsequent surgery on his nose Brother Jackie said: 'Michael has Awards for Top Black Artist and Top
was not a success and he complained always been the star of the Jacksons. Black Album and a Grammy Award for
of breathing difficulties that would He has so much energy.' Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for
affect his career. H e was referred to But while his energy was applauded Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough.
Dr. Steven Hoefflin, who performed onstage, mum Katherine told viewers However, Michael felt the album
Michael's second rhinoplasty and other that offstage he was changing. should have made a bigger impact, and
subsequent operations. She admitted: 'Michael is quiet now. was determined to exceed expectations
The star also suffered a broken heart When he was younger, he wasn't that with his next release... Which he did.


-. - .

. .- .

-

*Of/The J;T,f

... CIOCkwise
from/ar left:
QUliICJ' Jone Michael with
s whoProd
and Thril ler; uced
the starfoun OffThe Wall
and I1CI'er d his hom e
felt more on stage
was Petj"o conl/ortable
rming; the than when
instantly singe r SOOn he
recognisable become an
disco hil. Mus icon; Mich
cles,jor Dian aellVrole a
a Ross


loved
butl
don't think I was
read f some
y or
o the things she
f
talked


1982 1986 --

Thriller became the best-selling album of all
time and saw Michael make history by being
the first black star to make it big on MTV

n 1982, Michael released his Michael became the first black and in 1984 h e was given a star

I most famous album - Thriller.
Remaining at the top of the
US charts for 80 consecutive
person to get primetime coverage
on MTV, with his Billie Jeall video.
Talking about the hard work
on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.
Michael also showed a good
eye for business when he bought
weeks, Thriller went 011 to sell he put into Thriller, Michael said: The Beatles' song catalogue and
up to 100 million albums worldwide 'We spent a lot of hours in the publishing rights for £28.8 million
- becoming the best-selling room working, 18 hours a day in 1985, earning him around
album of all time. sometimes. We were sleeping on £7million a year.
With massive hits including the couch - (we would] wake up, And music wasn't the only thing
Billie JeQ/l, Beal It and, of course, mix it, go back to sleep.' Michael worked hard at.
Thriller, this period is often Michael's career thrived on In 1984, he was invited to the
described as the most lucrative the singer creating iconic moments White House to receive an award
period of Michael's career - - none more defining than his for his support of charities that
earning the singer more than famous 1983 performance of helped people overcome alcohol
£700 million. Billie Jean on Motowli 25: Yesterday, and drug abuse.
The video for Thriller, released in Today, Forever. It was here he And two years later, he won
December 1983, chunged pop music first performed the Moonwalk, another Grammy for charity single
forever :lI1d turned Michael into the which quickly became his We Are The World, which raised
biggest star in the world. signature move. millions for famine relief in Mrica.
It was made by top Hollywood His performance on Motown 25 In 1985, Michael adopted a
chimp:lIlzee called Bubbles. He
rescued the three-year-old from
The videof Thriller changedpop
or a cancer research clinic in Texas,
and the pair were often snapped
musicf orever and turned Michael together in matching outfits.

into the biggest star in the world Michael would take Bubbles
to parties and press conferences
and he even taught him how to
di.rector John Landis, who had also earned him an Emmy award. do the Moonwalk.
written and directed the cult movie In February 1984, at the age of But even before Bubbles, Michael
An Americoll We rewolfIn LondOIl 25, Michael swept the boards at had always had a love for animals.
two years earlier. the Grammy Awards and took his In an interview in 1983 he said: 'I
The Thriller video featured place as the King of Pop - a title love animals. I've got a llama. two
Michael dancing with zombies in later coined for him by close friend, deer, a sheep called Mr Ted and I've
a horror film parody and lasted 14 Elizabeth Taylor. got all kinds of birds and swans. And
minutes. It was the most extensive Michael's total of eight Grammy a snake called Muscles.'
pop promo of its time, with a budget wins in one night broke all records He also said: 'I think nature and
of £400,000 - an unprecedented at the time. animals are very inspirational to my
figure at the time. His achievements were work. The majority of my success
This was also the era that recognised in other ways, too, comes from that. 1 just play off Life.'


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the star
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Michael was
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Of Fame in merical in 1984
Pepsi Co/a com lllO hospital
take
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ler is
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Ihe most lucr
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*Thriller


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called him an 'extraordi that
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attended the ald
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Nan
and his wife
Reagan 1985
WeAre The World in
me a No 1 hit
and
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1987 -1990

Five years after Thriller, Bad scored a record five
US No 1 singles. Cosmetic surgery, a public kiss
and a meeting with Princess Diana were to come

ive years after the fantastic than 4.4 million people. Seven

F
regularly linked to a string
success of Thriller, fans sell-out shows to 500,000 fans at of beauties. Michael was reportedly
braced themselves for the Wembley Stadium earned him a dating Tatiana Thumbtzen, star
much-hyped release of Michael's Guinness world record, as did the of the 1987 video for The Way You
seventh studio album. £75 million the tour raked in. Make Me Feel.
Following its release on 31 August Ever devoted to children's causes, Beating off stiff competition from
1987, Bad spawned an all-time Michael invited underprivileged the likes of Prince and Robert de
record breaking five No I singles on youngsters to watch for free and gave Niro, Michael shared a first public
the Billboard's Hot 100 chart with millions in donations to hospitals, kiss with Tatiana and said: 'I
the hits, J Just Can't Slop Loving You, orphanages and other charities. love her because she's warm,
Bad, The Way Y Make M Fee/,
Oti e From 1985 to 1990, he donated caring and exciting.'
Man [n The Mirror and Dirty Diana. £300,000 to the United Negro Michael took his first steps into a
Despite lower sales, Rolling Storie College Fund, and all of the profits Peler Pan world with the building of
magazine rated it morc highly than from his single Man Tn The Mirror his Neverland Ranch in Santa Ynez,
California in March 1988.
At a cost of £10 million, the 2,700-
It was only because o Thriller that
f acre property came complete with
its own Ferris wheels, zoo, movie
Bad's sales were less impressive. It theatre and 40 security staff. It was

still sold a Whopping 30 million a child's dream - and Michael often
invited kids to his home.
In an emotional interview with
Thriller, labelling it 'richer, sexier went to charity, too. On tour in 1988, chat show host Oprah Winfrey, he
and better'. the singer's first autobiography, said: 'I didn't have friends when
Though he was still undoubtedly Moon tValk, went on sale. I was little. My brothers were my
making music history, the Bad album Exposing tales of his troubled friends. People wonder why I always
- which has sold more than 30 childhood and life as one fifth of the have children around, because 1 find
million copies worldwide - could not Jackson 5, it hit the top spot in The the thing that I never had through
hope to match the phenomenal sales New York Times bestseller list. them, you know, Disneyland,
of its predecessor. Other revelations in the book amusement parks, arcade games.
It did, however, play an important included a confession to two 1 adore all that stuff because when
role in 30-year-old Michael's rhinoplastic surgeries and the I was little it was always work, work,
transformation from squeaky-clean surgical creation of a cleft chin. work - from one concert to the next.'
teen idol to the crotch-grabbing star Jacko fever continued with the Michael hit his peak a t the
whose apparent discovery of sex had release of the film Moonwalker. With end of the decade when, in 1989,
pop commentalors abuzz. live footage, videos and a film with President George Bush Senior and
Still the accolades and record actor Joe Pesci, it topped Billboard's legendary screcn star Elizabeth
breakers kept rolling in. music video cassette chart for 22 Taylor presented him with the White
The double-Gra111my award weeks - only knocked offby Michael House's Artist of the Decade award
winning Bad sparked a 16-month Jackson: The Legend Continues. in recognition of his tremendous
sell-out tour - 123 concerts to more And the star was still being influence on popular music.


•

-

•
"
,


*Bad

.. Clockwise/romfar left: singer Whitney
Houston andproducer Quincy Jones walch
as Michael receives an honorary doctorate
from the UnitedNegro Fund; a scene
from 1985's Moonwalker; his Moon W alk
autobiography; meeting Princess Diana at
lVembley in 1988 showed how Michael'sfame
had spread/ar and wide; with girlfriend
T atiana Thumbtzen; guest ofusPresidenI
George Bush Senior at the While House


1991 1994

As Michael's fastest-selling album broke
records, he cemented his living-legend status
with a string of high-profile collaborations

ichael's Dangerous I was little. My brothers were
album was so hotly my friends.'
anticip:ltcd that a group When asked by Oprah if he Ule fact he was still
of armed robbers stole 30,000 ever escaped into his dating model
copies at a Los Angeles airport imagination, he admitted: 'No, and actress Brooke Shields.
before its official release. that i s why I think J compensate. Michael attcnded the 35th
It was eventually released on 'floved showbusiness and Grammy Awards with Brooke
26 November 1991, with record I still love showbusiness, but and received the Grammy Living
breaking sales - his fastcst then there are times you just Legend Awa.rd in February 1993.
selling album ever in the US. want to play and have some He also became close to
Havingsigncd a IS-year, six fun and that part did make Home Alone child star Macaulay
album deal to Sony Music in me sad: Culkin, and thc pair had a lasting
March, Michael was set to earn Remembering his adolescence, friendship. Macaulay also made
an estimated £100rn from album he said: 'It was very, very, an appearance in the Black Or
sales alone. very difficult, yes. White music video in 1991.
Dangerous received a huge 'I think every child star Supermodei Naomi Campbell
boost in sales when Michael suffers through this period also guest-starred in the
performed at halftime during because you're not the cute and video for "I The Closet i n
the XXVI I Super Bowl, Pasadena, charming child that you were. June 1992.
California ill 1993. 'You start to grow, and the However, Michael's friendship
In the February of that year, public want to keep you with 13-year-old Jordy Chandler
was soon to hit the headlines
when a lawsuit was filed
(I was comfortable on stage but against him, accusing him of
sexually assaulting the boy.
once 1 got off1 was very sad. Lonely. Michael was devastated

1 used to cryfrom loneliness' at the accusation and
appeared on TV denying
the claim.
Michael gave Oprah Winfrey little forever. I had pimples In January 1994, Michael
a rare and frank interview. so badly it used to make me paid an undisclosed sum,
After being shown footage so shy: thought to be somewhere
of himself as a child singer, he Michael also hit back at stories between £6m and £12m, to
revealed to the host: 'I was most that he bleached his skin: 'I have settle the case.
comfortable on stage but once a skin disorder that destroys the However, the year improved
I got off stage, I was like, very pigmentation, it's something I for the star when he met
sad. Lonely, sad, having to face can't help, OK? But when people and fell in love with Lisa
popularity and all that. make up stories that I don't wanl Marie Presley, the daughter
'1 had great times with my to be what I am, it hurts me.' of music icon Elvis.
brothers, pillow fights and On a positive note, the On 26 May 1994, they married
things, but J used to always reclusive star admitted he in the Dominican Republic,
cry from loneliness. was 'very happy' and that may but unfortunately their union
'I didn't have friends when have had something to do with lasted less than two years.


* Dangerous


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*Dangerous

'* C/ockwisefrom left: supcrmodel

I
N aomi Campbellj ealured in the 1992
vide% r In The Closet Michael still kept
;
in louch with actress Brooke Shields.
pictured here in November 1991; Michael
withjirst wife Lisa Marie Presley with
;
actorf riend Macaulay Culkin and an
orang-Ulan. Michael and Macaulay
remainedflrmf riends; the slar on
U chat show Oprah in 1993
S


*Dangerous

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1995 -2000

As he headed towards the Millennium, Michael
released his greatest hits album HIStory,
married twice and became a dad

n 1995 Michael released his worldwide, this was the first

I first official greatest hits
album HIStory: Past,
And Future.
PrC!lcnl
ever song to debut at No 1 011
the US Billboard charts. Sadly,
shortly after this song was
The first disc, H[Story Begins, released, the couple split - but
was made up of a selection of his remained good friends.
biggest hits, while the second, Michael then released Earth
HIStory O:mtirlllcs. featured new Song, which sold more than
songs, plus a covcr of The Beatles' a million copies and became
Come Together, originally recorded his best·selling UK single.
at the time of Bad. A self·confesscd workaholic,
HIStory continued his streak when asked what made him angry,
of huge-selling albums, with total Michael replied: 'I believe in
sales estimated at 20 million. perfection. J try to create that in
The first single he released was everything we do but I believe in
Scream - a duet with younger sister perfect execution and when we
Janet, then also one of the biggest don't get at least 99.9 per cent, I get
music stars in the world. rcally upset:
At the time, Janet agreed to do I n 1996, Michael began the

'[ believe in perfection. [ try to create that in everything
we do but [ believe in perf ect execution and when we
don't get at least 99.9 per cent, [ get really upset'
Ute song because she had already HIStory World Tour, where he Mix, which contained remixes of
established hersclf as a solo artist, performed 82 concerts in 58 citics hits from HIStory, along with five
so no one could say she was 'riding to more than 4.5million fans. new songs. The title track was his
on Michael's coat·tails'. To promote both hi tour and
s seventh - and final- UK No 1.
The video became the most the album, he made a teaser video Throughout the HIStory period,
expensive ever made - costing showing him marching with Michael continuously raised
£5million - and won a Grammy for thousands of military personnel, money for charities. In 1999, he
Best Music Video, along with three while giant gold statues were organised a set of Michael Jackson
MTV awards. floated down rivers in Europe. And Frie/lds benefit concerts in
Directed at the tabloid press, During the Australian leg of his Germany and Korea with a Variety
Scream was Michael's way of world tour, Michael married nurse of international stars, including
expressing his frustration over Debbie Rowe. The pair had a son, his old friend Slash from Guns N'
the false rumours circulated Prince Michael Jnr, and Roses. He donated all proceeds to
by the media. a daughter, Paris Michael. the Nelson Mandela Children's
The second single was YOli But in 1999, they also divorced, Fund, the Red Cross and UNESCO.
Are NolAlone, which starred his with Debbie giving Michael full In 2000, Michael was listed in
wife Lisa Maric Presley in an custody rights to their children. the Guinness World Records for his
uncharacteristically sexy video. In 1997, he released Blood On support of 39 charities - more than
Selling three million copies The Dance Floor: HISlory In The allY other celebrity in the world.


"

•

• •

-

"-"

" ""


* I I 1S L o ry

0s was
botto m: The mid·9
ckwise!rom married
* Clo
gefor Michael. He they
a time o chan
f
in 1994 and logether
Marie Presley for You Are
Nol
Lisa
1995 video greatest hits
starr ed in the Michael's
launched o the
f
Alone; Sony ng gianl casu
by floati cities,
albu m HIStory r European
in majo
star down rivers f rming
here per o
n; seen ing/e
inclu ding Londo Awards. thes
BRIT
Earth Song on the Michael marr
iedfor
No 1; nurse
was a C/lris/mas this time to his I'
lime in 1998, e Rowe. The
pair
a second Debbi
and long _time!riend
s later
splil lesS than twO year


*llfSlory

'When it comes to working, he is a
pro essional. He is one o the natural
f f
big-time talents I have worked with'
Guitarist Slash speaking about Michael Jackson


2001-2009
I
Marking 30 years as a solo
artist, Invincible was to
be Michael's last album I C H fl E L ./ Jl C /( S

�
ichael Jackson returned in
2001, to much excitement, w ith
Invincible - his first studio
album in six years.
But, despite spending much of the late
90s out of the public eye, Michael still had
his finger firmly on the musical pulse and
collaborated with Biggie Smalls on the thei.rgreatest hits,
track Unbreakable and Jay-Z for the remix inciudingABG. I Want Y Back, Call
ou
of the first single, Y Rock M W
OIi y orld. Y Feel It and The Love You Save.
ou
Invincible sold around 8 million copies It was the first time Michael had
worldwide and went double-plat inum appeared onstage with them since 1984.
in the US. But sales for the album were The second concert, on 10 September
disappointing compared to Michael's 2001, finished just hours before the
previous releases - due in part to a label terror attacks on the World Trade
ist
dispute with Sony. Centre. Michael then helped organise the
T promote the album, Michael
o United W Stand: What More Can I Give?
e
organised a 30th Anniversary Special benefit concert in memory of 9/11 victims
concert at New York's Mtldison Square in Washington DC on 21 October.
Gardens, m:lrking Michael's three decades 2002 saw the birth of Michael's third
as a solo artist. Tickets to the two tribute child, Prince Michael II, known

Invincible sold around 8 million
copies worldwide and went double
platinum in the US
shows sold out within five hours and as Blanket. Blanket was born to a
when it was later aired on US TV channel woman who's identity has
CBS it became the channel's highest-rated not been revealed.
music special of all time, attracting Invincible was to be Michael's final
25.7 million viewers. studio album, although he did include
Michael was joined on stage by a host of a new track on his 2003 Number Ones
major musical stars, including Whitney compilation, One More Chance, written
Houston, Destiny's Child, Liza Minnelli, for him by R Kelly.
Dionne Warwick and Luther Vandross. 2006 saw a series of reissued singles,
He also performed a duet of The W y
a called Visionary; The Video Singles, while
Y Make M Feel with Britney Spears.
ou e his Thriller album was revamped as
But the most exciting reunion of Thriller 25 in 2008. His final release, King
the night came when Michael and his OjPop, was released ill 2008 to celebrate
brothers took to the stage for a medley of his 50th birthday.


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*Invincible


At the height of his fame, Michael married twice and proved
himself to be a doting father to his three children, Prince
Michael Jnr,
Paris Michael and Prince Michael I I

ichacl married Lisa Marie Presley, 'J cried when he was born and cut the
daughter of music icon Elvis, on umbilical cord: Michael admitted.
26 May 1994. Michael loved being a father and spent
The ceremony was held in secret in La most of his time caring for Prince Michael
Vega, Dominican Republic, and the world at Neverland, while Debbie lived 100 miles
only learned of it two months later. away in a Los Angeles flat.
Michael, then 35, had reportedly been But despite their long distance
dating mum-of-two Lisa Marie, then 26, relationship, Debbie gave birth to Michael's
since February, but they had managed to only daughter, Paris Michael Katherine, on
keep their relationship under wraps. 3 April 1998.
Only a handful of bodyguards, witnesses Michael threw himself into fatherhood
and lawyers werc present at the wedding, and when he and Debbie divorced 18
with Lisa later 3dmitting: 'We arc both very months later, he was given full custody of
private people.' the children.
She added: '( am very much in love with The star then appeared to remain single
Michael. I dedicate my life to being his wife. but in 2002, it was revealed he'd had a
I understand and support him. W both look
e second son, Prince Miclmcl lI - aka Blanket
forward to raising a family: - with an unnamed woman.
But in Jtmuary 1996, Lisa Maric filed for Michael later admitted hc'd been secretly
divorce, citing 'irreconcilable differences'. dating Blanket's mum but claimed she did
However, the world W<lS in for another not want to be in the spotlight.
shock. Just II months later, Michael issued a 'We have a contractual agreement where

'1 love my children very much and 1 love
being af ather. They are the mostprecious
things in my life'
statement saying his 'close friend of 15 we can't talk about who she is - she'll get
years' Debbie Rowe was pregnant with their bombarded: he said.
first child. After growing up in the public eye,
Debbie, a medical assistant, worked for Michael said he wanted to use veils to
Michael's dermatologist. protect his children's identity: 'From birth,
Michael descr ibed the news of his first we covered them.'
chi d as a 'dream come true' and, despite
l Michael added: 'I love my children very
wanting to keep it a secret until the birth, much and I love being a father. Theyare the
had been too excited to keep quiet. most precious things in my life.'
The expectant dad reportedly didn't When asked if he was a good dad,
believe in children being born out of wedlock Michael replied: 'I try my hardest. I try to
so, within 10 days of the announcement, he bring them a lot of fun. Once a year I dress
and Debbie married in Sydney, Australia. up like a clown, with the whole gear - the
Debbie gave birth to Michael's tirst SOil nose, the paint. And I give them candy
Prince Michael Jllr all 13 February 1997. and cookies.'


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* Clockwise/rom llifl: Michael shared
his love 0 Disney with his children;
/
with Debbie Rowe, the mother o his two
f
eldest children, and Prince Michael Jnr;
Debbie gave/lilt CIIstody oftheir children
to Michael after their dil'orce in 1999;
aftergrowing lip in the glare o fille media
spollight, Michael wanted his children
to remain anonymolls, and they were
often seen wearing masks


'� - -
-

•

lusba (�Itr[aLheJ' -

,

"
,

•
,

•


Ever the showman, Michael adored performing. Able to hold
the audience's attention with just a spotlight and a dance
move, his on-stage character helped make the star a legend

T
he minute Michael took to the stage, showman who put on incredible
he transformed into the iconic circus performances during the 1800s,
showman his fans knew and loved. perfectionist Michael worked tirelessly on
His incredible routines, peppered each and every one of his shows, dennmding
with jaw-dropping dance moves and more and more from himself every time.
infamous crotch-grabbing, quickly He wanted to capture people's attention,
transformed Michael from a performer and leave them in awe of what he was doi.ng.
into an icon. With music videos Thriller and Smooth
With outrageous outfits, from silver Criminal, Michael didn't just perform his
spacesuits to animal masks, it was clear that songs. He created storylines and enthralling
Michael lived to perform. As soon as the dance routines that have been copied in
music started, he was transformed into the theatres, shows and school plays across the
ultimate showman. world ever since.
Even as a child, Michael felt comfortable Michael was the ultimate performer.
in front of an audience, shining in his A dancer, a singer and an all-round
very first public performance at a school entertainer. It was obvious to all that
recital when he was just five, and reducing Michael was born to be on the stage.
his mum t tears in the process.
o In comparison with his on-stage persona,
Looking back, the singer s::lid: 'On Michael often felt lonely in his personal
stage for me was home. I was most life. Being the most famous pop sttlr in
comfortable 011 stage: the world tended t leave Michael feeling
o
And as Michael's fame propelled him like an outsider in everyday life. But 011

'I'm never satisfied. Even when I see
something I've done and people say it
was phenomenal...'
into superstardom, the singer retained stage. he shone, basking in the glory
that joy of performing throughout his of adulation.
career. He later said: 'I still love Talking about the rush of walking out in
showbusiness. I'm married to my music: front of thousands of adoring fans, Michael
No one can forget the breathtaking said: 'You just feel lots of love, and I feel
moment when the singer first started blessed and honoured:
gliding backwards, showing the world his Mer his death, the founder of the MOBO
Moonwalk for the very first time. Awards, Kanya King, called him 'the greatest
Performing Billie Jean at the Motown showman of all time'. Starting more than
25th anniversary in 1983, Michael owned four decades ago, Michael led the pack,
the crowd with nothing more than a solo wowing audiences with his impressive
spotlight and a sequinned glove. performances and amazing st<lge presence.
Inspired by the first-ever showhusiness Michael Jackson, the performer, will
millionaire P T B3rnulll, a self-confessed never he forgotten.


"

• r
.'


Michael jackson tribute-to_a_legend

Michael jackson tribute-to_a_legend

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