Michael Jackson

For other people named Michael Jackson, see Michael Jackson (disambiguation).

Michael Jackson

Michael Joseph Jackson (born August 29, 1958), commonly known as MJ as well as the "King of Pop," is an American musician, entertainer, and pop icon whose successful career and controversial personal life have been a part of pop culture for the last three decades. He has three children: Michael Joseph Jackson Jr. (known as 'Prince'), Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, and Prince Michael Joseph Jackson II (known as 'Blanket').

Michael Jackson is widely regarded as one of the greatest entertainers and most popular recording artists in human history, heralding and displaying complicated physical techniques, like the robot and the moonwalk, that have redefined mainstream dance and entertainment. At his height, he was characterized as "an unstoppable juggernaut, possessed of all the tools to dominate the charts seemingly at will: an instantly identifiable voice, eye-popping dance moves, stunning musical versatility, and loads of sheer star power." His achievements in the music industry have included, among other things, a revolutionary transformation of music videos, epitomized by 1983's Thriller, often cited as the greatest music video of all time, establishing high-profile album releases and sales as a new trend for record companies to generate profits, dominating pop music during the 1980s, and becoming the first black entertainer to amass a strong following on MTV while leading the relatively young channel out of obscurity. Additionally, Michael Jackson has dabbled in various musical genres and collaborated with several other superstars in the music industry, occasionally also lending his talents to the work of other artists. His distinctive style, moves, and vocals have inspired, influenced, and spawned a whole generation of hip hop, pop, and R&B artists, including Mariah Carey, Usher, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Omarion, and Chris Brown, among others. In 1990, Vanity Fair magazine named him the "Most Popular Artist in the History of Show Business."

Jackson began his musical career at the age of seven as the lead singer of The Jackson 5 and released his first solo recording, Got to Be There, in 1971 while remaining a member of the group. He began a full-fledged solo career in 1979 and formally parted with his siblings in 1984. In his solo career, Jackson recorded and co-produced the best-selling album of all time, Thriller, which has worldwide sales exceeding 104 million. Michael Jackson has received thirteen Grammy awards and charted thirteen number-one singles in the United States, more than any other solo male artist in the Hot 100 era. In November 2006, Raymone Bain, Jackson's PR, announced that Michael Jackson has sold over 750 million units worldwide, making Jackson one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Throughout his four-decade career, Michael Jackson has been awarded numerous honors, including the World Music Award's Best-Selling Pop Male Artist of the Millennium, the American Music Award's Artist of the Century Award, and the Bambi Award's Pop Artist of the Millennium Award. He is a double-inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (once as a member of The Jackson 5 in 1997 and as a solo artist in 2001) and an inductee of the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

From 1988 to 2005, Jackson lived on his Neverland Ranch property, where he built an amusement park and private zoo that was frequently attended by disadvantaged and terminally ill children. Rumours of sleepover parties received disparaging media coverage after it was revealed that children frequently slept in his bed or bedroom. These first came to light when he was accused of child sexual abuse in 1993. Michael Jackson's relationship with children was brought into the spotlight again in 2003 during the TV documentary Living with Michael Jackson. This resulted in Jackson being tried, and later acquitted, of more child molestation allegations and several other charges in 2005.

Biography

1958–1980: Early life and career

Main articles: The Jackson 5 and Off the Wall

The cover to Michael Jackson's 1971's Got to Be There.

Michael Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana. He was the second-youngest brother of seven and the eighth of ten children of Joseph and Katherine Jackson. The Jacksons were a working-class family from Gary, Indiana. Katherine, being a Jehovah's Witness, raised the children as such, while their father, Joe, who started studying with the Witnesses, instead decided he would not join that faith. Jackson's father, a steel mill employee who often performed in an R&B band called "The Falcons" with his brother Luther, was a strict disciplinarian. Many of the Jackson children recall being spanked or whipped by Joe for misbehaving. Jackson showed musical talent early on and joined his brothers when they formed a group in 1964.

During this period, the boys toured Indiana extensively, and after winning a major local talent show in 1966 with a rendition of The Temptations' "My Girl", led by Michael, they began playing professional gigs in Chicago, Illinois and across the mid-eastern U.S. Many of these gigs were in a string of black clubs and venues collectively known as the "chitlin' circuit", and the young kids sometimes had to open for strip teasers and other adult acts in order to earn money. The young Jackson had taken co-lead singing duties with brother Jermaine when the group's name changed from "The Jackson Brothers" to "The Jackson 5" in 1966. The group eventually auditioned for and signed a contract with Motown Records in 1968. The group hit stardom with their first four singles, "I Want You Back," "ABC," "The Love You Save," and "I'll Be There," which charted at number-one on the Billboard Hot 100, the first time ever a group had pulled off that feat. As a solo artist, Jackson released Got to Be There and Ben in 1972. These were released as part of the Jackson 5 franchise and produced successful singles such as "Got to Be There", "Ben", and a remake of Bobby Day's "Rockin' Robin".

The group's sales declined after 1973, and the group chafed under Motown's strict refusal to allow the Jacksons creative control or input. In 1976, the group signed a new contract with CBS Records (first joining the Philadelphia International division and then Epic Records). When this became apparent to Motown Records, they sued the group for breach of contract.

As a result of the legal proceedings, which were complicated further by the fact that Jermaine Jackson was married to the daughter of Motown president (Berry Gordy), the Jacksons lost the rights to use the "Jackson 5" name and logo and also Jermaine, who wanted to stay at Motown. They changed their name to "The Jacksons", featuring youngest brother Randy in Jermaine's place, and continued their successful career, touring internationally and releasing six more albums between 1976 and 1984, with Jermaine eventually re-joining in 1983, making them a sextet. From 1976 to 1984, Jackson was the lead songwriter of the group, laying down such hits as "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)," "This Place Hotel," and "Can You Feel It."

In 1978, Jackson starred as the scarecrow in The Wiz with former-label mate Diana Ross playing Dorothy. The songs for the musical were arranged by Quincy Jones, who established a partnership with Jackson during the film's production and agreed to produce his first solo album in four years. Off the Wall, released in 1979, was a worldwide success story that made music history, becoming the first album ever to spawn four top-ten hits, including "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" and "Rock with You". The album signaled the arrival of a new Michael Jackson, one not reliant upon his brothers to further his career. Off the Wall, buoyed by its catchy dance rhythms and avoidance of the "shallow excesses...of the period's disco," eventually sold some 20 million copies worldwide. Despite its commercial success, Jackson felt the album should have made a much bigger impact and was determined to exceed expectations with his next release.

In January 1980, Jackson won his first awards for his solo efforts at the American Music Awards. He won "Favorite Soul/R&B Album" (for Off the Wall), "Favorite Male Soul/R&B Artist" and Favorite Soul/R&B Single (for "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough"). Later that month, he also won two Billboard Awards (for "Top Black Artist" and "Top Black Album").

On February 27 1980, Jackson won a Grammy Award for "Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male" (for "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough").

1982–1986: Thriller era

Main articles: Thriller (album), We Are the World, and Captain EO

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The original album cover to 1982's Thriller.

In November 1982, the storybook for E.T.: The Extra-terrestrial was released. It included Jackson reading the story as well as one original song ("Someone in the Dark"). The album later won a Grammy for "Best Album for Children".

In December 1982, Jackson released his second Epic album, Thriller, which became the best-selling album in music history. The album spawned seven hit singles, including "Billie Jean" (which was the first music video by a black artist to receive regular airplay on MTV), "Beat It" and the album's title track which was accompanied by a revolutionary music video. The thirteen-minute Thriller was critically acclaimed, and massive airplay lead to it being packaged with the featurette Making Michael Jackson's Thriller on VHS, where it became the best-selling music home video ever. Thriller spent 37 weeks at number-one and remained on the Billboard album chart for 122 weeks. It was eventually certified 27x Platinum in the United States.

Jackson with the Reagans in 1984.

In 1983, whilst performing "Billie Jean" at the Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever concert Jackson debuted what can be regarded as his signature move: the moonwalk. The performance sparked a new wave of interest in Thriller, which continued to sell well throughout the year. In 1983, he started a sponsorship deal with Pepsi-Cola, and, as part of the deal, he agreed to star in a commercial. While filming the commercial in front of 3,000 fans the following year, a fireworks display behind him malfunctioned, shooting a shower of sparks down upon the singer’s head and setting fire to his hair. Jackson was apparently unfazed by his blazing locks, calmly covering his head with his jacket while his brothers rushed to help. He suffered second-degree burns and later wore a hairpiece when collecting Grammys later that year.

In February 1984, Jackson was nominated for twelve Grammy awards - of which he won eight - breaking the record for the most Grammy Awards won in a single year. Seven were for the critically acclaimed Thriller and the other for the E.T.: The Extra-terrestrial storybook. In 1984, he also won eight American Music Awards and the "Special Award of Merit" and three MTV Video Music Awards.

Thriller was a gigantic hit that made Michael Jackson the seminal icon of American culture at the time. Time magazine explained that "the fallout from Thriller has given the [music] business its best years since the heady days of 1978, when it had an estimated total domestic revenue of $4.1 billion." Thriller helped to bring music from African-American artists back into mainstream radio for the first time since the mid-1970s. The album also dominated much of the world's conscience in its heyday; as one Soviet high school senior put it, "His [Michael Jackson's] music is electrifying. His beat is the music of today." In May 1984, stores across the country started selling dolls of the superstar, who also became something of a sexual symbol, as he was described by Time magazine: "Undeniably sexy. Absolutely safe. Eroticism at arm's length." Additionally, Michael Jackson's rhinestone glove and Thriller jacket became iconic aspects of his outfits, which American youth sported all too eagerly.

After reuniting with his brothers, he then helped to write the Victory album. He then performed and starred in the Victory Tour which started on July 6 1984 and lasted for five months. In 1985, Jackson was invited to the White House and was personally thanked by then-President Ronald Reagan at a White House ceremony for donating the song "Beat It" for use in drunk driving prevention television and radio public service announcements.

Jackson continued his charity work in 1985 by co-writing, with Lionel Richie, the hit single "We Are the World". The charity single helped to raise money and awareness for the famine in East Africa and was one of the first instances where Jackson was seen as a humanitarian. The song also won a Grammy Award for "Song of the Year".

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Jackson in the video for "Beat It".

Controversy began when Jackson purchased shares in the ATV Music Publishing (a company which owned the rights to most of the Beatles' songs), making himself the majority shareholder. This move angered close friend and songwriter Paul McCartney, who had also made a bid for the company. Ironically, it was McCartney who advised Jackson on the merits of song ownership. Their creative co-writing ended after this event. Following this controversial business deal, tabloid stories of Jackson sleeping in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber to stall the aging-process, and an allegation claiming Jackson attempted to purchase the bones of the Elephant Man inspired the pejorative sobriquet "Wacko Jacko". The name "Wacko Jacko," which was first used by British media, would come to be detested by Jackson.

In 1986, Jackson starred in the George Lucas-produced, Francis Ford Coppola-directed 3-D film Captain EO. The film lasted 17 minutes but had costs estimated at $17 million. At the time, it was the most expensive film ever produced on a per-minute basis. In the USA, the Disney theme parks hosted Captain EO. Disneyland featured the film in tomorrow-land from September 18, 1986 until April 7, 1997. It was also featured in Walt Disney World in Epcot from September 12, 1986 until July 6, 1994. Two new songs featured in the film. These were "Another Part of Me", which later appeared on Bad, and "We Are Here To Change The World", which was officially released in 2004 on the box set Michael Jackson: The Ultimate Collection.

1987–1990: Bad era

Main articles: Bad (album) and Physical appearance of Michael Jackson

In 1987, Jackson released Bad; his third album for the Epic record label, and final album with producer Quincy Jones. He initially wanted to make the album 30 tracks long, but Jones cut this down to 10. According to Jones, Jackson wanted the title track to be a duet with Prince who later declined the duet. Jones said the reason given by Prince was that he thought the song would be a hit whether he was in it or not. With the industry expecting another monster hit, the release was heavily anticipated as it was Jackson's first album in five years. The album had over two million advance orders. In comparison to Thriller, Bad had lower sales but it was still a huge commercial success. It spawned seven hit singles, of which five went to number-one: "I Just Can't Stop Loving You", "Bad", "The Way You Make Me Feel", "Man in the Mirror", and "Dirty Diana". Two decades after it was released, Bad still holds the record for generating more number one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 charts than any other album. It went on to sell over 30 million copies worldwide and the RIAA eventually certified Bad at 8x Platinum. Musically, Bad featured ballads and light-hearted songs combined with a panoply of darker-themed and somber material, epitomized by the last track on the album, "Leave Me Alone," which has Jackson venting against the constant attention he received from the press.

In September 1987, Jackson embarked upon his first solo world tour, the Bad World Tour. The tour lasted sixteen months, in which he performed at 123 concerts, to over 4.4 million fans worldwide. Jackson insisted on a personal bus, plane and helicopter to be available to him all at the same time.

Jackson hired film director Martin Scorsese to direct the video for the album's title track. When the 18-minute music video debuted on TV, it sparked a great deal of controversy as it became apparent that Jackson's appearance had changed dramatically. Although Jackson's skin color was a medium-brown color for the entire duration of his youth, his skin had been becoming paler gradually since 1982, and had become a light brown color. This change became so noticeable that it gained widespread media coverage with some tabloids claiming that it was due to Jackson bleaching his skin.

Another significant reason for the change in appearance was the use of plastic surgery. Despite a number of surgeons' claims that Jackson had undergone multiple nasal surgeries as well as a forehead lift, thinned lips and cheekbone surgery, Jackson wrote in his 1988 autobiography Moon Walk that he only had two rhinoplastic surgeries and the surgical creation of a cleft in his chin, while attributing puberty and diet to the noticeable change in the structure of his face.

The success Jackson achieved during this period in his career led to him to be dubbed the "King of Pop", a nickname which he continues to be referred to by fans and the media. There are various conflicting reports as to the origin of the nickname. According to Jackson, it was conceived by actress and long-term friend Elizabeth Taylor when she presented Jackson with an "Artist of the Decade" award in 1989, proclaiming him "the true king of pop, rock and soul." Additionally, this period saw Jackson enjoy "a level of superstardom previously known only to Elvis Presley, the Beatles and Frank Sinatra." Vanity Fair declared in 1990 that he was the "most successful entertainer in the history of show business."

1991–1994: Dangerous era and controversies

Main articles: Dangerous (album), 1993 child molestation allegations against Michael Jackson, and Michael Jackson marriages and children

In November 1991, Michael Jackson released Dangerous, which, at 29 million copies worldwide, registered sales figures similar to those of Bad. The biggest hit single in the United States from that album was "Black or White," which reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained there for seven weeks. The single was accompanied by a controversial video, premiering as a simulcast on the Fox network, MTV and BET, which featured scenes construed as having a sexual nature as well as depictions of violent behavior. The offending scenes in the final half of the fourteen minute version of "Black or White" were edited out to prevent the video from being banned. On November 14, 1991, the video for "Black or White" simultaneously premiered in 27 countries with an estimated audience of 500 million people, the largest viewing ever for a music video.

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Oprah Winfrey speaking with Michael Jackson on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 1993.

On February 10 1992, MTV kicked off its first global sweepstakes with "My Dinner with Michael". Winners from around the world attended a dinner party hosted by Michael Jackson on the set of his music video "In the Closet". Later that year, a biopic, The Jacksons: An American Dream debuted on ABC based on the true story of the rise of The Jackson 5.

Jackson founded the "Heal the World Foundation" (named after his humanitarian single "Heal the World") in 1992. The charity organization brought underprivileged children to Jackson's Neverland Ranch, located outside Santa Ynez, California, to go on theme park rides which Jackson had built on the property after he purchased it in 1988.

In January 1993, Michael Jackson performed during the halftime show at Super Bowl XXVII. It drew one of the largest viewing audiences in the history of American television.

On The Oprah Winfrey Show in 1993, Jackson claimed that the change in his skin color was due to vitiligo. In the interview, Jackson stated that his skin was, at first, black with white spots which he used make-up to cover. But later, some time after Thriller, his skin became increasingly white with black spots; he then used white make-up to cover the black spots.

Jackson was reported to be allowing children to sleepover at Neverland. This practice came under much media and public scrutiny in 1993 when allegations of child molestation were brought against Jackson by a child who had stayed with him on several occasions. That year, Jordan Chandler, the son of former Beverly Hills dentist Evan Chandler, represented by civil lawyer Larry Feldman, accused Jackson of child sexual abuse. On December 22 Jackson responded to the allegations via satellite from his Neverland compound, and claimed to be "totally innocent of any wrongdoing." On January 25 1994, Jackson settled out of court with the accuser for an undisclosed sum, reported to be $20 million, and was not charged.

After the allegations were settled in 1994, Jackson married Lisa Marie Presley, the daughter of Elvis Presley. Despite some comments questioning the validity of this union, Presley maintained during their marriage that they both shared a married couple's life and were sexually active. They divorced less than two years later.

1995–2000: HIStory era and Blood on the Dance Floor

Main articles: HIStory and Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix

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Jackson in the video for "They Don't Care About Us".

In June 1995, Jackson released HIStory: Past, Present And Future - Book I, which went on to sell 18 million copies worldwide. The first disc, HIStory Begins, was a fifteen-track greatest hits album (this disc was later released as Greatest Hits - HIStory Vol. I in 2001), while the second disc, HIStory Continues, contained fifteen new songs. The first single released from HIStory was "Scream". The single reached the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. The music video for "Scream" is currently the most expensive music video ever made. On September 7, 1995 at the MTV Video Music Awards, Jackson and sister Janet Jackson won three awards for the song "Scream", from HIStory. At the awards show, Jackson also performed a medley, "Billie Jean", "Dangerous" and "You Are Not Alone".

"They Don't Care About Us" was the fourth single released from HIStory, and caused controversy over anti-Semitic lyrics. The song contained the lyrics "Jew me, sue me" and "kick me, kike me." After significant pressure from the Jewish community, later releases changed the verse to the same-sounding "do me, sue me" and "kick me, hike me" or censored it with a thumping sound.

To promote the album, Jackson embarked on the successful HIStory World Tour, which was attended by more than four and a half million people, a record for concert attendance that still stands. On November 14, 1996, during the Australian leg of the tour, Jackson married his dermatologist's nurse Deborah Jeanne Rowe, with whom he fathered a son, Michael Joseph Jackson, Jr. (also known as "Prince"), and a daughter, Paris Katherine Jackson. Jackson and Rowe divorced in 1999. Jackson later said that Rowe wanted him to have the children as a "gift." The paternity of Michael Jackson's children has been heavily debated by the public. Both Jackson and Rowe have always maintained that his first two children were conceived naturally.

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Jackson at the BRIT Awards in 1996.

At the 1996 BRIT Awards, Jackson performed the track "Earth Song", dressed in white and surrounded by children and an actor portraying a Rabbi. In an attempt to recreate a scene from the video - where he is spreading his arms between two trees - it seemed that Jackson was making Christ-like poses whilst being lifted into the air by a crane with a wind machine blowing back his hair. Pulp lead singer Jarvis Cocker and his friend Peter Mansell mounted a stage invasion in protest. Cocker leapt onstage, pretended to expose his rear, danced and sat back down. In response to the ensuing media scrutiny of the action, Cocker responded, "My actions were a form of protest at the way Michael Jackson sees himself as some kind of Christ-like figure with the power of healing... I just ran on the stage and showed off... All I was trying to do was make a point and do something that lots of other people would have loved to have done if only they'd dared." Cocker received vocal support from the British press: the March 2 1996 edition of Melody Maker, for example, suggested Cocker should be knighted, while Noel Gallagher claimed "Jarvis Cocker is a star and he should be given MBE." Gallagher said of Jackson's behavior: "for Michael Jackson to come over to this country after what's all gone on - and I think we all know what I'm talking about here - to dress in a white robe, right, thinking he's the Messiah - I mean who does he think he is? Me?"

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The cover of Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix.

In 1997, Jackson released an album of new material with remixes of hit singles from HIStory titled Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix; it became the greatest selling remix album ever. The album's five original songs were named "Blood On The Dance Floor", "Is It Scary?", "Ghosts", "Superfly Sister" and "Morphine". Of the new songs, three were released globally: the title track, "Ghosts", and "Is It Scary?". The title track reached number-one in the UK. The singles "Ghosts" and "Is It Scary" were based on a film created by Jackson called "Ghosts". The short film, written by Michael Jackson and Stephen King and directed by Stan Winston, features many special effects and dance moves choreographed to original music written by Michael Jackson. The music video for "Ghosts" is over 35 minutes long and is currently the Worlds Longest Music Video. Jackson dedicated the album to Elton John, who reportedly helped him through his addiction to painkillers, notably morphine.

In 1998 Jackson reached an out-of-court settlement with the Daily Mirror, which apologized for having described his face as "hideously disfigured and scarred." Steven Hoefflin, a high-profile Hollywood plastic surgeon alleged to have operated on Jackson's nose was, according to the press, also advising him against further surgery.

2001–2003: Invincible era

Main article: Invincible (album)

In October 2001, Invincible was released and debuted at number-one in thirteen countries. Invincible went on to sell nearly 8 million copies worldwide. The singles released from the album include "You Rock My World", "Cry", and "Butterflies". Jackson and 35 other artists recorded a charity benefit single entitled "What More Can I Give" which was never released. Just before the release of Invincible, Jackson informed the head of Sony Music Entertainment, Tommy Mottola, that he was not going to renew his contract; the contract was about to expire in terms of supplying the label with albums of full-new material for release through Epic Records/SME. In 2002, all singles releases, video shootings and promotions concerning the Invincible album were cancelled. As a result of this, Jackson made allegations about Mottola not supporting its African American artists. Jackson referred to Mottola as a "devil" and a "racist" who used black artists for his own personal gain. He cited that Mottola called Jackson's colleague Irv Gotti a "fat nigger." Sony issued a statement stating that they found the allegations strange, since Mottola was once married to biracial pop star Mariah Carey. Carey herself seemed nonchalant about Jackson's claims when asked about them by Larry King on Larry King Live.

On September 7 and September 10 2001, Jackson organized a special 30th Anniversary celebration at Madison Square Garden for his 30th year of being a solo artist. Later, the show aired on November 13, 2001. It featured performances by Mýa, Usher, Whitney Houston, Billy Gilman, Shaggy, Rayvon, Rikrok, Destiny's Child, Monica, Deborah Cox, Rah Digga, Tamia, James Ingram, Gloria Estefan, 98 Degrees, Luther Vandross, Liza Minnelli, Lil' Romeo, Master P, 'N Sync, the Jacksons and Slash.

In wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks, Jackson helped organize the United We Stand: What More Can I Give benefit concert at RFK Stadium in Washington D.C.. The concert was aired on October 21, 2001, and included performances from dozens of major artists, including Jackson, who performed his song "What More Can I Give" as the finale.

In late 2002, Jackson's Heal the World Foundation had net assets of just $3,542 and reported $2,585 in expenses, mostly for management fees. The foundation was suspended in California since April 2002 for supposedly failing to file annual statements required of tax-exempt organizations, according to John Barrett, spokesman for the state Franchise Tax Board. The "Heal the World Foundation spread millions of dollars around the globe to help children threatened by war and disease," thanks to the efforts of Michael Jackson, but the forced closure of the Foundation will leave many of these children without aid.

In November 2002, Jackson travelled to Berlin to accept an award for his humanitarian efforts. He was surrounded by fans outside his room at the Hotel Adlon who were chanting in approval of the singer. According to the pop star, they also called out to see his baby. In response, Jackson brought his son onto the balcony, holding him tightly in his right arm with a cloth loosely draped over the baby's face in order to protect his identity from the media. Jackson briefly extended the baby over the railing of the balcony, whilst still holding it tightly. This raised concern as some perceived his actions as child endangerment, although Jackson has vehemently denied these tabloid rumours. Jackson quickly returned the child to the room. Whilst the media portrayed the event as being met with a shocked response, the fans were soon cheering for Jackson once again, and he came out later that night to screaming fans, this time with his two older children.

In the documentary Living with Michael Jackson, Jackson said that the media was wrong in their comments about him being irresponsible with his children, "I love my children", he explained. "I was holding my son tight. Why would I throw a baby off the balcony? That's the dumbest, stupidest story I ever heard."

In February 2003, a controversial documentary titled Living with Michael Jackson aired in the UK (on the 3rd) and in the US (on the 6th). The documentary included interviews with Jackson which included information on his private life. British journalist Martin Bashir and his film crew filmed Jackson for 18 months, also capturing his controversial behavior in Berlin. One particular part of the documentary, which stirred controversy and raised a significant level of concern, showed Jackson holding hands with a then 13-year-old cancer victim Gavin Arviso, and admitting to sharing his bedroom with him (but not in the same bed) as well as sharing his bed (non-sexually) with other children.

Jackson felt betrayed by Bashir and complained that the film gives a distorted picture. In response to the media scrutiny, two specials were aired: Michael Jackson: The Footage You Were Never Meant to See and Michael Jackson's Private Home Movies. Michael Jackson: The Footage You Were Never Meant to See which aired later in February showed uncut footage of the Living with Michael Jackson documentary. The Michael Jackson's Private Home Movies aired in April was a 2-hour special with footage of Michael Jackson's home videos and included commentary by Jackson.

Also in 2003, Jackson announced that he was working on Resurrection, a follow-up album to Invincible. It was also revealed that Jackson had made a 'mini-movie' to promote the album. In the movie, Jackson played a man who is resurrected. In March 2003, "Xscape" was released onto the radio, with many believing that this would be the first single off Jackson's new album. The album was shelved for unknown reasons and was replaced by Number Ones.

2003–2006: Trial, acquittal and aftermath

Main articles: People v. Jackson, Post trial lawsuits against Michael Jackson, and I Have This Dream

In November 2003, Michael Jackson and Sony Records released a compilation of his number-one hits on CD and DVD titled Number Ones. The compilation has sold over six million copies worldwide. On the album's scheduled release date, while Michael Jackson was in Las Vegas filming the video for "One More Chance" (the only new song included in the Number Ones compilation), the Santa Barbara Sheriff's Department searched the Neverland Ranch and issued an arrest warrant for Jackson on new charges of child molestation. Jackson was accused of sexual abuse by Gavin Arviso, who appeared in the Living with Michael Jackson documentary earlier that year.

On December 18 2003, Jackson was charged with seven counts of child molestation and two counts of administering an intoxicating agent in order to commit that felony, all regarding the same boy under 14. The felony complaint stated that Jackson had committed seven lewd acts and two acts of administration of an intoxicating agent to enable the former accusations. Jackson denied these allegations, saying that the sleepovers were in no way sexual in nature. Jackson's friend, Elizabeth Taylor, defended him on Larry King Live, saying that she'd been been there when they "were in the bed, watching television. There was nothing abnormal about it. There was no touchy-feely going on. We laughed like children, and we watched a lot of Walt Disney. There was nothing odd about it."

On Sunday, December 28, 2003 Jackson's interview on 60 minutes was aired. Jackson said that he was bruised and that his shoulder was dislocated because of mistreatment from the authorities. He also claimed that he was locked in a feces-smeared restroom for 45 minutes after he asked to use the facilities.

The People v. Jackson trial began in Santa Maria, California on January 31, 2005 and lasted until the end of May 2005, with Jackson being acquitted on all counts in June. It was one of the largest and most documented trials in world history. About 2,200 media credentials to over 30 news organizations from around the world were issued to cover the trial, more than what was given for the trials of O. J. Simpson and Scott Peterson combined. Jackson's popularity outside the United States ensured a distinctly international crowd of reporters. On top of the media, Santa Maria was also flooded with Jackson fans, 1,200 of whom heard and celebrated the ten not guilty verdicts right outside the courthouse.

The District Attorney of Santa Barbara County in California, Tom Sneddon, has led two efforts against Jackson involving child molestation. The first incident in 1993 resulted in no charges and the second at the end of 2003 culminated in a trial two years later. This has led some to believe that Sneddon had a personal vendetta against Jackson that had no relevance to the cases. After losing the trial in 2005, Sneddon announced his retirement on June 6, 2006.

On June 10, Jackson's PR, Raymone Bain was reportedly fired. Jackson's now-defunct website cited that "MJJ Productions regretfully announces the termination of Raymone Bain and Davis, Bain and Associates. We thank you for your services." Bain later told the Associated Press that she had not been fired and that only Michael Jackson, not his production company (operated at the time by his brother, Randy Jackson), could fire her. Bain continues releasing press statements and answering media enquiries on behalf of Michael Jackson, and was named general manager of the Michael Jackson Company, Inc. on June 27, 2006.

After being acquitted of the allegations, Jackson relocated to the Gulf island of Bahrain, where he reportedly bought a house formerly owned by a Bahrain MP. Jackson allegedly spent his time in the Gulf writing new music, including a charity single dedicated to the victims of Hurricane Katrina entitled, "I Have This Dream". Ciara, Snoop Dogg, R. Kelly, Keyshia Cole, James Ingram, Michael Jackson's brother Jermaine, Shanice, the Reverend Shirley Caesar and The O'Jays all reportedly lent their voices to the charity song. After many delays, the single was not released, despite being announced on September 13 2005. At the time, Jackson's spokesperson Raymone Bain said the list included Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott, Jay-Z, James Brown and Lenny Kravitz. It later appeared that these artists were no longer participating. The charity single remains unreleased.

2006 to present: Visionary and new album

Main articles: Visionary: The Video Singles and Michael Jackson's 2007 album

In February 2006, Jackson's label released Visionary: The Video Singles, a box set made up of twenty of his biggest hit singles, each of which were issued individually week by week over a five-month period.

The Visionary box set.

On May 27, 2006, Michael Jackson accepted a Legend Award at MTV Japan's VMA Awards in Tokyo. It was his first major public appearance since being found not guilty in his child molestation trial almost a year earlier. The award honors his influence and impact on music videos in the last 25 years. Following the award ceremony, Jackson also made an appearance on SMAPxSMAP.

On November 14, 2006, Sony officially released the Visionary box set in the US. Michael also visited the London office of the Guinness World Records. There, he received eight awards: "Most Successful Entertainer of All Time", "Youngest Vocalist to Top the US Singles Charts" (at the age of 11 as part of the Jackson Five), "First Vocalist to Enter the US Singles Chart at Number One" (for "You Are Not Alone"), "First Entertainer to Earn More Than 100 million Dollars in a Year", "Highest Paid Entertainer of All Time" ($125 million in 1989), "First Entertainer to Sell More Than 100 Million Albums Outside the US", "Most Weeks at the Top of the US Albums Chart" (for the album Thriller) and "Most Successful Music Video" (for the music video Thriller).

On November 15, 2006, Michael Jackson received the Diamond Award, for selling over 100 million albums, at the World Music Awards. This was his second public appearance at an awards show since the trial of 2005. Despite tabloid rumors prior to the event, he did not perform "Thriller", instead joining a choir on stage for a verse of "We are the World". Footage of the event showed Michael appearing touched by the adoration of the crowd. According to the head of public relations for the World Music Awards (Julius Just), the sound was cut due to a noise curfew. Officials at Earl's Court, the arena where the event was held, have said that this was not the case and that they had "accommodated the show and the show's organisers by obtaining an extension to our licence in order to allow the show to run to eleven o'clock."

File:Michael Jackson WMA.jpg

Michael Jackson performing "We are the World" at the 2006 World Music Awards.

On December 30 2006, after James Brown died, more than 8000 people – including family, friends and fans – watched as several artists, including Jackson, paid tribute to the 'Godfather of Soul'. Reverend Al Sharpton, who was close to Brown, delivered his sermon at the funeral, in which he stated that in the last conversation he had with Brown, he had said that artists like Jackson needed to continue to make positive music for all people.

In late 2006, a recording surfaced, entitled "No Friend of Mine (Gangsta)". The song features vocals by Jackson.

On December 24, 2006, Jackson returned to the United States, having left Ireland. He mentioned plans of a pair of "fan appreciation events" in Japan, in March. One of the events, for Japanese business professionals, which was originally planned for Christmas 2006, will charge $3,300 for entrance. He explained the reason for choosing Japan: "My friends and fans in Japan have been so supportive of me and my family for many, many years." Jackson is currently living in Las Vegas.

On March 9, 2007, Jackson attended the two aforementioned fan appreciation events in Japan, after causing a scene at Narita Airport, where he was greeted by hundreds of fans. The first event, with an admission fee of $3,500, was attended by approximately 400 fans and disabled or handicapped children (who came for free). The guests could spend 30 seconds to a minute with Jackson. Jenny Sasaki, one of the fans, said that "you can't put a price tag on this; I love Michael Jackson, his music, his sensitivity and his humanity."

After days of fan appreciation events, Jackson greeted thousands of U.S. troops in a U.S. Army base south of Tokyo on March 10. About 3,000 troops and their family members gathered in a fitness centre at Camp Zama. Jackson, after shaking hands with and thanking the troops for their service, spoke to the crowd gathered, saying, "those of you in here today are some of the most special people in the world. It is because of you in here today, and others who so valiantly have given their lives to protect us, that we enjoy our freedom." Jackson also attended a ceremony at the camp for an army member being promoted and put a pin on his uniform.

After leaving Japan, Jackson made a brief stop in London. He was greeted by fans at Heathrow Airport before travelling to Carlton Towers, his residence during the brief stay. At the hotel, Michael was forced to cut short an autograph signing after the event "turned volatile when fans began pushing. Michael ended up with his back against the hotel lobby wall." He and his children were safetly escorted from the fans to safety. Michael has now returned to Las Vegas, his current residence, after he and his children were "greeted at the airport by fans bringing them flowers and gifts."

In the third quarter of 2007, Jackson is expected to release a comeback album. There have been reports of collaborations with will.i.am (of The Black Eyed Peas), Teddy Riley, DJ Whoo Kid, Akon, Chris Brown and 50 Cent. Initially, it was thought that the Bahrain-based label Two Seas would release the album, but, in September 2006, it was made apparent that Jackson and Two Seas were no longer affiliated with each other. Consequently, Jackson formed The Michael Jackson Company which will oversee both his finances and the release of his new album. There may also be plans for a world tour to support the album. This will be his first tour since 1997. Work began on the album in May of 2006.

Discography

Main articles: Michael Jackson album discography and Michael Jackson singles discography

Studio albums

Motown releases

• 1971: Got to Be There
• 1972: Ben
• 1973: Music and Me
• 1975: Forever, Michael

Epic releases

• 1979: Off the Wall
• 1982: Thriller
• 1987: Bad
• 1991: Dangerous
• 1995: HIStory
• 1997: Blood on the Dance Floor
• 2001: Invincible

The Michael Jackson Company release

• 2007: TBA

Number-one singles

US number-one singles

• 1972: "Ben"
• 1979: "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough"
• 1980: "Rock with You"
• 1983: "Billie Jean"
• 1983: "Beat It"
• 1983: "Say Say Say" (with Paul McCartney)
• 1987: "I Just Can't Stop Loving You"
• 1987: "Bad"
• 1987: "The Way You Make Me Feel"
• 1988: "Man in the Mirror"
• 1988: "Dirty Diana"
• 1991: "Black or White"
• 1995: "You Are Not Alone"

UK number-one singles

• 1981: "One Day in Your Life"
• 1983: "Billie Jean"
• 1987: "I Just Can't Stop Loving You"
• 1991: "Black or White"
• 1995: "You Are Not Alone"
• 1995: "Earth Song"
• 1997: "Blood on the Dance Floor"

Filmography

Main article: Michael Jackson filmography

Notable music videos

• 1983: "Billie Jean"
• 1983: "Beat It"
• 1983: "Thriller"
• 1987: "Bad"
• 1987: "The Way You Make Me Feel"
• 1988: "Smooth Criminal"
• 1989: "Leave Me Alone"
• 1991: "Black or White"
• 1992: "Remember the Time"
• 1995: "Scream"
• 1995: "Earth Song"
• 1997: "Blood on the Dance Floor"
• 2001: "You Rock My World"

Films

• 1978: The Wiz
• 1986: Captain EO
• 1988: Moonwalker
• 1997: Ghosts
• 2004: Men in Black II (Cameo appearance)
• 2004: Miss Cast Away (Cameo appearance)

Videos/DVDs

• 1984: Making Michael Jackson's "Thriller"
• 1988: Moonwalker
• 1993: Dangerous - The Short Films
• 1995: Video Greatest Hits - HIStory
• 1997: HIStory on Film, Volume II
• 2003: Number Ones
• 2004: The One
• 2005: Live In Bucharest: The Dangerous Tour

Television

• The Jacksons TV Show was a variety series that first aired on June 16 1976 and last aired on March 9 1977. It starred Jackie, Tito, Marlon, Michael, Randy, Rebbie, LaToya, and Janet Jackson.
• The Simpsons, Season 3 Episode 1, "Stark Raving Dad". The episode first aired on September 19 1991. He was credited as John Jay Smith.

Video games

• Michael Jackson's Moonwalker is an arcade game that was ported to the Sega Mega Drive/Sega Genesis and Sega Master System and various 16-bit home computers, including the Amiga, which sported more levels and better graphics.
• Sonic the Hedgehog 3 features sampled noises from Jackson and his instrument players who worked for him at the time. Due to his 1993 scandal some songs written by him were removed; however the original game still contains some content from him and his team although Jackson is uncredited. New Sega PC "retro" versions do not contain any of the material from Jackson or his team.
• Space Channel 5 for the Sega Dreamcast featured Michael Jackson in the later levels.
• Space Channel 5: Part 2, a dance game for the PlayStation 2 and Sega Dreamcast also featured Michael Jackson in the later levels.
• Ready 2 Rumble Round 2 is a fighting game for the PlayStation 2 and Sega Dreamcast featuring Michael Jackson as a hidden character.
• Grand Theft Auto: Vice City for the PS2, PC, and Xbox includes two songs by Michael Jackson: "Billie Jean" and "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'".

Music samples

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Further reading

• Jackson, Michael (1988). Moonwalk. Doubleday. ISBN 0-434-37042-8. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |year= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
• Taraborrelli, J. Randy (1991). The Magic and the Madness. Headline. ISBN 1-55972-064-6. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |year= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
• Jackson, Michael (1992). Dancing The Dream. Doubleday. ISBN 0-385-40368-2. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |year= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
• Grant, Adrian (1994, 1997, 2002 and 2005). Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary. Omnibus Press. ISBN 1-84449-432-2. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |year= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
• Noonan, Damien (1994). Michael Jackson. Carlton Books. ISBN 1-85797-587-1. {{cite book}}: |format= requires |url= (help); Check date values in: |year= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
• Jackson, Michael (2006). My World, The Official Photobook, Vol. 1. Triumph International. ISBN 0-9768891-1-0. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |year= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)

See also

Michael Jackson articles

• Records and achievements by Michael Jackson
• Neverland Ranch
• Michael Jackson marriages and children
• Michael Jackson controversies
• 1993 child molestation allegations against Michael Jackson
• Living with Michael Jackson
• People v. Jackson
• List of Michael Jackson awards
• List of Michael Jackson tours
• Bubbles, pet chimpanzee
• Michael Jackson's 2007 album

Other related articles

• Best-selling music artist
• List of artists who reached number one on the Hot 100 (U.S.)
• List of artists who reached number one on the U.S. Dance chart
• List of best-selling albums worldwide
• List of best-selling remix albums worldwide
• List of best-selling music artists
• List of most expensive music videos
• List of number-one dance hits (United States)
• List of number-one hits (United States)

External links

• Sony's Official Michael Jackson website
• Michael Jackson at IMDb
• Template:Amg
• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame page on Michael Jackson
• Songwriters' Hall of Fame page on Michael Jackson
• Michael Jackson at Curlie
• Michael Jackson's Family Tree

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