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Michael Joseph Jackson (born August 29, 1958) is an American musician and entertainer whose successful music career and controversial personal life have been at the forefront of pop culture for the last quarter-century. Jackson began his musical career at the age of seven as the lead singer of The Jackson 5 and made his first solo recordings in 1971 while remaining a member of the group.Michael Jackson - History 1970s November 6, 1971: Michael releases his first solo single "Got To Be There". He began a full-fledged solo career in 1979 and formally parted with his siblings in 1984.Neverland Valley - Victory Tour Interesting facts: At the last show of the tour Michael announced his split from The Jacksons In his solo career, Jackson recorded and co-produced the best-selling album of all-timeGuinness Records The best-selling album of all time is Thriller by Michael Jackson Thriller (with worldwide sales over 51 million), received thirteen Grammy awardsGrammy Winners Jackson, Michael - Total: 13 and charted thirteen number-one singles in the U.S. 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 and he is a double-inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as a member of The Jackson 5 in 1997 and in 2001 as a solo artist.Rock hall page for Michael Jackson 2001 inductee: Jackson, Michael He is also a member of the Songwriter's Hall of Fame.

From 1988 to 2005, Jackson lived on his Neverland Ranch property, on which he built an amusement park and private zoo for the enjoyment of economically disadvantaged and terminally ill children. His frequently held sleepover parties have received disparaging media coverage, especially after he revealed that he sometimes slept in the same bed with several unrelated children. The attention grew particularly intense when he was accused of child sexual abuse both in 1993 and 2003. He was tried and acquitted of the latter allegations in 2005.

Early life and career: 1966 – 1980

Michael Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana, the second youngest brother of seven and the eighth of ten by Joseph and Katherine. Michael began his career early first singing at a school recital around the age of five and joined his older brothers as a percussionist in the then known The Jackson Brothers. In 1966, after taking co-lead singing duties with brother Jermaine, the group's name was changed to The Jackson 5. The group played local clubs and bars, building up a following and eventually signing a contract with Motown Records in March 1969. The group hit stardom with their first four singles charting at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Michael also released and charted many hit singles as part of the Jackson 5 franchise including the hits "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 later moving over to Epic Records). Upon learning that the Jackson 5 had signed a contract with another label, Motown sued the group for breach of contract.

As a result of the legal proceedings, which were complicated by the fact that Jermaine Jackson had just married the daughter of Motown president Berry Gordy, the Jacksons lost the rights to use the "Jackson 5" name and logo and also lost Jermaine, who wanted to stay in Motown. They changed their name to simply "The Jacksons" featuring youngest brother Randy in Jermaine's place, continued their successful career, touring internationally, and releasing six albums between 1976 and 1984.

In 1978, Michael Jackson starred as the scarecrow in The Wiz with former-labelmate Diana Ross playing Dorothy.IMDb page for The Wiz Cast overview, first billed only: Diana Ross...Dorothy, Michael Jackson...Scarecrow The musical film's songs were arranged by famed producer 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 hit, and became the first album in history to spawn four top-ten hits, including "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" and "Rock With You".Michael Jackson - History 1970s August 5, 1979: Off The Wall, is released. It was the first album in history to spawn four top ten singles The album went on to sell 20 million copies worldwideMJInf.co.uk - Off The Wall Current Best Estimate World Sales: 20 million, establishing Jackson as a musical force without his brothers. After the success of Off the Wall, Jackson began work on his second album with Jones.

Success and controversy: 1982 – 1992

In 1982, Jackson released his second Epic album, Thriller, which became the best-selling album in music history with more than 59 million copies sold worldwide. 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.Michael Jackson - History 1980s December, 1983: "Making Michael Jackson’s Thriller" is released and becomes 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.Michael Jackson - History 1980s December, 1982: Michael releases Thriller, which contains a record 7 Top 10 hits, including the #1 hits "Billie Jean," "Beat It," and "Thriller." The album spends 37 weeks at #1 and remains on the Billboard album chart for 122 weeks. It is eventually certified 27x Platinum in the United States.

In 1983, whilst performing "Billie Jean" at the Yesterday, Today, Forever concert Jackson debuted what could now be construed as his signature move - the moonwalk.Michael Jackson - History 1980s May 16, 1983: Michael performs the moonwalk for the first time It was at this point that Jackson's stardom exploded. The media began paying more attention to this new, publicity-courting Jackson and his newfound superstar status and wealth allowed him to reap financial rewards. In 1983 he started a sponsorship deal with Pepsi-Cola, and as part of the deal Jackson agreed to star in a commercial. While filming a Pepsi Light commercial with his brothers in 1984, before a live audience at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, his hair caught on fire when a pyrotechnic effect went wrong. Jackson suffered serious burns on his scalp, which required skin grafts.BBC.co.uk - On This Day 1984: Michael Jackson burned in Pepsi ad Later in 1984, Jackson won eight Grammy awards. Seven were for the critically acclaimed Thriller (album). Jackson also won a Grammy for the E.T. Storybook that year, breaking the record for the most Grammy awards won in a single year.Guinness Records At the 26th Annual Grammy Awards in 1984 Michael Jackson won eight Grammy awards. Reuniting with his brothers, Jackson then helped to write the Victory album and performed and starred in the successful Victory Tour that summer.

On May 14, 1984, Jackson was invited to the White House and was personally thanked by then-President Ronald Reagan at a White House ceremony for donating his song "Beat It" for use in Drunk Driving Prevention television and radio PSAs Adcouncil History on Drunk Driving - 1985 Jackson is personally thanked by Ronald Reagan..

Jackson continued his charity work in 1985 by co-writing (along with Lionel Richie) the hit single "We Are The World". The charity single helped to raise money and awareness for famine in East Africa and brought Jackson his first taste of perception in the media as a humanitarian Michael Jackson - History 1980s January 28, 1985: "We Are The World" is recorded. The song was written by Jackson and Lionel Richie. Controversy also followed when Jackson purchased shares in the ATV Music Publishing (Lennon's estate and McCartney also co-owned), making himself the majority shareholder. The ATV Music Publishing company owned the rights to most of The Beatles' songs. The move angered close friend and song co-writing partner Paul McCartney, who was interested in purchasing the Beatles catalog for himself and felt betrayed by Jackson's actions. 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 nickname "Wacko Jacko"[http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:os320r4ac48b~T1 Allmusic.com Biography by Steve Huey. The name "Wacko Jacko" would come to be detested by Jackson.

In 1986, Jackson starred in the George Lucas/Francis Ford Coppola 3-D film Captain EO.The film lasted just 17 minutes but with cost estimates between U.S. $17 million and $30 million, it was at the time the most expensive film ever produced on a per-minute basis. However this was a seemingly logical extension of Jackson's habit of starring in expensive, critically acclaimed entertainment music videos. It was commercially successful and made a great deal of money. In the USA the Disney theme parks hosted Captain EO. Disneyland featured the 17 minute 3D film in tomorrowland from September 18, 1986 until April 7, 1997. Also featured in Walt Disney World in Epcot from September 12, 1986 until July 6, 1994.

Later on in 1987 Jackson released Bad. This was his third album for the Epic record label, and final album with producer Quincy Jones.Michael Jackson - History 1980s August 28, 1987: Michael releases Bad With high expectations after the success of Thriller, Jackson had complex ideas for the album. He initially wanted to make the album 30 tracks long, but Jones cut this down to 10. He also wanted the title track to be a duet with fellow pop superstar Prince, but that idea fell through after the two had creative differences over lyrical content and Prince refused the project. Prince also stated later that he thought the song would be a hit whether he was in it or not.

Bad spawned seven hit singles Michael Jackson - History 1980s August 28, 1987: ...and spawns seven hit singles. While for any other artist this would be a fantastic achievement, this particular artist was Michael Jackson. Numerous critics slated the lower sales of Bad and a perceived stripping down of the epic nature of Jackson's work as part of the beginning of a decline in Jackson's career, although it should be noted that if Jackson did decline, it was from a great height. Including the number ones "I Just Can't Stop Loving You", "Bad", "The Way You Make Me Feel", "Man in the Mirror", and "Dirty Diana" Bad was a huge commercial success. The album was supported by a world tour which lasted for over a year and visited 15 countries, and for which Jackson insisted on a personal Bus, Plane and Helicopter to be available to him all at the same timeMichael Jackson - History 1980s September 12, 1987: Michael launches his Bad Tour on which he spends over a year visiting 15 countries* Bad Fortune - The Guardian Newspaper, UK - Wednesday June 15, 2005.

Jackson hired film director Martin Scorsese to direct the video for the album's title track.Neverland Valley - Bad Directed by: Martin Scorsese When the 18-minute music video debuted on TV, it sparked a great deal of controversy as it was apparent that Jackson's appearance had changed dramatically.Anomalies Unlimited - The HisTory of Michael Jackson's face 1987 age 29: people and the press are really talking now 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 colour. This was now so noticeable that the entire press, not just tabloids, took out widespread coverage on it. Jackson attributed his changing skin color to the skin disorder vitiligo whilst on The Oprah Winfrey Show.Oprah interview Jackson: "I have a rare skin disorder called vitiligo"

Another significant reason for the change in appearance was the use of plastic surgery. Despite a number of surgeons' claims that Jackson has undergone multiple nasal surgeries as well as a forehead lift, thinned lips and cheekbone surgeryABC News - Surgeon: Michael Jackson A 'Nasal Cripple' Feb. 8, 2003 by ABC news, 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.moonwalk by Michael Jackson, 1988 "I have had my nose altered twice and I recently added a cleft to my chin"

The success Jackson achieved during this period in his career led to him being dubbed the "King of Pop", a nickname which he continues to be referred to by his fans. There are various conflicting reports as to the origin of this nickname although according to Jackson it was conceived by actress and long-term friend Elizabeth Taylor as she presented Jackson with an "Artist of the decade" award in 1989, proclaiming him "the true king of pop, rock and soul". The name would generate controversy and notoriety for Jackson two years later as he allegedly told every music channel airing his videos to announce him as simply the king of pop leading the media to call him the self-proclaimed king of pop.

In 1991, Michael Jackson released Dangerous. The major hit from Dangerous was "Black or White", which was accompanied by a controversial music video featuring scenes of a sexual nature, violence and racism. The video was banned on most music-television channels until the scenes of violence and sex enacted by Jackson breaking windows and simulating masturbation were edited out of the video.Neverland Valley - Black or White Michael agreed to edit out the final 4 minutes of the video, and issued a statement

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."

Further career: 1993 – 2002

Named for his humanitarian single "Heal the World", Jackson founded the "Heal the World Foundation" in 1992. The charity organization brought underprivileged children to Jackson's Neverland Ranch, located outside Santa Ynez, California, to go on rides and amusements Jackson had built on the property after he purchased it in 1988. In late 2002, however, it had net assets of just $3,542 and reported $2,585 in expenses, mostly for “management fees,” according to the latest available tax filings. The foundation has been suspended in California since April 2002 for failing to file annual statements required of tax-exempt organizations, said John Barrett, spokesman for the state Franchise Tax Board.*Jackson's foundation now virtually defunct In January 1993 Michael Jackson performed during the halftime show at Super Bowl XXVII. It drew the largest viewing audience in the history of American television.

Jackson was reported to be inviting or allowing children to sleep over at Neverland. This practice came under scrutiny in 1993 when allegations of child molestation were brought against Jackson. 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 22nd 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.BBC News - On This Day 1993: Michael Jackson accused of child abuse

After the allegations were settled in 1994, Jackson married Lisa Marie Presley, the daughter of Elvis Presley. The marriage was severely criticized by the media and lasted less than two years. Despite some comments questioning the validity of this union, Presley has always maintained that they both shared a married couple's life during their time together and were sexually active.Prime Time interview(Real Player Required) In 1995, Jackson released HIStory: Past, Present And Future - Book 1.Michael Jackson - History 1990s June 16, 1995: Michael releases HIStory, a double album The first disc, HIStory Begins, was a fifteen-track greatest hits album (in 2001, HIStory Begins was re-released on its own as Greatest Hits - HIStory Vol. I), while the second disc, HIStory Continues, contained fifteen new songs. On September 7, 1995 at the 1995 MTV Video Music Awards Jackson and Janet Jackson won three awards for the song "Scream," from HIStory. They Don't Care About Us" was the fourth single released from HIStory in April 1996, and like most things from the HIStory project also caused controversy - this time 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." It is said that this is because of his numerous legal troubles, with Jewish lawyers sometimes defending those making allegations against him, most notably Larry Feldman, attorney for Jordan Chandler in the 1993 child sexual molestation case.

To promote the album, Jackson embarked on the successful HIStory World Tour.Michael Jackson - History 1990s September 7, 1996: Michael launches his HIStory Tour 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. (who publicly goes by the name "Prince"), and a daughter, Paris Katherine Jackson. Jackson and Rowe were divorced in 1999. Jackson later said that Rowe wanted him to have the children as a "gift".Living with Michael Jackson transcript Jackson: * wanted to do that for me as a present The paternity of Michael Jackson's children has been heavily debated by the public. Because Michael is black and Rowe is white, the children are biracial. The children do not have any resemblance to Jackson in his childhood, and their skin is a milky white. Michael has always maintained that his first two children were conceived naturally. However the tabloid The Sun made two controversial claims about Jackson's parentage: first, that Jackson conceived his first child via artificial insemination using his own sperm and, second, that the second child, Paris, was conceived in and named after Paris, France, where Jackson had gone to console Rowe for his having taken her first child, and all parental rights , from Rowe. At the 1996 Brit Awards Jackson performed the track Earth Song, dressed in white and surrounded by worshipping children and an actor portraying a Rabbi. Jackson proceeded to make Christ-like poses whilst lifted into the air by a crane with a wind machine blowing back his hair, like the Earth Song video. Pulp lead singer Jarvis Cocker and his friend Peter Mansell decided to mount a stage invasion in protest. Cocker leapt onstage, pretended to flash his bottom, 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".Jarvis's onstage interruption Record of the nights events.

In 1997, Jackson released an album of new material coupled with remixes of hit singles from the "HIStory" album titled Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix.Michael Jackson - History 1990s May 11, 1997: Michael releases Blood on the Dance Floor. The album contains 8 remixes from HIStory and 5 new songs. 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, including the title track which reached number-one in the UK.The Official Charts - All the No.1s Blood On The Dance Floor, 3/5/1997At the time, the album was the best selling remix album in history . Other single releases from the album included "Ghosts", and "Is It Scary?", which were songs based on a film Jackson created that year titled "Ghosts".IMDb page for "Michael Jackson's Ghosts" The film, written by Michael Jackson and Stephen King and directed by Stan Winston, features impressive special effects and dance moves choreographed to original music written by Michael Jackson.Neverland Valley - Ghosts Based upon an original concept by Michael Jackson & Stephen King, Score Composed and Performed by Michael Jackson Jackson dedicated the album to Elton John, who reportedly helped him through his addiction to painkillers, notably morphine. John remained silent throughout Jackson's trial in 2005.

Jackson's latest album Invincible was released in October 2001.Michael Jackson - History 2000s October 30, 2001: Michael releaseuns Invincible. The album debut at #1 on charts in 13 countries and debuted at number-one in thirteen countries. The singles released from the album include "You Rock My World," "Cry," and "Butterflies". Jackson also recorded a charity benefit single entitled "What More Can I Give" which was never released to retail. Just before the release of Invincible, Jackson informed Sony Music Entertainment head, Tommy Mottola, that he was not going to renew his contract, which was about to expire in terms of supplying the label with albums of full-new material for release through ER/SME. In 2002 all the singles releases, video shootings and promotions, concerning the Invincible album were cancelled. Due to this, Jackson made allegations about Sony not supporting its African-American artists. Jackson referred to Mottola as a "devil" and "racist" who used black artists for his own personal gain. Sony issued a statement stating that they found the allegations strange, since Mottola was once married to biracial pop star Mariah Carey. Carey seemed to be nonchalant about Jackson's claims on Larry King Live.Larry King Live with Mariah Carey(Real Player Required) Despite Jackson blaming Sony and his producer for the failure of Invincibles, the critical consensus held that his first new album in a decade was thoroughly mediocre music.

Berlin and Bashir: 2002 – 2003

In November 2002, Jackson traveled 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 in his right arm with a towel over the baby's head, apparently to protect his identity. Jackson briefly extended the baby over the railing of the balcony. This action raised concern as some perceived his actions as child endangerment. Jackson quickly returned the child to the room.

After watching media coverage of the Berlin event, a California attorney and radio talk show host, Gloria Allred, wrote a letter to California's Child Protective Services, asking for an investigation into the safety of the three Jackson children. She also spoke on CNN about the subject. Because Child Protective Services do not make their investigations public, it is not known whether any action was taken as a result of Allred's letter.

When a reporter asked Jackson what he thought of Allred's complaints, he remarked "Ah, tell her to go to hell." (Allred responded, "While Michael Jackson wants me to go to hell, I want him to go to parenting class.")** But shortly thereafter, Jackson issued a written statement about the incident, saying, "I made a terrible mistake. I got caught up in the excitement of the moment. I would never intentionally endanger the lives of my children."

In a subsequent interview with Martin Bashir in 2003, Jackson said that the media were 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 2003, a controversial documentary titled Living with Michael Jackson and including exclusive interviews with Michael Jackson about his personal life was shown to an international television audience.IMDb page for "Living with Michael Jackson" British journalist Martin Bashir and his film crew filmed Jackson for 18 months, also capturing his controversial behavior in Berlin (see above). One particular part of the documentary which stirred controversy and raised a significant level of concern showed Jackson holding hands with a 13-year-old cancer victim named Gavin Arviso and admitting to sharing his bedroom with Gavin (not in the same bed), and his bed (non-sexually) with other children. Jackson felt betrayed by Bashir and complained that the film gives a distorted picture.Michael Jackson's statement Thursday, February 6, 2003 Posted: 6:03 a.m. EST (1103 GMT) He fought back releasing his own documentary, filmed simultaneously by his own personal cameraman who caught Jackson's full explanations on the topics of plastic surgery, the "baby dangling" incident, and his relationships with children.

Trial, acquittal and the aftermath: 2003 – 2006

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 to date.MJinf.co.uk - Number Ones Current best estimate: 6.5 million 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 raided Neverland Ranch and issued an arrest warrant for Jackson on charges of child molestation.Arrest warrant issued for Michael Jackson By Tracy Wilson, Steve Chawkins and Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, November 20, 2003 Jackson was accused of sexual abuse by Gavin Arviso, who appeared in the "Living with Michael Jackson" documentary earlier that year. The allegations later led to a 2005 trial in which Jackson was found not guilty of all charges.Jackson not guilty Tuesday, June 14, 2005 Posted: 5:23 p.m. EDT (2123 GMT)

The criminal case was tried in Santa Maria, California during the spring of 2005. On June 13, Jackson was acquitted of all ten charges, including four additional lesser ones. CNN later reported that two of the jurors, Ray Hultman and Eleanor Cook, believed he had committed child sex crimes in the past but there was not enough evidence to prove itJuror's Advice For The King Of Pop 14/06/2005 13:37:22, NY Daily News, and announced impending books on their experiences in the trial. It has been reported that one of the jurors is taking legal action against the publisher of his book, claiming he was tricked into it.Jackson Juror Sues Over Book Deal 11/09/2005 14:30, Contact Music

On June 10th, Jackson's African American publicist Raymone Bain was fired Jackson jury enters second week BBC - Monday, 13 June, 2005, 16:11 GMT 17:11 UK. Jackson's now-defunct website cited that ""MJJ Productions regretfully announces the termination of Raymone Bain and Davis, Bain and Associates". Bain denied being fired and later continued to make unofficial statements for the singer - despite no longer being contacted or paid by the singer or MJJ Productions.

Rapper Eminem parodied the allegations in his music video for Just Lose It. The clip caused much controversy and fueled Jackson himself to make a statement. Steve Harvey and Stevie Wonder also made pro-Jackson comments regarding the video.

After being acquitted of the child molestation charges, Jackson relocated to the Gulf island of Bahrain, where he reportedly bought a house formerly owned by a Bahrain MP.Gulf News 23 January 2006 - Archived 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 13 September 2005. At the time, Jackson's spokesperson, Raymone K. Bain, said the list included Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott, Jay-Z, James Brown and Lenny Kravitz. These artists later appeared to be no longer participating. ABC News: Michael Jackson's Katrina Song Said Ready February 17, 2006 - ABC News

In 2006, allegations of sexual assault were leveled against Jackson by a man who claims Michael Jackson molested him, intoxicated him with drugs and alcohol, and forced him to undergo unnecessary cosmetic surgery. Michael Jackson's lawyer Thomas Mesereau, who successfully defended him against allegations of child molestation in 2005, said "the charges are ridiculous on their face. They will be vigorously defended."New Molestation Suit By TMZ.com staff (Jan 12) Since this news came to light in early 2006, nothing further has happened regarding the charges.

F. Marc Schaffel, a former associate of Jackson is suing Jackson for millions of dollars alledgedly owed to him after working with Jackson on an unreleased charity record and documentaries. Florida businessman Alvin Malnik, who had advised Jackson appeared in court and stated that he had advised Jackson and found him to be bewildered by financial matters. He claimed to have made frequent loans to the singer totalling between $7m and $10m (£4m-£5.5m). He had received an urgent plea from Jackson for $1m (£550,000) so that Jackson could buy jewellery for Elizabeth Taylor so that she would agree to take part in a Fox special Court hears Jackson's frantic phone messages, The Daily Mail, July 6, 2006.

The court proceedings also brought to light unsuccessful projects planned with the actor Marlon Brando, including a dual interview at the actor's private island near Tahiti, and a DVD on acting Court hears Jackson's frantic phone messages, The Daily Mail, July 6, 2006. Brando's son Miko Brando, a long time bodyguard for Jackson stated "The last time my father left his house to go anywhere, to spend any kind of time, it was with Michael Jackson,", "He loved it ... had a 24-hour chef, 24-hour security, 24-hour help, 24-hour kitchen, 24-hour maid service.". [http://mjnewsonline.com/board/archive/index.php/t-7498.html Brando became close friend of Michael Jackson, The Guardian, Oliver Burkeman, September 25, 2004. Brando signed a half acre plot of land on his island Tetiaroa to Jackson in June 2003 in gratitude for Jackson hosting a party for Brando's daughter Nina, then aged 13 Brando offered tropical haven, The Guardian, April 5, 2005. Jackson attended Brando's memorial service in 2004 along with Sean Penn, Jack Nicholson and Warren Beatty.

In addition to Jackson's personal troubles, he has also dealt with problems of others posing as him. Jackson has a wide range of performance and personal impersonators - ranging from worldly successful body doubles to performers. In the United States alone, the likes of E'Casanova and Edward Moss have played Jackson in films Back to the Future 2 and Scary Movie 3, respectively. Moss also covered the role of Jackson in the E! network's courtroom reenactments. Other impersonators like to keep Jackson's image clean, and impersonator Joby Rogers has turned down roles that defame Michael Jackson's image. The Connecticut impersonator (who is signed as the Michael Jackson) has said to have turned down roles playing Jackson in handcuffs or in other negative situations. According to his website, Rogers continues to portray a late-1980s Michael Jackson in a stage play, Ken Davenport's The Awesome 80's Prom, in New York, Chicago, Minneapolis and formerly, Baltimore (local impersonator Matt Macis played Jackson there).

Visionary and Tokyo: 2006 –

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 will be issued individually week by week over a five-month period.MJ Visionary Full release list. An appeals court ruled on February 15, that a lower court improperly terminated Deborah Rowe's parental rights to her two children with pop star Michael Jackson, opening the door to a possible custody battle between the singer and his ex-wife. Jackson's ex-wife's parental rights improperly terminated Thursday, February 16 - CNN (Seems to have AP sourcing) The retired judge, Steven M. Lachs, acknowledged in 2004 that he failed to have state officials do an independent investigation into what was in the best interests of the children.Ninemsn - Jacko's ex-wife battles for kids custody Friday, February 17 - (A)APPost Chronicle - Back Off, Jacko! Deborah Rowe Spanks Michael Jackson Saturday, February 18 - Wire Reports Jackson's lawyer, Thomas Mesereau, who previously represented Jackson, is not representing Jackson in this case.News Talk - Mesereau Will No Longer Represent Jackson Saturday, February 25 - Clear Channel News Network

On March 9, 2006, California state labor officials closed the singer's Neverland Ranch and fined him $69,000 for failure to provide employment insurance. The state "stop order" bars Jackson from "using any employee labor" until he secured required workers' compensation insurance. In addition to being fined $1,000 for each of his 69 workers, Jackson is liable for up to 10 days pay for those employees who now are no longer allowed to report to Neverland for work. Workers Barred From Neverland Thursday, March 9, 2006 - thesmokinggun.com Thirty Neverland employees have also sued Jackson for $306,000 in unpaid wages. Demand of Payment of Wages Thursday, March 9, 2006 - thesmokinggun.com Jackson was told if he did not pay these wages by a deadline, he would be fined an extra $100,000. Jackson's employees were paid by the deadline.

Hot on the heels of this payment, Jackson's spokesperson announced on March 16, 2006 that Jackson was closing his house at Neverland and had laid off some of the employees but added that reports of the closing of the entire ranch were inaccurate. Jackson closes Neverland house There have been many reports of a possible sale of Neverland, but nothing tangible has been reported yet.

In a move named by Jackson's advisors as "refinancing," it was announced on April 14, 2006 that Jackson had struck a deal with Sony and Fortress investments. In the deal Sony may be allowed to take control of half of Jackson's 50% stake in Sony/ATV Music Publishing (worth an estimated $1 billion) which Jackson co-owns. Jackson would be left with 25% of the catalogue, with the rest belonging to Sony.

In exchange, Sony negotiated with a loans company on behalf of Jackson. Jackson's $200m in loans were due in December 2005 and were secured on the catalogue. Jackson failed to pay and the Bank of America sold them to Fortress investments, a company dealing in distressed loans. However, Jackson hasn't as yet sold any of the remainder of his stake. The possible purchase by Sony of 25% of Sony/ATV Music Publishing is a conditional option; it is assumed the singer will try to avoid having to sell part of the catalogue of songs including material by other artists such as Bob Dylan and Destiny's Child. As another part of the deal Jackson was given a new $300 million loan, and a lower interest rate on the old loan to match the original bank of America rate. When the loan was sold to Fortress investments they increased the interest rate to 20%. Michael Jackson Bailout Said to Be Close 13/04/2006, Source: New York Times (Free Sign Up Required) None of the details are officially confirmed. An advisor to Jackson, however, did publically announce he had "restructured his finances with the assistance of Sony." Jackson strikes deal over loans 14/04/2006, Source: BBC

On April 18, 2006, Michael Jackson signed a management deal with English music producer Guy Holmes. Holmes is the recently appointed CEO of Two Seas Records, with whom Jackson has signed a recording contract for one album. The album is set for a fall 2007 release.Jackson confirms new management deal Tuesday April 18, 01:29 p.m. by WENN

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 was honoring his influence and impact in music videos in the last 25 years. Following the award ceremony, Jackson also made an appearance on SMAPxSMAP. It was later reported that Jackson is planning to adopt a Japanese orphan.* The Katrina Charity Single still remains unreleased.

On June 27, 2006, Jackson announced plans to launch The Michael Jackson Company, Inc. replacing the now defunct MJJ Productions. Jackson also announced his spokesperson, Raymone Bain, be named general manager. Jackson has severed ties with his long-time accounts and business managers, Bernstein, Fox, Whitman, Goldman & Sloan. Also with Bahrani attorneys Qays Zu’bi and Grahame Nelson, and Gut Records executive, Guy Holmes.

Michael Jackson is still in the studio working very hard on his next album set for release in 2007. According to Jackson's general manager and spokesperson, Raymone Bain, Michael is currently reviewing numerous offers for a comeback world tour, which he plans to embark on in the next several months.

Music samples

Discography

Solo studio albums

Epic releases:

Two Seas releases:
  • Untitled 2007 Michael Jackson Album (2007)

Solo number-one singles

Filmography

Notable music videos

  • "Billie Jean" (1983) - Directed by Steve Barron
  • "Beat It" (1983) - Directed by Bob Giraldi
  • "Thriller" (1983) - Directed by John Landis
  • "Bad" (1987) - Directed by Martin Scorsese
  • "The Way You Make Me Feel" (1987) - Directed by Joe Pytka
  • "Smooth Criminal" (1988) - Directed by Colin Chilvers
  • "Leave Me Alone" (1989) - Directed by Jim Blashfield
  • "Black or White" (1991) - Directed by John Landis
  • "Remember the Time" (1992) - Directed by John Singleton
  • "Scream" (1995) - Directed by Mark Romanek
  • "Earth Song" (1995) - Directed by Nicholas Brandt
  • "Blood on the Dance Floor" (1997) - Directed by Michael Jackson & Vincent Paterson
  • "You Rock My World" (2001) - Directed by Paul Hunter

Films

Television

Links

Video games

See also

Michael Jackson articles

Other related articles

References

External links

Michael Jackson | American pop singers | American rock singers | American rhythm and blues singers | American soul singers | American singer-songwriters | Motown performers | American child singers | American dancers | Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees | Funk musicians | Grammy Award winners | Hollywood Walk of Fame | Jackson 5 members | Jackson family | MTV Music Award Winners | 1958 births | Living people

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This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the "Michael Jackson".

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