Highest earning dead celebrity
Forbes says Jackson has earned more than $1 billion pre-tax since his death, which is more than enough to pay off his personal debts. in 2105 the estate made $115 million, in part from the Vegas Cirque du Soleil show Michael Jackson One, the Mijac Music catalogue, recorded music sales and half of Sony/ATV Music Publishing, which includes the rights to 250 Beatles songs.
56th Birthday Celebration
2 CommentsJackson’s 56th birthday celebration in Gary, Indiana has been transformed to a three day festival event, initiated by his mother Katherine Jackson. The event titled The Michael Jackson Tribute Festival of the Arts is there to encourage other artists to reach their potential. Karvin Johnson, one of the event promoters, comments:
The main thing is to encourage kids that you can express yourself through art.
Another event promoter, Sharon Chamber comments:
I was just kind of hoping this becomes an annual thing… a national tribute to Michael.
Man claims child sexual abuse
James Safechuck, claims that Michael Jackson sexually abused him as a child. The 36-year-old alleges the was abused by Jackson after the two appeared together in a late ’80s Pepsi commercial when Safechuck was 10 years old. He claims that Jackson had allegedly “brainwashed” him into believing that the incidents of sexual abuse were “acts of love,” and that, in 1988, during the Bad tour, Safechuck regularly shared Jackson’s bed and that the abuse continued until he reached puberty.
Howard Weitzman, an attorney for the Jackson estate, responded by saying that Safechuck’s claims should be dismissed.
Mr. Safechuck’s request to file a late claim against the Jackson Estate so he can recover money from Michael’s beneficiary will hopefully be rejected. This is a person that made his claim five years after Michael died, more than 20 years after the incidents supposedly happened and has given sworn testimony that Michael never did anything inappropriate to him.
Safechuck’s petition is scheduled to be heard Sept. 4.
Neverland Ranch for sale
For the first time after being bought by Michael Jackson, Neverland Ranch is up for sale and could sell for up to $85m.
We’ve really just been custodians of an irreplaceable estate and are proud to say we’ve restored it to the original elegance Michael first envisioned. We are now considering putting it up for sale.
Xscape
Epic Records and MJJ Music releases the second posthumous album Xscape by Jackson. Singles include Love Never Felt So Good, and A Place With No Name. Timbaland, executive producer:
This was very trying, not because it was just a Michael Jackson… kept hearing his voice, it was like, I’m doing Michael Jackson. It got emotional. I had to tell my engineer to stop — we gotta go to something else. It took about a week process to really grasp what I’m doing. And once I grasped what I’m doing, I had to call my mom for prayer like, I need some help, I need some guidance on this, ’cause this is hard
Wins Billboard Year in Music Survey
0 CommentsJackson wins the Billboard Year in Music Survey for Number 1 Pop Album for Thriller.
Michael
Epic Records and Sony Entertainment release the first posthumous complication album of unreleased tracks by Jackson titled Michael. Hit singles include Hold My Hand, Hollywood Tonight, Behind The Mask, and (I Like) The Way You Love Me. Brian Oxman, a lawyer for Joe Jackson states:
If Michael had wanted this music released he would have done so before his death. The songs which are being released on the new Michael Jackson album were unfinished and incomplete tracks that Michael said over and over many times he never wanted released. We should honor Michael Jackson’s wishes.
Wins Apollo Legend Award
0 CommentsJackson wins the Apollo Legend Award. Chris Tuckers accepts the award on Jackson’s behalf.
Wins Barbados Music Awards
0 CommentsJackson wins the Barbados Music Award for International Lifetime Achievement Award.
Wins Billboard Music of the 00’s poll
0 CommentsJackson wins the Billboard Music Award for Billboard Spotlight Award for Invincible. This album is the only new material he released this decade.
Wins American Music Award
Jackson wins AMAs for Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist, Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist, Favorite Pop/Rock Album, and Favorite Soul/R&B Album. Jermaine Jackson accepts the awards and pays tribute by wearing a sparkly white glove. Jermaine:
First of all, I would like to thank Allah, for blessing our entire family. It’s not just about the winnings, the awards – it’s really the message. The message that Michael had will live forever, and that’s there’s good in everyone. Start with love, and let’s love each other… We love you, Michael.
Michael Jackson’s This Is It
Michael Jackson’s This Is It is documentary-concert film directed by Ortega. It documents Jackson’s rehearsals and preparation for the concert series, Michael Jackson’s This Is It. The series is cancelled June 25th due to Jackson’s death and it is the last film he starred in. Jackson’s family tried to stop the movie from being released. La Toya:
Michael always wants to give his best. This is a rehearsal. He wasn’t giving his all. He loves to give his all always. That’s just the way he is. He wants people to see him at the top of the ladder and not half-stepping because he doesn’t want to do a full-out rehearsal.
ABC interview
Jackson is interviewed by ABC about his life and his 50th birthday.
I am still looking forward to doing a lot of great things, so that’s hard. I think the best is yet to come, in my true humble opinion.
People cover
Jackson appears on the cover of People after dying weeks before his concerts in London were to take place. There were allegations that drug use was involved in Jackson’s death. Source:
Janet was on the phone, but siblings Randy, Jackie and Rebbie were there. Michael got pissed off. He said he wasn’t on drugs. Jackson also drank and took straight morphine, Valium, Xanax, Demerol and OxyContin. It could happen any minute.
Reveals why she had Jackson’s children
In an interview with ABC News, Rowe reveals for the first time why she had Jackson’s children.
I believe there are people who should be parents, and he’s one of them. And he is such a fabulous man, and such a good friend, and he’s always been there for me, always, from the day I met him,
We Had Him
Angelou writes a poem in memory of Michael Jackson, and asks Queen Latifah to read the poem at Jackson’s funeral.
Beat It rehearsal performance
Jackson rehearses Beat It for the This is it tour at the Staples center in Los Angeles, California.
I Can’t Stop Loving You performance
Jackson rehearses the song I Just Can’t Stop Loving You with Hill for the This Is It tour.
Wins Golden Elephant Award
0 CommentsJackson is given a golden elephant as an award for his work in fighting AIDS in Africa. The award ceremony is held at the Ethiopian Embassy in Washington D.C., and is presented by AASA (African Ambassadors’ Spouses Association).
This is beautiful. This is a wonderful occasion. I’ve been going to Africa since I was 12 years old, and I take my child on vacation there.
Wins BMI Urban Award
0 CommentsJackson wins the BMI Urban Award for BMI Icon Award for The Jacksons.
