Michael Jackson: Difference between revisions
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Michael Jackson tried sucking my penis last night. I stopped him though.!! |
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{{Infobox musical artist | <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject Musicians --> |
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| Name = Michael Jackson |
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| Img = Michael Jackson 1984.jpg |
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| Img_capt = Michael Jackson in 1984 |
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| Img_size = 147 |
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| Background = khaki |
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| Birth_name = Michael Joseph Jackson |
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| Born = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1958|8|29}}<br />{{city-state|Gary|Indiana}}, [[United States|USA]]</small> |
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| Instrument = [[Singing|Vocals]], [[multi-instrumentalist|multiple instruments]], [[Percussion instrument|percussion]] |
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| Genre = [[Pop music|Pop]], [[R&B]], [[Rock music|rock]], [[Soul music|soul]] |
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| Occupation = Singer, songwriter, record producer, arranger, dancer, choreographer, actor, businessman, financier |
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| Years_active = 1967–present |
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| Label = [[Motown Records|Motown]], [[Epic Records|Epic]], [[Sony Records|Sony]] |
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| Associated_acts = [[The Jackson 5|The Jackson 5/The Jacksons]] |
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| URL = [http://www.michaeljackson.com MichaelJackson.com] |
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}} |
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'''Michael Joseph Jackson''' (born August 29, 1958) is an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. The seventh child of the [[Jackson family]], he debuted on the professional music scene at the age of 11 as a member of [[The Jackson 5]] and began a solo career in 1971 while still a member of the group. Referred to as the "[[List of honorific titles in popular music|King of Pop]]" in subsequent years, five of his solo [[studio album]]s have become some of the world's best-selling records: ''[[Off the Wall (album)|Off the Wall]]'' (1979), ''[[Thriller (album)|Thriller]]'' (1982), ''[[Bad (album)|Bad]]'' (1987), ''[[Dangerous (album)|Dangerous]]'' (1991) and ''[[HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I|HIStory]]'' (1995). |
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He is still a pedophile. hat an idiot. His music sucks! |
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In the early 1980s, he became a dominant figure in [[popular music]] and the first [[African-American]] entertainer to amass a strong [[crossover (music)|crossover]] following on [[MTV]]. The popularity of his [[music videos]] airing on MTV, such as "[[Beat It]]", "[[Billie Jean]]" and ''[[Thriller (music video)|Thriller]]''—credited for transforming the music video into an art form and a promotional tool—helped bring the relatively new channel to fame. Videos such as "[[Black or White]]" and "[[Scream/Childhood|Scream]]" made Jackson an enduring staple on MTV into the 1990s. With stage performances and music videos, Jackson popularized a number of physically complicated dance techniques, such as the [[robot (dance)|robot]] and the [[moonwalk (dance)|moonwalk]]. His distinctive musical sound and vocal style influenced numerous [[hip hop]], [[pop music|pop]] and [[contemporary R&B]] artists. |
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[[Tamer Hosny]] is the best singer in the world. Not michael jackson who sucks dicks. |
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Jackson has donated and raised millions of dollars for beneficial causes through his [[Heal the World Foundation|foundation]], charity [[singles (music)|singles]] and support of 39 charities. However, other aspects of his personal life—including his [[Michael Jackson's health and appearance|changing appearance]] and behavior—generated significant controversy which damaged his public image. Though he was accused of [[1993 child sexual abuse accusations against Michael Jackson|child sexual abuse in 1993]], the criminal investigation was closed due to lack of evidence and Jackson was not charged. He then married twice and fathered three children, all of which caused further controversy. The singer has experienced [[Michael Jackson's health and appearance|health concerns]] since the early 1990s and conflicting reports regarding the state of his finances since the late 1990s. In 2005, Jackson was [[People v. Jackson|tried and acquitted]] of further sexual abuse allegations and several other charges. |
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One of the few artists to have been inducted into the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]] twice, his other achievements include multiple ''[[Guinness World Records]]''—including one for "Most Successful Entertainer of All Time"—13 [[Grammy Award]]s, 13 [[List of artists who reached number one on the Hot 100 (U.S.)#J|number one singles]] in his solo career—more than any other male artist in the [[Billboard Hot 100|Hot 100 era]]—and the sale of over 750 million units worldwide. Jackson's highly publicized personal life, coupled with his [[Records and achievements by Michael Jackson|successful career]], has made him a part of [[popular culture]] for almost four decades. He has been cited as one of the world's most famous men. |
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==Biography== |
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===1958–1975: Early life and The Jackson 5=== |
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{{seealso|The Jackson 5}} |
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Michael Joseph Jackson was born in [[Gary, Indiana]] (an industrial suburb of [[Chicago|Chicago, Illinois]]) to a working-class family on August 29, 1958.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 20">George, p. 20</ref> The son of [[Joseph Jackson|Joseph Walter "Joe"]] and [[Katherine Jackson|Katherine Esther]] ([[née]] Scruse),<ref name = "Nelson George overview 20"/> he is the seventh of nine children. His siblings are [[Rebbie Jackson|Rebbie]], [[Jackie Jackson|Jackie]], [[Tito Jackson|Tito]], [[Jermaine Jackson|Jermaine]], [[La Toya Jackson|La Toya]], [[Marlon Jackson|Marlon]], [[Randy Jackson (musician)|Randy]] and [[Janet Jackson|Janet]].<ref name = "Nelson George overview 20"/> Joseph Jackson was a steel mill employee who often performed in an R&B band called The Falcons with his brother Luther.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 20"/> Jackson was raised as one of [[Jehovah's Witnesses]] by his devout mother.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 20"/> |
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From a young age Jackson was physically and mentally abused by his father, enduring incessant rehearsals, whippings and name-calling. Jackson's abuse as a child affected him throughout his grown life.<ref name="MJ's secret childhood">{{cite web |url=http://www.vh1.com/shows/dyn/vh1_news_presents/82010/episode_about.jhtml |title=Michael Jackson's Secret Childhood |publisher=[[VH1]] |accessdate=2008-06-20}}</ref> In one altercation—later recalled by Marlon Jackson—Joseph held Michael upside down by one leg and "pummelled him over and over again with his hand, hitting him on his back and buttocks".<ref name = "tara 20-22">Taraborrelli, p. 20–22</ref> Joseph would often trip up, or push the male children into walls.<ref name = "tara 20-22"/> One night while Jackson was asleep, Joseph climbed into his room through the bedroom window. Wearing a fright mask, he entered the room screaming and shouting. Joseph said he wanted to teach his children not to leave the window open when they went to sleep. For years afterward, Jackson suffered nightmares about being kidnapped from his bedroom.<ref name = "tara 20-22"/> |
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Jackson first spoke openly about his childhood abuse in a 1993 interview with [[Oprah Winfrey]]. He said that during his childhood he often cried from loneliness and would sometimes get sick or start to [[regurgitate]] upon seeing his father.<ref name = "campbell (1995) 14-16">Campbell (1995), p. 14–16</ref><ref name = "lewis 165-168">Lewis p. 165–168</ref><ref name = "George 45-46">George, p. 45–46</ref><ref>Taraborrelli, p. 620</ref> In Jackson's other high profile interview, ''[[Living with Michael Jackson]]'' (2003), the singer covered his face with his hand and began crying when talking about his childhood abuse.<ref name = "tara 20-22"/> Jackson recalled that Joseph sat in a chair with a belt in his hand as he and his siblings rehearsed and that "if you didn't do it the right way, he would tear you up, really get you."<ref>Taraborrelli, p. 602</ref> |
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Jackson showed musical talent early in his life, performing in front of classmates and others during a Christmas recital at the age of five.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 20"/> In 1964, Jackson and Marlon joined the Jackson Brothers—a band formed by brothers Jackie, Tito and Jermaine—as backup musicians playing [[congas]] and [[tambourine]], respectively. Jackson later began performing backup vocals and dancing; at the age of eight, he and Jermaine assumed lead vocals, and the group's name was changed to [[The Jackson 5]].<ref name = "Nelson George overview 20"/> The band toured [[Midwestern United States|the Midwest]] extensively from 1966 to 1968. The band frequently performed at a string of black clubs and venues collectively known as the "[[chitlin' circuit]]", where they often opened for [[striptease]]s and other adult acts. In 1966, they won a major local talent show with renditions of [[Motown sound|Motown]] hits and [[James Brown]]'s "[[I Got You (I Feel Good)]]", led by Michael.<ref name=RRHF>{{cite web |url=http://www.rockhall.com/inductee/the-jackson-five |title=The Jackson Five |accessdate=2007-05-29 |publisher=[[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]]}}</ref> |
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The Jackson 5 recorded several songs, including "[[Big Boy (The Jackson 5 song)|Big Boy]]", for the local record label [[Steeltown Records|Steeltown]] in 1967 and signed with [[Motown Records]] in 1968.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 20"/> ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' magazine later described the young Michael as "a prodigy" with "overwhelming musical gifts", noting that Michael "quickly emerged as the main draw and lead singer" after he began to dance and sing with his brothers.<ref name="rollingstone"/> Though Michael sang with a "child's piping voice, he danced like a grown-up hoofer and sang with the R&B/gospel inflections of [[Sam Cooke]], [[James Brown]], [[Ray Charles]] and [[Stevie Wonder]]".<ref name="rollingstone">{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/michaeljackson/biography|title=Michael Jackson: Biography|work=[[Rolling Stone]]|accessdate=2008-02-14}}</ref> The group set a chart record when its first four singles ("[[I Want You Back]]", "[[ABC (song)|ABC]]", "[[The Love You Save]]" and "[[I'll Be There]]") peaked at number one on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]].<ref name = "Nelson George overview 20"/> During The Jackson 5's early years, Motown's public relations team claimed that Jackson was nine years old—two years younger than he actually was—to make him appear cuter and more accessible to the mainstream audience.<ref>Taraborrelli, p. 17</ref> Starting in 1972, Jackson released a total of four solo studio albums with Motown, among them ''[[Got to Be There]]'' and ''[[Ben (album)|Ben]]''. These were released as part of the Jackson 5 franchise, and produced successful singles such as "[[Got to Be There (song)|Got to Be There]]", "[[Ben (song)|Ben]]" and a remake of [[Bobby Day]]'s "[[Rockin' Robin (song)|Rockin' Robin]]". The group's sales began declining in 1973, and the band members chafed under Motown's strict refusal to allow them creative control or input.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 22">George, p. 22</ref> Although the group scored several top 40 hits, including the top 5 [[disco]] single "[[Dancing Machine]]" and the top 20 hit "[[I Am Love]]", the Jackson 5 left Motown in 1975.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 22"/> |
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===1976–1981: Move to Epic and ''Off the Wall''=== |
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The Jackson 5 signed a new contract with [[Columbia Records|CBS Records]] in June 1975, joining first the Philadelphia International Records division and then [[Epic Records]].<ref name = "Nelson George overview 22"/> As a result of legal proceedings, the group was renamed The Jacksons.<ref name = "tara 138–144">Taraborrelli, p. 138–144</ref> After the name change, the band continued to tour internationally, releasing six more albums between 1976 and 1984. From 1976 to 1984, Michael Jackson was the lead songwriter of the group, writing hits such as "[[Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)]]", "[[This Place Hotel]]" and "[[Can You Feel It]]".<ref name="RRHF" /> |
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In 1978, Jackson starred as [[Scarecrow (Oz)|Scarecrow]] in the film musical ''[[The Wiz (film)|The Wiz]]''.<ref>Taraborrelli, p. 163–169</ref> The musical scores were arranged by [[Quincy Jones]], who formed a partnership with Jackson during the film's production and agreed to produce the singer's solo album ''[[Off the Wall (album)|Off the Wall]]''.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 23">George, p. 23</ref> In 1979, Jackson broke his nose during a complex dance routine. His subsequent [[rhinoplasty]] surgery was not a complete success, and Jackson complained of breathing difficulties that would affect his career. He was referred to Dr. Steven Hoefflin, who performed Jackson's second rhinoplasty and other subsequent operations.<ref name = "tara 205–210">Taraborrelli, p. 205–210</ref> |
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Jones and Jackson jointly produced ''Off the Wall'', whose songwriters included Jackson, [[Heatwave (band)|Heatwave]]'s [[Rod Temperton]], [[Stevie Wonder]] and [[Paul McCartney]]. Released in 1979, ''Off the Wall'' was the first album to generate four US top 10 hits, including the chart-topping singles "[[Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough]]" and "[[Rock with You]]".<ref name = "Nelson George overview 37-38"/> ''Off the Wall'' reached number three on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] and has since been certified for 7 million shipments in the US and eventually sold over 20 million copies worldwide.<ref name ="Off the Wall 20 million">{{cite web |url=http://www.virginmedia.com/music/classicalbums/michaeljackson-offthewall.php |title=Michael Jackson: Off the Wall - Classic albums - Music - Virgin media |publisher=[[Virgin Media]] |accessdate=2008-12-12}}</ref><ref name="RIAA certification"/> In 1980, Jackson won three awards at the [[American Music Awards]] for his solo efforts: Favorite Soul/R&B Album, Favorite Male Soul/R&B Artist and Favorite Soul/R&B Single (for "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough").<ref name = "Nelson George overview 37-38">George, p. 37–38</ref> That year, he also won [[Billboard Music Award|''Billboard'' Music Awards]] for Top Black Artist and Top Black Album and a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance (for "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough").<ref name = "Nelson George overview 37-38"/> Despite its commercial success, Jackson felt ''Off the Wall'' should have made a much bigger impact, and was determined to exceed expectations with his next release.<ref>Taraborrelli, p. 188</ref> In 1980, Jackson secured the highest royalty rate in the music industry: 37% of wholesale album profit.<ref>Taraborrelli, p. 191</ref> |
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===1982–1985: ''Thriller'', ''Motown 25'', We Are the World and business career=== |
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In 1982, Jackson contributed the song "Someone In the Dark" to the storybook for the film ''[[E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial]]''; the record won a Grammy for Best Album for Children.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.grammy.com/GRAMMY_Awards/Winners/Results.aspx?title=&winner=Michael+Jackson&year=0&genreID=0&hp=1|title=Grammy Award Winners|publisher=The Recording Academy|accessdate=2008-02-14}}</ref> That year Jackson issued his second Epic album, ''[[Thriller (album)|Thriller]]''. The album remained in the top 10 of the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] for 80 consecutive weeks and 37 of those weeks at the peak position. It was the first album to have seven ''Billboard'' Hot 100 top 10 singles, including "[[Billie Jean]]", "[[Beat It]]" and "[[Wanna Be Startin' Somethin']]".<ref>Lewis, p. 47</ref> ''Thriller'' was certified for 27 million shipments by the [[Recording Industry Association of America|RIAA]], giving it [[List of music recording sales certifications|Double Diamond]] status in the US.<ref name="RIAA certification">{{cite web |url=http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=tblTop100&action= |title=Gold and Platinum |publisher=[[Recording Industry Association of America]] |accessdate=2008-04-08}}</ref><ref name="Thriller 25 release">{{cite web |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS58333+30-Nov-2007+PRN20071130 |title=Sony announce Thriller 25 |publisher=Reuters |date=[[2007-11-30]]|accessdate=2008-04-17}}</ref> It is often cited as the [[List of best-selling albums worldwide|best-selling album of all time]], with worldwide sales between 47 million and 109 million copies.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 50-53"/><ref name="Showbuzz">{{cite web |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/11/06/entertainment/main3461884.shtml?source=search_story |title=Michael Jackson Opens Up |publisher=[[CBS]] |date=[[2007-11-06]] |accessdate=2008-07-24}}</ref><ref name="109 Newswire">{{cite web |url=http://news.prnewswire.com/ViewContent.aspx?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/01-16-2009/0004956264&EDATE= |title=Music Icon Quincy Jones Kicks-Off New Series in Tribune Newspapers |publisher=[[PR Newswire]] |date=January 16, 2009 |accessdate=January 24, 2009 }}</ref> |
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Jackson changed the way the industry functioned; as an artistic entity and a financial, profitable organisation. His attorney [[John Branca]] noted that Jackson had the highest royalty rate in the music industry at that point; approximately $2 for every album sold. He was also making record breaking profit from compact discs or the sale of ''The Making of Michael Jackson's Thriller''; a documentary produced by Jackson and [[John Landis]]. Funded by MTV, the documentary sold over 350,000 copies in a few months of sale. The era saw the arrival of novelties like the Michael Jackson doll, that appeared in stores in May 1984 at a price of $12.<ref name=TIME/> ''Thriller'' retains a position in [[Culture of the United States|American culture]]; biographer [[J. Randy Taraborrelli]] explains, "At some point, ''Thriller'' stopped selling like a leisure item—like a magazine, a toy, tickets to a hit movie—and started selling like a household staple."<ref name="tara 226">Taraborrelli, p. 226</ref> |
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Gil Friesen, President of [[A&M Records]], said "the whole industry has a stake in this success".<ref name=TIME/> ''Thriller'' raised the importance of albums, but multiple hits also changed notions about the number of singles to release.<ref name=vh1>{{cite web |url=http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/jackson_michael/bio.jhtml |title=Michael Jackson |publisher=VH1 |year= 2007 |accessdate=2007-02-22}}</ref> ''[[Time (magazine)|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".<ref name=TIME>{{cite news | first= Jay | last= Cocks | title= Why He's a Thriller | date= March 1984| publisher= ''Time'' | url= http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,950053-1,00.html | accessdate= 2007-03-17}}</ref> ''Time'' summed up ''Thriller'''s impact as a "restoration of confidence" for an industry bordering on "the ruins of punk and the chic regions of synthesizer pop". The publication described Jackson's influence at that point as "Star of records, radio, rock video. A one-man rescue team for the music business. A songwriter who sets the beat for a decade. A dancer with the fanciest feet on the street. A singer who cuts across all boundaries of taste and style and color too".<ref name=TIME/> ''[[The New York Times]]'' called him a "musical phenomenon", saying that "in the world of pop music, there is Michael Jackson and there is everybody else".<ref name="NYTimes">{{cite news|url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F40F10FB3A5C0C778DDDA80894DC484D81|title=Michael Jackson at 25: A Musical Phenomenon|last=Pareles|first=Jon|date= 1984-01-14 |work=[[New York Times]]}}</ref> According to the ''[[The Washington Post]]'', ''Thriller'' paved the way for other acts such as [[Prince (musician)|Prince]].<ref name=WashPost1>{{cite news | first= Richard | last= Harrington | title= Prince & Michael Jackson: Two Paths to the Top of Pop |date= 1988-10-09 | work=[[The Washington Post]] | url= http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpost/access/73636369.html?dids=73636369:73636369&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Oct+9%2C+1988&author=Richard+Harrington&pub=The+Washington+Post+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&edition=&startpage=g.01&desc=Prince+%26+Michael+Jackson%3A+Two+Paths+to+the+Top+of+Pop | accessdate= 2007-05-21}}</ref> |
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On March 25, 1983, Jackson performed live on the ''[[Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever]]'' television special, both with The Jackson 5 and on his own singing "Billie Jean". Debuting his signature dance move—the [[moonwalk (dance)|moonwalk]]—his performances during the event were seen by 47 million viewers during its initial airing, and drew comparions to [[Elvis Presley]]'s and the [[The Beatles]]' appearances on ''[[The Ed Sullivan Show]]''.<ref>Taraborrelli, p. 238–241</ref> ''The New York Times'' said, "The moonwalk that he made famous is an apt metaphor for his dance style. How does he do it? As a technician, he is a great illusionist, a genuine mime. His ability to keep one leg straight as he glides while the other bends and seems to walk requires perfect timing".<ref name="Dancing feet of Michael Jackson">{{cite news|first=Anna |last=Kisselgoff |url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=940DE7DE1539F935A35750C0A96E948260&sec=&spon=&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink |title=Dancing feet of Michael Jackson |work=[[New York Times]] |date=[[1988-03-06]] |accessdate=2008-07-23}}</ref> |
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[[Image:Michael Jackson with the Reagans.png|thumb|230px|right|Jackson at the White House South Portico with President Ronald Reagan and first lady [[Nancy Reagan]], 1984]] |
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Jackson suffered a setback on January 27, 1984. While filming a [[Pepsi Cola]] commercial at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, Jackson suffered second degree burns to his scalp after pyrotechnics accidentally set his hair on fire. Happening in front of a full house of fans during a simulated concert, the incident was the subject of heavy media scrutiny and elicited an outpouring of sympathy.<ref name = "tara 279–287">Taraborrelli, p. 279–287</ref> PepsiCo settled a lawsuit out of court, and Jackson gave his $1.5 million settlement to the "Michael Jackson Burn Center" which was a piece of new technology to help people with severe burns.<ref name = "tara 279–287"/> Jackson had his third rhinoplasty shortly afterward and grew self conscious about his appearance.<ref name = "tara 205–210"/> |
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On May 14, 1984, Jackson was invited to the [[White House]] to receive an award presented by American President [[Ronald Reagan]]. The award was given for Jackson's support of charities that helped people overcome alcohol and drug abuse.<ref>Taraborrelli, p. 304–307</ref> Jackson won eight awards during the 1984 Grammys. Unlike later albums, ''Thriller'' did not have an official tour to promote it, but the 1984 [[Victory Tour]], headlined by The Jacksons, showcased much of Jackson's new solo material to more than two million Americans.<ref>Taraborrelli, p. 315–319</ref> He donated his $5 million share from the Victory Tour to charity.<ref>Taraborrelli, p. 320</ref> |
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Jackson co-wrote the charity single "[[We Are the World]]" with [[Lionel Richie]], which was released worldwide to aid the poor in Africa and the US. He was one of 39 music celebrities who performed on the record. The single became one of the best-selling singles of all time, with nearly 20 million copies sold and millions of dollars donated to [[famine relief]]. It was also the first time Jackson was seen as a humanitarian.<ref>Taraborrelli, p. 340–344</ref> |
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The singer purchased [[Northern Songs]], a music catalog holding thousands of songs. The catalog includes The Beatles' back catalog and songs by Elvis Presley.<ref name = "1995 music deal">{{cite news|url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B01E7DD1439F93BA35752C1A963958260 |title=Michael Jackson sells Beatles songs to Sony |work=[[New York Times]] |date=1995-11-08 |accessdate=2008-07-23}}</ref> Jackson outbid [[Paul McCartney]] and [[Yoko Ono]] at a cost of $47.5 million.<ref name="Guardian document finances">{{cite news|url=http://arts.guardian.co.uk/features/story/0,,1506781,00.html |
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|title=Bad Fortunes |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=[[2005-06-15]] |accessdate=2008-07-23}}</ref> The idea came to Jackson while working with McCartney on the two hit singles "[[The Girl Is Mine]]" and "[[Say Say Say]]" a few years prior. The pair became friendly, occasionally visiting one another. In one discussion, McCartney told Jackson about the millions of dollars he had made from music catalogs; he was earning approximately $40 million a year from other people's songs.<ref name = "tara 333-337">Taraborrelli, p. 333–337</ref> |
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Jackson began a business career buying music and shortly afterward Northern Songs was put up for sale. He was warned that he would face strong competition, excited, he skipped around the room saying, "I don't care. I want those songs. Get me those songs Branca [his attorney]". Branca then contacted the attorney of McCartney, who clarified that his client was not interested in bidding because, "It's too pricey". After Jackson had started negotiations, McCartney changed his mind and tried to persuade Yoko Ono to join him in a joint bid, she declined, so he pulled out. Jackson eventually beat off the rest of the competition in negotiations that lasted 10 months. When McCartney found out he said, "I think it's dodgy to do things like that. To be someone's friend and then buy the rug they're standing on". Reacting to that statement, biographer J. Randy Taraborrelli observed that McCartney made millions of dollars from the music of other people. He had more money than Jackson at that point so could have made a substantial bid for his own music and would not have suffered financial difficulties from Jackson owning the catalog.<ref name = "tara 333-337"/> |
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===1986–1990: Tabloids, appearance, ''Bad'', autobiography and films=== |
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{{seealso|Michael Jackson's health and appearance}} |
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In 1986, the tabloid press ran a story claiming that Jackson slept in a [[hyperbaric oxygen chamber]] to slow the aging process; he was pictured lying down in a glass box. Although the claim was untrue, Jackson disseminated the fabricated story himself. The singer was promoting his upcoming movie ''[[Captain EO]]'' and wanted to promote a sci-fi image of himself.<ref name = "tara 355-361">Taraborrelli, p. 355–361</ref><ref name="BBC, Jackson's image problems">{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/music/4584367.stm |title=Music's misunderstood superstar |publisher=BBC |date=[[2005-06-13]] |accessdate=2008-07-14}}</ref> Jackson had a fourth rhinoplasty and, wanting masculine features, had a cleft put in his chin.<ref name = "tara 205–210"/> Then he starred in the [[Francis Ford Coppola]]-directed [[3-D film]] ''Captain EO''. It was the most expensive film produced on a per-minute basis at the time, and was later hosted in [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]] theme parks. [[Disneyland]] featured the film in its [[Tomorrowland]] area for nearly 11 years, while [[Walt Disney World Resort|Walt Disney World]] screened the film in its [[Epcot]] theme park from 1986 to 1994.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 41">George, p. 41</ref> |
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[[Image:Michael Jackson gives autographCropped.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Jackson two years after he was diagnosed with vitiligo, pictured in the early stages of the disease.<ref>Original by Alan Light</ref>]] |
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Jackson bought and befriended a pet chimpanzee called [[Bubbles (chimpanzee)|Bubbles]], an act which extended his eccentric persona. In 2003 the singer claimed that Bubbles shared his toilet, and cleaned his bedroom.<ref name="BBC, Jackson's image problems"/> Later it was reported that Jackson bought the bones of [[Joseph Merrick|The Elephant Man]]. Although untrue, it was a story that Jackson again disseminated to the tabloid press.<ref name = "tara 355-361"/><ref name="BBC, Jackson's image problems"/> These stories inspired the pejorative nickname "Wacko Jacko", which Jackson acquired the following year. He would eventually come to despise the nickname. Realizing his mistake, he stopped leaking untruths to the press. However due to the profit being made, the media began making up their own stories.<ref name = "tara 370–373">Taraborrelli, p. 370–373</ref><ref name="BBC, Jackson's image problems"/> |
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Jackson's skin was a medium-brown color for the entire duration of his youth, but starting in the early 1980s, his skin gradually grew paler. This change gained widespread media coverage, including rumors that Jackson was bleaching his skin.<ref name = "campbell (1995) 14-16"/> In the mid-1980s, Jackson was diagnosed with [[vitiligo]] and [[Systemic lupus erythematosus|lupus]]; the latter is in [[remission]] in Jackson's case, both illnesses make him sensitive to sunlight. The treatments he uses for his condition further lighten his skin tone, and, with the application of pancake makeup to even out blotches, he can appear very pale.<ref name="Taraborrelli">Taraborrelli, p. 434–436</ref> The structure of his face has changed as well; several surgeons have speculated that Jackson had undergone multiple nasal surgeries, a forehead lift, thinned lips and a cheekbone surgery.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Cosmetic/story?id=131910&page=1 |title=Surgeon: Michael Jackson A 'Nasal Cripple' |publisher=[[ABC News]] |date= 2003-02-08 |accessdate=2006-11-11}}</ref> Changes to his face were, in part, due to periods of significant weight loss.<ref name = "tara 138–144"/> Jackson became slimmer in the early 1980s because of a change in diet and a desire for "a dancer's body".<ref name = "jackson 229-230">Jackson, p. 229–230</ref> Witnesses reported that Jackson was often dizzy and speculated that he was suffering from [[anorexia nervosa]]; periods of weight loss would became a recurring problem for the singer later in life.<ref name = "tara 312–313">Taraborrelli, p. 312–313</ref> Some medical professionals have publicly stated their belief that the singer has [[body dysmorphic disorder]], a psychological condition whereby the sufferer has no concept of how they are perceived by others.<ref name="Taraborrelli"/> |
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{{Quote|Why not just tell people I'm an alien from Mars. Tell them I eat live chickens and do a voodoo dance at midnight. They'll believe anything ''you'' say, because ''you're a reporter''. But if I, Michael Jackson, were to say, "I'm an alien from Mars and I eat live chickens and do a voodoo dance at midnight", people would say, "Oh, man, that Michael Jackson is ''nuts''. He's cracked up. You can't believe a damn word that comes out of his mouth".<ref>Taraborrelli, p. vii</ref>|Michael Jackson}} |
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With the industry expecting another major hit, Jackson's first album in five years, ''[[Bad (album)|Bad]]'' (1987), was highly anticipated.<ref name="TIME2">{{cite news|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,965452-2,00.html |title=The Badder They Come|last=Cocks |first=Jay|date=1987-09-14|work=Time |accessdate=2008-07-23}}</ref> ''Bad'' had lower sales than ''Thriller'', but was still a substantial commercial success. In the US, it spawned seven hit singles, five of which ("[[I Just Can't Stop Loving You]]", "[[Bad (Michael Jackson song)|Bad]]", "[[The Way You Make Me Feel]]", "[[Man in the Mirror]]" and "[[Dirty Diana]]") went to number one on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 charts, more than any other album.<ref name="A life in the spotlight — cnn">{{cite web |first=Todd |last=Leopold |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2005/SHOWBIZ/Music/01/30/jackson.life/ |title=Michael Jackson: A life in the spotlight |publisher=CNN|date=[[2005-06-06]]|accessdate=2008-05-05}}</ref> As of 2008, the album sold 30 million copies worldwide, including eight million shipments in the US.<ref name="RIAA certifications">{{cite web |url=http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH_RESULTS&artist=Michael%20Jackson&format=ALBUM&go=Search&perPage=100 |
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|title=Gold and Platinum |publisher=[[Recording Industry Association of America]] |accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref><ref name="Bad 30 million copies">{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7448908.stm|title=Pop Superstars turn 50|first=Mark|last=Savage|date=2008-08-29|accessdate=2008-11-25}}</ref> |
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[[Image:Michael Jackson's "Bad" Jacket and Belt.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A gold plated military jacket with belt, worn by Jackson in the ''Bad'' era.]] |
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The [[Bad World Tour]] began on September 12, 1987, and finished on January 14, 1989.<ref name = "lewis 95-96"/> In Japan alone, the tour had 14 sellouts and drew 570,000 people, nearly tripling the previous record of 200,000 in a single tour.<ref name=WashPost>{{cite news | first= Richard | last= Harrington | title= Jackson to Make First Solo U.S. Tour |date= 1988-01-12 | work=[[Washington Post]] | url= http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpost/access/73555081.html?dids=73555081:73555081&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Jan+12%2C+1988&author=Richard+Harrington&pub=The+Washington+Post+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&edition=&startpage=b.03&desc=Jackson+to+Make+First+Solo+U.S.+Tour |accessdate=2008-07-23}}</ref> Jackson broke a ''Guinness World Record'' when 504,000 people attended seven sold-out shows at [[Wembley Stadium]]. He performed a total of 123 concerts to a total audience of 4.4 million people, and gained a further ''Guinness World Record'' when the tour grossed him $125 million. During the trip he invited underprivileged children to watch for free and gave donations to hospitals, orphanages and other charities.<ref name = "lewis 95-96"/> |
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In 1988, Jackson released his first autobiography, ''[[Moon Walk (autobiography)|Moon Walk]]'', which took four years to complete. Jackson told of his childhood, his experience in [[The Jackson 5]] and the abuse he suffered as a child.<ref>Jackson, p. 29–31</ref> He also spoke of his plastic surgery, saying he had two rhinoplastic surgeries and the surgical creation of a cleft in his chin.<ref name = "jackson 229-230"/> In the book, he attributed the change in the structure of his face to [[puberty]], weight loss, a strict [[vegetarian]] diet, a change in hair style and stage lighting.<ref name = "jackson 229-230"/> ''Moonwalk'' reached the top position on ''[[The New York Times]]'' best sellers' list.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 42">George, p. 42</ref> The musician then released a film called ''[[Moonwalker]]'', which featured live footage, music videos, and a feature film that starred Jackson and [[Joe Pesci]]. ''Moonwalker'' debuted atop the ''Billboard'' Top Music Video Cassette chart, staying there for 22 weeks. It was eventually knocked off the top spot by ''Michael Jackson: The Legend Continues''.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 43-44"/> |
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In March 1988, Jackson purchased land near [[Santa Ynez]], [[California]] to build [[Neverland Ranch]] at a cost of $17 million. It is a {{convert|2700|acre|km2|sing=on}} property complete with [[Ferris wheel]]s, an exotic [[menagerie]], a movie theater and a security staff of 40. The property was valued at approximately $100 million in 2003.<ref name="usatoday finances">{{cite news|first=Edna |last=Gundersen |url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/2003-11-24-jackson-finances_x.htm |title=For Jackson, scandal could spell financial ruin |work=[[USA Today]] |date=[[2007-02-19]] |accessdate=2008-07-23}}</ref><ref name="rollingstone"/> In 1989, his annual earnings from album sales, endorsements and concerts was estimated at $125 million for that year alone.<ref name="World Records"/> Shortly afterward, Jackson became the first Westerner to appear in a television advert for Russia.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 43-44"/> |
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Jackson's success resulted in his being dubbed the "[[List of honorific titles in popular music|King of Pop]]", a nickname conceived by actress and 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".<ref name="HIStory Booklet p3">Jackson, Michael. ''HIStory'' booklet. Sony BMG. p 3</ref><ref name="Colony">{{cite web|url=http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601088&sid=admSeQqJY2Xs&refer=home|title=Michael Jackson's Neverland Loan Sold by Fortress to Colony|last=Keehner |first=Jonathan|coauthors=Mider, Zachary R. |publisher=Bloomberg L.P |date=2008-05-11| accessdate=2008-05-12}}</ref> President [[George H. W. Bush]] presented the singer with The White House's special "Artist of the Decade" award in recognition of Jackson's musical influence in the 1980s; Bush commended Jackson for acquiring a "tremendous following" among other achievements.<ref name=georgebush>{{cite web |url=http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=18331|title=Remarks on the Upcoming Summit With President Mikhail Gorbachev of the Soviet Union |date=[[1990-04-05]] |accessdate=2007-04-08|work=The American Presidency Project}}</ref> From 1985 to 1990, Jackson donated $500,000 to the [[United Negro College Fund]], and all of the profits from his single "Man in the Mirror" went to charity.<ref name="Blacks who give back">{{cite news|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1077/is_n5_v45/ai_8540117 |title=Blacks who give back |work=[[Ebony]] |date=March 1990 |accessdate=2008-07-23}}</ref><ref>Taraborrelli, p. 382</ref> |
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Jackson's live rendition of "You Were There" at [[Sammy Davis Jr.]] 60th birthday celebration received an Emmy nomination.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 43-44"/> |
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===1991–1992: ''Dangerous'' and Super Bowl=== |
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In March 1991, Jackson renewed his contract with Sony for $65 million; a record breaking deal at the time.<ref name="usatoday finances"/> Jackson released his eighth album ''[[Dangerous (album)|Dangerous]]'' in 1991. As of 2008, ''Dangerous'' has shipped 7 million copies in the US and has sold 30 million copies worldwide; it has been selling at a faster pace than his prior release ''Bad''.<ref name="RIAA certifications"/><ref name="New jack swing">{{cite news |first=Kelley L. |last=Carter |title=New jack swing |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/arts/chi-5-things-0810aug10,0,1329158.story |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |date=2008-08-11 |accessdate=2008-08-21}}</ref> In the US, the album's first single "[[Black or White (song)|Black or White]]" was the album's biggest hit, reaching number one on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and remaining there for seven weeks, with similar chart performances worldwide.<ref name="KOP achievements"/> The album's second single "[[Remember the Time]]" spent eight weeks in the top five in the US, peaking at number three on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 singles chart.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 45-46"/> In 1993, Jackson performed the song at the [[Soul Train Awards]] in a wheelchair, saying he had suffered an injury in rehearsals.<ref>Taraborrelli, p. 459</ref> In the UK and other parts of Europe, "[[Heal the World]]" was the biggest hit from the album; it sold 450,000 copies in the UK and spent five weeks at two in 1992.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 45-46"/> |
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Jackson founded the "[[Heal the World Foundation]]" in 1992. The charity organization brought underprivileged children to Jackson's ranch, to go on theme park rides that Jackson had built on the property after he purchased it. The foundation also sent millions of dollars around the globe to help children threatened by war and disease. The [[Dangerous World Tour]] began on June 27, 1992, and finished on November 11, 1993. Jackson performed to 3.5 million people in 67 concerts. All profits from the concerts went to the "Heal the World Foundation", raising millions of dollars in relief.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 45-46"/><ref>{{Cite news | title = Jackson to Tour Overseas | work = [[The Washington Post]] | date = 1992-02-05 | author = Harrington, Richard |accessdate = 2008-12-05}}</ref> He sold the broadcast rights to his ''Dangerous'' world tour to [[HBO]] for $20 million, a record-breaking deal that still stands.<ref>Taraborrelli, p. 452–454</ref> Following the illness and death of [[Ryan White]], Jackson helped draw public attention to HIV/AIDS, something that was still controversial at the time. He publicly pleaded with the [[Clinton Administration]] at [[Bill Clinton]]'s Inaugural Gala to give more money to HIV/AIDS charities and research.<ref>{{Cite news | title = Stars line up for Clinton celebration | work = [[Daily News of Los Angeles]] | date = 1993-01-19 |accessdate = 2008-12-05}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | title = Facing the music and the masses at the presidential gala | work = [[The Boston Globe]] | date = 1992-01-20 | author = Smith, Patricia |accessdate = 2008-12-05}}</ref> |
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In a high-profile visit to Africa, Jackson visited several countries, among them Gabon and Egypt.<ref name=Ebony>{{cite web |first= Robert| last= Johnson |url= http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1077/is_n7_v47/ai_12288831| title= Michael Jackson: crowned in Africa |work=[[Ebony]] |month=May | year=1992 |accessdate=2008-07-23}}</ref> His first stop to Gabon was greeted with a sizable reception of more than 100,000 people in "spiritual bedlam", some of them carrying signs that read, "Welcome Home Michael".<ref name=Ebony/> In his trip to the Ivory Coast, Jackson was crowned "King Sani" by a tribal chief.<ref name=Ebony/> He then thanked the dignitaries in French and English, signed official documents formalizing his kingship and sat on a golden throne while presiding over ceremonial dances.<ref name=Ebony/> |
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One of Jackson's most acclaimed performances came during the halftime show at [[Super Bowl XXVII]]. As the performances began, Jackson was catapulted onto the stage as fireworks went off behind him. As he landed on the canvass, he maintained a motionless "clenched fist, standing statue stance", dressed in a gold and black military outfit and sunglasses; he remained completely motionless for several minutes while the crowd cheered. He then slowly removed his sunglasses, threw them away and began to sing and dance. His routine included four songs: "[[Jam (song)|Jam]]", "Billie Jean", "Black or White" and "Heal the World". It was the first Super Bowl where the audience figures increased during the half-time show, and was viewed by 135 million Americans alone; Jackson's ''Dangerous'' album rose 90 places up the album chart.<ref name = "campbell (1995) 14-16"/> |
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Jackson was given the "Living Legend Award" at the 35th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. "Black or White" was Grammy nominated for best vocal performance. "Jam" gained two nominations: Best R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 45-46"/> |
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===1993–1994: Sexual abuse accusations and marriage=== |
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{{main|1993 child sexual abuse accusations against Michael Jackson}} |
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Jackson gave a 90-minute interview with [[Oprah Winfrey]] in February 1993, his first television interview since 1979. He grimaced when speaking of his childhood abuse at the hands of his father; he believed he had missed out on much of his childhood years, admitting that he often cried from loneliness. He denied previous tabloid rumors that he bought the bones of the Elephant Man or slept in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. The entertainer went on to dispel suggestions that he bleached his skin, admitting for the first time that he had [[vitiligo]]. The interview was watched by 90 million Americans, becoming the fourth most-viewed non-sport program in US history. It also started a public debate on the topic of vitiligo, a relatively unknown condition before then. ''Dangerous'' re-entered the album chart top 10, more than a year after its original release.<ref name = "lewis 165-168"/><ref name = "campbell (1995) 14-16"/><ref name = "Nelson George overview 45-46"/> |
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Jackson was accused of [[child sexual abuse]] by a 13-year-old child named Jordan Chandler and his father Evan Chandler.<ref name = "looking back on 1993">{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/august/24/newsid_2512000/2512077.stm |title=1993: Michael Jackson accused of child abuse |date=2003-02-08|publisher=BBC |accessdate=2006-11-11}}</ref> The friendship between Jackson and Evan Chandler broke down. Sometime afterward, Evan Chandler was tape-recorded saying amongst other things, "If I go through with this, I win big-time. There's no way I lose. I will get everything I want and they will be destroyed forever...Michael's career will be over".<ref name = "tara 477-478">Taraborrelli, p. 477–478</ref> A year after they had met, under the influence of a controversial [[Sodium Amytal|sedative]], Jordan Chandler told his father that Jackson had touched his penis.<ref name = "tara 485-486">Taraborrelli, p. 485–486</ref> Evan Chandler and Jackson, represented by their legal teams, then engaged in unsuccessful negotiations to resolve the issue in a financial settlement; the negotiations were initiated by Chandler but Jackson did make several counter offers. Jordan Chandler then told a psychiatrist and later police that he and Jackson had engaged in acts of kissing, [[masturbation]] and [[oral sex]], as well as giving a detailed description of what he alleged were the singer's genitals.<ref name = "tara 496-498">Taraborrelli, p. 496–498</ref> |
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An official investigation began, with Jordan Chandler's mother adamant that there was no wrongdoing on Jackson's part. Neverland Ranch was searched; multiple children and family members strongly denied that he was a [[pedophile]].<ref name = "tara 496-498"/> Jackson's image took a further turn for the worse when his older sister [[La Toya Jackson]] accused him of being a pedophile, a statement she later retracted.<ref name = "tara 534-540">Taraborrelli, p. 534–540</ref> Jackson agreed to a 25-minute [[strip search]], conducted at his ranch. The search was required to see if a description provided by Jordan Chandler was accurate. Doctors concluded that there were some strong similarities, but it was not a definitive match.<ref name = "tara 534-540"/> Jackson made an emotional public statement on the events; he proclaimed his innocence, criticized what he perceived as biased media coverage and told of his strip search.<ref name = "looking back on 1993"/> |
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Jackson began taking [[painkiller]]s, [[Valium]], [[Xanax]] and [[Ativan]] to deal with the stress of the allegations made against him. By the fall of 1993, Jackson was addicted to the drugs.<ref name = "tara 518–520">Taraborrelli, p. 518–520</ref> Jackson's health deteriorated to the extent that he canceled the remainder of the Dangerous World Tour and went into drug rehabilitation for a few months.<ref name = "tara 524-528">Taraborrelli, p. 524–528</ref> The stress of the allegations also caused Jackson to stop eating, losing a large amount of weight.<ref name = "tara 514-516">Taraborrelli, p. 514–516</ref> With his health in decline, Jackson's friends and legal advisers took over his defense and finances; they called on him to settle the allegations out of court, believing that he could not endure a lengthy trial.<ref name = "tara 524-528"/><ref name = "tara 514-516"/> |
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Tabloid reaction to the allegations put Jackson in an unfavorable light.<ref name = "tara 500-507"/> Complaints about the coverage and media included everything from bias against Jackson, accepting stories of alleged criminal activity for money to engaging in illegal activity themselves.<ref name = "campbell (1995) 47-50">Campbell (1995), p. 47–50</ref> On January 1, 1994, Jackson settled with the Chandler family and their legal team out of court, in a civil lawsuit for $22 million. After the settlement Jordan Chandler refused to continue with Police criminal proceedings. Jackson was never charged, and the state closed its criminal investigation, citing lack of evidence.<ref name = "tara 540-545">Taraborrelli, p. 540–545</ref> |
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Later that year, Jackson married singer-songwriter [[Lisa Marie Presley]], the daughter of [[Elvis Presley]]. They had first met in 1975 during one of Jackson's family engagements at the [[MGM Grand Hotel and Casino|MGM Grand]], and were reconnected through a mutual friend in early 1993.<ref name = "tara 500-507">Taraborrelli, p. 500–507</ref> They stayed in contact every day over the telephone. As child molestation accusations became public, Jackson became dependent on Lisa Marie for emotional support; she was concerned about his faltering health and addiction to drugs.<ref name = "tara 518–520"/> Lisa Marie explained, "I believed he didn't do anything wrong and that he was wrongly accused and yes I started falling for him. I wanted to save him. I felt that I could do it."<ref>Taraborrelli, p. 510</ref> In a phone call he made to her, she described him as high, incoherent and delusional.<ref name = "tara 518–520"/> Shortly afterward, she tried to persuade Jackson to settle the allegations out of court and go into rehabilitation to recover—he subsequently did both.<ref name = "tara 518–520"/> Jackson proposed to Lisa Marie over the telephone towards the fall of 1993, saying, "If I asked you to marry me, would you do it?".<ref name = "tara 518–520"/> Presley and Jackson married in the [[Dominican Republic]] in secrecy, the parties denied that they had married for nearly two months.<ref name="MJ & Presley divorce"/> The marriage was, in her words, "a married couple's life ... that was sexually active".<ref>Taraborrelli, p. 562–564</ref> At the time, the tabloid media speculated that the wedding was a ploy to prop up Jackson's public image in light of prior sexual abuse allegations.<ref name="MJ & Presley divorce">{{cite web |url=http://www.cnn.com/US/9601/jacko_presley/ |title=She's Out Of His Life |publisher=CNN |date=[[2006-01-18]] |accessdate=2008-07-24}}</ref> Jackson and Presley divorced less than two years later, remaining friendly.<ref name = "tara 580–581">Taraborrelli, p. 580–581</ref> |
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===1995–1999: ''HIStory'', second marriage and fatherhood=== |
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[[Image:Michael Jackson sculpture.jpg|thumb|right|One of many identical statues, positioned throughout Europe to promote ''HIStory''. The statue illustrates the singers flamboyant clothing and hair style, influenced by military imagery.]] |
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In 1995, Jackson merged his Northern Songs catalog with Sony's publishing division creating [[Sony/ATV Music Publishing]]. Jackson retained half-ownership of the company, earned $95 million upfront as well as the rights to even more songs.<ref name="sonydeal">{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/13/business/media/13music.html?ex=1302580800&en=45bff2f7a4da68fe&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss |title=Michael Jackson Bailout Said to Be Close| work=[[New York Times]] |date=2006-04-16 |accessdate=2008-07-23}}</ref><ref name = "1995 music deal"/> He then released the [[double album]] ''[[HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I]]''. The first disc, ''HIStory Begins'', was a 15-track greatest hits album, and was later released as ''Greatest Hits — HIStory Vol. I'' in 2001, the second disc, ''HIStory Continues'', contained 15 new songs. The album debuted at number one on the charts and has been certified for seven million shipments in the US.<ref>{{cite web|title=Top 100 Albums (Page 2)|url=http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=2&table=tblTop100&action=|publisher=[[Recording Industry Association of America]] |date=2008-04-16| accessdate=2008-04-16}}</ref> It is the best-selling multiple-disc album of all-time, with 18 million copies (36 million units) sold worldwide.<ref name="KOP achievements"/> ''HIStory'' received a Grammy nomination for best album.<ref name = "Ultimate booklet 48–50"/> |
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The first single released from the album was "[[Scream/Childhood]]", sung and performed with Jackson's youngest sister [[Janet Jackson|Janet]]. The single had the highest debut on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 at number five, and received a Grammy nomination for "Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals".<ref name = "Ultimate booklet 48–50">George, p. 48–50</ref> "[[You Are Not Alone]]" was the second single released from ''HIStory''; it holds the Guinness World Record for the first song ever to debut at number one on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 chart.<ref name="World Records"/> It was seen as a major artistic and commercial success, receiving a Grammy nomination for "Best Pop Vocal Performance".<ref name = "Ultimate booklet 48–50"/> In late 1995, Jackson was rushed to a hospital after collapsing during rehearsals for a televised performance; the incident was caused by a stress related [[panic attack]].<ref>Taraborrelli, p. 576–577</ref> "[[Earth Song]]" was the third single released from ''HIStory'', and topped the UK singles chart for six weeks over Christmas 1995; it sold a million copies, making it Jackson's most successful single in the UK.<ref name = "Ultimate booklet 48–50"/> |
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The [[HIStory World Tour]] began on September 7, 1996, and finished on October 15, 1997. Jackson performed 82 concerts in 58 cities to over 4.5 million fans. The show, which visited 5 continents and 35 countries, became Jackson's most successful in terms of audience figures; he has not toured since.<ref name = "lewis 95-96">Lewis, p. 95–96</ref> During the Australian leg of the HIStory World Tour, Jackson married [[Dermatology|dermatologist]]'s nurse, [[Deborah Jeanne Rowe]], with whom he fathered a son, Michael Joseph Jackson, Jr. (also known as "Prince"), and a daughter, Paris Michael Katherine Jackson.<ref name = "tara 580–581"/><ref>Taraborrelli, p. 597</ref> The pair first met in the mid-1980s, when Jackson was diagnosed with vitiligo. She spent many years treating his illness as well as providing emotional support, they built a strong friendship, before becoming romantically involved.<ref>Taraborrelli, p. 570</ref> Originally there were no plans to marry, but following Rowe's first pregnancy, Jackson's mother intervened and persuaded them to.<ref>Taraborrelli, p. 586</ref> The couple divorced in 1999, with Rowe giving full custody rights of the children to Jackson, they still remain friends.<ref name="tara 599-600"/> |
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In 1997, Jackson released ''[[Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix]]'', which contained remixes of hit singles from ''HIStory'' and five new songs. Worldwide sales stand at 6 million copies as of 2007, making it one of the [[List of best-selling remix albums worldwide|best selling remix albums ever released]]. It reached number one in the UK, as did the [[Blood on the Dance Floor (song)|title track]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Rojek |first=Chris |title=Cultural Studies |year=2007 |publisher=Polity |page=74 |id=ISBN 0745636837}}</ref><ref name = "tara 610–611">Taraborrelli, p. 610–612</ref> In the US, the album was certified platinum, but only reached number 24.<ref name="RIAA certifications"/><ref name = "Ultimate booklet 48–50"/> Forbes placed his annual income at $35 million in 1996 and $20 million in 1997.<ref name="usatoday finances"/> |
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Throughout June 1999, Jackson was involved in a number of charitable events. He joined [[Luciano Pavarotti]] for a [[benefit concert]] in Modena, Italy. The show was in support of the [[non-profit organization]] [[War Child (charity)|Warchild]], and raised a million dollars for the [[1999 NATO bombing of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia|refugees of Kosovo]], as well as additional funds for the children of Guatemala.<ref name="Charity concert Italy">{{cite web |url=http://www.vh1.com/news/articles/1426933/19990505/carey_mariah.jhtml |title=Ricky Martin, Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson, Others To Join Pavarotti For Benefit |
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|publisher=[[VH1]] |date=[[1999-05-05]] |accessdate=2008-05-30}}</ref> Later that month, Jackson organized a set of "Michael Jackson & Friends" benefit concerts in Germany and Korea. Other artists involved included [[Slash (musician)|Slash]], [[The Scorpions]], [[Boyz II Men]], [[Luther Vandross]], [[Mariah Carey]], [[A. R. Rahman]], [[Prabhu Deva Sundaram]], [[Shobhana]], [[Andrea Bocelli]] and Luciano Pavarotti. The proceeds went to the "Nelson Mandela Children's Fund", the [[Red Cross]] and [[UNESCO]].<ref name="Jackson & Friends">{{cite web |url=http://www.vh1.com/news/articles/1429785/19990527/guns_n_roses.jhtml |title=Slash, Scorpions, Others Scheduled For "Michael Jackson & Friends" |
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|publisher=[[VH1]] |date=[[1999-05-27]] |accessdate=2008-05-30}}</ref> |
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===2000–2002: Label dispute, ''Invincible'' and third child=== |
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In 2000, Jackson was listed in the book of ''Guinness World Records'' for his support of 39 charities, more than any other entertainer or personality.<ref>Lewis, p. 8–9</ref> |
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At the time, Jackson was waiting for the licenses to the masters of his albums to revert back to him; this allowed him to promote his old material how he liked and prevented Sony from getting a cut of the profit. Jackson expected this to occur early in the new millennium, however, due to the fine print and various clauses in the contract, this revert date is still many years away. Jackson began an investigation, and it emerged that the attorney who represented the singer in the deal was also representing Sony, creating a [[conflict of interest]].<ref name = "tara 610–611"/> Jackson was also concerned about another conflict of interest. For a number of years, Sony had been pushing to buy all of Jackson's share in their music catalog venture. If Jackson's career or financial situation were to deteriorate, he would have to sell his catalog. Thus, Sony had something to gain from Jackson's career failing.<ref name = "tara 614–617"/> Jackson was able to use these conflicts as leverage to exit his contract early.<ref name = "tara 610–611"/> Just before the release of ''[[Invincible (Michael Jackson album)|Invincible]]'', Jackson informed the head of Sony Music Entertainment, [[Tommy Mottola]], that he was leaving Sony.<ref name = "tara 610–611"/> As a result, all singles releases, video shootings and promotions concerning the ''Invincible'' album were canceled. Jackson made allegations in July 2002 that Mottola was a "devil" and a "racist" who did not support his African-American artists, using them merely for his own personal gain.<ref name = "tara 610–611"/> He charged that Mottola had called his colleague [[Irving Lorenzo|Irv Gotti]] a "fat [[nigger]]".<ref>{{cite interview |last=Jackson |first=Jermaine |subjectlink=Jermaine Jackson |interviewer=[[Connie Chung]]| title=Interview with Jermaine Jackson |date=December 31, 2002 |program=[[Connie Chung Tonight]] |url=http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0212/31/cct.00.html |accessdate=2008-07-02}}</ref> Sony disputed claims that they had failed to promote ''Invincible'' with sufficient energy, maintaining that Jackson refused to tour in the US.<ref>{{cite web|author=Burkeman, Oliver|title=Jacko gets tough: but is he a race crusader or just a falling star?|publisher=[[The Guardian]]|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2002/jul/08/oliverburkeman|date=July 8, 2002|accessdate=2008-07-23}}</ref> |
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Six years after his last studio album and after spending much of the late 1990s to early millennium out of the public eye, Jackson released ''Invincible'' in October 2001 to much anticipation. To help promote the album, a special [[Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Special|30th Anniversary celebration]] at Madison Square Garden occurred in September 2001 to mark the singer's 30th year as a solo artist. Jackson appeared onstage alongside his brothers for the first time since 1984.<ref name="guardian">{{cite web|author=Branigan, Tania|title=Jackson spends £20m to be Invincible|publisher=[[The Guardian]]|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2001/sep/08/taniabranigan|date=September 8, 2001|accessdate=2008-07-23}}</ref> The show also featured performances by [[Mýa]], [[Usher (entertainer)|Usher]], [[Whitney Houston]], [['N Sync]], and Slash, among other artists.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 50-53"/> In the 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.<ref name = "tara 614–617"/> ''Invincible'' was a commercial success, debuting atop the charts in 13 countries and going on to sell approximately 10 million copies worldwide. It received double-platinum certification in the US.<ref name="RIAA certifications"/><ref name="KOP achievements"/><ref name = "tara 614–617">Taraborrelli, p. 614–617</ref> However, the sales for ''Invincible'' were notably low compared to his previous releases, due in part to a diminishing pop music industry, the lack of promotion, no supporting world tour and the label dispute.<ref name = "tara 614–617"/> The album spawned three singles, "[[You Rock My World]]", "[[Cry (Michael Jackson song)|Cry]]" and "[[Butterflies (Michael Jackson song)|Butterflies]]", the latter did not have a music video. |
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Jackson's third child, Prince Michael Jackson II (also known as Blanket) was born in 2002.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/12/28/60minutes/main590381.shtml |title=Jackson Interview with Ed Bradley on 60 minutes |publisher=CBS |date=2003-12-28 |accessdate=2008-01-24}}</ref> The mother's identity has not been released by Jackson, but he has said the child was the result of [[artificial insemination]] from a surrogate mother and his own sperm cells.<ref name ="tara 599-600">Taraborrelli, p. 599–600</ref> In November of that year, Jackson brought his new born son onto the balcony of his hotel room. Holding him in his right arm, with a cloth loosely draped over the baby's face, Jackson briefly extended the baby over the railing of the balcony, causing widespread criticism.<ref name="Balcony incident">{{cite web |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2002/SHOWBIZ/11/20/jackson.baby/index.html |
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|title=Jackson to avoid baby stunt probe |publisher=CNN |date=[[2002-11-20]]|accessdate=2008-06-04}}</ref> |
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===2003–2007: Documentary, trial and business ventures=== |
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In 2003, Sony put out a compilation of Jackson's number-one hits on [[Number Ones (Michael Jackson album)|CD]] and [[Number Ones (DVD)|DVD]]. In the US, the album peaked at number 13 and was certified platinum by the RIAA, in the UK it was certified for shipments of at least 1.2 million units.<ref name="RIAA certifications"/><ref name="BPI">{{cite web|url=http://www.bpi.co.uk/index.asp |title=BPI Searchable database - Gold and Platinum |publisher=[[British Phonographic Industry]] |accessdate=2009-01-25}}</ref> At the same time, Jackson was charged with seven counts of [[child molestation]] and two counts of [[Alcoholic beverage#Legal considerations|administering an intoxicating agent]] in order to commit that felony; all charges regarded the same boy, [[Gavin Arvizo]], who was under 14 at the time of the alleged crime. Earlier that year, a [[Granada Television]] documentary called ''[[Living with Michael Jackson]]'' featured the singer, holding hands and discussing sleeping arrangements with Arvizo, who would later accuse him of child sexual abuse.<ref>Taraborrelli, p. 640</ref> In the same documentary Jackson was observed spending large amounts of money in an apparently frivolous manner, when he spent $6 million in a single store.<ref name="usatoday finances"/> |
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[[Image:Michael Jackson fans waving posters in support of MJ.jpg|thumb|213px|right|Fans show their support for Jackson after the entertainer is accused of child molestation in 2003.]] |
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Jackson denied the sexual abuse 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 had 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."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0605/30/lkl.01.html |title=Elizabeth Taylor defends Michael on Larry King Live |publisher=CNN |date= 2006-05-30 |accessdate= 2006-11-11}}</ref> During the investigation, Jackson's profile were examined by a mental health professional called Dr. Stan Katz; the doctor spent several hours with the accuser too. The assessment made by Katz, was that Jackson had become a regressed 10-year-old and did not fit the profile of a pedophile.<ref>Taraborrelli, p. 648</ref> |
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Following his upcoming trial, Jackson became dependent on [[morphine]] and [[Demerol]], which he subsequently overcame.<ref>Taraborrelli, p. 661</ref> The [[People v. Jackson]] trial began in [[Santa Maria, California|Santa Maria]], [[California]], two years after Jackson was originally charged. The trial lasted five months, until the end of May 2005. During the trial, the singer again suffered from stress-related illnesses and severe weight loss, that would alter his appearance.<ref name="Michael Jackson health concerns">{{cite web |first=Matthew |last=Davis |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4612897.stm |title=Michael Jackson health concerns |publisher=BBC |date=[[2005-06-06]]|accessdate=2008-04-14}}</ref> In June, Jackson was acquitted on all counts.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/jackson/story/0,15819,1505806,00.html|title=Michael Jackson jury reaches verdict |author=Associated Press|pub=Guardian|date= 2005-06-13|accessdate=2008-07-12}}</ref> Following the trial, Jackson relocated to the [[Persian Gulf]] island of [[Bahrain]] as a guest of [[Abdullah Bin Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa|Sheikh Abdullah]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/06/01/23/10013403.html |title=Jackson settles down to his new life in the Persian Gulf |accessdate=2006-11-11 |work= [[Gulf News]] |date= 2006-01-23}}</ref> |
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Sony BMG released ''[[Visionary: The Video Singles]]'' to the European market: a series of 20 of his biggest hit singles of the 1980s and 1990s. Each single was issued weekly over a five-month period in [[Dual Disc]] format (DVD video on one side, CD audio on the other), and the whole group of discs was made available as a boxed set afterward.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mjvisionary.com/mjvisionary.html |title=M J Visionary|publisher=Sony BMG Entertainment|accessdate=2006-11-11}}</ref> The box set was released in the US on November 14, 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sonymusicstore.com/store/catalog/MerchandiseDetails.jsp?selectionId=700406&sms=extsite-sony.com |title=Michael Jackson Visionary ...The Video Singles |publisher=Sony BMG Music Entertainment |accessdate=2006-11-14}}</ref> |
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Reports of financial problems for Jackson became frequent in 2006 after the closure of the main house on the Neverland Ranch as a cost-cutting measure.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.showbuzz.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/03/17/people/main1414450.shtml |title=Jackson Closes Neverland House |publisher=CBS |date= 2006-03-17 |accessdate=2006-11-11}}</ref> One prominent financial issue for him concerned a $270 million loan secured against his music publishing holdings. After delayed repayments on the loan, a refinancing package shifted the loans from [[Bank of America]] to debt specialists [[Fortress Investment Group|Fortress Investments]]. A new package proposed by Sony would have had Jackson borrow an additional $300 million and reduce the interest rate payable on the loan, while giving Sony the future option to buy half of Jackson's stake in their jointly owned publishing company (leaving Jackson with a 25% stake).<ref name="sonydeal"/> Jackson agreed to a Sony-backed refinancing deal, although details were not made public.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4909412.stm |title=Jackson strikes deal over loans |publisher=BBC |date=2006-04-14 |accessdate=2006-11-11}}</ref> Despite these loans, according to Forbes, Jackson was still making as much as $75 million a year from his publishing partnership with Sony alone.<ref>{{cite web |first=Dan |last=Ackman |url=http://www.forbes.com/2005/06/14/jackson-celebrity-trial-cx_da_0614topnews.html |title=Really Odd Facts About Michael Jackson |publisher=Forbes |date=[[2005-05-14]] |accessdate=2008-08-20}}</ref> |
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One of Jackson's first documented public appearances since his trial was in November 2006, when he visited the London office of the ''Guinness World Records''. He received eight records, among them "First Entertainer to Earn More Than 100 Million Dollars in a Year" and "Most Successful Entertainer of All Time".<ref name="World Records"/> Jackson was awarded the [[Chopard Diamond award|Diamond Award]] on November 15, 2006, for selling over 100 million albums, at the [[World Music Awards]].<ref name="KOP achievements"/> Following the death of [[James Brown]], Jackson returned to the US to pay his respects. He, along with more than 8,000 people, paid tribute during Brown's public funeral on December 30, 2006.<ref name="jb">{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1549061/20061230/brown_james.jhtml |title=James Brown Saluted By Michael Jackson at Public Funeral Service |publisher=MTV |date= 2006-12-30 |accessdate=2006-12-31}}</ref><ref name="Jackson returns to America">{{cite web |first=Gina |last= Serpe |url=http://www.eonline.com/news/article/index.jsp?uuid=05654d93-7a2d-415b-89c8-8cba6cd523c7&entry=index |title=Michael Jackson back in U.S.A. |publisher=E! |accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> In late 2006, Jackson agreed to share joint custody of his first two children with ex-wife Debbie Rowe.<ref name="Jackson settles with Ex wife">{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5394792.stm |title=Jackson child custody battle ends |publisher=BBC |date=[[2006-09-30]]|accessdate=2008-04-16}}</ref> Jackson and Sony bought [[Famous Music|Famous Music LLC]] from [[Viacom]] in 2007. This deal gave him the rights to songs by [[Eminem]], [[Shakira]] and [[Beck]], among others.<ref name="2007 music deal">{{cite web |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2007/05/31/the-police-plan-mtv-unplugged-performance-michael-jackson-buys-rights-to-eminem-tunes-and-more/ |title=Michael Jackson buys rights to Eminem tunes and more |publisher=''[[Rolling Stone]]'' |date=[[2007-05-31]] |accessdate=2008-06-23}}</ref> |
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{{Quote|I've been in the entertainment industry since I was six-years-old...As Charles Dickens says, "It's been the best of times, the worst of times." But I would not change my career...While some have made deliberate attempts to hurt me, I take it in stride because I have a loving family, a strong faith and wonderful friends and fans who have, and continue, to support me.<ref>{{cite web |first=Eric |last=Talmadge |url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/2007-03-08-2208485574_x.htm |title=Michael Jackson 'wouldn't change anything' |publisher=Associated Press |accessdate=2008-07-25}}</ref>|Michael Jackson}} |
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===2008–present: ''Thriller 25'', ''King of Pop'' and real estate=== |
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[[Image:NeverlandRides.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Neverland Ranch was Jackson's permanent residency from 1988 to 2005. Pictured is an aerial shoot of the theme park area of the property.]] |
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Jackson issued the double-disc album ''[[Thriller 25]]'', a 25th anniversary edition of ''Thriller''. The set contained the original nine tracks from ''Thriller'', re-mixes and a new song called "For All Time". Two singles were released to moderate success: "[[The Girl Is Mine#Thriller 25 version|The Girl Is Mine 2008]]" and "[[Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' 2008]]". ''Thriller 25'' was a commercial success, having done particularly well as a re-issue, peaking at number one in eight countries and Europe. It reached number two in the US, number three in the UK and top 10 on over 30 national charts.<ref name="National certifications for Thriller 25">{{cite web |url=http://zm.nu/detalle.php?base=zmnews&lay=cgi&form=detalle&tok4=notici&tok5=Noticias&id=17840 |title=Zona Musical |publisher=zm.nu |accessdate=2008-04-05 |language=Spanish}}</ref><ref name="Thriller 25 chart positions at digitalproducer">{{cite web |url=http://digitalproducer.digitalmedianet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=312105&afterinter=true |
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|title=Thriller the best selling album of all time |publisher=digitalproducer |date=[[2008-02-20]] |accessdate=2008-04-06}}</ref><ref name="Thriller 25 chart positions">{{cite web |url=http://www.ultratop.be/nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Michael+Jackson&titel=Thriller+25&cat=a |
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|title=Michael Jackson Thriller 25 |publisher=ultratop.be |accessdate=2008-04-06}}</ref> It was ineligible for the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] chart as a re-release, but entered atop the [[Top Pop Catalog Albums|Pop Catalog]] chart, where it stayed for 10 non-consecutive weeks and had the best sales on that chart since December 1996.<ref name="Thriller 25 US sales">{{cite web |first=Paul |last=Grein |url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart_watch/7658/week-ending-may-18-2008-diva-smackdown-ends-with-ingenues-on-rise |title=Diva Smackdown |publisher=Yahoo! |date=[[2008-05-18]]|accessdate=2008-05-22}}</ref><ref name="Billboardbiz">{{cite news | first = Keith | last = Caulfield | title = Big Grammy Gains For Many; King of Pop Returns | url = http://billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/charts/chart_alert/e3id5388aa9b5187ee7e0bde5d5e991eb4b | publisher = ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]''| date = 2008-02-20 | accessdate = 2008-02-20}}</ref> After 12 weeks it sold 3 million copies worldwide.<ref name="Worldwide shipments of T25">{{cite web |first=Roger |last=Friedman |url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,356282,00.html#3 |
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|title=Jacko: Neverland East in Upstate New York |publisher=Fox News Channel |date=[[2008-05-16]]|accessdate=2008-05-22}}</ref> With the arrival of Halloween that November, ''Thriller 25'' spent an eleventh non-consecutive week atop the US catalog chart. US sales of the album at that point were 688,000 copies, making it the best selling catalog album of 2008.<ref name "US 688,000">{{cite web |first=Ray |last=Waddell |url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003888626 |title=Michael Jackson Eyeing London Run? |publisher=''Billboard'' |date=[[2008-11-07]] |accessdate=2008-11-08 }}</ref> |
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To celebrate Jackson's 50th birthday, Sony BMG released a compilation album called ''[[King of Pop (album)|King of Pop]]'' in various countries. These albums included tracks from Jackson's group and solo career, all voted for by fans. Sony added a previously unreleased "MegaMix" by [[Jason Nevins]]. The albums had different tracklists, according to how the fans of each nation voted.<ref name="KOP announced">{{cite web |url=http://www.sonybmg.com.au/news/details.do;.tomcat2?newsId=20030829005656 |title=Choose The Tracks On Michael Jackson's 50th Birthday Album! |publisher=Sony BMG Music Entertainment |date=[[2008-06-20]]|accessdate=2008-06-20}}</ref><ref name="Song pool">{{cite web |url=http://www.mj50.com.au/ |
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|title=MJ50 - Michael Jackson |publisher=mj50.com |accessdate=2008-06-20}}</ref> Although it was not released in the US, ''King of Pop'' did reach the top 10 in the vast majority of countries it was issued in. It also charted in other countries, albeit lower, from imported sales.<ref name="acharts KoP">{{cite web |url=http://acharts.us/album/37399 |title=Michael Jackson - King of Pop |publisher=acharts.us |accessdate=2008-09-11}}</ref><ref name = "KOP chart positions at ultratop">{{cite web |url=http://www.ultratop.be/nl/search.asp?search=king+of+pop&cat=a |title=King of Pop |publisher=www.ultratop.be |accessdate=2008-09-05}}</ref> |
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Fortress considered a foreclosure sale of Neverland Ranch to service a loan Jackson owed on the property, but ultimately sold the loan to [[Colony Capital LLC]]. In November, Jackson transferred the title of Neverland Ranch to Sycamore Valley Ranch Company LLC. It is unclear if Jackson still owns any stake in the property—Sycamore Valley Ranch is a [[joint venture]] between Jackson and Colony Capital LLC—the loan Jackson owed was cleared, he acquired $35 million in the venture.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/entertainment/people/neverland-peters-out-for-pops-peter-pan/2008/11/13/1226318822205.html |title=Neverland peters out for pop's Peter Pan |publisher=''[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]'' |date=2008-11-13 |accessdate=2008-11-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://ukpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5h88TcEC8zCjFsjTO6G5UKwOV0bOQ |title=Jacko gives up Neverland ranch deed |publisher=[[The Press Association]] |date=2008-11-16 |accessdate=2008-11-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Robert |last=Jablon |url=http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081113/ap_en_ot/michael_jackson |title=Michael Jackson gives Neverland to corporation |publisher=Yahoo! News |date=2008-11-13 |accessdate=2008-11-20}}</ref> |
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==Musical style== |
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===Themes and genres=== |
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Steve Huey of [[Allmusic]] asserts that throughout his solo career, Jackson's versatility has allowed him to experiment with various themes and genres.<ref name=allmusic/> As a musician, he has ranged from [[Motown Records|Motown's]] dance fare and ballads to [[techno]]-edged [[new jack swing]] to work that incorporates both [[funk]] rhythms and [[hard rock]] guitar.<ref name="rollingstone"/> Unlike many artists, Jackson did not write his songs on paper. Instead he would dictate into a sound recorder; when recording he would sing from memory.<ref name = "tara 205–210"/><ref name="Thriller cast interview">{{cite web |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2007/11/25/sv_thriller.xml |title=Michael Jackson's Monster Smash |work=[[Daily Telegraph]] |date=[[2007-11-25]]|accessdate=2008-04-20}}</ref> Several critics observed ''Off the Wall'' was crafted from funk, disco-pop, [[Soul music|soul]], [[soft rock]], [[jazz]] and [[pop music|pop]] ballads.<ref name=allmusic/><ref name="AMG OTW">{{cite web |first=Stephen |last=Erlewine |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=A7cu1z85ajyv6 |title=Off the Wall Overview |publisher=Allmusic |accessdate=2008-06-15}}</ref><ref name="RS OTW">{{cite news|first=Stephen |last=Holden |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/259585/review/6067502/off_the_wall |title=Off the Wall : Michael Jackson |work=[[Rolling Stone]] |date=[[1979-11-01]] |accessdate=2008-07-23}}</ref> Prominent examples include the ballad "[[She's out of My Life]]", and the two disco tunes "Workin' Day and Night" and "Get on the Floor".<ref name="AMG OTW"/> |
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According to Huey, ''Thriller'' refined the strengths of ''Off the Wall''; the dance and rock tracks were more aggressive, while the pop tunes and ballads were softer and more soulful.<ref name=allmusic/> Notable tracks included the ballads "The Lady in My Life", "Human Nature" and "[[The Girl Is Mine]]"; the funk pieces "Billie Jean" and "[[Wanna Be Startin' Somethin']]"; and the disco set "Baby Be Mine" and "[[P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)]]".<ref name=allmusic/><ref name="Slant Thriller">{{cite web |first=Eric |last=Henderson |url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/music_review.asp?ID=358 |
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|title=Michael Jackson:Thriller |publisher=Slant |accessdate=2008-06-15}}</ref><ref name="AMG Thriller"/><ref name="RS Thriller"/> With ''Thriller'', Christoper Connelly of ''Rolling Stone'' commented that Jackson developed his long association with the subliminal theme of [[paranoia]] and darker imagery.<ref name="RS Thriller"/> Allmusic's Stephen Erlewine noted this is evident on the songs "Billie Jean" and "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'".<ref name="AMG Thriller">{{cite web |first=Stephen |last=Erlewine |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=A9kqog44ttvjz |title=Thriller Overview |publisher=Allmusic |date=[[2007-02-19]]|accessdate=2008-06-15}}</ref> In "Billie Jean", Jackson sings about an obsessive fan who alleges he has fathered a child of hers.<ref name=allmusic/> In "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" he argues against gossip and the media.<ref name="RS Thriller">{{cite news |first=Christoper |last=Connelly |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/michaeljackson/albums/album/303823/review/6067536/thriller |title=Michael Jackson : Thriller |work=[[Rolling Stone]] |date=[[1983-01-28]] |accessdate=2008-07-23}}</ref> The anti-gang-violence rock song "Beat It" became a homage to ''[[West Side Story]]'', and was Jackson's first successful rock cross-over piece, according to Huey.<ref name="rollingstone"/><ref name=allmusic/> He also observed that the title track "[[Thriller (song)|Thriller]]" began Jackson's interest with the theme of the [[supernatural]], a topic he revisited in subsequent years.<ref name=allmusic/> In 1985, Jackson wrote the charity anthem "[[We Are the World]]"; humanitarian themes later became a central component of his life and music.<ref name=allmusic/> |
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{{Listen |
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|filename = Michael Jackson Thriller.ogg |
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|title = "Thriller" |
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|description = One of Jackson's signature pieces, "Thriller", released as a single in 1984, utilizes cinematic sound effects, horror film motifs and vocal trickery to convey a sense of danger in his work.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 23"/> |
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|filename2 = Smooth Criminal by Michael Jackson.ogg |
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|title2 = "Smooth Criminal" |
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|description2 = One of ''Bad''{{'}}s signature pieces, released as a single in 1988, features digital drum sounds, keyboard-created bass lines and other percussion elements to give the impression of a pulsing heart.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 24"/> |
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}} |
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In ''Bad'', Jackson's concept of the predatory lover can be seen on the rock song "[[Dirty Diana]]".<ref name="NYT Bad">{{cite news|first=Jon |last=Pareles |url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B0DE1DC1F38F930A3575AC0A961948260&scp=5&sq=Michael+Jackson+Bad+review&st=nyt |
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|title=How good is Jackson's Bad? |work=[[New York Times]] |date=[[1987-09-03]] |accessdate=2008-07-23}}</ref> The lead single "[[I Just Can't Stop Loving You]]" was a traditional love ballad, while "[[Man in the Mirror]]", an anthemic ballad of confession and resolution, improved on his earlier "We Are the World".<ref name="TIME2"/> "[[Smooth Criminal]]" was an evocation of bloody assault, rape and likely murder.<ref name="TIME2"/> Allmusic's Stephen Erlewine states that ''Dangerous'' presents Jackson as a stark paradoxal individual.<ref name="ALG Dangerous">{{cite web |first=Stephen |last=Erlewine |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:0hrsa9igb23u |title=Dangerous Overview |publisher=Allmusic |accessdate=2008-06-15}}</ref> He comments the album is more diverse than his previous ''Bad'', as it appeals to an urban audience while also attracting the middle class with anthems like "[[Heal the World]]".<ref name="ALG Dangerous"/> The first half of the record is dedicated to new jack swing, including songs like "[[Jam (song)|Jam]]" and "[[Remember the Time]]".<ref name="NYT Dangerous"/> The album is Jackson's first where social ills become a primary theme; "Why You Wanna Trip on Me", for example, protests against world hunger, [[AIDS]], homelessness and drugs.<ref name="NYT Dangerous">{{cite news|first=Jon |last=Pareles |url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D0CE2D6143DF937A15752C1A967958260&n=Top%2fReference%2fTimes%20Topics%2fPeople%2fJ%2fJackson%2c%20Michael |title=Michael Jackson in the Electronic Wilderness |work=[[New York Times]] |date=[[1991-11-24]] |accessdate=2008-07-23}}</ref> ''Dangerous'' contains sexually charged efforts like "[[In the Closet]]", a love song about desire and denial, risk and repression, solitude and connection, privacy and revelation.<ref name="NYT Dangerous"/> The title track continues the theme of the predatory lover and compulsive desire.<ref name="NYT Dangerous"/> The second half includes introspective, pop-gospel anthems such as "[[Will You Be There]]", "Heal the World" and "Keep the Faith"; these songs show Jackson finally opening up about various personal struggles and worries.<ref name="NYT Dangerous"/> In the ballad "[[Gone Too Soon]]", Jackson gives tribute to his friend [[Ryan White]] and the plight of those with AIDS.<ref name="TWP Dangerous">{{Cite news | title = Jackson's `Dangerous' Departures; Stylistic Shifts Mar His First Album in 4 Years | work = [[Washington Post]] | date = 1991-11-24 | author = Harrington, Richard |accessdate = 2008-07-23}}</ref> |
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''HIStory'' creates an atmosphere of paranoia.<ref name="ALG HIStory">{{cite web |first=Stephen |last=Erlewine |url=http://www.allmusicguide.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:rz60tr7qklkx |title=Michael Jackson HIStory Overview |publisher=Allmusic |accessdate=2008-06-15}}</ref> Its content focuses on the hardships and public struggles Jackson went through just prior to its production. In the new jack swing-funk-rock efforts "[[Scream/Childhood|Scream]]" and "Tabloid Junkie", along with the R&B ballad "[[You Are Not Alone]]", Jackson retaliates against the injustice and isolation he feels, and directs much of his anger at the media.<ref name="RS HIStory">{{cite news|first=James |last=Hunter |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/michaeljackson/albums/album/312830/review/5943497/history_past_present_and_future_book_1 |
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|title=Michael Jackson HIStory |work=[[Rolling Stone]] |date=[[1995-08-10]] |accessdate=2008-07-23}}</ref> In the introspective ballad "[[Stranger in Moscow]]", Jackson laments over his "fall from grace", while songs like "[[Earth Song]]", "[[Scream/Childhood|Childhood]]", "Little Susie" and "Smile" are all operatic pop pieces.<ref name="ALG HIStory"/><ref name="RS HIStory"/> In the track "[[D.S. (song)|D.S.]]", Jackson launched a verbal attack against [[Tom Sneddon]]. He describes Sneddon as an antisocial, white supremacist who wanted to "get my ass, dead or alive". Of the song, Sneddon said, "I have not—shall we say—done him the honor of listening to it, but I’ve been told that it ends with the sound of a gunshot".<ref name="Sneddon profile">{{cite web |url=http://www.ndaa.org/ndaa/profile/tom_sneddon_jan_feb_2003.html |title=Thomas W. (Tom) Sneddon, Jr. |
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|publisher=ndaa.org |accessdate=2008-07-12}}</ref> ''Invincible'' found Jackson working heavily with producer Rodney Jerkins.<ref name=allmusic>{{cite web|last=Huey|first=Steve|title=Michael Jackson — Biography|url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:kifuxqe5ldae~T1 |publisher=Allmusic|accessdate=2006-11-11}}</ref> It is a record made up of urban soul like "[[Cry (Michael Jackson song)|Cry]]" and "The Lost Children", ballads such as "Speechless", "Break of Dawn" and "[[Butterflies (Michael Jackson song)|Butterflies]]" and mixes [[hip hop]], pop and [[Rap music|rap]] in "2000 Watts", "Heartbreaker" and "Invincible".<ref name="ALG Invincible">{{cite web|url=http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=A0dq5g4hptv8z |title=Michael Jackson :Invincible |publisher=Allmusic |accessdate=2007-09-09}}</ref><ref name="NME Invincible">{{cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/reviews/michael-jackson/5780|title=Michael Jackson :Invincible |work=[[NME]] |date=[[2001-11-30]] |accessdate=2008-07-23}}</ref> |
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===Vocal style=== |
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Jackson has been singing since a child, and over time his voice and vocal style have notably changed, either through puberty or a personal preference to align his vocal interpretation to the themes and genres he chooses to express. Between 1971 and 1975, Jackson's voice "descended ever so slightly from boy soprano to his current androgynous high tenor".<ref name="rollingstone"/> In the mid-1970s, the singer adopted a "vocal hiccup" as seen in "[[Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)]]". The purpose of the hiccup—somewhat like a gulping for air or gasping—is to help promote a certain emotion; be it excitement, sadness or fear.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 22"/> With the arrival of ''Off the Wall'' in the late 1970s, Jackson's abilities as a vocalist were well regarded; Allmusic described him as a "blindingly gifted vocalist".<ref name="AMG OTW"/> At the time, ''Rolling Stone'' compared his vocals to the "breathless, dreamy stutter" of [[Stevie Wonder]]. Their analysis was also that "Jackson's feathery-timbered tenor is extraordinary beautiful. It slides smoothly into a startling [[falsetto]] that's used very daringly".<ref name="RS OTW"/> 1982 saw the release of ''Thriller'', and ''Rolling Stone'' were of the opinion that Jackson was then singing in a "fully adult voice" that was "tinged by sadness".<ref name="RS Thriller"/> |
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{{Listen |
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|filename = Michael Jackson - Black Or White.ogg |
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|title = Michael Jackson - "Black or White" |
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|description = The lead single from ''Dangerous'', it remains one of his most successful songs to date. It also contains elements of [[hard rock]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sonybmg.com.au/cd/releaseDetails.do?catalogueNo=5044242000 |title=Dangerous album |publisher=Sony BMG |accessdate=2008-08-27}}</ref> The track contains many features of Jackson's vocal style, including the vocal hiccup he is known for.}} |
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The release of "Bad" in 1987 displayed gritty lead vocals on the verse and lighter tones employed on the chorus.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 23"/> A distinctive deliberate mispronunciation used frequently by Jackson, occasionally spelt "cha'mone" or "shamone", is also a staple in impressions and caricatures of him.<ref>{{cite web |first=Rory |last=Lewarne |url=http://www.music-news.com/ShowReview.asp?nReviewID=363&nType=4 |title=Pink Grease |publisher=Music News |date=[[2004-07-26]] |accessdate=2008-08-10}}</ref> The turn of the 1990s saw the release of the paradoxical, introspective album ''Dangerous'', here Jackson used his vocals to intensify the split themes and genres described earlier. ''The New York Times'' noted that on some tracks, "he gulps for breath, his voice quivers with anxiety or drops to a desperate whisper, hissing through clenched teeth" and he had a "wretched tone".<ref name="NYT Dangerous"/> When singing of brotherhood or self-esteem the musician would return to "smooth" vocals.<ref name="NYT Dangerous"/> "In the Closet" contained heavy breathing and a loop of five scat-sung syllables, whereas in the albums title track, Jackson performs a spoken rap.<ref name="NYT Dangerous"/><ref name = "Nelson George overview 24">George, p. 24</ref> When commenting on ''Invincible'', ''Rolling Stone'' were of the opinion that—at the age of 43—Jackson still performed, "exquisitely voiced rhythm tracks and vibrating vocal harmonies".<ref name="RS Invincible">{{cite web |first=James |last=Hunter |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/michaeljackson/albums/album/301517/review/5945685/invincible |title=Michael Jackson: Invincible |publisher=''Rolling Stone'' |date=[[2001-12-06]] |accessdate=2008-07-20}}</ref> Nelson George summed by Jackson's vocals as, "The grace, the aggression, the growling, the natural boyishness, the falsetto, the smoothness—that combination of elements mark him as a major vocalist".<ref name = "Nelson George overview 24"/> |
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==Music videos== |
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[[Image:Smooth criminal patent.png|thumb|193px|right|Image of US Patent No. 5,255,452 filed by Jackson describing the anti-gravity lean used in the music video for "Smooth Criminal."]] |
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Steve Huey of Allmusic observes the fact that Jackson transformed the [[music video]] into an art form and a promotional tool through complex story lines, dance routines, special effects and famous cameo appearances; simultaneously breaking down racial barriers.<ref name=allmusic>{{cite web|last=Huey|first=Steve|title=Michael Jackson — Biography|url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:kifuxqe5ldae~T1 |publisher=Allmusic |accessdate=2006-11-11}}</ref> According to director [[Vincent Paterson]], who collaborated with the singer on several music videos, Jackson conceptualized many of the darker, bleak themes in his filmography.<ref name = "overview of paterson">{{cite web |first=David |last=Noh |url=http://gaycitynews.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=17007818&BRD=2729&PAG=461&dept_id=568864&rfi=8 |title=Choreographer Supreme |publisher=''[[Gay City News]]'' |date=January 26, 2006 |accessdate=January 13, 2009 }}</ref> |
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Before the success of the ''Thriller'' album, Jackson struggled to receive coverage on MTV because he was African American.<ref name=blender>{{cite web |url=http://www.blender.com/guide/articles.aspx?ID=1777 |title=Michael Jackson, "Billy Jean: |month=October | year=2005 |accessdate=2007-04-11 |work=[[Blender]]}}</ref> Pressure from CBS Records persuaded MTV to start showing "Billie Jean" and later "Beat It", leading to a lengthy partnership with Jackson that helped other black music artists gain recognition.<ref name="Jackson changes the rules of the music video">{{cite news |first=Edna |last=Gundersen |url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2005-08-25-mtv_x.htm |
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|title=Music videos changing places |work=[[USA Today]] |date=[[2005-08-25]] |accessdate=2008-07-23}}</ref> The popularity of his video on [[MTV]] helped to put the relatively young channel "on the map"; MTV's focus shifted in favor of pop and R&B.<ref name=ABCNews>{{cite web |first=Bryan |last=Robinson |url=http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/LegalCenter/story?id=464753&page=1|title=Why Are Michael Jackson's Fans So Devoted? |publisher=ABC News |date=[[2005-02-23]] |accessdate=2007-04-06}}</ref><ref name="Jackson changes the rules of the music video"/> Short films like ''[[Thriller (music video)|Thriller]]'' largely remained unique to Jackson, while the group dance sequence in "Beat It" has frequently been imitated.<ref name="The Thriller Special Edition Audio">Jackson, Michael. ''Thriller Special Edition'' Audio.</ref> The choreography in ''Thriller'' has become a part of global pop culture, replicated everywhere from [[Bollywood]] to prisons in the [[Philippines]].<ref name="PrisonersDance">{{cite web |url=http://thewrongadvices.com/lazy-monkey/1500-prisoners-perform-thriller-dance/ |title=1500 Prisoners Perform Thriller Dance |publisher=The Wrong Advices |date=[[2007-07-21]] |accessdate=2008-04-05}}</ref><ref name="Thriller music video in bollywood">{{cite web |url=http://www.tmz.com/2006/10/03/jacko-goes-bollywood/ |title=Jacko goes bollywood |publisher=TMZ.com |date=[[2006-10-03]] |accessdate=2008-04-08}}</ref> The ''Thriller'' short film marked an increase in scale for music videos, and has been named the most successful music video ever by the ''Guinness World Records''.<ref name="World Records"/> |
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In the 18-minute music video for "[[Bad (Michael Jackson song)|Bad]]"—directed by [[Martin Scorsese]]—Jackson began using sexual imagery and choreography not previously seen in his work. He occasionally grabbed or touched his chest, torso and crotch. While he has described this as "choreography," it garnered a mixed reception from both fans and critics; ''Time'' magazine described it as "infamous". The video also featured [[Wesley Snipes]]; Jackson's videos would often feature famous cameos roles in the future.<ref name = "tara 370–373"/><ref name="Who's Bad? TIME">{{cite web |first=Richard |last=Corliss |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,979177,00.html?internalid=ACA |title=Who's Bad? |publisher=''Time'' |date=[[1993-09-06]]|accessdate=2008-04-23}}</ref> For "[[Smooth Criminal]]", Jackson experimented with an innovative "anti-gravity lean" in his performances, for which he was granted US Patent No. 5,255,452.<ref>U.S. Patent 5,255,452; "Method and Means For Creating Anti-Gravity Illusion"; Michael J. Jackson, Michael L. Bush, Dennis Tompkins, issued Oct 26, 1993, Filed June 29, 1992</ref> Although the music video for "[[Leave Me Alone]]" was not officially released in the US, in 1989, it was nominated for four ''Billboard'' Music Video Awards, winning three; the same year it won a Golden Lion Award for the quality of the special effects used in its production. In 1990, "Leave Me Alone" won a Grammy for [[Best Music Video, Short Form]].<ref name = "Nelson George overview 43-44">George, p. 43–44</ref> |
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The [[MTV Video Vanguard Award|MTV Video Vanguard Artist of the Decade Award]] was given to Jackson to celebrate his accomplishments in the art form in the 1980s; the following year the award was renamed in his honor.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 45-46">George, p. 45–46</ref> "[[Black or White]]" was accompanied by a controversial music video, which, on November 14, 1991, simultaneously premiered in 27 countries with an estimated audience of 500 million people, the largest viewing ever for a music video.<ref name="KOP achievements"/> It featured scenes construed as having a sexual nature as well as depictions of violence. The offending scenes in the final half of the 14-minute version were edited out to prevent the video from being banned, and Jackson apologized.<ref name ="''Dangerous'' on Film">Michael Jackson ''Dangerous'' on Film VHS/DVD</ref> Along with Jackson, it featured [[Macaulay Culkin]], [[Peggy Lipton]] and [[George Wendt]]. It helped usher in [[morphing]] as an important technology in music videos.<ref>Campbell (1993), p. 303</ref> |
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"[[Remember the Time]]" was an elaborate production, and became one of his longest videos at over nine minutes. Set in [[ancient Egypt]], it featured groundbreaking [[visual effects]] and appearances by [[Eddie Murphy]], [[Iman (model)|Iman]] and [[Magic Johnson]], along with a distinct complex dance routine.<ref>Campbell (1993), p. 313–314</ref> The video for "[[In the Closet]]" was Jackson's most sexually provocative piece to date. It featured supermodel [[Naomi Campbell]] in a courtship dance with Jackson. The video was banned in South Africa because of its imagery.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 45-46"/> |
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[[Image:Michaeljanetscream.jpg|thumb|280px|left|Jackson and sister Janet angrily retaliate against the media for misrepresenting them to the public. The acclaimed video for "Scream" was shot primarily in black and white at a cost of $7 million.]] |
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The music video for "[[Scream/Childhood|Scream]]", directed by [[Mark Romanek]] and production designer Tom Foden, is one of Jackson's most critically acclaimed. In 1995, it gained 11 [[MTV Video Music Awards|MTV Video Music Award Nomination]]s—more than any other music video—and won "Best Dance Video", "Best Choreography", and "Best Art Direction".<ref name="TCI">{{Citation |last=Boepple |first= Leanne |title = Scream: space odyssey Jackson-style.(video production; Michael and Janet Jackson video) | page = 52 |volume=29 | publisher = ''Theatre Crafts International'' | date = [[1995-11-01]] |issn=1063-9497}}</ref> The song and its accompanying video are a response to the backlash Jackson received from the media after being accused of child molestation in 1993.<ref>{{Citation |last=Bark |first= Ed |title = Michael Jackson Interview Raises Questions, Answers | page = 06E | publisher = ''[[St. Louis Post-Dispatch]]'' | date = [[1995-06-26]]}}</ref> Foden commented "Mark had written the treatment and the general idea was that Michael and Janet were on this large spacecraft. And they, were alone ... They were getting away from Earth, and the different sets were the different environments on the spacecraft where they could have a little bit of fun and where they could relax".<ref name="TCI"/> Production of the music video's 13-piece set was restricted to a one-month period and was produced by Foden art directors [[Richard Berg]], [[Jeff Hall]], and Martin Mervel.<ref name="TCI"/> Foden described the assignment as a "military operation" as he explained "[t]he idea was to give each of the art directors three sets: a complicated one, a not-so-complicated one, and one of the smaller, easier vignettes."<ref name="TCI"/> A year later, it won a Grammy for Best Music Video, Short Form; shortly afterward ''Guinness World Records'' listed it as the [[List of most expensive music videos|most expensive music video ever made]] at a cost of $7 million.<ref name = "Ultimate booklet 48–50"/><ref>''Guinness World Records 2006''</ref> |
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"[[Earth Song]]" was accompanied by an expensive and well-received music video that gained a Grammy nomination for Best Music Video, Short Form in 1997. The video had an environmental theme, showing images of animal cruelty, deforestation, pollution and war. Using special effects, time is reversed so that life returns, war ends and the forests re-grow.<ref name = "Ultimate booklet 48–50"/><ref name ="''HIStory'' on Film volume II">Michael Jackson ''HIStory'' on Film volume II VHS/DVD</ref> Released in 1997 and premiering at the 1996 [[Cannes Film Festival]], ''[[Ghosts (Michael Jackson film)|Ghosts]]'' was a short film written by Jackson and [[Stephen King]] and directed by [[Stan Winston]]. The video for ''Ghosts'' is over 38 minutes long and holds the ''Guinness World Record'' as the world's longest music video.<ref name = "tara 610–611"/><ref>Lewis, p. 125–126</ref><ref>''Guinness World Records 2004''</ref><ref name = "Ultimate booklet 48–50"/> |
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==Legacy and influence== |
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{{seealso|Records and achievements of Michael Jackson|List of Michael Jackson awards}} |
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[[Image:MJ Star.jpg|thumb|190px|right|Jackson's star on the Hollywood walk of fame, set in 1984]] |
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Inducted into the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]] in 1984, Jackson has had a notable impact on music and culture throughout the world. He broke down racial barriers, transformed the art of the music video and paved the way for modern pop music in his own country. Jackson's work, distinctive musical sound and vocal style have influenced numerous [[Hip hop music|hip hop]], [[pop music|pop]] and [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]] artists, including [[Mariah Carey]],<ref name=rollingstone>{{cite web |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/5940053/35_michael_jackson|title=Michael Jackson|accessdate=2007-03-06 |publisher=Rollingstone.com}}</ref> [[Usher (entertainer)|Usher]],<ref name=CNN>{{cite web |url=http://www.cnn.com/2004/SHOWBIZ/Music/11/01/usher/|title=Usher, Usher, Usher: The new 'King of Pop'? |publisher=CNN |date= 2004-11-01|accessdate=2007-03-06}}</ref> [[Britney Spears]],<ref name=rollingstone/> [[Justin Timberlake]]<ref name = "tara 614–617"/> and [[R. Kelly]].<ref name = "Nelson George overview 24"/> For much of his career, he had an "unparalleled" level of worldwide influence over the younger generation through his musical and humanitarian contributions.<ref name="ADL">{{cite web |url=http://www.adl.org/PresRele/ASUS_12/2471_12.asp |title=ADL happy with Michael Jackson decision |publisher=Anti-Defamation League |date=[[1995-06-22]] |accessdate=2008-07-01}}</ref> |
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Throughout his career he received numerous honors and awards, including the [[World Music Awards]]' Best-Selling Pop Male Artist of the Millennium, the [[American Music Award]]'s Artist of the Century Award and the [[Bambi (prize)|Bambi]] Pop Artist of the Millennium Award.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 50-53">George, p. 50–53</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/2002/11/22/michaeljackson/ |title=Michael Jackson and Halle Berry Pick Up Bambi Awards in Berlin |accessdate=2006-11-11 |work=[[Hello!]] |date= 2002-11-22 |accessdate=2008-07-23}}</ref> He is a double-inductee of the [[Inductees of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame#2001|Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]], once as a member of The Jackson 5 in 1997 and later as a solo artist in 2001. Jackson was also an inductee of the [[Inductees of the Songwriters Hall of Fame#J|Songwriters Hall of Fame]] in 2002.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 50-53"/> His awards include multiple ''[[Guinness World Records]]'' (eight in 2006 alone), 13 [[Grammy Award]]s, 13 [[List of artists who reached number one on the Hot 100 (U.S.)#J|number one singles]] in his solo career—more than any other male artist in the Hot 100 era—and the sale of over 750 million units worldwide.<ref name="KOP achievements">{{cite web |url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15529981/ |title=The return of the King of Pop |publisher=MSNBC |date=[[2006-11-02]] |accessdate=2008-06-08}}</ref><ref name="World Records">{{cite web |url=http://uk.news.launch.yahoo.com/dyna/article.html?a=/14112006/344/jackson-receives-world-records.html&e=l_news_dm |title=Jackson receives his World Records |publisher=Yahoo! |date= 2006-11-14 |accessdate=2006-11-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/specials/hot100/charts/most-no1s-overall.shtml |title=Most No. 1s By Artist (All-Time) |publisher=''Billboard'' |accessdate=2008-09-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.grammy.com/GRAMMY_Awards/Winners/Results.aspx?title=&winner=Michael%20Jackson&year=0&genreID=0&hp=1 |title=Grammy Winners |publisher=The Recording Academy|accessdate=2006-11-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/11/06/entertainment/main3461884.shtml |title=Pop Icon Looks Back At A "Thriller" Of A Career In New Interview |publisher=CBS |date=2007-11-06| accessdate=2008-02-14}}</ref> |
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[[File:Bundesarchiv B 145 Bild-F079012-0026, Berlin, Michael Jackson-Konzert, Wartende.jpg|thumb|Queues for a Michael Jackson concert in [[Berlin]] in June 1988]] |
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He is 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".<ref name=allmusic /> In the mid-1980s, ''Time'' described Jackson as "the hottest single phenomenon since [[Elvis Presley]]".<ref name=TIME/> By 1990, ''[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]]'' had already cited Jackson as the most popular artist in the history of show business.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 43-44"/> ''[[Daily Telegraph]]'' writer [[Tom Utley]] called him an "extremely important figure in the history of popular culture" and a "genius".<ref name=telegraph>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/main.jhtml?xml=/opinion/2003/02/08/do0801.xml&sSheet=/opinion/2003/02/08/ixopinion.html |author=[[Tom Utley|Utley, Tom]] |title=Of course Jackson's odd — but his genius is what matters |publisher=''[[Daily Telegraph]]'' |date=2003-03-08 |accessdate=2008-07-23}}</ref> His total lifetime earnings from [[royalties]] on his solo recordings and music videos, revenue from concerts and endorsements have been estimated at $500 million; some analysts have speculated that his music catalog holdings could be worth billions of dollars.<ref name="usatoday finances"/><ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,155356,00.html | title = Witness: Jacko Lived Way Above Means | publisher = Fox News Channel| date = [[2005-05-03]] | accessdate = 2007-05-30}}</ref> Jackson's successful career has made him a part of [[Popular culture|pop culture]] for almost four decades.<ref name="KOP achievements"/> In recent years he has been cited as one of the world's most famous men.<ref name="BBC Tom sneddon">{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/music/4216779.stm |title=Tom Sneddon: Dogged prosecutor |publisher=BBC |date=[[2005-01-31]] |accessdate=2008-08-14}}</ref> |
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==Discography== |
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{{main|Michael Jackson album discography|Michael Jackson singles discography}} |
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*1972: ''[[Got to Be There]]'' |
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*1972: ''[[Ben (album)|Ben]]'' |
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*1973: ''[[Music & Me (Michael Jackson album)|Music & Me]]'' |
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*1975: ''[[Forever, Michael]]'' |
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*1979: ''[[Off the Wall (album)|Off the Wall]]'' |
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*1982: ''[[Thriller (album)|Thriller]]'' |
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*1987: ''[[Bad (album)|Bad]]'' |
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*1991: ''[[Dangerous (album)|Dangerous]]'' |
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*1995: ''[[HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I|HIStory]]'' |
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*2001: ''[[Invincible (Michael Jackson album)|Invincible]]'' |
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==See also== |
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*[[List of best-selling albums worldwide]] |
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*[[List of best-selling music artists]] |
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*[[List of most expensive music videos]] |
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*[[List of number-one hits (United States)]] |
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*[[List of Michael Jackson's awards]] |
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*[[List of Michael Jackson tours]] |
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*[[Michael Jackson filmography]] |
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*[[List of honorific titles in popular music]] |
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*[[Records and achievements of Michael Jackson]] |
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*[[Sony/ATV Music Publishing]] |
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==Notes== |
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{{reflist|3}} |
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==References== |
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*{{cite book|last=Campbell|first=Lisa|title=Michael Jackson: The King of Pop|publisher=Branden|year=1993|isbn=082831957X}} |
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*{{cite book|last=Campbell|first=Lisa|title=Michael Jackson: The King of Pops Darkest Hour|publisher=Branden|year=1995|isbn=0828320039}} |
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*[[Nelson George|George, Nelson]] (2004). ''[[Michael Jackson: The Ultimate Collection]]'' booklet. [[Sony BMG]]. |
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*{{cite book |last=Guinness World Records |title=Guinness World Records 2004 |year=2003 |publisher=Guinness |id=ISBN 1892051206}} |
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*{{cite book |last=Guinness World Records |title=Guinness World Records 2006 |year=2005 |publisher=Guinness |id=ISBN 1-904994-02-4}} |
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*{{cite book |last=Jackson |first=Michael |title=[[Moon Walk (autobiography)|Moon Walk]] |year=1988 |publisher=Doubleday |id=ISBN 0385247125}} |
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*{{cite book |last=Lewis |first=Jel |title=Michael Jackson, the King of Pop: The Big Picture : the Music! the Man! the Legend! the Interviews! |year = 2005 |publisher=Amber Books Publishing|id=ISBN 0-974977-90-X}} |
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*{{cite book |last=Taraborrelli |first=J. Randy |authorlink=J. Randy Taraborrelli |title=The Magic and the Madness |year=2004 |publisher=Headline |location=Terra Alta, WV |id=ISBN 0-330-42005-4}} |
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==Further reading== |
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*{{cite book|last=Dineen|first=Catherine|title=Michael Jackson: In His Own Words|publisher=[[Omnibus Press]]|year=1993|isbn=0711932166}} |
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* {{cite book |last=Grant |first=Adrian |title=Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary |year=1994, 1997, 2002 and 2005 |publisher=[[Omnibus Press]] |id=ISBN 1-84449-432-2}} |
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*{{cite book |last=Jackson |first=Michael |title=Moonwalk |year= 1988|publisher=Doubleday |Page=143–144 |id=ISBN 0-434-37042-8}} |
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* {{cite book |last=Jackson |first=Michael |title=Dancing The Dream |year=1992 |publisher=Doubleday |id=ISBN 0-385-40368-2}} |
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*{{cite book |last=Jackson |first=Michael |title=My World, The Official Photobook, Vol. 1 |year=2006 |publisher=Triumph International |id=ISBN 0-9768891-1-0}} |
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*{{cite book|last=Jones|first=Bob|title=Michael Jackson: The Man Behind the Mask|publisher=Select Books Inc|year=2005|isbn=1590790723}} |
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* {{cite book |last=Noonan |first=Damien |title=Michael Jackson |format= Audio book |year= 1994|publisher=Carlton Books |id=ISBN 1-85797-587-1}} |
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==External links== |
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{{sisterlinks|n=Category:Michael Jackson trial|v=no|b=no|s=no}} |
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*[http://www.michaeljackson.com/ Sony's Official Michael Jackson website] |
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*{{imdb name|name=Michael Jackson|id=0001391}} |
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*[http://wc03.allmovie.com/cg/avg.dll?p=avg&sql=2:95684 Michael Jackson] at [[Allmovie]] |
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*{{amg|label=Michael Jackson|id=11:m7uvad8kv8w5}} |
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*[http://rockhall.com/hof/inductee.asp?id=1141 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame page on Michael Jackson] |
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*{{dmoz|Arts/Music/Bands_and_Artists/J/Jackson,_Michael/|Michael Jackson}} |
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*[http://www.wikitree.org/index.php?title=Michael_Jackson&tree=tab&action=purge Michael Jackson's Family Tree] |
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*{{Discogs artist|artist=Michael+Jackson}} |
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{{Michael Jackson}} |
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{{Michael Jackson singles}} |
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{{jackson5}} |
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{{Jackson family}} |
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{{Persondata |
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|NAME=Jackson, Michael Joesph |
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|ALTERNATIVE NAMES=Jackson, Michael Joe |
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|SHORT DESCRIPTION=Singer |
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|DATE OF BIRTH=August 29, 1958 |
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|PLACE OF BIRTH=[[Gary, Indiana|Gary]], [[Indiana]], [[United States]] |
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}} |
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Revision as of 12:23, 13 February 2009
Michael Jackson tried sucking my penis last night. I stopped him though.!!
He is still a pedophile. hat an idiot. His music sucks!
Tamer Hosny is the best singer in the world. Not michael jackson who sucks dicks.