Michael Jackson

MICHAEL JACKSON
KING OF POP
Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009), known as the "King
of Pop", was an American musician and one of the most commercially successful
entertainers of all time. His unique contributions to music and dance, along with a
highly publicized personal life, made him a prominent figure in popular culture for four
decades.
He started a solo career in 1971, having made his debut in 1964 as a member of The
Jackson 5. His 1982 album Thriller remains the best-selling album of all time, with
four others — Off the Wall (1979), Bad (1987), Dangerous (1991), and HIStory
(1995) — among the best selling. He popularized several intricate dance moves, such as
the robot and the moonwalk. He is widely credited with having transformed the music
video from a promotional tool into an art form, with videos for his songs "Billie Jean",
"Beat It" and "Thriller" making him the first African American artist to amass a
strong crossover following on MTV, and has influenced scores of music artists.
Twice inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, his other achievements feature
multiple Guinness World Records — including the "Most Successful Entertainer of All
Time" — 13 Grammy Awards, 17 number one singles (including the four as a member of
the Jackson 5), and estimated sales between 350 million and 750 million records
worldwide.He was also a notable philanthropist and humanitarian who donated and
raised million of dollars through support of 39 charities and his own Heal the World
Foundation.
Jackson's personal life generated controversy for years. His changing appearance was
noticed from the late 1970s and early 1980s, with changes to the shape of his nose
and to the color of his skin drawing media publicity. He was accused in 1993 of child
sexual abuse, although no charges were brought. He married twice, first in 1994 and
again in 1996, and brought up three children, one born to a surrogate mother. In
2005, he was tried and acquitted of child molestation allegations. While preparing for
the This Is It concert tour in 2009, Jackson died at the age of 50 after suffering
from cardiac arrest. He reportedly had been administered drugs such as propofol and
lorazepam, and his death was ruled a homicide by the Los Angeles County coroner. His
memorial service was broadcast live around the world.
Life and career:

Jackson 5
The Jackson 5 (also spelled The Jackson Five or The Jackson 5ive, and later known as
The Jacksons) were an American popular music family group from Gary, Indiana.
Founding group members Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael formed the group
after performing in an early incarnation called The Jackson Brothers, which originally
consisted of a trio of the three older brothers. Active from 1964 to 1989, the
Jacksons played from a repertoire of R&B, soul, pop and later disco. During their six
and a half-year Motown tenure, The Jackson 5 were one of the biggest pop-music
phenomena of the 1970s[1], and the band served as the launching pad for the solo
careers of their lead singers Jermaine and Michael, the latter brother later
transforming his early Motown solo fame into greater success as an adult artist.
The Jackson 5 were the first act in recording history to have their first four major
label singles ("I Want You Back", "ABC", "The Love You Save", and "I'll Be There")
reach the top of the American charts.[2] Several later singles, among them "Mama's
Pearl", "Never Can Say Goodbye" and "Dancing Machine", were Top 5 pop hits and
number-one hits on the R&B singles chart. Most of the early hits were written and
produced by a specialized songwriting team known as "The Corporation"; later Jackson
5 hits were crafted chiefly by Hal Davis, while early Jacksons hits were compiled by
the team of Gamble and Huff before The Jacksons began writing and producing
themselves in the late 1970s.
Significantly, they were the first black teen idols to appeal equally to white audiences
thanks partially to the successful promotional relations skills of Motown Records CEO
Berry Gordy. With their departure from Motown to CBS in 1976, The Jacksons were
forced to change their name and Jermaine was replaced with younger brother Randy as
Jermaine chose to stay at Motown. After two years under the Philadelphia
International Records label, they signed with Epic Records and asserted control of
their songwriting, production, and image, and their success continued into the 1980s
with hits such as "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)", "Lovely One", and "State
of Shock". Their 1989 album 2300 Jackson Street was recorded without Michael and
Marlon. Michael and Marlon did appear, however, on the title track. The disappointing
sales of the album led to the group being dropped by their record label at the end of
the year. The group has never formally broken up, but has been dormant since then,
although all five brothers performed together at two Michael Jackson tribute concerts
in September 2001.
Career
•Early years
Born and raised in Gary, Indiana, the Jackson brothers were guided early in
their careers by their father Joseph Jackson, a steel mill crane operator
and former musician, and their mother Katherine Jackson, who watched over
the boys during the early years. Tito recalled playing around with his
father's guitar while he was away working on Gary's steel mills. One night,
Joe discovered Tito playing his guitar after he broke a string. Initially upset
with his sons playing behind his back, he saw their potential and in 1964,
Jackie, Tito and Jermaine formed The Jackson Brothers, including
hometown friends Reynaud Jones and Milford Hite on guitar and drums
respectively. By the end of the following year, the group's younger brothers
Marlon and Michael joined the instrumental band playing tambourine and
congas.
Showing extraordinary talent at a tender age, young Michael began

demonstrating his dance moves and singing ability around mid-1966. Before
his eighth birthday, Michael was allowed to perform his song-and-dance
routine at a talent contest held at Jackie's Roosevelt High School in Gary,
helping his brothers win the competition. It was at that point that Tito's
junior high school orchestra teacher Shirley Cartman began mentoring the
group and suggested a name change referring to the boys as The Jackson 5.
She also suggested replacing Jones and Hite with talented musicians Johnny
Jackson--no relation--on drums and Ronnie Rancifer on keyboards. Tito
moved up to lead guitar while Jermaine played bass guitar after several
years as a rhythm guitarist.
After the contest win, the group began playing professional gigs in Indiana,
Chicago and across the U.S. Many of these performances were in a string of
black clubs and venues collectively known as the "chitlin' circuit". The group
also found themselves performing at strip joints to earn money. Cartman got
the Jackson 5 a record deal with Gordon Keith's local Steeltown label, and
the group began making their first recordings in October 1967. Their first
single, "Big Boy", was released in January 1968 and became a regional hit.
This was followed by a second single, "We Don't Have to Be Over 21 (To Fall
in Love)". A third, "Let Me Carry Your School Books", features Michael
Jackson singing with backing provided by The Ripples and Waves.
The Jackson 5 had a number of admirers in their early days, including Sam &
Dave, who helped the group secure a spot in the famous Amateur Night
competition at the Apollo Theater in Harlem. The group won the August 13,
1967, competition during the Amateur Night showdown at the Apollo,
impressing Motown Records artist Gladys Knight. Knight recommended the
group to Motown chief Berry Gordy, but Gordy, who already had teenager
Stevie Wonder on his roster, was hesitant to take on another child act
because of the child labor laws and other problems involved.
The Jackson 5's sound was influenced by many of the biggest stars of the
1960s, including the self-contained funk bands Sly & the Family Stone and
The Isley Brothers, Motown group The Temptations, soul legend Marvin
Gaye, rock 'n' roll kid group The Teenagers and soul shouters like Wilson
Pickett, Jackie Wilson, Stevie Wonder, Joe Tex and James Brown.[5] At the
time of their early success, R&B stars, especially coming from Motown
Records, were among the most popular musicians; Motown had launched the
careers of dozens of the decade's biggest stars, most notably The
Supremes, The Miracles, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, the Four Tops and
the Temptations.
•Joining Motown
By 1968, the Jackson 5 were a headlining act for the All Star Floor Show at
Chicago's The Guys' and Gals' Cocktail Lounge and Restaurant. From August 12–27,
1968, the Jackson 5 opened for Motown acts Gladys Knight & The Pips and Bobby
Taylor & the Vancouvers at Chicago's Regal Theater. The brothers caught Knight's
attention, whereby she tried to get Motown brass to come to Chicago to see the boys.
Taylor was also very impressed with the boys, and he decided to make the commitment
to bring them to Detroit and Motown. Joseph and The Jackson Five stayed on the
floor of Bobby Taylor's Detroit apartment the night of July 22, while Taylor and
Motown executive Suzanne de Passe arranged for the Jackson 5 to audition for the
label.
On July 23, the Jackson 5 had their Motown audition, for which they performed
James Brown’s then current hit "I Got the Feelin'". Berry Gordy was not in
attendance, but the audition was videotaped and sent to him in Los Angeles. Gordy's
initial reluctance to sign the group disappeared when he finally saw the boys perform.
Gordy decided to sign the Jackson 5 to Motown, and hosted a party at his Detroit
mansion on November 25, 1968 to introduce them to the Motown staff and stars.
Motown began negotiations to buy out the Jackson 5's Steeltown contract, completing
the deal in March 1969. By the summer, Bobby Taylor began producing the group's
first recordings at Motown's Hitsville U.S.A. recording studio in Detroit. The early
Taylor-produced Jackson 5 records were all covers of both contemporary hits and
Motown-standards, including Sly & the Family Stone's "Stand!" and their famous
rendition of The Miracles' "Who's Lovin' You", written by Smokey Robinson.
Gordy moved the Jackson 5 and Joseph to California, and he and Suzanne de Passe
began the process of grooming them as the label's next big act, while the rest of the
family remained in Gary. While looking for a house in California, Joseph, Jermaine,
Tito, and Jackie lived with Berry Gordy, Marlon and Michael lived with Diana Ross in
her California home.
The Jackson 5 in concert.
Motown's marketing team prepared press kits and other promotional material to begin
The Jackson 5's entrance into the mainstream music industry. Motown publicity
significantly altered the group's history, publicizing the ages of most of its band
mates as younger than they were - Michael's age changed from eleven to eight to
make him appear cuter and identifying unrelated band musicians Johnny Jackson and
Ronnie Rancifer as cousins of the Jacksons. In a major marketing coup, Gordy and
Motown decided to attach the group to an established star to increase public curiosity.
Thus, it was decided that Motown star Diana Ross would "discover" the group as was
explained in all early press kits.[6] According to their official Motown biography,
referenced in several early interviews and liner notes, Diana Ross (and, in some
versions of the story, Berry Gordy alongside her) was introduced to the Jackson 5 by
Gary, Indiana's mayor, Richard G. Hatcher, at a benefit concert that the Jackson 5
were described as having played for the mayor in 1969. Impressed, Ross (and Gordy)
had the act signed.
•Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5

The cover to The Jackson 5's first LP, Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5, released
on Motown Records in 1969.
The Jackson 5 practiced and rehearsed continuously during the late summer and early
fall of 1969. Diana Ross formally introduced The Jackson 5 to the public on August
11, 1969, at a Beverly Hills, California club called "The Daisy." Towards the end of
August, The Jackson 5 made their first television appearance, singing The Isley
Brothers' "It's Your Thing" at the Miss Black America Pageant in Madison Square
Garden, New York City.
The Jackson 5's first single, "I Want You Back", was written and produced by four
Motown songwriters and producers — Berry Gordy, Alphonzo Mizell, Deke Richards,
and Freddie Perren — who were collectively billed as "The Corporation". "I Want You
Back" was released as a single for The Jackson 5, as Motown decided to officially bill
the group, on October 7. The group performed "I Want You Back", Sly & the Family
Stone's "Sing a Simple Song", The Delfonics' "Can You Remember", and James Brown's
"There Was a Time" as part of their appearance on The Hollywood Palace as special
guests of Diana Ross & the Supremes. "I Want You Back" was the only single from The
Jackson 5's first album, Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5, which was released in
December 1969. The song reached number one in January, 1970.
• Popularization and franchise expansion
Most of the early Jackson 5 singles were written and produced by The Corporation,
who crafted for The Jackson 5 a sound that mixed the traditional "Motown Sound"
with teenage-honed lyrics that they termed "bubblegum soul". The Jackson 5 became
an instant sensation, with "I Want You Back" and its 1970 follow-ups "ABC", "The
Love You Save," and "I'll Be There" all going to #1 on both the Billboard Pop Singles
chart and the Billboard Soul Singles (R&B) chart. Other early Top 5 hits included
"Mama's Pearl" and "Never Can Say Goodbye."
Now successful, Joseph was finally able to arrange to move Katherine and the rest of
the family out to California in 1970. First moving into a two-story residence at 1616
Queens Road in Los Angeles, the Jackson family moved to a gated mansion they called
"Hayvenhurst", which was purchased by Joseph in March 1971.
"Jacksonmania" swept the nation, and within a year of their debut The Jackson 5 were
among the biggest names in popular music. The group essentially replaced The
Supremes as Motown's main marketing focus, and, capitalizing upon the youth-oriented
appeal of the Jackson brothers, Motown licensed dozens of Jackson 5-related juvenile
products, including the now famous J5 Heart logo which appears on Johnny Jacksons
drum kit and many of The Jackson 5's album covers, stickers, sewable patches,
posters, and coloring books. A new teen magazine aimed at African-American youth,
Right On!, began publication in 1971, and focused heavily on The Jackson 5; at least
one Jackson adorned the cover of every issue published between January 1972 and
April 1974. Animation producers Rankin/Bass produced The Jackson 5ive, a Saturday
morning cartoon that debuted on September 11, 1971 and ran for two seasons on
ABC. The Jackson 5 starred in two of their own television specials, Goin' Back to
Indiana (aired September 16, 1971) and The Jackson 5 Show (aired November 5,
1972).
A scene from Rankin-Bass's The Jackson 5ive Saturday morning cartoon.
In 1971, Motown began a spin-off solo career for Michael, whose first single, "Got to
Be There," was a Top 5 hit. Michael also sang the title track for the 1972 motion
picture Ben. His other successful solo singles included "Rockin' Robin" and "I Wanna Be
Where You Are" (both 1972). Jermaine started a solo career of his own in 1972, and
had a Top Ten hit with his Shep and the Limelites cover "Daddy's Home". Jackie also
recorded a solo album, but his releases failed to chart. Despite fan rumors that all
three Jacksons might leave the group as they released solo work, the solo careers of
Michael, Jermaine, and Jackie co-existed alongside that of the group as a whole,
allowing Motown to expand the success and sales of Jackson 5-related releases.
• Decline OF Jackson 5
After 1972, The Jackson 5's releases were less successful, but they still did very
well. Later top-20 hits, mostly written and produced by Hal Davis, included "Lookin'
Through the Windows" (1972) and the disco-styled "Dancing Machine" (1974), which
popularized the "Robot" dance routine. Jackson 5 albums declined somewhat in critical
acclaim and financial success during the latter part of their Motown tenure, although
LPs such as Lookin' Through the Windows (1972) and G.I.T.: Get It Together (1973)
frequently included successful album tracks, including their version of "Hum Along and
Dance", a popular number in their live act.
Critics, The Jackson 5, and Joseph Jackson agreed that the main reason for the
group's declining success was Motown's refusal to update their image. Although they
played their own instruments on stage and had begun writing and producing songs in
their own home recording studio, The Jacksons later said that Motown wouldn't allow
them to record their own compositions nor play instruments in their studio recordings.
The group's studio recordings were first handled by Motown's famed in-house studio
band The Funk Brothers during their brief recording tenure at Hitsville and later
instrumentation was played by many of the members of The Wrecking Crew, which
formed Motown's Hitsville West studio band. Feeling that The Jackson 5 could be
more of a success without Motown, which was by this time declining in success and
popularity, Joseph began shopping for a new record deal for his sons.
• The move to CBS Records
In 1975, Joseph negotiated a new recording contract with CBS Records, who offered
a royalty rate of 20% per record, compared to Motown's standard 2.8%; and would
allow the Jackson brothers to write and produce their own records and play their own
instruments. After unsuccessfully attempting to talk the group into staying on the
label, Motown sued for breach of contract. Although Motown eventually let the group
go, The Jackson 5 were forced to change their name to The Jacksons, because
Motown retained the "Jackson 5" trademark during the settlement of the lawsuit. The
Jacksons also replaced Jermaine with the youngest Jackson brother, fourteen year old
Randy, since Jermaine chose to stay with Motown and his father-in-law Berry Gordy
(In 1973, Jermaine married Gordy's daughter Hazel). Randy had been an unofficial
member of The Jackson 5 since 1972, playing congas onstage as part of their live act.
After losing The Jacksons, Motown would not have another success of their caliber for
the duration of Berry Gordy's ownership of the label. Gordy often said of The
Jackson 5 that they were, coming after the label's most famous acts, "the last big
stars to come rolling off the [Motown] assembly line."[7]
In summer 1976, CBS television signed the Jackson family (including Michael, Marlon,
Tito, Jackie, Randy, Rebbie, LaToya, and Janet) to appear in their own variety show,
The Jacksons, to compete with ABC's Donny & Marie. The Jacksons debuted on June
16, 1976, and ran on CBS until its cancellation the following March. The show was the
first variety show hosted by an African American family.
First as part of CBS's Philadelphia International Records division, and later moving
over to Epic Records, The Jacksons continued releasing popular singles such as "Enjoy
Yourself" (1976), produced by Philadelphia International's Kenneth Gamble & Leon
Huff. After two LPs produced by Gamble and Huff, The Jacksons wanted artistic
control, and produced their next LP, 1978's Destiny, on their own. The album included
The Jacksons' biggest post-Motown single, "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)",
which charted at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 and at number three on the
Billboard R&B Singles chart. "Shake Your Body", written by Michael and Randy, sold
over two million copies, attaining double-platinum status. Destiny also went platinum,
and peaked at number 11 on the Billboard 200 album chart and number three on the
R&B album charts. In 1979, The Jacksons received a star on the Hollywood Walk of
Fame.
In 1978, Michael starred alongside Diana Ross in the Motown/Universal Pictures motion
picture The Wiz, an adaptation of the Broadway musical based upon L. Frank Baum's
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Quincy Jones was the producer of the film's songs, and
he and Michael began work on Michael’s first Epic solo album, Off the Wall, the next
year. Off the Wall, released in 1979, sold 20 million copies worldwide and featured
four Top 10 hit singles and two number-one singles, causing some speculation about
whether Michael would leave The Jacksons though Michael told several reporters at
the time that such speculation was untrue.
•1980-present
In 1980 the group released the Triumph album, which featured the hits "This Place
Hotel" and "Can You Feel It", as well as the dance club hit "Walk Right Now". The
following year's The Jacksons Live! used recordings from the group's Triumph Tour,
which in 1988 was described by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the best 25 tours
from 1967 to 1987. The group's success was outperformed, however, by Michael's
1982 LP Thriller. Thriller went on to become the most successful album ever in the
United States, and to date stands as the world's best-selling album of all time.
The cover to the 1984 album Victory.
The Motown 25 television special, broadcast on NBC on May 16, 1983, featured a
reunion performance between Jermaine and the other brothers. Outside of one 1979
appearance on the TV show Midnight Special this was the original Jackson 5's first
performance in nearly seven years. The Motown 25 Jackson 5 reunion was
overshadowed, however, by Michael's landmark performance of "Billie Jean" on the
same program, which introduced his trademark "moonwalk" dance.
The Jacksons released the album Victory in 1984, featuring the hit single "State of
Shock" with guest star Mick Jagger, and supported the album with the Victory World
Tour. The Victory album and tour marked the official return of Jermaine to the
group's lineup, making them a sextet.
Shortly after the Victory Tour, Michael left The Jacksons, as his solo career had led
to the success of Thriller and its singles. His name recognition as a solo act had also
grown, despite touring as part of a group. Marlon followed Michael out of the group a
year later during a group meeting. The other brothers eventually drifted apart to take
on solo projects (although most of them appeared with Michael on the U.S. For Africa
single "We Are the World" in 1985). The Jacksons reunited for one last album, 2300
Jackson Street in 1989. While every Jackson sibling except for LaToya appeared on
the title track, a #9 R&B hit single, most of the album featured Jermaine, Jackie,
Tito, and Randy as the line up. Michael Jackson's fame as a solo act as well as the
growing fame of the group's youngest sister, Janet Jackson, had overshadowed the
group entirely. A CD compilation of hits from the CBS/Epic years, The Essential
Jacksons, was released in 2004, as was a separate compilation assembled by
Universal/Hip-O, The Jacksons Story.
• Legacy and followers
Tito Jackson, like his father before him, organized his three sons into a musical group
called 3T, who had a #2 UK hit, titled "Why", as well as a big US hit with
"Anything", both in 1996 ("Why" featured a guest appearance from Michael Jackson).
Soon afterwards, Tito began a low-key career as a blues musician. Randy Jackson was
involved for some time with a group known as Randy and the Gypsies, who enjoyed
minor success. In 2004, Randy was also the webmaster for Michael's last official
website, MJJ Source, which was closed in 2005. Jackie Jackson's son, Siggy, is a
successful rapper and DJ under the stage name DealZ.
The only Jackson brother to quit the music business altogether was Marlon, who left
the stage to pursue a business career.
The Jackson 5 was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 and the Vocal
Group Hall of Fame in 1999. In addition, two of their songs ("ABC" and "I Want You
Back") are among The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and
Roll. In 1999, "I Want You Back" was also inducted in Grammy Hall of Fame.[8]
In 1992, Suzanne de Passe and Jermaine Jackson worked with Motown to produce The
Jacksons: An American Dream, a five-hour television miniseries broadcast based on
the history of The Jacksons in two parts on ABC. The first installment of the
miniseries covered the decades from Katherine and Joseph Jackson's first meeting in
the late-1940s up until the first Jackson 5 releases on Motown in 1969, while the
second part covered the years from 1970 to 1984, and the effects of The Jackson
5's phenomenal success on the family. The miniseries was the highest rated show of
the week, won an Emmy Award and was nominated for three more, and won two Young
Artist Awards.
DESTINY TOUR
The Jacksons began a world tour to promote the Destiny album on January 22, 1979
with their opening concert in Bremen. Countries that were visited included Britain,
Holland, France, and Kenya. During the spring of 1979 the Jacksons performed some
concerts in Britain. April 14, 1979 the Jacksons began their U.S tour in Cleveland,
Ohio and finished in Washington, D.C after visiting 80 U.S cities.
•Overview
Starting the tour on January 22, 1979 in Bremen shortly after releasing the platinum-
certified Destiny album the previous December. The tour performed in three
continents including a tour in Kenya and several headlining tours in Great Britain before
taking on an 80-city tour in the United States, before ending the tour in Washington,
D.C. near the end of the year. By the time the tour ended, lead singer Michael
Jackson released his breakthrough LP, Off the Wall.
Set list
First leg-
1. "Dancing Machine"
2. "Things I Do For You"
3. "Ben"
4. "Keep On Dancing"
5. Jackson 5 Medley:
1. "I Want You Back"
2. "ABC"
3. "The Love You Save"
6. "I'll Be There"
7. "Enjoy Yourself"
8. "Destiny"
9. "Show You the Way to Go"
10. "All Night Dancin'"
11. "Blame It On The Boogie"
Second leg-
1. "Dancing Machine"
2. "Things I Do For You"
3. "Off the Wall"
4. "Ben"
2. "ABC"
6. "I'll Be There"
7. "Rock With You"
8. "Enjoy Yourself"
9. "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough"
10. "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)"
•Band members
Second leg-
* Drums: Jonathan Moffett

* Bass: Michael McKinney
* Keyboards: Bill Wolfer
* Horns: (East Coast Horns): Wesley Phillips, Cloris Grimes, Alan (Funt) Prater,
Roderick (Mac) McMorris
Personnel-
* Jackie Jackson: vocals

* Tito Jackson: guitar, vocals
* Marlon Jackson: vocals
* Michael Jackson: vocals
* Randy Jackson: vocals, congas, percussion, piano, keyboards
VICTORY TOUR
Victory Tour was the group's final concert tour of the United States and Canada in
1984. The tour commenced on 6 July in Kansas City and concluded on 9 December in
Los Angeles. The tour consisted of 55 concerts to approximately 2 million fans. It was
named after the newly released Jacksons' album Victory although none of the songs
from that album were on the tour's set list. The tour reportedly grossed $75 million
and set a new record for the then-largest grossing tour. Michael Jackson donated all
of his proceeds ($5 million) from the tour to three charities, including the T.J.
Martell Foundation for Leukemia and Cancer Research, The United Negro College Fund,
and the Ronald McDonald Camp for Good Times.
•Set list
The set list included songs from the Jacksons albums Destiny and Triumph. Ironically
the Victory album was not represented. There were also songs on the list from
Jermaine's and Michael's solo careers. Michael's albums Off The Wall and Thriller
were both represented.
It is worth noting that the set list did not include "Thriller" itself. Despite rumours
suggesting Thriller was not included for spiritual reasons, Michael reportedly was not
satisfied with the way the song sounded live. Eddie Van Halen joined Michael and his
brothers onstage in Dallas, TX during the tour to perform his signature solo on the
song "Beat It".
1. "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'"

2. "Things I Do for You"
3. "Off the Wall"
4. "Human Nature" (with "Ben" introduction)
5. "This Place Hotel"
6. "She's out of My Life"
7. "Let's Get Serious" - Jermaine
8. "You Like Me, Don't You?" - Jermaine
9. "Tell Me I'm Not Dreamin' (Too Good to Be True)" - Duet with Jermaine and
Michael
3. "I'll Be There"
11. "Rock with You"
12. "Lovely One"
13. Interlude
14. "Workin' Day and Night"
15. "Beat It"
16. "Billie Jean"
•Ticket controversy
Fans wanting to see the concert had to buy the tickets in blocks of four (at a cost of
$30 per ticket), with a limit of one block of four per address. In addition, tickets had
to be paid for using a US Post Office money order, using the original application form
found in participating newspapers; copies of forms not allowed. Because of these
requirements, some post offices had run out of money orders, and some enterprising
entrepreneurs bought extra copies of newspapers with an application form, for cities
that don't have a participating newspaper.[citation needed]
According to J Randy Taraborelli's "Michael Jackson: the Magic and the Madness",
Michael Jackson, already reluctant to perform on the tour, was against this policy but
was outvoted by his brothers. However, being the most famous member, Michael
Jackson became the focus of intense media scrutiny because of this.
On July 5, 1984, after receiving a letter from eleven-year-old fan Ladonna Jones, in
which she accuses the Jacksons and the promoters of being 'selfish and just out for
money,' Michael held a major press conference to announce changes in the tour's
organization and also to announce that the whole of his share of the proceeds from
the tour will be donated to charity. Jones later received VIP treatment at the concert
in Dallas, Texas.
The following is Michael's speech at a press conference on July 5, 1984, the day
before the tour began:
"We're beginning our tour tomorrow and I wanted to talk to you about something
of great concern to me. We've worked a long time to make this show the best it can
be. But we know a lot of kids are having trouble getting tickets. The other day I got
a letter from a girl in Texas named Ladonna Jones. She'd been saving her money from
odd jobs to buy a ticket, but with the current tour system, she'd have to buy four
tickets and she couldn't afford that. So, I've asked our promoter to work out a new
way of distributing tickets, a way that no longer requires a $120.00 money order.
There has also been a lot of talk about the promoter holding money for tickets that
didn't sell. I've asked our promoter to end the mail order ticket system as soon as
possible so that no one will pay money unless they get a ticket. Finally, and most
importantly, there's something else I am going to announce today. I want you to know
that when I first agreed to tour, I decided to donate all the money I make from our
performances to charity."
•Trivia
* The tour reunited all Jackson brothers including Michael, who had just released
the highly successful Thriller album in 1982, two years previous to the tour, and
Jermaine, who had not recorded or toured with his brothers since they left Motown in
1975. Jackie was the only member not present on the final leg of the tour, due to a
knee injury. However, Jackie made a full recovery and joined the Jacksons on stage
during the final concerts in Los Angeles.
* Before each performance of "Human Nature", Michael would 'pretend' to sing
"Ben", and even have the music starting to play. Michael would then say "Wait...hold
on...stop the music. I want to do one of my favorite songs...give me something new".
* Michael never intended to televise a Victory Tour concert, though the "Billie
Jean" performance at Houston (with audience comments throughout the video) was
televised. There are also several leaks and amateur videos of the concerts. A man
from Mount Vernon was caught making bootleg videos of the opening concert at the
Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City by tapping into the transmitted closed-circuit multi
camera signal from the video feed to the jumbotron above the stage. He was later
arrested for selling the bootlegs in the state of New York. The concert held in Dallas,
Texas has also been leaked.
* In his 1988 autobiography "Moonwalk", Michael mentions that the Victory Tour
was originally to be called "The Final Curtain", to highlight the fact that himself and
his brothers would be touring for the final time. However, the name was changed as
they did not want to emphasize this point.
* During the last concert at the Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Michael announced
that it was "the last and final tour" of The Jacksons during "Shake Your Body", but
according to his exclusive interview published by Ebony Magazine in December 1984,
Michael had not planned to leave The Jacksons
"Because I have achieved a lot of broken records with Off The Wall [album] and I’ve
been the lead singer for the longest and now with Thriller, which is the all-time best
and everything, I’m not planning on leaving,” he said of a rumor that he plans to leave
the Jacksons after the tour. “They are my brothers [Jackie, Jermaine, Tito, Marlon,
and Randy] and I love them all dearly and I think the media begin to look for
something to sell papers and they make up things and they twist them."
Performers
•Lead Performers
* Michael Jackson: vocals, assorted percussion
* Jermaine Jackson: vocals, bass
* Tito Jackson: vocals, guitar
* Randy Jackson: vocals, keyboards
* Marlon Jackson: vocals, percussion
* Jackie Jackson: vocals, percussion
•Band members
* Music director: The Jacksons

* Guitars: David Williams, Gregg Wright
* Keyboards: Rory Kaplan, Pat Leonard & Jai Winding
•Credits
* Tour Manager: Don King

* Tour Coordinator: Larry Larson
* Assistant Coordinator: Marla Winston
* Production Manager: Peyton Wilson
* Assistant Production Managers: Gary Bouchard & Debbie Lyons
* Stage Manager: Mike Hirsh
* Assistant Stage Manager: Pee Wee Jackson
* Production Consultant: Ken Graham
* Site Coordinators: John "Bugzee" Hougdahl, Jose Ward
* Stage Construction and Engineering: Plainview, Inc. - John McGraw
* Robotic Lighting: Design - Michael Jackson
* Eidophor Video Projection: M.B. Productions, Inc.
* Design Execution & Manufacturing: Applied Entertainment Systems
* Lighting Company: TASCO
* Site Coordinators : Bugzee Hougdahl & Jose Ward
* Sound Company: Clair Brothers Audio
* House Mixers: M.L. Procise & Mike Stahl
* Laser Effects: Showlasers, Inc., Dallas, Texas
* Musicians Costumes Design: Enid Jackson
* Magical Illusions: Franz Harary
* Video Director: Sandy Fullerton
* Jackson Crew Sportswear: Nike
* Community Affairs: Harold Preston
* Consultant to Community Affairs: Cynthia Wilson
solo career
BEN
Ben was the second full-length solo album by American singer Michael Jackson,
released in August 1972, seven months after his debut Got to Be There. The title
track "Ben" was a million-seller hit single and Jackson's first US #1. The album was
reissued in 2009 as part of the 3-disc compilation Hello World: The Motown Solo
Collection.
[edit] Background
"Ben" is a number-one hit song recorded by the teenager Michael Jackson for the
Motown label in 1972. The song, the theme of a 1972 film of the same name (the
sequel to the 1971 killer rat movie Willard), spent one week at the top of the U.S.
pop chart. It also reached number-one on the Australian pop chart, spending eight
weeks at the top spot. The song also later reached a peak of number seven on the
British pop chart.
The song became the first of thirteen number-one pop hits for Jackson in the United
States and his first number-one as a solo artist.
Later included on Jackson's album of the same name, "Ben" was nominated for a
Golden Globe and an Academy Award for Best Song.
Track listing
# Title Writer(s)
1. "Ben" Don Black, Walter
Scharf
2. "The Greatest Show on Earth" Melrson, Jerry
Marcellino
3. "People Make the World Go Round" Thom Bell, Linda Creed
4. "We've Got a Good Thing Going" The Corporation
5. "Everybody's Somebody's Fool" Ace Adams, Lionel
Hampton
6. "My Girl" Smokey Robinson, Ronald
White
7. "What Goes Around Comes Around" Levinsky, Stokes,
Meyers, Weatherspoon
8. "In Our Small Way" BeatriceLevinsky,Christine
9. "Shoo-Be-Doo-Be-Doo-Da-Day" Henry Cosby,Sylvia Moy,
Stevie Wonder
10. "You Can Cry on My Shoulder" Berry Gordy
Got to Be There
Got to Be There was the solo debut album by then-adolescent Michael Jackson,
released by Motown Records on January 24, 1972.[2] It includes the song of the same
name, which was released in the October 7, 1971 as Jackson's debut solo single. The
album was later remastered and reissued in 2009 as part of the 3-disc compilation
Hello World: The Motown Solo Collection.
•Album information
Motown released Jackson's solo album around the same time that another famous
brother from a famous family was doing the same: Donny Osmond, who was hitting
with songs like "Sweet & Innocent" and "Puppy Love". Jackson's and Osmond's debut
efforts almost paralleled each other, as Jackson scored a hit with the title track and
"Rockin' Robin", which like Osmond's "Puppy Love", was a remake of an old '50s rock
song. The album also included covers of Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine", Carole
King's "You've Got a Friend" and the Supremes' "Love Is Here and Now You're Gone".
•Reception
The album peaked at number fourteen on the US pop albums chart and number three
on the US R&B album chart when it was released.
Rolling Stone (12/7/72, p.68) - "..slick, artful and every bit as good as the regular
Jackson 5 product...a sweetly touching voice...innocence and utter
professionalism...fascinating and finally irresistible.."
•Track listing
# Title Writer(s)
1. "Ain't No Sunshine" Bill
Withers
2. "I Wanna Be Where You Are" Leon
Ware, T-Bone Ross
3. "Girl Don't Take Your Love From Me" Willie
Hutch
4. "In Our Small Way" Beatrice
Verdi, Christine Yarian
5. "Got to Be There" Elliot
Willensky
6. "Rockin' Robin" Thomas
7. "Wings of My Love" Corporation
8. "Maria (You Were the Only One)" L.Brown,linda
Glover,George Gordy,Allen Story
9. "Love Is Here and Now You're Gone" Polland
Dozier
10. "You've Got a Friend" Carole King
FOREVER
Forever, Michael is the fourth solo album by American singer Michael Jackson,
released by the Motown label in 1975.The album was reissued in 2009 as part of the
3-disc compilation Hello World: The Motown Solo Collection.
The album was Jackson's fourth as a solo artist and would end up being his final album
released with Motown before he and his brothers (The Jackson 5) left for CBS
Records a year later. This album displayed a change in musical style for the sixteen-
year-old, who adopted a smoother soul sound that he would continue to develop on his
later solo records for Epic Records.
Most of the tracks were recorded in 1974, and the album was originally set to be
released that year. However, because of demand from the Jackson 5's huge hit
"Dancing Machine", production on Jackson's album was delayed until the hype from
that song died down.
The album helped return Jackson to the top 40, aided by the singles "We're Almost
There" and "Just a Little Bit of You", both written by the Holland Brothers (Eddie and
Brian) of Holland–Dozier–Holland.
In 1981 Motown released "One Day in Your Life" as a single, coupled with the One
Day in Your Life compilation album release, to capitalize off Jackson's Off the Wall
success on Epic. The single went to number one in the UK, becoming the 6th best-
selling single of 1981 in the UK.
•Track listing
# Title Writer(s)
1. "We're Almost There"
Holland/Holland
2. "Take Me Back"
Holland/Holland
3. "One Day in Your Life"
Armand/Brown
4. "Cinderella Stay Awhile" Sutton
5. "We've Got Forever" Willensky
6. "Just a Little Bit of You"
Holland/Holland
7. "You Are There"
Brown/Meitzenheimer/Yarian
8. "Dapper Dan" (freestyle) D.
Fletcher
9. "Dear Michael"
Davis/Willensky
10. "I'll Come Home to You"
Perren/Yarian
MUSIC AND ME
Music & Me was the third solo album by American singer Michael Jackson, released in
1973 on the Motown label. The album was reissued in 2009 as part of the 3-disc
compilation Hello World: The Motown Solo Collection.
The album was released during a difficult period for Jackson, as he was experiencing
vocal changes and facing a changing music landscape. Having been influenced by fellow
Motown label mates Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder, Jackson wanted to include his
own compositions on the album, but Motown refused to allow this.
Despite featuring a photo of Jackson strumming an acoustic guitar on the album cover,
He does not actually play an instrument on the album. Jackson would later express his
frustrations about this to his father, Joe Jackson, who would later work to terminate
Michael and his brother's contract with Motown, and negotiate lucrative contracts for
them with Epic Records.
Since Jackson was on a world tour with his brothers as a member of The Jackson 5,
promotion on this album was limited. The Stevie Wonder cover, "With a Child's
Heart", was released as a single in the United States, where it reached #14 on the
Billboard R&B Singles chart and #50 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart. Two additional
songs ("Music and Me" and "Morning Glow") were released as singles in the UK, but
they failed to chart. Another track, "Too Young", was released as a single in Italy,
while the track "Happy" was a single in Australia and "Doggin' Around" was a limited-
release single in Holland. Ten years after this album's release, "Happy" was released
as a single in the UK to promote Motown's 18 Greatest Hits compilation album.[2]
After this release, Jackson took two years to work on a follow-up album that focused
on his maturing voice which became, Forever, Michael.
•Track listing
# Title
Writer(s)
1. "With a Child's Heart" Vicky
Basemore, Henry Cosby, Sylvia Moy
2. "Up Again" Freddie
Perren, Yarian
3. "All the Things You Are" Oscar
Hammerstein II, Jerome Kern
4. "Happy" (Love Theme from Lady Sings the Blues) Michel
Legrand, Smokey Robinson
5. "Too Young" Sidney
Lippman, Sylvia Dee
6. "Doggin' Around" Lena
Agree
7. "Johnny Raven" Billy Page
8. "Euphoria" leon
ware,Hilliard
9. "Morning Glow" stephen
Schwartz
10. "Music and Me" Mike Cannon, Don Fenceton,
Mel Larson, Jerry Marcellino
THE WIZ(Movie)
The Wiz is a 1978 American musical film produced by Motown Productions and
Universal Pictures, and released by Universal on October 24, 1978. An urbanized
retelling of L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz featuring an entirely
African-American cast, The Wiz was adapted from the 1975 Broadway musical of the
same name. The film follows the adventures of Dorothy, a shy schoolteacher from
Harlem, New York who finds herself magically transported to the wonderland of Oz,
which resembles a fantasy version of New York City. Befriended by a Scarecrow, a
Tin Man, and a Cowardly Lion, Dorothy travels through the world of Oz to seek an
audience with the mysterious "Wiz", who they say has the power to take her home.
Produced by Rob Cohen and directed by Sidney Lumet, The Wiz stars Diana Ross,
Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russell, Ted Ross, Mabel King, Theresa Merritt, Thelma
Carpenter, Lena Horne, and Richard Pryor. The film's story was reworked from
William F. Brown's Broadway libretto by Joel Schumacher, and Quincy Jones
supervised the adaptation of Charlie Smalls and Luther Vandross' songs for film. A
handful of new songs, written by Jones and the songwriting team of Nickolas Ashford
& Valerie Simpson, were added for the film version. Upon its original theatrical
release, The Wiz was a critical and commercial failure, and marked the end of the
resurgence of African-American films that began with the blaxploitation movement of
the 1970s. The film received four Academy Award nominations for Best Art Direction,
Best Costume Design, Best Original Music Score and Best Cinematography.
•Plot
A Thanksgiving dinner brings a host of friends and family together in a Harlem home,
where a 24-year old schoolteacher named Dorothy Gale (Diana Ross) lives with her
Aunt Em (Theresa Merritt) and her Uncle Henry (Stanley Greene). Extremely
introverted, Dorothy has, as her aunt teases her, "never been south of 125th
Street", and refuses to move out and move on with her life.
While cleaning up after the dinner party, Dorothy's dog Toto runs out the open
kitchen door into a violent snowstorm. Dorothy succeeds in retrieving him, but finds
herself trapped in the snowstorm. A magical whirlwind – the work of Glinda the Good
Witch (Lena Horne) – materializes and transports the woman and her dog to Oz. Upon
her entrance into Oz, Dorothy smashes through an electric "Oz" sign, which falls upon
and kills Evermean, the Wicked Witch of the East. As a result, Dorothy frees the
Munchkins who populate the park into which Dorothy lands; the Munchkins had been
transformed by Evermean into graffiti for "tagging" the park walls.
Dorothy soon meets The Munchkins' main benefactress, Miss One, the Good Witch of
the North (Thelma Carpenter), a magical "numbers runner" who gives Evermean's
powerful silver slippers to Dorothy. However, the frightened Dorothy desperately
wants to get home. Miss One urges her to follow the yellow brick road to the Emerald
City and find the mysterious "Wiz" who Miss One believes holds the power to send
Dorothy back to Harlem. The good witch and the Munchkins then disappear and
Dorothy is left to search for the yellow brick road on her own.
The next morning, Dorothy happens upon a Scarecrow (Michael Jackson) made of
garbage, whom she befriends. The two of them discover the yellow brick road and
happily begin to follow it together; Scarecrow hoping the Wiz might be able to give
him the one thing he feels he lacks — a brain. Along the way to the Emerald City,
Dorothy, Toto and Scarecrow meet the Tin Man (Nipsey Russell) a turn-of-the-
century amusement park mechanical man and the Cowardly Lion (Ted Ross), a vain
dandy banished from the jungle who hid inside one of the stone lions in front of the
New York Public Library. The Tin Man and Lion join Dorothy and Scarecrow on their
quest to find the Wiz, hoping to gain a heart and courage, respectively. Before the
five adventurers reach the Emerald City, they must face obstacles such as a crazy
Subway Peddler (a homeless man) with evil puppets in his control and the "Poppy" Girls
(a reference to the poppy field from the original story), prostitutes who attempt to
put Dorothy, Toto, and the Lion to sleep with magic dusting powders.
Finally reaching the Emerald City (an analogue of the real-life World Trade Center
plaza), the quintet gain passage into the city because of Dorothy's ownership of the
silver shoes and marvel at the spectacle of the city and its dancers. Dorothy and her
friends gain an audience with the Wiz (Richard Pryor) who appears to them as a giant
fire-breathing metallic head. The Wiz will only grant the travelers' wishes if they kill
Evillene (Mabel King) the horrible Wicked Witch of the West, who runs a sweatshop in
the sewers of New York. Evillene learns of Dorothy's quest to kill her and sends out
the Flying Monkeys (a motorcycle gang) to kidnap Dorothy and her friends.
After an extended chase, the Flying Monkeys succeed in capturing their prey and bring
the five interlopers back to Evillene. The Wicked Witch tortures the Lion, dismembers
the Scarecrow and flattens the Tin Man in hopes of making Dorothy give her the silver
shoes. When Evillene threatens to throw Toto into a fiery cauldron, Dorothy nearly
gives in until the Scarecrow hints to her to activate a fire sprinkler switch which she
does. The sprinklers put out the fire but also melt and destroy Evillene who is "allergic
to water". With the Witch gone, her spells lose their power: the Winkies are freed
from their costumes (revealing humans underneath) and their sweatshop tools
disappear. The thankful Winkies rejoice in dance and praise Dorothy as their
emancipator and the Flying Monkeys give Dorothy and her friends a triumphant ride
back to the Wiz.
Upon arriving back in Emerald City, the quintet take a back door into the Wiz's
quarters and discover that the Wiz is a "phony". The "great and powerful Oz" is
actually Herman Smith, a failed politician from Atlantic City, New Jersey who was
transported to Oz when a balloon he was flying to promote his campaign to become the
city dogcatcher was lost in a storm. Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion are distraught that
they will never receive their respective brains, heart and courage, but Dorothy makes
them realize that they had these things all along. Just as it seems as if Dorothy will
never be able to go home again, Glinda the Good Witch appears and implores Dorothy
to find her way home by searching within and using her silver slippers. After thanking
Glinda and saying goodbye to her friends, Dorothy takes Toto in her arms, thinks of
home and the things she loves most about it and, after clicking her heels three times,
finds herself back in her neighborhood. A changed woman, Dorothy carries Toto back
to their apartment and closes the door.
Production
• Pre-production and development

The Wiz was the eighth feature film produced by Motown Productions, the film/TV
division of Berry Gordy's Motown Records label. Gordy originally wanted the teenaged
future R&B singer Stephanie Mills, who had originated the role on Broadway, to be
cast as Dorothy. When Motown star Diana Ross asked Gordy if she could be cast as
Dorothy, he declined, saying that Ross, then thirty-three years old, was too old for
the role. Ross went around Gordy and convinced executive producer Rob Cohen at
Universal Pictures to arrange a deal where he would produce the film if Ross was cast
as Dorothy. Gordy and Cohen agreed to the deal. Pauline Kael, a film critic, described
Ross's efforts to get the film into production as "perhaps the strongest example of
sheer will in film history."
After film director John Badham learned that Ross was going to play the part of
Dorothy, he decided not to direct the film, and Cohen replaced him with Sidney
Lumet. Of his decision not to direct The Wiz, John Badham recalled telling Cohen that
he thought Ross was "a wonderful singer. She's a terrific actress and a great dancer,
but she's not this character. She's not the little six-year-old girl Dorothy in The
Wizard of Oz." Though 20th Century Fox had financially backed the stage musical,
they ended up exercising their first refusal rights to the film production, which gave
Universal an opening to finance the film. Initially, Universal was so excited about the
film's prospects that they did not set a budget for production.
Joel Schumacher's script for The Wiz was influenced by Werner Erhard's teachings
and his Erhard Seminars Training ("est") movement, as both Schumacher and Diana
Ross were "very enamored of Werner Erhard.""Before I knew it," said Rob Cohen,
"the movie was becoming an est-ian fable full of est buzzwords about knowing who you
are and sharing and all that. I hated the script a lot. But it was hard to argue with
[Ross] because she was recognizing in this script all of this stuff that she had worked
out in est seminars." Schumacher spoke positively of the results of the est training,
stating that he would always be "eternally grateful for learning that I was responsible
for my life." However, he also complained that "everybody stayed exactly the way
they were and went around spouting all this bullshit."Of est and Erhard references in
the film itself, The Grove Book of Hollywood notes that the speech delivered by the
Glinda the Good Witch at the end of the film was "a litany of est-like platitudes," and
the book also makes est comparisons to the song "Believe in Yourself."
During production, Lumet felt that the finished film would be "an absolutely unique
experience that nobody has ever witnessed before." When asked about any possible
influence from MGM's popular 1939 film adaptation of The Wizard of Oz, Lumet
stated that "there was nothing to be gained from [the 1939 film] other than to make
certain we didn't use anything from it. They made a brilliant movie, and even though
our concept is different - they're Kansas, we're New York; they're white, we're
black, and the score and the books are totally different - we wanted to make sure
that we never overlapped in any area."
Michael Jackson, a former Motown star who by the start of development on The Wiz
in 1977, had left Motown for Epic Records with his brothers The Jacksons, was cast
as the Scarecrow. Jackson was dedicated to the role, and watched videotapes of
gazelles, cheetahs and panthers in order to learn graceful movements for his part.Ross
and Mabel King were brought in to reprise their respective roles from the stage
musical, while Nipsey Russell was cast as the Tin Man. Lena Horne, mother-in-law to
Sidney Lumet during the time of production, was cast as Glinda the Good Witch, and
comedian Richard Pryor portrayed The Wiz.
•Principal photography
The Wiz was filmed at Astoria Studios in Queens, New York. The decaying New York
State pavilion from the 1964 New York World's Fair was used as the set for
Munchkinland, while the World Trade Center served as the Emerald City. The scenes
filmed at the Emerald City were elaborate, utilizing six hundred fifty dancers, three
hundred eighty-five crew members and twelve hundred costumes. Costume designer
Tony Walton enlisted the help of high fashion designers in New York City for the
Emerald City sequence, and obtained exotic costumes and fabric from designers such
as Oscar de la Renta and Norma Kamali. Albert Whitlock created the film's visual
special effects while Stan Winston served as the head makeup artist.
Quincy Jones was the musical supervisor and music producer for the film. He later
wrote that he initially did not want to work on the film, but did it as a favor to
Sidney Lumet. The film production marked Jones' first time working with Michael
Jackson, and Jones would later produce three hit albums for Jackson: Off the Wall,
Thriller, and Bad. Jones recalled working with Jackson as one of his favorite
experiences from The Wiz, and spoke of Jackson's dedication to his role, comparing
his acting style to Sammy Davis, Jr.
•Commercial reaction
The Wiz proved to be a commercial failure, as the $24 million production only earned
$13.6 million at the box office. Though prerelease TV broadcast rights had been sold
to CBS for over $10 million, in the end, the film produced a net loss of $10.4 million
for Motown and Universal.At the time, it was the most expensive film musical ever
made. The film's failure steered Hollywood studios away from producing the all-black
film projects which had become popular during the blaxploitation era of the early-to-
mid 1970s for several years.
The film has been available on VHS home video since the 1980s, and is periodically
broadcast on television, often on Thanksgiving Day. The film was released on DVD in
1999; a remastered version entitled The Wiz: 30th Anniversary Edition was released
in 2008. Extras on both DVD releases include a 1978 featurette about the film's
production and the original theatrical trailer.
• Critical reception
Critics panned The Wiz upon its October 1978 release. Many reviewers directed their
criticism at Diana Ross, who they believed was too old to play Dorothy. Most agreed
that what had worked so successfully on stage simply didn't translate well to the
screen. Hischak's Through the Screen Door: What Happened to the Broadway Musical
When It Went to Hollywood criticized "Joel Schumacher's cockamamy screenplay," and
called "Believe in Yourself" the score's weakest song. He described Diana Ross'
portrayal of Dorothy as: "cold, neurotic and oddly unattractive," and noted that the
film was "a critical and box office bust." In his work History of the American Cinema,
Harpole characterized the film as "one of the decade's biggest failures," and: "the
year's biggest musical flop." The Grove Book of Hollywood noted that "the picture
finished off Diana Ross's screen career," as the film was Ross' final theatrical
feature. In his book Blockbuster, Tom Shone referred to The Wiz as "expensive
crud." In the book Mr. and Mrs. Hollywood, the author criticized the script, noting:
"The Wiz was too scary for children, and too silly for adults." Ray Bolger, who played
the Scarecrow in the 1939 Wizard of Oz film, did not think highly of The Wiz,
stating: "The Wiz is overblown and will never have the universal appeal [the 1939 film]
has obtained."
Michael Jackson's performance as the Scarecrow was one of the only positively
reviewed elements of the film, with critics noting that Jackson possessed "genuine
acting talent" and "provided the only genuinely memorable moments."Of the results of
the film, Jackson stated: "I don't think it could have been any better, I really
don't." In 1980, Jackson stated that his time working on The Wiz was "my greatest
experience so far...I'll never forget that." The film received a positive critique for its
elaborate set design, and the book American Jewish Filmmakers noted that it
"features some of the most imaginative adaptations of New York locales since the
glory days of the Astaire-Rogers films. In a 2004 review of the film, Christopher Null
wrote positively of Ted Ross and Richard Pryor's performances. However, Null's
overall review of the film was critical, and he wrote that other than the song "Ease on
Down the Road", "the rest is an acid trip of bad dancing, garish sets, and a Joel
Schumacher-scripted mess that runs 135 agonizing minutes." A 2005 piece by Hank
Stuever in The Washington Post described the film as "a rather appreciable delight,
even when it's a mess," and felt that the singing - especially Diana Ross' - was "a
marvel".
The Wiz was nominated for four Academy Awards: Best Art Direction (Tony Walton,
Philip Rosenberg, Edward Stewart, Robert Drumheller), Best Costume Design, Best
Original Music Score and Best Cinematography, although it did not win in any of those
categories.
•Cast
Actor Role
Diana Ross Dorothy Gale
Michael Jackson Scarecrow
Lena Horne Glinda, the Good Witch Of The South
Ted Ross Cowardly Lion
Nipsey Russell Tin Man
Thelma Carpenter Miss One, the Good Witch of the North
Theresa Merritt Aunt Em
Stanley Greene Uncle Henry
Richard Pryor The Wiz
Mabel King Evillene, the Wicked Witch of the West
•Songs
The top half of the same scene as before, but without the mirroring water. Above the
logo is "ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK" in tiny letters.
Cover of The Wiz original soundtrack.
Main article: The Wiz (1978 soundtrack)
All songs written by Charlie Smalls, unless otherwise noted.
1. "Overture Part I" (instrumental)

2. "Overture Part II" (instrumental)
3. "The Feeling That We Had" - Aunt Emma and Chorus
4. "Can I Go On?" (Quincy Jones, Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson) - Dorothy
5. "Tornado"/"Glinda's Theme" (instrumental)
6. "He's The Wizard" - Miss One and Chorus
7. "Soon As I Get Home"/"Home" - Dorothy
8. "You Can't Win, You Can't Break Even" - Scarecrow and The Four Crows
9. "Ease On Down The Road #1" - Dorothy and Scarecrow
10. "What Would I Do If I Could Feel?" - Tin Man
11. "Slide Some Oil to Me" - Tin Man
12. "Ease On Down The Road #2" - Dorothy, Scarecrow, and Tin Man
13. "I'm A Mean Ole Lion" - Cowardly Lion
14. "Ease On Down The Road #3" - Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly
Lion
15. "Poppy Girls Theme" (Anthony Jackson) (instrumental)
16. "Be a Lion" - Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion
17. "End Of The Yellow Brick Road" (instrumental)
18. "Emerald City Sequence" (music: Jones, lyrics: Smalls) - Chorus
19. "Is This What Feeling Gets? (Dorothy's Theme)" (music: Jones, lyrics: Ashford
& Simpson) - Dorothy (vocal version not used in film)
20. "Don't Nobody Bring Me No Bad News" - Evillene and the Winkies
21. "Everybody Rejoice/A Brand New Day" (Luther Vandross) - Dorothy, Scarecrow,
Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, and Chorus
22. "If You Believe In Yourself (Dorothy)" - Dorothy
23. "The Good Witch Glinda" (instrumental)
24. "If You Believe In Yourself (Reprise)" - Glinda the Good Witch
25. "Home (Finale)" - Dorothy
OFF THE WALL
Off the Wall is the fifth studio album by the American pop musician Michael Jackson,
released August 10, 1979 on Epic Records, after Jackson's critically well received film
performance in The Wiz. While working on that project, Jackson and Quincy Jones
had become friends, and Jones agreed to work with Jackson on his next studio album.
Recording sessions took place between December 1978 and June 1979 at Allen Zentz
Recording, Westlake Recording Studios, and Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles,
California. Jackson collaborated with a number of other writers and performers such
as Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder and Rod Temperton. Jackson wrote several of the
songs himself, including the lead single, "Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough".
The record was a departure from Jackson's previous work for Motown. Several critics
observed that Off the Wall was crafted from funk, disco-pop, soul, soft rock, jazz
and pop ballads. Jackson received positive reviews for his vocal performance on the
record. The record gained positive reviews and won the singer his first Grammy Award
since the early 1970s. With Off the Wall, Jackson became the first solo artist to
have four singles from the same album peak inside the top 10 of the Billboard Hot
100. The album was a commercial success, to date it is certified for 7× Multi-Platinum
in the US and has sold 20 million copies worldwide.
On October 16, 2001, a special edition reissue of Off the Wall was released by Sony
Records. Recent reviews by Allmusic and Blender have continued to praise Off the
Wall for its appeal in the 21st century. In 2003, the album was ranked number 68 on
Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. The National
Association of Recording Merchandisers listed it at number 80 of the Definitive 200
Albums of All Time. In 2008, Off the Wall was inducted into the Grammy Hall of
Fame.
•Background
Starting in 1972, Michael Jackson released a total of four solo studio albums with
Motown, among them Got to Be There and Ben. These were released as part of The
Jackson 5 franchise, and produced successful singles such as "Got to Be There", "Ben"
and a remake of Bobby Day's "Rockin' Robin". The Jackson 5's sales, however, began
declining in 1973, and the band members chafed under Motown's strict refusal to allow
them creative control or input. Although the group scored several top 40 hits, including
the top five disco single "Dancing Machine" and the top 20 hit "I Am Love", The
Jackson 5 (minus Jermaine Jackson) left Motown in 1975.The Jackson 5 signed a new
contract with CBS Records in June 1975, first joining the Philadelphia International
Records division and then Epic Records.As a result of legal proceedings, the group was
renamed The Jacksons. 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 or co-writing
such hits as "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)", "This Place Hotel" and "Can You
Feel It".
In 1978, Jackson starred as Scarecrow in the film musical The Wiz. 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.Jackson was dedicated to the role, and watched videotapes of gazelles, cheetahs
and panthers in order to learn graceful movements for his part.Jones recalled working
with Jackson as one of his favorite experiences from The Wiz, and spoke of Jackson's
dedication to his role, comparing his acting style to Sammy Davis, Jr.Critics panned
The Wiz upon its October 1978 release. Jackson's performance as the Scarecrow was
one of the only positively reviewed elements of the film, with critics noting that
Jackson possessed "genuine acting talent" and "provided the only genuinely memorable
moments."Of the results of the film, Jackson stated: "I don't think it could have been
any better, I really don't".In1980, Jackson stated that his time working on The Wiz
was "my greatest experience so far...I'll never forget that".
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.
•Production
When Jackson began the Off the Wall project he was not sure what he wanted as the
final result. However he did not want another record that sounded like The Jacksons.
He wanted more creative freedom, something he had not been allowed on prioralbums.
Jones and Jackson jointly produced Off the Wall, whose songwriters included Jackson,
Heatwave's Rod Temperton, Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney. All sessions took
place at Los Angeles County-based recording studios. Rhythm tracks and vocals were
recorded at Allen Zentz Recording, the horn section's contributions took place at
Westlake Audio, and string instrumentation was recorded at Cherokee Studios in West
Hollywood. Following the initial sessions, audio mixing was handled by Grammy-winning
engineer Bruce Swedien at Westlake Audio, after which the original tapes went to the
A&M Recording Studio, also located in L.A., for mastering. Swedien would later mix
the recording sessions for Jackson's next album and his most well-known work, 1982's
Thriller.Jones recalled that, at first, he found Jackson to be very introverted, shy
and non-assertive.
"She's Out of My Life" was written for Jones by Tom Bahler three years prior.
Jackson heard and enjoyed it, and Jones allowed him to use it on the record. Jones
called in Rod Temperton to write three songs. The intention was for Jackson and
Jones to select one of his songs, but Jackson, liking them all, included all of them in
the final cut. Jackson stayed up all night to learn the lyrics to these songs instead of
singing from a sheet. He finished the vocals to these three Temperton songs in two
recording sections.Temperton took a different approach to his song writing after
spending some time researching the background to Jackson's music style. Temperton
mixed his traditional harmony segments with the idea of adding shorter note melodies
to suit Jackson's aggressive style.Jackson wrote "Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough"
after humming a melody in his kitchen. After listening to hundreds of songs, Jackson
and Jones decided upon a batch to record. In hindsight, Jones believed they took a lot
of risks in the production of Off the Wall and the final choice of album tracks.
Attention was also paid to the album cover, which shows Jackson smiling, wearing a
tuxedo and trademark socks. His manager stated, "The tuxedo was the overall plan for
the Off the Wall project and package. The tuxedo was our idea, the socks were
Michael'".
•Music and vocals
When Jackson began the Off the Wall project he was not sure what he wanted as the
final result. However he did not want another record that sounded like The Jacksons.
He wanted more creative freedom, something he had not been allowed on prior albums.
Jones and Jackson jointly produced Off the Wall, whose songwriters included Jackson,
Heatwave's Rod Temperton, Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney. All sessions took
place at Los Angeles County-based recording studios. Rhythm tracks and vocals were
recorded at Allen Zentz Recording, the horn section's contributions took place at
Westlake Audio, and string instrumentation was recorded at Cherokee Studios in West
Hollywood. Following the initial sessions, audio mixing was handled by Grammy-winning
engineer Bruce Swedien at Westlake Audio, after which the original tapes went to the
A&M Recording Studio, also located in L.A., for mastering. Swedien would later mix
the recording sessions for Jackson's next album and his most well-known work, 1982's
Thriller.Jones recalled that, at first, he found Jackson to be very introverted, shy
and non-assertive.
"She's Out of My Life" was written for Jones by Tom Bahler three years prior.
Jackson heard and enjoyed it, and Jones allowed him to use it on the record. Jones
called in Rod Temperton to write three songs. The intention was for Jackson and
Jones to select one of his songs, but Jackson, liking them all, included all of them in
the final cut. Jackson stayed up all night to learn the lyrics to these songs instead of
singing from a sheet. He finished the vocals to these three Temperton songs in two
recording sections. Temperton took a different approach to his song writing after
spending some time researching the background to Jackson's music style. Temperton
mixed his traditional harmony segments with the idea of adding shorter note melodies
to suit Jackson's aggressive style. Jackson wrote "Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough"
after humming a melody in his kitchen. After listening to hundreds of songs, Jackson
and Jones decided upon a batch to record. In hindsight, Jones believed they took a lot
of risks in the production of Off the Wall and the final choice of album tracks.
Attention was also paid to the album cover, which shows Jackson smiling, wearing a
tuxedo and trademark socks. His manager stated, "The tuxedo was the overall plan for
the Off the Wall project and package. The tuxedo was our idea, the socks were
Michael'".
•Critical reception
Off the Wall was hailed as a major breakthrough for Jackson, while receiving critical
recognition, along with praises, from major music publications. In a 1979 review of the
album, Rolling Stone magazine contributor Stephen Holden praised Jackson's maturity
and transition from his early Motown material, while calling the album a "slick,
sophisticated R&B-pop showcase with a definite disco slant". Holden went on to
compare Jackson to Stevie Wonder, another Motown performer who began recording at
a young age and gained critical acclaim for his transition.
Music critic Robert Christgau gave the album a positive (A−) grade believing that Off
the Wall was "the dance groove of the year" and the album presented Jackson as a
grown up.In a review for Melody Maker Phil McNeill expressed the opinion that in Off
the Wall Jackson sounded comfortable, confident and in control. He believed "Don't
Stop 'til You Get Enough" had a "classy" introduction and that it was the best song on
the album. He also praised "Rock With You", describing it as "masterful". The
reviewer concurred with a colleague that Jackson was "probably the best singer in the
world right now in terms of style and technique".
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"). That year, he also won
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")
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.[28][29] In particular, Jackson was angry that he had won only a single
Grammy Award at the 1980 Grammys, a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal
Performance for "Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough". Jackson stated that "It was totally
unfair that it didn't get Record of the Year and it can never happen again".
•Release, singles and commercial reception
Writer, journalist and biographer John Randall Taraborrelli stated, "Fans and industry
peers alike were left with their mouths agape when Off the Wall was issued to the
public. Fans proclaimed that they hadn't heard him sing with such joy and abandon
since the early Jackson 5 days".
On July 28, 1979, Off the Wall's first single, "Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough", was
released. It peaked atop the Billboard Hot 100 and reached number three in the UK.
On November 3, 1979 the second single from the album, "Rock with You" was
released, again it peaked atop the Billboard Hot 100. In February, the album's title
track was released as a single and went to number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart
and became a top 10 hit in four countries. "She's out of My Life", also reaching
number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in June. Thus Off the Wall became the
first album by a solo artist to generate four US top 10 hits.
Today, Off the Wall is certified 7× Multi-Platinum in the US for shipments of seven
million units and sold over 20 million copies worldwide. The album's success lead to the
start of a 9-year partnership between Jackson and Jones, their next collaboration
would be Thriller, which is the world's best selling album of all time.
•Contemporary appeal
On October 16, 2001, a special edition reissue of Off the Wall was released by Sony
Records. The material found strong praise from critics more than 20 years after the
original release. Allmusic gave the record a five star review, praising the record's
disco-tinged funk and mainstream pop blend, along with Jackson's songwriting and
Jones' crafty production.The publication believed, "[Off the Wall] is an enormously
fresh record, one that remains vibrant and giddily exciting years after its release".
In recent years Blender gave the record a full five star review stating that it was, "A
blockbuster party LP that looked beyond funk to the future of dance music, and
beyond soul ballads to the future of heart-tuggers—in fact, beyond R&B to color-blind
pop. Hence, the forgivable Wings cover".
In 2003, the album was ranked number 68 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500
greatest albums of all time. The National Association of Recording Merchandisers
listed it at number 80 of the Definitive 200 Albums of All Time. In 2004, Nelson
George wrote of Jackson and his music, "the argument for his greatness in the
recording studio begins with his arrangements of "Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough". The
layers of percussion and the stacks of backing vocals, both artfully choreographed to
create drama and ecstasy on the dance floor, still rock parties in the 21st century".
In 2008, Off the Wall was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
•Sales
Country Certification
Shipments/sales
Australia 5× Platinum[43]
350,000[43]
Brazil Gold[44]
60,000[44]
Canada Platinum[45]
00,000[45]
France 2× Platinum[46]
400,000[46]
New Zealand 6× Platinum[46]
90,000[47]
UK Platinum[48]
300,000[48]
USA 7× Multi-Platinum[37]
7,000,000[37]
Worldwide —
20,000,000[36]
•Track listing
# Title
Writer(s)
1. "Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough"
Michael Jackson
2. "Rock with You" Rod
Temperton
Jackson
4. "Get on the Floor"
Jackson, Louis Johnson
5. "Off the Wall"
Temperton
6. "Girlfriend" Paul
McCartney
7. "She's Out of My Life" Tom
Bahler
8. "I Can't Help It" Susaye
Greene, Stevie Wondor
9. "It's the Falling in Love" (with Patti Austin) David Foster,
Carole Bayer Sager
10. "Burn This Disco Out"
Temperton
•Personnel
* Michael Boddicker – keyboards, synthesizers, programming
* Larry Carlton – guitar
* George Duke – keyboards, synthesizers, programming
* David Foster – keyboards, synthesizers, programming
* Gary Grant – trumpet, flügelhorn
* Marlo Henderson – guitar
* Jerry Hey – trumpet, flügelhorn
* Kim Hutchcroft – saxophone, flute, trumpet, flügelhorn
* Michael Jackson – lead vocals, background vocals, producer
* Louis Johnson – bass guitar
* Quincy Jones – producer
* Greg Phillinganes – keyboards, synthesizers, programming
* Steve Porcaro – keyboards, synthesizers, programming
* William Reichenbach – trombone
* John Robinson – drums
* Bruce Swedien – recording engineer
* Phil Upchurch – guitar
* Bobby Watson – bass guitar
* Wah Wah Watson – guitar
* David Williams – guitar
* Larry Williams – saxophone, flute
Horn and string arrangements by Jerry Hey and performed by The Seawind Horns,
Ben Wright, Johnny Mandel.
THRILLER
Thriller is the sixth studio album by American recording artist Michael Jackson. The
album was released on November 30, 1982 by Epic Records as the follow-up to
Jackson's critically and commercially successful 1979 album Off the Wall. Thriller
explores similar genres to those of Off the Wall, including funk, disco, soul, soft
rock, R&B, and pop. Thriller's lyrics deal with themes including paranoia and the
supernatural.
With a production budget of $750,000, recording sessions took place between April
and November 1982 at Westlake Recording Studios in Los Angeles, California.[9]
Assisted by producer Quincy Jones, Jackson wrote four of Thriller's nine tracks.
Following the release of the album's first single "The Girl Is Mine", some observers
assumed Thriller would only be a minor hit record. With the release of the second
single "Billie Jean", the album topped the charts in many countries. At its peak, the
album was selling a million copies a week worldwide. In just over a year, Thriller
became—and currently remains—the best-selling album of all time. Sales are estimated
to be over 110 million copies sold worldwide.[ Seven of the album's nine songs were
released as singles, and all reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album
won a record-breaking eight Grammy Awards at the 1984 Grammys.
Thriller cemented Jackson's status as one of the predominant pop stars of the late
20th century, and enabled him to break down racial barriers via his appearances on
MTV and meetings with President Ronald Reagan at the White House. The album was
one of the first to use music videos as successful promotional tools—the videos for
"Thriller", "Billie Jean" and "Beat It" all received regular rotation on MTV. In 2001, a
special edition issue of the album was released, which contains additional audio
interviews, a demo recording and the song "Someone In the Dark", which was a
Grammy-winning track from the E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial storybook.In 2008, the
album was reissued again as Thriller 25, containing re-mixes that feature
contemporary artists, a previously unreleased song and a DVD.
Thriller ranked number 20 on Rolling Stone magazine's 500 Greatest Albums of All
Time list in 2003, and was listed by the National Association of Recording
Merchandisers at number three in its Definitive 200 Albums of All Time. Thriller was
preserved by the Library of Congress to the National Recording Registry, as it was
deemed "culturally significant".
Contents
•Background
Jackson's previous album Off the Wall (1979) was a critical success and received
generally favorable reviews. It was also a commercial success, eventually selling over
20 million copies worldwide.
The years between Off the Wall and Thriller were a transitional period for the singer,
a time of increasing independence and struggles with his family. In 1973, Jackson's
father Joseph began a secret affair with a woman 20 years younger than he; the
couple had a child in secret. In 1980, Joseph told his family of the affair and child.
Michael, already angry with his father over his childhood abuse, felt so betrayed that
he fell out with Joseph for many years.The period saw the singer become deeply
unhappy; Jackson explained, "Even at home, I'm lonely. I sit in my room sometimes
and cry. It's so hard to make friends ... I sometimes walk around the neighborhood
at night, just hoping to find someone to talk to. But I just end up coming home."
When Jackson turned 21 in August 1979, he fired Joseph as his manager and replaced
him with John Branca.
Jackson confided in Branca that he wanted to be "the biggest star in show business"
and "the wealthiest". The singer was upset about what he perceived to be the under-
performance of Off the Wall, stating, "It was totally unfair that it didn't get Record
of the Year and it can never happen again." He also felt undervalued by the music
industry; in 1980 when Jackson asked the publicist of Rolling Stone if they would be
interested in doing a cover story on him, the publicist declined, to which Jackson
responded, "I've been told over and over that black people on the cover of magazines
doesn't sell copies ... Just wait. Someday those magazines are going to be begging me
for an interview. Maybe I'll give them one. And maybe I won't.
• Recording
Jackson reunited with Off the Wall producer Quincy Jones to record his sixth studio
album. The pair worked together on 300 songs, nine of which were eventually included.
Thriller was recorded between April and November 1982, with a production budget of
$750,000. Several members of the band Toto were also involved in the album's
recording and production. Jackson wrote four songs for the record: "Wanna Be
Startin' Somethin'", "The Girl Is Mine" (with Paul McCartney), "Beat It" and "Billie
Jean".Unlike many artists, Jackson did not write these songs on paper. Instead, he
would dictate into a sound recorder; when recording he would sing from memory.
The relationship between Jackson and Jones became strained during the album's
recording. Jackson spent much of his time rehearsing dance steps alone. When the
album's nine songs were completed, both Jones and Jackson were unhappy with the
result and remixed every song, spending a week on each. Jones believed that "Billie
Jean" was not strong enough to be included on the record, but Jackson disagreed and
kept it. Jones told Jackson that Thriller would be unlikely to sell successfully like Off
the Wall had, because the market had since weakened. In response, Jackson
threatened to cancel the album's release.
Jackson was inspired to create an album where "every song was a killer," as with
Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker, and developed Thriller on that concept.Jones and
songwriter Rod Temperton gave detailed accounts of what occurred for the 2001
reissue of the album. Jones discussed "Billie Jean" and why it was so personal to
Jackson, who struggled to deal with a number of obsessed fans. Jones wanted the long
introduction on the song to be shortened; however, Jackson insisted that it remain
because it made him want to dance. The ongoing backlash against disco made it
necessary to move in a different musical direction from the disco-heavy Off the Wall.
Jones and Jackson were determined to make a rock song that would appeal to all
tastes and spent weeks looking for a suitable guitarist for the song "Beat It", a song
Jackson wrote and played drums on. Eventually, they found Eddie Van Halen of the
rock band Van Halen.
When Rod Temperton wrote the song "Thriller", he originally wanted to call it
"Starlight" or "Midnight Man" but settled on "Thriller" because he felt the name had
merchandising potential. Always wanting a notable person to recite the closing lyrics,
Temperton brought in actor Vincent Price, who completed his part in just two takes.
Temperton wrote the spoken portion in a taxi on the way to the recording studio.
Jones and Temperton said that some recordings were left off the final cut because
they did not have the "edginess" of other album tracks.
•music
According to Steve Huey of Allmusic, Thriller refined the strengths of Jackson's
previous album Off the Wall; the dance and rock tracks were more aggressive, while
the pop tunes and ballads were softer and more soulful. Notable tracks include 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)". "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" was written a
few years prior to 1982 and has a similar sound to the material on Off The Wall. The
song is accompanied by a bass and percussion background and the song's centerpiece, a
climaxing Swahili chant, gave the song an international flavor. "The Girl Is Mine" tells
of two friends' fight over a woman, arguing over who loves her more and concludes
with a spoken rap.
Despite the light pop flavor of these two records, Thriller, more so than Off the
Wall, displayed foreshadowings of the contradictory thematic elements that would
come to characterize Jackson's later work. With Thriller, Jackson would begin his
association with the subliminal theme of paranoia and darker imagery. This is evident
on the songs "Billie Jean", "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" and "Thriller". In "Billie
Jean", Jackson sings about an obsessive fan who alleges he has fathered a child of
hers; in "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" he argues against gossips and the media. In
the former song, Jones had Jackson sing vocal overdubs through a six-foot-long
cardboard tube, and brought in jazz saxophonist Tom Scott to play a rare instrument,
the lyricon, a wind-controlled analog synthesizer. Bassist Louis Johnson ran through his
part on a Yamaha bass guitar. The song opens with a long bass-and-drums
introduction. In the song "Thriller", sound effects such as creaking door, thunder,
feet walking on wooden planks, winds and howling dogs can be heard.
The anti-gang-violence "Beat It" became a homage to West Side Story, and was
Jackson's first successful rock cross-over piece. Jackson later said of "Beat It", "the
point is no one has to be the tough guy, you can walk away from a fight and still be a
man. You don't have to die to prove you're a man". "Human Nature" is moody and
introspective, as conveyed in lyrics such as, "Looking out, across the morning, the
City's heart begins to beat, reaching out, I touch her shoulder, I'm dreaming of the
street".
By the late 1970s, Jackson's abilities as a vocalist were well regarded; Allmusic
described him as a "blindingly giftedvocalist".
Rolling Stone compared his vocals to the "breathless, dreamy stutter" of Stevie
Wonder. Their analysis was also that "Jackson's feathery-timbred tenor is
extraordinary beautiful. It slides smoothly into a startling falsetto that's used very
daringly".With the release of Thriller, Jackson could sing low—down to a basso low C—
but he preferred to sing higher because pop tenors have more range to create style.
Rolling Stone were of the opinion that Jackson was now singing in a "fully adult voice"
that was "tinged by sadness". "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)", credited to James
Ingram and Quincy Jones, and "Lady in My Life" by Rod Temperton, both gave the
album a stronger R&B direction; the latter song was described as "the closest Jackson
has come to crooning a sexy, soulful ballad after his Motown years" by Taraborrelli.
The singer had already adopted a "vocal hiccup" which he continued to implement in
Thriller. 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.
•Release and reception
Thriller was released on November 30, 1982, and sold one million copies worldwide per
week at its peak. Seven singles were released from the album, including "The Girl Is
Mine"—which was seen as a poor choice for the lead release and led some to believe
that the album would be a disappointment, and to suggestions that Jackson was bowing
to a white audience. "The Girl Is Mine" was followed by the hit single "Billie Jean",
which made Thriller a chart-topper.Success continued with the single "Beat It", which
featured guitarists Eddie Van Halen and Steve Lukather.The title track "Thriller" was
released as a single and also became a hit internationally.
Thriller was mostly well received by critics. A four-star Rolling Stone review by
Christopher Connelly described it as "a zesty LP" with a "harrowing, dark message".
Despite the positive response, the title track came under strong criticism. Rolling
Stone expressed a negative sentiment, criticizing its "degenerat[ion] into silly camp".
The magazine expressed confusion at the use of Vincent Price over Count Floyd for the
track's concluding rap. The New York Times gave a positive review of the album, and
dedicated a large amount of its coverage to the song "Human Nature". They described
it as the most "striking" song on the record, and wrote, "this is a haunting, brooding
ballad by Steve Porcaro and John Bettis with an irresistible chorus and it should be an
enormous hit". Concluding their review The New York Times added; "there are other
hits here, too, lots of them. Best of all, with a pervasive confidence infusing the
album as a whole, Thriller suggests that Mr. Jackson's evolution as an artist is far
from finished".
Robert Christgau published a positive (A−) graded overview of the album a few days
before its release. He acknowledged that there were "fillers" on the record but still
labeled it "almost classic". He expressed the opinion that "Beat It" was the album's
best track, calling it "the triumph and the thriller", but criticized "The Girl Is Mine"
as "Michael's worst idea since 'Ben'". He was of the opinion that the collaboration did
not work well, but still praised it for "getting interracial love on the radio". A year
after the album's release, Time summed up the three main singles from the album,
saying, "The pulse of America and much of the rest of the world moves irregularly,
beating in time to the tough strut of "Billie Jean", the asphalt aria of "Beat It", the
supremely cool chills of "Thriller". Conversely, in a Melody Maker review, Paolo Hewitt
stated "[t]his is not a good LP"; in his opinion there were only "two songs worthy of
mention". "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" was praised as an "exciting", "uptempo
electro-funk song", as was "Billie Jean". Hewitt's stance was that as a whole, the
album could only be described as "bland", particularly the closing tracks. He summed
up: "Jackson seems to have lost his talent for turning gross into gold".
The album won Jackson a record-breaking seven Grammy Awards in 1984, including
Album of the Year. The eighth Grammy went to Bruce Swedien.That same year,
Jackson won eight American Music Awards, the Special Award of Merit and three MTV
Video Music Awards. was recognized as the world's best-selling album on February 7,
1984, when it was inducted into the Guinness Book of World Records. It is one of only
three albums to remain in the top ten of the Billboard 200 for a full year, and spent
37 weeks at number one out of the 80 consecutive weeks it was in the top ten. The
album was also the first of three to have seven Billboard Hot 100 top ten singles, and
was the only album to be the best-seller of two years (1983–1984) in the US.
On March 6, 2009 Thriller was certified 28x Platinum by the Recording Industry
Association of America, for shipments of at least 28 million copies in the US giving it
Double Diamond Award status there. The album topped the charts in many countries,
sold 3.7 million copies in the UK, 2.5 million in Japan and went 14x Platinum in
Australia. Still popular today, Thriller sells an estimated 130,000 copies in the US per
year; it reached number two in the US Catalog charts in February 2003 and number
39 in the UK in March 2007.The album is cited as having sold between 47 and 110
million copies worldwide; the Guinness Book of World Records lists Thriller as having
sold 65 million copies as of 2007.
•Music industry
Blender described Jackson as the "late twentieth century pre-eminent pop icon", while
The New York Times gave the opinion that he was a "musical phenomenon", and that
"in the world of pop music, there is Michael Jackson and there is everybody
else".Jackson changed the way the industry functioned: both as an artistic persona,
and as a financial, profitable entity. His attorney John Branca observed that Jackson
achieved the highest royalty rate in the music industry to that point: approximately $2
for each album sold. As a result, Jackson earned record-breaking profits from
compact disc sales, and from the sale of copies of the documentary, The Making of
Michael Jackson's Thriller, produced by Jackson and John Landis. Funded by MTV,
the film sold over 350,000 copies in its first few months. In a market then driven by
singles, Thriller raised the significance of albums, yet its multiple hit singles changed
perceived notions as to the number of successful singles that could be taken from an
individual album. The era saw the arrival of novelties like the Michael Jackson doll,
that appeared in stores in May 1984 at a price of $12. Thriller retains a position in
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".
At the time of the album's release, a press statement from Gil Friesen, the then
President of A&M Records, read that, "The whole industry has a stake in this
success". Time magazine speculated 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".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".
•Music videos and racial equality
Before the success of Thriller, many felt Jackson had struggled to get MTV airing
because he was black. In an effort to attain air time for Jackson, CBS Records
President Walter Yetnikoff pressured MTV and declared, "I'm not going to give you
any more videos and I'm going to go public and fucking tell them about the fact you
don't want to play music by a black guy". His position persuaded MTV to begin airing
"Billie Jean" and later "Beat It", which led to a long partnership and later helped
other black music artists to gain mainstream recognition. MTV deny claims of racism in
their broadcasting. The popularity of his videos, such as "Beat It" and "Billie Jean",
helped to place the young channel "on the map", and MTV's focus shifted in favor of
pop and R&B.
Jackson in the revolutionary Thriller video
Jackson transformed the medium of music video into an art form and promotional tool
through the use of complex story lines, dance routines, special effects and cameo
appearances by well known personalities. When the 14-minute-long Thriller video aired,
MTV ran it twice an hour to meet demand. The short film marked an increase in scale
for music videos and has been routinely named the best music video ever. The
popularity of the video sent the album back to number one in the album chart, but
Jackson's label did not support the release of the third music video from the album.
They were already pleased with its success, so Jackson convinced MTV to fund the
project.Author, music critic and journalist Nelson George wrote in 2004, "It's difficult
to hear the songs from Thriller and disengage them from the videos. For most of us
the images define the songs. In fact it could be argued that Michael is the first artist
of the MTV age to have an entire album so intimately connected in the public
imagination with its imagery".Short films like Thriller largely remained unique to
Jackson, while the group dance sequence in "Beat It" has been frequently imitated.
The choreography in Thriller has become a part of global pop culture, replicated
everywhere from Bollywood to prisons in the Philippines.
For a black artist in the 1980s to that point, Jackson's success was unprecedented.
According to The Washington Post, Thriller paved the way for other African-American
artists such as Prince. "The Girl Is Mine" was credited for getting interracial love on
the radio. Time noted, "Jackson is the biggest thing since The Beatles. He is the
hottest single phenomenon since Elvis Presley. He just may be the most popular black
singer ever".
• Contemporary appeal
A Michael Jackson celebrity impersonator for the 25th anniversary of the album
Thriller at the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival with performers from Step It Up and
Dance.
Today, the album is still viewed in a positive light by critics some two decades later.
Stephen Thomas Erlewine of Allmusic gave the album the maximum five stars, and
wrote that the record had something to interest everyone. He believed it showcased
harder funk and hard rock while remaining "undeniably fun". He went on to compliment
"Billie Jean" and "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" and said, "The record's two best
songs: 'Billie Jean, ...and the delirious 'Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'', the freshest
funk on the album [but] the most claustrophobic, scariest track Jackson ever
recorded." Erlewine gave the opinion that it was an improvement on the artist's
previous album, although Allmusic was critical of the title track, describing it as
"ridiculous" and as having the effect of "arriving in the middle of the record and
sucking out its momentum". Slant Magazine gave the album five stars and, like the
Allmusic review and the original Rolling Stone review, paid compliment to the lyrics of
"Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'".
The author Nelson George wrote that Jackson "has educated R. Kelly, Usher, Justin
Timberlake and countless others with Thriller as a textbook". As a sign of the album's
longevity, in 2003 Thriller was ranked at number 20 on the Rolling Stone 500 Greatest
Albums of All Time list, and was listed by the National Association of Recording
Merchandisers at number three of the Definitive 200 Albums of All Time. In 2008, 25
years after its release, the record was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and, a
few weeks later, was among 25 recordings preserved by the Library of Congress to the
National Recording Registry as "culturally significant".In 2009, music critics for MTV
Base and VH1 both listed Thriller as the best album released since 1981.Thriller,
along with other critic favorites were then polled by the public. 40,000 people found
Thriller to be the Best Album of all time by MTV Generation, gaining a third of all
votes.
• Reissues and catalog sales
Thriller was reissued in 2001 in an expanded set titled Thriller: Special Edition. The
original tracks were remastered, and the album included a new booklet and bonus
material, including the songs "Someone In the Dark", "Carousel", and Jackson's original
"Billie Jean" demo, as well as audio interviews with Jones and Temperton discussing the
recording of the album. Sony also hired sound engineer and mixer Mick Guzauski to
work with Jackson on creating 5.1-channel surround sound mixes of Thriller, as well as
all his other albums, for release on the then-new Super Audio CD format. Despite
numerous retries, the artist never approved any of the mixes. Consequently, Thriller
was issued on SACD with the stereo mix only.
In February 2008, Epic Records released Thriller 25; Jackson served as executive
producer. Thriller 25 appeared on CD, USB and vinyl with seven bonus tracks, a new
song called "For All Time", Vincent Price's voice-over, and five re-mixes featuring
American artists Fergie, will.i.am, Kanye West, and Akon. It also included a DVD
featuring three music videos, the Motown 25 "Billie Jean" performance, and a booklet
with a message from Jackson. The ballad "For All Time" supposedly dates from 1982,
but is often credited as being from Dangerous sessions. Two singles were released
from the reissue: "The Girl Is Mine 2008" and "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' 2008".
Thriller 25 was a commercial success and did particularly well as a reissue. It peaked
at number one in eight countries and Europe. It peaked at number two in the US,
number three in the UK and reached the top 10 in over 30 national charts. It was
certified Gold in 11 countries including the UK, received a 2x Gold certification in
France and received platinum certification in Poland. In the United States, Thriller 25
was the second best-selling album of its release week, selling one hundred and sixty
six thousand copies, just fourteen thousand short of reaching the number one position.
It was ineligible for the Billboard 200 chart as a re-release but entered the Pop
Catalog Charts at number one (where it stayed for ten non-consecutive weeks), with
the best sales on that chart since December, 1996. With the arrival of Halloween
that November, Thriller 25 spent an eleventh non-consecutive week atop the US
catalog chart. This brought US sales of the album to 688,000 copies, making it the
best selling catalog album of 2008.This was Jackson's best launch since Invincible in
2001, selling three million copies worldwide in 12 weeks.
After Jackson's death in June 2009, Thriller set additional records. It sold more than
100,000 copies, placing it at number two on the Top Pop Catalog Albums chart. Songs
from Thriller also helped Jackson become the first artist to sell more than one million
song downloads in a week.
•Track listing
All songs written and composed by Michael Jackson, except where noted.
# Title
2. "Baby Be Mine" (Rod Temperton)
3. "The Girl Is Mine" (with Paul McCartney)
4. "Thriller" (Temperton)
5. "Beat It"
6. "Billie Jean"
7. "Human Nature" (John Bettis, Steve Porcaro)
8. "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)" (James Ingram, Quincy Jones)
9. "The Lady in My Life" (Temperton)
•Personnel
* Brian Barns – keyboards, synthesizers, programming

* Michael Boddicker – keyboards, synthesizers
* N'dugu Chancler – drums
* Paulinho da Costa – percussion
* David Foster – keyboards, synthesizers
* Gary Grant – trumpet and flügelhorn
* Eddie Van Halen – guitar ("Beat It")
* Jerry Hey – trumpet and flügelhorn
* Michael Jackson – co-producer, lead and backup vocals, drums
* Paul Jackson – guitar
* Louis Johnson – bass guitar
* Quincy Jones – producer
* Steve Lukather – guitar, bass guitar
* Anthony Marinelli – synthesizer programming
* Paul McCartney – vocals ("The Girl Is Mine")

* David Paich – keyboards, synthesizers, programming
* Dean Parks – guitar
* Greg Phillinganes – keyboards, synthesizers, programming
* Jeff Porcaro – drums, horn and string arrangements
* Steve Porcaro – keyboards, synthesizers, programming
* Vincent Price - voice-over ("Thriller")
* Bill Reichenbach – trombone
* Bruce Swedien – recording engineer, mixer
* Rod Temperton – keyboards, synthesizers
* David Williams – guitar
* Larry Williams – saxophone and flute
* Bill Wolfer – keyboards, synthesizers
* LaToya Jackson - background vocals ("PYT")
* Janet Jackson - background vocals ("PYT")
BAD
Bad is the seventh studio album by American recording artist Michael Jackson. It was
released on August 31, 1987 by Epic/CBS Records, nearly five years after his
previous studio album, Thriller, which went on to become the world's best-selling album
ever. Bad itself went on to sell over 32 million copies worldwide, and shipped eight
million units in the United States alone. It is the first, and currently only, album ever
to feature five Billboard Hot 100 #1 singles.
This album saw Jackson have even more freedom over his album than he did with the
two previous albums, Off the Wall and the world's best selling album of all time,
Thriller, as he wrote and composed 9 of the album's 11 tracks, and co-wrote and
produce another; "Man in the Mirror". The album, which saw the squeaky-clean pop
idol adopt a street-tough image, continued Jackson's commercial success in the late
'80s and won two Grammys, one for Best Music Video - Short Form for Leave Me
Alone, and one for Best Engineered Album - Non Classical. Bad was ranked number 43
in the 100 Greatest Albums of All Time of the MTV Generation in 2009 by VH1. It
was ranked number 202 in Rolling Stone magazine's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
• Recording
Jackson began recording demos for the anticipated follow-up to Thriller he would
spend hours in the studio a few months after the 1984 Victory Tour with The
Jacksons. Recording took place between January 5, 1987 and July 9, 1987 (except for
"Another Part of Me" which was recorded for Captain EO in 1986). Jackson wrote a
reported sixty songs for the new album and recorded thirty, wanting to use them all
on a three-disc set. Longtime producer Quincy Jones cut these down to a ten-track
single LP. When the album was released on CD, a bonus 11th track, "Leave Me Alone"
was included. It was later released as a single.
Jackson wrote nine of the eleven tracks himself. Terry Britten (writer of Tina
Turner's "What's Love Got to Do With It") and Graham Lyle wrote "Just Good
Friends". Siedah Garrett and Glen Ballard wrote "Man in the Mirror". Stevie Wonder
sings co-lead vocal on "Just Good Friends", and Steve Stevens contributes the guitar
solo for "Dirty Diana".
However, while recording the tracks for Bad, there was some debate between Jackson
and Jones on which songs would be put on the album. For example, they both had a
hard time deciding on either "Streetwalker" or "Another Part of Me" (which was
recorded for Captain EO in 1986) to be put on the album. Jackson wanted
"Streetwalker", whereas Jones wanted "Another Part of Me". Ultimately, it was
decided by Jackson's manager Frank Dileo. According to Quincy Jones from "Bad:
Special Edition", there was a meeting among the three. In the meeting, Jackson
played "Streetwalker" first, and Dileo was not impressed. But Dileo started to dance
when "Another Part of Me" came on. This is what eventually put "Another Part of Me"
onto the album.
"Bad" was originally intended as a duet between Jackson and Prince. A rivalry had
developed between the two over the years, and Jackson's plan was to leak stories to
the media about rising tensions between himself and Prince, culminating in the release
of the song. Prince turned down the project, explaining to Jones that the song "would
be a hit without (him) on it".
"I Just Can't Stop Loving You" was supposed to feature a famous female singer.
Reportedly Barbra Streisand, Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston all were busy and
their schedules wouldn't allow them to complete the song in time for its release. So
Jones chose R&B singer-songwriter Siedah Garrett.
•Reception
By the time Jackson released this album, sales of its predecessor, Thriller, had
already reached forty million, raising expectations for Bad. Bad became the first of
Jackson's albums to debut at number one on the Billboard 200 where it remained for
the next six consecutive weeks. The RIAA certified Bad for having sold eight million
copies in the U.S. alone.[8] In the U.K, the album sold 500,000 copies in just five
days and is currently certified 13x platinum, for sales of 3.9 million, making it
Jackson's biggest-selling album in the UK. Globally, it is Jackson's overall third best-
selling recording, behind Thriller and Dangerous, with 30 million copies sold.
Jackson set another record with this album, becoming the first, and currently only,
artist to have five songs to hit number one from one album. In July 2006, it was
announced by the The Official UK Charts Company that Bad was the ninth biggest
selling album in British history. It turned out to be the last collaborative effort by
Jackson and Jones, as Jackson moved on to write and produce more of his own
records, particularly with Teddy Riley, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and Rodney
Jerkins.
Rolling Stone stated that "even without a milestone recording like "Billie Jean", Bad is
still a better record than Thriller."The magazine further went on to say that the
"filler" content in Bad - including songs such as "Speed Demon", "Dirty Diana" and
"Liberian Girl" - is written by Jackson himself, making Bad "richer, sexier and better
than Thriller's forgettables."
Despite the record's success, in a poll of 23,000 U.S. citizens, released by Rolling
Stone, Jackson won "worst album" for Bad and "worst single" for "Bad". TIME gave
the opinion that the singer was suffering a backlash in certain parts of the United
States. The publication suggested that the singer's media image was triggering the
poll, not the music.
In 2001, a special edition of the album was released with three new songs and a new
booklet containing lyrics and previously-unpublished photos.
In 2003, the album was ranked number 202 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the
500 greatest albums of all time.
• Marketing
Main articles: Captain EO, Moonwalker, and Bad World Tour
During the Bad period Jackson used marketing to his advantage, more so than he had
with Thriller. A year before Bad, Jackson used several tactics to get the media
interested in his short film, Captain EO, during the recording of Bad. Jackson played a
space captain in the mini-film, which was produced by George Lucas. By the time
Jackson released Bad, he produced a commemorative special on his life, "The Magic
Returns", which aired on CBS. At the end of the documentary, the channel debuted
Jackson's "Bad" short film, which featured then up-and-coming actor Wesley Snipes.
Jackson's marketing strategy, mastered by Frank DiLeo among others, also included
Jackson producing another mini-movie around the time of the Bad World Tour. That
film, Moonwalker, included performances of songs from "Bad" including "Speed Demon",
"Leave Me Alone" and "Smooth Criminal", the latter two released as sole videos at the
end of the film. Jackson also used the opportunity to write about his life up until that
point releasing 1988's Moonwalk. Jackson's tour for Bad was a major financial
success, grossing $125 million by the end of its tenure. Though Jackson furthered his
stance as a global pop superstar, in the United States he failed to match to the sales
of Thriller, causing some in the media to label Bad a "disappointment" in comparison.
•Track listing
# Title
Writer(s)
1. "Bad"
Michael Jackson
2. "The Way You Make Me Feel"
Michael Jackson
3. "Speed Demon"
Michael Jackson
4. "Liberian Girl"
Michael Jackson
5. "Just Good Friends" (duet with Stevie Wonder)
Terry Britten, Graham Lyle
6. "Another Part of Me"
Michael Jackson
7. "Man in the Mirror"
Glen Ballard, Siedah Garrett
8. "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" (duet with Siedah Garrett)
Michael Jackson
9. "Dirty Diana"
Michael Jackson
10. "Smooth Criminal"
Michael Jackson
11. "Leave Me Alone"
Michael Jackson
• Singles
1. July 1987 - "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" U.S. #1 / UK #1
2. September 1987 - "Bad" U.S. #1 / UK #3
3. November 1987 - "The Way You Make Me Feel" U.S. #1 / UK #3
4. January 1988 - "Man in the Mirror" U.S. #1 / UK #2
5. April 1988 - "Dirty Diana" U.S. #1 / UK #4
6. July 1988 - "Another Part of Me" U.S. #11 / UK #15
7. September 1988 - "Smooth Criminal" U.S. #7 / UK #8
8. January 1989 - "Leave Me Alone" UK #2
9. June 1989 - "Liberian Girl" UK #13[19]
•Chart performance
Chart (1987) Peak

position
Australia 2
Austria 1
Brazil 1
Canada 1
France 11
Germany 1
Italy 1
Japan 1
Mexico[20] 13
Netherlands 1
New Zealand 1
Norway 1
Poland (2009)[21] 4
Sweden 1
Switzerland 1
UK Albums Chart 4
U.S. Billboard 200 1
U.S. R&B/Hip-Hop Albums 1
•Certifications
Country Certification Shipments
Australia 6x Platinum 420,000 [22]
Austria 4x Platinum 80,000 [23]
Canada 7x Platinum 700,000 [24]
Germany 4x Platinum 2,000,000 [25]
Finland Gold 51,287[26]
New Zealand 9x Platinum 135,000 [27]
•U.S. sales
Period RIAA award U.S. shipments
Total
Aug 31, 1987 - Nov 9, 1987 Gold, Platinum & 3x Platinum on Nov 9 3,000,000
Nov 10, 1987 - Dec 31, 1987 4x Platinum on Dec 31, 1987 1,000,000
4,000,000
Jan 1, 1988 - Mar 21, 1988 5x Platinum on Mar 21, 1988 1,000,000
5,000,000
Mar 22, 1988 - Jun 1, 1988 6x Platinum on Jun 1, 1988 1,000,000
6,000,000
Jun 2, 1988 - Aug 25, 1993 7x Platinum on Aug 25, 1993 1,000,000
7,000,000
Aug 26, 1993 - Sep 29, 1994 8x Platinum on Sep 29, 1994 1,000,000
8,000,000
•Credits
"Bad"
* Written and composed by Michael Jackson

* Solo and background vocals: Michael Jackson
* Hammond B3 Midi organ solo: Jimmy Smith
* Synthesizer solo: Greg Phillinganes
* Drums: John Robinson
* Drum programming: Douglas Getschal
* Guitar: David Williams
* Saxophones: Kim Hutchcroft and Larry Williams
* Trumpets: Gary Grant and Jerry Hey
* Percussion: Paulinho Da Costa
* Synclavier keyboards, digital guitar and rubboard: Christopher Currell
* Synthesizers: John Barnes, Michael Boddicker and Greg Phillinganes
* Rhythm arrangement by Michael Jackson, Christopher Currell and Quincy Jones
* Horn arrangement by Jerry Hey
* Vocal arrangement by Michael Jackson
"The Way You Make Me Feel"

* Solo and background vocals and finger snaps: Michael Jackson
* Percussion: Ollie E. Brown and Paulinho Da Costa
* Synclavier and finger snaps: Christopher Currell
* Synthesizer programming: Larry Williams
* Rhythm and vocal arrangement by Michael Jackson
"Speed Demon"

* Solo and background vocals and vocal synthesizer: Michael Jackson
* Midi saxophone solo: Larry Williams
* Drums: Miko Brando, Ollie E. Brown and John Robinson
* Guitars: Bill Bottrell and David Williams
* Saxophone: Kim Hutchcroft
* Synclavier and effects: Christopher Currell
* Synthesizer programming: Eric Persing
* Sounds engineered by Ken Caillat and Tom Jones
* Rhythm arrangement by Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones
* Synthersizer and horn arrangements by Jerry Hey
"Liberian Girl"

* Drums: Miko Brando, Ollie E. Brown and John Robinson
* Synclavier and effects: Christopher Currell
* Synthesizers: John Barnes, Michael Boddicker, David Paich and Larry Williams
* Synthesizer programming: Steve Porcaro
* Swahili chant: Letta Mbulu
* Rhythm arrangement by Michael Jackson, John Barnes and Quincy Jones
* Synthesizer arrangement by Jerry Hey, John Barnes and Quincy Jones
* Vocal arrangement by Michael Jackson and John Barnes
* Swahili chant arrangement by Caiphus Semenya
"Just Good Friends"
* Written and composed by Terry Britten and Graham Lyle

* Vocal duet with Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder
* Synthesizer solo: Stevie Wonder
* Drums: Ollie E. Brown, Humberto Gatica and Bruce Swedien
* Drum programming: Cornelius Mims
* Guitar: Michael Landau
* Synclavier: Christopher Currell
* Synthesizers: Michael Boddicker, Rhett Lawrence, Greg Phillinganes and Larry
Williams
* Rhythm, synthesizer and vocal arrangements by Terry Britten, Graham Lyle and
Quincy Jones
"Another Part of Me"

* Guitars: Paul Jackson, Jr. and David Williams
* Synthesizers: Rhett Lawrence and John Barnes
* Rhythm and vocal arrangements by Michael Jackson and John Barnes
"Man in the Mirror"
* Written and composed by Siedah Garrett and Glen Ballard

* Solo and background vocals: Michael Jackson featuring Siedah Garrett, the
Winans and the Andrae Crouch Choir
* Clap: Ollie E. Brown
* Guitar: Dann Huff
* Keyboards: Stefan Stefanovic
* Synthesizers: Glen Ballard and Randy Kerber
* Background vocals: Siedah Garrett, The Winans (Carvin, Marvin, Michael and
Ronald Winans), The Andrae Crouch Choir (Sandra Crouch, Maxi Anderson, Rose Banks,
Geary Faggett, Vonciele Faggett, Andrew Gouche, Linda Green, Francine Howard, Jean
Johnson, Perry Morgan and Alfie Silas)
* Rhythm arrangements by Glen Ballard and Quincy Jones
* Synthesizer arrangement by Glen Ballard, Quincy Jones and Jerry Hey
* Vocal arrangement by Andrae Crouch
"I Just Can't Stop Loving You"

* Vocal duet with Michael Jackson and Siedah Garrett
* Bass: Nathan East
* Drums: N'dugu Chancler
* Guitar: Dann Huff
* Piano: John Barnes
* Synthesizers: David Paich and Greg Phillinganes
* Synthesizer programming: Steve Porcaro
* Rhythm arrangement by Quincy Jones
* Synthesizer arrangement by David Paich and Quincy Jones
* Vocal arrangement by Michael Jackson and John
"Dirty Diana"

* Solo and background vocals and clave' clapstick: Michael Jackson
* Guitar solo: Steve Stevens
* Guitar: Paul Jackson, Jr. and David Williams
* Synclavier synthesis: Denny Jaeger
* Synthesizers: John Barnes, Michael Boddicker and Randy Waldman
* Rhythm arrangement by Michael Jackson, John Barnes and Jerry Hey
* Synthesizer arrangement by Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones and John Barnes
* String arrangement by John Barnes
"Smooth Criminal"

* Solo and background vocals and clap: Michael Jackson
* Drums: Bill Bottrell, John Robinson and Bruce Swedien
* Guitar: David Williams
* Muted Steinway piano: Kevin Maloney
* Certain Synclavier effects by Denny Jaeger and Michael Rubini
* Synthesizers: John Barnes and Michael Boddicker
* Chief of Police announcement by Bruce Swedien
* Michael Jackson's heartbeat recording by Dr. Eric Chevlan digitally processed in
the synclavier
* Rhythm arrangement by Michael Jackson and John Barnes
"Leave Me Alone"

* Solo and background vocals and vocal synthesizer: Michael Jackson
* Drum programming and synthesizers: Larry Williams
* Guitar: Paul Jackson, Jr.
* Synclavier and synthesizer programming: Casey Young
* Synthesizer: Greg Phillinganes
* Rhythm and vocal arrangement by Michael Jackson
"Streetwalker"

* Recorded and mixed by Bill Bottrell
* All instrumentation by Bill Bottrell
* Harmonica by Jasun Martz
"Todo Mi Amor Eres Tú (I Just Can't Stop Loving You)"
* Written and composed by Michael Jackson and Rubén Blades
"Fly Away"
•Other credits
* Produced by Quincy Jones

* Co-produced by Michael Jackson
* Recorded and mixed by Bruce Swedien
* Additional engineering by Humberto Gatica
* Technical director: Craig Jonhnson
* Additional recording by Claudio Ordenes, Bill Bottrel, Matt Forger, Craig
Johnson, Gary Olazabal and Brian
Malouf
* Assistant engineers: Debbie Johnson, Claudio Ordenes, Brad Sundberg and Laura
Livingstone.
Moonwalk (book)
Moonwalk is an autobiography written by American musician Michael Jackson. The book
was first published in 1988, a year after the release of Jackson's Bad album, and
named after Jackson's signature dance move of the same name. The book was edited
by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and reached number one on the New York Times
Bestseller list.
•Origin
The title of Moonwalk was derived from Michael Jackson's signature dance move, the
moonwalk. The moonwalk presents the illusion that the dancer is stepping forward while
actually moving backward. The dance move gained widespread popularity after being
performed by Jackson on the 1983 television special Motown 25: Yesterday, Today,
Forever, and has since become the most well known dance move in the world.
The first manuscript of the book was written by Robert Hillburn, which was refused by
the publishers, Doubleday, because it lacked "juicy details". A second manuscript was
written by Stephen Davis, which Jackson drastically edited. Jackson finally decided to
write the book himself, with help from Shaye Areheart (although there were reports
that Areheart later quit after Jackson threw a snake at her). Jacqueline Kennedy
Onassis edited the book and wrote a three paragraph introduction.
Due to the public interest in Jackson, Moonwalk was published in secret. Relatives of
Doubleday employees were hired as couriers, to deliver portions of the book from the
company's head office in Manhattan to the printing plant in Fairfield, Pennsylvania. At
the printing plant, the book was given the code name "Neil Armstrong", after the first
"moonwalker".
• Narrative
Dedicated to Fred Astaire, the book discusses Jackson's show business friends,
girlfriends and his rise to fame. The book also discusses Jackson's appearance and
thoughts on plastic surgery.[4] Jackson stated that up to that point, he had two
rhinoplastic surgeries and the surgical creation of a cleft in his chin.[5] 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.
In the book, Jackson tells of the beatings he received from his father, Joseph. While
rehearsing with The Jackson 5, Jackson stated that when they messed up they "got
hit, sometimes with a belt, sometimes with a switch." The singer added that his
father was "real strict" and "something of a mystery".In September 1988, Jackson
telephoned his father to apologize for some of the material in the autobiography. He
explained that he hadn't written the book himself and that the critical content was
written by "someone else".
The singer also reveals how much he has been hurt by the press, stating, "What
happened to truth? Did it go out of style?"
• Reception
Moonwalk debuted at number one on both the British newspaper The Times's and the
Los Angeles Times's best sellers lists. Reaching number two in its first week on the
New York Times Best Seller list, Moonwalk reached number one the following week.
Within a few months of it release, Moonwalk had sold 450,000 copies in fourteen
different countries.
Ken Tucker, of The New York Times, stated that if the book had been written by
anyone else, it would be dismissed as "an assiduously unrevealing, frequently tedious
document." However, he adds that "these are precisely the qualities that make it
fascinating".
•Re-release (2009)
It has been announced that Moonwalk will be re-released on October 22, 2009 as a
result of Michael Jackson's death and will be available now to a more wider audience.
Motown founder and close friend Berry Gordy will write the introduction for the new
edition.
MOONWALKER(Movie)
Moonwalker, also known as Michael Jackson: Moonwalker, is an American film released

in 1988 by singer Michael Jackson.
Rather than featuring one continuous narrative, the film is a collection of short films
about Jackson, several of which are long-form music videos from Jackson's Bad album.
The film is named after the dance technique known as the moonwalk, which was one of
his trademark moves. The name of the dance move was dubbed by the media, not by
Jackson himself; however, he did choose the title of the film himself.
The release of Moonwalker was originally scheduled to coincide with Jackson's 1987
album, Bad. During the theatrical release of Moonwalker, Jackson was also embarking
on his first tour as a solo performer. Moonwalker was not released until January 10,
1989 on Home Video in the United States and Canada, just as Michael Jackson's Bad
World Tour finished. His tour was supposed to finish sooner, but postponed due to
some vocal strain, so it went on until the last week of January 1989. The film was
released theatrically in Europe and South America, but Warner Brothers canceled
plans for a theatrical release in the U.S. for Christmas 1988. The video sold more
than 800,000 copies in the U.S by April 17, 1989.
Plot
The film consists of a collage of short stories, concert footage and music videos
rather than being one continuous storyline. Each of the segments is described in the
separate sub-sections below.
• Man in the Mirror
A live performance of Jackson's song "Man in the Mirror" acts as the opening music to
the film. This short segment features a montage of clips of children from Africa as
well as Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., John Lennon, and other historical
figures.
•Retrospective
A short biographical film about Jackson, covering the early years from the Jackson 5
until the Bad tour. Excerpts of the following songs are played:
* "Music and Me"

* "I Want You Back"
* "ABC"
* "The Love You Save"
* "2-4-6-8"
* "Who's Lovin' You"
* "Ben"
* "Dancing Machine"
* "Blame It on the Boogie"
* "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)"
* "Rock with You"
* "Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough"
* "Can You Feel It"
* "Human Nature"
* "Beat It"
* "Thriller"
* "Billie Jean"
* "State of Shock"
* "We Are the World"
* "The Way You Make Me Feel"
* "Dirty Diana"
• Badder
A parody of the music video for Bad's title song, featuring children filling the roles of
various people from the original clip.
The video stars Brandon Quintin Adams of Mighty Ducks as the young Michael
Jackson. It also featured Jermaine Jackson, Jr. and a young Nikki Cox, who later
starred in Unhappily Ever After and Las Vegas. The singing group The Boys appeared
as background dancers. Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog co-writer Maurissa Tancharoen,
future R&B star Bilal Oliver.
• Speed Demon
The "Badder" clip transitions into a second short film, referred to as "Speed Demon" ,
directed by Claymation innovator Will Vinton. A portion of this clip is set to the track
Speed Demon. In the film, Michael, in an attempt to avoid overzealous fans (even The
Noid), disguises himself as a rabbit (named Spike), but ends up taunting the fans into
chasing him. During the chase, he morphs into other celebrities, namely Sylvester
Stallone, Tina Turner and Pee-Wee Herman. After finally losing the fans, he removes
the costume, which comes to life and challenges him to a dance-off.
In the end, a traffic cop tells him he is in a "No Dancing Zone", and when Michael
turns to point to Spike, the rabbit has disappeared. The cop then sarcastically asks
for Michaels autograph (as opposed to "signature") on the ticket. The irony intended is
that the fans that pursued him all wanted his autograph. Just as Michael is preparing
to leave, Spike's head materialises in a nearby rocky crag. Spike then nods to him and
the clip ends.
Producer Quincy Jones has stated Michael wrote this song after recieving a speeding
ticket which made him late for a recording session. After telling Quincy about it, he
told him to write how he felt about it.
• Leave Me Alone
The fifth segment of the film is the short film for the song "Leave Me Alone", and
features an animated music video focusing on media interest in Jackson's personal life,
because he had felt that the tabloid, media, press, paparazzi, etc. wouldn't leave him
alone. He felt that no matter what he did to prove his innocence, they would never
leave him alone. The video for the song won a Grammy in 1989 for Breakthrough,
animated video, the only Grammy Award received for the album, Bad.
•Smooth Criminal
The segment begins with three homeless children (Sean, Katie and Zeke) sneaking
through a big city to see their friend Michael walk out of his apartment. As Michael
stands in front of the door, he notices a falling star before he is attacked by
mobsters with machine guns. The film then backtracks to show Michael and the
children playing in a meadow in happier times. Their dog Skipper runs away, and as
Michael and Katie look for him they uncover the lair of Mr. Big (Joe Pesci). Mr. Big,
whose real name Frankie Lideo is an anagram of Frank DiLeo, is a drug-dealing
mobster with an army of henchmen. He wants to get the entire population of Earth
addicted to drugs, starting with children. He likes to eat monkey nuts and leaves
nutshells wherever he goes. He is obsessed with spiders, as displayed by their
abundance at the entrance to his lair. He also has them engulfing a model globe when
making a speech about his burgeoning drug empire. They signify the spread of his
proposed control of the world via drug dealing. Further, all his henchmen sport a
spider crest on their uniforms. Mr. Big discovers Michael and Katie are spying on his
operation.
The story returns to the shooting in front of Michael's apartment. Unknown to the
gangsters, Michael wished on the falling star and escaped the gunfire, leaving only his
jacket. Upon realising he has escaped again, Mr. Big orders his henchmen to track
down Michael with dogs. He is eventually cornered in an alley, where he wishes on
another falling star and turns into a Lancia Stratos sportscar that mows down several
of Mr. Big's henchmen. Michael is pursued through the city streets until he loses the
henchmen. Meanwhile, the children scout out Club 30's, where Michael had told them
to meet him, and find only an abandoned and haunted nightclub. As Michael arrives,
Katie sees a silhouette of him turning back from a car into himself. The door of the
club opens with a gust of wind, and Michael walks in to find it filled with zoot suiters
and swing dancers. The children gather outside a window of the club and watch
Michael dance to "Smooth Criminal."
The song used in the film is much longer than the album release, with several lyrics
that clarify the story. There is also an interlude where Jackson joins the other
dancers in a modern interpretive dance. At the climax of the song, Mr. Big lays siege
to the club and kidnaps Katie. Michael follows them back to Big's lair and ends up
surrounded by his henchmen. Mr. Big appears and taunts Michael by threatening to
inject Katie with highly addictive narcotics. While Katie manages to wriggle free, Mr.
Big decides he's had enough and orders his men to kill Katie before finishing off
Michael, but not before a falling star flies by. Michael transforms into a giant robot
and kills all of Mr. Big's soldiers, then turns into a spaceship. Mr. Big gets into a
large hillside mounted energy cannon, firing on the spaceship into a nearby ravine. The
children are his next target, but the spaceship returns from the ravine just in time to
fire a beam in the cannon with Mr. Big inside. The children watch the ship fly into the
night sky with shower of light.
The children return to the city, believing that Michael is gone forever. As the boys
talk about Michael, Katie walks away crying and clutching a paper star. As she sits in
a corner wishing for him to come back, the paper star flies out of her hand and
Michael walks out of the night fog. He takes them to Club 30's, where they find that
the club has turned into the backstage area of a concert. Michael meets with his
stage crew, who return the children's missing dog, then walks onstage.
• Come Together
The film closes with Jackson performing a cover of the Beatles' song "Come
Together." One of the child actors in this movie is Sean Lennon, son of John Lennon.
Released as the B-Side to "Remember the Time" in January 1992 and a slightly
different version appeared on the 1995 release of the HIStory album, on disc 2.
[edit] Closing credits
During the closing credits, two more segments are shown. The first has Ladysmith
Black Mambazo performing "The Moon is Walking" in Club 30's amidst behind-the-
scenes clips. The second is the four-minute version of the "Smooth Criminal" music
video.
• Cast
* Michael Jackson - Himself

* Joe Pesci - Frankie Lideo ("Mr. Big")
* Sean Lennon - Sean
* Kellie Parker - Katie
* Brandon Quintin Adams - Young Michael/Zeke
•Reception
Variety reported, Moonwalker seems unsure of what it was supposed to be. At the
center of the pic is the Smooth Criminal segment, a musical/dramatic piece full of
dancing, schmaltzy kids, sci-fi effects and blazing machine guns [directed by Colin
Chilvers, based on a story by Jackson]. Around it are really just numerous Jackson
music videos with little or no linkage. Although quite enjoyable the whole affair does
not make for a structured or professional movie.
• Current availability
Throughout the 1990s, VH1 often featured Moonwalker in their Michael Jackson
marathons, but have ceased since the last marathon in 2001.
The movie is available on VHS from Sony. In April 2005, Moonwalker was released on
DVD by Warner Home Video (Europe only, in Region 2). The DVD was also released in
2006 in a NTSC Region 3 code in South Korea. It has also been released on DVD in a
Region 4 code in Australia and an NTSC transfer is available on the Warner Brothers
Japanese R2 DVD. Recently released again in South Korea as Warners Product
#WK00817 as NTSC Region 3 which plays on North American NTSC Region 1 players.
The film has also been released on VCD and Laserdisc.
After Michael Jackson's death, the Region 2 version of Moonwalker went to No. 3 on
Play.com's DVD chart and the available copies were sold out.
Although bootleg transfers can be found on at many video specialty stores, online
auction and shopping sites, there are no known plans for an official region 1 release.
Early August 2009 Warner Mexico released the DVD region 4
•Video game
Main article: Michael Jackson's Moonwalker

Screenshot of Michael Jackson's Moonwalker arcade game
Moonwalker was developed into an arcade video game by Sega with the help of
Jackson, which was released on the Sega System 18 hardware. Home versions of the
game were released for Sega's Genesis/Mega Drive and Master System home video
game systems, though the gameplay was completely different on home computers such
as the Commodore 64 and Amstrad CPC, which was a more puzzle based video game,
with the view looking down on Michael. The console versions of the game were actually
based on an evolved version of the side-scrolling Sega Mega Drive Shinobi series
engine, while the arcade version was a three-quarters view shooter/fighter type game.
The games involved the player controlling the pop star in a quest to save children (the
console version features only "Katie", while the arcade version includes all three
chidren) that had been kidnapped by an evil gangster.
In the three player simultaneous arcade game, contact with Bubbles, Michael's chimp,
transformed him into a robot warrior, replacing Michael's "star magic" and melee
dance attacks with missiles and laser beams. In the one or two player (taking turns)
console versions on certain levels rescuing a certain child first, would trigger a comet
to fall from the sky that could be grabbed transforming Michael into the robot (which
could fly with a rocket pack as well as use lasers and a missile special attack). Michael
automatically changes into a robot for the final showdown with Mr. Big's henchmen and
finally into a space ship for the last battle, in a sort of flight-sim shooter in the
Genesis/Mega Drive version. All incarnations of the game featured the ability of
Michael to use some form of "Dance Magic" which would force his enemies to dance to
the music of various tunes from "Bad" or "Thriller" and be destroyed as a result.
•Certification
Country Certification Sales

Canada Gold [3] 50,000
USA 8x Platinum [1] 800,000.
BAD WORLD TOUR
The Bad World Tour was the first world concert tour by Michael Jackson as a solo
artist, covering Japan, Australia, United States and Europe from September 12, 1987
to January 27, 1989. The tour, sponsored by Pepsi and spanning 16 months, included
123 concerts to 4.4 million fans across 15 countries. When the tour concluded it
grossed a total of $125 million, adding two new entries in the Guinness Book of World
Records for the largest grossing tour in history and the tour with the largest attended
audience. In the United States alone, where just 54 concerts were held, the tour
came in as the 6th largest grossing tour from 1988-89, grossing a total of $20.3
million.
In April 1989, the tour was nominated for "Tour of the Year 1988" at the inaugural
International Rock Awards. The tour lost to Amnesty International, but nothing could
detract from the fact that Jackson's first solo tour was the largest and most
successful in history.
At every concert (at least in the United States) Jackson made sure that 400 tickets
were reserved for underprivileged children. These tickets were distributed across
hospitals, orphanages and charities. Jackson also donated concert takings to multiple
causes.
•Overview
First leg-
Jackson performing The Way You Make Me Feel.
The release of Jackson's seventh solo album, Bad, on August 31, 1987 led to a huge
rise in popularity for Jackson in Japan, with Jackson being nicknamed "Typhoon
Michael". Other popular artists such as George Michael and Madonna had similarly
begun their solo world tours in Japan, as it was seen as the ideal place for the last
"live dress rehearsal". The Japanese press only idolise their artists, unlike the tabloids
seen in the United Kingdom where they are most popular. When Jackson's Japan
Airlines Flight 61 touched down at Narita International Airport in Tokyo over 600
journalists, cameramen and hundreds of screaming fans were waiting to cover his
arrival. Even Bubbles, Jackson's pet chimp, who took a separate flight, was greeted
by more than 300.To transport the stage equipment, a chartered jumbo jet flew into
Tokyo carrying 22 truckloads along with Jackson's tour entourage of 132 people.
While Jackson was in Tokyo, Australian pop music critic Molly Meldrum flew in to
record a world exclusive one hour television special with Jackson and Frank DiLeo, his
then-manager, which was later featured on 60 Minutes in the United States. Whist
performing in Osaka, Jackson met with then-Mayor Yasushi Oshima to receive the Key
to the City. Jackson also brought along Bubbles, the first animal allowed inside the
Osaka Town Hall. It was also in Osaka where Jackson announced the dedication of his
Japanese tour and each performance of "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" to Yoshioka
Hagiwara, a 5 year old boy who was kidnapped and murdered. Jackson gave £12,000
to the parents of Hagiwara.
The total attendance for the concerts in Japan (14 in total) during the first leg was
450,000 with performances in Tokyo, Osaka and Yokohama. Previously, performers
only managed to draw a crowd of 200,000 on a single tour. A granddaughter of
Emperor Hirohito attended the first concert in Tokyo.
After the first fourteen concerts in Japan, the tour went to Australia with five
concerts with performances in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Similar to that of
Japan, the Australian press were naming Jackson "Crocodile Jackson". When he was
not performing, Jackson spent time visiting sick children at their homes in the suburbs
in Sydney, where in one instance he actually put children to bed after a plea from
their mothers over the phone. It was also in Brisbane on November 25, 1987 where
Stevie Wonder made a surprise appearance at a concert to perform "Just Good
Friends", a song that was featured on Bad. This is the only ever live performance of
the song.
Due to various reasons, scheduled concerts in Wellington and Auckland in New Zealand
were cancelled.
Second leg-
A helicopter shot of the last concert of the European tour at the Aintree Racecourse,
Liverpool with 125,000 in attendance, the largest attended concert of the tour.
Before the tour even kicked off, new costumes and more spectacular effects were
being designed for the second leg. This was due to the lack of preparation time
Jackson had, in which many aspects of the first leg resembled the 1984 Victory Tour
by The Jacksons. For this Jackson changed his costume, switching the silver shirt with
a black bolted strap and multiple leg buckles[for a silver zipper with multiple black
buckles down his arms and white undershirt. Accessories including a belt, arm badge,
and shoulder and leg buckles also varied. One of Jackson's entourage commented that
Jackson "thought he was wearing too much leather back then [during the first leg] and
looked a bit ridiculous". "So he grew his hair, threw away his jacket and strapped on a
massive belt. The result makes him look raw and street-wise."
Following Japan and Australia, Jackson and his band rehearsed in Pensacola, Florida
for the tour's first set of concerts in the United States.Jackson himself mentioned in
a Kansas news report that him and his crew "are starting all over again with the
American tour." "We are building a new show with new sets, staging and new songs."
The American tour was intended to start in Atlanta, Georgia yet Pepsi officials
objected the idea as Atlanta is the home base for rival drinks company Coca-Cola.
On March 3, 1988 Jackson performed a private concert at Madison Square Garden,

New York City where all proceeds were donated to the United Negro College Fund.
Tickets for the concert could not be purchased at regular box offices, as a special
lottery system determined ticket receivers. Tatiana Thumbtzen, who was featured in
the video for "The Way You Make Me Feel," kissed Jackson during the song's
performance. The incident created further stories on Jackson and Thumbtzen's
relationship. Siedah Garrett, who provided vocals for "I Just Can't Stop Loving You"
on Bad and co-wrote "Man in the Mirror" also made a special appearance. While
touring the states, the 2 performances in St. Louis, Missouri had to be cancelled due
to Jackson suffering from laryngitis after catching a cold. For both concerts in
Atlanta, Georgia, Jackson gave 100 tickets to the Children's Wish Foundation for
terminally ill children.
Following the United States, the tour went to Europe with the opening concert in
Rome, Italy on May 23, 1988. Just hours before the concert began, Jackson sneaked
out the back of the Lord Byron Hotel where he was staying, dressed in a curly haired
wig, false moustache and raincoat to walk around the streets alone. This created a
panic amongst his security. Jackson was then found returning to the hotel on his own in
a taxi. While in Rome, Jackson donated £100,000 to the Bambino Gesù Hospital, the
leading children's hospital in Italy. Performances in Italy were held in Rome and Turin.
The concert in Basel, Switzerland on June 16, 1988 was attended by Elizabeth Taylor
and Bob Dylan. While in Basel, Jackson met with Oona O'Neill, widow of Charlie
Chaplin, one of Jackson's all-time heroes. The two concerts in Gothenburg, Sweden on
June 11 and June 12, 1988 were scheduled at the Ullevi Stadium but it was under
repair. Instead the concert was held at Gothenburg's shipyard in Eriksberg. While
touring in Europe, Jackson would be given the names "The Earl of Whirl" and "The
Peter Pan of Pop."
The concerts in the United Kingdom, particularly at the original Wembley Stadium in
London were the most anticipated and eagerly awaited by fans of the whole tour.Partly
due to this was that ideas of concerts by The Jacksons in the United Kingdom in 1984
were ultimately cancelled. Anthony Davis, a member of the tour's security staff, said
that fans in London "have waited so long for the show" in which "the anticipation level
creates mass hysteria." Tickets for the initial 5 July dates went on sale in January,
with ticket demand exceeding 1.5 million, enough to sell-out the 72,000 capacity venue
20 times. The first concert on July 14, 1988 was attended by numerous celebrities
including Shirley Bassey, Jack Nicholson and Frank Bruno.Two days later on July 16,
Princess Diana and Prince Charles were in attendance. Jackson met them both prior to
the concert in which he donated $450,000 to the Prince's Trust and the Great
Ormond Street Hospital. Jackson also presented a special tour jacket and display of
Jackson's solo albums Bad, Thriller and Off the Wall to the royal children. The
concerts at Wembley earned Jackson a third entry into the Guinness World Records
from the tour alone on September 8, 1988. The seven sold out shows were attended
by a total of 504,000. Management of the stadium presented Jackson with the award
which was previously held by Genesis, with 4. Until the demolition of the stadium in
2003, this record remained unbroken.
During the United Kingdom tour, Jackson performed in Leeds on August 29, 1988 on
his 30th birthday. The fans sang "Happy Birthday to You" before "Another Part of
Me".An incident occurred during the concert where a pilot was "being hunted" by police
after flying a plane above the crowd of 90,000 below 200 feet. No one was injured,
although 96 were arrested mostly from drunkenness and some for damage and drug
offences. After the concert, Jackson donated $130,000 to Give For Life, a British
charity that was aiming to raise $1.9 million towards an immunisation programme for
40,000 children. The last concert on the United Kingdom and European tour altogether
was one that Jackson was eagerly anticipating. "I have always considered Liverpool the
home of contemporary pop music", he told reporters. "By virtue of its being the birth
place of the incomparable Beatles."The concert, which took place at the Aintree
Racecourse, resulted in hundreds of fans being treated by the St. John Ambulance
service for passing out, fainting, headaches, hysteria and being crushed amongst the
crowd of 125,000, the largest concert of the tour. The amount of ground used
covered the first three jumps in the Grand National.
During August 1988, after performing 5 of the 7 concerts in London, Jackson and his
crew stayed at the £50,000 per week Incosol Health Spa in Marbella, Spain to help
them be in top shape for the rest of the tour. Jackson's health regime included
mountain treks, gym sessions and underwater massages.
After a total 41 concerts in Europe, the tour went to the United States for its
second run in 1988, performing in 7 more cities. The tour was initially planned to end
on Boxing Day, 1988 in Tokyo but Jackson suffered from swollen vocal chords after
the first of 6 scheduled concerts in Los Angeles, California in November. The
remaining 5 were then rescheduled for January 1989. A further 9 concerts at the
Tokyo Dome (replacing the old Korakuen Stadium where Jackson performed in 1987)
were performed, totalling the Japanese tour attendance to 570,000 across 23
concerts, including two on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The final 5 concerts at the
Memorial Sports Arena in Los Angeles were performed to conclude the tour. For the
last concert on January 27, 1989 Jackson donated more than £700,000 of the
concert's takings to Childhelp, an organisation fighting child crueltyand dedicated the
"Motown Medley" performance to Berry Gordy, founder of Motown Records.
•Set list
The set list for the tour's first leg was similar to that of the 1984 Victory Tour, the
last tour by The Jacksons. This was due to the lack of preparation time Jackson had
for the tour.
First leg-

2. "Things I Do for You"
3. "Off the Wall"
4. "Human Nature"
7. Jackson 5 Medley
* "I Want You Back"
* "I'll Be There"
8. "Rock with You"
9. "Lovely One"
10. "Bad Groove" Interlude
12. "Beat It"
13. "Billie Jean"
15. "Thriller"
16. "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" (Duet with backup vocalist Sheryl Crow)
17. "Bad"
Second leg-

3. "Another Part of Me"
4. "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" (Duet with backup vocalist Sheryl Crow)
6. Jackson 5 Medley
* "I Want You Back"
* "I'll Be There"
7. "Rock with You"
8. "Human Nature"
10. "Dirty Diana"
11. "Thriller"
12. "Bad Groove" Interlude
14. "Beat It"
15. "Billie Jean"
16. "Bad"
17. "The Way You Make Me Feel" (Encore)
18. "Man in the Mirror" (Encore)
The "Bad Groove" interlude involved the band playing an extended instrumental of "It's
Gonna Be a Beautiful Night" by Prince from his 1987 album Sign o' the Times. The
second leg piece grew longer and an instrumental of "Don't Stop 'Till You Get Enough"
from Jackson's 1979 album Off the Wall was added. The band members also perform
their own solo with keyboards first, followed by bass guitar then drums. During the
second leg spots in the interlude session varied, such as the additional solo from
guitarist Jennifer Batten.
For some concerts during the second leg, there were some order switches and songs
removed such as "Dirty Diana" or "The Way You Make Me Feel".
•Tour Dates
# Date City Venue Attendance

per concert
First Leg
Japan I
1 September 12, 1987 Tokyo Japan Korakuen Stadium
45,000
2 September 13, 1987
4 September 19, 1987 Osaka Hankyu Nishinomiya Stadium
48,000
7 September 25, 1987 Yokohama Yokohama Stadium
38,000
10 October 3, 1987
11 October 4, 1987
12 October 10, 1987 Osaka Stadium
32,000
13 October 11, 1987
14 October 12, 1987
Australia
15 November 13, 1987 Melbourne Olympic Park Stadium
45,000
16 November 20, 1987 Sydney Parramatta Stadium
17 November 21, 1987
18 November 25, 1987 Brisbane Entertainment Centre
13,500
Second Leg
North America I
20 February 23, 1988 Kansas City United States Kemper Arena
16,960
21 February 24, 1988
22 March 3, 1988 New York City Madison Square Garden
19,000
23 March 4, 1988
24 March 5, 1988
25 March 12, 1988 St. Louis St. Louis Arena
18,000
26 March 13, 1988
27 March 18, 1988 Indianapolis Market Square Arena
17,000
28 March 19, 1988
29 March 20, 1988 Louisville Freedom Hall
19,000
30 March 23, 1988 Denver McNichols Sports Arena
20,125
31 March 24, 1988
32 March 30, 1988 Hartford Hartford Civic Center
30,060
33 March 31, 1988
34 April 1, 1988
35 April 8, 1988 Houston The Summit
40,000
36 April 9, 1988
37 April 10, 1988
38 April 13, 1988 Atlanta The Omni
23,000
39 April 14, 1988
40 April 15, 1988
41 April 19, 1988 Chicago Rosemont Horizon
25,000
42 April 20, 1988
43 April 21, 1988
44 April 25, 1988 Dallas Reunion Arena
19,980
45 April 26, 1988
46 April 27, 1988
47 May 4, 1988 Minneapolis Met Center
21,660
48 May 5, 1988
49 May 6, 1988
Europe
50 May 23, 1988 Rome Italy Flaminio Stadium
35,000
51 May 24, 1988
52 May 29, 1988 Turin Stadio Comunale di Torino
56,640
53 June 2, 1988 Vienna Austria Prater Stadium
60,000
54 June 5, 1988 Rotterdam Netherlands Feijenoord Stadium
48,400
55 June 6, 1988
56 June 7, 1988
57 June 11, 1988 Gothenburg Sweden Eriksburg Shipyard
53,000
58 June 12, 1988
59 June 16, 1988 Basel(Switzerland) st.jacob stadium
59,000
60 June 19, 1988 Berlin(West Germany) platz der republic
59,000
61 June 27, 1988 Paris France Parc des Princes Stadium
64,000
62 June 28, 1988
63 July 1, 1988 Hamburg (West Germany) wolkpark stadium
60,000
64 July 3, 1988 Cologne Mungersdorfer Stadium
70,000
65 July 8, 1988 Munich Olympic Stadium 72,000
66 July 10, 1988 Hockenheim Hockenheimring 80,000
67 July 14, 1988 London(England) Wembley Stadium 82,000
68 July 15, 1988
69 July 16, 1988
70 July 22, 1988
71 July 23, 1988
72 July 26, 1988 CardiffWales Cardiff Arms Park 60,000
73 July 30, 1988 Cork(Ireland) Páirc Uí Chaoimh
60,000
74 July 31, 1988
75 August 5, 1988 Marbella Spain Municipal Stadium
40,000
76 August 7, 1988Madrid Vicente Calderón Stadium
60,000
77 August 9, 1988 Barcelona Nou Camp Stadium
110,000
78 August 11, 1988 Nice(France) Stade Charles Ehrmann
50,000
79 August 14, 1988 Montpellier Stade Richter
70,000
80 August 19, 1988 Lausanne(Switzerland) La Pontaise
45,000
81 August 21, 1988 Würzburg(West Germany) Talavera Wiesen
43,000
82 August 23, 1988 Werchter(Belgium) Festival Grounds
55,000
83 August 26, 1988 London Wembley Stadium 72,000
84 August 27, 1988
85 August 29, 1988 Leeds Roundhay Park 90,000
86 September 2, 1988 Hannover Niedersachsen Stadium 54,000
87 September 4, 1988 Gelsenkirchen Park Stadium 60,000
88 September 6, 1988 Linz Austria Linzer Stadium 45,000
89 September 10, 1988 Milton Keynes The Bowl 60,000
90 September 11, 1988 Liverpool Aintree Racecourse
125,000
North America II
91 September 26, 1988 Pittsburgh United States Civic Arena
16,230
94 October 3, 1988 East Rutherford Meadowlands Arena 20,350
95 October 4, 1988
96 October 6, 1988
97 October 10, 1988 Cleveland Richfield Coliseum 19,000
98 October 11, 1988
99 October 13, 1988 Washington DC Capital Centre 17,470
100 October 17, 1988
101 October 18, 1988
102 October 19, 1988
103 October 24, 1988 Detroit The Palace of Auburn Hills 16,670
104 October 25, 1988
105 October 26, 1988
106 November 7, 1988 Irvine Meadows Amphitheater
15,000
109 November 13, 1988 Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena 18,000
Japan II
110 December 9, 1988 Tokyo Japan Tokyo Dome 45,000
111 December 10, 1988
112 December 11, 1988
113 December 17, 1988
114 December 18, 1988
115 December 19, 1988
116 December 24, 1988
117 December 25, 1988
118 December 26, 1988
North America III
119 January 16, 1989 Los Angeles United States Memorial Sports
Arena 18,000
120 January 17, 1989
121 January 18, 1989
122 January 26, 1989
123 January 27, 1989
•Official DVD release petition
There has been several professionally filmed concerts from Yokohama, Tokyo and
Osaka (and half a Brisbane concert has been leaked). Despite these three releases and
several amateur videos from various concerts across the whole tour, many fans are
disappointed that professionally filmed full concert footage of the second leg does not
exist.
In August 2005, an on-line petition was created to support an official release of a

Bad Tour concert in 1988, with heavy interest in the release of a London concert at
Wembley Stadium. The Wembley concert on July 14 was extensively photographed and
filmed by Jackson's crew, with various parts shown in a video montage of the Bad
Tour, the music video for Another Part of Me, the Carmina Burana introduction of
Dangerous Tour Concerts and special documentaries afterwards, but the full concert
has never been released. A full concert is only available in poor quality amateur video
from an unknown concert, initially believed to be of July 15 but later proven otherwise
and is perhaps July 16.
High quality audio exists from the July 14, July 15 and July 16 Concerts (all
professionally filmed). These recordings form the soundtrack to Concert footage,
(filmed at a number of locations throughout the Bad tour), in the 'Around The World'
documentary aired on July 30 1988 by NBC, BBC, NHK and others. The video release
of 'Another Part Of Me' directed by Patrick Kelly actually uses the recording truck
'monitor-mix' (rough mix) from the July 15 Concert. As of 2009, "Another Part of
Me" and Bad are the only full songs professionally filmed and released from a Wembley
concert.
Although the target was 10,000 signatures, the petition continues to grow even to this
day, with a total of more than 16,000. Other petitions have followed urging for a
1989 concert held at Los Angeles being released instead. Jackson never commented on
the petition, nor has Sony, his record label.
Performers
* Lead vocalist, dancer and choreographer: Michael Jackson

* Music Director: Greg Phillinganes
* Assistant Musical Director, Vocal Director: Kevin Dorsey
* Backup dancers: LaVelle Smith Jnr, Dominic Lucero, Evaldo Garcia, Randy Allaire
* Backup vocalists: Kevin Dorsey, Darryl Phinnessee, Dorian Holley, Sheryl Crow
* Keyboards: Greg Phillinganes, Rory Kaplan

* Synclavier synthesiser: Christopher Currell
* Digital guitar: Christopher Currell
* Sound effects: Christopher Currell
* Drums: Ricky Lawson
* Guitar: Jennifer Batten, Jon Clark
* Bass guitar: Don Boyette
* Keytar: Don Boyette
Credits
Tour Staff
* Executive Director: MJJ Productions

* Executive Producer: Frank DiLeo
* Tour Coordinator: Sal Bonafede
* Attorneys: Ziffren, Brittenham & Branca
* Business Management: Gelfand, Rennert & Feldman
* Public Relations: Solters/Roskin/Friedman Inc.
* Band Coordinator: Nelson Hayes
* Assistant to Michael Jackson: Jolie Levine
* MJJ Production Staff: Miko Brando, Martha Browning
* Assistant to Mr. DiLeo: Meredith Besser
* Assistant to Mr. Bonafede: Marcia Gilbreath
* Security Director: Bill Bray
* Executive Interpreter: Patrick Nopakun
* Special Thanks to: Kenny Rogers
* Assistant Director: Jolie Levine

* Choreographed by: Michael Jackson
* Assistant Choreography & Staging: Vincent Paterson
* Set Designed by: Tom McPhilips
* Lighting Designer: Allen Branton
* Hair & Make-up: Karen Faye
* Tour Photographer: Sam Emerson, Harrison Funk (Rejoined Michael in Europe
1988)
DANGEROUS
Dangerous is the eighth album by Michael Jackson, released on November 26, 1991.
It became his second to debut at #1 on the Billboard 200 album chart, where it spent
the next four consecutive weeks. In the space of 17 years, media sources state the
record has sold as much as 32 million copies worldwide, with 7 million certified
shipments in the United States alone, making it a faster selling album than his previous
record Bad. The album won one Grammy for Best Engineered Album - Non Classical
won by Bruce Swedien & Teddy Riley and is the most successful New Jack Swing album
of all time.. Dangerous was the first album ever to spawn eight consecutive UK Top 20
hits. "Dangerous" is Michael Jackson's second best-selling album (the first being
Thriller).
Contents
• Project
According to the sleeve notes on the later remastered edition of the album, recording
sessions began in Los Angeles, California at Ocean Way/Record One Studio 2 on June
25, 1990. The sessions ended at Larrabee North and Ocean Way Studio on October
29, 1991, being the most extensive recording project of Jackson's career at the time
(over 16 months compared to the usual 6 spent for his previous three studio albums).
In March 1991, Jackson signed a 15 year, 6 album deal to Sony Music. The press
reported that Sony actually handed over $1 billion to Jackson, but that was not the
case. At the time, Sony estimated that if the albums Jackson released under the new
contract sold at the same level they currently sold, it would generate over $1 billion in
profits for them. Additionally, Jackson was awarded the highest royalty rate in the
business. By the time the contract expired in March 2006, Michael would have been
paid $45 million from Sony ($1 million a year, plus $5 million per album delivered).
This does not include money he would have also earned from sales of albums, singles,
videos etc. Under this contract, Jackson is estimated to have earned $175 million
from album sales alone.
At this point, Dangerous was already in the making, under the producing talents of
(Quincy Jones recommended) 22 year old New Jack Swing inventor Teddy Riley and
Grammy-winner Bill Bottrell. The previous album, Bad, was Jackson's last designed for
the LP industry, conforming to the usual 10-song within 50-minute format, whereas
Dangerous was a 77-minute, 14-track compilation, which almost dared the capacity of
early Nineties compact discs. Consequently, the record was released as a double album
in vinyl.
The album was initially released in a large box with a picture of Jackson's eyes, which
folded open to reveal the normal cover (painted by pop surrealist Mark Ryden), in pop-
up card, with the CD and booklet in the bottom.
Dangerous was a highly anticipated album, as shown by an incident at the Los Angeles
International Airport, where a group of armed robbers stole 30,000 copies before its
official release
The Album also spawned a worldwide concert tour, The Dangerous Tour.
• Commercial reception
Dangerous was released on November 26, 1991 with record-breaking sales. Dangerous
was Jackson's fastest-selling album ever in the United States with four million shipped
in under two months. This broke the sales record for Bad in 1987, in twice as many
months, but the same circulation.
Dangerous also debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 200 Album Charts with 326,500
copies sold in one week of release. It also managed to stay in the Top 10 for a week
in the 65th week, reaching #10 after Jackson received the Grammy Legend Award at
the 1993 Grammy Awards. The album received a huge boost in sales in 1993 when he
performed at the Super Bowl and was interviewed by Oprah Winfrey. This meant
Dangerous spent 117 weeks inside the Billboard 200, thirty weeks over Bad. The RIAA
certified Dangerous 7x platinum, for shipping 7 million copies.
In the United Kingdom, the album was even more successful. It debuted at #1,
holding off U2's Achtung Baby, but in the second week it was replaced by Queen's
Greatest Hits II. Dangerous spent 23 weeks in the Top 10 right up until the 69th
week and a total of 96 weeks inside the Top 75.
In worldwide sales, in the UK and US, Bad were 48% of the total worldwide sales. For
Dangerous, it is 33%, making it more successful globally (not just restricted to those
two regions). The singles from Dangerous were mostly bigger hits in Europe and
Australia and more were released than Bad. These were spectacular sales records
compared to Jackson's earlier two albums, Thriller and Bad in many European countries
and Australia. Dangerous sold very well in both Asia and South America, two emerging
and growing record markets.
"Black or White" was produced and co-written by Bill Bottrell and was an instant
success. It was, in fact, the biggest hit single since 1982's "Billie Jean". Other
singles were successful too, and in all, nine singles were released. "Dangerous" itself,
was planned for a single at the end of 1993 but canceled due to the child molestation
allegations, and was the same number of singles as Bad. Despite this, "Dangerous" has
been performed on stage in since the second leg of the Dangerous Tour towards
Jackson's last concert at the Apollo Theatre in 2002. All nine singles were released in
the UK, seven reaching the Top 10 - an achievement Jackson had never made before.
The major successes from the album were "Black or White", "Remember the Time",
"In the Closet", "Heal the World", "Who Is It", and "Will You Be There". In the US,
the singles did not perform as well as those from Thriller or Bad - Dangerous
produced four Top 10 hits out of seven singles released there.
The album was supported by the Dangerous World Tour. Prior to the release of
Jackson's next studio album, HIStory: Past, Present and Future Book I, Dangerous
had already sold over twenty-two million copies worldwide. In the space of 17 years,
sources estimate the record has sold between 29 and 32 million copies worldwide
making it a faster selling album than his previous record Bad.
• Music videos
As was becoming the standard for Jackson, the album's music videos were among the
most costly and innovative of their time. Several of the music videos taken from the
Dangerous album had complex storylines and dance sequences, and featured cameo
appearances by celebrities. The video for "Jam", directed by David Kellogg, showed
Jackson and Michael Jordan playing basketball and dancing together, while "Remember
the Time", directed by John Singleton, was set in an Ancient Egyptian palace, and
starred Eddie Murphy, Magic Johnson and Iman as the pharaoh and his queen. "In the
Closet" featured Jackson and supermodel Naomi Campbell as lovers. The director of
the video was photographer Herb Ritts, who also photographed Jackson in a series of
promotional shots for the release of the Dangerous album. A "Dangerous" video was
filmed in 1992 by avant-garde director David Lynch, and considered a rarity among
collectors. The video clip for "Who Is It" is notable as it was directed by David
Fincher who later went on direct a number of films including Se7en, Fight Club and
Zodiac.
"Black or White" was originally over ten minutes long, premiering simultaneously on
November 14, 1991 on MTV, VH1, BET, and FOX. The video featured one of the
earliest examples of computer-generated morphing. The last four minutes of the video
also induced much controversy, as it depicted Jackson smashing store windows and
destroying a car with a crowbar. However, this destructive behaviour was intended to
imply a message of anti-racism and racist graffiti was added in later versions to make
the violence more understandable. The music video was also controversial because of
Jackson's sexually suggestive dance, which included the crotch grab as well as zipping
up his pants. MTV and the other music video networks decided to excise the last four
minutes of the "Black or White" video for all subsequent airings, and Jackson issued a
statement apologizing to anyone who had been offended, and explaining that he tried
to interpret the animal instinct of panthers into a dance. The video featured Macaulay
Culkin and an appearance during the morphing scene by young Tyra Banks and was
directed by John Landis, also the director of the "Thriller" short film.
• Special editions
Alternative editions of the albums became very rare, products almost exclusive for
record collectors. The most notable was an edition released in 1992 that folded out to
become a diorama.
An international re-release of the album (entitled Dangerous - Special Edition) took

place on October 16, 2001, just two weeks before the release of Jackson's studio
album Invincible. Simultaneously, Special Editions of Off the Wall, Thriller and Bad
were also released. For the occasion, Dangerous was digitally remastered and included
a slipcase and a brand new 24-page colorful booklet with revised artwork and
previously-unseen photos. The new edition managed to reach #108 in the UK charts
(the only one of those four re-releases that didn't enter the Top 75 there). Because
of the constraints of Dangerous' running time, previously unreleased songs were not
included, however many of them were eventually leaked onto the internet along with
various demos of other tracks that appeared on the album. In 2004, some of these
leaked tracks were officially released on Michael Jackson: The Ultimate Collection
(namely the "Dangerous" demo and "Monkey Business").
• Music awards
American Music Awards:
* Best Pop/Rock Album, "Dangerous"

* Best Soul/R&B Single, "Remember The Time"
* Special International Artist Award for record sales and humanitarian efforts
around the world
BMI Awards:
* Two of the Most Performed Songs of the Year, "Black or White" and "Remember
The Time"
Grammy Awards: Living Legend Award Guinness Book Of World Records:
* 25th Silver Anniversary Entertainer of the Year Award

* Outstanding Music Video, "Black or White"
Soul Train Awards:
* Best R&B Single, "Remember The Time"

* Best R&B Album, "Dangerous"
World Music Awards:
* Best Selling American Artist

* World's Best Selling Pop Artist
• Track listing
# Title
Writer(s)
1. "Jam" René Moore, Bruce Swedien,
Michael Jackson, Teddy Riley
2. "Why You Wanna Trip on Me" Riley,
Bernard Belle
3. "In the Closet" (feat. Vashawn) Jackson,
Riley, rap lyrics by Vashawn
4. "She Drives Me Wild" Jackson, Riley,
rap lyrics by Aquil Davidson
5. "Remember the Time" Riley,
Jackson, Belle
6. "Can't Let Her Get Away" Jackson,
Riley
7. "Heal the World" Jackson
8. "Black or White" (feat. Slash on guitar) Jackson,
rap lyrics by Bill Bottrell
9. "Who Is It" Jackson
10. "Give In to Me" (feat. Slash on guitar) Jackson,
Bottrell
11. "Will You Be There" Jackson
12. "Keep The Faith" Glen Ballard,
Siedah Garrett, Jackson
13. "Gone Too Soon" Larry
Grossman, Buz Kohan
14. "Dangerous" Jackson,
Bottrell, Riley
• Singles
1. October 1991 - "Black or White" U.S. #1 / UK #1

2. January 1992 - "Remember the Time" U.S. #3 / UK #3
3. April 1992 - "In the Closet" U.S. #6 / UK #8
4. July 1992 (U.S.); September 1992 (UK) - "Jam" U.S. #26 / UK #12
5. August 1992 (Europe); February 1993 (U.S.) - "Who Is It" U.S. #14 / UK #10
6. October 1992 - "Heal the World" U.S. #27 / UK #2
7. February 1993 - "Give In to Me" UK #2 (Europe only single)
8. May 1993 - "Will You Be There" U.S. #7 / UK #8
9. November 1993 - "Gone Too Soon" UK #33 (UK only single)
• Certifications
Country Certification Sales

Australia 9x Platinum 630,000 [11]
Austria 4x Platinum 80,000 [12]
Brazil Gold 100,000 [13]
Canada 6x Platinum 600,000 [14]
Finland Platinum 61,896 [15]
Germany 4x Platinum 2,000,000 [16]
Netherlands 3x Platinum 240,000[17]
New Zealand 6x Platinum[18] 90,000[19]
Sweden 3x Platinum [20]
Switzerland 5x Platinum 250,000 [21]
U.S. 7x Platinum 7,000,000 [22]
• Chart positions
Year Chart Position
1991 Billboard 200 1
Norwegian Albums Chart
Australian ARIA Albums Chart
1992 Billboard 200
Norwegian Albums Chart
Australian ARIA Albums Chart
1993 New Zealand Albums Chart
2009 Poland Albums Chart[23] 6
Mexican AMPROFON Top 100 Albums[24] 7
DANGEROUS WORLD
TOUR
The Dangerous World Tour was the second world concert tour by Michael Jackson as a
solo artist, covering Europe, South America and Asia from June 27, 1992 to November
11, 1993. The tour, sponsored by Pepsi-Cola, who also sponsored Jackson's previous
tour, included 69 concerts to 3.9 million fans. All profits made from the tour were
donated to various charities including the Heal the World Foundation.
During the tour's second leg in 1993, Jackson decided to end the tour due to, as he
announced, illness which ultimately resulted in hospitalisation. Jackson had become
dependent on painkillers and suffered from dehydration, migraines, back aches,
frequent ankle injuries and stress following the child molestation charges made against
him.
•Overview
Tour announcement, preparations and set designs
Following the huge success of the Bad World Tour, Jackson's first solo world tour
where he earned $125 million, the star claimed that he would not tour again, and
would instead concentrate on making films and records. On February 14, 1992 in a
Pepsi press conference, it was announced that Jackson would be touring again. The
announcement coincided with a new deal between Jackson and Pepsi, with a reported
$20 million deal to sponsor the tour.
“ The only reason I am going on tour is to raise funds for the newly-formed Heal
the World Foundation, an international children's charity, that I am spearheading to
assist children and the ecology. My goal is to gross $100 million by Christmas 1993. I
urge every corporation and individual who cares about this planet and the future of the
children to help raise money for the charity. The Heal the World Foundation will
contribute funds to paediatric AIDS in honour of my friend, Ryan White. I am looking
forward to this tour because it will allow me to devote time to visiting children all
around the world, as well as spread the message of global love, in the hope that
others will be moved to do their share to help heal the world. ”
The stage used for the tour required more time to set up than before. This was seen
in the tour schedule where a considerable number of concerts were one-stop
performances. Equipment, which in total weighed over 100 tons, required two Boeing
747 jet aircrafts and multiple lorries to transport to each venue.
Before the tour began, Jackson and his band (which had changed little since the Bad
Tour) rehearsed, where the footage has been leaked onto the Internet. However, the
exact date and location of the performances is not clear. The rehearsals included
performances of "Remember the Time" and "The Way You Make Me Feel".
For the tour's design, Jackson was influenced by the uniform worn in the military. For
"Jam", the first performance on the tour's set list, Jackson wore two variations of a
faux-military uniform. Costumes worn for the performances of "Workin' Day and
Night", "Bad", as well as his later HIStory World Tour, were examples of this. During
the first leg, the uniform included grey-green jacket with one bolted strap which both
sparkled with multicolour. For the second leg, Jackson wore a black uniform with three
gold bolted straps, one going from his collar to his waist in one direction and the other
two in another, he also used this costume at the Super Bowl XXVII halftime show in
1993.
The tour also incorporated several stage illusions. Each concert on the tour ended by a
stuntman, Kinnie Gibson, who secretly switched with Jackson as he kneels down a trap
hole in the stage, dressed in a full astronaut costume (therefore appearing as
Jackson), flying out of the arena using a rocket belt. Each concert also began with a
illusion-like stunt dubbed "the Toaster" in which following the ringing of bells and the
roar of a panther, Jackson catapults on to the stage through a trap door in the front,
sending off pyrotechnics and electrifying the crowd. A similar version of "the Toaster"
stunt was used in the beginning of Michael's Super Bowl XXVII Halftime Show
performance in 1993. In the first leg, the transition from Thriller to Billie Jean was
another stage trick. When Jackson walks into a small space between two set
"buildings," he secretly switches with a werewolf-masked backup dancer while he
changes for Billie Jean. The backup dancer posing as Jackson is placed into a coffin
which disappears when dancers posing as skeletons and zombies drape a cloth over the
coffin and pull it out. Jackson appears fully dressed for Billie Jean in the upper stage
level as it lowers down. This stage illusion was removed in the second leg of the
Dangerous Tour.
First and second leg-
The original set list for the first leg featured songs "The Way You Make Me Feel" and
"Bad", but these were taken out after the eighth concert in Oslo, Norway. However,
these two songs were returned for the first four performances in Tokyo, Japan.
During the Europe leg in 1992, MTV was allowed to film backstage and broadcast six
fifteen minute episodes on the tour. The show was called Dangerous Diaries and
presented by Sonya Saul.
Jackson sold the film rights to his concert in Bucharest on October 1, 1992 to HBO
for $21 million. The deal was the highest ever paid for a live concert. The concert
was broadcast live on radio and shown on television across 61 countries, and received
the highest TV ratings in the history of the HBO network, it later received the
highest ratings in cable history, in which Jackson was honoured with a CableACE
Award. In 2004, the concert was released on DVD as part of Jackson's Ultimate
Collection box set and in 2005, was released as a separate DVD known as Live in
Bucharest: The Dangerous Tour. The footage used on the released version is actually a
mixture of footage from Bucharest - The BBC broadcast, HBO live telecast (pay per
view) and the HBO TV version, however for the DVD shots of many fans were included
to give the show a feeling of hype.
On December 31, 1992 during the New Year's Eve concert in Tokyo, Japan, Slash
made a special guest appearance for the performance of "Black or White". Slash also
made a special appearance for "Black or White" at the concert in Oviedo, Spain that
September.
Third leg-
The day the third leg began on August 24, 1993 in Bangkok, the accusations of child
sexual abuse against Jackson was made public. Three days beforehand, a search
warrant was issued, allowing police to search Jackson's Neverland Ranch, Santa Ynez
Valley, California.
On August 29, Jackson performed in front of 47,000 on his 35th birthday in

Singapore.
During his visit to Moscow in September, Jackson came up with the song "Stranger in
Moscow" which would be released on his 1995 album HIStory. It was during a time
when Jackson felt very alone, far away from his family and friends, yet every night
throughout his tours fans would stay by his hotel and support him.
Some of the later performances, especially the last show Jackson was obviously under
the influence of a sedative, perhaps demerol or valium (diazepam) ; he was
subsequently treated for addiction in Europe.
Before the tour was canceled, Jackson was scheduled to perform in Dubai but the
country barred Jackson from appearing there after unsigned pamphlets were circulated
in Dubai urging a boycott of the concerts.
The tour was to last longer, but it was the huge pressure from the child abuse
accusations (which was generating huge media and press attention), as well as various
health problems and injuries that made Jackson end the tour in Mexico. This left out
possible planned concerts in Australia and the United States, where Jackson would not
tour until his later HIStory Tour in 1996 and 1997. Jackson began taking Valium,
Xanax and Ativan (known as lorazepam in the UK) to deal with the stress of the
accusations made against him. By the fall of 1993, Jackson became addicted, and
went into drug rehabilitation for a few months. Towards the end of the second leg of
his the tour, Jackson's drug abuse had a noticeable effect on his performances.
•Set list
First leg-
1. Carmina Burana "Brace Yourself" Introduction

2. "Jam"
4. "Human Nature"
6. "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" (Duet with backup vocalist Siedah Garrett)
8. Jackson 5 Medley
* "I Want You Back"
* "I'll Be There"
10. "Thriller"
11. "Billie Jean"
12. Black or White "Panther" Video Interlude
14. "Beat It"
15. "Someone Put Your Hand Out" Instrumental Interlude
16. "Will You Be There"
17. "The Way You Make Me Feel" (June 27 – July 15, December 12–19, 1992)
18. "Bad" (June 27 – July 15, December 12–19, 1992)
19. "Black or White"
20. "We Are the World" Video Interlude
21. "Heal the World"
23. Rocket Man Finale
Second leg-
1. Carmina Burana "Brace Yourself" Introduction

2. "Jam"
4. "Human Nature"
6. "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" (Duet with backup vocalist Siedah Garrett)
* "I Want You Back"
* "I'll Be There"
10. "Thriller"
11. "Billie Jean"
12. Black or White "Panther" Interlude
13. "Beat It"
14. "Someone Put Your Hand Out" Instrumental Interlude
15. "Will You Be There"
16. "Dangerous" (Last few concerts only)
21. Rocket Man Finale
•Tour dates
1992 leg
* 06/27/92 Flag of Germany Munich, Germany - Olympiastadion

* 06/30/92 Flag of the Netherlands Rotterdam, Netherlands - Feijenoord Stadion
* 07/01/92 Flag of the Netherlands Rotterdam, Netherlands - Feijenoord Stadion
* 07/04/92 Flag of Italy Rome, Italy - Stadio Flaminio
* 07/06/92 Flag of Italy Monza, Italy - Stadio Brianteo
* 07/07/92 Flag of Italy Monza, Italy - Stadio Brianteo
* 07/11/92 Flag of Germany Cologne, Germany - Müngersdorfer Stadium
* 07/15/92 Flag of Norway Oslo, Norway - Valle Hovin
* 07/17/92 Flag of Sweden Stockholm, Sweden - Stockholms Stadion
* 07/18/92 Flag of Sweden Stockholm, Sweden - Stockholms Stadion
* 07/20/92 Flag of Denmark Copenhagen, Denmark - Gentofte Stadion
* 07/22/92 Flag of Belgium Werchter, Belgium - Werchter Festival Park
* 07/25/92 Flag of Ireland Dublin, Ireland - Lansdowne Road
* 07/30/92 Flag of England London, England - Wembley Stadium
* 08/05/92 Flag of Wales Cardiff, Wales - Cardiff Arms Park
* 08/08/92 Flag of Germany Bremen, Germany - Weserstadion
* 08/10/92 Flag of Germany Hamburg, Germany - Volksparkstadion
* 08/13/92 Flag of Germany Hamelin, Germany - Weserberglandstadion
* 08/16/92 Flag of England Leeds, England - Roundhay Park
* 08/18/92 Flag of Scotland Glasgow, Scotland - Glasgow Green
* 08/26/92 Flag of Austria Vienna, Austria - Praterstadion
* 08/28/92 Flag of Germany Frankfurt, Germany - Waldstadion
* 08/30/92 Flag of Germany Ludwigshafen, Germany - Südweststadion
* 09/02/92 Flag of Germany Bayreuth, Germany - Volkstadion
* 09/04/92 Flag of Germany Berlin, Germany - Friedrich Ludwig Jahn Sportpark
* 09/08/92 Flag of Switzerland Lausanne, Switzerland - Stade Olympique de la
Pontaise
* 09/13/92 Flag of France Paris, France - Hippodrome de Vincennes
* 09/16/92 Flag of France Toulouse, France - Stade de Toulouse
* 09/18/92 Flag of Spain Barcelona, Spain - Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys
* 09/21/92 Flag of Spain Oviedo, Spain - Estadio Carlos Tartiere
* 09/22/92 Flag of Spain Madrid, Spain - Vicente Calderón Stadium
* 09/26/92 Flag of Portugal Lisbon, Portugal - José Alvalade Stadium
* 10/01/92 Flag of Romania Bucharest, Romania - Lia Manoliu Stadium
* 12/12/92 Flag of Japan Tokyo, Japan - Tokyo Dome
1993 leg
* 08/24/93 Flag of Thailand Bangkok, Thailand - Suphachalasai Stadium

* 08/27/93 Flag of Thailand Bangkok, Thailand - Suphachalasai Stadium
* 08/29/93 Flag of Singapore Singapore, Singapore - Singapore National Stadium
* 09/01/93 Flag of Singapore Singapore, Singapore - Singapore National Stadium
* 09/04/93 Flag of the Republic of China Taipei, Taiwan - Taipei Municipal
Stadium
* 09/06/93 Flag of the Republic of China Taipei, Taiwan - Taipei Municipal
Stadium
* 09/10/93 Flag of Japan Fukuoka, Japan - Fukuoka Dome
* 09/11/93 Flag of Japan Fukuoka, Japan - Fukuoka Dome
* 09/15/93 Flag of Russia Moscow, Russia - Luzhniki Stadium
* 09/19/93 Flag of Israel Tel Aviv, Israel - Hayarkon Park
* 09/21/93 Flag of Israel Tel Aviv, Israel - Hayarkon Park
* 09/23/93 Flag of Turkey Istanbul, Turkey - İnönü Stadium
* 09/26/93 Flag of Spain Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain - Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Port
* 10/08/93 Flag of Argentina Buenos Aires, Argentina - River Plate Stadium
* 10/15/93 Flag of Brazil Sao Paulo, Brazil - Morumbi Stadium
* 10/17/93 Flag of Brazil Sao Paulo, Brazil - Morumbi Stadium
* 10/23/93 Flag of Chile Santiago, Chile - Estadio Nacional de Chile
* 10/29/93 Flag of Mexico Mexico City, Mexico - Estadio Azteca
•Notes
The remainder of the tour was cancelled when Jackson announced he was seeking
treatment for his dependency on painkillers. He explained that his stress from the
child molestation charges, which was settled out of court. caused him to become
dependent on painkillers to get through the tour.
The scheduled concert on the 25th in Thailand was cancelled and rescheduled for the
26th. The concert is again cancelled because Jackson had not fully recovered from
dehydration. Jackson released an audio taped message to his fans saying "I promise all
my fans to perform at the National Stadium in Bangkok on August 27. I will see you
Friday. I love you all."
Moments before the second concert in Singapore on the 30th August 1993 Jackson
collapses backstage suffering from a severe migraine. The next day Jackson undergoes
a brain scan in hospital. A second audio taped message is released saying "I was
suddenly taken ill last night and I am sorry for the cancellation of my performance and
I apologise for any inconvenience it might have caused my fans in Singapore. I look
forward to seeing you at the stadium tomorrow. Thank you for your continued support
and understanding. I love you all. Thank you."
• Tour recording
All concerts were professionally filmed by Nocturne Productions, Inc. which filmed all
of Jackson's tours and private affairs. Just one concert, from Bucharest on October
1, 1992 was broadcast on television across the world. This was released officially on
DVD called Live in Bucharest: The Dangerous Tour.
• Performers
Lead performer
* Vocals, Dance, Choreographer: Michael Jackson
•Dancers
* LaVelle Smith, Eddie Garcia, Randy Allaire, Michelle Berube, Jamie King, Taco
Falcon, Yoko Sumida
•Band members
* Music Director: Greg Phillinganes

* Assistant Musical Director: Kevin Dorsey
* Keyboards & Synthesizers: Greg Phillinganes, Brad Buxer
* Drums: Ricky Lawson
* Lead Guitar: Jennifer Batten
* Rhythm Guitar: David Williams
* Bass Guitar: Don Boyette
* Vocal Director: Kevin Dorsey
* Vocals: Kevin Dorsey, Darryl Phinnessee, Dorian Holley, Siedah Garrett
• Credits

* Artistic Director: Michael Jackson
* Choreographed by: Michael Jackson & LaVelle Smith
* Staged & Designed by: Kenny Ortega
* Set Designed by: Tom McPhillips
* Lightning Designer: Peter Morse
* Director of Security: Bill Bray
* Costumes Designed by: Dennis Tompkins & Michael Bush
* Tour Coordinator: Sal Bonafede
* Production Executive: Benny Collins
* Production Manager: Chris Tervit
* Tour Manager: Paul Gongaware, Jack Nance
* Assistant Tour Manager: Nelson Hayes
* Production Coordinator: Caprise Arreola [1st Leg], Tour Management Coordinator
[2nd Leg]
* Personal Management: Gallin Morey Associates
* Drum Technician:
* Guitar Technicians:
* Keyboard Technicians:
Heal The World Foundation
The original Heal the World Foundation was a charitable organization founded by
entertainer Michael Jackson in 1992. The foundation's creation was inspired by his
charitable single of the same name. Through his foundation, Jackson airlifted 46 tons
of supplies to Sarajevo, instituted drug and alcohol abuse education and donated
millions of dollars to less fortunate children, including the full payment of a Hungarian
child's liver transplant. Failure to file yearly accounting statements saw the charity
lose its tax exempt status in 2002. A different organization, with no known
relationship to Michael Jackson's foundation, incorporated in the state of California
under the same name and applied for new tax exempt status in 2008.
• Background
Prior to the creation of the Heal the World Foundation, Jackson had expressed great
interest in humanitarianism, equality and world peace. Songs such as "Can You Feel It",
"We Are the World" and "Man in the Mirror" convey this. Jackson also donated
millions of dollars to charity, including his $5 million share from the Victory Tour.[4]
In 1984, while filming a Pepsi Cola commercial, Jackson suffered second degree burns
to his scalp after pyrotechnics accidentally set his hair on fire.[5] 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.
Shortly afterward, 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.
In 1985, 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 recognized for his
humanitarian efforts.
Mission
The Heal The World Foundation's logo was based on this single cover of its namesake
song.
Jackson founded the charity in 1992, naming it after his hit song, "Heal the World".
The purpose of the charity was to provide medicine to children and fight world hunger,
homelessness, child exploitation and abuse. Jackson stated that he wanted "to improve
the conditions for children throughout the world".
The foundation also brought underprivileged children to Jackson's Neverland Ranch,

located outside Santa Ynez, California, to go on theme park rides that Jackson had
built on the property after he purchased it in 1988.
•Fundraising
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.
Through the foundation, Jackson airlifted 46 tons of supplies to Sarajevo and paid for
a Hungarian child's liver transplant.
One of Michael Jackson's most acclaimed performances came during the halftime show
at the National Football League's Super Bowl XXVII. At the show, Jackson performed
his anthem "Heal the World", to help promote the organization with the assistance of
a choir of 750 people and a flash card display involving 98,000 volunteers. Jackson
donated his entire fees to the foundation, with the NFL also donating $100,000 and a
30-second TV spot to push for contributions.
Following the Super Bowl, Jackson ran a full-page advertisement in the newspaper USA
Today, providing a toll-free number. A coupon was provided that could be clipped and
mailed in along with a contribution. Those donating $35 or more were given a "Heal the
World" T-shirt.
The environmental themed music video for "Earth Song" closed with a request for
donations to Jackson's foundation.
In 1997, Jackson earned money from photographs of his son, Prince Michael. The
photographs were sold to "OK!" magazine and the National Enquirer, raising $3 million
for the foundation.
•Heal the Kids
In February 2001, Jackson launched Heal the Kids, an initiative of HTWF and part of
the foundation's attempt to boost children's welfare. Jackson launched the charity
initiative, stating, "Heal the Kids will help adults and parents realize it's in our power
to change the world our children live in".
Jackson gave a speech at Oxford University about raising children, as part of the
launch of his "Heal the Kids" initiative. In the speech, Jackson spoke rhetorically of
his children, "What if they grow older and resent me, and how my choices impacted
their youth?...Why weren't we given a normal childhood like all the other children?
And at that moment I pray that my children will give me the benefit of the doubt.
That they will say to themselves: Our daddy did the best he could, given the unique
circumstances he faced. I hope that they will focus on the positives things, on the
sacrifices I willingly made for them...". Journalist J. Randy Taraborrelli concluded
that Jackson's performance during the speech was "absorbing" and well received.
•Disbandment
In 2002, the Heal the World Foundation was suspended, after failing to file yearly
accounting statements, required for tax-exempt organizations. Records showed that
the foundation had net assets of $3,542 and reported $2,585 in expenses. The
foundation did not have a director, president or other top manager besides Jackson,
who was listed as chairman.
Name confusion
A separate charity named 'Heal the World Foundation was set up in 2008. On August
11, 2009, CBS News reported that: "... representatives of the Jackson estate say
the foundation is not linked, "The Michael Jackson estate has no connection
whatsoever to the "Heal the World Foundation” run by Melissa Johnson," said Terry
Fahn, a spokesperson for John Branca, the special administrator of the Jackson
estate."
MOONWALK(Dance)
The moonwalk or backslide is a dance technique that presents the illusion of the
dancer being pulled backwards while attempting to walk forward. A breakdancing move,
it became popular around the world after Michael Jackson executed it during a
performance of "Billie Jean" on Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever on March 25,
1983. It subsequently became his signature move, and is now one of the best-known
dance techniques in the world.
•History
Cab Calloway executed similar steps to the moonwalk as early as 1932.
There are many recorded instances of the moonwalk, originally known as the backslide
or "walking on your toes", being used before Michael Jackson used it. Similar steps are
reported as far back as 1932, used by Cab "Minnie the Moocher" Calloway. It was
first recorded in 1955 in a performance by tap dancer Bill Bailey. The French mime
artist, Marcel Marceau, used it throughout his career (from the 1940s through the
1980s), as part of the drama of his mime routines. Marceau's famous "Walking
Against the Wind" routine was the original influence that Jackson drew from, in which
Marceau pretends to be pushed backwards by a gust of wind.
James Brown used the move, for instance in the 1980 film The Blues Brothers. David
Bowie was probably the first rock musician to perform it, though he remained
stationary. An embryonic version of the move appears in Bowie's 1960s mime pieces;
he had studied mime under Étienne Decroux, Marcel Marceau's teacher, and under
Lindsay Kemp, who had trained with Marceau. By the time of his 1974 Diamond Dogs
Tour, Michael Jackson was among those attending Bowie's Los Angeles shows, later
remarking on Bowie's strange moves. Another early moonwalker was Jeffrey Daniel,
who moonwalked in a performance of Shalamar's "A Night To Remember" on Top of
the Pops in 1982. Also in 1982, Debbie Allen performs a moonwalk during a scene with
Gwen Verdon in Season 1, Episode 10 (Come One, Come All) of the 1982 TV series
Fame. In the movie "Flashdance", released in 1983, the move was used in the
breakdance scene, where a street performer, with an umbrella prop, mimed the wind
blowing him backward as he first walks forward, fighting the wind, then starts
moonwalking backwards.
Michael Jackson
The dance was brought to widespread public attention in 1983, when Michael Jackson
performed it during a television special, Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever on
March 25 that year. Dressed in his signature black pants, silver socks, silver shirt,
black-sequinned jacket, single sequinned glove, and black fedora, Jackson spun around,
posed, and started moonwalking. Ian Inglis writes that Jackson encapsulated a long
tradition of African-American dance movements in that one performance. The audience
gasped when they saw the move. Nelson George said that Jackson's rendition
"combined Jackie Wilson's athleticism with James Brown's camel walk."When imitators
imitate Michael Jackson they usually perform the moonwalk.
A street dancer in Madrid.
• Variations
The step has two distinct types. One is called the turn walk. This is usually performed
very quickly giving the impression that the dancer is walking quickly in a circle. The
other circular moonwalk type is known as the 360 or Four-Corner Moonwalk and is
often done much more slowly in a floating style. This involves sliding a heel back
(usually the left heel), pivoting both heels to change direction, and then pivoting the
non-sliding heel 45 degrees. Other moonwalk variants include the "sidewalk" or "side
glide", in which the dancer appears to glide sideways, and the "spotwalk", in which the
dancer appears to moonwalk in place.[citation needed]
• In nature
The Red-capped Manakin of Central America performs a mating dance similar to that
of backsliding. During the male's performance, he shuffles his feet rapidly backwards
or sideways.
• In television
David Henrie, who plays Justin Russo in Wizards of Waverly Place, performed the
moonwalk in the episode "Maximan" in the "The Big Synchronized Robot Event" scene.
He moonwalked while dancing with the robot.
Henrie also moonwalked in another episode of Wizards titled "Fashion Week", after
Alex purposely spilled food on his shirt. He retaliated by hugging her, ruining the
dress she was wearing. He then says "Turn the music down", and then moonwalks very
shortly.
In Spongebob Squarepants, SpongeBob SquarePants performed the moonwalk in the

episode "I Heart Dancing", on a treadmill, because Squidward was trying to sabotage
his dance audition by making him too tired and made him moonwalk on a treadmill while
he read an entire book. Surprisingly, he wasn't tired when Squidward finished and the
treadmill exploded.
Michael "Boogalo Shrimp" Chambers, who plays Urkel-bot in Family Matters, also
performed the moonwalk in the episode "Robo-Nerd", during the scene where Laura
was trying to escape from Urkel-bot.
There are also performances of the move in such popular media, such as Leslie Nielsen
in The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! and Stewie Griffin in an episode of
Family Guy.
HIStory: Past, Present and Future,

Book I
HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I (usually shortened to HIStory) is

a double album by Michael Jackson, released on June 16, 1995. The first disc is his
first hits collection, whereas the second is his studio album. HIStory is the best-
selling multiple disc album ever, with worldwide sales of over 20 million (40 million in
terms of units).The album won one Grammy for Best Music Video — Short Form for
"Scream." The greatest hits disc was reissued on November 13, 2001 under the name
Greatest Hits: HIStory, Volume I.
History
• Recording
Recording started in September 1994 and would carry through March of 1995.
Jackson wrote the majority of the songs attacking the press for "scandalizing" him and
gave messages to fans to not "feed" into the tabloids. One of the singles (the first to
be released) was "Scream", a duet between Michael and sister Janet, who had agreed
to do a duet with her brother after she felt that she "had made it to the top and she
didn't fear that she'd 'had to ride Michael's coattails'". Other songs that attacked
the tabloids included "Tabloid Junkie" and "This Time Around". The Michael and Janet
duet was one of several tunes Jackson produced with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis ("2
Bad", "HIStory", "Tabloid Junkie") but not without additional help from the likes of
Dallas Austin ("This Time Around"), R. Kelly (the lone ballad, "You Are Not Alone"),
Charles Chaplin ("Smile") and Jackson himself ("They Don't Care About Us", "Earth
Song", "Stranger in Moscow", "D.S.", "Money", "Little Susie" with Jackson-arranged
variation of Maurice Duruflé's Requiem as prelude). Jackson, in fact, dominated the
production of the album though not fully incorporating serious issues into his music
including racism, the ecology and his own personal travails ("D.S.", in particular, was
an attack on the district attorney of Jackson's case, Thomas Sneddon, in which he is
heard singing in the chorus despite the lyrics reading "Dom Sheldon", possibly used to
escape a lawsuit). Like on previous albums, Jackson wanted to feature guest stars.
Other than his sister Janet, rapper The Notorious B.I.G. put down a rap verse in
"This Time Around", soul group Boyz II Men sung background vocals on "HIStory" and
basketball star and sometime rapper Shaquille O'Neal put down a verse on "2 Bad".
While fourteen of the songs were new recordings, Jackson included an older recording
of his cover of The Beatles' "Come Together", which he had recorded for his 1988
Moonwalker film's ending. The version included on the album is a shorter edit of the
original, which was released in 1992 as a B-side to "Remember The Time".
The greatest hits concept originated in 1989, where Michael was originally going to
release a set entitled "Decade 1979-1989" (after a delay, it became "Decade 1980-
1990"), which would include several previous Jackson hits and several new songs from
the later part of his career. This idea was shelved when Jackson recorded enough
material for a whole album, which became Dangerous. The album was dedicated to
Thomas Edison for "inventing the phonograph."
• Promotion
To promote the album, Jackson embarked on the successful HIStory World Tour,[5]
which was attended by more than four and a half million people. Jackson also made a
promotional "teaser" music video showing him marching with thousands of military
personnel as well as shipping statues of himself on boats around Europe[6] and $30
million was spent on its promotion by Sony.
•Controversy
HIStory remains Jackson's most controversial album as seen by a number of events.
* The music video for "You Are Not Alone" was controversial in that it featured an
almost nude Jackson and his then-wife Lisa Marie Presley. Additionally, two Belgian
songwriters, brothers Eddy and Danny Van Passel, claimed to have written the melody
in 1993. In September 2007 a Belgian judge ruled the song was plagiarized from the
Van Passel brothers and the song was subsequently banned from airwaves in Belgium.
* Controversy arose when a verse in "They Don't Care About Us" ("Jew me/sue
me/everybody do me/kick me, kike me/don't you black or white me") raised suspicion
that the singer was anti-Semitic, charges Jackson denied. To make up for it, he
edited the verse on later issues of the album, adding sound effects to cover up the
'Jew', 'kike' and even 'strike' lyrics; at the same time additional percussion sounds
were added making the original album version quite different to the one we hear
today.
* The original music video for "They Don't Care About Us" showed Jackson singing
the song in a prison.[9] MTV took the video off its playlist because it showed scenes
of violence. Jackson and video director Spike Lee released another version of the
video set in Dona Marta, a shanty town in Brazil, which was actually shot before the
"prison version" The original plan was to have one video edited from both shoots
however the material generated in Brazil was so worthy, Jackson believed there should
be two versions, one for pop channels (Brazil) and one for hip-hop/post watershed
channels (prison). One Brazilian politician accused Jackson of exploiting poverty to
make money. The politician also alleged that Jackson needed and was given permission
by drug traffickers to shoot the video.
* At the BRIT Awards in 1996, Jackson was given a special "Artist of a
Generation" award. At the ceremony he performed "Earth Song" with a grandiose
stage show, with Jackson portrayed as an allegedly "Christ-like" figure surrounded by
adoring children. Pulp front man Jarvis Cocker mounted the stage in protest at the
act. Cocker ran across the stage, lifting his shirt and pointing his (clothed) bottom in
Jackson's direction. Cocker was subsequently questioned by the police on suspicion of
causing injury towards three of the children in Jackson's performance, although no
criminal proceedings followed. The performance saw the song and album rise back up
the charts.
* The tracks "Scream", "This Time Around", "Tabloid Junkie", and "D.S." are four
of five recorded tracks where Michael Jackson uses profanity. The other being the
track "Morphine" from the Blood On The Dance Floor album.
•Critical response
"This Time Around"

Play sound
Excerpt of the U.S. radio only release "This Time Around".
"Tabloid Junkie"
Play sound
Excerpt of the song, "Tabloid Junkie".
Problems listening to these files? See media help.
The album received 5 Grammy Award nominations and won one,these were:
* "Album of the Year" - HIStory - Nomination

* "Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals" - "Scream" - Nomination
* "Best Male Pop Vocal Performance" - "You Are Not Alone" - Nomination
* "Best Music Video, Short Form" - "You Are Not Alone" - Nomination
* "Best Music Video, Short Form" - "Scream" - Won
HIStory, arguably Jackson's most angry and raw, emotional album, revealed a
"furious" pop icon worn, torn and possibly paranoid by years of superstardom, now
obsessed with the people who tried to bring him down, that obessions is what some
people say ultimately stunted his trend for cutting edge musical trends. with Jon
Pareles of the The New York Times writing that "It has been a long time since Michael
Jackson was simply a performer. He's the main asset of his own corporation, which is
a profitable subsidiary of Sony".Some reviewers commented on the unusual format of a
new studio album being accompanied by a "greatest hits" collection, with Q magazine
saying "from the new songs' point of view, it's like taking your dad with you into a
fight."
In relation to "This Time Around", James Hunter of Rolling Stone described it as a

"dynamite jam...done with Atlanta R&B hotshot Dallas Austin that's ripe for remixes".
Jon Pareles of The New York Times believed that Jackson "muttered" lyrics such as
"They thought they really had control of me". Chris Willman of the Los Angeles Times
said of "This Time Around", "a tough, rhythm-guitar-driven track co-written and co-
produced by hit-maker Dallas Austin that sports one of the album's better grooves".
Fred Shuster of the Daily News of Los Angeles described "This Time Around", "Money"
and "D.S." as "superb slices of organic funk that will fuel many of the summer's
busiest dance floors".
• Singles
* "Scream/Childhood" - Released as a double A-side the first single released from

HIStory was "Scream", sung and performed with his sister Janet Jackson. The single
had the best ever debut at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and had a Grammy nomination
for "Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals". The music video for "Scream" is one of his
most critically acclaimed winning three MTV awards in 1995 and a Grammy in 1996.
"Scream" is currently the most expensive music video ever made. It sold 2 million
copies worldwide.
* "You Are Not Alone" - was the second single released from HIStory and would
become the first song ever to debut at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, (beating his
previous single "Scream"). It reached #1 in various international markets, including
Britain. It was seen as a major artistic and commercial success and received a Grammy
nomination for "Best Pop Vocal Performance". It sold 3 million copies worldwide and
was written by R.Kelly.
* "Earth Song" - was the third single released from HIStory, and was accompanied
by a well received expensive music video that was nominated for a Grammy Award in
1996 but lost to his earlier video "Scream". The song topped the UK Singles Chart for
six weeks over Christmas in 1995 and sold one million copies there, making it his most
successful UK single, surpassing the success of "Billie Jean". It sold 3.15 million copies
worldwide.
* "They Don't Care About Us" - It sold 1.75 million copies worldwide.
* "Stranger in Moscow" - was a success in Europe, reaching the top of the charts
in Spain and Italy, #4 in the UK, #5 in Switzerland, #6 in New Zealand and #9 in
Denmark. It sold 540,000 copies worldwide.
* "This Time Around", a U.S. only radio release, peak at #23 on the Billboard Hot
R&B Singles chart and #18 on the Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart purely
off radio airplay. The song features The Notorious B.I.G. 2 years before his untimely
death in Los Angeles 1997. Michael would work with Biggie again posthumously in 2001
on his next LP "Invincible" on the song "Unbreakable".
• Chart performance
"HIStory" debuted at number-one on the Billboard 200 and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums
charts selling over 391,000 copies in its first week. The album was certified seven
times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America on October 22, 1999
in recognition of 3.5 million shipments in the United States.Multi-disc albums are
counted once for each disc within the album if it is over 100 minutes in length, in this
case "HIStory" is 148:50 minutes long. It is counted twice meaning each album was
certified platinum after 500,000 copies were shipped. The Canadian Recording
Industry Association certified it 5× platinum after shipping in excess of 500,000 units.
In Europe, the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry certified

"HIStory" six times platinum, denoting six million shipments within the continent.
Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, the album debuted at number-one on the official
albums chart and was certified four times platinum by the British Phonographic
Industry for shipments of 1.2 million copies. In France, "HIStory" became Jackson's
fourth diamond-seller album after Dangerous (1991), Bad (1987) and Thriller (1982),
denoting sales of over one million units. In addition, Germany was the European country
where the double-disc set sold the most, over 1.5 million copies, being certified three
times platinum by the IFPI.
"HIStory" has sold over twenty million copies (forty million units) worldwide and,
according to MSNBC, is the best-selling multiple-disc albums of all-time.
•Charts and certifications

Charts[29] ↓ Peak
Position ↓ certification
↓Sales/Shipments
Argentina Platinum[30]
200,000[30]
Australia 1 8× Platinum[31]
560,000[32]
Austria 2 2× Platinum[33]
80,000[34]
Belgium 1
Brazil Top 10 CD ABPD 1[35] 1x gold [36]
250,000
Canada 5× Platinum[25]
500,000[37]
Europe 6× Platinum[38]
6,000,000[39]
Finland 3 Platinum[40]
61,352[40]
France 1 Diamond[27]
1,000,000[27]
Germany[41] 1 3× Platinum[28]
1,500,000[42]
Mexico 9[43] Gold[1]
100,000[2]
Netherlands 1 3× Platinum[44]
240,000[34]
New Zealand 1[45] 9× Platinum[46]
135,000[47]
Norway 1 Platinum[48]
40,000[34]
Spain 3x Platinum[49]
300,000
Sweden 3 Platinum[50]
60,000[34]
Switzerland 1 3× Platinum[51]
150,000[51]
United Kingdom[52] 1 4× Platinum[26]
1,200,000
United States[22] 1 7× Platinum[24]
3,500,000
•Track listing
All songs written and composed by Michael Jackson, except where noted.
HIStory Begins (Disc 1)
# Title Writer(s) Featured artist
1. "Billie Jean"
3. "Black Or White" Michael Jackson; Bill
Bottrell/Slash
4. "Rock With You" Rod Temperton
5. "She's Out Of My Life" Tom Bahler

6. "Bad"
7. "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" Siedah Garrett
8. "Man In The Mirror" Glen Ballard; Siedah Garrett
9. "Thriller" Rod Temperton

10. "Beat It" Eddie Van Halen
11. "The Girl Is Mine" Paul McCartney
12. "Remember The Time" Michael Jackson; Teddy Riley;
Bernard Belle
13. "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough"
15. "Heal The World"
HIStory Continues (Disc 2)

# Title Writer(s)
1. "Scream" James Harris; Terry Lewis; Michael

Jackson; Janet Jackson
2. "They Don't Care About Us"
3. "Stranger In Moscow"
4. "This Time Around" Michael Jackson; René Moore; Dallas
Austin; Bruce Swedie
5. "Earth Song"
6. "D.S." Slash
7. "Money"
8. "Come Together" John Lennon; Paul McCartney
9. "You Are Not Alone" R. Kelly

10. "Childhood (Theme from Free Willy 2)"
11. "Tabloid Junkie" Harris; Lewis; Michael Jackson
12. "2 Bad" Michael Jackson;Swedien; Moore;Austin

Shaquille O'Neal
13. "HIStory" Harris; Lewis; Michael Jackson
14. "Little Susie"

15. "Smile" Charlie Chaplin; John Turner jeoffrey
Parsons
• Credits
Production credits
* "Scream" produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and Michael Jackson and
Janet Jackson
* "They Don't Care About Us", "Stranger in Moscow", "D.S.", "Money" and "Little
Susie" produced by Michael Jackson
* "This Time Around" produced by Dallas Austin and Michael Jackson, co-produced
by Bruce Swedien and Rene
* "Earth Song" produced by Michael Jackson and David Foster, co-produced by Bill
Bottrell
* "Come Together" produced by Michael Jackson and Bill Bottrell
* "You Are Not Alone" produced by R. Kelly and Michael Jackson
* "Childhood" and "Smile" produced by Michael Jackson and David Foster
* "Tabloid Junkie" and "History" produced by Michael Jackson and Jimmy Jam and
Terry Lewis
* "2 Bad" produced by Michael Jackson, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and Bruce
Swedien and Rene
•Album credits
* Lead and Background Vocals: Michael Jackson

* Background Vocals: Zedric Williams, James Ingram, Siedah Garrett, Andrae and
Sandra Crouch and the Andrae Crouch Singers; Carol Dennis, Jackie Gouche, Gloria
Estefan, Linda McCrary, and Boyz II Men: Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris, Shawn
Stockman, Michael McCary
* Child soloists:
o "HIStory": Leah Frazier
o "Little Susie": Markita Prescott
* Rap performances by The Notorious B.I.G. and Shaquille O'Neal
* Arrangements by Michael Jackson, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Dallas Austin,
Bruce Swedien, R. Kelly, Rene, Jeremy Lubbock, Brad Buxer and Johnny Mandel
* Vocal arrangements by Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Jimmy Jam and Terry
Lewis
* Orchestral arrangements by David Foster, Elmer Bernstein and Bill Ross
* String arrangements by Michael Jackson
* Keyboard arrangements by Michael Jackson
* Orchestras conducted by Jeremy Lubbock
* Horn arrangement by Michael Jackson and Jerry Hey
* Pianos: David Paich and John Barnes
* Keyboards and synthesizers: Randy Kerber, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, David
Foster, Steve "Yada" Porcaro, David Paich, Bill Bottrell, Dallas Austin, Glen Ballard,
Rene, Brad Buxer, Simon Franglen, Greg Phillinganes, Lafayette Carthon, Michael
Boddicker, Chuck Wild, Rob Arbitter, Gary Adante, John Barnes and Randy Waldman
* Synthesizer programming: Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Simon Franglen, Steve
Porcaro, Brad Buxer, Peter Mokran, Michael Boddicker, Chuck Wild, Andrew Scheps,
Rick Sheppard, Rob Hoffman, Bobby Brooks, Jeff Bova, Chris Palmero, Jason Miles,
Arnie Schulze and Gregg Mangiafico
* Drum programming: Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Peter Mokran and Andrew
Scheps
* Synclavier programming: Andrew Scheps and Simon Franglen
* Guitars: Michael Jackson, Eddie Van Halen, Slash, David Williams, Larry Clayton,
Dean Parks, Eric Gale, Tim Pierce, Dann Huff, Paul Jackson Jr., Steve Lukather, Bill
Bottrell, Jeff Mirinow, Rob Hoffman, Jen Leigh, Michael Thompson, and Trevor Rabin
* Drums: Ndugu Chancler, Jeff Porcaro, John Robinson and Bryan Loren
* Percussion: Michael Jackson, Ollie E. Brown, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Bill
Bottrell, Buddy Williams, Bruce Swedien, Simon Franglen, Rene, Chuck Wild, Paulinho
Da Costa, Nannette Fortier and Bobby Brooks
* Bass: Steve Lukather, Colin Wolfe, Louis Johnson, Nathan East, Terry Jackson,
Doug Grigsby and Guy Pratt
* Synth bass: Bryan Loren
* Horns: Larry Williams, Jerry Hey, Gary Grant, William Reichenbach and Kim
Hutchcroft
• Technical credits
* Executive producer: Michael Jackson

* Recorded and mixed by Bruce Swedien
* Additional Recording and mixing by Eddie De Lena, Steve Hodge and W.J.R.
* Technical directors: Matt Forger and Brad Sundberg
* Production coordination: Rachel Smith
* Mastered by Bernie Grundman
* Computer programming and technical direction assistance by Craig Johnson
* Additional synthesizer programming and sound design by Michael Boddicker, Chuck
Wild, Scott Pittinsky, Bobby Brooks, Roberta Swedien and Darry Ross
HISTORY WORLD TOUR
The HIStory World Tour was the third and final world concert tour by Michael
Jackson as a solo artist, covering Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and Hawaii from
September 7, 1996 to October 15, 1997. The tour, which grossed a total of $163.5
million, included a total of 82 concerts attended by 4,500,000 fans.
Overview
•Royal concert in Brunei
Prior to the tour, Jackson performed a free concert at the Jerudong Park
Amphitheatre in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei on 16 July, 1996, attended by 60,000
throughout the park. The concert was in celebration of the 50th birthday of Hassanal
Bolkiah, the Sultan of Brunei and was attended by the Brunei royal family, though the
Sultan himself did not attend.
Much of the concert resembled Jackson's Dangerous World Tour, including his outfit
and the set list, keeping the details of the upcoming HIStory Tour a close secret. The
concert also marked the debut live performance of "You Are Not Alone" and "Earth
Song" as well as the last performances of "Jam", "Human Nature", "I Just Can't Stop
Loving You" and "She's out of My Life" at a Jackson concert. This concert also marked
the last performance of "Billie Jean" and one of the last performances of "Beat It"
sung fully live. Although "Heal the World" was present on the setlists of both the
Dangerous and HIStory Tours, it was not on the setlist of the Royal Concert.
A high quality soundboard bootleg recording of the concert was leaked on the
Internet. However it has been edited and is a different sound dub. A poor quality
VHS copy has also been leaked.
The following is the set list for the royal concert.
1. "Brace Yourself" Video Introduction

2. "Jam"
4. "Human Nature"
6. "I Just Can't Stop Loving You"
8. Jackson 5 Medley: "I Want You Back" / "The Love You Save" / "I'll Be There"
9. "Thriller"
10. "Billie Jean"
13. "Beat It"
14. "You Are Not Alone"
15. "Dangerous"
18. "Earth Song"
•Tour announcement and stage
Unlike Jackson's past two solo world tours, the HIStory Tour would not be sponsored
by Pepsi-Cola.
The birth of Kingdom International, a joint venture between Jackson and HRH Prince
Al-Waleed bin Talal, the nephew of the Fahd bin Abdul Aziz, the King of Saudi Arabia
from 1982 to 2005, was announced at a press conference held at the Palais des
Congres in Paris, France on 19 March, 1995. Kingdom International allowed
opportunities to be created and developed in the entertainment industry. In this
conference Jackson said "Kingdom International is a dream come true." It was then
announced that Jackson would embark on his third solo world tour.
•1996/1997: First leg (Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and United

States)
Jackson started the tour off with a concert at Letna Park in Prague with a 125,000
strong attendance, one of Jackson's largest single attended concerts in his career. On
January 3 and 4th 1997 Jackson only performed two concerts in America. He did not
perform in the USA mainland, but rather in Honolulu, Hawaii at the Aloha Stadium to
a crowd of 35,000 each.
• 1997: Second leg (Europe and Africa)
The second leg started off on May 31, 1997 at the Weserstadion in Bremen,
Germany. Set list changes included the addition of Blood on the Dance Floor and later
on the removal of the Off the Wall Medley and The Way You Make Me Feel. It was
only during the first concert in Bremen that Jackson donned a red jacket for Blood on
The Dance Floor, which was later replaced with a blue uniform. Blood on the Dance
Floor was taken off the set list after the concert in Oslo, Norway on August 19,
1997. On August 29, 1997 Jackson performed at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen,
Denmark on his 39th birthday with 50,000 fans. He was presented with a surprise
birthday cake, marching band, and fireworks on stage before the Jackson 5 Medley. A
concert was supposed to take place on August 7 in Ljubljana, Slovenia, but was
cancelled due to poor ticket sales, the only concert that was cancelled during the tour.
The concert at Hippodrome Wellington of Oostende, Belgium was supposed to be held
on August 31, 1997, but was postponed to September 3 following Diana's death.
During the September 3 concert audiences were required to be put into "cages."
Starting with this concert, several of the final concerts had begun with the
instrumental of Charlie Chaplin's Smile being played.
•Televised Concerts
All concerts were professionally filmed by Nocturne Productions, Inc. which filmed all
of Jackson's tours and private affairs. Just one concert, from Seoul on October 11,
1996 was commercially released on VHS in Korea. The DVD release of the Munich
concerts held on July 4 and 6, 1997 planned for Christmas but was subsequently
cancelled as Jackson was not satisfied with the performance.
A number of full, or near-full concerts were broadcast on television. Small parts of

other certain concerts (typically the opening medley of Scream/They Don't Care About
Us/In the Closet) were also shown on news reports around the world.
The following is a list of full or near-full concerts broadcast on Television, or

otherwise noted:
First Leg 1996:
* 14/09/1996 Flag of Romania Lia Manoliu Stadium - Bucharest, Romania

The first full televised concert and also the third concert of the tour. The Great Gate
of Kiev introduction was filmed off-screen onto the JumboTron, not a direct feed like
the other concerts. The crowd noises are the same as the ones from the Dangerous
Tour in Bucharest, but the true origin of these sounds is unknown, as the Bucharest
DVD contained footage from Wembley, Madrid and several other concerts.
* 11/10/1996 Flag of South Korea Olympic Stadium - Seoul, South Korea
During the performance of Earth Song, Jackson, (who was up on a crane) was
interfered by a male Korean fan who climbed up the crane just to meet Jackson.
Michael held on to the man because he had a risk of falling. The man was then taken
away by security after the crane was lowered. This concert was commercially released
on VHS in Korea. Before the release of the 1992 Dangerous Tour Concert in Bucharest
this was the only commercially released concert.
* 27/10/1996 Flag of Malaysia Merdeka Stadium - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The released songs only goes up to Dangerous on the first concert, missing the last 3
songs; The Way You Make Me Feel, Off the Wall Medley and Come Together/D.S.
were not performed. Parts from several other songs from the October 29 concert
were also released during a news report on TV1000. Because crotch grabbing is
considered impure in Islam (Jackson had been banned from the United Arab Emirates
for this during the Dangerous Tour), Jackson altered his crotch-grabbing move in this
concert. Televised by ntv7.
* 09/11/1996 Flag of New Zealand Ericsson Stadium - Auckland, New Zealand
Last known professionally filmed concert with the Off the Wall Medley. Also the only
known performance of Billie Jean with a repeated chorus near the end of the dance
sequence.
* 16/11/1996 Flag of Australia Sydney Cricket Ground - Sydney, Australia
Only a few songs were broadcast (on Nine Network) from this concert, as well as
parts from the concert on November 14; in this performance "Beat It" was sung fully
live. Just a few hours after the latter performance, Jackson married Debbie Rowe in
a civil ceremony in his presidential suite at the Sheraton on the Park Hotel. Both of
the concerts are believed to exist in full in the hands of TV Stations, but have not
been aired as such.
* 08/12/1996 Flag of the Philippines Asiaworld City - Paranaque, Metro Manila

Philippines
Televised by two different channels, ABC-5 (Channel 5) and GMA Network. Often
referred to as "HIStory Tour Manila." The ABC-5 version fades after each song
(there is no intro to Billie Jean), but is in higher quality than the GMA version, to
which the audio sounds different. The Way You Make Me Feel, Off the Wall Medley
and Come Together/D.S. were not performed at this concert.
* 31/12/1996 Flag of Brunei Jerudong Park Amphitheatre - Bandar Seri Begawan,

Brunei
Never televised, but known to exist as with the preceding Royal Concert in July. Along
with the latter performance, it is one of the rarest known concerts to exist. Private
collectors have obtained the concert on VHS in high quality but have never released
full concert footage; these fans have remained controversial for refusing to share this
and the Royal Concert with the fan community among other issues. In October 2008 a
poor-quality VCD copy (also additionally compressed and watermarked) was uploaded
onto the internet by a fan in Brunei who obtained the concert from a stage crew.
Video quality was fair and the sound was badly encoded with a low rumbling appearing
when low sounds were played. Starting from February 2009, the uncompressed and
unwatermarked files from the same VCD source had been uploaded, though the sound
quality is still the same. Like Malaysia, most people in Brunei are Muslim, so crotch-
grabbing was also removed in this concert and is also obscured by camera angles that
are different from most other concerts. This concert is also noted for the first verse
of Scream being sung live. The curtain used in Smooth Criminal was not present during
this concert (though it was during the Royal Concert), and the crane for Beat It and
Earth Song is not used. The Way Yo Make Me Feel was performed at this concert,
but Off the Wall Medley and Come Together/D.S. were not.
•Second Leg 1997:
* 04 & 06/07/1997 Flag of Germany Olympic Stadium - Munich Germany
Jackson planned upon filming this concert for a DVD release by Christmas time, so
more camera angles (including individual crowd shots) were used, and the audio was
later remastered heavily to emphasize the percussion and audience sounds. This
concert was also an early experiment by Jackson with High Definition cameras.
However, it was not released However, the performance was televised extensively in
many different countries; making it one of the most readily available concerts. The
most common version is the one aired by Sat.1 and most other channels, but other
versions, such as the one that aired in South Africa (with a small segment from a
concert at Johannesburg), and a Japanese version also exist. Most versions have also
been edited with a segment from the concert on August 3, 1997 at Leipzig before the
Jackson 5 Medley about an insect on the stage. An unedited version of the Concert
from July 4 has the original camera angles seen on the jumbotrons and original sound.
Two amateur videos from July 6 (one of which contained footage of both concerts) also
exist. Following Jackson's death, the Sat.1 version of this concert was re-televised
by RTL 5, who had previously televised it on their Veronica channel.
* 14/08/1997 Flag of Denmark Parken Stadium - Copenhagen, Denmark

Broadcast by TV1000 and Channel 3. Most VHS rips of this version that have
appeared seem to suffer from a greenish video noise. This concert, along with the
1996 concert in Seoul, were televised on Korean Television in July of 2009; the songs
"Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'," "Stranger in Moscow" and "Blood on the Dance Floor"
were edited off in this new televised version of this concert.
* 16/08/1997 Flag of Sweden Ullevi Stadium - Gothenburg, Sweden
Also broadcast by TV1000 and Channel 3. This concert is very similar to the
Copenhagen concert; also the last professionally filmed performance of Blood on the
Dance Floor (though the concert in Oslo on August 19 was the last performance of this
song). During the beginning of Scream, the playback did not work properly for the
first minute, but the concert carried on.
* 24/08/1997 Flag of Finland Olympic Stadium - Helsinki, Finland
Also broadcast by TV1000. Most versions that have appeared on the internet suffer
from audio noise. This is the last known full performance to exist on video.
• Set list
Jackson dangling from a crane during a performance of Earth Song on the HIStory
tour.
1. "Gates of Kiev" Computer Animation Introduction

2. "Scream" / "They Don't Care About Us" / "In the Closet"
4. "Stranger in Moscow"
6. "The Wind" Video Interlude
7. "You Are Not Alone"
8. "The Way You Make Me Feel" (Only on certain concerts from September 7, 1996
to June 15, 1997)
9. Jackson 5 Medley: "I Want You Back" / "The Love You Save"
10. Jackson 5 Medley: "I'll Be There"
11. Off the Wall Medley: "Rock with You" / "Off the Wall" / "Don't Stop 'Til You
Get Enough" (Only on certain concerts, last performed on June 10, 1997)
12. "Remember the Time" Video Montage Interlude
13. "Billie Jean"
14. "Thriller"
15. "Beat It"
16. "Come Together" / "D.S." (Only on certain concerts from September 7, 1996 to
November 11, 1996)
17. "Blood on the Dance Floor" (May 31, 1997 to August 19, 1997)
19. "Dangerous"
21. "Earth Song"
24. "HIStory"
•Tour Dates
First Leg-
Date Venue
Attendance
September 7, 1996 Flag of the Czech Republic Prague, Czech Republic Letna Park
127,000
September 10, 1996 Flag of Hungary Budapest, Hungary Népstadion
60,000
September 14, 1996 Flag of Romania Bucharest, Romania Lia Manoliu Stadium
70,000
September 17, 1996 Flag of Russia Moscow, Russia Dynamo Stadium
50,000
September 20, 1996 Flag of Poland Warsaw, Poland Bemowo Airport
120,000
September 24, 1996 Flag of Spain Zaragoza, Spain La Romareda Stadium
45,000
September 28, 1996 Flag of the Netherlands Amsterdam, Netherlands Amsterdam
ArenA 50,000
September 30, 1996 Flag of the Netherlands Amsterdam, Netherlands Amsterdam
ArenA 50,000
October 2, 1996 Flag of the Netherlands Amsterdam, Netherlands Amsterdam
ArenA 50,000
October 7, 1996 Flag of Tunisia Tunis, Tunisia El Menzah Stadium
90,000
October 11, 1996 Flag of South Korea Seoul, South Korea Olympic Stadium
50,000
October 13, 1996 Flag of South Korea Seoul, South Korea Olympic Stadium
50,000
October 18, 1996 Flag of the Republic of China Taipei,(Taiwan Chungshan Soccer
Stadium) 40,000
October 20, 1996 Flag of the Republic of China Kaohsiung, Taiwan (Chungcheng
Stadium) 30,000
October 22, 1996 Flag of the Republic of China Taipei, Taiwan (Chungshan Soccer
Stadium) 40,000
October 25, 1996 Flag of Singapore Singapore (National Stadium)
35,000
October 27, 1996 Flag of Malaysia Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Merdeka Stadium)
40,000
October 29, 1996 Flag of Malaysia Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Merdeka Stadium)
40,000
November 1, 1996 Flag of India Mumbai, India (Andheri Sports Complex)
60,000
November 5, 1996 Flag of Thailand Bangkok, Thailand IMPACT Muang Thong Thani
40,000
November 9, 1996 Flag of New Zealand Auckland, New Zealand (Ericsson Stadium)
43,000
November 11, 1996 Flag of New Zealand Auckland, New Zealand (Ericsson Stadium)
43,000
November 14, 1996 Flag of Australia Sydney, Australia Sydney Cricket Ground
40,000
November 16, 1996 Flag of Australia Sydney, Australia Sydney Cricket Ground
40,000
November 19, 1996 Flag of Australia Brisbane, Australia(ANZ Stadium)
40,000
November 22, 1996 Flag of Australia Melbourne, Australia (Melbourne Cricket
Ground) 65,000
November 24, 1996 Flag of Australia Melbourne, Australia (Melbourne Cricket
Ground) 65,000
November 26, 1996 Flag of Australia Adelaide, Australia (Adelaide Oval)
30,000
November 30, 1996 Flag of Australia Perth, Australia (Burswood Dome)
20,000
December 2, 1996 Flag of Australia Perth, Australia Burswood Dome
20,000
December 4, 1996 Flag of Australia Perth, Australia Burswood Dome
20,000
December 8, 1996 Flag of the Philippines Paranaque, Metro Manila (Asia World City)
55,000
December 10, 1996 Flag of the Philippines Paranaque, Metro Manila (Asia World LRT
Station) 90,000
December 12, 1996 Flag of Japan Tokyo, Japan Tokyo Dome
45,000
45,000
45,000
45,000
December 26, 1996 Flag of Japan Fukuoka, Japan Fukuoka Dome
40,000
December 28, 1996 Flag of Japan Fukuoka, Japan Fukuoka Dome
40,000
December 31, 1996 Flag of Brunei Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Jerudong Park
Amphitheatre 60,000
January 3, 1997 Flag of the United States,Hawaii,United States Aloha Stadium
35,000
January 4, 1997 Flag of the United States Honolulu, Hawaii, United States Aloha
Stadium 35,000
Second Leg-
Date City Venue

Attendance
May 31, 1997 Flag of Germany Bremen, Germany Weserstadion
35,000
June 3, 1997 Flag of Germany Cologne, Germany Müngersdorfer Stadion
60,000
June 6, 1997 Flag of Germany Bremen, Germany Weserstadion
35,000
June 8, 1997 Flag of the Netherlands Amsterdam, Netherlands Amsterdam ArenA
50,000
June 10, 1997 Flag of the Netherlands Amsterdam,Netherlands Amsterdam
ArenA 50,000
June 13, 1997 Flag of Germany Kiel, Germany, Nordmarksportfield
55,000
June 15, 1997 Flag of Germany Gelsenkirchen, Germany, Parkstadion
50,000
June 18, 1997 Flag of Italy Milan, Italy San Siro
45,000
June 20, 1997 Flag of Switzerland Lausanne, Switzerland La Pontaise Olympic
Stadium 35,000
June 22, 1997 Flag of Luxembourg Bettembourg, Luxembourg Krakelshaff
45,000
June 25, 1997 Flag of France Lyon, France Stade de Gerland
25,000
June 27, 1997 Flag of France Paris, France Parc des Princes
50,000
June 29, 1997 Flag of France Paris, France Parc des Princes
45,000
July 2, 1997 Flag of Austria Vienna, Austria Ernst Happel Stadium
50,000
July 4, 1997 Flag of Germany Munich, Germany Olympic Stadium
70,000
July 6, 1997 Flag of Germany Munich, Germany Olympic Stadium
70,000
July 9, 1997 Flag of the United Kingdom Sheffield, United Kingdom Don Valley
Stadium 45,000
July 12, 1997 Flag of the United Kingdom London, United Kingdom Wembley
Stadium 72,000
Stadium 72,000
Stadium 72,000
July 19, 1997 Flag of Ireland Dublin, Ireland Royal Dublin Society
40,000
July 25, 1997 Flag of Switzerland Basel, Switzerland St. Jakob Park
55,000
July 27, 1997 Flag of France Nice, France Stade Charles-Ehrmann
35,000
August 1, 1997 Flag of Germany Berlin, Germany Olympic Stadium
88,000
August 3, 1997 Flag of Germany Leipzig, Germany Festwiese
60,000
August 10, 1997 Flag of Germany Hockenheim, Germany Hockenheimring
85,000
August 14, 1997 Flag of Denmark Copenhagen, Denmark Parken Stadium
45,000
August 16, 1997 Flag of Sweden Gothenburg, Sweden Ullevi
47,000
August 19, 1997 Flag of Norway Oslo, Norway Valle Hovin
34,000
August 22, 1997 Flag of Estonia Tallinn, Estonia Song Festival Grounds
75,000
August 24, 1997 Flag of Finland Helsinki, Finland Olympic Stadium
50,000
August 26, 1997 Flag of Finland Helsinki, Finland Olympic Stadium
50,000
August 29, 1997 Flag of Denmark Copenhagen, Denmark Parken Stadium
45,000
September 3, 1997 Flag of Belgium Ostend, Belgium Hippodrome Wellington
55,000
September 6, 1997 Flag of Spain Valladolid, Spain José Zorrilla Stadium
45,000
October 4, 1997 Flag of South Africa Cape Town, South Africa Greenpoint
Stadium 35,000
October 6, 1997 Flag of South Africa Cape Town, South Africa Greenpoint
Stadium 35,000
October 10, 1997 Flag of South Africa Johannesburg, South Africa Johannesburg
Stadium 57,000
October 12, 1997 Flag of South Africa Johannesburg, South Africa Johannesburg
Stadium 57,000
October 15, 1997 Flag of South Africa Durban, South Africa Kings Park Stadium
50,000
•Trivia
* The average attendance for each concert on the tour 48,638, with an average
income of just under $2 million.[citation needed]
* Jackson was the first in history to sell out the Aloha Stadium in Honolulu,
Hawaii. He performed two sold out concerts there on January 3 and 4, 1997.[citation
needed]
* On August 29, 1997, Jackson performed in Copenhagen, Denmark in front of
50,000 fans on his 39th birthday. Jackson was given a large surprise birthday cake on
stage.
* In a similar way to performances of She's out of My Life during the Dangerous
Tour, a female audience member would be randomly picked to meet Jackson on stage
for performances of You Are Not Alone.
•Performers
Lead performer
* Vocals, Dance, Choreographer: Michael Jackson
Dancers
First Leg-
* LaVelle Smith, Shawnette Heard, Damon Navandi, Courtney Miller, Anthony

Talauega, Richmond Talauega, Loru Werner, Jason Yribar
Second Leg-
* LaVelle Smith, Cristan Judd, Stacy Walker, Anthony Talauega, Richmond

Talauega, Faune Chambers
Band members
* Music Director: Brad Buxer

* Assistant Musical Director: Kevin Dorsey
* Keyboards: Brad Buxer, Isaiah Sanders
* Lead Guitar: Jennifer Batten and Greg Howe
* Rhythm Guitar: David Williams
* Bass: Freddie Washington
* Vocal Director: Kevin Dorsey
* Vocals: Kevin Dorsey, Darryl Phinnessee, Dorian Holley, Fred White (second leg),
Marva Hicks (only in first leg and early second leg)
• Credits

* Artistic Director: Michael Jackson
* Assistant Director: Peggy Holmes
* Choreographed by: Michael Jackson & LaVelle Smith
* Staged & Designed by: Kenny Ortega
* Set Designed by: Michael Cotton & John McGraw
* Lightning Designer: Peter Morse
* Director of Security: Bill Bray
* Costumes Designed by: Dennis Tompkins & Michael Bush
* Stylist: Tommy Simms
* Artist Manager: Tarak Ben Amar
* Personal Management: Gallin Morey Associates
GHOSTS(Movie)
Ghosts is a short film starring Michael Jackson and directed by film director and
special effects guru Stan Winston which could also be classified as a long-form music
video. It was filmed and first screened in 1996 and released along with select prints
of the film Stephen King's THINNER. It was released a year later internationally on
VHS.
The film tells the story of a scary Maestro with supernatural powers, who is being
forced out of a small town by its mayor. The movie includes a series of dance routines
performed by Michael Jackson and his "family" of ghouls. Every song from the film
was taken from Michael Jackson's HIStory and Blood on the Dance Floor albums. The
film is also notable for an early film appearance of rapper Mos Def.
•Plot
The Maestro (Jackson) lives alone in a creepy-looking mansion on top of a hill,

overlooking the town of "Normal Valley". Occasionally, he entertains the local children
with scary magic tricks. One of the children tells his mother, who alerts the town
Mayor; he in turn organizes the townspeople to go to the Maestro's mansion and force
him out of town. Some of them show reluctance to do so, but are pressured into
joining the Mayor on his crusade.
On a stormy night they go to the Maestro's mansion (which instead of a numbered
address, is addressed "Someplace Else") holding flaming torches. When they arrive at
the mansion, it is guarded by a large gate. They peer in through the gate, and by the
haunting look of the mansion, have second thoughts about entering. The children assure
the parents that the Maestro has done nothing wrong, and ask that they leave him
alone. But the Mayor remarks, "He is a weirdo, and there's no place in this town for
weirdos!".
The front gate opens, frightening the townspeople, who make their way to the front
door, which also opens by itself. The inside of the mansion appears to them even
creepier than the outside, and the parents re-assure their children (and themselves)
"there's no such thing as ghosts". They make their way into the house, and once they
are all inside, the front door slams shut and locks itself.
Two more large doors swing open revealing a large, darkened dance hall. Hesitantly,
the townspeople make their way to the dance hall, where they are greeted by The
Maestro who makes a scary yet comical entrance. The Mayor angrily confronts him,
calling the Maestro "strange", "weird", and a "freak", and telling him that he's not
welcome in their town. The Maestro defends himself, and in response the Mayor
threatens "Are you going to leave, or am I going to have to hurt you?" (The
townspeople appear not to be as forceful in their position, but don't offer an
objection).
To this the Maestro replies, "You're trying to scare me, aren't you?...I guess I have
no choice; I have to try and scare you." He then makes a series of funny faces, which
the Mayor calls "ridiculous" and "not funny". In a change of tone, the Maestro asks,
"Is this scary?" and pulls his face sideways before pulling his face down and stretches
his mouth. Then he continues to stretch his face more, ultimately pulls off his face to
reveal his skull and laughing maniacally. The frightened townspeople run for the doors,
which the Maestro shuts with his magical powers, then smashes his skull with his fists,
revealing his normal head.
The Maestro then introduces his "family" of ghouls who, along with the Maestro,
perform an extended dance routine (to original music composed by Jackson) which
alternately impresses and scares the townspeople. During this sequence, the Maestro's
acts include ripping his clothes off to reveal a skeletal body; possessing the Mayor and
making him dance; and transforming the Mayor into an ugly, horrific demon while
remarking, "Who's the freak now?" ," Freaky Boy, Freak circus freak".
After his performance ends, the Maestro asks, "Do you still want me to go?". While
the townspeople respond "no", the mayor vehemently says "Yes!". The Maestro quietly
agrees by saying, "Fine...I'll go." He falls, and after smashing his hands and face into
the floor his face and body violently start to crumble into dust on the floor, which is
then blown away by the wind. The townspeople are saddened by this, and somewhat
sorry to see him go. The Mayor however thinks he has come out victorious and heads
for the doors saying "I Showed him". When he opens them he finds a monstrous-
looking Maestro-demon head which says "HELLO" and terrifies him, and he runs away
scared (leaving a comically Mayor-shaped hole in the glass door).
The townspeople then turn back to the now open front doors to see the Maestro
standing there, laughing. They realize he isn't so bad after all and make peace with
him. The story ends with one of the children asking with a vicious look on his face, "Is
this scary?"; he grips his lower face, and the camera moves to a long shot of the
mansion while terrified screams are heard.
During the credits it is revealed through backstage footage that Jackson not only
played the Maestro but also the dancing Mayor and several monsters within the film,
thus explaining the Mayor's dancing towards the end.
•Cast
* The Maestro/The Mayor/Ghoul Mayor/Superghoul/Skeleton - Michael Jackson

* The Townspeople:
o Danny Fer
o Pat Dade
o Mos Def
o Dale Dudeck
o Heather Ehlers
o Shawnette Heard
o Edwina Moore
o Shana Mangatal
o Loren Randolph
o Amy Smallman
o Seth Smith
•Songs used in the film
* "2 Bad (film version)"

o Taken from the HIStory album
* "Ghosts"
o Taken from Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix
* "Is It Scary (film version)"
o Taken from Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix.
AWARDS
AASA Awards
The African Ambassadors’ Spouses Association is an organisation that helps needy

children in Africa. More than 55 countries are members, including several Arab
countries.[4] In 2004, while facing child molestation charges, Jackson was awarded
the Golden Elephant Award for his continuing humanitarian efforts.[5]
Year Nominated work Award Result
2004 Humanitarian endeavors Golden Elephant Award Won
American Cinema Awards
Jackson won the "Entertainer of the Decade" award in 1990 from the American Cinema
Awards.[6]
1990 Entertainer of the Decade Won
American Music Awards
The American Music Awards is an annual awards ceremony created by Dick Clark in
1973. Picking up three awards in 1980, Jackson has collect 22 American Music
Awards, including one for "Artist of the Century".[7]
Year Award
Result
1980 Favourite Male Artist (Soul/R&B)
Won
Off the Wall Favourite Album (Soul/R&B)
Won
"Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough" Favourite Single (Soul/R&B)
Won
1981 Favourite Male Artist (Soul/R&B)
Won
Off the Wall Favourite Album (Soul/R&B)
Won
1984 Award of Merit
Won
Favourite Male Artist (Pop/Rock)
Won
Favourite Male Artist (Soul/R&B)
Won
Thriller Favourite Album (Pop/Rock)
Won
Thriller Favourite Album (Soul/R&B)
Won
"Beat It" Favourite Single (Pop/Rock)
Won
"Beat It" Favourite Video (Pop/Rock)
Won
"Beat It" Favourite Video (Soul/R&B)
Won
1986 Award of Appreciation
Won
"We Are the World" (with Lionel Richie) Song of the Year
Won
1988 "Bad" Favourite Single (Soul/R&B)
Won
1989 Award of Achievement
Won
1993 International Artist Award
Won
Dangerous Favourite Album (Pop/Rock)
Won
"Remember the Time" Favourite Single (Soul/R&B)
Won
1996 Favourite Male Artist (Pop/Rock)
Won
2002 Artist of the Century
Won
American Video Awards
In 1984, Jackson won two American Video awards; Best Long Form Video and Best
Home Video.
Year Nominated work Award

1984 "Thriller" Best Long Form Video
Best Home Video
Bambi Awards
The Bambi is an annual television and media prize awarded by the German media
company Hubert Burda Media. The Bambi was created in 1948.
In 2002, Jackson was honoured with a Bambi Award.

2002 Pop Artist of the Millennium
BET Awards
The BET Awards have honoured Jackson with one award. Jackson was also the first
inductee into the BET Hall of Fame.
1989 Bad World Tour BET Award
Hall of Fame

1995 Michael Jackson Hall of Fame
Billboard Awards
The Billboard Music Awards, sponsored by Billboard magazine, was one of several
annual United States music awards shows (among the others are the Grammy Awards,
the American Music Awards and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony).
It had been held annually in December until they went dormant in 2007.
Throughout his career, Jackson has won 40 Billboard-related awards.[10]
Billboard Music Awards

1972 Top Singles Artist of the Year
Top Male Singles Artist of the Year
1983 Pop Artist of the Year
Black Artist of the Year
Pop Album Artist
Pop Male Album Artist
Pop Male Singles Artist
Black Album Artist
Black Singles Artist
Pop Singles Artist
Dance/Disco Artist
Thriller Pop Album of the Year
Thriller Black Album
"Beat It" Dance/Disco 12" LP
"Billie Jean" Dance/Disco 12" LP
1984 Thriller Top Album
1988 Top Black Artist
Blues & Soul
Outstanding Artist of the Year
Best Live Show of 1988
1989 Bad #1 Album (Pop/R&B)
1992 1992 World Artist Award
Commemoration for the 10th Anniversary of
Thriller
Hot 100 Singles Artist (Male)
Hot R&B Singles Artist
Hot Dance Music Club Play Artist
Hot Dance Music Maxi-Single Sales Artist
1995 Special Hot 100 Award
"Scream" Video of the Year (Pop/Rock)
Billboard Music of the 80's Poll

1990 Michael Jackson Black Artist of the Decade
"Billie Jean" Black Single of the Decade
Thriller Black Album of the Decade
Thriller Pop Album of the Decade
Billboard Year in Music Survey

1980 Off the Wall Top Black Artist
Top Black Album
Billboard Video Awards

1983 Best Performance by a Male Artist
"Beat It" Best Overall Video
"Beat It" Best Choreography
"Beat It" Best Use Of Video To Enhance Artist's Song
"Beat It" Best Use Of Video To Enhance Artist's Image
Black Gold Awards
Jackson was honoured with four Black Gold Awards in 1983.[11]

1983 Top Male Vocalist
Thriller Best Album
"Billie Jean" Best Single of the Year
"Beat It" Best Video Performance
Blockbuster Entertainment Awards
In 1996, Jackson was awarded with a Blockbuster Entertainment Award.[12]

1996 Favourite Pop Male
BMI Urban Awards
Broadcast Music, Incorporated (BMI) is one of two major United States performing
rights organization, along with ASCAP. It collects license fees on behalf of
songwriters, composers, and music publishers and distributes them as royalties to
members whose works have been performed.
They have awarded Jackson with four awards throughout his career.
1990 1st Michael Jackson Award of
Achievement
1993 "Black or White" & "Remember the Time" Two of the Most Performed Songs
of the Year
2003 "Butterflies" BMI Urban Award
2008 The Jacksons BMI Icon Award
Bob Fosse Awards
Michael Jackson won a the Bob Fosse Award for "Best Choreography" in 1997.
1997 Ghosts Best Choreography in a Music Video Won
Boy Scouts of America
Jackson was awarded with a humanitarian award, from the Boy Scouts of America, in
1990.[6]
1990 Humanitarian endeavors Good Scout Humanitarian Award
Bravo Magazine
Bravo is the largest teen magazine within the German-language sphere. The first issue
was published in 1956, subtitled as "the magazine for film and television" („Die
Zeitschrift für Film und Fernsehen“).
They have honoured Jackson with seventeen awards throughout his career.
1988 Gold Otto Award
1989 Bronze Otto Award
Platinum Otto/Lifetime Achievement Award
Best Male Singer
Best Show
Nicest Singer
HIStory Best Album
1997 Silver Otto Award
Best Show
3rd Best Looking Singer
HIStory Best Album
1998 Silver Otto Award

Brazillian TVZ Video Awards
Jackson has been awarded with two Brazilian TVZ Awards.

1995 "Scream" Best International Video of the Year
1997 "Blood on the Dance Floor" Best International Video of the Year
BRE Awards
Jackson won two BRE Awards in 1989, including a Triple Crown award.
1989 Triple Crown Award - King of Pop, Rock &
Soul
"Smooth Criminal" Video of the Year
BRIT Awards
The BRIT Awards, often simply called "The BRITs", are the British Phonographic
Industry's annual pop music awards. The name was originally a shortened form of
British or Britannia, but has subsequently become a "backronym" for British Record
Industry Trust.
They have awarded Jackson with seven awards, including the "Artist of a Generation"
award.[7]
1984 Best International Solo Artist
Thriller Best British Album
Best International Artist (Male)
"Smooth Criminal" Best Music Video
1996 Artist of a Generation Award
British Phonographic Industry Awards

The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) is the British record industry's trade
association. Its membership comprises hundreds of music companies including all four
'major' record companies (Warner Music Group, EMI, Sony BMG, and Universal Music
Group), associate members such as manufacturers and distributors, and hundreds of
independent music companies representing thousands of labels.
They awarded Jackson with two awards.

1981 Off the Wall BPI Award
1989 "Smooth Criminal" Video of the Year
British TV Industry Awards
The British TV Industry awarded Jackson a "Artist of the Decade" award in 1989.
1989 Artist of the Decade
Bollywood Awards
In 1999, Jackson was honoured with a Bollywood Award for his contributions to
humanitarianism.[9]
1999 Humanitarian endeavors Outstanding Humanitarian Award
Cable Ace Awards
Jackson has been honoured with two Cable Ace awards.

1988 Outstanding Editing in a Musical Special
1994 Outstanding Musical Special
Canadian Black Music Awards
In 1984, Jackson collected four Canadian Black Music awards, including one for
"Entertainer of the Year".[8]
1984 Top Male Vocalist
Entertainer of the Year
Thriller Top International Album
"Billie Jean" Top International Single
Capitol Children Museum
Jackson was awarded with a humanitarian award, from the Capitol Children Museum, in
1990.[6]
1990 Humanitarian endeavors Humanitarian Award
Cashbox Awards
Cash Box (or Cashbox) magazine was a weekly publication devoted to the music and
coin-operated machine industries which was published from July 1942 to November 16,
1996. It was one of several magazines that published charts of song popularity in the
United States of America.
They have awarded Jackson 11 awards throughout his career.

1980 Off the Wall Soul Album of the Year
1981 Soul Album of the Year
1983 Number One Male Artist
Top Black Male Artist
Top Male Singles Artist
Top Black Male Singles Artist
Thriller Top Pop Album
Thriller Top Black Album
"Billie Jean" Top Pop Single
"Billie Jean" Top Black Single
1989 Video Pioneer
Celebrate the Magic Foundation
In 2002, Jackson was honoured with a humanitarian award, from the Celebrate the
Magic Foundation.
2002 Humanitarian endeavors Magic Life Award
Children's Choice Awards
Jackson was a given a Children's Choice Award in 1994.

1994 Caring for Kids Award
Crenshaw Community Youth & Arts Foundation
Jackson was awarded with a humanitarian award, from the Crenshaw Community Youth
& Arts Foundation, in 1994.

1994 Humanitarian Award
Critic's Choice Awards
The Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards, commonly called the "Critics' Choice
Awards", are bestowed annually by the Broadcast Film Critics Association to honor the
finest in cinematic achievement.
Critic's Choice awarded Jackson the "Best Video" award in 1989.

1989 "Smooth Criminal" Best Video
Crystal Globe Awards
In 1984, Jackson was awarded a Crystal Globe Award for exceeding sales of over 5
million units.[8]
1984 Crystal Globe Award
Danish Grammy Awards
Michael Jackson won two Danish Grammy Awards in 1996.

1996 Best International Male Artist
HIStory Best International Album
Dutch Music Factory Awards
The Dutch Music Factory Awards gave Jackson an award for "Best Live Show", in
1997.[9]
1997 Best Live Show
Ebony Magazine
Ebony is a monthly magazine for the African American market. It was founded by
John H. Johnson and has been published continuously since the Autumn of 1945.
They awarded Jackson an award for "Black Achievement" in 1988.

1988 American Black Achievement Award
ECHO Awards
An ECHO is a German music award granted every year by the Deutsche Phono-
Akademie (an association of recording companies). Each year's winner is determined by
the previous year's sales. The ECHO is the successor to the Deutscher
Schallplattenpreis (German Record Award).
Jackson was awarded with an ECHO award for "Best International Artist of the Year"
in 1993.
1993 Best International Artist of the Year
Entertainment Tonight
Entertainment Tonight is a daily television entertainment news show that is syndicated

by CBS Television Distribution throughout the United States, Canada and in many
countries around the world.
In 1989 they awarded Jackson with a award for "Most Important Entertainer of the
Decade".
1989 Most Important Entertainer of the Decade
Forbes Magazine
Forbes is an American publishing and media company. Its flagship publication, Forbes
magazine, is published bi-weekly. The magazine is well-known for its lists, including its
lists of the richest Americans (the Forbes 400) and its list of billionaires.
They have twice named Jackson as the "#1 Entertainer of the Year" based on
earnings.
1988 #1 Entertainer of the Year
1989 #1 Entertainer of the Year
Friday Night Videos
Friday Night Videos have awarded Jackson with two awards, including one for
"Greatest Artist of the Decade".[11]
1989 Greatest Artist of the Decade
Number One Artist
Genesis Awards
In 1996, Jackson was awarded with a Genesis Award for his environmental themed
"Earth Song" music video.[12]
1996 "Earth Song" Doris Day Music Award
Golden Globe Awards
The Golden Globe Awards are presented annually by the Hollywood Foreign Press
Association (HFPA) to recognize outstanding achievements in the entertainment
industry, both domestic and foreign, and to focus wide public attention upon the best
in motion pictures and television. The formal ceremony and dinner at which the awards
are presented is a major part of the film industry's awards season, which culminates
each year with the Academy Awards.
Jackson received a Golden Globe for his song, "Ben", in 1972.

1972 "Ben" Best Original Song
Grammy Awards
The Grammy Awards (originally called the Gramophone Awards)—or Grammys—are

presented annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the
United States for outstanding achievements in the music industry. The awards
ceremony features performances by prominent artists, and some of the awards of
more popular interest are presented in a widely-viewed televised ceremony.
Since collecting his first Grammy Award, as a member of The Jackson 5, Jackson has
won a total of thirteen awards throughout his career. In 1984, he won a record eight
Grammy Awards.
1980 "Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough" Best Male Vocal Performance
(R&B)
1984 Thriller Album of the Year
"Beat It" Record of the Year
Thriller (with Quincy Jones) Producer of the Year Won
"Billie Jean" Best R&B Song
"Someone in the Dark" Best Recording for
Children (Narration)
"Thriller" Best Male Vocal
Performance (Pop)
"Billie Jean" Best Male Vocal
Performance (R&B)
"Beat It" Best Male Vocal
Performance (Rock)
1985 The Making of Thriller Best Long Form Video
1986 "We Are the World" Song of the Year
1990 "Leave Me Alone" Best Short Form Music
Video
1996 "Scream" Best Short Form Music
Video
Grammy Hall of Fame
Two of Jackson's albums were inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2008.[18]
The Jackson 5 song, "I Want You Back", was inducted in 1999.
1999 "I Want You Back" (with The Jackson 5) Grammy Hall of Fame
2008 Thriller Grammy Hall of Fame
2008 Off the Wall Grammy Hall of Fame
Guinness Book of World Records
The Guinness Book of World Records is a reference book published annually, containing
a collection of world records, both human achievements and the extremes of the
natural world.
Jackson has been awarded thirteen times by the Guinness Book of World Records.
1984 Thriller The Best Selling Album of All Time
1993 Lifetime Achievement Award
2002 Ghosts Longest Music Video
The Making of Thriller Best Selling Music Video
The Jackson family Most Successful Pop Family
2006 Most Successful Entertainer of All Time
Youngest Vocalist to Top the US Singles
Chart
Highest Paid Entertainer of all Time
First Entertainer to Earn More Than 100
million Dollars in a Year
First Entertainer to Sell More Than 100 Million
Albums outside the US
Most Weeks at the Top of the US Album
Charts
Thriller Most Successful Music Video
"You Are Not Alone" First Vocalist to Enter the US Single Chart
at Number One
Harry Chapin Memorial
In 1995, Jackson won a humanitarian award from the Harry Chapin Memorial.
1995 Humanitarian Award
Hollywood Walk of Fame

Jackson's star on the Hollywood walk of fame, set in 1984
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a sidewalk along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street
in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA, that serves as an entertainment hall of
fame. It is embedded with more than 2,000 five-pointed stars featuring the names of
celebrities honored by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce for their contributions to
the entertainment industry.
Michael Jackson was the first celebrity to have two stars in the same category, one
as a member of The Jacksons and another as a solo artist in 1984.Jackson's star is
located between Highland Avenue and Orange Drive along with the stars of Mickey
Mouse, Barbara Streisand, Nicole Kidman, Harrison Ford, Halle Berry, Elton John and
Anthony Hopkins.
1980 The Jacksons Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
1984 Michael Jackson Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
International Awards
As an international artist, Jackson has won fourteen awards from 10 different

countries, including a National Honour of Merit from Gabon, Africa.
Australia
"Billie Jean" Single of the Year
Brazil
1983 International Artist of the Year
Gabon
1992 National Honour of Merit

1983 Thriller Record of the Year
Holland
Italy
1983 Artist of the Year
Japan
Thriller Album of the Year
Best Male Vocalist
The Netherlands
Spain
1983 Thriller Most Important Foreign Album
The United Kingdom

Thriller Album of the Year
Hong Kong Hit Radio Awards
In 1996, Jackson won two Hong Kong Hit Radio awards.

"You Are Not Alone" Best Song of the Year
Irish Music Awards
Jackson was awarded with an Irish Music Award in 1996.

Le Film Fantastique Awards
Jackson's "Earth Song" won an award at the Le Film Fantastique Awards.

1996 "Earth Song" Best Video Award
Live! Magazine
In 1997, Jackson was awarded two awards from Live! Magazine.

1997 Legend of Live Entertainment
Most Memorable Male Performer
Mix Magazine
Mix Magazine, a Danish magazine, awarded Jackson with three awards in 1998,
including one for "Best Singer".
1998 Best Foreign Male Singer
Best Singer
HIStory World Tour at Parken Stadium Best Event
MTV Awards
Michael Jackson is often credited for putting MTV, initially a struggling cable channel,
on the map "with pioneering videos such as "Thriller", "Billie Jean", and "Beat It". In
response to Jackson's influence, MTV shifted its musical focus as time went on, going
from rock videos to more pop and R&B showings. Throughout his career, Jackson has
been awarded with 13 MTV related awards:
MTV European Music Awards
The MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA) were established in 1994 by MTV Networks
Europe to celebrate the most popular music videos in Europe. Originally beginning as an
alternative to the American MTV Video Music Awards. Unlike the VMAs, most of the
awards are voted for by the viewers.
Jackson won two EMA's in 1995.

1995 Best Male Artist of the Year
Best Male Performer
MTV Japan Awards
In his first appearance since being acquitted of child molestation charges, Jackson
accepted MTV Japan's Legend Award.
2006 Legend Award
MTV Movie Awards
The MTV Movie Awards is a film awards show presented annually on MTV. The
nominees are decided by a special panel at Tenth Planet Productions and winners are
decided by the general public.
Jackson's "Will You Be There" was awarded with a MTV Movie award in 1994.
1994 "Will You Be There" Best Song in a Movie
[edit] MTV Video Music Awards

The MTV Video Music Awards were established in the end of the summer of 1984 by
MTV to celebrate the top music videos of the year. In its debut show, the MTV Video
Music Awards awarded Michael Jackson's Thriller three awards.
1984 Thriller Best Overall Performance Video
Thriller Best Choreography
Thriller Viewer's Choice Award
1989 "Leave Me Alone" Best Special Effects
1995 "Scream" Best Choreography
"Scream" Best Art Direction
"Scream" Best Dance Video
MTV Video Vanguard Awards
Jackson has received the MTV Video Vanguard Award twice. In 1991, it was renamed
to the "Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award".
1988 Video Vanguard Award
1989 Thriller The Greatest Video in the History of the World
Music Connection
Music Connection named Jackson "Man of the Decade" in 1990.

1990 Man of the Decade
Music Video Producers' Hall of Fame
Jackson was inducted into the Music Video Producers' Hall of Fame in 1991.
1991 Thriller Hall of Fame
NAACP Image Awards
The NAACP Image Awards is an award presented annually by the American National
Association for the Advancement of Colored People to honor outstanding people of color
in film, television, music, and literature. The 35 categories of Image Awards are
voted on by members of the NAACP. Collecting his first NAACP award in 1970,
Jackson has won a total of fourteen throughout his career.
1970 The Jackson 5 Best Singing Group of the Year
1971 Best Singing Group of the Year
1980 The Jacksons Best Singing Group of the Year
1984 H. Claude Hodson Medal of Freedom
1988 Best Male Artist
Bad Best Album
Humanitarian endeavors Leonard Carter Humanitarian Award
1993 25th Anniversary Entertainer of the Year
Award
"Black or White" Outstanding Music Video
2002 "You Rock My World" Outstanding Music Video
Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Special Outstanding Performance Variety
Series/Special
Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Special Outstanding Performance in a Variety
Series/Special
NARM Gift of Music Awards
The National Association of Recording Merchandisers is a United States not-for-profit

trade association that serves music retailing businesses in lobbying and trade
promotion. In 1984 they awarded Jackson with three awards.
1984 Thriller Best Selling Album
"Billie Jean" Best Selling Single
The Making of Thriller Best Home Video
National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters
Jackson was the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement award, from the National
Association of Black Owned Broadcasters, in 1992.
National Urban Coalition Awards
Jackson won an award from the National Urban Coalition, for his humanitarian
endeavors, in 1989.
NRJ Awards
The NRJ Music Awards, created in 2000 by the radio station NRJ in partnership with
the television network TF1 takes place every year in mid-January at Cannes (PACA,
France) as the opening of MIDEM (Marché international de l'édition musicale). They
give out awards to popular musicians by different categories.
Jackson has been awarded with two NRJ awards, including a Lifetime Achievement
Award in 2008.
2002 Best International Male Singer
Oneness Awards
In 2003, Jackson was honoured with a Oneness Award for his contributions to racial
harmony.
2003 Contributions to racial harmony Power of Oneness Award
Operation One to One Awards
Jackson was honoured with a Operation One to One award in 1992.

1992 Operation One to One Award
People's Choice Awards
The People's Choice Awards is an awards show recognizing the people and the work of
popular culture. The show has been held annually since 1975 and is claimed to be
based on the opinions of the general public.
In 1984, Michael Jackson was named "Entertainer of the Year" and his music video,
Thriller, collected the award for "Favourite Video of the Year".
1984 Best All Round Entertainer of the Year
Thriller Favourite Video of the Year
1989 "Smooth Criminal" Favourite Music Video
Popcorn Magazine
Popcorn Magazine has awarded Jackson with three awards, including one for "Artist of
the Decade".
Best Male Vocalist of the Year
1997 Favourite Male Vocalist
Pop Rock Magazine
Jackson was the recipient of an award, from Pop Rock Magazine, in 1994.
1994 Favourite Singer of the Year
Pop Rocky Magazine
Pop Rocky Magazine named Jackson their "Favourite Male Vocalist of the Year" in
1995.
1995 Favourite Male Vocalist of the Year
Presidential Awards
Jackson at the White House South Portico with President Ronald Reagan and first lady
Nancy Reagan, 1984
In 1984, Jackson was approached to donate "Beat It" as backing music for a
commercial on drunk driving.Jackson agreed and it was arranged for the singer to be
awarded with an honor from the President of the United States, Ronald Reagan. Prior
to collecting the award, President Reagan sent Jackson a telegram, which read:
“ Your deep faith in God and adherence to traditional values are an inspiration to all of
us. You've gained quite a number of fans along the road since "I Want You Back" and
Nancy and I are among them. Keep up the good work, Michael. We're very happy for
you. ”
The presentation took place on May 14, 1984, at the White House. Upon reaching the
podium, Reagan remarked, "I hope you'll forgive me, but we have quite a few young
folks in the White House who all wanted me to give you the same message. They said
to tell Michael, "Please give some TLC to the PYTs." A reference to Jackson's Grammy
Award-nominated song, "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)". Reagan also stated that
Jackson "is proof of what a person can accomplish through a lifestyle free of alcohol
or drug abuse. People young and old respect that. And if Americans follow his
example, then we can face up to the problem of drinking and driving, and we can, in
Michael's words, beat it."
In April 1990, Jackson returned to the White House to be recognized as "Artist of

the Decade" by President George H. W. Bush.Two years later, on May 1, 1992,
President Bush presented Jackson with an award acknowledging him as "a point of light
ambassador". Jackson received the award in recognition for his efforts in inviting
disadvantaged children to his Neverland Ranch.Jackson was the only entertainer to
receive the award.Year Nominated work Award
1984 Humanitarian endeavors Presidential Humanitarian Award
1992 Point of Light Ambassador
Puls Music TV
Puls Music TV awarded Jackson with two awards in 1998, including one for "Best
Foreign Male Singer".
1998 Best Foreign Male Singer
Best Show of the Year - 1997
Radio Music Awards
In 2003, Jackson was honoured with a Radio Music Award for his humanitarian
endeavors.
RIAA Awards
In the United States, the Recording Industry Association of America awards

certification based on the number of albums and singles sold through retail and other
ancillary markets.
The RIAA certification criteria for albums is:
* 500,000 units: Gold album.

* 1,000,000 units: Platinum album.
* 2,000,000+ units: Multi-Platinum album.
* 10,000,000+ units: Diamond album.
Jackson has received 56 certifications and awards from the RIAA.

1979 Off the Wall gold & Platinum Certification
"Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough" Gold Certification
1980 "Rock with You" Gold Certification
1983 Thriller Gold & Platinum Certification
"Beat It" Gold Certification
"Billie Jean" Gold Certification
1984 Thriller Platinum 20x Certification
1987 Bad Gold, Platinum & Platinum 3x
Certification
Bad Platinum 4x Certification
"I Just Can't Stop Loving You" Gold Certification
1988 Bad Platinum 5x Certification
1989 "She's Out of My Life" Gold Certification
"Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough" Platinum Certification
"Rock with You" Platinum Certification
"Beat It" Platinum Certification
"Billie Jean" Platinum Certification
"Thriller" Gold & Platinum Certification
1992 Dangerous Gold, Platinum & Platinum 4x
Certification
"Black or White" Gold & Platinum Certification
"Remember the Time" Gold Certification
"In the Closet" Gold Certification
1993 Dangerous Platinum 5x Certification
Thriller Platinum 22x Certification
"Will You Be There" Gold Certification
Dangerous Platinum 6x Certification
1995 HIStory Gold, Platinum & Platinum 5x
Certification
"Scream" Gold & Platinum Certification
"You Are Not Alone" Gold & Platinum Certification
1996 HIStory Platinum 6x Certification
Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix Gold Certification
1999 HIStory Platinum 7x Certification
Dangerous Platinum 7x Certification
Blood on the Dance Floor Platinum Certification
2001 Invincible Gold & Platinum Certification
2002 Invincible Platinum 2x Certification
2003 Number Ones Gold Certification
HIStory on Film, Volume II Gold Certification
HIStory on Film, Volume II Platinum Certification
HIStory on Film, Volume II Platinum 3x Certification
Video Greatest Hits - HIStory Platinum 5x Certification
2004 Number Ones Gold Certification
Number Ones Platinum Certification
The One Gold Certification
Number Ones Platinum 4x Certification
Number Ones Platinum Certification
"Billie Jean" Gold Certification
"Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough Gold Certification
"Thriller" Gold Certification
Video Greatest Hits - HIStory Gold Certification
Live in Bucharest: The Dangerous Tour Gold Certification
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a museum located on the shores of Lake Erie in
downtown Cleveland, Ohio, United States, dedicated to recording the history of some
of the best-known and most influential artists, producers, and other people who have
in some major way influenced the music industry.
Michael Jackson has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice; as a
member of The Jackson 5 and as a solo artist.[9]
1997 The Jackson 5 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
2001 Michael Jackson Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rolling Stone Awards
Rolling Stone is a United States-based magazine devoted to music, politics, and

popular culture that is published every two weeks. Rolling Stone was founded in San
Francisco in 1967 by Jann Wenner and the music critic Ralph J. Gleason.
They have awarded Jackson with nine awards throughout his career.
1989 Thriller Video of the year
Critic's Poll
Soul Artist of the Year
Male Vocalist of the Year
"Beat It" Video of the Year
Reader's Poll
Soul Artist of the Year
Thriller (with Quincy Jones) Producer of the Year
"Beat It" Video of the Year
Smash Hits Awards
Smash Hits was a pop music based magazine, aimed at children and young teenagers,
and originally published in the United Kingdom by EMAP. It ran from 1978 to 2006 and
was issued fortnightly for most of that time. The name survives as a brand for a
related spin-off digital television channel, digital radio station, and website which have
survived the demise of the printed magazine.
Michael Jackson has won two Smash Hits related awards.

1994 Best Male Vocalist
Smash Hits Poll
1995 Best Male Artist
Songwriter's Hall of Fame
In 2002, Jackson was inducted into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame.

2002 Michael Jackson Songwriter's Hall of Fame
Soul Train Awards
The Soul Train Music Awards is an annual award show aired in national television
syndication that honors the best in Black music and entertainment. It is produced by
the makers of Soul Train, the program from which it takes its name, and features
musical performances by various R & B and hip hop music recording artists interspersed
throughout the ceremonies.
The Soul Train Awards have honoured Jackson with nine awards and inducted him into
their Hall of Fame. In 1997, the video award was renamed to the "Michael Jackson
Award for Best R&B/Soul or Rap Music Video".Year Nominated work
Award
1988 Michael Jackson Best Male Single of the Year
Bad R&B Album of the Year
1989 Michael Jackson 1st Annual Sammy Davis Jr./Heritage
Award
Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson
1990 Michael Jackson Silver Award for 1980's Artist of the
Decade
1993 Humanitarian endeavors Humanitarian of the Year Award
Dangerous Best R&B Album
"Remember the Time" Best Single (Male)
Hall of Fame
1995 Michael Jackson Hall of Fame
United Negro College Fund
The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) is an American philanthropic organization that
fundraises college tuition money for black students and general scholarship funds for
39 private historically black colleges and universities. The UNCF was incorporated on
April 25, 1944 by Frederick D. Patterson, Mary McLeod Bethune, and others.
In 1988, they awarded Jackson with the Frederick Patterson Award.
1988 Frederick Patterson Award
United States Congress
The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of
the United States of America, consisting of two houses, the Senate and the House of
Representatives. They awarded The Jackson 5 with a "Special Commendation" for
positive role models in 1972.
1972 Special Commendation for Positive Role Models
Vanity Fair
Vanity Fair is an American magazine of culture, fashion, and politics published by

Condé Nast Publications.
They have honoured Jackson with two awards.

1990 Most Popular Artist in the History of
Show Business
Video Software Dealer Association Awards
The Video Software Dealer's Association awarded Jackson with an award for
Moonwalker in 1989.
1989 Moonwalker Favourite Music Video
World Awards
Michael Jackson was presented with a World Award in 2002.

2002 World Arts Award 2002
World Music Awards
The World Music Awards (founded in 1989) is an international awards show that
annually honors recording artists based on their worldwide sales figures, which are
provided by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI). The
awards show is conducted under the patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert of Monaco,
Monte-Carlo.
Jackson has won fifteen World Music awards,including a Chopard Diamond award in
2006.
1989 Lifetime Achievement in Video
1993 Best Selling U.S. Artist of the Year
World's Best Selling Pop Artist
World's Best Selling Artist of the
Era
Living Legend award
1996 Best Selling Male Artist of 1996
Best Selling American Artist
Best Selling Artist Ever
Best Selling R&B Artist
Thriller Best Selling Record of All Time
2000 Best Selling Male Artist of the
Millennium
2006 Diamond Award
2008 World's best pop/rock male artist
Hall of Fame
1989 Michael Jackson World Music Award Hall of Fame
Viewer's Choice
1989 "Smooth Criminal" #1 Video
Other honors
In 1988, Jackson was honored with a Doctor of Humane Letters Degree, from Fisk
University and the United Negro College Fund.
In 1989, Michael Jackson's former elementary school, the Gardner Street Elementary
in Gary, Indiana, designated its school auditorium the "Michael Jackson Auditorium".
Mr. Jackson appeared at the ceremony, in which the school children sang his hit song,
"We Are the World". In 2003, after accusations of child molestation, the school
chose to cover Jackson's name with plywood. The school board stated that the request
had come from some parents who "felt more comfortable with it covered". Jackson's
spokesperson stated that he wondered "what those parents will say when Mr. Jackson
is exonerated". At the end of the trial Jackson was acquitted of all charges.
In 2008, Jackson's Thriller album was inducted into the U.S. National Recording
Registry. Each year, organizers select twenty-five recorded works to preserve in the
Library of Congress archives based on historical, cultural or aesthetic significance. A
recording is only eligible beginning 10 years after its creation.
Jackson was named Most Famous Alumnus of Gardner Street Elementary School, in
hollywood, California and the school auditorium was renamed for him in 1989.

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Life and career:

Showing extraordinary talent at a tender age, young Michael began

•Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5

• Popularization and franchise expansion

• The move to CBS Records

• Legacy and followers

* Drums: Jonathan Moffett

* Jackie Jackson: vocals

1. "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'"

* Music director: The Jacksons

* Tour Manager: Don King

• Pre-production and development

All songs written by Charlie Smalls, unless otherwise noted.

1. "Overture Part I" (instrumental)

•Music and vocals

•Release, singles and commercial reception

• Reissues and catalog sales

* Brian Barns – keyboards, synthesizers, programming

* Paul McCartney – vocals ("The Girl Is Mine")

Main articles: Captain EO, Moonwalker, and Bad World Tour

Chart (1987) Peak

* Written and composed by Michael Jackson

"The Way You Make Me Feel"

* Written and composed by Michael Jackson

* Written and composed by Michael Jackson

* Written and composed by Michael Jackson

"Just Good Friends"

* Written and composed by Terry Britten and Graham Lyle

"Another Part of Me"

* Written and composed by Michael Jackson

"Man in the Mirror"

* Written and composed by Siedah Garrett and Glen Ballard

"I Just Can't Stop Loving You"

* Written and composed by Michael Jackson

* Written and composed by Michael Jackson

* Written and composed by Michael Jackson

* Written and composed by Michael Jackson

* Written and composed by Michael Jackson

"Todo Mi Amor Eres Tú (I Just Can't Stop Loving You)"

* Written and composed by Michael Jackson and Rubén Blades

* Written and composed by Michael Jackson

* Produced by Quincy Jones

Moonwalker, also known as Michael Jackson: Moonwalker, is an American film released

• Man in the Mirror

* "Music and Me"

[edit] Closing credits

* Michael Jackson - Himself

Early August 2009 Warner Mexico released the DVD region 4

Main article: Michael Jackson's Moonwalker

Country Certification Sales

On March 3, 1988 Jackson performed a private concert at Madison Square Garden,

1. "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'"

1. "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'"

# Date City Venue Attendance

•Official DVD release petition

In August 2005, an on-line petition was created to support an official release of a

* Lead vocalist, dancer and choreographer: Michael Jackson

* Keyboards: Greg Phillinganes, Rory Kaplan