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Home / News Archive / News December 2011 December / November / October / September / August / July / June / May / April / March / February / January 1 / 2 The Style Of MJ, The Art Of Dennis Thompkins. 29-12-'11 Twitter is buzzing today with news of a new book dedicated to the memory of Michael Jackson's long-time costume designer Dennis Thompkins. Thompkins, who along with his friend and business partner Michael Bush worked with the King of Pop for nearly 20 years, quietly passed away earlier this month on December 2. Together, Thompkins and Bush designed most of Jackson's personal wardrobe and his concert tour costumes. Now comes word from Michael Bush's Facebook page of the new book dedicated to his friend. The book is called Pop Regalia: The Style of Michael Jackson and it will be an art book that focuses on the designing and tailoring of Jackson's wardrobe. Bush reportedly posted on Facebook, "thank you all for the kind words with the passing of Dennis Tompkins I'm pround to announce "POP REGALIA-The Style of Michael Jackson" an art book dedicated to the memory of Dennis..... it will be a behind the scenes look at the art form of designing and tailoring of Michael's costumes from our time working with The King of Pop. It will be kinda like your personal museum of his clothing. A visual feast for the eyes!!!! Fasten your seatbelts!!!!!!!! look for the upcoming page here on facebook..." Source: MJFC / twitter.com / mjjcommunity / Billie Jean Jackson/Mercury Tracks Greenlighted By Estate. 28-12-'11 According to Artisan News, the long-buried tracks by Michael Jackson and Freddie Mercury of Queen have finally been given the green light by the Estate of Michael Jackson and will see a release in 2012. This will come as great news to fans of both Jackson and Mercury as the songs, which were recorded in Jackson's home studio back in the early '80s, have long been speculated about but have never before been released. Source: MJFC / Artisan News Service / Billie Jean Thriller Named Greatest Video. 26-12-'11 Michael Jackson's groundbreaking Thriller has been named the greatest video of all time by musicians, almost three decades after it was created. The creepy film, which sees the late singer transformed into both a werewolf and a zombie, narrowly beat Lady Gaga's raunchy Telephone in the poll. Another vintage promo - Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody, which dates back to 1975 - was third in the vote by musicians' website musicradar.com. Thriller, made by John Landis, the director of An American Werewolf In London, is credited with turning pop videos into an art form of their own. The 14-minute film was the most expensive of its day, when it was first shown in 1983, and cost half a million dollars to create. Gaga's violent Telephone is another epic, weighing in at nine minutes and was created by Jonas Akerlund, who was behind Prodigy's controversial Smack My Bitch Up, which is seventh in the list. Will Groves, editor-in-chief of MusicRadar, said: "Lady Gaga ran Thriller very close, but it still seems right that the promo that saw the birth of the pop video as a cultural event should hold the top spot - for now." Source: Yahoo / Billie Jean Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! 24-12-'11 Webmaster Dirk and Rita would like to wish Michael’s fans, wherever you are in the world, a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Christmas gift ideas / suggestions: Thank you for your continued support, there will be no ending on this fan site. We love you! Webmaster Dirk & Rita. Source: Billie Jean The Jackson 3 - Marlon, Tito, And Jackie Reuniting For International Tour. 24-12-'11 Marlon, Tito and Jackie Jackson were so thrilled with the way they performed during a recent concert in Japan ... they've decided to take their show on the road ... TMZ has learned. Jackson family sources tell us ... the brothers will be embarking on an 18-20 show concert tour that will span across Europe. We're told the idea came together just two weeks ago ... when the guys were performing in Tokyo with a Japanese pop star named A.I. The brothers had such a good time on stage together ... that when the idea of a tour came up, they all jumped at the opportunity! Plus, the guys were so impressed with A.I., they've invited her to join them on the road. Sources tell us the Jacksons are hoping to get the tour launched by next month -- but we're told their team is still trying to nail down the schedule ... so it could be pushed back by a few weeks. So far, we're told Jermaine will not be joining the rest of the family ... but we're guessing he could change his mind ... if the price is right. Source: TMZ / Billie Jean Lenny Kravitz Talks About MJ. 23-12-'11 Lenny Kravitz had no time to grieve Michael Jackson's 2009 death when the news broke because he found out about the tragedy halfway through a show in Scotland. The rocker became good friends with the King of Pop after they hit the studio to record a track, entitled Another Day, with Jackson on vocals and Kravitz playing along. Jackson was found dead at his Los Angeles home on 25 June, 2009, just weeks before he was due to make his live comeback with a series of gigs in London, and Kravitz had to put his grief on hold so he could complete a concert. Speaking on Cnn's Piers Morgan Tonight, he says, "I was obviously devastated, I was blown away. I found out on stage in Scotland as I was coming off and getting ready to go back on for an encore and they told me and I had to go back out. "It's extremely sad. I was really looking forward to seeing him come back and do those shows... you can't touch him." Kravitz also reveals he will be forever indebted to the Thriller legend and his singing brothers for inspiring him to pursue a music career after he saw the Jackson Five perform live as a child. He adds, "I wouldn't be here today if I hadn't seen the Jackson 5 when I was six years old - that was the first concert I went to. The universe was a different place the next day. I was completely blown away." Source: contactmusic / Billie Jean Download Official Video For “All In Your Name”. 21-12-'11 As a present to all Michael Jacksons fans around the world, the song All In Your Name, a duet with Michael Jackson & Barry Gibb, is now officially available for download. "All In Your Name " is dedicated to all of Michael's fans all over the World. Michael and I both love it. We hope you do to. Barry" Let's celebrate Michael Jackson's unique legacy in music. He is the one and only King of Pop... Forever. Barry has made the video available for download through his website barrygibb.com
Source: Barry Gibb / Billie Jean Swarovski MJ Book Monument Project. 21-12-'11 Swarovski Crystallized has been displaying a commemorative Michael Jackson book at their concept stores in Shanghai, London and New York all month long. The book, which was on display December 2, 7 and 10, is the centerpiece of the Michael Jackson Book Monument Project, and each copy of the strictly limited edition of 2,000 numbered copies is graced by a cover portrait of Jackson made with 3,000 Swarovski crystal elements. The book was created by Swarovski in collaboration with New Zealand-based Michael Jackson Book Monument project team – Marisa Garau & Arjan van Woensel. The amazing cover portrait of Jackson was created using "crystal mesh," which is crystals in a flexible mesh carrier. The Michael Jackson Book Monument Project was created to give Jackson's millions of fans the opportunity to pay tribute to him by writing down their thoughts and feelings. This emotional book is compiled of 2,000 personal memories and farewell messages from devoted fans to the King of Pop. The book is published by Bungalow Publishing and will be distributed through their website www.Dear-Michael.com and will sell for $7,499.00 USD for the limited edition and $59.00 USD for the regular edition. Source: MJFC / diamondne.ws / dear-michael.com / Billie Jean Judge Approves Pay Bump For MJ Estate Executives. 20-12-'11 A judge approved a pay bump Monday for the executors of Michael Jackson's estate who turned the debt-ridden singer's portfolio into a business that has earned hundreds of millions of dollars since his death. Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff allowed attorney John Branca and music executive John McClain to bill the estate separately for their professional services, which include entertainment-related legal counsel and use of a recording studio founded by Marvin Gaye. Attorneys for Branca and McClain sought the change, saying the executors spend an increasing amount of time on Jackson's estate and have been paying legal expenses to Branca's firm out of their share of the earnings. The men agreed in February 2010 to accept 10 percent of the gross entertainment-related earnings of the estate, minus money generated by Jackson's 50 percent interest in the Sony-ATV music catalog and earnings from "This Is It," a film compiled from the singer's final rehearsals. The exclusions are huge revenue generators for the estate — the Sony-ATV catalog includes publishing rights to music by The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan and other stars. The executors also have been excluded an interest in Jackson's music, which has sold briskly since his death June 25 at age 50. Since then, the estate has earned more than $310 million. Branca and McClain have been earning closer to 7 percent of the estate's entertainment-related earnings, as the estate has become a "massive entertainment business enterprise," court filings state. Branca and McClain said they are spending more time developing Jackson projects than anticipated, including music, video games and a touring Cirque-du-Soleil show that will eventually become a Las Vegas fixture. Under the deal approved Monday, Branca's firm Ziffren Brittenham LLP will now receive 3 percent of entertainment-related income generated by Jackson's estate. Estate attorney Howard Weitzman said the firm was performing work that would cost more than $2 million a year if it was being handled by another firm, and court filings state that a traditional entertainment estate would include additional managers and attorneys who would receive up to 30 percent of the estate's overall revenue. There was no estimate for how much McClain's billings may be. He bought and restored Gaye's former Los Angeles studio in 1997, christening it Marvin's Room, and Jackson and other top singers have recorded music there. The estate benefits Jackson's mother, Katherine, and the singer's three children, Prince, Paris and Blanket. They received an initial $30 million payment on the estate's proceeds earlier this year. Attorneys for Katherine Jackson and the children had no objection to augmenting the compensation for Branca and McClain. Meg Lodise, who represents the children's interest, said, "It is quite clear that what they're proposing is going to be fair to the estate." Weitzman told Beckloff that the estate has recently resolved creditors' claims worth at least $11 million and is working to resolve any other valid outstanding debts. Jackson died with an estimated $400 million in debts, but renewed interest in his music and career have fattened the estate's accounts, which listed $90 million in cash on hand in a September court filing. Source: AP / Billie Jean Michael Jackson House Contents Sell For Nearly $1M. 18-12-'11 The contents of the home where Michael Jackson lived with his three children just before his death have sold for nearly $1 million at auction. Darren Julien, president of Julien's Auctions, was unable to provide a more specific figure as he continued to tally the totals Saturday after the daylong auction, which brought in nearly triple the company's pre-auction estimate of $200,000 to $400,000. Among the highlights: A kitchen chalkboard where Jackson's children wrote "I love daddy," which sold for $5,000, and an armoire upon which Jackson wrote a message to himself on the mirror that fetched $25,750. The auction also included furniture, artwork and other items from the rented mansion at 100 North Carolwood Drive, where Jackson lived as he prepared for a series of comeback concerts in London before his death in June, 2009. The headboard from the bed where Jackson died at age 50 was removed from the auction at the family's request, but the rug that was beneath the bed sold for $15,360. The estimate had been $400 to $600. Julien's Auctions re-created the mansion inside its Beverly Hills showroom and invited fans to fill the space where the bed would have been with a tribute to the late King of Pop. Julien promised to deliver all of the tribute items to Jackson's children and family matriarch Katherine Jackson. "Michael Jackson has the greatest fans in the world. I can see why he lived for them," Julien said. "They came out every day this week to bring gifts. It's unlike anything we've ever seen as it relates to a celebrity and their fans." Julien's Auctions has conducted auctions for dozens of celebrities, including Cher, Barbra Streisand, William Shatner and Slash. Jackson commissioned the company to sell the contents of his Neverland Ranch before the auction was called off in early 2009. Julien's also sold Jackson's famous "Thriller" jacket for $1.8 million earlier this year. Source: Yahoo / Billie Jean Michael Jackson Death House Contents Up For Sale. 17-12-'11 The contents of the rented mansion where Michael Jackson died in June 2009 are being auctioned off Saturday in Beverly Hills. The furnishings are from the Holmby Hills home the singer shared with his children while rehearsing for a comeback concert tour. Several of the rooms have been recreated in the auction house, Julien's Auctions. Everything on sale - some 600 pieces in all - surrounded the pop icon during his final months, including items from his bedroom and his "medicine room" - where Jackson died from an overdose of the powerful sedative Propofol. His actual deathbed was removed from the auction when Jackson's mother, Katherine, made the request. However, many of the singer's fans were allowed to come in and leave tributes on a white platform meant to symbolize his deathbed. Jackson's taste leaned toward ornate, antique pieces with lots of carvings. Julien's President Darren Julien gave "Early Show on Saturday Morning" viewers a tour of the contents on display and up for bid, from paintings to antiques to furniture - even his daughter's chalkboard, and an armoire with a mirror on which Jackson wrote an inspirational message to himself: "Train, perfection, March, April, full out May." Julien also told the story behind many of them.
Source: CBS / Billie Jean Michael Jackson's Hair Clump To Become Roulette Ball. 16-12-'11 Even in the afterlife, Michael Jackson is still on a roll. Or at least he will be. Internet casino portal OnlineGamblingPal.com has purchased a clump of the deceased King of Pop's hair, which the company says it will turn into "a one-of-a-kind roulette ball." (Let's hope they hold to their promise that this will be an isolated incident.) The strands were collected at New York's Carlyle Hotel -- where the singer stayed during a charity event -- and were part of an online auction Saturday. OnlineGamblingPal shelled out $10,871. "Since we're big Michael Jackson fans, we want Michael to continue to rock and 'ROLL' forever," OnlineGambingPal.com spokesperson and apparent wordplay enthusiast Jack Mason said of the acquisition. "We therefore intend to have a professional roulette ball made which will contain his hair." "The ball itself will be made to the highest professional standards," the company said, as if there were any doubt in anybody's minds. OnlineGamblingPal.com invites interested casinos to contact the company. Crude? Perhaps. But it's probably better than the previous function that Jackson's hair served, as a safety hazard on a Pepsi commercial set. Source: news.yahoo / Billie Jean Immortal Show To Open May 2013. 14-12-'11 Journalist Robin Leach of the Las Vegas Weekly is reporting exclusively that the IMMORTAL show, which will take up residence at the Mandalay Bay once Disney's Lion King moves out on Dec. 30, is set to open on May 13, 2013. Construction on the new residency show will begin on January 2, 2012 and is expected to take about a year to complete. To read Robin Leach's entire article on the planning stages of the residency show, click here. Source: MJFC / lasvegasweekly.com / Billie Jean Michael Jackson's Doctor Too Poor To Fund Appeal. 14-12-'11 Michael Jackson's doctor on Tuesday asked for a publicly-funded lawyer to handle his appeal on a manslaughter conviction in the pop star's death, saying he could not afford to pay for one himself. Dr. Conrad Murray, serving a four-year jail term for the involuntary manslaughter of Jackson in 2009, filed papers with Los Angeles Superior Court saying he was unable to fund his legal help any longer. "The defendant is indigent and respectfully requests the appointment of counsel on appeal," the court papers said. Murray said he wished to appeal both his conviction and his sentence but so far has not filed formal papers with the California appeals court. The 58-year-old cardiologist had hired two lawyers for his six-week trial, but he was convicted in November of involuntary manslaughter, or gross negligence, after admitting he gave the "Thriller" singer nightly doses of the surgical anesthetic propofol to help Jackson sleep. Jackson, 50, died on June 25, 2009 of an overdose of propofol and sedatives, just weeks before a series of planned comeback concerts. Source: Reuters / Billie Jean Michael’s Jewelry Gifts To Elizabeth Taylor To Be Auctioned. 14-12-'11 Items owned and worn by Elizabeth Taylor including jewerly given to her by Richard Burton and Michael Jackson, and the wig she wore for 1963′s Cleopatra are going up for the bidding at at least four separate auctions. Eighty earrings, necklaces, pendants and rings will be up for the bidding at Christie’s auction house in New York City starting Tuesday. Items sold at the four-day auction could total as high as $30 million. Among the items is the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond, a 33.19-carat diamond ring bequeathed to the late actress by ex-husband Richard Burton. It’s expected to fetch between $2.5 million and $3.5 million. A diamond bracelet given to her by her close friend Michael Jackson is estimated to sell for $30,000 to $50,000. An exhibition featuring items from the auction opened at Christie’s on Dec. 3 and ends Friday. Tickets to view the exhibit cost $30, and 25,000 have been sold. The exhibition was previously on display in Dubai, Geneva, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles and Paris. Source: Reuters / Billie Jean Michael Jackson Fan Fest Video's! 14-12-'11 Have a first look at tour memorabilia including costumes, set pieces and more at Michael Jackson Fan Fest!
Source: Billie Jean MJ's Kids Doing Well. 13-12-'11 Michael Jackson has been gone for nearly two and a half years and in the aftermath of the involuntary manslaughter conviction of Conrad Murray, it seems his children are doing well and working on ways to carry on their famous Dad's legacy. People Magazine checked in on the Jackson Three recently and spoke to members of the family about them. Prince, 14, Paris, 13 and Blanket, 9 have been keeping busy lately. They attended a taping of the Michael Jackson episode of The X Factor, checked out the Las Vegas opening of Michael Jackson IMMORTAL World Tour by Cirque du Soleil and the Fan Fest memorabilia exhibit. And now Paris has reportedly landed her first acting role in the upcoming film Lundon's Bridge and the Three Keys. "They're doing well," Uncle Marlon Jackson said of the three youngsters. Genevieve Jackson, daughter of brother Randy and first cousin to the children, said that much of the credit for how the kids are coping since their father's death has to go to their grandmother Katherine. "My grandmother is 81, but she’s very hands-on," Genevieve said. In spite of being mini-celebrities with multi-million dollar trustfunds waiting on them when they turn 30, the kids are leading relatively normal lives. After years of home-schooling, Prince and Paris are attending private school and are enjoying the social aspect of it. Prince is said to be a very good student and quite popular with the girls while Paris is playing on the boys' flag-football team. Their little brother Blanket is still being schooled at home and is also getting an education in the kitchen as he reportedly enjoys baking cakes and cupcakes with the help of the Jackson family chef. However, all three Jackson kids share a passion for the entertainment field and, with the King of Pop as their father, it's not too surprising. While Paris is focused on acting, her brothers are into filmmaking. "Prince and Blanket want to be directors," says Genevieve, who's a music artist herself. "They make home movies together and recruit their cousins to act in them. The cousins are all very close.” That family closeness is what keeps the kids going, says their Uncle Jackie. "They stay with the family. That's what it's about. We keep a close watch on them." Source: MJFC / people / Billie Jean Tribute to Michael’s Costume Designer Dennis Tompkins Who Died Dec. 2. 13-12-'11 L.A.-based costume designers Michael Bush and Dennis Tompkins have quietly designed most of Michael Jackson’s personal and concert tour wardrobes, tens of thousands of pieces. On December 2, Dennis Tomkins passed away. Karen Faye (Michael’s make-up artist) “Yes, again, we loose another friend and great artist. Dennis Tompkins Dec. 2. It was his wish to be discrete and quiet about his passing.” To honor Tomkins’ wishes we will not publish a photo of him but focus on his work. Rest in peace Dennis Tompkins. Source: Karen Faye, LA Times / Billie Jean Michael Jackson's Bel Air Mansion Opened To The Public. 12-12-'11 The Bel Air mansion where Michael Jackson’s lifeless body was found after a lethal propofol overdose has been opened to members of the public. Fans left tributes and messages to the Thriller singer’s children at the gated house, which Jackson rented for $100,000-a-month during rehearsals for his comeback tour. Hundreds of paintings, ornaments and pieces of furniture from the mansion are to be auctioned this week, including the Queen size bed where the singer's body was found. The headboard on the bed was removed from the sale at the request of the singer’s family last month. An ornate mirror with the words “Train, perfection March April Full out May" scrawled in felt pen by the singer, will also be sold. The mirror is part of an armoire and carries an estimated sales price of $6,000-8,000. Despite only few of the items having a personal connection to the singer and his family, auctioneers are expecting an impressive turn out at the sale on Saturday. "Even though these weren't items that belonged to him, they were items that surrounded him in the final months of his life. Anything associated with Michael Jackson is highly collectible," said auctioneer Darren Julien. A pottery rooster holding a chalkboard from the kitchen bears a poignant reminder of Jackson's children Prince, Paris and Blanket. A note from the children in chalk reads "I (heart) Daddy SMILE it's for free". The item is priced at $400-600 but is expected to fetch much more. Last week, a gambling website bought several clumps of the singer's hair, left in a hotel plughole in the 1980s, for $11,000 and turned it into a roulette ball. Source: telegraph.co / Billie Jean Earth Song Number 1 On RTL’s ‘Die Ultimative Chart Show’. 11-12-'11 The most successful music show of Germany, Die Ultimative Chart Show, celebrated the best 100 songs according to Germans. In a big 25th anniversary show people selected which songs made it to the Top 100 and decided what was Germany’s absolute number one: Michael Jackson’s Earth Song. These were Michael’s positions in the list: # 1 – Earth Song The complete list is published on RTL’s website Source: RTL / Billie Jean Michael Jackson's Daughter Scores Movie Role. 09-12-'11 Michael Jackson's daughter has won her first film role. Paris, 13, has been signed up to have a major role as the heroine in Lundon's Bridge and the Three Keys, a fantasy film which will feature both real and animated characters. Although her famous family had wanted her to wait until she is 18 to start her showbiz career, she reportedly convinced her grandmother Katherine to let her appear in the movie after telling her 81-year-old guardian the film has a message her late father would have appreciated. A source told The Sun newspaper: "Her character's strong love for her father is central to the plot." Paris is following in the footsteps of Michael - who died in 2009 of acute Propofol intoxication - who was a child star, shooting to fame aged eight singing lead vocals in his family band The Jackson 5. He starred in his first film, The Wiz, aged 20. Paris' film will be based on a young adult series by Dennis H Christen, which features a dolphin turned into a human by ancient magic while an evil spell changes a teenage boy into a dragonfly and a good jellyfish queen morphs into an evil fairy godmother. All profits from the film are said to be going toward funding the US public school system. Source: channel24 / Billie Jean Jane Fonda Speaks About Michael. 09-12-'11 In a recently televised interview with CNN’s Piers Morgan, Jane Fonda revealed that that Michael Jackson's 1981 visit to her California ranch ultimately inspired him to purchase what became Neverland Ranch. I had a ranch in Santa Barbara," said Fonda. "And he came and visited me once. And I was walking him around. It's how he was introduced to that area -- where he eventually bought Neverland -- is when I had him to my ranch." Michael Jackson, who was in his early 20s at the time, spent a full week on the set of "On Golden Pond." He came and he wanted to watch my father and Katharine Hepburn work," said Fonda. "He was interested in becoming a movie actor." I thought he was going to have a meltdown," Fonda stated. "The notion that I could countenance the fact that I was going to die was anathema to him. He just -- he screamed." Jane Fonda, author of the new book "Prime Time", which is about the last third of life will be guest on Thursday’s "Piers Morgan Tonight." Source: MJFC / CNN / Billie Jean New Song To Honor MJ By AI featuring Jackson Brothers For Tokyo Tribute Concerts. Michael’s brothers, along with Japanese singer AI, prepare for two tribute shows in Japan. The concerts at Yoyogi National Stadium in central Tokyo on December 13 & 14 will feature Marlon, Tito and Jackie, original members of The Jackson 5. The tribute performances will also showcase a host of Japanese stars. In addition to the tribute concerts the Jackson brothers and AI have composed a track, Letter in the Sky featuring The Jacksons. AI will release it on December 14. The song will be an added bonus for Michael Jackson fans in Japan, and a unique partnership between The Jacksons and a Japanese artist. AI relates, “I was astonished when the Jacksons said they wanted to record a theme song together for these shows. The lyrical concept we employed is that of a letter to Michael. We were blessed to be able to work with currently hot producer King David the Future.” AI was initially shy about working with the R&B legends but slowly a relationship developed. She notes, “I first met the brothers when I interviewed them and naturally I was nervous but since then we’ve collaborated on many things, in recording a song, discussing the tribute shows, and now on the rehearsals for those shows, so I feel close to them.” AI adds. “I have only met Katherine twice, but through her children I can tell that she is a lovely person. The whole Jackson family is so wonderful.” Initially planned for October, the scheduling worked best in December and AI’s Musical Director, the New York-born Kaleb James, will take the MD role for the tribute concerts. Explains James, “As MD I make all the music arrangements and consequently, decide the instrumentation song to song. I will lead the band for all the artists except the Jacksons themselves. Simply put, they’re too busy to be here two or three weeks prior to the show and will therefore rehearse with another band in the states.” The shows will feature Americans Macy Gray and Judith Hill, as well as Japanese recording stars Crystal Kay (who is actually half African-American and half Korean), Jay’ed, Juju, and Tortoise Matsumoto. The Tokyo shows promise to have a unique Japanese flavor. Of the performances James notes, “Michael Jackson’s songs are so closely tailored for him, the biggest challenge is arranging the song choices in ways that both allows the artists to vibe on their own without coming of like Michael Jackson impersonations. It would be very dismissive to change one of MJ’s tunes into something unrecognizable just to make it easy on the guest artists but thankfully, they’ve all chosen classic tunes and seem ready to tackle them. I feel real good about the song list.” To round out the shows MJ’s director of choreography for This Is It Travis Payne and dancers Kento Mori, and Yuko Sumida Jackson (no relation to the Jackson family), the only Japanese dancer to appear on stage with Michael, will perform the King of Pop’s signature boogie moves. James sums up, “For me, the best part of this whole thing is arranging these great songs as part of a genuine Michael Jackson celebration: His family, his choreographers, his various band members and myself all working on the same show. There’s a clear vibe of love and admiration for his music at each rehearsal. It’s such an honor to be a part of this.” Source: Billboard.biz / Billie Jean Fan Gathering At Julien's Auctions. 07-12-'11 Julien's Auctions cordially invite you to a private preview of the fine and decorative art contents of 100 North Carolwood Drive on Sunday, December 11, 2011 at 10:00 am. This special viewing is for Michael Jackson fans only and will be the first time for these items to be on display. Julien’s Auctions have removed the headboard from the auction and they would like to invite all fans of Michael Jackson to attend and bring flowers, cards, pictures, posters, notes, etc... to place in the exhibition where the bed would have been in memory of Michael and his legacy. Since Christmas was Michael's favorite holiday, Julien’s will also have a Christmas Tree in the exhibition for fans to bring ornaments and decorate. Reuters and The Associated Press are both coming at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday to do a first walk through of the exhibition where Julien’s will create the items in their Beverly Hills gallery just as they were situated at 100 North Carolwood Drive. On Monday, December 12th Julien’s Auctions will hold a press preview for all the media to attend and view the items and see the tribute that the fans have left. All fans are welcome to attend the taping during the Reuters and Associated Press walk through on Sunday as well as the media preview on Monday, December 12th from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Julien’s already has over 50 media outlets that have RSVP'd for the press preview on December 12th. After the auction on Saturday, December 17th, the items left by the fans will be collected and given to Katherine Jackson & Family at their request. Fans are also welcome to bring presents for Katherine and the kids and Julien’s will make sure that they get to them along with the notes and cards to Michael. Each fan who attends the event on Sunday, December 11th will receive a free auction catalog. If you are not able to attend the preview on Sunday, the exhibit will be opened to the public beginning at 10am, on Monday, December 12 and run through Saturday, December 17th. If you cannot attend either of the private viewing or Monday's press conference, you can still send your notes, pictures, etc., to Julien's for display. Julien's Auctions is located at 9665 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 150, Beverly Hills, CA 90210. Source: MJFC / Julien's Auctions / Billie Jean Fan Site "Billie Jean" Celebrate 9th Anniversary. 06-12-'11 Hello faithful Michael Jackson fans in honour of the 9th anniversary of this fan site "Billie Jean", you get today different updates. This past year you've got more links about Michael Jackson, the MJ Timeline, Messages/Speeches and the Charity page. A remix of myself the Breaking News (MJMR3 Behind The News Remix) and In The Mix 22. For the facebook fans I have bad news, my Billie Jean page is closed for ever. Let's begin with the updates: 1. The new Wallpaper is made because off my sadness for Michael, I expressed my sadness in this Wallpaper. 2. For the fans of my self made remix is here the They Don't Care About Load And Clear (MJMR3 Mashup). There will be no ending on this site because next year there will be added new links of Michael Jackson and more! Source: Billie Jean Memorabilia On Display At Michael Jackson Fan Fest In Las Vegas. 05-12-'11 You can now get an inside look into the life of entertainer Michael Jackson. The Michael Jackson Fan Fest opened this weekend at Mandalay Bay, featuring personal items and career memorabilia from the life of the King of Pop. For one day only, lucky fans also had an opportunity to meet two of Jackson’s brothers — Tito and Jackie Jackson — during a question and answer session. The fan fest showcases some never-before-seen personal items including costumes, the Fantasy glove collection from the 1980s, award statues, tickets, the famed rocket plane from the “Leave Me Alone” video, a castle displayed in the living room of Neverland and much more. The exhibition coincides with the kick-off of the new Michael Jackson Cirque du Soleil show that is running all month long at Mandalay Bay. The fan fest will be at Mandalay Bay through Jan. 14. Hours are noon to 4 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 9-11 and 2 to 6 p.m. Dec. 6, 7, 13 and 14.” Watch the video here Source: KTNV / Billie Jean Michael Jackson's Dad To Tell All. 05-12-'11 Michael Jackson's father will reportedly "tell-all" in a new documentary that will hit theaters next year and in a new autobiography. Here is the official word: Confessions of a Father is compiled from hours of interviews conducted over a two-year period. The feature-length film will offer a fascinating and chilling look at one of the most controversial fathers in show business history. Told from Joe Jackson's unique perspective, the film will cover the Jackson family history from the formation of the Jackson 5 through Michael's tragic death and the subsequent trial and sentencing of his physician, Dr. Conrad Murray. The film's release is planned for 2012, as is the publication of "The Architect," Joe Jackson's autobiography from Atria Books, a division of Simon and Schuster. Confessions of a Father is produced by Johnny West and award-winning producer George Paige, whose credits include "Michael Jackson...the Legend Continues," and scores of other TV programs and feature films. "For the first time, Joe Jackson lifts the veil and airs the dirty laundry, like it or not," says Paige. "If you think you know the Jackson history, think again." Filmed partially on location at the Jackson family Havenhurst estate, the documentary will give viewers a never-before-seen look at Michael Jackson's personal theatre and the special room where the Jackson family and Michael's children were home schooled. "We filmed in Gary, Indiana too," says West, who also directed. "Seeing the Jackson house and hearing the voices of people who knew them before, during and after their rise to stardom sheds new light on this intriguing family." Of special interest will be the newly uncovered audio recording of the Jackson 5 in their first ever studio session. "Big Boy" was recorded at Steel-town Records by Gordon Keith, who appears on camera to talk about guiding the dynamic young performers in those early sessions. The documentary will have a theatrical release in 2012 before a nationwide home entertainment blu-ray and DVD release. The trailer will be available shortly at www.jacksondocumentary.com. Source: antimusic / Billie Jean Michael Jackson Pulled Out Of Spielberg's Hook Over Peter Pan Portrayal. 04-12-'11 Michael Jackson pulled out of playing Peter Pan in Steven Spielberg's 1991 movie Hook because the director's vision for the film didn't match his own. Spielberg admits Jackson was keen to take on the lead role in the film but baulked at the idea of playing a lawyer who forgot he was the boy who never grew up. The director tells Entertainment Weekly magazine, "Michael had always wanted to play Peter Pan, but I called Michael and I said, 'This is about a lawyer that is brought back to save his kids and discovers that he was once, when he was younger, Peter Pan.' "Michael understood at that point it wasn't the same Peter Pan he wanted to make." The role eventually went to funnyman Robin Williams. Source: Contactmusic / Billie Jean Michael's Kids At Cirque Premier. 04-12-'11 Prince, Paris and Blanket Jackson were all smiles on the red carpet at last night's premier of the Cirque du Soleil's Michael Jackson: THE IMMORTAL World Tour in Las Vegas. Michael Jackson's children looked excited to see the show as the stars turned out to celebrate the King of Pop at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. Many other Jackson family members were also in attendance, including brothers Tito and Jackie and several Jackson offspring. "I'm very excited," Tito Jackson said. "At the same time, I'm touched. There's a little thing going on [in the heart] you know, for the brother thing. My brother. I don't know if people know this about Michael but, my brother actually lived and loved what he did," Tito said. Also on the red carpet were celebs Mark Salling and Kevin McHale from Glee. "This next episode, we're doing a couple of Jackson songs. Some Janet Jackson, Jackson Five, and Michael Jackson himself," McHale said. Other stars in attendance included Motown legend Berry Gordy, Director John Landis, comedian Carrot Top, illusionist Chris Angel, Sopranos star James Gandolfini, actors Rex Lee, Justin Long and Aaron Paul and Pussycat Doll creator Robin Antin. "Everyone's saying the show's going to be great. But even if I didn't like the show, I would just close my eyes and listen to the music," said Entourage star Rex Lee. "There was no one more compassionate or committed to his work and more professional. He was an amazing force," said Allison Janney from The Help. John Landis, who directed Jackson's iconic "Thriller" video said, "Michael's work lends itself to Cirque, really big time." Criss Angel summed up Michael Jackson and his legacy in one sentence: "MJ was the epitome of entertainment." The tour kicks off at the 8,000-capacity Mandalay Bay Events Center, running there until December 27. Source: MJFC / dailymail.co.uk / cfnews13.com / Billie Jean Joe Jackson Opens New Club In Gary. 04-12-'11 It appears Joe Jackson, father of the Jackson family, has been a busy man. First comes news of his new book and documentary, as reported earlier today, and now this new club venture. Mr. Jackson has joined a local friend in Gary, Indiana, Kathleen Cole and her son Jamal “Hustle” Rodgers to try and revive a west side club in that city into a hot spot for clubgoers and sports fans. Hustle and Joe’s, located at 1700 Grant St., is a spacious club with a VIP room, a full kitchen, flat screen TVs dotting the walls, a 20-foot-long bar and space for parties and dancing. The home of the former Satches night club and Chez Criton and is adorned with wood paneling, mirrored balls and sound system speakers. “We’re doing a lot of grown-up activity,” said Rodgers, who also owns Everlasting Limousine service, a tow truck business and rental properties. “I think it’s a great time to open this club because even if people come out for a laugh or two, it’s very affordable.” The new club will feature a three-day grand opening event beginning Friday night. Chicago-based band Note 4 Note, fronted by Gary saxophonist Reggie Foster, is expected to kick off the three-day event, along with poet Elena Love. The Chi-Lites, favorites from the 1960s and 1970s, will join singer Joe Wayne on Saturday night, while Sunday will feature comedians George Wilborn, Tony Sculfield and Damon Williams. The club will have a cover charge, ample security and a strict dress code, entended to draw a more mature crowd, Rodgers said. Other plans for the bar include a monthly “power week” of top-name entertainers, stepping shows and comedy acts, a regular Sunday art show for local artists and 'Soul Food Sundays,' he said. Source: MJFC / suntimes / Billie Jean 1 / 2 December / November / October / September / August / July / June / May / April / March / February / January |
Updated: 01/01/2012 1:32 AM Billie Jean Web Radio Player |
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