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Home / News Archive / News July 2009 December / November / October / September / August / July / June / May / April / March / February / January The Search Warrant Served To Murray. 31-07-'09 While it remains to be seen exactly what role Dr. Conrad Murray played in the death of Michael Jackson, more information is coming out about the doctor who was with the pop icon in his final hours. ABC News has obtained a copy of search warrant served to Dr. Conrad Murray earlier this week. Investigators are still sifting through the evidence from raids on Murray's offices. Among the items seized from Murray's Texas office last week were a vial containing 27 tablets of the weight loss drug phentermine, a vial containing a tablet of the muscle relaxant clonazepam, a photocopy picture of Murray, Rolodex cards, public storage receipts, and a receipt for a "Cricket" phone, according to an inventory attached to the warrant. Investigators looking into Jackson's death believe that someone was intravenously administering propofol, a powerful sedative, to Jackson at his home. In the warrant, police said they were investigating a potential charges of "manslaughter,"excessive prescribing," "prescribing to an addict,"excess treatment or prescribing" and "unprofessional conduct." Propofol was not listed on the court documents among the items seized from Murray's property. Other items seized from the storage unit, according to the court records, included two computer hard drives and a "Texas Department of Public Safety controlled substance registration." Authorities also obtained a suspension notice from a Houston hospital. Source: ABC / Billie Jean Donny & Marie Osmond on Michael Jackson's Passing. 31-07-'09 ET is with Donny and Marie Osmond in Las Vegas, where the former teen idols talk to ET about the passing of Michael Jackson. "Mike's in a good place, let's leave it at that…," Donny tells ET. "He had a hard life. He's having a harder death. Leave Michael alone." Marie adds that the most important concern now is the care of Michael's three children. Donny and Marie are in Las Vegas for their historic reunion show, which has been extended for two more years at Las Vegas' Flamingo hotel -- and 180,000 fans have already seen the brother-sister duo's act. "It's very physical, you definitely get your aerobic workout for the day," Marie says of the show. Watch the video to hear the famous siblings' thoughts on the death of Michael Jackson, and find out if Donny plans to compete on "Dancing with the Stars." Source: etonline / Billie Jean Jackson Mother Gets Custody, Rowe Gets Visits. 30-07-'09 Michael Jackson's mother will get custody of the late pop star's three children after reaching a agreement with her son's ex-wife Debbie Rowe, a lawyer for Katherine Jackson told CBS News on Thursday. Rowe will have "meaningful visitation rights" with her two biological children with Jackson -- Prince Michael, 12, and Paris, 11 -- television networks CBS, ABC and NBC reported. The biological mother of Jackson's third child, Prince Michael II, 7, also known as Blanket, has never been revealed. Jackson's mother, Katherine, 79, was granted temporary custody of the children after his death on June 25. "It's an agreement, an agreement for the best interests of the children. This is not a money deal. This is not about money," Londell McMillan, Katherine Jackson's attorney, said in a an interview on CBS News' "The Early Show." "All of the parties are resolved. There is no situation better for these children than for them to be raised and reared in the loving care of Mrs. Katherine Jackson," he said. A court hearing in Los Angeles on custody of the children is scheduled for Monday. Jackson said in his 2002 will he wanted his mother to care for the children if he died. The "Thriller" singer left his estate, valued at $500 million in an attachment to his will, to a family trust that benefits his children, his mother and charities. "That estate is worth, in my estimation, a couple of billion dollars," McMillan said, referring to the value of the estate if it achieves its potential earnings. "You hear $500 million. Don't buy it." The coroner's report on the cause of the singer's death is still awaiting toxicology and other test results. His burial arrangements have not been announced. Source: Reuters / Billie Jean MJ Still Reigns Billboard Charts. 30-07-'09 In its 119th week on the Billboard charts, Michael Jackson’s 2003 release “Number Ones” once again claimed the # 1 spot on the Top Comprehensive Album chart for the second consecutive week. Nielsen SoundScan “Number Ones” sold 154,000 copies last week; down 21% from the week prior. Billboard's Top Comprehensive Albums ranks the top selling albums in the country, regardless of age; whereas the Billboard 200 houses only new and current titles -- generally those less than 18 months old. Source: Billboard / Billie Jean Another Doctor Searched. 30-07-'09 According to People.com, Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Lawrence Koplin has become at least the third physician searched by authorities investigating the death of Michael Jackson. On Wednesday, Coroner Assistant Chief Ed Winter was seen entering Koplin`s clinic. Afterwards he told reporters waiting outside that he was searching for Michael Jackson`s medical records. A woman who answered the phone at Koplin's office told People: "We're cooperating with the coroner's office and we have no comment at this time." Source: MJFC / People / Billie Jean Moonwalker Car For Sale. 30-07-'09 During ‘Moonwalker’, Michael’s great film from 1988, he transformed into a super-car. The car was a Stratos ZERO. That car has now appeared on eBay, for sale at $100,000. In the movie scene, Michael becomes trapped in an alley and escapes by morphing into the Stratos ZERO and zooming off amidst smoke and fire to finally return and change back into himself. It is reported that Michael himself requested that the Stratos ZERO concept car be used in the movie. While the original was not used, this re-creation was made for the movie. This movie car was recently restored in England, made fully drive able, and re-painted orange to replicate the original concept car, as it appeared in the 1970 Turin auto show. At a mere 35″ tall, access is gained via opening the windshield - the triangular engine bay cover has never been seen in any car since. It’s fully functional (including lights, turn signals etc…), albeit with limited rear visibility. The car comes with movie memorabilia, movie poster, magazine articles and more. Anyone interested? For more information, or to bid on the car, click here. Source: eBay / Billie Jean Michael Jackson: The Magic, The Madness, The Whole Story. 30-07-'09 So much has how been said and written about the life and career of Michael Jackson that it has become almost impossible to disentangle the man from the myth. This book is the fruit of over 30 years of research and hundreds of exclusive interviews with a remarkable level of access to the very closest circles of the Jackson family - including Michael himself. Cutting through tabloid rumours, J. Randy Taraborrelli traces the real story behind Michael Jackson, from his drilling as a child star through the blooming of his talent to his ever-changing personal appearance and bizarre publicity stunts. This major biography includes the behind-the-scenes story to many of the landmarks in Jackson's life: his legal and commercial battles, his marriages to Lisa Marie Presley and Debbie Rowe, his passions and addictions, his children. Objective and revealing, it carries the hallmarks of all of Taraborrelli's best-sellers: impeccable research, brilliant storytelling and definitive documentation. For sell go to amazon Source: amazon / Billie Jean Michael Celebrating His Children's Early Birthdays. 29-07-'09 The intimate home video gives a moving insight into the King of Pop as a parent to son Prince Michael, 12, and daughter Paris, 11, at his Neverland Ranch in California. In the five minute montage, which you can view below, Jacko sings with his kids and performs a joke "chicken" dance. He hooks the toddlers up with microphones attached to their pyjamas and interviews them on camera. He also records a message about what he wants them to achieve in the future. In the opening scene Jacko, dressed in a red silk shirt and wearing sunglasses, addresses the camera with a message for his children. He said: "Prince, that was for you to learn about perseverence and confidence and the true meaning of success - which is love. The video then cuts to Jacko singing with his kids as they pick up the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle in a hallway. Jackson, quietly singing his Invincible album track The Lost Children, encourages his youngest son and daughter to join in. He then jokes about their lack of rhythm and clicks his fingers to help them with the timing. The footage then turns to his daughter Paris with a microphone attached to her pyjamas telling her father: "Daddy, thank you for my birthday cake. I love you so much. You are the best daddy in the whole world." His son Prince then leaves his message thanking his dad "for giving me ice-cream". The clip then finishes with The King of Pop asking Paris what her birthday wish would be for the future. In her touching response she said: "I want to do what you do, dance and sing." Look for the video here Source: thesun / Billie Jean Potential Struggle Over Michael Jackson's Estate. 29-07-'09 There appears to be a potential legal battle brewing over Michael's estate between Katherine Jackson, the lawyers for the estate and the concert promoter AEG, according to court documents released Tuesday. Mrs. Jackson lost an earlier bid to be granted temporary administrator of Michael's estate. Now, she is requesting production of mountains of financial documents, including contracts that Michael entered into with his estate, record label, concert officials and even with his father, Joseph. "The special administrators (of Michael's estate) have, up to this point, refused all requests," say the papers that were filed in Los Angeles Superior Court. Mrs. Jackson alleges that the administrators are "apparently intent on keeping her in the dark as much and for as long as possible." AEG and attorneys for the estate countered that Mrs. Jackson's request is "voluminous, burdensome and invasive." They also expressed concern that she might not uphold a confidentiality agreement for Michael's concert deal. "Without the safeguards necessary to ensure the continued confidentiality of the artist agreement and any proposed modifications, AEG cannot provide such information to Mrs. Jackson or her counsel without risking serious harm to its business" said a declaration from an AEG lawyer. What is at state is possibly hundreds of millions of dollars from Michael's estate, including record royalties. Michael's recordings skyrocketed following his death. Also included is money from DVD's, books and his share of the ATV catalogue. Mrs. Jackson said that she needs the documents in time for an August 3 hearing. She was granted temporary guardianship of Michael's three children. Source: AP / Billie Jean Federal Agents Search Home Of Dr. Murray. 28-07-'09 Federal authorities are searching the Las Vegas (USA) home of Dr. Murray, Michael Jackson's personal doctor. Officials with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Los Angeles police and Las Vegas police are executing a search warrant there as part of a manslaughter investigation into Michael's death. The officials descended on Dr. Murray’s gated community early Tuesday morning. The raid is the latest development in an investigation that increasingly places Dr. Murray at the center of the mystery surrounding Michael Jackson’s death. Dr. Murray was Michael Jackson's personal physician and was with him when he died. Murray, who is based in Las Vegas and is licensed in California, Nevada and Texas, had his Houston office and a storage unit searched last week by DEA agents. Court records show the agents were seeking evidence of whether the doctor committed manslaughter. Police say Murray is cooperating and have not labeled him a suspect. Source: AP / Billie Jean Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait. 28-07-'09 Getting Closer! Great news! We now have more than 100,000 votes. Michael's fans are coming together from more than 120 countries to be part of this amazing Tribute. We are getting closer every day to the goal of 250,000 to begin Michael's portrait made from YOUR dots. However, I still need your help to spread the word, so please continue to be involved in making sure, together, we reach Michael's millions of fans. One thing is for certain - when they hear about this, they'll want to be part of it. And you'll know you played an important role in making Michael's Tribute Portrait come to life. Thank you for all of your support, Jerry Biederman CONTEST ANNOUNCEMENT Winners Get Their Dot Next To Michael's! I have created THREE CONTESTS to encourage everyone to go the distance in spreading the word about this project ... and to have FUN doing it! At least 1,000,000 dots will be hand-drawn on the canvas to create the image of Michael Jackson. Each dot represents a Jackson fan. Michael Jackson, himself, will be given the first dot! As a winner of one of the contests, YOUR dot will be one of the first dots placed on the canvas and will be right next to Michael Jackson's dot! Your dot will be side-by-side with Michael's dot forever. Also, with your permission, I will announce your name on the website for millions of fans to see and graphically point out your dot's location. The Contests are: YouTube - Create a YouTube video to promote the Tribute. The video with the most views wins. Click here for more information. Good luck! Source: supportjacksonportrait.com / Billie Jean Michael Honored in Jamaica. 28-07-'09 Jamaica’s 17th annual Reggae Sumfest has been dedicated to the memory of Michael Jackson. Reggae Sumfest 2009 was dedicated to Michael Jackson to honour his phenomenal contribution to music and entertainment, and to celebrate his extraordinary life. Michael’s brother Tito and was in attendance this weekend to perform and accept a Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of their late brother. Sumfest Organizers were honoured to have been given the opportunity to host the Jackson brothers on their very first performance together since the death of their beloved brother. Source: MJFC / Sumfest / Billie Jean MJ Honored With Sand Sculpture In Berlin. 28-07-'09 There have been no shortage of tributes to Michael Jackson since the singer's death several weeks ago. Many singers and rappers have released songs and saluted the legend's memory in performance, which seem like appropriate responses to a man who did so much to change music. But some people express themselves differently, which is where the Germans come in. A shopping mall in Berlin is currently hosting a sand sculpture that acts as a tribute to Michael. It tracks the various stages of his career, from his Jackson 5 days to the Thriller years to the over-the-top HIStory era. The centerpiece is Michael's form — dressed in what appears to be his Dangerous era military garb — towering triumphantly above the rest of the piece. The structure consists of 200 tons (that's tons — a total of 400,000 pounds) of sand and took a grand total of ten days to put together. It's a shockingly intricate development, with artwork from various album covers and Jackson-related imagery mixed in with the forms of Michael and his brothers. Also included in the sculpture: A sign declaring Jackson as "The King of Pop" and at least one image of Bubbles the Chimp. Like many of the Jackson memorials set up since the singer's death, the sand sculpture has become a hub for fans who want to leave remembrances and mementos of the singer's life and career. Source: MTV / Billie Jean Jackson’s Facebook Page Becomes First to Reach 10 Million Fans. 27-07-'09 One month after Michael Jackson passed away, his Facebook Page has become the first (by a big margin) to reach 10 million fans. Fans from around the world are continuing to leave Wall posts in honor of the music legend and upload new photos to the Page. In addition, the most recent updates from the Page’s official administrator have received nearly 50,000 likes and several thousand comments each. However, while the Page’s administrator was updating the Page at least daily through July 17, there hasn’t been an update in nearly 10 days. While Facebook Pages are effective tools for businesses and celebrities to reach their audiences, what happens when celebrities pass away? How long into the future will the administrators and fans of the Michael Jackson Page still be posting content? Before Jackson’s death, the singer had about 800,000 fans on Facebook, while Barack Obama’s Page had the most Facebook fans at 6.4 million. Today, Jackson’s Page is the first in history to cross 10 million, while Obama’s Page still has the second most at nearly 6.5 million, followed by Vin Diesel and Megan Fox, according to PageData. Source: insidefacebook.com / Billie Jean MJ Holds On To Top Spots In UK Album Chart. 27-07-'09 Michael Jackson's album 'The Essential Michael Jackson' held on to the top spot in the UK for the fourth week in a row. Michael Jackson has been number one in the album chart longer than any other artist to date in 2009, as reported by the Official Charts Company says. 'The Essential Michael Jackson' and along with 'Number Ones' have been at the top for five weeks, surpassing Lady Gaga, whose album 'The Fame' was number one for four weeks in the UK. Fans in the UK have been picking up copies of many Michael Jackson albums following his death last month. Currently in the UK Michael Jackson has 10 albums in the top 50. Source: ABC News / Billie Jean Tribute Fan Meeting. 27-07-'09 On the 29th of August (the birthday of our beloved Michael) we will get together to celebrate his life in style and pay Tribute to the one and only King of Pop. He will be remembered and he will be LOVED!!! This special meeting will be the biggest meeting that Holland ever had, so don't miss out. The meeting will take place at the Imperial in Hoofddorp. Holland latest and newest Disco where 2000 people are able to attend. Space is limited so we urge everybody to buy your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
This MJ fan meeting will benefit children in Africa as proceeds will be donated to www.child-support.org Program: Performances by look-a-likes Source: jackson.com / Billie Jean Michael Jackson Fan Event in Las Vegas. 27-07-'09 On August 21 - 23 at The Sahara Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas the Michael Jackson's United Nation International Fan Club will be hosting their 4th Annual Michael Jackson fan event. This is one of the biggest Michael Jackson fan events in the world and the last three years Mr. Joe Jackson has attended on behalf of the Jackson family. Other family friends as well as people who have worked with Michael have attended as well; for example Tatiana from the "The Way You Make Me Feel Video" attended last year. Not all the guests have been confirmed for this year as of yet as you can imagine with everything that has been happening lately, but this is sure to be the best event yet. For more details about the specifics of the event and updates on guests and other details please visit: http://mjsunifc.com/mjevent/news.htm For ticket go to Source: Billie Jean LA County To Investigate Mishandling of Death Certificate. 26-07-'09 LA County sheriff's investigators are starting an inquiry into whether employees at the coroner's office illegally sold or leaked private information pertaining to the investigation of Michael Jackson's death. Investigators spoke with the coroner's office on Friday and will conduct the inquiry with the district attorney's office, according to Steve Whitmore, sheriff's spokesman. The probe was requested by county supervisors. "It's an inquiry, not an investigation, and it is very preliminary," Whitmore said. "We've just made a couple of calls. We want to find out if we need to proceed, if this requires an investigation." By that Wednesday, the coroner's office said that Michael's death certificate had been improperly viewed by at least six employees who had no role in the investigation of his cause of death. Improper viewing of the certificate, stored in a state - supervised computer system, is a violation of internal rules and does not break any laws. The employees were warned and it was deemed that no further investigation was necessary. However, within two weeks, the certificate had been viewed more than 300 times. The electronic death registration system can be accessed by those with a state - issued password, including the employees at the coroner's office, funeral homes, hospitals and county and state registrar's offices. Source: AP / Billie Jean Murray Kept Drugs Hidden. 26-07-'09 Law enforcement sources are saying that Dr. Conrad Murray kept a supply of drugs, including the anaesthesia Propofol, hidden in his closet at Michael's home. When LAPD first searched the home the night Michael died, they did not find Propofol or many of the other drugs that were hidden there. Murray talked to the police the following Saturday and the information he supplied allowed another, broader search warrant. Murray, himself, led detectives to discover the drug supply during this interview. The police returned to the house on Monday and found "various drugs" kept in a closet of the guest room where Murray was staying. One law enforcement source said: "The drugs were concealed...they weren't obvious." Among the stash -- Propofol, the drug authorities believe killed Michael Jackson. Source: TMZ / Billie Jean Omer Bhatti: “Michael Was Not My Father”. 25-07-'09 A 25-year-old Norwegian rap star is denying tabloid reports claiming the alleging he is the secret son of the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Omer Bhatti, who goes by the rap moniker O-Bee, recently confided to friends that whispers that Michael Jackson was his biological father are completely false, The Daily Mirror claims. “Michael is not my father. He and I were just very, very close. He was my best friend.” According to urban legend, Omer was conceived in 1983, after Michael had a one-night stand with a young Norwegian woman. MJ gave Omer’s mother, Pia, a job as a nanny for his son Prince Michael and employed his dad Huayoun as a driver after meeting his young impersonator during a trip to Tunisia in 1996, Omer insists. In the late 1990s, the family briefly lived on the grounds of Jackson’s Neverland Ranch in Santa Barbara. “Michael always used to say I was like a son to him,” he told the friend. “But my true parents are here in Norway. The reason I was asked to sit with his family at the memorial service is because I was Michael’s closest friend – not because I am his son.” He further confided: “Michael was such a special person to me and I cannot believe he is gone, I am in total shock. I have lost weight because I cannot eat anything. All I can think about is Michael and how he died.” Source: popcrunch / Billie Jean The Man Who Secretly Held M.J.'s Millions. 26-07-'09 How's this for a plot twist? Yesterday we broke the story that the Special Administrators of Michael Jackson's estate filed legal papers saying they just recovered $5.5 million is cash from a former financial advisor. The advisor is Dr. Tohme Tohme, who got involved with Jackson in the last year-and-a-half of his life, and he claims the money was "a secret." In an interview last night, Dr. Tohme said the money came from recording residuals and that "It was a secret between Michael and me." Dr. Tohme claims the money was going to be used for a Las Vegas "dream home." Tohme says Michael implored him, "Don't tell anyone about the money." He says when the singer died, he came forward and said he had the stash. Source: TMZ / Billie Jean Long Time Doctor Says Drugs Were Present. 25-07-'09 Dr. Steven Hoefflin gave an interview on Thursday to Access Hollywood. Dr. Hoefflin performed surgery on Michael following the horrific burning he received while filming the infamous 1984 Pepsi commercial and provided care for Michael for many years. He said that he was not speaking out on authorization by Katherine Jackson. Dr. Hoefflin said that Michael had "lethal amounts of Demerol and Propofol in his body" at the time of his death. He also said that he last provided care for Michael in 1998 and participated in an intervention in 2002. Results from the L.A. coroner's official autopsy have yet to be released to the public. Dr. Hoefflin said that Michael told him about his heavy use of drugs during the time of the 2002 intervention, saying that he was then receiving regular injections of Demerol. Dr. Hoefflin told Access that he has not been paid for any of his interviews, including one he gave to British newspaper, The Sun. In that and in other interviews, Hoefflin named doctors that he says were involved in giving drugs to Michael. Whe he was asked by Access if the Jackson family planned to "go after" those they believed were involved in Michael's death, Hoefflin said "Of course they are." Dr. Hoefflin spoke about specific treatments Michael allegedly received from doctors, citing injections of Benoquin, a permanent bleaching agent used to lighten his facial skin, as well as collagen injections. Michael was also treated for acne on his face and nose with injections of Celestine, a powerful cortisone. Dr. Hoefflin disagreed with the use of both the collagen and cortisone, saying that Michael, who suffered from lupus, should not have received collagen. He also said that "cortisone injections can thin out tissue on the face. I told him that he should not have any further injections...as it was thinning out his face and nose." Hoefflin also said that at least one doctor prescribed prescriptions for Michael under the alias Omar Arnold. Also during the interview with Access, Hoefflin said that the Jackson family will be seeking legal recourse against the "biographer" Ian Halperin who penned the book "Unmasked: The Final Years of Michael Jackson" earlier this month. In the book, Halperin says that Michael was gay and that greed led to his death. Hoefflin said that Michael's fans should boycott the book and burn it on the streets. Source: MJFC / MSNBC / Billie Jean New Jackson Docs - Millions Recovered. 25-07-'09 We've now obtained documents filed yesterday in the Michael Jackson probate case. The Special Administrators have recovered $5.5 million in cash from a former financial advisor. The documents do not name the advisor. The docs also say Jackson's children are the beneficiaries of an insurance trust established by Michael Jackson. The proceeds have not yet been collected, which explains why lawyers for Katherine Jackson have asked for a temporary allowance. Source: TMZ / Billie Jean "Jackson 5 In Africa". 25-07-'09 The West Coast premiere screening of "Jackson 5 In Africa," a film of rare footage documenting the Jackson 5 during their 1974 tour in Senegal , will be the centerpiece of the Closing Night Gala for=2 0the 2009 Downtown Film Festival=2 0— L.A.; it was announced today by festival organizers. The film will screen twice at 7 pm and 9 pm on Saturday, August 22 with a venue to be announced later. Tickets will go on sale August 1st. The screening of the film, which will debut in New York on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at the National Black Theatre in Harlem, is being co-presented with the nonprofit Downtown Film Festival — L.A. (www.dffla.com) by ImageNation Cinema Foundation (www.imagenation.us) and Hines Media Group. Narrated by renowned actor Robert Hooks, the camera follows Michael Jackson and family cinema-verité style on their first-ever visit to Africa. The film includes live footage of their visit to an African market, classic live footage of the group spontaneously performing "Hum Along and Dance," and extraordinary footage of the Jackson 5 performing on stage before a packed audience at the height of their career in the mid-Seventies. "The history of the film is nearly as interesting as the footage itself," explains Jaymes A. Hines, President of Hines Media Group. "It was made by a group of African investors who ran out of money trying to finish the film. In 1982, the owner of this film, an anonymous businessman bartered with one of the original producers, acquiring a 16mm print of this rare documentary, in exchange for a rough diamond. Years later, the film's owner reached out to Gregory Gates, Exec Producer of ImageNation Cinema Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to progressive media created by and about people of colour, to help him find a collector/buyer for the never-before-screened work. " The makers of this movie shared of our mission to unite throughout the African Diaspora using film and music," said Gates. "We are extremely proud to help further their agenda, while honouring Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5." Source: dffla / Billie Jean Michael Jackson Called 'Wonderful Humanitarian'. 24-07-'09 German tv channel n-tv will air the "Save the World Awards" which is dedicated to MJ this year and takes place in Zwentendorf (Austria) today. The "Save the World Awards," which are taking place this year for the very first time, will honour people and organisations who put their efforts into preserving the world/earth. Jermaine Jackson will be present to accept the award for Michael, who will be honoured posthumously for his social and humanitarian work. Jermaine called his brother a "wonderful humanitarian" who considered it important to reach out and help others. As much as my brother achieved in the music industry, he was a wonderful human being and a wonderful humanitarian. My brother, he was well-versed in just knowing what was most important and that's giving back ... to make the world a much better place." Jackson said his brother donated the proceeds of many of his concert tours to charity and said there were "pages and pages and pages" filled with examples of his humanitarian work. Jackson was speaking at a news conference in the Austrian capital just a few hours before he was to attend the gala paying tribute to Michael Jackson's charity efforts. Others to be honoured at the event include sprinter Carl Lewis, whose foundation supports underprivileged children. Lewis said Jackson had "done so much for children" and would be remembered forever. The event will be hosted by actress Andie McDowell. McDowell said, I have been a huge fan of Michael Jackson's since I was a child and had posters of all the Jacksons on my wall - I just feel very honoured to facilitate and participate at these awards." At the event, Jermaine is expected to perform the song "Smile" in honour of his brother, and to join others in singing "We Are the World" as a big, all-star finale. n-tv will air the awards show on Saturday at 8:10pm and on Sunday at 4:10pm Austrian channel ORF1 will also air it on Sunday at 11:10 pm. Source: AP / Billie Jean Executors And Sony Discuss Unreleased Songs. 24-07-'09 The executors of Michael Jackson's estate have entered into talks with Sony Corp. to determine ownership of about 100 unreleased songs and how best to market them. The tracks are leftovers from the studio albums Jackson recorded for Sony. Rob Wiesenthal, chief financial officer of Sony's U.S. operations, says that most of the songs are owned by MJ's estate or by Sony. He says that the master recordings, which include everything recorded while making the albums, are controlled by Sony, but full ownership of the masters will eventually revert back to Jackson’s estate. Wiesenthan said he met with John McClain yesterday. McClain, who is a former music executive and friend and manager of the late singer, is one of the estate's executors. The other executor, John Branca, was Jackson’s lawyer for most of his solo career. According to Wiesenthal, when Jackson recorded the 2001 release “Invincible,” he and Sony spent more than $35 million in order to create all of the tracks. The majority of those tracks, however, didn’t make it onto the album. There are also many, many unreleased tracks from other albums as well. So now, the focus for Sony and the estate executors is to sort through everything that Jackson recorded and figure out who has an ownership interest in each recording. For example, some Producers may claim that they have a stake in certain tracks. Says Wiesenthal: It will get worked out. It will take time.” Source: bloomberg / Billie Jean Jackson 5 Wii Game To Be Released. 24-07-'09 A karaoke game featuring songs by the pop group the Jackson 5 is set to be released on the Nintendo Wii, it has been revealed. Video game publisher Konami has obtained the rights to a number of classic Jackson 5 hits, including ABC, I Want You Back and I'll Be There. Karaoke J5 will allow users to sing on their own, or recreate the Jackson 5 sound with a group of friends. Careen Yapp, vice-president of licensing and business development at Konami, said that the game will give fans the chance to experience the group's music in a different way. He called the music of the band "timeless". The news follows the recent death of pop legend Michael Jackson, who scored his first number one hit with the band singing lead vocals on I Want You Back. Source: insidejapantours.com / Billie Jean 'Moonwalk’ To Be Reprinted In Five Countries. 24-07-'09 LOS ANGELES - A judge on Thursday cleared the way for Michael Jackson's autobiography, "Moonwalk," to return to store shelves in the United States, Canada and Europe. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff approved a request by the temporary administrators of the pop icon's estate to enter into new publishing deals. Details of the agreements were filed under seal. But the deals will allow the 1988 book to be reprinted in the United States, Canada, England, Germany and France. "Moonwalk" has been out of print for more than a decade. It was originally published by Doubleday and was acquired by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Other publishers will handle the overseas releases. The "Moonwalk" rights are the first deal that the temporary administrators of Jackson's estate have brought to Beckloff for approval. The estate is being handled by attorney John Branca and music executive and Jackson family friend John McClain. Source: AP / Billie Jean Michael Jackson: Het leven van een legende. 23-07-'09 Michael Jackson 1958-2009: Het leven van een legende vertelt het bijzonder succesvolle verhaal van een unieke persoonlijkheid wiens muzikale erfenis nooit vergeten zal worden. Dit eerbetoon boordevol foto’s brengt het leven van deze legende in beeld, van zijn eerste optredens als energiek kindsterretje die de wereld vertederde als zanger van The Jackson Five tot de megasuperster die vanaf de hoes van Thriller, nog altijd de bestverkochte plaat aller tijden, zelfverzekerd de wereld in keek. Het ontleedt zijn magische danspassen op het podium, zoals de beroemde Moonwalk, roemt de meeslepende muziek die hem tot de King of Pop maakte en volgt zijn leven helemaal tot aan de comeback die door zijn plotselinge dood niet meer heeft mogen zijn. Michael Heatley is de redacteur en zijn zoon Drew, eveneens freelancejournalist en al zijn hele leven lang Michael Jackson-fan, heeft hem bijgestaan bij het schrijven van dit eerbetoon aan een van de allergrootsten uit de muziekgeschiedenis. Om te bestellen klik hier Michael Jackson: Het leven van een legende. Michael Jackson 1958-2009: The life of a legend tells the special successful story of a unique personality who's musical heritage will never been forgotten. This tribute brimful pictures visualizes the life of this legend, from his first performance as an energetic child star who softens the world as singer of The Jackson Five until the mega superstar who looked self-confident into the world from the cover of Thriller which is still the best selling album all time. It analyses his magical dance moves on stage, like the famous Moonwalk, praises the compelling music which made him to the King of Pop and follows his life totally until his comeback which has not been allowed by his sudden death. To order click here Source: Standaarduitgeverij / Billie Jean Rolling Stone. 23-07-'09 The cover of Rolling Stone has a beautiful picture of Michael. Inside there is also an article by Claire Hoffman. Just after Michael had died she spoke to people involved with the ‘This Is It’ rehearsals in Los Angeles. She reports that every one she spoke regarding the rehearsal said that he was; “really into this” and was “so pumped”. He really wanted it to be the greatest show on earth. She spoke also of Michael’s life appearing to at last become more “normal” and he was really into being a parent, loved it more than anything. To see this copy of Rolling Stone and a video relating to the article please click here. Source: Rolling Stone / Billie Jean Blanket Jackson: 'Where's Daddy Gone?' 23-07-'09 Michael Jackson's youngest son Prince Michael II aka Blanket is still confused about where the late superstar is - the little boy thinks his dad is enjoying a vacation. The King of Pop died after a cardiac arrest last month, but his seven-year-old son is too young to understand that his father has passed away. Jackson's long-term friend, former child actor Mark Lester, was with Blanket during the star's memorial service in Los Angeles' Staples Center earlier this month when he had to answer the heartbreaking question. Lester says, "It is obvious to me that Blanket is still unsure about what exactly happened to his father. He said, 'Where's Daddy gone? On holiday?' It was a rhetorical question and it broke my heart." Source: starpulse/ Billie Jean Despite Reports, There’s No Other Kid. 22-07-'09 The British tabloids are all excited today that Michael Jackson might have another child. He doesn’t. All they had to do was a web search to find my column from October 2004. The young man in question, Omer Bhatti, didn’t meet Michael until he was 12 years old. But why should that stop speculation? Omer is the son Riz and Pia Bhatti. In the mid 90s, the Bhattis dressed Omer up to look like Mini-Me Michael and brought him to Jackson’s Tunis hotel. Omer did a little Jacko imitation, and Michael loved it. He took the whole family on tour with him. Later, he moved them all into Neverland. Pia Bhatti was the original nanny for Prince Michael I when he was born in 1997. The Bhattis have had a long relationship with Michael. Even after the parents returned to native Norway, Omer stuck around Neverland. The police found him there in 2003 when they conducted a surprise raid.
What does Omer do now? Why, he’s a Michael Jackson impersonator, of course. Really, you couldn’t make these stories up. No one would believe it. Source: MJFC / Showbiz411.com / Billboard / Billie Jean MJ Had Plans To Record In Spanish. 22-07-'09 Billboard Magazine has reported that Michael Jackson had plans to record a single in Spanish to benefit yet another charitable organization. Together with Peter Lopez and IMC Records, Inc., Jackson would have embarked on his third venture into the Spanish music world, as he had previously recorded "Todo Mi Amor Eres Tu", the special edition Spanish language version of the hit song "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" and "Todo Para Ti", the Spanish version of "What More Can I Give?" a charity single recorded in response to the 9/11 attacks, which he co-wrote with Ruben Blades featuring music superstars Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Julio Iglesias, Justin Timberlake, Jon Secada among many others. "Michael wanted to do something for his Spanish speaking audience whom he loved very much", explains Peter Lopez, a Mexican-American lawyer, who orchestrated Michael Jackson's comeback. Darius Jordi Lassus, President and CEO of IMC Records adds, "in the past three years, Peter Lopez helped Michael Jackson launch the Life Water "Thrillicious" Super Bowl ad featuring Naomi Campbell, the release of "Thriller 25" (the 25th Anniversary edition of the biggest selling album in music history with new mixes featuring Wil.i.am, Kanye West, Akon and Fergie), "Thriller the Musical", the "This Is It" tour with AEG and an MJ inspired clothing line with Christian Audigier, you simply couldn't stop them, they were on fire." "The idea came from a sincere conversation with Michael where he expressed his love for Spain and the Spanish language", explains IMC Chairman and co-writer of the Spanish single Domingo Zapata who laments, "He was about to achieve a renaissance like none other the world had ever seen and to have it all go away in one fateful afternoon was really a harsh reality to accept." Darius Jordi Lassus adds, "We are very saddened by the news of his passing. Peter had been telling us how excited and re-energized Michael had been with his concert, the musical, and even our project, which IMC was planning to dedicate to the Smile Train Foundation." The record company had singled out the charitable organization because; it has spread over 500,000 new smiles for children around the world who needed cleft repair surgery. As a result of Michael Jackson's passing the project has been shelved by IMC Records, however Lassus claims that one possibility could bring it back to life, "Having the Jackson brothers perform the song would be a touching way to continue Michael Jackson's legacy and benefit the Smile Train Foundation." Source: Billboard / Billie Jean Michael Jackson TV Special Falls Apart. 22-07-'09 In spite of all the interest, it look as if there will not be a Michael Jackson TV special this fall. While NBC and other networks showed interested in the project, all of the networks were displeased over AEG’s $20-million asking price for a show that would not include any new or exclusive footage of Jackson performing. Initially, AEG had tried to sell the special to air Aug. 29 , Michael Jackson's birthday. However, logistical problems -- which include Saturday being the lowest-rated night of the week for TV -- compelled AEG to stipulate that networks program the special in September when TV viewers return to their couches in high numbers, according to a source who spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak on the matter. Some TV networks also feared that the TV special would be too similar in content to the documentary film that will be made out of the rehearsal footage. Over the weekend, Sony Pictures emerged as the front runner for the "This Is It" footage and the film project. An announcement about that film deal is expected today, the source said. The movie would be directed by choreographer Kenny Ortega and the film would be released in October. If AEG had gotten its way, the TV special also would have been directed by Ortega The plans were for a superstar ensemble that could have included Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake and will.i.am performing Jackson's hits using the costumes, choreography, and special-effects-driven illusions engineered for the singer's comeback tour. But no footage of the King of Pop. "And the cost of that thing is $20 million? With no Michael Jackson? Ha!" said one network source who requested anonymity. AEG did not immediately return calls to the LA Times for comment. Source: LA Times / Billie Jean Debbie Rowe Wants What's Best for the Kids. 22-07-'09 There is the Debbie Rowe captured in a photo that shows her red-eyed and crying as she watches a TV that shows her children taking the stage at Michael Jackson's memorial. Then there's the Debbie Rowe who commented to British morning show GMTV in 2003: "Because you give birth, because you impregnate someone, that does not automatically give you that title of mother or father. My kids don't call me Mom because I don't want them to." So who is the real Debbie Rowe? "At the end of the day, Debbie just wants what's best for the children," Rowe's close friend – and a former business partner of Jackson's – Marc Schaffel tells PEOPLE. "Her interest is that the children are going to be taken care of." Read the hole story here Source: people.com / Billie Jean TV One Schedules "Forever Michael Week". 21-07-'09 Beginning July 26 at 8pm ET, US television station TV One will broadcast "Forever Michael Week." The seven-day tribute to the King of Pop will include "The Jacksons: An American Dream" miniseries; "Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration, and a new documentary entitled "The Michael Jackson Story." The week will begin with "The Michael Jackson Story", which premiers on Sunday, July 26 at 8 p.m., with a repeat showing at 11 p.m. (all times ET). The documentary will use personal family movies; exclusive archives and original interviews to tell the story of Jackson’s life and music. The film chronicles his career from his days as a shy young child in Indiana, through his last days as a music icon. Expect to see interviews with mother, Katherine Jackson; his brother Jermaine; his sister LaToya; Gladys Knight, who discovered the Jackson family; Suzanne De Passe, the Motown executive who nurtured him; Smokey Robinson, and many others. The rest of the week's schedule is as follows: • Monday, July 27 at 9 p.m. to midnight: "The Jacksons: An American Dream" Part 1. Encore airing at midnight. Source: MJFC / eurweb.com / Billie Jean MJ Tribute Portrait. 21-07-'09 David Ilan wants to create a Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait and therefore he needs the help from all Michael Jackson fans. David Ilan is known in more than 150 countries for his pointillism drawings that are made from millions of hand drawn dots. In 2007, David wanted to give his drawings more meaning, so he decided to invite people everywhere to sign up for the dots in his drawings. Each dot represents a real person and their message on any given topic. David will need at least one million Michael Jackson fans to complete the portrait. If a quarter of a million people express their support, he will commit to this project and start it right away. So if you want David to make this special portrait and you also want to be represented in this painting then just sign up. http://www.supportjacksonportrait.com Source:supportjacksonportrait / Billie Jean December / November / October / September / August / July / June / May / April / March / February / January |
Updated: 10/31/2010 3:00 PM Billie Jean Web Radio Player |
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