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Home / News Archive / News May 2010 December / November / October / September / August / July / June / May / April / March / February / January 1 / 2 Dr. Murray May Ask to Delay Preliminary Hearing. 10-05-'10 Dr. Conrad Murray's legal team claims it may not be ready for the preliminary hearing next month, because they still have not received the full criminal file on the Michael Jackson manslaughter case. Miranda Sevcik, spokesperson for Murray's lawyer, Ed Chernoff, tells TMZ they have only received 3,500 pages of discovery. Sevcik cites a news report in which the D.A.'s office claims it has "hundreds of thousands of pages of material." But a D.A. spokesperson told TMZ on Friday that the statement that there were "hundreds of thousands" of pages was their error ... and in fact there are only "thousands of pages" and the defense has received "the bulk of it." Sevcik's response ... "It's odd. It seems like an awfully big miscalculation." Sevcik says if the defense team does not get all the docs soon, they may ask to delay the preliminary hearing -- set for June 14. Source: TMZ / Billie Jean Apollo Walk Of Fame To Include MJ. 10-05-'10 Hollywood has the famous one, and New York already has at least three. But on Monday, the city will get another walk of fame. This one will be outside the Apollo Theater, on West 125th Street. The shiny golden plaques honoring famous performers will be rectangular — not star shaped, as in Hollywood. And officials at the Apollo have proofread the plaques before they install them. “Since 1934, we’ve been an epicenter for African-American culture, and we launched careers of practically all the legendary performers,” said Jonelle Procope, the president and chief executive of the Apollo. “The walk of fame, the idea of publicly paying tribute to the Apollo’s legends, made absolute sense.” The Apollo announced the walk-of-fame idea in 2008 in connection with a long-planned renovation. Last year, as arts organizations everywhere struggled to survive the financial crisis, the Apollo said it was postponing the renovation until it could raise the money to complete the $96 million project. (Officials said in 2008 that they already had $51 million in hand.) But recession or no recession, the Apollo went ahead with the walk of fame. “A lot of people don’t realize that there is a real process when it involves doing something in a public place,” Ms. Procope said. “There’s a sequence. The architects have to come up with a design and then you have to get it approved. That process takes a long time. It’s taken us almost two years from inception to this point.” And so — drum roll, please — on Monday the Apollo will install plaques honoring Quincy Jones, Patti LaBelle, Smokey Robinson, James Brown, Little Richard, Ella Fitzgerald and Gladys Knight and the Pips. Plaques for Michael Jackson and Aretha Franklin will be put down next month, after a fund-raising gala for the nonprofit theater, Ms. Procope said. Source: MJFC / NY Times / Billie Jean Japan: Paper Sleeve Reissue CD's (Limited Edition). 09-05-'10 Michael Jackson's cardboard sleeve (mini LP) reissues will be re-released in answer to requests from fans all over the world. The eleven-album Michael Jackson and The Jacksons cardboard sleeve (mini LP) reissue series feature the following albums: Off The Wall, Thriller, Bad, Dangerous, HIStory, The Jacksons, Goin' Places, Destiny, Triumph, The Jacksons Live, and Victory. And remarkably, "Invincible," which was originally released in 2001 as Michael Jackson's last original album, is also part of the carboard sleeve (mini LP) reissue series for the first time. The sleeve artwork replicates the sleeve design of the US first pressing edition. Also, MJ's priced-down reissues will be released and almost all of them feature the digital remastering (2001 - 2010). The eleven-album Michael Jackson and The Jacksons cardboard sleeve (mini LP) reissue series feature the following albums: Off The Wall, Thriller, BAD, Dangerous, HIStory, Invincible, Essential Jacksons, The Jacksons, Goin' Places, Destiny, Triumph, The Jacksons Live, Victory, and 2300 Jackson Street. These reissues are available for a limited time only. Click here for to pre order. Source: CD JAPAN / Billie Jean Michael Jackson's Dad to be Deposed. 08-05-'10 Michael Jackson's dad will be deposed by Jackson's estate lawyers some time next month in his bid to receive an allowance from the estate. As we first reported, Joe Jackson filed a claim against the estate last year in an effort to get a monthly check from the estate. According to documents filed earlier this week, Joe will sit down with Michael's attorney at a date to be determined "between June 1, 2010 and July 1, 2010." Both sides will then go back to court some time after August 1. Source: TMZ / Billie Jean MJM Tribute- Michael Jackson's Tribute. 07-05-'10 Rome’s Olympic Stadium, June 25th, 2010 “MJM TRIBUTE – Michael Jackson’s Memorial Tribute” will be an unprecedented event, a tribute so exclusive and innovative, designed to celebrate a musical legend, exactly one year after his death. On June 25, those who will be at the Olympic Stadium in Rome will witness a show that remembers, dances and sings Michael Jackson, in an international event that has never been seen before in Italy: 3 hours of thrilling emotion, with three-dimensional scenes that interact with the public, special effects and projections to relive the dream and the legend of world music… There will also be international stars displaying homage to the “King of Pop”, by performing his songs, while being accompanied by a big residential band: AKON, Dionne Warwick, Joss stone, Missy Elliott, Tito Jackson, 3T, Travis Payne Choreographer of “This is It”, part of the dance group which was the last grand production that Michael had acted as lead role. It will begin in the late afternoon, when the DJ console begins to rise, followed by COCCOLUTO, the italian singers ALEXIA and Devjio. In the pre-show, there will be spokesperson KATHRYN MILOFSKY and BRIAN OXMAN, the family’s and Michael’s lawyer, whom will recall a series of contributed multimedia. The show will be introduced by Marlon Jackson. It is a grand show, special for the passionate and for the public that loved him, an unforgettable day and evening: all this is the “MJM TRIBUTE” or “MICHAEL JACKSON’S TRIBUTE”, which traces his career by dwelling on many of the most exciting moments of his artistic life; his music, his dance moves, and his messages to help the neediest children. The technical apparatus will be of the highest standards, starting with the dimensions of the stage, continuing with the sound quality and finishing off with the lighting. The best European technical workers are working until this becomes a memorable event. Part of the proceedings, that are to be launched that night, will be donated to the “Foundation San Raffaele” to remember what Michael Jackson did (and continues to do, with many initiatives put forward in life) to help the youngest. Also in the program for the tribute on June 25, is the allocation of the “LENGEND MUSIC AWARDS”, an International Prize of Music “made in Italy”. Special conditions for FAN CLUB: Reserved area around the stage Informations and ticket sales Fan Club WorldLive Entertainment Srl Via Bruno Buozzi, 35 - Roma, Italy Infoline: +39 06.97304159 Email: worldlive@worldlive.org.uk Source: mjmtribute.com / Billie Jean No Bids For Eccentric Michael Jackson Portrait. 07-05-'10 Owner had hoped for millions, thinks he can still sell it. The eBay.com auction of a fantastical portrait the King of Pop posed for before his death ended with no bids, according to the auction's organizer. The painting's owner had hoped to fetch millions for "The Book," a 50-by-40-inch painting by Australian artist Brett-Livingstone Strong of Jackson wearing a red velvet jacket and clutching a journal. "I have two parties considering it, so perhaps I will have a buyer soon," organizer Marc Samson said Wednesday. Source: mnsnbc / Billie Jean Lawsuit Pending For Unauthorized MJ Merchandise. 05-05-'10 Bravado International Group, the only official Michael Jackson merchandisers is suing T-Line Design, Inc. based in Oregon (USA) for allegedly selling unauthorized King of Pop items. Lawyers for Bravado International Group, a firm which holds the rights to create Jackson products, have filed a federal lawsuit against T-Line Design, Inc., seeking $750 for each image of Michael Jackson used without permission. They're also demanding statutory damages of $150,000 according to a report on TMZ.com. The website claims Bravado bosses have filed similar infringement suits against two other firms selling Jackson tribute items. Source: MJFC / TMZ /Billie Jean Michael's Song For Siegfried & Roy Released. 05-05-'10 As some fans may already know, German-American entertainers Siegfried & Roy, known for their long running show of illusions in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA were fans of the Michael Jackson. Additionally, some may also recall the song about Siegfried and Roy which Michael Jackson wrote and performed titled "Mind is the Magic", used as the anthem for their Las Vegas shows. Now, fans will have the opportunity to purchase this exclusive song for the first time as a CD single. German record label ZYX has released the 4 song CD which includes the tracks: 1. Mind Is The Magic (The Original Version Of Siegfried & Roy Show) For more information or to order the CD click Here. Source: eli.com / Billie Jean More On The Rumored New Album From 2007. 04-05-'10 Roger Friedman posted the following this morning in his column, Showbiz411: New Michael Jackson Album May Pose Legal Problems The newly discovered Michael Jackson album I told you about –exclusively–yesterday may pose some legal problems. The album was recorded by Michael in the fall of 2007 with Eddie Cascio at his home in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. No one knew about it until earlier this year. Cascio, 28, is the second oldest son of longtime Jackson friends Dominick and Connie Cascio, Michael’s surrogate family. Yesterday I wondered in this space if Michael’s recordings with Cascio would be covered by his estate’s recent $200 million deal with Sony. I thought maybe not, since no one knew about the tracks at the time of the deal. But things could get sticky between the Jackson estate and Cascio. I am told that Cascio has engaged a top music entertainment lawyer in Los Angeles, Don Passman. And sources do say that Cascio is “covered,” whatever that means. There’s no word on whether Jackson–who used to put his “M” signature on anything in front of him–signed a piece of paper with Cascio. There will be some tough questioning by the estate over who wrote the songs Cascio recorded, and whether Michael was their author or co-author. I’m told that may be “covered” as well by copyright registrations. Indeed, two days after Jackson died–on June 27, 2009–Cascio filed a copyright claim along with Michael Jackson and another songwriter for something called “MJ Songbook.” The filing is just for lyrics. An earlier filing, from March 2008, is labeled “JPEC Collection.” The song titles in each collection are not specified in the Library of Congress’s database, but it’s possible that Cascio updated his 2008 filing after Jackson died to reflect the superstar’s contribution to material Cascio had already written–and wisely registered. What everyone who’s heard the tracks agrees on is that Michael Jackson’s vocals sound great. At the time, Jackson was getting good sleep, and lots of Italian homecooking from the Cascios, who are restaurant owners. It was probably the best time Jackson had had since his November 2003 arrest. Meanwhile, executor John McClain–who’s had health problems– is going through some 60 other unreleased tracks, selecting what he thinks are the best ones for a Jackson album to be released this fall by Sony. McClain is not considered a Clive Davis, really, in the business. But he helped Janet Jackson, whom he grew up with, start her career at A&M Records. And he briefly co-managed Michael in the early Nineties with Trudy Green. McClain, unlike Jackson intimates Frank DiLeo and John Branca, has so far not heard the Cascio tapes, I am told. “He’s resisting it,” says a source, while he’s busy sorting through those 60 tracks. Source: MJFC / showbiz411.com / Billie Jean Michael Jackson Peeps Teed Off Over T-Shirts. 04-05-'10 God help anyone who uses a picture of Michael Jackson to hawk their products, because the licensee of MJ's image is going after some new companies with a vengeance. Bravado International Group -- which markets all things Michael -- is suing T-Line Design, Inc. based in Oregon. According to the federal suit, obtained by TMZ, T-Line is downright "defiant," sardonically writing a blog that says, "...it SUCKS TOTAL BOLLOCKS when people steal those creations..." The suit seeks $750 for each image illegally used, as well as statutory damages of $150,000. Bravado filed two other infringement suits today against two other companies for unauthorized MJ stuff. Source: TMZ / Billie Jean Michael Jackson's Dad -- 'He Was Not Gay'. 04-05-'10 Joe Jackson is pissed at Michael Jackson's former best friend/doctor, Arnold Klein, for telling TMZ MJ was gay and had a relationship with Klein's office manager. Joe railed at Klein, telling TMZ, "It's not true. Michael was not gay." Joe feels Klein has betrayed his son: "He has no respect for Michael ... to say things about him when he's gone is shameful." Jason Pfeiffer was on TV last week, claiming he had a sexual relationship with Michael, and Dr. Arnold Klein spoke of walking in on the two men and seeing them with their shirts off. In the last few days, Dr. Klein has told TMZ Jackson was gay and had no problem with people knowing about it. Joe Jackson went on, "He's a doctor and knows better than to break his vows against a patient." Source: TMZ / Billie Jean 'Thriller' Voted Most Ground-breaking Pop Video. 03-05-'10 Michael Jackson's video for Thriller was yesterday named the most ground-breaking pop promo in music history. The 14-minute mini movie for the 1983 No. 1 hit beat off efforts from Queen, Johnny Cash and Peter Gabriel. Industry experts were asked to provide a shortlist of 20 innovative videos to be put to the public vote. More than 1,000 people took part in the MySpace poll. Thriller took 15.2% of the vote. At £327,000, it was the priciest promo of its time. Us indie band OK Go's 2006 viral hit Here It Goes Again came second with 11.7%, and Britney Spears' video for Baby One More Time, in which she appears dressed as a schoolgirl, came third. The top 10: 1. Thriller, Michael Jackson 2. Here It Goes Again, OK Go 3. Baby One More Time, Britney Spears 4. Take on Me, a-ha 5. Hurt, Johnny Cash 6. Bohemian Rhapsody, Queen 7. Daft Punk, Around the World 8. Weapon of Choice, Fatboy Slim 9. Sledgehammer, Peter Gabriel 10. Beastie Boys, Sabotage. Source: mirror.co.uk / Billie Jean Dance Hall of Fame To Induct Michael Jackson. 03-05-'10 The late Michael Jackson will be inducted into the Dance Hall of Fame during events Aug. 14 and 15 at the National Museum of Dance in Saratoga Springs. The posthumous honor to the King of Pop is the first time a figure from rock and roll is so honored. Since the Hall of Fame was established in 1987, 43 dancers and choreographers have been inducted, primarily from the fields of ballet and modern dance. The ranks include George Balanchine, Martha Graham and Bronislava Nijinska as well as Fred Astaire and tap dancer Bill "Bojangles" Robinson. The most recent honorees are Broadway star Tommy Tune and New York City Ballet chief Peter Martins. The Jackson tribute comes on the heels of a controversial effort two years ago to induct John Travolta. Disagreement and strife arose among the museum's board, advisers and management about whether Travolta, primarily a film actor, deserved such an honor. But there were also complaints about the manner in which the nomination was handled. Everyone is on board for Michael Jackson, says Michele Riggi, board chairman for the last five years. That includes the nominating committee, which is led by Denise Limoli, a retired dancer with the American Ballet Theatre currently on the faculty of Skidmore College. "We want to include dance greats like those already inducted but also up-to-date dancers known by the broader public," says Riggi. "That will help get people into the museum where they can be educated on the greats that aren't so popular or well-known. We want a museum that's more exciting and popular." The August celebrations will begin with the annual gala to be followed the next day by the induction ceremony. According to Riggi, the museum has reached out to the Michael Jackson estate, but no word has come as to whether any family members will attend. Scheduled to perform an homage to Jackson at the gala are the Lombard Twins, a young Argentine duo who Riggi says danced for the pop star in the years before his death. Source: MJFC / Times Union / Billie Jean Michael Jackson's Former Lawyer Dead. 02-05-'10 Peter Lopez, 60, who was married to Dukes Of Hazzard actress Catherine Bach, was found dead at his home in the Encino Hills in California. A neighbour reported hearing a shot and someone at the home found Mr Lopez's body, coroner's officials said. Ms Bach, who played Daisy Duke in the 1980s TV series, and her two daughters suffered a "tragic personal loss", said her publicist, Steve Rohr. Mr Lopez was Jackson's music lawyer for several years. He also represented The Eagles, Andrea Bocelli and Michael Buble. "We are deeply shocked and saddened by the unexpected loss of our friend and partner," a spokesman for Mr Lopez's firm Kleinberg Lopez Lange Cuddy & Klein said. Raymone Bain, Michael Jackson's former general manager, said she hired Peter Lopez in 2006 as Jackson's entertainment attorney. "I'd known Peter for 20 years," she said. "I can't think of a nicer individual." She added: "He was a good guy. I'm just so shocked." She said Mr Lopez traveled with her and Jackson to London for the World Music Awards and that he spoke to the singer quite often. Source: Sky News / Billie Jean 1 / 2 December / November / October / September / August / July / June / May / April / March / February / January |
Updated: 12/02/2010 11:53 AM Billie Jean Web Radio Player |
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