What a sad day for celebrities. First Farrah, then Michael Jackson died of a cardiac arrest at the age of 50. Thanks for giving us some of the world's greatest songs, MJ. picR.I.P. King of Pop
What a sad day for celebrities. First Farrah, then Michael Jackson died of a cardiac arrest at the age of 50. Thanks for giving us some of the world's greatest songs, MJ. picR.I.P. Michael Jackson, King of Pop, 1958 - 2009
MICHAEL JOSEPH JACKSON, 1958-2009
Man, I have totally been avoiding this post like a muthafunka since I heard the news yesterday afternoon. I'm so mad at the world that I can't get in to see his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and discarded disrespectful signs calling people who visit the other MJ star "morons" because it's the wrong star, as if this guy doesn't understand why they're leaving memorials there (same name, guys). This thing is crazy.
Michael Jackson's story is so prolific and filled with incredible innovation and artistry, as well as stomach-wrenching lows, that it's almost too much to cover in a blog post, and anyway, we all know the story at this point:
Gary, Indiana. Poppa Joe Jackson and his brood. The Jackson 5. Michael goes solo. Michael goes solo in a BIG way with the 1982 Thriller album. Awesome John Landis-directed video. Motown 25 and the moonwalk. Hair-raising Pepsi commercial. Paul McCartney and the Beatles catalogue. "We Are The World." Bubbles. Neverland Ranch. Bad. Awesome Martin Scorsese-directed video. "Black or White" with Macauley, and Michael smashing up a perfectly good car. Superbowl XXVII. Lisa Marie Presley. Child molestation allegations. HIStory. Deborah Rowe. Prince Michael I. Paris Michael Katherine Jackson. Prince Michael II (Blanket). More child sexual abuse allegations. The trial. Mounting debt. Neverland Ranch auction. 50 sold-out "comeback" concerts in London, England. Jackson suffers cardiac arrest and dies at age 50 in Los Angeles, California on June 25, 2009.
Since Damn The Man is focused on 90's pop culture, I'd like to zoom in on Michael Jackson's 90's output, which, while not as momentous and earthshaking as his 70's and 80's work, is of just as high quality. I love not only his work, but work by other 90's artists inspired by Michael Jackson's awesome ebullience and generosity in his music and stage performance. I miss the guy like crazy, and it probably goes without saying you miss him too.
First video up is his single "Remember The Time" from his 1991 album Dangerous:
MJ performs with Slash (former guitarist of rock juggernauts Guns 'N'Roses) on his hit single "Black or White," also off of the Dangerous album:
Here is the full official (though not original uncut) music video for "Black and White," including the controversial second half. This video debuted in its entirety on FOX and MTV on November 14, 1991, and the latter "panther" half of the video was so divisive that it was subsequently deleted so that it was able to air on MTV regularly. This version here also lacks the "violent" smashing of car windows by Jackson that caused much of the controversy.
"In The Closet" is a song from the 1991 Dangerous album co-written by the R&B singer/musician/producer Teddy Riley (Guy, Blackstreet), and it's underrated and great, in my opinion. It was originally conceived as a duet between Jackson and Madonna, but their collaboration on the song came to an end due to creative differences. The beautiful video features 90's supermodel Naomi Campbell and was directed by incredible fashion photographer Herb Ritts, who made both Campbell and Jackson look like glowing gods of the Mexican ghost town, if I do say so myself:
Michael Jackson's 1995 single "Scream" from the double album HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I is a collaboration with his sister Janet Jackson, and is notable for its very 90's, very expensive video directed by visionary and Satellite Films director Mark Romanek, at that point sought-after in the music video world for his dark, intense videos such as Nine Inch Nails' "Closer" and Lenny Kravitz's "Are You Gonna Go My Way."
"Scream" was and still remains one of the most expensive videos in music video history, with a budget of approximately $7 million. Here is an interview that Entertainment Weekly conducted with Mark Romanek about his memories of making this amazing video and working with Michael.
Please enjoy the video:
Here are a couple of special 90's treats associated with MJ that I just love. First up is the 1993 number-one hit single "Right Here/Human Nature" by R&B group SWV. It stayed at the top position on the Billboard R&B chart for ten weeks, making it the longest run at number one of any R&B single in 1993. It samples Michael Jackson's 1983 single "Human Nature" from his blockbuster album, Thriller, which was co-written by Steve Porcaro of popular 80's band, Toto (I love the song "Africa" with a passion).
SWV is one of my favorite R&B groups from the 90's and I absolutely adore this song, both versions. The video for the SWV track is lovely as well, featuring the band looking quite pretty with their own hair (no lace fronts) and riding pants with white shirts. This song in all forms is a breath of fresh air, which is why I'm including a clip of MJ busting it on his 1987 Bad tour after the SWV clip:
The second thing I wanted to throw at you is one of my very favorite movie scenes ever, which came to my mind when thinking about the joy that MJ's music brought to so many different people. The wonderful 2006 film "Clerks 2," directed by Kevin Smith as a kind of sequel to his cult hit 1994 film "Clerks," contains a lovely scene in which his main character Dante finally realizes that he has fallen in love with his boss/friend Becky to the tune of The Jackson Five's 1970 number-one hit single, "ABC." It is as simple and heartwarming as that sounds:
I could go on and on, but the only thing left to say is Michael, we miss you.
Michael, Farrah and (not) Jeff
The King of Pop is dead. Long live . . . who?
Pop music lives on, but without an obvious successor to the Pop crown. That Timberlake fella’s just a bit too normal and balanced.
Jackson will be remembered for a few good albums, but mostly for the chimpanzee, the oxygen tent, “Wacko Jacko”, the bizarre behaviour, the accusations, aspersions and gossip.
It’s hard to feel anything but pity for this man who remained a boy in so many ways. And it’s very hard to shake the sense that he’d been dying before our eyes for the last two decades.
In a perfect world Jackson’s life would be a stark warning about the dangers of growing up in the celebrity spotlight.
Unfortunately, his lasting impression will probably be a vague whiff of salacious scandal and a dodgy telemovie starring Jaden Smith as Young Michael and Marilyn Manson as the adult.
Media coverage of Jackson is beyond comprehensive right now, far overshadowing the other tragic celebrity death of the moment, Farrah Fawcett.
Farrah’s battle with cancer (detailed in not one, but two recent documentaries) has been big news for years now, but she’s hardly getting a look in.
One is reminded of Jimmy Stewart’s death in 1997 which rendered the death of legendary actor Robert Mitchum all but forgotten.
We haven’t forgotten you, Farrah.
Then, just to throw a bit of bizarrity into the day someone somewhere took the idea that “things happen in threes” as an instruction, and announced that Jeff Goldblum had plummeted to his death from a cliff while filming in New Zealand.
This got as far as being officially announced on Australia’s Today show before being revealed as a hoax and denied by a bemused and very-much-alive Jeff Goldblum.
Richard Wilkins, you’re an idiot.
What a day. It won’t quite live in infamy, but we won’t see its like again for a while. Hopefully.
RIP to the KING of POP Michael Jackosn
Today the Music Industry and America suffered a great loss! Michael Jackson ( The King of Pop) passed away June 25, 2009! Michael will be forever missed and his legacy will live on in all of our hearts for years and years to come! I am speechless! Michael Jackson was the epitome of a TRUE ARTIST and has had one of the biggest influence in Music!
RIP Michael Jackson: 1958-2009
RIP Michael Jackson: 1958-2009
Michael Jackson -King of Pop - RIP
We will miss you MJ. RIP
The Greatest Entertainer Ever...
The Life of Michael Jackson: Complete Video...
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Dox Tha Doctrine - MJ Tribute
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Here The Download Link - Download Dox Tha Doctrine Michael Jackson Tribute(prod Anno Domini) mp3
We lost a great legend in the music industry "the king of pop" Michael Jackson, and I felt i Had to pay homage to his legacy. Heres link to the song
Michael Jackson's Attorneys Accuse Companies of Charity Scam
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) -
Attorneys for Michael Jackson sued two California charities on Tuesday, accusing them of scamming the dead singer's fans by using his name and catchphrases to solicit funds. The Heal the World Foundation and affiliated corporation United Fleet pretend to have a legitimate charity tied to Jackson, but they had no relationship to him or his family, the administrators of Jackson's estate said.
They have used "King of Pop" and "Heal the World," two phrases associated with Jackson, to fool the public into thinking they are working for his causes, and have taken advantage of his death on June 25 to further their ends, the administrators said.
Michael Jackson's GLOVE Auctioned in Australia
AP, Sep 6, 2009 3:47 am PDT
A bejeweled white glove Michael Jackson tossed to an Australian fan more than a decade ago sold at auction Sunday for 57,600 Australian dollars ($48,400), almost twice the estimated selling price.
Warwick Stone, a buyer for the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, beat out five other bidders for the late King of Pop's glove, said Charlotte Stanes, spokeswoman for the Melbourne auction house Bonhams and Goodman. The estimated
selling price before the auction was AU$30,000."We are very happy with the result," Stanes said. "It's the first glove we know about in Australia.Bonhams and Goodman said it was the first auction of a Michael Jackson glove since his death on June 25 this year at age 50.Jackson visited Australia in 1996 as part of his HIStory world tour. While in Sydney, he attended the Australian premiere for the film "Ghosts," in which he had a starring role. At the end of the screening, he tossed the glove at audience member Bill Hibble, who has since died, said national head of collectables Giles Moon.
Diamond Company LifeGem Turning Lock of Michael Jackson's Hair into Jewels
New York Daily News.Items taken from Michael Jackson's doctor's buildings listed
(CNN)
Jackson's former nurse, Cherilyn Lee, was also approached on Wednesday by investigators who wanted copies of medical files she had on the singer, Lee told CNN's Nancy Grace. Lee said she handed over the files to officials with the coroner's office. Ed Chernoff, a Houston lawyer hired by Murray soon after Jackson's death, confirmed that Los Angeles Police detectives and federal Drug Enforcement Administration agents used a search warrant to enter Murray's office in northeast Houston on Wednesday morning. "The search warrant authorized law enforcement to search for and seize items, including documents, they believed constituted evidence of the offense of manslaughter," Chernoff said in a written statement Wednesday.
"Based on Dr. Murray's minute-by-minute and item-by-item description of Michael Jackson's last days, he should not be a target of criminal charges," Chernoff said Tuesday. "Dr. Murray was the last doctor standing when Michael Jackson died and it seems all the fury is directed toward him." Los Angeles investigators have interviewed Murray twice, Chernoff said. A third interview has not been scheduled, he said. Police impounded his car, which had been parked at Jackson's Holmby Hills home, the night after Jackson's death. It was released to Murray several days later.
Texas authorities released court documents Thursday detailing the items seized from the medical office and storage unit of Dr. Conrad Murray, the cardiologist who was with Michael Jackson when he fell ill and died on June 25.Detectives searched both sites in Houston on Wednesday for "evidence of the offense of manslaughter," according to court documents. Murray's attorney confirmed the search Wednesday.
Among the items removed from Murray's office were a computer; 27 tablets of Phentermine, a prescription-strength appetite suppressant; 1 tablet of clonazepam, an anti-anxiety medication; and some Rolodex cards. From Murray's storage unit, authorities removed two computer hard drives; an "important contact list"; a suspension notice from 
Houston's Doctors Hospital; notices from the Internal Revenue Service; and a list of medical and hospital documents.
Houston's Doctors Hospital; notices from the Internal Revenue Service; and a list of medical and hospital documents. Jackson's former nurse, Cherilyn Lee, was also approached on Wednesday by investigators who wanted copies of medical files she had on the singer, Lee told CNN's Nancy Grace. Lee said she handed over the files to officials with the coroner's office. Ed Chernoff, a Houston lawyer hired by Murray soon after Jackson's death, confirmed that Los Angeles Police detectives and federal Drug Enforcement Administration agents used a search warrant to enter Murray's office in northeast Houston on Wednesday morning. "The search warrant authorized law enforcement to search for and seize items, including documents, they believed constituted evidence of the offense of manslaughter," Chernoff said in a written statement Wednesday.
Chernoff said members of Murray's legal team were at the medical office during the search, which he said "was conducted by members of the DEA, two robbery-homicide detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department and Houston Police officers." "Law enforcement concluded their search around 12:30 p.m. and left with a forensic image of a business computer hard drive and 21 documents. None of the documents taken had previously been requested by law enforcement or the L.A. coroner's office," Chernoff said. Tammy Kidd, a spokeswoman at Chernoff's office, said the search "was absolutely a surprise to us, because we've had open lines of communication this whole time."
"Based on Dr. Murray's minute-by-minute and item-by-item description of Michael Jackson's last days, he should not be a target of criminal charges," Chernoff said Tuesday. "Dr. Murray was the last doctor standing when Michael Jackson died and it seems all the fury is directed toward him." Los Angeles investigators have interviewed Murray twice, Chernoff said. A third interview has not been scheduled, he said. Police impounded his car, which had been parked at Jackson's Holmby Hills home, the night after Jackson's death. It was released to Murray several days later.
"Dr. Murray is frustrated by negative and often erroneous media reports. He has to walk around 24-7 with a bodyguard," Chernoff said. "He can't operate his practice. He can't go to work because he is harassed no matter where he goes." At least two investigations are under way into Jackson's death. The Los Angeles County coroner is waiting for toxicology results to determine a cause of death, while the city Police Department, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, is looking at the possibility of criminal charges. A coroner's office spokesman said the autopsy findings could be released in the next week or more.
Jackson Family War Over Michael's Will
Posted Jul 21st 2009 2:30AM by TMZ Staff
Jackson family sources tell us there's a bitter dispute over who will call the shots in probating Michael Jackson's will. Katherine Jackson has hired an attorney. Londell McMillan and we're told it's a done deal that McMillan will challenge the co-executors 
Michael selected. We're told most of the brothers. Randy the notable exception are angry that McMillan has asserted himself by challenging co-executors John Branca and John McClain, both long time advisers and friends of M.J. Ultimately, we're told, Joe Jackson has asserted his influence over Katherine to hire McMillan. We're told Katherine is really being manipulated and doesn't even have real objections to Branca and McMillan. Randy is coy on who Joe and McMillan want as executor in place of or in addition to Branca and McClain. The family is worried Joe and McMillan will rack up legal fees and the estate will suffer. Pretty ironic, since Michael cut Joe out of the will and he gets zippo as a beneficiary.
Michael selected. We're told most of the brothers. Randy the notable exception are angry that McMillan has asserted himself by challenging co-executors John Branca and John McClain, both long time advisers and friends of M.J. Ultimately, we're told, Joe Jackson has asserted his influence over Katherine to hire McMillan. We're told Katherine is really being manipulated and doesn't even have real objections to Branca and McMillan. Randy is coy on who Joe and McMillan want as executor in place of or in addition to Branca and McClain. The family is worried Joe and McMillan will rack up legal fees and the estate will suffer. Pretty ironic, since Michael cut Joe out of the will and he gets zippo as a beneficiary.Joe Jackson: There are no plans for Michael Jackson's children to become the 'Jackson 3'
LOS ANGELES -
Joe Jackson has no plans to take Michael Jackson's grieving kids on the road as the
"Jackson 3," the family patriarch vowed Monday. "I'm not encouraging them to do nothing. They have to be what they are, kids at the moment," he said on "Larry King Live," distancing himself from earlier statements that he saw star quality in the youngsters. He called the "Jackson Three" rumor "a bunch of jive." Jackson also denied ever hitting his late son, despite Michael's accusations to the contrary.
"I never abused my son," the former crane operator and boxer from Gary, Indiana, said. "Michael was never beaten." In his first live interview since
his son's sudden death of a suspected drug overdose, Jackson backed away from earlier comments to ABC that he wanted to help raise Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11, and Blanket, 7, so they could "grow up to be strong Jacksons." "I keep watching Paris…she wants to do something," he previously told ABC. "And Blanket, he can really dance."
Joe Jackson has no plans to take Michael Jackson's grieving kids on the road as the
"Jackson 3," the family patriarch vowed Monday. "I'm not encouraging them to do nothing. They have to be what they are, kids at the moment," he said on "Larry King Live," distancing himself from earlier statements that he saw star quality in the youngsters. He called the "Jackson Three" rumor "a bunch of jive." Jackson also denied ever hitting his late son, despite Michael's accusations to the contrary. "I never abused my son," the former crane operator and boxer from Gary, Indiana, said. "Michael was never beaten." In his first live interview since
his son's sudden death of a suspected drug overdose, Jackson backed away from earlier comments to ABC that he wanted to help raise Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11, and Blanket, 7, so they could "grow up to be strong Jacksons." "I keep watching Paris…she wants to do something," he previously told ABC. "And Blanket, he can really dance."Jackson Doc Declines to Chat with Cops
Posted Jul 18th 2009 9:00AM by TMZ Staff
We've learned Dr. Conrad Murray canceled an interview with the LAPD. As we have already reported, the LAPD is treating Michael Jackson's death as a homicide. Detectives have their sights set on Murray, as the person who may have
administered the drug Propofol, which we're told is the primary cause of Jackson's death.We're told the LAPD planned a third interview with Dr. Murray earlier in the week. The doctor was interviewed the day Jackson died and again two days later. Reps from the L.A. County Coroner's office planned to attend the third interview, but we're told Dr. Murray's lawyer called and said the doctor would not be speaking to the cops at this time. And here's the best part. Our sources say the cops called the lawyer back and they were referred to the lawyer's lawyer who said Dr. Murray's lawyer would not be speaking to them!Michael Jackson Investigation Focuses on Personal Doctor
Michael Jackson’s personal physician Dr. Conrad Murray is reportedly at the center of the LAPD and coroner’s office investigations into whether the star’s sudden cardiac arrest was the result of prescription drug use, TMZ reports. Sources tell TMZ that despite giving two interviews to authorities, Murray is still not fully cooperating with law enforcement officials. Based on one of the Murray interviews, investigators conducted another search of Jackson’s home, this time finding the intravenous sedative Propofol, an anesthesia that isn’t supposed to be administered outside of a hospital, TMZ writes.
Rock Daily reported last week that Los Angeles police chief William Bratton said investigators are awaiting the results of the toxicology report before determining “Are we dealing with a homicide or are we dealing with accidental overdose?” Sources tell TMZ that there is evidence that Murray administered Pr
opofol to Jackson before the singer’s death. If it’s discovered that Propofol was responsible for killing the singer, Murray might face manslaughter charges. Murray had previously hired lawyers to attend his meetings with police in the days following Jackson’s death. Murray admitted to waiting nearly a half-hour before calling 911 after discovering Jackson with a faint pulse in his Los Angeles bedroom.
Nurse/nutritionist Cherilyn Lee who treated Jackson said the singer was “adamant” about receiving Diprivan, which is the brand name for Propofol, Rolling Stone reported in the days following his death. An overdose of the sedative could cause someone to stop breathing, which leads to a buildup of carbon dioxide buildup in the body that could result in cardiac arrest. Jackson’s initial autopsies revealed no defects with the singer’s heart, so the cause of death will likely be revealed when the Los Angeles Coroners receives the results of a toxicology report.
Jackson’s alleged prescription drug use has come under the microscope in recent weeks as the LAPD and the DEA seek out the enabling doctors who made it possible for Jackson to consume “30 to 40 Xanax pills a night,” as one former Jackson security guard told law enforcement officials in 2004. Jackson’s drug use reportedly escalated to the point that sister Janet Jackson attempted — but ultimately failed — to stage an intervention in 2007.
Rock Daily reported last week that Los Angeles police chief William Bratton said investigators are awaiting the results of the toxicology report before determining “Are we dealing with a homicide or are we dealing with accidental overdose?” Sources tell TMZ that there is evidence that Murray administered Pr
opofol to Jackson before the singer’s death. If it’s discovered that Propofol was responsible for killing the singer, Murray might face manslaughter charges. Murray had previously hired lawyers to attend his meetings with police in the days following Jackson’s death. Murray admitted to waiting nearly a half-hour before calling 911 after discovering Jackson with a faint pulse in his Los Angeles bedroom.Nurse/nutritionist Cherilyn Lee who treated Jackson said the singer was “adamant” about receiving Diprivan, which is the brand name for Propofol, Rolling Stone reported in the days following his death. An overdose of the sedative could cause someone to stop breathing, which leads to a buildup of carbon dioxide buildup in the body that could result in cardiac arrest. Jackson’s initial autopsies revealed no defects with the singer’s heart, so the cause of death will likely be revealed when the Los Angeles Coroners receives the results of a toxicology report.
Jackson’s alleged prescription drug use has come under the microscope in recent weeks as the LAPD and the DEA seek out the enabling doctors who made it possible for Jackson to consume “30 to 40 Xanax pills a night,” as one former Jackson security guard told law enforcement officials in 2004. Jackson’s drug use reportedly escalated to the point that sister Janet Jackson attempted — but ultimately failed — to stage an intervention in 2007.
Michael Jackson Fans Gather at London's O2 arena
The Associated Press Monday, July 13, 2009; 3:34 PM
LONDON -- Hundreds of Michael Jackson fans gathered outside London's O2 arena to pay tribute to the star on what would have been the evening of his first concert. The fans brought candles and flowers to lay outside the 23,000 seat arena Monday, where Jackson was due to begin his run of 50 concerts. Some danced, others wrote tributes and watched images of Jackson beamed on a big screen. Social networking sites and Michael Jackson fan sites had encouraged people to come to the arena Monday to remember the singer.
Report: LaToya Jackson says Michael Jackson was murdered for his money; cash, jewels missing
LONDON (AP) —
Two British tabloids quote LaToya Jackson
as saying she believes her brother Michael Jackson was murdered as part of a conspiracy to steal his fortune.She reportedly says her brother's assets of more than 1 billion dollars made him a tempting target and that cash and jewelry worth roughly $2 million was taken from his home after his death.Her comments were published Sunday. The News of the World quotes her as saying she knows who is to blame for her brother's death and is determined to see them brought to justice.She also reportedly says her brother did not want to perform 50 shows in London but was pressured to do so.
Two British tabloids quote LaToya Jackson
as saying she believes her brother Michael Jackson was murdered as part of a conspiracy to steal his fortune.She reportedly says her brother's assets of more than 1 billion dollars made him a tempting target and that cash and jewelry worth roughly $2 million was taken from his home after his death.Her comments were published Sunday. The News of the World quotes her as saying she knows who is to blame for her brother's death and is determined to see them brought to justice.She also reportedly says her brother did not want to perform 50 shows in London but was pressured to do so.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/videobeta/watch/?watch=01cee550-7d9a-4d21-83f9-e83b9ae38eb8&src=front
Jackson Death Certificate
Posted Jul 7th 2009 5:13PM by TMZ Staff
We've obtained a copy of Michael Jackson's death certificate. On cause of death, it says "deferred." It does say Forest Lawn Cemetery was a "temporary" disposition of the body. As we first reported the body will not go back to Forest Lawn. Final burial is pending at an unknown location.Jackson's occupation is listed as "musician." The type of business is "entertainment."
Years in occupation -- 45.As for race, the word "black" is written.The informant -- the person who gave the information for the death certificate -- is listed as La Toya Jackson.The place of residence is not listed as the Holmby Hills home -- rather, it's listed as his parents' home in Encino.
Michael Jackson Funeral
Follows to this link to
see Live Recording
Michael Jackson Funeral
http://www.webtvhub.com/michael-jackson-funeral/
http://mashable.com/2009/07/07/cnn-live-stream-michael-jackson/
see Live Recording
Michael Jackson Funeral
http://www.webtvhub.com/michael-jackson-funeral/
http://mashable.com/2009/07/07/cnn-live-stream-michael-jackson/
Jackson Ticket Odds Are Bad -- Very Bad
Posted Jul 4th 2009 7:48AM by TMZ Staff.you're probably going to be watching the Michael Jackson memorial from home.A spokesman for the Jackson family revealed that after only seven hours, over 500,000 people had entered the lottery for memorial tickets. Okay, time for some quick math: that means that roughly 71,500 people per hour have signed up. And if you extend that rate for the remaining 25 hours (especially since the lottery has been opened up to the entire world), you get a total number of around 2.3 million.Only 8,750 of those people will get tickets to the memorial (two tickets per person), and some of those people will get only get passes to the "satellite event" in the Nokia Theatre across the street-- like watching it on TV but in a pressure cooker with thousands of other people.
Massive demand for Jackson memorial tickets
Reuters, Jul 4, 2009 8:26 am PDT.
More than half a million fans from around the world applied for 17,500 free tickets to Michael Jackson's public memorial service next week, organizers said on Friday as a massive security operation got underway. The life and music of the self-proclaimed "king of pop," who died of sudden cardiac arrest last Thursday, will be celebrated on Tuesday at the Staples Center, a basketball arena in downtown Los Angeles. Officials on Friday unveiled an ambitious online lottery that will allow fans to attend either the televised service at the arena or watch the proceedings on a big screen at the nearby Nokia Theater.
But within minutes, the staplescenter.com http://www.staplescenter.com/ server crashed. Officials warned additional disruptions were likely as fans logged on ahead of the Saturday deadline at 6 p.m. PDT. "You might want to consider watching this from the comfort of your own home," said Los Angeles City Councilwoman Jan Perry, who is doubling as the city's acting mayor. The ceremony will also streamed online. A wide area around the venues in downtown Los Angeles will be blocked off for the 10 a.m. event. Both local and state law-enforcement agencies have been marshaled for duty. A local news-radio station reported that more than 1,400 officers from t
he Los Angeles Police Department alone have been asked to volunteer for duty on Monday and Tuesday. The LAPD, which has about 9,000 officers in total, declined to comment on the report or to reveal a staffing number. A Jackson family spokesman also declined to provide details of the memorial service, but said there would not be a funeral procession and Jackson's body would not be at the memorial. Funeral arrangements have not been disclosed, but security has been beefed up at the Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills mortuary, where his body is believed to be held.
Officials were also tight-lipped about the cost of the memorial service, and who would pay for it. Like other U.S. cities, Los Angeles is strapped for cash in the global recession and similar questions about public tax revenues being spent for such an elaborate ceremony surfaced last month when a $2 million celebration was given for the champion Los Angeles Lakers professional basketball team. That event, which attracted over 500,000 people, was eventually funded through private donations.
The city has already budgeted for LAPD overtime, Perry said, adding that officials would "deeply appreciate" help to offset incremental costs, such as transportation, sanitation and staging. Winners of the tickets will be contacted on Sunday and directed to pick up a pair of tickets and wristbands on Monday. No tickets will be sold. The massive demand raised the question of counterfeiting or scalping, drawing pleas from organizers for fans to act responsibly.
"For those that would try to take advantage of this, shame on them," said Tim Leiweke, the president and CEO of AEG, the closely held entertainment concern that owns the venues and was backing Jackson's planned comeback concerts in London.
Jackson's last performance was at the Staples Center. The night before he died of sudden cardiac arrest last Thursday, he rehearsed for the tour at the venue.
(Additional Reporting by Dean Goodman; Editing by Bill Trott and Todd Eastham)
More than half a million fans from around the world applied for 17,500 free tickets to Michael Jackson's public memorial service next week, organizers said on Friday as a massive security operation got underway. The life and music of the self-proclaimed "king of pop," who died of sudden cardiac arrest last Thursday, will be celebrated on Tuesday at the Staples Center, a basketball arena in downtown Los Angeles. Officials on Friday unveiled an ambitious online lottery that will allow fans to attend either the televised service at the arena or watch the proceedings on a big screen at the nearby Nokia Theater.
But within minutes, the staplescenter.com http://www.staplescenter.com/ server crashed. Officials warned additional disruptions were likely as fans logged on ahead of the Saturday deadline at 6 p.m. PDT. "You might want to consider watching this from the comfort of your own home," said Los Angeles City Councilwoman Jan Perry, who is doubling as the city's acting mayor. The ceremony will also streamed online. A wide area around the venues in downtown Los Angeles will be blocked off for the 10 a.m. event. Both local and state law-enforcement agencies have been marshaled for duty. A local news-radio station reported that more than 1,400 officers from t
he Los Angeles Police Department alone have been asked to volunteer for duty on Monday and Tuesday. The LAPD, which has about 9,000 officers in total, declined to comment on the report or to reveal a staffing number. A Jackson family spokesman also declined to provide details of the memorial service, but said there would not be a funeral procession and Jackson's body would not be at the memorial. Funeral arrangements have not been disclosed, but security has been beefed up at the Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills mortuary, where his body is believed to be held."For those that would try to take advantage of this, shame on them," said Tim Leiweke, the president and CEO of AEG, the closely held entertainment concern that owns the venues and was backing Jackson's planned comeback concerts in London.
Jackson's last performance was at the Staples Center. The night before he died of sudden cardiac arrest last Thursday, he rehearsed for the tour at the venue.
Michael Joseph Jackson died at age 50 in Los Angeles on June 25, 2009.
Michael Joseph Jackson died at age 50 in Los Angeles on June 25, 2009.The introduction to his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame entry seemed apt as a global audience followed reports of his hospitalization and then death:"Michael Jackson is a singer, songwriter, dancer and celebrity icon with a vast catalog of hit records and countless awards to his credit. Beyond that, he has transfixed the world like few entertainers before or since. As a solo performer, he has enjoyed a level of superstardom previously known only to Elvis Presley, the Beatles and Frank Sinatra."
Sony Comments on the Passing of Michael Jackson
Sony Comments on the Passing of Michael Jackson
NEW YORK, NY – June 25, 2009 –
Michael Jackson, one of the most widely beloved entertainers and profoundly influential artists of all-time, leaves an indelible imprint on popular music and culture. Commenting on his passing, Sir Howard Stringer, Chairman, CEO and President, Sony Corporation, said: “Michael Jackson was a brilliant troubadour for his generation, a genius whose music reflected the passion and creativity of an era. His artistry and magnetism changed the music landscape forever. We have been profoundly affected by his originality, creativity and amazing body of work. The entire Sony family extends our deepest condolences to his family and to the millions of fans around the world who loved him.” NEW YORK, NY – June 25, 2009 –
Rolf Schmidt-Holtz, CEO, Sony Music Entertainment, said: “Michael Jackson’s unsurpassed artistry and beloved music brought joy to every corner of the world. We join today with his millions of fans in expressing our profound sadness and we offer our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. It was a true privilege for all of us in the Sony Music family to work with one of the most talented superstars in the history of music. We will miss him greatly.” Martin Bandier, Chairman & CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing, said: “Michael was the kind of amazing talent that comes along once in a lifetime. He was an incredible recording artist, an insightful businessman, an unmatched performer, and a true icon. To all of us at Sony/ATV Music Publishing, he was also a trusted and passionate partner, who was very proud of our accomplishments. He will be dearly missed. We wish his children and entire family our deepest condolences.”
Five of Jackson’s solo albums – “Off the Wall,” “Thriller,” “Bad,” “Dangerous” and “HIStory,” all with Epic Records, a Sony Music label – are among the top-sellers of all time. During his extraordinary career, he sold an estimated 750 million records worldwide, released 13 No.1 singles and became one of a handful of artists to be inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Guinness Book of World Records recognized Jackson as the Most Successful Entertainer of All Time and “Thriller” as the Biggest Selling Album of All Time. Jackson won 13 Grammy Awards and received the American Music Award’s Artist of the Century Award. Michael Jackson started in the music business at the age of 11 with his brothers as a member of the Jackson 5. In the early 1980s, he defined the art form of music video with such ground-breaking videos as “Billie Jean,” “Beat It” and the epic “Thriller.” Jackson’s sound, style and dance moves inspired subsequent generations of pop, soul, R&B and hip-hop artists.
Michael Jackson and Madonna
"I can't stop crying over the sad news," Madonna told People. "I have always admired Michael Jackson. The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on forever! My heart goes out to his three children and other members of his family. God bless."
Michael Jackson's Attorneys Accuse Companies of Charity Scam
The recording of a 911 call made shortly before Michael Jackson was rushed to the hospital Thursday that reports a 50-year-old man is "not breathing" was released Friday as authorities conducted an autopsy on the pop music icon. The autopsy began Friday morning in an attempt to clear up the mystery surrounding Jackson's untimely demise, including whether prescription drugs played a role.
"We have a personal doctor here sir, but he's not responding to anything," a man's voice can be heard telling the dispatch during the call."He's not responding to CPR or anything."
Meanwhile Friday, law enforcement officials were looking to speak with Jackson's personal live-in physician, who was briefly interviewed by detectives at the scene Thursday.
LOS ANGELES
LOS ANGELES – "We were going to listen to music and watch Michael Jackson DVDs and party all night long, not just to have fun, but in memory of Michael Jackson," Paul Barron said. "Now we're going to have to just go home." Jackson's 7-year-old will, filed Wednesday in a Los Angeles court, gives his entire estate to a family trust and names his 79-year-old mother Katherine and his children as beneficiaries. The will also estimates the current value of his estate at more than $500 million.
Katherine Jackson was appointed their guardian, with entertainer Diana Ross, a longtime friend of Michael Jackson, named successor guardian if something happens to his mother. Ross introduced the Jackson 5 on the Ed Sullivan Show in the late 1960s and was instrumental in launching their career.
Meanwhile, Jackson family spokesman Ken Sunshine said a public memorial was in the works for Jackson but wouldn't be held at Neverland. In addition, it appeared more likely that a funeral and burial would take place in Los Angeles, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.
Michael Jackson Album Cover Paintings Added To My Online Gallery
Michael Jackson Album Cover Paintings Added To My Online Gallery
Since the "King of Pop" died I have gotten numerous requests for paintings of his album covers so I have added three paintings to my online gallery of album cover paintings that now numbers almost 300... just a few more and I'll be over 300. You can view the album cover paintings at http://www.hgd.com - In addition to Mr. Jackson I also added 4 David Bowie covers and Peter Gabriel's "So" cover.
Have Fun!
- Howie Green
New Michael Jackson Album Cover
Even though he's long gone, the "King of Pop" is said to have TONS & TONS of music vaulted away. So much music that a lot of albums can be made. One of them is already put together. The album is simply called "Michael" and it will hit stores on December 14th. The lead single is called "Breaking News" which was recorded back in 2007. Above is the album cover.Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett have Died.
This morning, my boss and I discussed the loss of Ed McMahon, and his how his legacy with Johnny Carson is synonmous with American Pop Culture. I made the off the cuff remark about "there always is three", without knowing that two more icons would pass today. Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett have died.In my lifetime, both figures were cemented in my memories from an early age,
to my very young childhood memories/crushes of sneaking out of bed to watch Charlie's Angels, or having my parents take me to a record store where my allowance would be spent to buy a record.
Farrah Fawcett's death, in all of it's sadness was not unexpected given her 3 year long battle with cancer. At age 62 she can be proud of the image and effect she had on the American entertainment industry and culture for her role in Cahrlie's Angels, Extremities and the Burning Bed among others.. Her long relationship with actor Ryan O'Neal was struck with it's issues that the tabloids covered, they did however stick it out over the years.
Michael Jackson's passing is surprising, and surreal. The self proclaimed King of Pop was 50 and no stranger to headlines. From the early years on Motown records with the Jackson 5, Michael was a child prodigy. Wowing audiences with incredible talents, and holding the honors of entertaining fans around the world for
years. His album "Thriller" which earned seared his image into our memories forever sold more than any other release in America. While I always preferred "Off the Wall", his musical abilities accomplished an image many will not see in their lifetimes.Just shy of embarking on his comeback with a 3 year worldwide tour, Michael suffered a heart attack and died shortly after. These American Icons changed how people in our country viewed entertainment and set a standard in what we see as statuesque.
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