Michael Jackson: Getting To Know and Understand A Tragic Icon and Humanitarian
Ranked #194 in PopCulture, #19,761 overall
Why I'm Writing This
Shame.
This is what's inspired me to create this lens, pure and simple shame. Shame of myself, shame of the media, and shame of all others out there who have put down -- and continue to put down -- what is probably the most kindhearted, talented, and genuinely good human being I've ever seen in my entire life.
Of course, I haven't always felt this way toward Michael Jackson. Sadly, I only grew such a respect for the man after his death and after his face was on every news channel -- once again, shrouded in rumor and scandal. To me, Michael Jackson was always just a person that I knew existed, a name I've always heard sense birth, and a guy who made some pretty cool songs that I've dug listening to on time to time, but never actually bothered to pay attention to what he was trying to say. In fact, I've made fun of Michael Jackson more times than I can even count throughout my life and I've always half-believed the sick rumors about him bleaching his skin, having massive amounts of plastic surgery, and abusing children. Looking back on this... that's why I'm ashamed. Not only did I not appreciate this great man, but I ridiculed him. I've written this to help others into understanding what I came to understand -- not only was Michael Jackson a good man, but he was an exceptionally good man... better than any I've ever met.
My conversion, into respecting Michael Jackson, was not thanks to the media (who had me believing he was a junkie for the first few days after his death), but it was thanks to Michael himself and these interviews I've posted for you. It's just as Michael said, "Don't judge someone until you get to know them". . . well, there's no truer statement than that.
So get to know Michael Jackson through these interviews. Understand who he was through his own words, throughout these numerous decades. And after you've finished, I hope that if you've had any ill opinions of this man, then maybe you'll have the attitude-conversion as I did. And maybe you'll think twice before judging a person on hearsay alone ever again -- before finding out who they really are yourself.
This is what I've learned from Michael Jackson, and something I will try to remember to do for the rest of my life.
And I'm so sorry I didn't know what we had till he was gone.
... A true King of Pop, love, and life.
S.C.W.
This is what's inspired me to create this lens, pure and simple shame. Shame of myself, shame of the media, and shame of all others out there who have put down -- and continue to put down -- what is probably the most kindhearted, talented, and genuinely good human being I've ever seen in my entire life.
Of course, I haven't always felt this way toward Michael Jackson. Sadly, I only grew such a respect for the man after his death and after his face was on every news channel -- once again, shrouded in rumor and scandal. To me, Michael Jackson was always just a person that I knew existed, a name I've always heard sense birth, and a guy who made some pretty cool songs that I've dug listening to on time to time, but never actually bothered to pay attention to what he was trying to say. In fact, I've made fun of Michael Jackson more times than I can even count throughout my life and I've always half-believed the sick rumors about him bleaching his skin, having massive amounts of plastic surgery, and abusing children. Looking back on this... that's why I'm ashamed. Not only did I not appreciate this great man, but I ridiculed him. I've written this to help others into understanding what I came to understand -- not only was Michael Jackson a good man, but he was an exceptionally good man... better than any I've ever met.
My conversion, into respecting Michael Jackson, was not thanks to the media (who had me believing he was a junkie for the first few days after his death), but it was thanks to Michael himself and these interviews I've posted for you. It's just as Michael said, "Don't judge someone until you get to know them". . . well, there's no truer statement than that.
So get to know Michael Jackson through these interviews. Understand who he was through his own words, throughout these numerous decades. And after you've finished, I hope that if you've had any ill opinions of this man, then maybe you'll have the attitude-conversion as I did. And maybe you'll think twice before judging a person on hearsay alone ever again -- before finding out who they really are yourself.
This is what I've learned from Michael Jackson, and something I will try to remember to do for the rest of my life.
And I'm so sorry I didn't know what we had till he was gone.
... A true King of Pop, love, and life.
S.C.W.
Michael Jackson: Setting the Record Straight (Q&A)
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Michael Jackson: Setting The Record Straight (a Q&A)
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I've created this lens in attempt to clearly answer some of the most asked, re-asked, and asked again questions concerning Michael Jackson. The reason I've done this is not because I'm a huge fan of Michael Jackson's music, or even his skills as a p...
Table of Contents
Okay, honestly. I urge you all to watch these video's in the order I've presented them -- as it's, essentually, a video timeline -- but if you would rather skip to particular parts that's cool too.
I've commented on a few vdeos and given a couple of my own personal theories about such things as Michaels plastic surgeries, the Neverland Ranch, and a few of my thoughts on the child abuse accusations and Michael's personality. But really, that's not important and I don't find it at all to be something you must read. I believe that if you watch the just these interviews alone, they wil speak for themselves about what kind of person he really was -- much more than any kind of comment I could ever make.
I've thrown a couple of performances in here and there too, just so that you can keep in perspective Michaels talents and the effect he had on people, along with his personality and wonderfully uniue way of looking at life (although, you could argue that who he is and his music are both one and the same).
Also, take a moment to scroll through "Michael Jackson: The Humanitarian". I know it's a lot to read, but I believe that this is truely the greatest and most important mark that Michael left on the world and is something that everyone of us could learn from.
Enjoy.
I've commented on a few vdeos and given a couple of my own personal theories about such things as Michaels plastic surgeries, the Neverland Ranch, and a few of my thoughts on the child abuse accusations and Michael's personality. But really, that's not important and I don't find it at all to be something you must read. I believe that if you watch the just these interviews alone, they wil speak for themselves about what kind of person he really was -- much more than any kind of comment I could ever make.
I've thrown a couple of performances in here and there too, just so that you can keep in perspective Michaels talents and the effect he had on people, along with his personality and wonderfully uniue way of looking at life (although, you could argue that who he is and his music are both one and the same).
Also, take a moment to scroll through "Michael Jackson: The Humanitarian". I know it's a lot to read, but I believe that this is truely the greatest and most important mark that Michael left on the world and is something that everyone of us could learn from.
Enjoy.
- 1970's : The Child Superstar
- 1977: Interview with Mike Douglas (2 Parts)
- 1979: Soultrain Interview and a performance of "Push Me Away"
- 1979: Interview with Soulbeat
- 1980: Sylvia Chase Interview for 20/20
- 1983 An interview from behind the scenes of the "Beat It" music video
- 1983 - Motown 25 performance (introduction to the Moonwalk)
- 1983 - An Interview with Michael Jackson and his sister Latoya (3 Parts)
- 1983 Interview with Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones
- 1984 - Grammys (3 Parts)
- 1984 American Music Awards (6 Parts)
- Thriller : The Best Selling Album Of All Time
- 1984: Ronald Reagan pesenting the Presidential Humanitarian Award to Michael Jackson
- IMO: Understanding the Neverland Ranch
- IMO: Michael Jackson's Skin Disease and Appearance
- 1987: Interview with Ebony/Jet (2 Parts)
- Bad (with extra tracks)
- 1988 Interview With Molly Meldrum featuring Quicny Jones (3 Parts)
- 1988: Grammy Awards Performance
- 1989: Michael recives the "Heritage Award"
- 1993: Grammys (2 Parts)
- 1993: NAACP "Entertainer of the Year" award (2 Parts)
- 1993: The Oprah Winfrey Interview
- 1994: Michael presenting a NAACP award and proclaiming his innocents
- 1995: MTV Video Music Awards performance
- 1995: Michael and Lisa Marie on "Primetime Live" (5 Parts)
- 1995: Interviews during the HIStory album
- 1996: Michael being questioned on sexual molestation charges
- 1996: Interviews
- 1997: Barbra Walters interview (2 Parts)
- 2001: 30th Anniversary Celebration, "Billie Jean" performance
- 2001: Interviews with GetMusic.com (6 Parts)
- 2001: Interviews
- 2002: American Music Awards "Artist Of The Century Award"
- 2002: Billboard Music Awards
- 2003: Documentary: "Living With Michael Jackson"
- 2003 Take Two: The Footage You Were Never Meant To See (9 Parts)
- Martin Bashir's Comments After Michael Jackson's Death
- 2003? - Michael Jackson interviewed by filmmaker, and friend, Brett Ratner
- Michael Jackson Conspiracy
- 2003: 60 Minutes Interview (3 Parts)
- 2005: Trial Statement
- 2005: Geraldo Rivera Interview (5 Parts)
- 2006: Legal issues
- 2006: World Music Awards (3 Parts)
- 2007: Ebony Interview and Photoshoot
- 2008: NRJ Awards Acceptance Speech
- 2008: Interviews
- Rare Michael Jackson Memorabilia
- 2003: Documentary: "Michael Jackson's Private Home Movies" (11 Parts)
- Michael Jackson: The Humanitarian
- Sign The Guestbook
Listen To The Best of Michael Jackson
Listen to the music and enjoy the cool beats. But remember to also pay attention to the lyrics and attempt to understand the message in which Michael was tryng to spread. A message of kindess, a message of oneness, a message of peace... a message of love.
1970's : The Child Superstar
Michel Jackson's early years as the lead singer of one of the most popular bands of the time - The Jackson 5
It's important to realize that Michael Jackson was raised as a Jehovah Witness -- his mothers religion (a religion that Jackson would later change). I say that this is an important thing to remember because it may help you in better understanding Michaels innocents, purity, and extremely giving nature that far too many people have trouble comprehending as genuine. Many have seen this type of behavior from Michael and mistaken it for naivety, ignorance, or even stupidity. But watch him and listen to his words in these clips and you can clearly see that there was nothing stupid or ignorant about this man -- in fact, he had a level of class, maturity, and politeness that was far beyond his years.
I believe this kind of premature class, maturity, and politeness was not only spawned from his religious upbringing but because of his career upbringing as well. You must remember that sense the age of five, Michael Jackson was working full time as a performer -- a very profitable performer at that (the most well known of all the Jackson 5). And although being an extremely famous musician does seem like a very fun and extravagant job, you must remember that it is still a job. Especially in Michaels case, where he was made to learn and perfect many technical dance moves, hit cues on time, and sing in harmony.
From being the lead singer of the Jackson 5, Michael gained a particular kind of stardom beyond anything his brothers had. Although all of the Jackson 5 were famous, Michael got the most attention because he was unique. He was unique because he was so young and vivacious on stage. Peoples first thoughts when seeing him would be of how cute he was, but once he began singing and dancing -- in a way they're so use to seeing only from adults -- they'd get a sudden shock and amazement. This is where the wow-factor of Michael came from. And this is what put him in the spotlight above all others.
Before long Michael couldn't even go outside without being mobbed my fans, who'd all want to see the amazing dancing and singing boy. The fans became so much that even when Michael tried to go to a public school he would be mobbed during classes -- he ended up having to leave within a week. Sense Michael always kept working and always stayed successful, this kind of fan base never died down for him. He lived with it from the age of five and it was all he'd ever remember having. Michael Jackson didn't get a superstar life, he lived a superstar life -- it's all he ever knew, it was a daily part of his life in the same way that putting on our shoes and socks is a daily part of the everyday man's life.
With Michael being as young as he was, he didn't get to enjoy those particular perks that most of us associate with stardom. He wasn't being introduced to such things as the rock and roll drug scene, he wasn't going out to clubs, spending millions on new cars and homes (he actually lived with his mother up to the age of 30). nor was Michael basking in the glory of his groupies either; his brothers, on the other hand, were. Michaels brothers use to bring groupies to their hotel rooms and tell Michael to stay in his own bed, cover his ears, and not turn around no matter what he'd hear -- but as Michael himself has said, he heard everything. I mention this not to say that it traumatized Michael in some way -- I don't believe it did -- but because I think it's a good example of the beginning of Michaels isolation from the rest of the group.
Sense Michael did not grow up in the kind of free environment that a child normally does, he was not in the position to evolve into maturity in the same way as most. Michael had to be mature and professional as a part of his job. He had to listen and obey to directions and rules from trainers, agents, choreographers, and other people he'd interact with in the showbiz atmosphere that had schedules to stick to and jobs of their own to do -- there was no time to be playful and spend too much time trying to explain to Michael what to do, so Michael had to learn and adapt to a professional attitude before the age of ten.
As you can see though, Michael is playful at times and you can see the child side of him shine through. But Michael consciously tones it down and saves his playfulness for whatever free moments show. If you notice, even when he acts in a joking manner during the following clips, he usually seems embarrassed by it and smiles, chuckles, and becomes almost apologetic for it.
I don't want people to misunderstand what I'm saying, I don't believe that the way Michael was forced to adapt into maturity was a bad thing. I don't want people to think that it was something he would have been necessarily better off not experiencing or that he was treated as some kind of slave. I don't believe any of this is true. I believe the simple fact is that this is just the situation he grew up in and these are the roots to the work ethic he had, his perfectionism, and the seemingly eccentric personality that he later appears to show.
Remember Michaels personality here and keep it in mind when you watch the later clips from his life. And notice that he acts exactly the same here as he does in his adulthood. The only thing that changes is the people around him and his appearance itself. But Michael alway stays Michael.
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Young Michael jackson having a pillow fight with brothers (RIP Michael)
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Great Moment Michael Jackson One Day In Your Life Interview 1975
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1979: Soultrain Interview and a performance of "Push Me Away"
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1979: Interview with Soulbeat
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1983 An interview from behind the scenes of the "Beat It" music video
*MUST SEE*
Here's a 1983 interview with Michael Jackson behind the scenes of the "Beat It" music video. Michael is only 24 here yet as you can tell he still has a very childlike quality to him. Just listen to how excited he sounds while talking about a new attraction at Disney Studios.
There's another thing to keep in mind about this video that should be remembered when watching all further clips about Jackson. Although he does hold with him that childlike aura, it does not mean that he is in anyway mentally unstable or unintelligent. As you can see by his cultural taste alone, there is nothing wrong with Michaels mind. He's merely a very rich, very famous, and very isolated person. I believe it's this kind of isolation that opened up Michaels tastes and mind. It's this kind of isolation that was the roots of Michaels so-called "naive" way of looking at life -- a way, in which goodness in mankind is possible and is something to aspire for. This is the message in which he's trying to convey in his song "Beat It" and it's a message that Michael would continue to spread throughout the rest of his musical career. And although most may misunderstand this and all of his future music as just "sounding cool, there was much more to it than that, and you can already see it here at the young age of 24. Michael was on a mission with his music.
Also, I must add that this is one of the earliest videos I've scene where Jackson really shows his true loneliness as well. It's the kind of loneliness that comes from being put on a pedestal all your life and forced into being "different". Just listen to when Michael is asked who his real friends are and how he hesitates before answering ... "My fans..."
There's another thing to keep in mind about this video that should be remembered when watching all further clips about Jackson. Although he does hold with him that childlike aura, it does not mean that he is in anyway mentally unstable or unintelligent. As you can see by his cultural taste alone, there is nothing wrong with Michaels mind. He's merely a very rich, very famous, and very isolated person. I believe it's this kind of isolation that opened up Michaels tastes and mind. It's this kind of isolation that was the roots of Michaels so-called "naive" way of looking at life -- a way, in which goodness in mankind is possible and is something to aspire for. This is the message in which he's trying to convey in his song "Beat It" and it's a message that Michael would continue to spread throughout the rest of his musical career. And although most may misunderstand this and all of his future music as just "sounding cool, there was much more to it than that, and you can already see it here at the young age of 24. Michael was on a mission with his music.
Also, I must add that this is one of the earliest videos I've scene where Jackson really shows his true loneliness as well. It's the kind of loneliness that comes from being put on a pedestal all your life and forced into being "different". Just listen to when Michael is asked who his real friends are and how he hesitates before answering ... "My fans..."
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1983 - Motown 25 performance (introduction to the Moonwalk)
Michael Jackson introduces the world to the Moonwalk
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1983 - An Interview with Michael Jackson and his sister Latoya (3 Parts)
*MUST SEE*
Here's an interview I believe should be remembered almost more than any other.
In it you can see not only the politeness, sensibility, and Michaels unique fairytale way of looking at life. But you also get to see Michaels natural interaction with his sister Latoya. You can see from her that the kindness of Michael, the shyness, and good nature of her brother isn't an act. This is how the man always was and always continued to be.
I really have trouble explaining the feeling I get when seeing this. But it's comforting knowing that this man was actually genuine in what he was saying. He truly meant it when he spoke of his love for the world, children, and the inspiration of merely being alive.
Far too many misconstrue this way of thinking as being naive. When in reality, this way of thinking is more hopeful than anything else. It's having faith in the goodness of life, love, and "magic" -- it's something we all should try very hard to think about ourselves.
It's sad that when we see someone acting and living on pure goodness, our first though is that they're "crazy" and "weird". It really shows the true reflection of mankind and how disgusting it is that we're more capable of accepting and understanding someone being incredibly evil over being incredibly good. It's a shame that "evil" is more realistic to us.
In it you can see not only the politeness, sensibility, and Michaels unique fairytale way of looking at life. But you also get to see Michaels natural interaction with his sister Latoya. You can see from her that the kindness of Michael, the shyness, and good nature of her brother isn't an act. This is how the man always was and always continued to be.
I really have trouble explaining the feeling I get when seeing this. But it's comforting knowing that this man was actually genuine in what he was saying. He truly meant it when he spoke of his love for the world, children, and the inspiration of merely being alive.
Far too many misconstrue this way of thinking as being naive. When in reality, this way of thinking is more hopeful than anything else. It's having faith in the goodness of life, love, and "magic" -- it's something we all should try very hard to think about ourselves.
It's sad that when we see someone acting and living on pure goodness, our first though is that they're "crazy" and "weird". It really shows the true reflection of mankind and how disgusting it is that we're more capable of accepting and understanding someone being incredibly evil over being incredibly good. It's a shame that "evil" is more realistic to us.
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1983 Interview with Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones
This is a 1983 interview with Michael and his producer Quincy Jones. By this time, the album Thriller was already released so you can only imagine how heightened the amount of popularity -- which always surrounded Michael -- was at the time.
I enjoyed this video really the most because of how it shows how real of a person Michael is and how it's already being misconstrued as eccentric. To Michael, having a giant snake, tigers, and other exotic animals is on the same level as having a dog to most of us (because he can both afford them and have people to help him take care of them -- he can afford to have a literal zoo in his home). And you can tell in his voice that this is how he feels, and when the interviewer asks about it in confusion, Michael answers in the same way a child would when being asked about his pet -- innocently, informatively, and with excitement over the animal he loves. But because he is Michael Jackson and he is in the unique position of being able to own such exotic pets, we only pay attention to him and see him as being an eccentric for even owning such things. You can see this strong love for animals continue on throughout the rest of Michaels life.
Also, in this clip you will get a glimpse at Michaels relationship with Quincy Jones.
I enjoyed this video really the most because of how it shows how real of a person Michael is and how it's already being misconstrued as eccentric. To Michael, having a giant snake, tigers, and other exotic animals is on the same level as having a dog to most of us (because he can both afford them and have people to help him take care of them -- he can afford to have a literal zoo in his home). And you can tell in his voice that this is how he feels, and when the interviewer asks about it in confusion, Michael answers in the same way a child would when being asked about his pet -- innocently, informatively, and with excitement over the animal he loves. But because he is Michael Jackson and he is in the unique position of being able to own such exotic pets, we only pay attention to him and see him as being an eccentric for even owning such things. You can see this strong love for animals continue on throughout the rest of Michaels life.
Also, in this clip you will get a glimpse at Michaels relationship with Quincy Jones.
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1984 - Grammys (3 Parts)
Michael Jackson takes over the Grammys
The 1984 Grammys may as well have been renamed "The Michael Jackson Awards".
Aside from winning a record breaking 8 Grammys for Thriller, Michael and Quincy Jones also won an additional Grammy for their work on the song "Someone In The Dark" -- in the "Best Album For Children" award -- that was featured on the Steven Spielberg film "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial". A win in which Michael said was the one he was the most proud of, because it was for the children.
Accompanying Michael at the show was Brooke Shields and Emmanuel Lewis. There's a point in the show where Michael carries 12 year old Emmanuel onto the stage with him, while accepting one of his awards, and says that "this" is his true inspiration (referring to children).
Aside from winning a record breaking 8 Grammys for Thriller, Michael and Quincy Jones also won an additional Grammy for their work on the song "Someone In The Dark" -- in the "Best Album For Children" award -- that was featured on the Steven Spielberg film "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial". A win in which Michael said was the one he was the most proud of, because it was for the children.
Accompanying Michael at the show was Brooke Shields and Emmanuel Lewis. There's a point in the show where Michael carries 12 year old Emmanuel onto the stage with him, while accepting one of his awards, and says that "this" is his true inspiration (referring to children).
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Thriller : The Best Selling Album Of All Time
The album "Thriller" was released on November 30, 1982.
The album released seven hit singles, including "Billie Jean", "Beat It", and, of course, "Thriller". And won a record breaking 8 Grammy Awards.
It became -- and still is -- the best selling album of all time.
The album released seven hit singles, including "Billie Jean", "Beat It", and, of course, "Thriller". And won a record breaking 8 Grammy Awards.
It became -- and still is -- the best selling album of all time.
Michael Jackson 25th Anniversary of Thriller(Deluxe Casebook Edition)
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1984: Ronald Reagan pesenting the Presidential Humanitarian Award to Michael Jackson
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IMO: Understanding the Neverland Ranch
My thoughts on the Michael Jackson creation
The most important thing to remember when trying to understand Michael Jackson, is to understand his massive fan base. Once you understand that, then you must put yourself in the shoes of this man who, ever sense childhood, has been swarmed by these people each and every time he'd go out into public. Even as a child, when Michael tried to go to a public school, he was made to leave within only a week because he couldn't even go to his classes without being mobbed by fans -- all dieing for even a glimpse of the boy wonder.
Keeping all of this in mind, it becomes obvious how Michael Jackson would have no other choice but to become a shut-in. And sense he was in that unfortunate position of being incapable of even walking outside of his own home or to go to a zoo, a movie, or a carnival, he instead built everything he needed inside the walls of his ranch. He created his own world%u2026 his own dreamland -- his Neverland. And he equipped this world with everything from a theme park, to a zoo, to a movie theater (containing every DVD ever made), to two railroads, and whatever else he was interested in having and experiencing in his day to day life.
Now you've got to mix this in with the kindness of Michael Jackson. He's dedicated his entire life to being a humanitarian (holding the record for most charities supported by any entertainer or personality) and helping people -- children in particular. So having this entire world of fun at his fingertips, and caring as much about children as he did, Michael put two and two together and decided to share the Neverland that he created with children from all around the world.
With the Neverland Ranch, Michael Jackson built a world of magic and fun for himself and others that were in need. He would bring bus full's of sick and underprivileged children to his creation on a regular basis. He had even built in rooms for the children to stay over night and even in the movie theater he had set up hospital beds so that the bedridden and terminally ill children could enjoy the fun with everyone else.
In no way was the Neverland Ranch a "lure" for children from an evil pedophile, as so many of us were duped into believing. The fact that it was turned into something like this by the media (and ourselves) is not only sad, but tragic. This was a wonderful, beautiful, place that helped many children, and we were all too convinced that it was too good to be true. So we destroyed it along with it's creator.
I'm in no way trying to blame anyone. I'm only pointing out how horribly we all look at the world without even realizing it. My hope is that we will become conscious of this now, and learn from our mistakes so that in the future they're not made again.
Keeping all of this in mind, it becomes obvious how Michael Jackson would have no other choice but to become a shut-in. And sense he was in that unfortunate position of being incapable of even walking outside of his own home or to go to a zoo, a movie, or a carnival, he instead built everything he needed inside the walls of his ranch. He created his own world%u2026 his own dreamland -- his Neverland. And he equipped this world with everything from a theme park, to a zoo, to a movie theater (containing every DVD ever made), to two railroads, and whatever else he was interested in having and experiencing in his day to day life.
Now you've got to mix this in with the kindness of Michael Jackson. He's dedicated his entire life to being a humanitarian (holding the record for most charities supported by any entertainer or personality) and helping people -- children in particular. So having this entire world of fun at his fingertips, and caring as much about children as he did, Michael put two and two together and decided to share the Neverland that he created with children from all around the world.
With the Neverland Ranch, Michael Jackson built a world of magic and fun for himself and others that were in need. He would bring bus full's of sick and underprivileged children to his creation on a regular basis. He had even built in rooms for the children to stay over night and even in the movie theater he had set up hospital beds so that the bedridden and terminally ill children could enjoy the fun with everyone else.
In no way was the Neverland Ranch a "lure" for children from an evil pedophile, as so many of us were duped into believing. The fact that it was turned into something like this by the media (and ourselves) is not only sad, but tragic. This was a wonderful, beautiful, place that helped many children, and we were all too convinced that it was too good to be true. So we destroyed it along with it's creator.
I'm in no way trying to blame anyone. I'm only pointing out how horribly we all look at the world without even realizing it. My hope is that we will become conscious of this now, and learn from our mistakes so that in the future they're not made again.
IMO: Michael Jackson's Skin Disease and Appearance
In the mid 80's Michael Jackson was diagnosed with Vitiligo and Lupus. Both illnesses made him sensitive (or allergic, as Michael put it) to sunlight. This is why Michaels skin tone has seemed to gradually grow lighter throughout the years and also the reason why Michael is often seen with an umbrella when outside in the sun. The video below goes into further detail on the subject.
Before going on to that though I'd like to make a quick comment about Michaels plastic surgeries. He's stated many time that he's only had a few and I believe he said that they were all on his nose. I, just like most of you, agreed that he probably had more. But recently I was thinking about it and it came to me that other than his nose, he may actually not have had anymore (well, possibly the chin dimple).
I've not come to a conclusion either way. But you must keep in mind how much of a difference the extremely white skin makes a difference to how someone can look, especially a black man. It's a fact that black people have very different facial features and bone structures than white people. This includes wider lips and thicker skin that doesn't crack and wrinkle as badly as a white mans. And having the appearance of a white man, also makes it more understandable that he would keep his hair straightened as well -- think of how he'd look with an afro! While looking at some photo's of Michael recently, I've come to think that there may be a very good chance that he actually was telling the truth about his surgeries, and they may really be just on his nose.
... if only I was better with photo shop, I'd go ahead and darken his skin to it's natural color and crop his old nose in there for you all. Unfortunately I'm too stupid for such things though, so let's stick with what we know and watch the video below.
Before going on to that though I'd like to make a quick comment about Michaels plastic surgeries. He's stated many time that he's only had a few and I believe he said that they were all on his nose. I, just like most of you, agreed that he probably had more. But recently I was thinking about it and it came to me that other than his nose, he may actually not have had anymore (well, possibly the chin dimple).
I've not come to a conclusion either way. But you must keep in mind how much of a difference the extremely white skin makes a difference to how someone can look, especially a black man. It's a fact that black people have very different facial features and bone structures than white people. This includes wider lips and thicker skin that doesn't crack and wrinkle as badly as a white mans. And having the appearance of a white man, also makes it more understandable that he would keep his hair straightened as well -- think of how he'd look with an afro! While looking at some photo's of Michael recently, I've come to think that there may be a very good chance that he actually was telling the truth about his surgeries, and they may really be just on his nose.
... if only I was better with photo shop, I'd go ahead and darken his skin to it's natural color and crop his old nose in there for you all. Unfortunately I'm too stupid for such things though, so let's stick with what we know and watch the video below.
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1987: Interview with Ebony/Jet (2 Parts)
This is another insightful video of Michael Jackson after the release of Bad.
Michael speaks about such songs as "Man In The Mirror", "Dirty Diana"," "Bad", and "Liberian Girl". He tells the meanings of the songs, how they were written, and how they relate to his own life.
He also speaks about John Merrick (the Elephant Man) and how he sympathizes with him.
The interview is over 13 minutes long.
Michael speaks about such songs as "Man In The Mirror", "Dirty Diana"," "Bad", and "Liberian Girl". He tells the meanings of the songs, how they were written, and how they relate to his own life.
He also speaks about John Merrick (the Elephant Man) and how he sympathizes with him.
The interview is over 13 minutes long.
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Bad (with extra tracks)
Music from Michael Jackson's "Bad" album
Here's every song from Michael Jackson's Bad album. Also included, are three songs that were not even featured on the album during it's initial release.
1988: Grammy Awards Performance
Michael gives a great performance of "The Way You Make Me Feel" and "Man In The Mirror" at the 1988 Grammy's
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"The Way You Make Me Feel" and "Man In The Mirror" MP3's
1989: Michael recives the "Heritage Award"
Elizabeth Taylor and Eddie Murphy pesent the award. This is the first time Michael is called the "King of Pop"
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1993: Grammys (2 Parts)
Michael is presented the Grammy Legend award by his sister, Janet
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1993: NAACP "Entertainer of the Year" award (2 Parts)
Michael recieves the Entertainer of the Year award
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1993: The Oprah Winfrey Interview
*MUST READ* includes my thoughts on how it effected Michaels public image
This is the first television program that Michael agreed to be interviewed on sense 1979. Immediately after airing, it became the fourth most viewed television program in US History and Michaels last album "Dangerous" re-entered the album chart top 10 more than a year after it's release.
In the interview Michael remains very open about most questions and actually agreed beforehand that there were no questions off the table. In it, Oprah asks Michael about his childhood, his plastic surgery, his inspirations, and many of the rumors that have developed about him including sleeping in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber (to keep himself from ageing), buying the bones of the Elephant Man, and the extensive plastic surgery he was said to have had. This is also the first time that Michael openly speaks about his skin disease, Vitiligo.
This is the first of a few interview where you can really see how hard Michael is trying to correct the horrible ways that the public sees him. Notice the passion and frustration he shows when talking about subjects that have to do with the hurtful rumors about him. You'll be able to see that pain in many videos after this as well.
There are some things that I would like to add about the effect of this interview and the image it gave of Michael Jackson. Aside from the absurd idea that he was lying about his skin disease, I believe that people exaggerated many of his comments. And these exaggerations have lasted to this day, two of which I've explained (my personal opinion) below:
1.) Michaels Relationship With His Father - In the interview Michael mentions how his father use to beat him as a child. Although I have no doubt that this is true and am in no way taking up for the fact that it happened, I do believe that far too much has been made out of it and that because of this Michaels father has been crucified much more than he deserved (and still is being remembered in this way).
The reasons for this were "the beatings". It was a poor choice of words that Michael used. Although whipping a child is wrong (in my opinion), many people have done it to their children. It's not done out of evil, but it is a way in which some people discipline their children. In calling it "beatings", many people got the wrong impression in their heads. They got the idea that Michaels father was treating him horribly, causing blood, horrible bruises, etc. I honestly don't believe that any of this has happened (I'm judging by interviews from the other Jackson brothers, who Michael even said "got it worse than me"). But because Michael Jackson is Michael Jackson and he's seen as such an eccentric, many of us look for reasons of his eccentricities. We look for the root of it because we don't understand it. And what better root, than a childhood of torment and beatings? Watch the interviews of him while younger and listen to Michael speak of how he wouldn't change his past (which he's said several times) and you can see that he wasn't necessarily as unhappy as most think. Lonely, yes. Missing out on a traditional childhood, yes. But tortured and treated like a slave, I believe that's a huge exaggeration by the media and public who is only looking for an explanation to why he's so different. When in reality the explanation is obvious -- he's different because he's always been treated differently than anyone else.
2.) Michales Reasons For Having Plastic Surgery - First of all, as I said earlier, I believe that the extent of Michaels plastic surgery is GREATLY exaggerated. But it is covered often, spoken about often, and because of this I believe that Michael had pressure on him to explain what surgery he's had. So he analyzes the reasons for it, and looks for the deeper meanings behind of why he chose to get his nose done. So he tells us about being made fun of while growing up because of his nose and he tells us about his problems with zits to explain why he would possibly want to have surgery. The thing is though, if his skin weren't so white (especially on a black mans bone structure) he wouldn't look quite as strange and manufactured as he does. It would be very similar to how his sister, Janet, looks actually. And no one makes a big deal out of her surgeries simply for the fact that it's not exaggerated by the skin tone. No one is asking her why she would want to be white (by straightening her hair or thinning her nose) and no one is making a big deal about her appearance. Therefore, she doesn't have the pressure put on her to analyze her reasons for having plastic surgery as Michael does. And she hasn't inadvertently blamed being picked on as a child for doing so.
In the interview Michael remains very open about most questions and actually agreed beforehand that there were no questions off the table. In it, Oprah asks Michael about his childhood, his plastic surgery, his inspirations, and many of the rumors that have developed about him including sleeping in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber (to keep himself from ageing), buying the bones of the Elephant Man, and the extensive plastic surgery he was said to have had. This is also the first time that Michael openly speaks about his skin disease, Vitiligo.
This is the first of a few interview where you can really see how hard Michael is trying to correct the horrible ways that the public sees him. Notice the passion and frustration he shows when talking about subjects that have to do with the hurtful rumors about him. You'll be able to see that pain in many videos after this as well.
There are some things that I would like to add about the effect of this interview and the image it gave of Michael Jackson. Aside from the absurd idea that he was lying about his skin disease, I believe that people exaggerated many of his comments. And these exaggerations have lasted to this day, two of which I've explained (my personal opinion) below:
1.) Michaels Relationship With His Father - In the interview Michael mentions how his father use to beat him as a child. Although I have no doubt that this is true and am in no way taking up for the fact that it happened, I do believe that far too much has been made out of it and that because of this Michaels father has been crucified much more than he deserved (and still is being remembered in this way).
The reasons for this were "the beatings". It was a poor choice of words that Michael used. Although whipping a child is wrong (in my opinion), many people have done it to their children. It's not done out of evil, but it is a way in which some people discipline their children. In calling it "beatings", many people got the wrong impression in their heads. They got the idea that Michaels father was treating him horribly, causing blood, horrible bruises, etc. I honestly don't believe that any of this has happened (I'm judging by interviews from the other Jackson brothers, who Michael even said "got it worse than me"). But because Michael Jackson is Michael Jackson and he's seen as such an eccentric, many of us look for reasons of his eccentricities. We look for the root of it because we don't understand it. And what better root, than a childhood of torment and beatings? Watch the interviews of him while younger and listen to Michael speak of how he wouldn't change his past (which he's said several times) and you can see that he wasn't necessarily as unhappy as most think. Lonely, yes. Missing out on a traditional childhood, yes. But tortured and treated like a slave, I believe that's a huge exaggeration by the media and public who is only looking for an explanation to why he's so different. When in reality the explanation is obvious -- he's different because he's always been treated differently than anyone else.
2.) Michales Reasons For Having Plastic Surgery - First of all, as I said earlier, I believe that the extent of Michaels plastic surgery is GREATLY exaggerated. But it is covered often, spoken about often, and because of this I believe that Michael had pressure on him to explain what surgery he's had. So he analyzes the reasons for it, and looks for the deeper meanings behind of why he chose to get his nose done. So he tells us about being made fun of while growing up because of his nose and he tells us about his problems with zits to explain why he would possibly want to have surgery. The thing is though, if his skin weren't so white (especially on a black mans bone structure) he wouldn't look quite as strange and manufactured as he does. It would be very similar to how his sister, Janet, looks actually. And no one makes a big deal out of her surgeries simply for the fact that it's not exaggerated by the skin tone. No one is asking her why she would want to be white (by straightening her hair or thinning her nose) and no one is making a big deal about her appearance. Therefore, she doesn't have the pressure put on her to analyze her reasons for having plastic surgery as Michael does. And she hasn't inadvertently blamed being picked on as a child for doing so.
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1994: Michael presenting a NAACP award and proclaiming his innocents
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1995: MTV Video Music Awards performance
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1995: Michael and Lisa Marie on "Primetime Live" (5 Parts)
Diane Sawyer interviews Michael and Lisa Marie about the child molestation charges, if they have an active sex life, and even at one point she seems to confront Michael about being a nazi-sympathizer (don't ask me).
Diane Sawyer interrogates the couple pretty coldly, but I suppose that's her job. And Michael handles it horribly and fueled by too much excited frustration and emotion to have been taken truthfully at times. I think that the moment that shows this the most clearly is when Michael is asked about if he colored his skin on purpose and doesn't come right out and mention his disease, and instead answers by says "I think it creates itself, nature..". This is a good example of how Michael has mis-spoken when questioned, so that instead of going into detail and defending himself that way, he remained vague with his answers and expected people to just understand.
Diane Sawyer interrogates the couple pretty coldly, but I suppose that's her job. And Michael handles it horribly and fueled by too much excited frustration and emotion to have been taken truthfully at times. I think that the moment that shows this the most clearly is when Michael is asked about if he colored his skin on purpose and doesn't come right out and mention his disease, and instead answers by says "I think it creates itself, nature..". This is a good example of how Michael has mis-spoken when questioned, so that instead of going into detail and defending himself that way, he remained vague with his answers and expected people to just understand.
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1996: Michael being questioned on sexual molestation charges
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1996: Interviews
1996 Michael Jackson Interview (Chinese subtitle ) (ä¸æ–‡å—幕)
Runtime: 278
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2001: 30th Anniversary Celebration, "Billie Jean" performance
This entire show was incredible really, and if you're interested, you can find most of it on Youtube. But I've only included this one portion of concert though, in order to keep the focus primarily on Michael's interviews. This really is great though, the crowd looks so excited.
Also, keep your eyes open and you can see a couple of familiar faces in the audience.
Also, keep your eyes open and you can see a couple of familiar faces in the audience.
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"Billie Jean" MP3
2001: Interviews with GetMusic.com (6 Parts)
October 26, 2001 Michael answers questions from his fans during a live hour-long online Internet audio chat with Anthony DeCurtis.
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2002: American Music Awards "Artist Of The Century Award"
Christ Tucker gives Michael the "Artist of the Century Award"
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2002: Billboard Music Awards
Chris Rock presents a Billboar Award to Michael, with a funny moment between Michael, Chris, and Cedric the Entertainer
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2003: Documentary: "Living With Michael Jackson"
*MUST SEE* The last straw that broke Michaels reputation
"Living With Michael Jackson" was a documentary made by British journalist Martin Bashir that followed Michael over the course of 8 months. In includes interviews and rare glimpses into the fans, home, and general way of life of Michael Jackson.
Although the reason that Michael Jackson agreed to participate in this documentary was to clear his tainted name and finally show himself to the world as he truly was, the exact opposite effect happened. After the documentary aired, Michaels reputation was horribly effected.
I could try and explain in what ways this happened, but I feel it may be better for you to see for yourself.
But before sitting through this, I want to make it clear that Martin Bashir purposely filmed and edited the documentary in a biased light to show Michael in a negatively. And because of this, it's EXTREMELY important that immediately after watching this you must also watch the following documentary (that I've posted directly after "Living With Michael Jackson") "Take Two: The Footage You Were Never Meant To See.".
Until you've seen both, I urge you all to save your judgments. And, also, to keep the footage I've showed you earlier in mind.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVING WITH MICHAEL JACKSON
Although the reason that Michael Jackson agreed to participate in this documentary was to clear his tainted name and finally show himself to the world as he truly was, the exact opposite effect happened. After the documentary aired, Michaels reputation was horribly effected.
I could try and explain in what ways this happened, but I feel it may be better for you to see for yourself.
But before sitting through this, I want to make it clear that Martin Bashir purposely filmed and edited the documentary in a biased light to show Michael in a negatively. And because of this, it's EXTREMELY important that immediately after watching this you must also watch the following documentary (that I've posted directly after "Living With Michael Jackson") "Take Two: The Footage You Were Never Meant To See.".
Until you've seen both, I urge you all to save your judgments. And, also, to keep the footage I've showed you earlier in mind.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVING WITH MICHAEL JACKSON
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2003 Take Two: The Footage You Were Never Meant To See (9 Parts)
*MUST SEE* Michael Jackson's rebuttal film to the Martin Bashir documentary "Living With Michael Jackson"
As I mentioned in my setup to the "Living With Michael Jackson" documentary, Michaels reputation was severely effected by the way in which the film showed him.
Michael continuously blamed the negative light that was put on him on the documentaries creator, Martin Bashir. He felt betrayed by Bashir and insisted that the finale version of the documentary Bashir aired, used only material that supported Bashirs biased opinion on Michael and his lifestyle while working to exaggerate the scandals around him.
To prove Michaels side of the story, he sent the following unedited footage to a television company. The footage is that of Michaels own cameramen in which Michael had filming along with Bashirs own cameramen during the entire time the documentary was being filmed.
"Take Two: The Footage You Were Never Meant To See" is hosted by Maury Povich. In it you will see the footage that Bashir chose to cut out of his final version of the film along with several interviews from people who know Jackson and chose to speak in his defense -- all of which agreed to be interviewed without payment.
And on a side note I want to add that this is a very good example of what people mean when they go on the side of Michael Jackson by speaking ill of the media. The fact is that drama and scandal does bring in more viewers so this is what the news programs and tabloids always chose to focus on. And in focusing on this and constantly showing the clips from anything negative they can over and over, it embeds a certain kind of negative image of a person in all of our minds. I feel a deep shame over my poor opinion of Michael Jackson over all of the years becaue of this, but I do want to add that what Michael says is entirely true, you shouldn't judge someone unti you've met them. This is to say, don't judge someone out of context. This is exactly why I've chose to post so many of these videos, the ones of the good and the bad. So you can see the man in a context.
And although my opinions of Michael Jackson may be considered biased now, they weren't before I watched all of these videos. Both the good and the bad.
Michael continuously blamed the negative light that was put on him on the documentaries creator, Martin Bashir. He felt betrayed by Bashir and insisted that the finale version of the documentary Bashir aired, used only material that supported Bashirs biased opinion on Michael and his lifestyle while working to exaggerate the scandals around him.
To prove Michaels side of the story, he sent the following unedited footage to a television company. The footage is that of Michaels own cameramen in which Michael had filming along with Bashirs own cameramen during the entire time the documentary was being filmed.
"Take Two: The Footage You Were Never Meant To See" is hosted by Maury Povich. In it you will see the footage that Bashir chose to cut out of his final version of the film along with several interviews from people who know Jackson and chose to speak in his defense -- all of which agreed to be interviewed without payment.
And on a side note I want to add that this is a very good example of what people mean when they go on the side of Michael Jackson by speaking ill of the media. The fact is that drama and scandal does bring in more viewers so this is what the news programs and tabloids always chose to focus on. And in focusing on this and constantly showing the clips from anything negative they can over and over, it embeds a certain kind of negative image of a person in all of our minds. I feel a deep shame over my poor opinion of Michael Jackson over all of the years becaue of this, but I do want to add that what Michael says is entirely true, you shouldn't judge someone unti you've met them. This is to say, don't judge someone out of context. This is exactly why I've chose to post so many of these videos, the ones of the good and the bad. So you can see the man in a context.
And although my opinions of Michael Jackson may be considered biased now, they weren't before I watched all of these videos. Both the good and the bad.
Michael Jackson - Living with Michael Jackson, Take Two (part 1/9) EXCLUSIVE!!!
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Michael Jackson - Living with Michael Jackson, Take Two (part 2/9) EXCLUSIVE!!!
Runtime: 486
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Michael Jackson - Living with Michael Jackson, Take Two (part 3/9) EXCLUSIVE!!!
Runtime: 560
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Michael Jackson - Living with Michael Jackson, Take Two (part 4/9) EXCLUSIVE!!!
Runtime: 581
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Michael Jackson - Living with Michael Jackson, Take Two (part 5/9) EXCLUSIVE!!!
Runtime: 563
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Michael Jackson - Living with Michael Jackson, Take Two (part 6/9) EXCLUSIVE!!!
Runtime: 571
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Michael Jackson - Living with Michael Jackson, Take Two (part 7/9) EXCLUSIVE!!!
Runtime: 594
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Michael Jackson - Living with Michael Jackson, Take Two (part 8/9) EXCLUSIVE!!!
Runtime: 347
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Michael Jackson - Living with Michael Jackson, Take Two (part 9/9) EXCLUSIVE!!!
Runtime: 457
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Martin Bashir's Comments After Michael Jackson's Death
The maker of "Living With Michael Jackson" speaks about Michael Jackson after his death
Martin Bashir, the man who made the documentary "Living With Michael Jackson", spoke on the day of Michael's death about his feelings over Michael Jackson.
I understand that this video disrupts my timeline a bit -- as it takes place in 2009 on the very day of Jackson's death -- but I found it interesting and thought best that it should be watched directly after seeing both "Living With Michael Jackson" and "Take Two: The Footage You Were Never Meant To See".
In this video Bashir seems to praise Michael Jackson and blatantly says that he doesn't believe Michael Jacksons acts were "criminal".
I may be a bit out of line here, but I believe that this is a perfect example of how the media (just like those of us who follow it) jump on and focus on whatever bandwagon makes for a better story. Back in the days of "Living With Michael Jackson" Bashir was on the bandwagon that condemed Michael Jackson (as many of us did) and, now that Jackson's gone, Bashir is once again jumping on the most popular bandwagon.
I understand that this video disrupts my timeline a bit -- as it takes place in 2009 on the very day of Jackson's death -- but I found it interesting and thought best that it should be watched directly after seeing both "Living With Michael Jackson" and "Take Two: The Footage You Were Never Meant To See".
In this video Bashir seems to praise Michael Jackson and blatantly says that he doesn't believe Michael Jacksons acts were "criminal".
I may be a bit out of line here, but I believe that this is a perfect example of how the media (just like those of us who follow it) jump on and focus on whatever bandwagon makes for a better story. Back in the days of "Living With Michael Jackson" Bashir was on the bandwagon that condemed Michael Jackson (as many of us did) and, now that Jackson's gone, Bashir is once again jumping on the most popular bandwagon.
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2003? - Michael Jackson interviewed by filmmaker, and friend, Brett Ratner
Brett released this statement in response to people questioning whether Michael was aware of the camera.
"To those people curious about if Michael was aware that the video camera was filming:
Several years ago Michael and I were in Florida vacationing and, early one morning Michael came into my room with HIS video camera and started to film and ask questions about my life and why i dreamed of becoming a director. He was always interested in people and curious about their hopes and dreams. After about an hour, I asked if I could interview him about his life and dreams. He said yes and handed me his camera. I then got a pen and piece of paper and wrote down some questions that I thought would be interesting. As I was reading the questions to him in the midst of the interview I realized that the camera wasn't on. So, I turned it on. I have hundreds of hours of footage of us hanging out, vacationing, dancing, and sharing our thoughts on life. This video was a very personal conversation between two friends that I wanted to share so that people would see his humanity and beautiful heart. The interview was transcribed and published with Michael's permission in Interview magazine several years ago. Please feel free to look it up. He was happy to share it and loved how it was a conversation between two friends and not a journalist prying into his private life. It is not for sale and never will be."
Brett Ratner
"To those people curious about if Michael was aware that the video camera was filming:
Several years ago Michael and I were in Florida vacationing and, early one morning Michael came into my room with HIS video camera and started to film and ask questions about my life and why i dreamed of becoming a director. He was always interested in people and curious about their hopes and dreams. After about an hour, I asked if I could interview him about his life and dreams. He said yes and handed me his camera. I then got a pen and piece of paper and wrote down some questions that I thought would be interesting. As I was reading the questions to him in the midst of the interview I realized that the camera wasn't on. So, I turned it on. I have hundreds of hours of footage of us hanging out, vacationing, dancing, and sharing our thoughts on life. This video was a very personal conversation between two friends that I wanted to share so that people would see his humanity and beautiful heart. The interview was transcribed and published with Michael's permission in Interview magazine several years ago. Please feel free to look it up. He was happy to share it and loved how it was a conversation between two friends and not a journalist prying into his private life. It is not for sale and never will be."
Brett Ratner
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Michael Jackson Conspiracy
2003: 60 Minutes Interview (3 Parts)
Michael speaks again about his court case
Michael Jackson 60 Minutes Interview (Part 3) child molestation charges!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Runtime: 622
67029 views
647 Comments:
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2005: Trial Statement
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2005: Geraldo Rivera Interview (5 Parts)
This is interview took place during the first week of Michael Jackson's sexual molestation trial. Because of a court imposed gag order, though, Michael was unable to speak openly about the case. But he was granted the right to speak in general terms about the case on this show.
Although it was done during a difficult time in Michaels life, this is a relatively relaxed interview. It's one of the rare times that Michael's interviewer wasn't badgering him and actully believed in his innocents... it's refreshing. This is also one of the finale real full interviews that Michael Jackson has done.
After the trial spoken about in this interview was over, Michael was found not guilty on all counts.
Although it was done during a difficult time in Michaels life, this is a relatively relaxed interview. It's one of the rare times that Michael's interviewer wasn't badgering him and actully believed in his innocents... it's refreshing. This is also one of the finale real full interviews that Michael Jackson has done.
After the trial spoken about in this interview was over, Michael was found not guilty on all counts.
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2006: Legal issues
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2007: Ebony Interview and Photoshoot
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2008: NRJ Awards Acceptance Speech
Accepting the award for the biggest selling album in music history, "Thriller"
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Rare Michael Jackson Memorabilia
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2003: Documentary: "Michael Jackson's Private Home Movies" (11 Parts)
**MUST SEE** Remembering Michael Jackson... the person
This is a documentary not only of Michael Jackson, but also hosted by Michael Jackson.
In it Michael shows a collection of his home videos from the time he was growing up in Indiana, to the times he spent with McCauley Culkin, Elizabeth Taylor, Emmanuel Lewis, Chris Tucker, Eddie Murphy, and so on. It shows him behind the scenes of music videos and behind the scenes of life, whether he was spending time with his family or just hanging out and dancing to R Kelly songs in the back of Brett Ratners car.
In short, this is documentary is what shows Michael as a real person more than anything else. It's definitely the biggest *MUST SEE* I've added to this lens. It's funny, heartfelt, and true. I've purposely saved it as my last collection of videos because of this. Because it shows Michael Jackson as the human being he was. And it's how I want to remember him, not just as the pop icon he was, but as the wonderful person he was and the incredible life he led.
In it Michael shows a collection of his home videos from the time he was growing up in Indiana, to the times he spent with McCauley Culkin, Elizabeth Taylor, Emmanuel Lewis, Chris Tucker, Eddie Murphy, and so on. It shows him behind the scenes of music videos and behind the scenes of life, whether he was spending time with his family or just hanging out and dancing to R Kelly songs in the back of Brett Ratners car.
In short, this is documentary is what shows Michael as a real person more than anything else. It's definitely the biggest *MUST SEE* I've added to this lens. It's funny, heartfelt, and true. I've purposely saved it as my last collection of videos because of this. Because it shows Michael Jackson as the human being he was. And it's how I want to remember him, not just as the pop icon he was, but as the wonderful person he was and the incredible life he led.
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Michael Jackson: The Humanitarian
Michael Jacksons true (unfortunately overlooked) legacy
I've heard many people go on about why should Michael Jackson get as much coverage as he does, why should people appreciate Michael Jackson, and why should Michael Jackson be remembered. Most of the arguments on his defense say that Michael Jackson was the greatest entertainer who ever lived, the greatest singer, or that he paved the way for African Americans and made MTV what it is today. All of this may be true, but I think the most important thing to remember about Michael Jackson is his acts as a humanitarian.Michael Jackson devoted his entire life to love and togetherness. You hear this in his interviews, acceptance speeches, and even his music. One of the greatest tragedies is that when people listen to Michael Jackson's music they only focus on the killer beats, the amazing vocals, and catchy choruses. But if you pay attention to what Michael Jackson's actually saying then you can see who he truly is. I could go through here and write out the lyrics for you. Maybe go on a rant about how "Beat It" is speaking against violence or something like that. But I'm not going to do that. Instead, I will just tell you some of what he has done. And maybe after knowing that, then the music and Michael Jackson's mission will become more clear.
+After suffering second degree burns to his scalp on January 27 of 1984 -- after pyrotechnics accidentally set his hair on fire during a Pepsi Cola Commercial -- PepsiCo settled a lawsuit with Michael Jackson out of court. Michael Jackson then gave his $1.5 million settlement to the "Michael Jackson Burn Center" which was a piece of new technology to help people with severe burns.
+January 10, 1984: Michael visits the unit for burn victims at Brotman-Memorial Hospital in Los Angeles.
+April 9, 1984: David Smithee, a 14-year-old boy who suffers from cystic fibroses is invited to Michael's home. It was David's last wish to meet Michael. He dies 7 weeks later.
+April 14, 1984: Michael equips a 19-bed-unit at Mount Senai New York Medical Center. This center is part of the T.J. Martell-Foundation for leukemia and cancer research.
+On May 14, 1984, Michael Jackson was invited to the White House To Receive an award, presented by President Ronald Reagan, for his support of charities that helped people overcome alcohol and drug abuse.
+July 14, 1984: After the first concert of the Victory Tour, Michael meets 8 terminally ill children backstage.
+After the 1984 Victory Tour, headlined by The Jacksons, Michael Jackson donated his $5 million dollar share to charity.
+Michael Jackson co-wrote the charity single "We Are the World" with Lionel Richie, which was released worldwide to aid the poor in Africa and the US. He was one of 39 music celebrities who performed on the record. The single became one of the best-selling singles of all time, with nearly 20 million copies sold and millions of dollars donated to famine relief.
+During The Bad World Tour, Michael Jackson performed a total of 123 concerts to a total audience of 4.4 million people. During the trip he invited underprivileged children to watch for free and gave donations to hospitals, orphanages and other charities.
+February 28, 1986: After having had a heart-transplant, 14-year-old Donna Ashlock from California gets a call from Michael Jackson. He had heard that she is a big fan of his. Michael invites her to his home as soon as she is feeling better. This visit takes place on March 8th. Donna stays for dinner and watches a movie together with Michael.
+September 13, 1987: Michael supports a campaign against racism. He supports efforts of the NAACP, to fight prejudices against black artists.
+October 1987: At the end of his Bad Tour, Michael donates some personal items to the UNESCO for a charitable auction. The proceeds will be for the education of children in developing countries.
+April 1988: Free tickets are given away for three concerts in Atlanta, Georgia to the Make A Wish Foundation.
+May 22, 1988: Michael visits children who suffer from cancer in the Bambini-Gesu Children's Hospital in Rome. He signs autographs and gives away sweets and records to the little patients. He promises a check of 100,000 pounds to the hospital.
+July 16, 1988: Before a concert at Wembley Stadium Michael meets the Prince of Wales and his wife Diana. He hands over a check of 150,000 pounds for the Prince's Trust, and a check of 100,000 pounds for the children's hospital at Great Ormond Street.
+July 20, 1988: Michael visits terminally ill children at Great Ormond Street Hospital. At a unit for less critical patients he stays a little bit longer and tells a story.
+August 29, 1988: At his 30th birthday Michael performs a concert in Leeds, England for the English charity-organization "Give For Life". The goal of this organization is the immunization of children. Michael presents a check for 65,000 pounds.
+December 1988: Michael visits 12-year-old David Rothenburg. His father had 5 years earlier burned him very badly in an act of revenge against his former wife.
+January 1989: The proceeds of one of Michael's shows in Los Angeles are donated to Childhelp USA, the biggest charity-organization against child-abuse. In appreciation of the contributions of Michael, Childhelp of Southern California is founding the "Michael Jackson International Institute for Research On Child Abuse".
+January 10, 1989: The Bad Tour comes to an end. Under-privileged children are donated tickets for each concert and Michael donates money to hospitals, orphanages and charity-organizations.
+February 7, 1989: Michael visits the Cleveland Elementary School in Stockton, California. Some weeks earlier a 25-year-old man had fired at the school's playground. 5 children had been killed and 39 had been wounded.
+March 5, 1989: Michael invites 200 deprived children of the St. Vincent Institute for handicapped children and of the organization Big Brothers and Big Sisters to the Circus Vargas in Santa Barbara. After this event he invites them to his ranch to introduce his private zoo at his Neverland Ranch to them.
+November 13, 1989: The organization "Wishes Granted" helps 4-year-old Darian Pagan, who suffers from leukemia to meet Michael. Michael invites the little boy to a performance of Canadian acrobats.
+January 6, 1990: Michael invites 82 abused and neglected children through Childhelp to his Neverland Ranch. There are games, a Barbeque and a movie show provided for them.
+July 1990: 45 children from the Project Dream Street, Los Angeles, for children with life-threatening illness are invited to Neverland Valley.
+August 18, 1990: Michael invites 130 children of the YMCA summer program of Los Angeles and Santa Barbara to his Neverland Ranch.
+From 1985 to 1990, Jackson donated $500,000 to the United Negro College Fund, and all the profits from his single "Man in the Mirror" went to charity.
+December 1991: Michael's office MJJ Productions treats needy families in Los Angeles with more than 200 turkey dinners.
+In 1992 Michael Jackson founded the "Heal The World Foundation". The charity organization brought underprivileged children to Jackson's ranch, to go on theme park rides that Jackson had built on the property after he purchased it. The foundation also sent millions of dollars around the globe to help children threatened by war and disease. After completing the five month long Dangerous World Tour, where he performed to 3.5 million people in 67 concerts, all the profits went to the "Heal The World Foundation", raising millions of dollars in relief.
+December 28, 1989: Young Ryan White, who suffers from hemophilia, spends his holidays on Michael's ranch. Ryan had been infected with AIDS by contaminated blood transfusions in 1984. After he was excluded from his school in Kokomo, Ryan fought against the discrimination of AIDS victims.
+Following the illness and death of Ryan White, Michael Jackson helped draw public attention to HIV/AIDS, something that was still controversial at the time. He publicly pleaded with the Clinton Administration at Bill Clinton's Inaugural Gala to give more money to HIV/AIDS charities and research.
And so on ...
More charitable acts by Michael Jackson
+May 6, 1991: Michael is invited to the Jane Goodall Charity event. Michael supports her, an advocate of behavioral research concerning chimpanzees in Gombe, Nigeria for more than 30 years.
+July 26, 1991: Michael pays a visit to the Youth Sports & Art Foundation in Los Angeles. This Foundation supports families of gang members, and helps dealing with drug-abuse. Michael talks to the kids and presents them with a wide-screen TV set and a financial gift.
+February 1992: Within 11 days Michael covers 30,000 miles in Africa, to visit hospitals, orphanages, schools, churches, and institutions for mentally handicapped children.
+May 6, 1992: Michael defrays the funeral-expenses for Ramon Sanchez, who was killed during the Los Angeles riots.
+June 26, 1992: Michael presents the Mayor of Munich, Mr. Kronawitter, with a 40,000 DM-check for the needy people of the city.
+June 29, 1992: Michael visits the Sophia Children's Hospital in Rotterdam and presents a check for 100,000 pounds.
+July 1992: Michael donated L. 821,477,296 to La Partita del Cuore (The Heart Match) in Rome and donated 120,000 DM to children's charities in Estonia and Latvia.
+July 25, 1992: On the occasion of a concert in Dublin, Ireland, Michael announces that he will give 400,000 pounds of the tour earnings to various charities.
+July 29, 1992: Michael visits the Queen Elizabeth Children's Hospital in London. To the surprise the children, he brings Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from Euro-Disney to the hospital.
+July 31, 1992: On the Eve of his second concert at Wembley Stadium, Michael presents Prince Charles with a check of 200,000 pounds for the Prince's Trust.
+August 16, 1992: 6 year old Nicholas Killen, who lost his eyesight caused by a life aiding cancer surgery, meets Michael backstage in Leeds, England.
+September 1992: Michael donated 1 million pesetas to charity headed by the Queen of Spain.
+September 30, 1992: President Iliescu of Romania inaugurates a playground for 500 orphans which Michael has financed. Michael discusses his Heal The World Foundation.
+October 1, 1992: Michael chooses a concert in Bucharest, Romania for worldwide television broadcast. Bucharest is a logical choice due to the numerous orphanages the country is known for.
+November 24, 1992: At Kennedy Airport in New York, Michael supervises the loading of 43 tons of medication, blankets, and winter clothes destined for Sarajevo. The Heal The World Foundation collaborates with AmeriCares to bring resources totaling $2.1 million to Sarajevo. They will be allocated under the supervision of the United Nations.
+December 10, 1992: During a press conference at the American Ambassy in Tokyo Michael is presented with a check for $100,000 for the Heal The World Foundation by Tour Sponsor Pepsi.
+December 26, 1992: During a broadcast request for donations to the United Negro College Fund, Michael declares: "Black Colleges and Universities are breeding some of the leading personalities of our time. They are on top in business, justice, science and technologies, politics and religion. I am proud, that the Michael Jackson Scholarship Program enabled more than 200 young men and women to get a qualified education."
+January 26, 1993: At a press conference held at Century Plaza Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles, Michael is presented with a $200,000 donation from the National Football League and the Sponsors of the Super Bowl. He gets another $500,000 from the BEST Foundation for his Heal The World Foundation. At this occasion the foundation of "Heal L.A." is officially announced.
+February 1993: In association with Sega, launched an initiative to distribute more than $108,000 of computer games and equipment to children's hospitals, children's homes, and children's charities throughout the U.K.
+March 1993: The foundation of an independent film company is announced. They will produce family-oriented movies. A part of the earnings will go to the Heal The World Foundation.
+March 27, 1993: At a meeting at Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, Michael gives a 5-minute speech to 1200 teachers and politicians.
+April 26, 1993: Within his "Heal LA" tour, Michael visits the Watta Health Foundation, and two schools in Los Angeles South Central.
+May 5, 1993: Former President Jimmy Carter and Michael, who are chairmen of the "Heal Our Children/Heal The World" initiative, are in Atlanta to promote their "Atlanta Project Immunization Drive".
+June 1993: Michael has announced that he will donate $1.25 million for children who have suffered from the riots in Los Angeles.
+June 1993: 100 children from the Challengers Boys and Girls Club visit Neverland.
+June 10, 1993: Michael promotes the new DARE-program. The purpose of the program is to inform children about the dangers of drug abuse.
+June 18, 1993: Michael pays a visit to a hospital in Washington. He spends several hours with the young patients and plays chess with some of them.
+August 1993: With Pepsi-Cola Thailand, donated $40,000 to Crown Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's charity, the Rural School Children and Youth Development Fund, in support of school lunch programs in rural villages in Thailand.
+August 1993: In conjunction with Pepsi-Cola International, donated new ambulances to the Contacts One Independent Living Center for Children in Moscow, Russia and the Hospital de Ninos Dr. Ricardo Gutierrez in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
+October 1993: Donated $100,000 to the Children's Defense Fund, the Children's Diabetes Foundation, the Atlanta Project, and the Boys and Girl Clubs of Newark, New Jersey.
+October 22, 1993: Michael visits a hospital in Santiago.
+October 28, 1993: Michael makes it possible for 5000 underprivileged children to visit the Reino Aventura Park, where the whale Keiko ("Free Willy") is living.
+November 5, 1993: Michael is guest at a children's party at the Hard Rock Cafe in Mexico City.
+December 1993: With the Gorbachev Foundation, airlifted 60,000 doses of children's vaccines to Tblisi, Georgia.
+December 16, 1993: The Heal The World Foundation UK supports "Operation Christmas Child" delivering toys, sweets, gifts and food to children in former Yugoslavia.
+1994: Michael donates $500,000 to Elizabeth Taylor's AIDS Foundation.
+January 7, 1994: On the weekend of Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, Michael gives a party for more than 100 underprivileged children at his Neverland Ranch.
+February 22, 1994: "The Jackson Family Honors" is televised. The earnings of the show are given to their own newly formed charity, "Family Caring for Families".
+August 6, 1994: Michael and his wife Lisa Marie are visiting two children's hospitals in Budapest. They distribute toys to the ill children.
+1995: Michael wants to free dolphins who have been locked up for years. He believes there should be legal guidelines about the way dolphins have to live in zoos and parks.
+March 1995: Little Bela Farkas received a new liver. Michael and Lisa Marie met this 4-year-old boy during their trip to Hungary in 1994. Michael did everything to help Bela, whose only chance to live was getting a new liver. The Heal The World Foundation covered the surgery and the cost for caring.
+June 21, 1996: Michael donated a four-times platinum disc of "HIStory" in aid of the Dunblane appeal at the Royal Oak Hotel, Sevenoaks in England.
+July 26, 1991: Michael pays a visit to the Youth Sports & Art Foundation in Los Angeles. This Foundation supports families of gang members, and helps dealing with drug-abuse. Michael talks to the kids and presents them with a wide-screen TV set and a financial gift.
+February 1992: Within 11 days Michael covers 30,000 miles in Africa, to visit hospitals, orphanages, schools, churches, and institutions for mentally handicapped children.
+May 6, 1992: Michael defrays the funeral-expenses for Ramon Sanchez, who was killed during the Los Angeles riots.
+June 26, 1992: Michael presents the Mayor of Munich, Mr. Kronawitter, with a 40,000 DM-check for the needy people of the city.
+June 29, 1992: Michael visits the Sophia Children's Hospital in Rotterdam and presents a check for 100,000 pounds.
+July 1992: Michael donated L. 821,477,296 to La Partita del Cuore (The Heart Match) in Rome and donated 120,000 DM to children's charities in Estonia and Latvia.
+July 25, 1992: On the occasion of a concert in Dublin, Ireland, Michael announces that he will give 400,000 pounds of the tour earnings to various charities.
+July 29, 1992: Michael visits the Queen Elizabeth Children's Hospital in London. To the surprise the children, he brings Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from Euro-Disney to the hospital.
+July 31, 1992: On the Eve of his second concert at Wembley Stadium, Michael presents Prince Charles with a check of 200,000 pounds for the Prince's Trust.
+August 16, 1992: 6 year old Nicholas Killen, who lost his eyesight caused by a life aiding cancer surgery, meets Michael backstage in Leeds, England.
+September 1992: Michael donated 1 million pesetas to charity headed by the Queen of Spain.
+September 30, 1992: President Iliescu of Romania inaugurates a playground for 500 orphans which Michael has financed. Michael discusses his Heal The World Foundation.
+October 1, 1992: Michael chooses a concert in Bucharest, Romania for worldwide television broadcast. Bucharest is a logical choice due to the numerous orphanages the country is known for.
+November 24, 1992: At Kennedy Airport in New York, Michael supervises the loading of 43 tons of medication, blankets, and winter clothes destined for Sarajevo. The Heal The World Foundation collaborates with AmeriCares to bring resources totaling $2.1 million to Sarajevo. They will be allocated under the supervision of the United Nations.
+December 10, 1992: During a press conference at the American Ambassy in Tokyo Michael is presented with a check for $100,000 for the Heal The World Foundation by Tour Sponsor Pepsi.
+December 26, 1992: During a broadcast request for donations to the United Negro College Fund, Michael declares: "Black Colleges and Universities are breeding some of the leading personalities of our time. They are on top in business, justice, science and technologies, politics and religion. I am proud, that the Michael Jackson Scholarship Program enabled more than 200 young men and women to get a qualified education."
+January 26, 1993: At a press conference held at Century Plaza Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles, Michael is presented with a $200,000 donation from the National Football League and the Sponsors of the Super Bowl. He gets another $500,000 from the BEST Foundation for his Heal The World Foundation. At this occasion the foundation of "Heal L.A." is officially announced.
+February 1993: In association with Sega, launched an initiative to distribute more than $108,000 of computer games and equipment to children's hospitals, children's homes, and children's charities throughout the U.K.
+March 1993: The foundation of an independent film company is announced. They will produce family-oriented movies. A part of the earnings will go to the Heal The World Foundation.
+March 27, 1993: At a meeting at Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, Michael gives a 5-minute speech to 1200 teachers and politicians.
+April 26, 1993: Within his "Heal LA" tour, Michael visits the Watta Health Foundation, and two schools in Los Angeles South Central.
+May 5, 1993: Former President Jimmy Carter and Michael, who are chairmen of the "Heal Our Children/Heal The World" initiative, are in Atlanta to promote their "Atlanta Project Immunization Drive".
+June 1993: Michael has announced that he will donate $1.25 million for children who have suffered from the riots in Los Angeles.
+June 1993: 100 children from the Challengers Boys and Girls Club visit Neverland.
+June 10, 1993: Michael promotes the new DARE-program. The purpose of the program is to inform children about the dangers of drug abuse.
+June 18, 1993: Michael pays a visit to a hospital in Washington. He spends several hours with the young patients and plays chess with some of them.
+August 1993: With Pepsi-Cola Thailand, donated $40,000 to Crown Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's charity, the Rural School Children and Youth Development Fund, in support of school lunch programs in rural villages in Thailand.
+August 1993: In conjunction with Pepsi-Cola International, donated new ambulances to the Contacts One Independent Living Center for Children in Moscow, Russia and the Hospital de Ninos Dr. Ricardo Gutierrez in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
+October 1993: Donated $100,000 to the Children's Defense Fund, the Children's Diabetes Foundation, the Atlanta Project, and the Boys and Girl Clubs of Newark, New Jersey.
+October 22, 1993: Michael visits a hospital in Santiago.
+October 28, 1993: Michael makes it possible for 5000 underprivileged children to visit the Reino Aventura Park, where the whale Keiko ("Free Willy") is living.
+November 5, 1993: Michael is guest at a children's party at the Hard Rock Cafe in Mexico City.
+December 1993: With the Gorbachev Foundation, airlifted 60,000 doses of children's vaccines to Tblisi, Georgia.
+December 16, 1993: The Heal The World Foundation UK supports "Operation Christmas Child" delivering toys, sweets, gifts and food to children in former Yugoslavia.
+1994: Michael donates $500,000 to Elizabeth Taylor's AIDS Foundation.
+January 7, 1994: On the weekend of Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, Michael gives a party for more than 100 underprivileged children at his Neverland Ranch.
+February 22, 1994: "The Jackson Family Honors" is televised. The earnings of the show are given to their own newly formed charity, "Family Caring for Families".
+August 6, 1994: Michael and his wife Lisa Marie are visiting two children's hospitals in Budapest. They distribute toys to the ill children.
+1995: Michael wants to free dolphins who have been locked up for years. He believes there should be legal guidelines about the way dolphins have to live in zoos and parks.
+March 1995: Little Bela Farkas received a new liver. Michael and Lisa Marie met this 4-year-old boy during their trip to Hungary in 1994. Michael did everything to help Bela, whose only chance to live was getting a new liver. The Heal The World Foundation covered the surgery and the cost for caring.
+June 21, 1996: Michael donated a four-times platinum disc of "HIStory" in aid of the Dunblane appeal at the Royal Oak Hotel, Sevenoaks in England.
... yeah, there's more....
Even more charitable acts by Michael
+July 18, 1996: In Soweto, South Africa Michael is laying down a wreath of flowers for youngsters who have been killed during the fights involving Apartheid.
+September 1996: The first Sports Festival "Hope" was held for orphans and disadvantaged children. 3000 children and 600 volunteers took part in the Sports Festival and Michael Jackson was a special guest.
+September 6, 1996: Michael visits the children's unit of a hospital in Prague.
+October 1996: Michael visited a hospital for mentally challenged children in Kaoshiung, Taiwan and offered 2,000 free tickets to the sold out performance in Kaoshiung.
+October 1, 1996: Michael donated the proceeds of his Tunisia concert to "The National Solidarity Fund", a charity dedicated to fighting poverty.
+October 3, 1996: Michael visits a children's hospital and brings small gifts for the patients during a HIStory tour visit in Amsterdam. A room in the hospital (for parents who want to be with their children) is named after Michael.
+November 1, 1996: Michael donates most of the earnings from a HIStory concert in Bombay, India to the poor people of the country.
+November 7, 1996: Before his first concert in Auckland, New Zealand, Michael fulfills the wish of little Emely Smith, who is suffering from cancer, who wants to meet Michael.
+November 25, 1996: Michael visited the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, delivering toys, signing autographs, and visiting with children.
+December 9, 1996: During a HIStory tour visit in Manila, Michael visits a children's hospital. He announces that a part of his concert earnings will be donated to the renovation of the hospital.
+January 25, 1997: Michael waved his personal fee for his Bombay appearance and donated $1.1 million to a local charity helping to educate children living in slums.
+April 4, 1997: British magazine "OK!" is publishing exclusive photos of Michael's son Prince. The magazine pays about 1 million pounds for the photos. Michael donates the money to charity.
+June 18, 1997: Michael signed the "Children in Need" book auctioned by the charity UNESCO.
+September 1998: Michael meets 5 year old Aza Woods, who suffers from cancer, at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas. Michael introduces Aza to the attraction "Star Trek: The Experience" and spends the rest of the afternoon with the little boy. Finally Michael invites Aza to spend some time with him at his Neverland Ranch.
+November 16, 1998: Michael arrives in Harare, Zimbabwe. He is a member of the American Delegation invited by the Minister of Defense. The delegation thanks the government of Zimbabwe for helping to keep the peace in this area.
+Throughout June 1999, Jackson was involved in a number of charitable events. He joined Luciano Pavarotti for a benefit concert in Modena, Italy. The show was in support of the non-profit organization Warchild, and raised a million dollars for the refugees of Kosovo, as well as additional funds for the children of Guatemala. Later that same month, Jackson organized a set of "Michael Jackson & Friends" benefit concerts in Germany and Korea. Other artists involved included Slash, The Scorpions, Boyz II Men, Luther Vandross, Mariah Carey, A. R. Rahman, Prabhu Deva Sundaram, Shobana Chandrakumar, Andrea Bocelli and Luciano Pavarotti. The proceeds went to the "Nelson Mandela Children's Fund", the Red Cross and UNESCO.
+In 2000, Jackson was listed in the book of Guinness World Records for his support of 39 charities, more than any other entertainer or personality.
+January 22, 2000: During Christmas last year a violent storm ravaged the park of the Chateau de Versailles and destroyed 10,000 trees in the park. The estimated cost for rebuilding the park is around $20 million. Some celebrities are supporting the restoration of the park. French officials are reporting that Michael Jackson is one of them. He was one of the first people to donate money to this cause.
+October 28, 2000:Michael painted a plate to be auctioned for the "Carousel of Hope Ball" benefiting childhood diabetes research.
+March 6, 2001: Michael donated a black hat, a birthday phone-call and a jacket worn at the Monaco Music Awards in 2000 to the Movie Action for Children auction, an event being given by UNICEF with all proceeds will going to UNICEF's efforts to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission in Africa.
+March 26, 2001: Michael handed out books to young people at a Newark, NJ theater. The event, which helped to launch the Michael Jackson International Book Club, part of his new Heal the Kids charity, aims to promote childhood reading and encourage parents to return to reading bedtime stories.
+In the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks, Michael Jackson helped organize the United We Stand: What More Can I Give benefit concert at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. The concert was aired on October 21, 2001, and included performances from dozens of major artists, including Jackson, who performed his song "What More Can I Give" as the finale.
+September 15, 2002: Michael donated 16 exclusively autographed items consisting of CD's, videos and 2 cotton napkins to aid in the support of the victims of a severe flood in Germany. These items were auctioned off for charity and managed to raise 3935 Euro (US$ 3,814).
+October 12, 2002: Michael Jackson invited more than 200 Team Vandenberg members, who recently returned from overseas deployments, and their families to his Neverland Ranch. This was to show his appreciation for the sacrifices the military in his community make.
+November 19-29, 2002: Michael donated an autographed teddy bear dressed in his likeness to Siegfried & Roy's celebrity teddy bear auction. This auction benefits Opportunity Village which is a non-profit organization based in Las Vegas (USA) that enhances the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. Michael's autographed teddy bear raised $5,000 for the charity.
+November 21, 2002: Michael donated a jacket to the The Bambi Charity Event in Berlin which raised $16,000.
+April 25, 2002: Michael Jackson performed at a fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee at the Apollo Theater in Harlem helping to raise nearly $3 million dollars towards voter registration.
+June 2003: The Wolf family, who experienced serious damages to their belongings during the flood in Saxony, Germany last August, was invited to Berlin by Michael Jackson when he was at the Bambi Awards. On that occasion Michael invited them to Neverland. In June, they spent three days at Neverland, meeting Michael and his children.
The 39 known charities Michael Jackson supported
AIDS Project L.A.
American Cancer Society
Angel Food
Big Brothers of Greater Los Angeles
BMI Foundation, Inc.
Brotherhood Crusade
Brothman Burn Center
Camp Ronald McDonald
Childhelp U.S.A.
Children's Institute International
Cities and Schools Scholarship Fund
Community Youth Sports & Arts Foundation
Congressional Black Caucus (CBC)
Dakar Foundation
Dreamstreet Kids
Dreams Come True Charity
Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation
Juvenile Diabetes Foundation
Love Match
Make-A-Wish Foundation
Minority Aids Project
Motown Museum
NAACP
National Rainbow Coalition
Rotary Club of Australia
Society of Singers
Starlight Foundation
The Carter Center's Atlanta Project
The Sickle Cell Research Foundation
Transafrica
United Negro College Fund (UNCF)
United Negro College Fund Ladder's of Hope
Volunteers of America
Watts Summer Festival
Wish Granting
YMCA - 28th Street/Crenshaw
All of this is exactly why we should be remembering and appreciateing Michael Jackson. Even in his will, Michael Jackson left a portion of his money to a childrens charity organization.
We need to realize that his impact on the world was not strictly in entertaining us, it was in helping us. It's not very often that a man with as much power, money, and influence as Michael Jackson comes along and uses each and every one of those tools for the purpose of good. We couldn't appreciate it while he was alive, so we should at least appreciate it now that he's gone. Now that his name is as big as it ever will be. He was and should continue to be an inspiration to us all.
+September 1996: The first Sports Festival "Hope" was held for orphans and disadvantaged children. 3000 children and 600 volunteers took part in the Sports Festival and Michael Jackson was a special guest.
+September 6, 1996: Michael visits the children's unit of a hospital in Prague.
+October 1996: Michael visited a hospital for mentally challenged children in Kaoshiung, Taiwan and offered 2,000 free tickets to the sold out performance in Kaoshiung.
+October 1, 1996: Michael donated the proceeds of his Tunisia concert to "The National Solidarity Fund", a charity dedicated to fighting poverty.
+October 3, 1996: Michael visits a children's hospital and brings small gifts for the patients during a HIStory tour visit in Amsterdam. A room in the hospital (for parents who want to be with their children) is named after Michael.
+November 1, 1996: Michael donates most of the earnings from a HIStory concert in Bombay, India to the poor people of the country.
+November 7, 1996: Before his first concert in Auckland, New Zealand, Michael fulfills the wish of little Emely Smith, who is suffering from cancer, who wants to meet Michael.
+November 25, 1996: Michael visited the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, delivering toys, signing autographs, and visiting with children.
+December 9, 1996: During a HIStory tour visit in Manila, Michael visits a children's hospital. He announces that a part of his concert earnings will be donated to the renovation of the hospital.
+January 25, 1997: Michael waved his personal fee for his Bombay appearance and donated $1.1 million to a local charity helping to educate children living in slums.
+April 4, 1997: British magazine "OK!" is publishing exclusive photos of Michael's son Prince. The magazine pays about 1 million pounds for the photos. Michael donates the money to charity.
+June 18, 1997: Michael signed the "Children in Need" book auctioned by the charity UNESCO.
+September 1998: Michael meets 5 year old Aza Woods, who suffers from cancer, at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas. Michael introduces Aza to the attraction "Star Trek: The Experience" and spends the rest of the afternoon with the little boy. Finally Michael invites Aza to spend some time with him at his Neverland Ranch.
+November 16, 1998: Michael arrives in Harare, Zimbabwe. He is a member of the American Delegation invited by the Minister of Defense. The delegation thanks the government of Zimbabwe for helping to keep the peace in this area.
+Throughout June 1999, Jackson was involved in a number of charitable events. He joined Luciano Pavarotti for a benefit concert in Modena, Italy. The show was in support of the non-profit organization Warchild, and raised a million dollars for the refugees of Kosovo, as well as additional funds for the children of Guatemala. Later that same month, Jackson organized a set of "Michael Jackson & Friends" benefit concerts in Germany and Korea. Other artists involved included Slash, The Scorpions, Boyz II Men, Luther Vandross, Mariah Carey, A. R. Rahman, Prabhu Deva Sundaram, Shobana Chandrakumar, Andrea Bocelli and Luciano Pavarotti. The proceeds went to the "Nelson Mandela Children's Fund", the Red Cross and UNESCO.
+In 2000, Jackson was listed in the book of Guinness World Records for his support of 39 charities, more than any other entertainer or personality.
+January 22, 2000: During Christmas last year a violent storm ravaged the park of the Chateau de Versailles and destroyed 10,000 trees in the park. The estimated cost for rebuilding the park is around $20 million. Some celebrities are supporting the restoration of the park. French officials are reporting that Michael Jackson is one of them. He was one of the first people to donate money to this cause.
+October 28, 2000:Michael painted a plate to be auctioned for the "Carousel of Hope Ball" benefiting childhood diabetes research.
+March 6, 2001: Michael donated a black hat, a birthday phone-call and a jacket worn at the Monaco Music Awards in 2000 to the Movie Action for Children auction, an event being given by UNICEF with all proceeds will going to UNICEF's efforts to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission in Africa.
+March 26, 2001: Michael handed out books to young people at a Newark, NJ theater. The event, which helped to launch the Michael Jackson International Book Club, part of his new Heal the Kids charity, aims to promote childhood reading and encourage parents to return to reading bedtime stories.
+In the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks, Michael Jackson helped organize the United We Stand: What More Can I Give benefit concert at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. The concert was aired on October 21, 2001, and included performances from dozens of major artists, including Jackson, who performed his song "What More Can I Give" as the finale.
+September 15, 2002: Michael donated 16 exclusively autographed items consisting of CD's, videos and 2 cotton napkins to aid in the support of the victims of a severe flood in Germany. These items were auctioned off for charity and managed to raise 3935 Euro (US$ 3,814).
+October 12, 2002: Michael Jackson invited more than 200 Team Vandenberg members, who recently returned from overseas deployments, and their families to his Neverland Ranch. This was to show his appreciation for the sacrifices the military in his community make.
+November 19-29, 2002: Michael donated an autographed teddy bear dressed in his likeness to Siegfried & Roy's celebrity teddy bear auction. This auction benefits Opportunity Village which is a non-profit organization based in Las Vegas (USA) that enhances the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. Michael's autographed teddy bear raised $5,000 for the charity.
+November 21, 2002: Michael donated a jacket to the The Bambi Charity Event in Berlin which raised $16,000.
+April 25, 2002: Michael Jackson performed at a fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee at the Apollo Theater in Harlem helping to raise nearly $3 million dollars towards voter registration.
+June 2003: The Wolf family, who experienced serious damages to their belongings during the flood in Saxony, Germany last August, was invited to Berlin by Michael Jackson when he was at the Bambi Awards. On that occasion Michael invited them to Neverland. In June, they spent three days at Neverland, meeting Michael and his children.
The 39 known charities Michael Jackson supported
AIDS Project L.A.
American Cancer Society
Angel Food
Big Brothers of Greater Los Angeles
BMI Foundation, Inc.
Brotherhood Crusade
Brothman Burn Center
Camp Ronald McDonald
Childhelp U.S.A.
Children's Institute International
Cities and Schools Scholarship Fund
Community Youth Sports & Arts Foundation
Congressional Black Caucus (CBC)
Dakar Foundation
Dreamstreet Kids
Dreams Come True Charity
Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation
Juvenile Diabetes Foundation
Love Match
Make-A-Wish Foundation
Minority Aids Project
Motown Museum
NAACP
National Rainbow Coalition
Rotary Club of Australia
Society of Singers
Starlight Foundation
The Carter Center's Atlanta Project
The Sickle Cell Research Foundation
Transafrica
United Negro College Fund (UNCF)
United Negro College Fund Ladder's of Hope
Volunteers of America
Watts Summer Festival
Wish Granting
YMCA - 28th Street/Crenshaw
All of this is exactly why we should be remembering and appreciateing Michael Jackson. Even in his will, Michael Jackson left a portion of his money to a childrens charity organization.
We need to realize that his impact on the world was not strictly in entertaining us, it was in helping us. It's not very often that a man with as much power, money, and influence as Michael Jackson comes along and uses each and every one of those tools for the purpose of good. We couldn't appreciate it while he was alive, so we should at least appreciate it now that he's gone. Now that his name is as big as it ever will be. He was and should continue to be an inspiration to us all.
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Michael Jackson: Setting the Record Straight (Q&A)
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Michael Jackson: Setting The Record Straight (a Q&A)
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I've created this lens in attempt to clearly answer some of the most asked, re-asked, and asked again questions concerning Michael Jackson. The reason I've done this is not because I'm a huge fan of Michael Jackson's music, or even his skills as a p...
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"I've been in the entertainment industry since I was six-years-old... As Charles Dickens says, 'It's been the best of times, the worst of times.' But I would not change my career... While some have made deliberate attempts to hurt me, I take it in stride because I have a loving family, a strong faith and wonderful friends and fans who have, and continue, to support me."
-Michael Jackson
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- shannonpatricia shannonpatricia Dec 2, 2009 @ 10:04 pm
- nice lens
go to www.squidoo.com/groups/babysquid
and vote for your lens
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- SquidooKimberly SquidooKimberly Nov 7, 2009 @ 5:47 pm
- It's true we remember what the media exploits. Thanks for reminding us of all the great things he accomplished!
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- KimGiancaterino KimGiancaterino Nov 7, 2009 @ 2:56 pm
- Very nice lens... Blessed by a Squid Angel.
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- Vicky from IMDB Vicky from IMDB Nov 6, 2009 @ 9:59 am
- I've been reading your newly added facts page, hope you don't mind if I help you out a bit w/ a few infos. Anyway, you can find Michael Jackson: The Untold Story of Neverland uploaded completely in http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xaz549_michael-jackson-the-documentar y-par_news Hope that helps!
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- Vicky from IMDB Vicky from IMDB Nov 6, 2009 @ 8:52 am
- I came by this & was literally FLOORED! I thought you might find it interesting! http://www.tribute2michael.eu/beeldmateriaal/looks/drieluik.jpg
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- Vicky from IMDB Vicky from IMDB Nov 6, 2009 @ 6:33 am
- Hi Marvin! Remember me? Anyway, you remember that Lupus BLOG article I sent you? I was looking for it & can't find it! I've been reading up on MJ's Lupus, so.... Perhaps you still have it, can you send it to me please?
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- Tezwin Tezwin Oct 21, 2009 @ 8:55 pm
- Awesome Lens! ...Really, this is great work about MJ and the truth. Keep it going.
I have lenses on MJ as well.
Michael Jackson will continue to inspire millions of lives for generations to come.
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- Claire Rawlings Claire Rawlings Sep 14, 2009 @ 1:59 am
- Thank you so much for all this, it must of taken you ages.
well....... it made me cry alot, made me laugh in places, made me damn angry in others but most of all it made me smile, smile for his life and what he gave to all of us.
this is for love L.O.V.E
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- LA LA Jul 29, 2009 @ 6:26 pm
- I saw him twice in concert in the nineties. I was more of an observer of the whole Michael Jackson phenomena during the eighties. I fell somewhat into the same bandwagon you did. I kept a photo of a concert somewhat anticipating something like this would happen. I have learned much from these interviews. He was truthful. People just can't believe there were individuals like him. He gave so much and this is what he gets in return. I'm happy though for the accolades he received.
He was the last true superstar.
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- Connie Connie Jul 28, 2009 @ 3:50 pm
- Thank you so much for writing this. I, like you, went through the same thing...I had my share of making fun of this great man and believing the ridiculous stories the tabloids had written. It wasn't after his death that I listened to his music more and watched interviews and got to know the REAL him and what a wonderful and kind person this was and how the world treated him so harshly. I feel guilty for not treasuring him more when he was still here with us.
But again like you I've changed, I now know wat a wonderful man he is and how much he helped this world and now I refuse to believe what the tabloids say about him cause I know that its all lies. It is through what Michael Jackson did that I am starting to learn to be a better person and do what I can to help make this world a better place and most importantly to not judge a person before talking to them.
Thanks again for writing this.
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by nevets_sdoow
I'm Nevets... I hover drunkenly over a desk with a cigarette dangling from my fingers listening to Mick Jagger sing songs of sex and smoke as I type t... (more)
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