MichaelJacksonHistory3

Michael Jackson: History

Slideshow

THE EARLY YEARS

29th Aug 1958 Born Michael Joseph in Gary, Indiana. Parents were Joseph and Karen Jackson. Six brothers: Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, Steven, and Randy. Three sisters: Maureen, LaToya and Janet. All eleven family members lived in a small two-bedroom clapboard house at 2300 Jackson St.

1963 Mother Katherine became a Jehovah's Witness. Began to attend school at Garnett Elementary. Also became "the lead guy" in the Jackson singing group.

1964 Jacksons performed first non-contest show at a Big Top supermarket.

Aug 1967 Jackson Five performed in the Amateur Show. Won in the most prestigious category the "Superdog".

July 1968 Jacksons signed contract for Motown.

Oct 1969 First single "I want you back" released.

Dec 1969 First album "Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5" released.

31st Jan 1970 "I Want You Back" reached number one in the Billboard chart. Sold more than six million copies.

STARDOM

1972 "Ben" released as a single was first solo number 1 and sold 1.7 million copies in the U.S alone.

1975 Jackson Five and Michael signed with Epic. As well as "a signing bonus" of $750,000 they were guaranteed $350,000 per album.

1978 Starred in the film "The Wiz" along with Diana Ross. The film flopped but was notable in Michael's career in that it introduced Michael to Quincy Jones.

1979 Collaborated with Quincy Jones in making "Off the wall". This sold more than 10 million copies and established Michael as a superstar in his own right. It included the number one singles "Don't stop till you get enough" and "Rock with you".

MEGASTARDOM

1982 "Thriller" released. Again produced by Jones, this sold upwards of forty million copies, which remains a record. It received eight Grammy awards and charted a record six top ten singles. It made Michael more than £100 million.

28th Jan 1984 While filming a Pepsi Cola commercial in Los Angeles a canister, designed to send smoke billowing around him, exploded and set fire to Michael's hair. He subsequently needed laser treatment for his scarred scalp.

1985 Bought "The Beatles" song back catalogue for £31 million.

Nov 1986 Michael revealed that he sleeps in a £90,000 pressurised oxygen chamber to help stop ageing. He claimed "I believe if I treat my body properly I'll live to be at least 150."

1987 "Bad" album released. Went straight in at number one in the Billboard chart.

Apr 1988 Autobiography "Moonwalk" published.

1991"Dangerous" album released.

TROUBLED 90s

1992 Video for single "Black and White" attracted much criticism for the violence of its ending which featured Jackson grabbing his crotch and smashing a car with a hammer.

1993 In an interview with Oprah Winfrey, Michael said he had been whipped and abused as a child by his father.

Aug 1993 13 year old Jordan Chandler accused Michael of sexual abuse. Among the allegations reported over the ensuing months was that Michael repeatedly "kissed and fondled" Jordan.

25th Jan 1994 Jackson's lawyers announced £26.6 million out of court settlement with Jordan Chandler.

26th May 1994 Married Lisa Marie Presley in Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic.

21st Sept 1994 LA district attorney Gil Garcetti ruled that no charges would be brought against Michael because Jordy Chandler had "repeatedly" refused to testify

1995 "HIStory" double album of past and new songs released. Sales were disappointing and the new tracks were panned by the critics.

18th Jan 1996 Lisa Marie Presley filed for divorce citing "irreconcilable differences".

19th Feb 1996 Michael Jackson's performance of Earthsong at the Brit Awards disrupted when Jarvis Cocker jumped on stage and wiggled his bottom at the audience before being chased off by extras.

14th Nov 1996 Michael married nurse Debbie Rowe, 37 in Sydney.

13th Feb 1997 Debbie Rowe gave birth to Michael's first child called Prince Michael Jnr.

3rd Apr 199 Second child, a baby girl called Paris born.

8th Oct 1999 Divorce papers were filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court ending Michael's marriage to Debbie Rowe. Their lawyer, Howard J Rubenstein, said the couple "mutually agreed to end their marriage".

14th Oct 1999 Was announced that Michael was giving Debbie Rowe £5 million in exchange for their two children in a divorce settlement.

7th Jan 2000 Reported that Michael was going to quit the music business and said his next album would be his last.

3rd Sept 2000 Pictures in The News of the World show that Michael's son Prince had blond hair and baby blue eyes.

6th Mar 2001 Michael addressed the Oxford University Union on the subject of childcare and promoted his new initiative "Heal the Kids".

7th Sept 2001 Michael Jackson hosted the first of two star studded concerts at Madison Square Gardens to celebrate his 30 years in showbiz.Marlon Brando, Liza Minnelli, Elizabth Taylor, Ray Charles, Britney Spears, Destiny's Child and Yoko Ono were amongst those who appeared. Michael himself only sang one song, his new single "You Rock My World", it was his first live American concert appearance in 11 years.

30th Oct 2001 Jackson released the album Invincible.

22nd Aug 2002 It was revealed that Michael Jackson had secretly became a father for the third time. But even close associates did not know who the child's mother was.

10th Oct 2002 A book written by Jackson's former brother-in-law Jack Gordon claimed that Jackson hit his pet chimp Bubbles, paid both his wives to marry him and used injections to make his skin paler.

19th Nov 2002 Michael Jackson was criticised after he dangled his baby, Prince Michael the Second aka Blanket, over the fifth floor balcony rail of a hotel in Berlin.

20th Nov 2002 Jackson took his children Prince Michael and Paris Michael to Berlin Zoo. The children's faces were obscured by veils prompting concern over their bizarre upbringing.

3rd Jan 2003 ITV televised Living with Michael Jackson, a documentary where he was interviewed by Martin Bashir. He discussed how he let children sleep in his bed. He admitted that he had had 2 operations on his nose but denied he had changed his appearance in any other way. He talked about his traumatic childhood. His three children were also shown, their faces obscured by masks and veils.

12th Feb 2003 Michael agreed a £1.5 million deal with the Fox network in America to show his own version of the Bashir documentary entitled Take 2: The Documentary They Wouldn't Show You.

4th Mar 2003 The magazine Vanity Fair claimed that Michael Jackson paid £100,000 to put voodoo curses on 25 "enemies" that included Steven Spielberg and David Geffen. It alleged that to strengthen the spell he spent another £100,000 on a ritual bath of animals' blood for which eighty beast were slaughtered.

8th Apr 2003 Michael Jackson put his Californian ranch, Neverland, on sale for £15million.

27th May 2003 Jackson's former financial advisers, Union Finance and Investment Corporation, filed court papers suing him for £8million in unpaid debts and expenses.

13th Sept 2003 Michael opened Neverland to the public attempting to sell tickets for five thousand dollars each. However, tickets were being sold on eBay for far less than that.

18th Nov 2003 Dozens of police officers used a warrant to search Michael Jackson's Neverland mansion. Jackson's lawyer, Brian Oxman, said the search was connected to sexual abuse allegations brought by a boy aged 12.

20th Nov 2003 Michael Jackson gave himself up to police and was led in hand cuffs into Santa Barbara sheriff's office. He surrendered his passport and paid £1.9million in bail.

18th Dec 2003 Michael Jackson was formally charged with performing lewd acts with a young boy. He was accused of serious sexual conduct with an under age child and that he plied him with an intoxicating agent. The child involved was believed to be Gavin Arvizu who featured in Martin Bashir's documentary on the singer.

16th Jan 2004 Michael Jackson made his first court appearance and pleaded not guilty to seven charges of child molestation and two of giving a child an "intoxicating agent". Jackson played to the crowds of supporters when he arrived at the court in Santa Maria, California, signing autographs and jumping onto the roof of a jeep for an impromptu song and dance routine.

23rd Jan 2004 Michael Jackson's ex-wife, Debbie Rowe, was said to be suing him for custody of their two children, Prince, 6, and Paris ,5. The move came amid claims that the children were not biologically related to Jackson but the children of an anonymous sperm donor.

29th Jan 2004 Jackson's ex-business manager Myung-Ho Lee claimed that the singer was addicted to alcohol and painkillers. He claimed that Michael had been in rehab as recently as 1999 and regularly swigged wine, he dubbed jesus juice, from soft drinks cans.

30th Apr 2004 Jackson was charged with conspiracy to kidnap a child and false imprisonment and could be jailed for up to 74 years if found guilty.

29th May 2004 Daniel Kapan, 18, made detailed allegations of abuse which he claimed was filmed by Jackson and began when he was three-years-old.

16th June 2004 It emerged that Michael Jackson paid 25million dollars to silence allegations of sexual abuse made by Jordan Chandler eleven years-ago.

31st Jan 2005 Jackson's trial began in Santa Maria, California, where he faced charges of sexually abusing a 13-year old leukaemia survivor.

28th Feb 2005 Michael Jackson's trial began with Tom "Mad Dog" Sneddon's opening statement He described how the singer allegedly had visited sexually explicit websites and showed cancer survivor Gavin Arvizo - who was 13 at the time - and his younger brother pornography and plied them with alcohol.

10th March 2005 Jackson arrived an hour late at the court in pyjamas.

8th Apr 2005 A former security guard at Michael Jackson's Neverland ranch testified that he saw the singer sexually abusing a boy in the early 1990s. Ralph Chacon gave graphic evidence at the trial in California. But defence lawyers attacked his credibility, painting him as a bitter ex-employee.

11th Apr 2005 June Chandler, the mother of alleged abuse victim Jordy, gave evidence telling how Jackson had begged her to allow her son to share his bed. She said she initially refused to let teenager Jordy Chandler sleep in Mr Jackson's bed, but relented when the singer got upset. "He said, 'You don't trust me? We're a family... There's nothing wrong,'" she told the court in California.

11th May 2005 Macaulay Culkin admitted that he had slept in Michael Jackson's bed but said that allegations of abuse were "ridiculous". Giving evidence at Jackson's child abuse trial, the former child actor said that he had shared a "special bond" with Jackson.

3rd June 2005 The jurors retired to consider their verdict on the charges against Jackson. The trial had lasted sixty days, with 135 witnesses and more than 1,000 pieces of evidence. Jackson had worn 66 different outfits, including pyjamas. If convicted Jackson would face twenty years in jail.

13th June 2005 Michael was cleared of all 10 counts of abuse by the jury in Santa Monica.

7th Oct 2005 Jackson was seen in public for the first time since being cleared of child abuse charges in June. He attended the Billy Elliot musical in London's West End and was besieged by fans a day earlier at a recording studio in the city, where he was believed to be recording a single for the American victims of Hurricane Katrina.

16th Feb 2006 An appeals court refused to reinstate an order granting pop star Michael Jackson sole custody of his two children with ex-wife Debbie Rowe.

13th Apr 2006 Michael Jackson relinquished control over the $1 billion Beatles back catalogue. Sony agreed to pay $200 million for half of Jackson's stake in order to save him from bankruptcy.

March 2009 After three years largely out of the spotlight, Jackson announces a comeback show of 50 dates at London's O2 arena.

25 June, 2009 Jackson dies from heart attack at his Hollywood home.


http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/news/378820/Michael-Jackson-is-dead.html

Slideshow

Cops in Los Angeles are quizzing Michael Jackson's personal doctor over claims the singer took a deadly overdose of painkiller Demerol before his sudden death yesterday.

According to a close family member, Jacko had been given an large dose of the drug - which can trigger heart failure - at 11am local time to help to deal with pain after a rehearsal.

He collapsed in his Hollywood mansion 90 minutes later and was pronounced dead shortly after being rushed to hospital.

GET LATEST UDATES HERE

Los Angeles police spokeswoman Karen Rayner confirmed that coroner's investigators were interviewing the live-in doctor - whose car has been towed away for examination - but stressed he was not under criminal investigation.

"His car was impounded because it may contain medications or other evidence that may assist the coroner in determining the cause of death," Ms Rayner said.

The results of a post-mortem could take six to eight weeks to be confirmed.

Meanwhile, the world of music was mourning the loss of one of the greatest entertainers of the 20th century.

Last picture: Jackson's body is moved into an ambulance

Thousands of fans gathered outside the hospital as music legends from to Quincy Jones - who produced 59-million selling album Thriller - to Madonna paid tribute to the troubled pop genius.

Celeb XS tribute

Michael had been due to perform a marathon 50 concerts at London's 02 from next month: the tour was to restore his reputation and his bank balance after a decade in which his controversial private life drowned out his stardom.

Friends said the stress of the forthcoming tour - which sold out in 24 hours and had already been pushed back once - may have contributed to the star's declining health.

Jackson leaves three children, Michael Joseph Jackson Junior, Paris Michael Katherine Jackson and Prince "Blanket" Michael Jackson II.

For full coverage of Michael Jackson's life buy the News of the World on Sunday.

This article has 66 comments

grow up ppl, the family wants peace right now, and by the way if you were famous would u like millions of ppl always following u, screaming when they see you and so on...its just sick how u love some1 u never even met in real life

By pizike. Posted July 5 2009 at 11:10 PM.

i love you Michael Jackson

R.I.P Michael

By Virna. Posted July 1 2009 at 9:11 AM.

the news of micheal jacksons death has shocked everyone, from the u.k to the other side of the world, people of all ages have cried!
o.k were all upset but why dont people just drop it now and think about his family and children,
he was a wonderful singer but his personal life got in the way! shouldnt that teach us a lesson (not to interfear)
so that other celebrities dont end up the same way!
micheal jackson to me was one in a million!
(my generations elvis)
my mum loves him i love him and now my younger sister loves his music!
god rest in peace mj and lets hope now that youve gone youl have a better life upstairs!!!

By lucy. Posted July 1 2009 at 3:30 AM.

To The Family:
May you find peace in your most cherished memories of Michael. He was a well loved and respected person.
He will be sorely MISSED!!!

By Patricia Wade (bermygal). Posted June 30 2009 at 11:16 PM.

I'm saddened to hear of Michael Jackson death.When the Lord calls our loved ones home,he leaves a gift of memories in exchange.of love and friendship of treasures to carry with us always.It's hard to understand why people , we love are taken from us .But find comfort in knowing Michael Jackson is not alone...he will be reunited in eternity .God is always in our corner in time as this.so when your heart is empty,filling it with happy memories .We love you Michael.

By cynthia. Posted June 30 2009 at 12:03 PM.

i love michael jackson!

By angelo. Posted June 29 2009 at 8:08 AM.

michael u r a best and steal and always king of pop i love u so much than u love your self and i have not see you and i always liked to see u and take a photo with u but i couldn't but i will see u in paradise i hope but not yet my brother not yet with love miran

By miran. Posted June 28 2009 at 11:49 PM.

You are not alone.

Love and respect for MJ

By Bertoez. Posted June 28 2009 at 6:56 PM.

i was shocked to hear the sad news that michael jackson had died. he was and still is the king of pop he was a musical genius.. you was the greatest performer that ever lived.your music will live on in your memory,my condolences are with your family and especially your children at this sad time.you will be s00 sadly missed.
good night and god bless you
michael.xxxxxxxxxxx
jean from london

By jean. Posted June 28 2009 at 3:34 PM.

i was shocked to hear the sad news that michael jackson had died. he was and still is the king of pop he was a musical genius.. you was the greatest performer that ever lived.your music will live on in your memory,my condolences are with your family and especially your children at this sad time.you will be s00 sadly missed.
good night and god bless you
michael.xxxxxxxxxxx
jean from london

By jean. Posted June 28 2009 at 3:29 PM.

r.i.p micheal ur a true legend and no one can beileve u have gone every one misses you loads .x.
The king of pop will never been forgotton lets go for no . 1

By melissa and cathryn . Posted June 28 2009 at 1:53 PM.

REST IN PEACE MICHEAL U WILL BE SADLY MISSED. I CANT BELIEVE IT, ITS SO SO SAD. G

By p. Posted June 28 2009 at 12:51 PM.

I Cant belive he is acctualy gone!
You would think he is one of them people who would be very happy and never die. But obv not.
I feel sorry for his kids! It's hard to lose someone you care about SOO Much. I wounder do any of his kids have a amazing talent like him ? singing or dancing? prehaps we should find out.
I Hope He R.I.P forever :)
Love micheal jackson muchly!!
From Alex
Birmingham

By Alex B. Posted June 28 2009 at 12:41 PM.

i,i,im so sad,i couldnt believe this was happening,i,i thought MJ could live so long,but,but aaa,i dont know want to say what,may ALLAH bless you...we love ya....MJ

By Hiffhs. Posted June 28 2009 at 2:56 AM.

Although Michael was a troubled soul, let's not forget that he was also a talented artist. The 'King of Pop' was also the King of RnB: his dance routines are still very now, they have been emulated by countless RnB and dance artists. He was also a gifted singer and, above all, he had an unsurpassed stage presence. He was unique in many ways, and certainly not a bland manufactured product like - sadly - many of the acts out there today.

By Nathalie H, from Manchester. Posted June 27 2009 at 11:40 PM.

When i first heard about it ,it was on thursday night..i couldnt believe it,,i didnt want to tell my 2 children as they are massive fans,even though they are only 8 and 6,they know the words better than me and the dancing..they are true fans as i am..just goes to show his music touched everyone no matter how old ,how young..my love and respect goes out to his family..
The worlds lost a great man.
R.I.P XXX

By rebecca morris. Posted June 27 2009 at 11:22 PM.

I LOVE JACKSON

By ENES. Posted June 27 2009 at 10:46 PM.

i can't believe the King Of Pop is actually gone! i love every song he has ever done, especially 'black or white'. he will always be in memory and no celebrity will ever replace him. he was and still is a legend

Rest In Peace Michael
xxxxxxx

By alex hales. Posted June 27 2009 at 10:41 PM.

RIP Michael, you were the greatest performer that ever lived, your music will always remain timeless. My thoughs are with your family and especially your three children.

By Bex. Posted June 27 2009 at 7:42 PM.

i iam so sorry that he diied

By Natalie. Posted June 27 2009 at 4:26 PM.

OMG MICHAEL JACKSON IS DEAD AND NEVER COMMING BACK AND I GREW UP LISTENING TO HIS MUSIC AND AFTA ALL DE TINGS I HAVE SED BOUT HIM I REGRET SORRY MICHAEL JACKSON I GUESS NOW THAT UR DEAD PPL UNDERSTAND THE HARD LIFE YOU WENT THROUGH I THINK YOU DESERVE A ROUND OF APPLAUSE TO YOU U MADE BLACK ENTERTAINMENT COME ON TV. EVERYONE IS GONNA MISS YOU JUST REST IN PEACE MICHAEL JACKSON YOUR NEVER GONNA GET FORGETEN UR ALWAYS GONNA BE IN MY HEART YOU HAVE INSPIRED ME TO BE WHO I WANNA BE I HOPE U SAY HELLO TO GOD AND JESUS FOR ME:P I LOVE YOU MICHAEL JACKSON

By Shawty MC. Posted June 27 2009 at 2:33 PM.

MICHAEL JACKSON DEAD !!!!!!!i stil cant belive!!!!
we love you michael jackson!!!!(L)(L)(L)
he was the best!!!!!!i wont forget him!!!!!

By ashley. Posted June 27 2009 at 12:46 PM.

words on the passing of the Great Michael Jackson.

So farewell then Michael Jackson
King of Pop they said,
however my cousin Eric only liked 'Off the Wall'
and Neil my friend, prefers Lionel Richie.

thank you Michael

By Ian Stockham. Posted June 27 2009 at 12:17 PM.

i am portuguese but i love the michael musics. he's the best. he's the king_of_pop.

By anonimo. Posted June 27 2009 at 1:38 PM.

Your music brings back really fond memories for me, RIP MJ xx

By Sarah M. Posted June 27 2009 at 9:53 AM.

OMG i just cant believe it! Even though u r no more ur music wil always b with us. god bless jacko and his family R.I.P and whoever is out there please pray for him xxxxxxxxx

By mollyberry. Posted June 27 2009 at 9:35 AM.

all your fanns miss you not to worry you are in the hands of god bye bye m.j

By elliott walton. Posted June 27 2009 at 10:34 AM.

When I woke at 6:00am and heard the news I was devastated and thought that it wasn't true. When I got back home from school I found out it was true. I was a great fan of Thriller Michael Jackson. You will always be in my heart and your heart will always will be full of dance and music. Love Dana


By Dana. Posted June 27 2009 at 7:59 AM.

rest in peace Michael Jackson's R.I.P

By arvin. Posted June 27 2009 at 6:11 AM.

R.I.P MICHAEL

By IBRAHIM. Posted June 27 2009 at 5:41 AM.

michael you are not dead in our hearts you are always be the king pop
peace

By nassim khouni. Posted June 27 2009 at 12:54 AM.

noooo

By nayelli. Posted June 27 2009 at 12:45 AM.

so sad,is this real? I still can't believe he has gone!u will be always in my prayes michael ,RIP!

By michael. Posted June 27 2009 at 12:21 AM.

I started wondering why it still hasn't hit me that MJ is dead. I repeat it one time after another and still don't seem to believe it. Then I thought that it's because he isn't really dead. He lives so strongly in everything he has left behind, and there's a lot of it. He will live forever.

I'm sad. He was a great, great artist, I wish he hadn't died. So sad..

By M. Posted June 26 2009 at 11:56 PM.

NO!NO! PLEASE COME BACK MICKAEL
GOD WHI IM ,WHI ?

ALL FANS OF MJ PLEASE TELL GOD TO REALESE HIM

By MJ1º FAN. Posted June 26 2009 at 11:46 PM.

Michael Jackson ''The Best Entertainer Of the 20th Century.So sad to missed his coming shows in london.We love u michael jackson

By zulqarnain Akhtar from London. Posted June 26 2009 at 10:06 PM.

michael u may be gone but not forgoten.u'l always be in our hearts nd minds.U ROCK MY WORLD.u wer a icon and rolemodel.May u REST
IN PEACE

By carol&judiane. Posted June 26 2009 at 10:21 PM.

Jackson! Its obvious we are distance from each other, but we are as close in mind when i sing those peace-making, love inculcating and thrilling song of yours.
Adieu! friend.

By SAMUEL FROM NIGERIA. Posted June 26 2009 at 8:58 PM.

I grew up to your music, you are a major part of my childhood. Hours of rewinding thriller. I have never stopped loving you and your dancing. You will never be forgotten and never stopped being loved. I love you Michael.

Rest in peace.

By emily compton. Posted June 26 2009 at 7:57 PM.

MAY U R.I.P MJ
GONE BUR NEVA FORGOTTEN

By ZARA AND IKRA . Posted June 26 2009 at 7:11 PM.

i am in shoked I can't believe this is happening!!!!!MICHAEL JACKSON IS DAED?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
but is not end of this miracal,for me he is still a live from deep of my hard
MJ i love you for ever and i can t forgotten you.

YASSINE from morocco

By yassine. Posted June 26 2009 at 7:00 PM.

i lost my dreamzzzzzz

By mazin. Posted June 26 2009 at 6:39 PM.

May u r.i.p MJ we already miss u

By Kirstie nd tanya. Posted June 26 2009 at 6:38 PM.

I can't believe this is happening, is it a dream? If it is will someone please wake me!

By Keith Gill. Posted June 26 2009 at 3:26 PM.

Michael Jackson was and is still and 4ever will be The King Of Pop, and the best entertainer of all time.

I love u Michael

By Mario De Jesus. Posted June 26 2009 at 4:13 PM.

I am utterly shocked and horrified by this devestating news.
and to people that dont like him please show some respect at this sad time.
Michael you are a true legend i always been a fan of you thankyou so much for music.
God bless you king of pop
Rest in peace
Love You

By Emma. Posted June 26 2009 at 2:58 PM.

I am stunned!! I have been utterly in tears since i heard about this.
I grew up listening to him over the past 30+ years and i feel like i lost a brother today.
I just loved him and his music...and NOBODY can dance like Michael...He was truely the BEST!
My Prayers are with his Children and Family.
I will Miss the King of Pop Very VERY Much.
Rest in Peace Michael...GOD Bless You.
Forever Your Fan.
Freeman

By Freeman Willoughby. Posted June 26 2009 at 2:57 PM.

OH MY GOD NO !

By POWER. Posted June 26 2009 at 2:56 PM.

Michael, you may have gone, but your music will never die.

By POWER. Posted June 26 2009 at 2:56 PM.

I can't just believe that MJ is gone.one thing is sure,his music will ever remain the heart of those that love him.rest in peace king of POP music.we your fan will miss you forever.

By Uka onuoha. Posted June 26 2009 at 2:55 PM.

Michael, you are the legend, you are everything great men are, you have given the world so much and take so little, you have inspired alot and mocked by many, you are true legend.

May ALLAHS mercy be with you

By h nassor. Posted June 26 2009 at 2:54 PM.

I will miss Michael very much too!!
God bless you King of pop; Rest in peace

Michael Jackson - The King of Pop or Wacko Jacko?

http://crime.about.com/od/current/p/michael_jackson.htm
By Charles Montaldo, About.com

Michael Jackson:The 1980s brought fame and fortune to the "King of Pop" Michael Jackson, but with stardom came a barrage of tabloid rumors mixed with Jackson’s own bizarre behavior. British tabloids dubbed him "Wacko Jacko" and Jackson began to look the part, in what appeared to be an obsession to alter his face through plastic surgery. Loyal fans stuck by his side until multiple charges of pedophilia were reported and the King of Pop faced with doing real jail time.

Early Childhood:Michael Jackson was born in 1958 in Gary, Indiana. He was seventh of nine brothers and sisters born to Joseph and Katherine Jackson. Joseph Jackson was a strict disciplinarian and had the reputation for bullying his children into the music business. In 1962 Joseph organized a family band made up of his children, Jackie, Jermaine, Tito, and Marlon. Michael joined the group at age five when it was discovered that he could imitate the dance steps of James Brown and had a distinct singing voice.
The Jackson 5 Sign with Motown:Joseph scheduled a strict regimentation for Michael and his brothers. Relentless hours of practice left very little time to do normal kid activities. By the age of 10 Michael was the lead vocalist for the now dubbed, Jackson 5, and the group signed up with Motown Records. Their fame was growing quickly and by 1969 the Jackson 5 were a success, with their first four singles "I Want You Back," "ABC," "The Love You Save," and "I'll Be There" hitting number one by 1970, a first in pop history.
The 70s:Toward the end of 1972, Jackson did a solo for the movie, Ben, and it became a number-one hit. But the next few years for the Jackson 5 were stagnant and by 1975 the group left Motown, changed the group name to the Jacksons, and signed to Epic.
The 80s:In 1977 Michael starred in The Wiz, an all black version of the Wizard of Oz, starring Diana Ross. Rumors circulated that Jackson enjoyed playing the roll of the Strawman so much that he wore his costume home. Although the movie was a flop, it allowed Jackson to work with Quincy Jones, and eventually led to Jones producing Jackson's first solo album "Off the Wall." The album went platinum and eventually sold over seven-million copies, and launched Jackson's career into stardom.
Eight Grammys in One Night:In 1982 Quincy Jones produced another Jackson album, Thriller, which became the biggest hit in history with sales reaching 53 million copies and spawned many hit singles. Along with the music, Jackson produced a 14-minute video with a start, middle, and an ending and included professional dance routines, revolutionizing music videos. Songs from Thriller and for his narrative for the 'ET Storybook' resulted in Jackson winning eight Grammy awards in a single night, another industry record.
Moonwalk and White Sequined Gloves:In May 1982, during the televised 25th anniversary of Motown, Michael Jackson performed his version of the "moonwalk" dance which quickly became his signature along side his one white-sequined glove. By now, the popular music television station MTV was showing Michael Jackson's videos continuously. Previous to that time MTV was reluctant to give any televised time to black entertainers.
Pepsi Hires Jackson:By 1983 Michael Jackson was the hottest pop star around. He was hired as a spokesman by Pepsi and did a sequence of elaborate commercials. During 1984 he went on tour with his brothers to promote the Jackson album, Victory. During the tour he suffered an accident on stage that resulted in third degree burns. Plastic surgery was required to help restore his appearance.
Tabloid Rumors Run Rampant:Tabloid rumors became rampant as Jackson's fame grew. It was rumored that Jackson had paid top dollar for the bones of John Merrick, the Elephant Man; that to maintain his high-pitched voice he was taking hormone treatments; and to keep his youthful appearance he slept in a hyperbaric chamber. When rumors came out that he bleached his skin to make him look whiter and altered his nose for the album "Thriller" some felt Jackson was denying his ancestral past. Jackson later said he suffered from vitiligo, a skin disorder which effects the skin's pigmentation, causing large white blotches to appear.
Michael Jackson's Looks Change:In 1987 the album "Bad" was released and along with came a significantly different looking Michael Jackson. Soon to turn 30, Michael appeared to have gone through dramatic facial surgeries, changing not just his facial features, but his jaw line and skin color which by now was almost a pale white. His nose seemed to vanish into the paleness of his skin, and his eyes looked almost one-dimensional, and void of the normal surrounding skin.

His Autobiography: In 1988 Michael wrote his first autobiography and disclosed episodes during his childhood and in his relationship with his unyielding father that was abusive in nature. By the end of the 1980s, Michael was crowned, "Artist of the Decade," for his 'Thriller' and 'Bad' albums.

Jackson Goes On Hiatus: During this time, Jackson was taking a hiatus between albums and living at his 2,600 acre ranch in Santa Ynez, California, named "Neverland" after the magical kingdom featured in the story Peter Pan. Neverland contained a small zoo and amusement park and children (especially sick children) would be invited to spend a day at the park. His extraordinary behavior was becoming more bizarre, so much so that the British tabloids dubbed him "Wacko Jacko."

The Trial of Michael Jackson

Background and Latest Developments

By Charles Montaldo, About.com

Pop singer Michael Jackson, 46, faces charges of conspiracy to commit child abduction, false imprisonment and extortion, three counts of committing lewd acts upon a child, attempted lewd acts upon a child, and four counts of administering intoxicating agents to assist in the commission of a felony.

Jackson entered a plea of not guilty to the ten felony counts on April 30, 2004 at Santa Maria, California courthouse. See also:Michael Jackson - The King of Pop or Wacko Jacko?.

 

Latest Developments

Michael Jackson Not Guilty on All Charges
June 13, 2005
Michael Jackson was found not guilty of all charges today by a jury in San Maria, California. The jury deliberated almost 33 hours from Friday, June 3 until shortly after noon June 13.

 

Previous Developments

Jackson Jury Deliberates
June 3, 2005
The jury in the Michael Jackson trial began deliberations Friday afternoonn after closing arguments were concluded by the defense and the prosecution.

Michael Jackson Taken to Hospital
June 3, 2005
Michael Jackson was briefly hospitalized after hearing attorneys at his child molestation trial begin their closing arguments to the jury.

Michael Jackson Trial Testimony Ends
May 27, 2005
The child molestation trial of Michael Jackson ended suddenly today when, after the jury watched the "riveting" 68-minute videotape of the intitial police interview with the teenage accuser in the case, the state rested. Remarkably, the defense also rested.

Jackson Jury to Hear Police Interview of Accuser
May 26, 2005
Judge Rodney Melville ruled that prosecutors can show the jury a 2003 videotape of his teenage accuser's original police interview, but also ruled that the jury will not be allowed to see photographs of Jackson's genitalia.

The Defense Rests
May 26, 2005
Now that the show is over, the prosecution is presenting its rebuttal case to bring the jury's focus back to the facts in evidence.

Leno Jokes, Jackson Chokes
May 25, 2005
The defense will rest its case in the Michael Jackson child molestation case today, but the pop singer will not take the stand in his own defense as his attorney hinted in his opening statement.

Witness: Jackson Employees Feared for Safety
May 16, 2005
Michael Jackson's defense team put on a series of witnesses to undermind the testimony of prosecution witnesses, but one of the witnesses backfired on the defense.

Macaulay Culkin: Charges 'Absolutely Ridiculous'
May 11, 2005
Actor Macaulay Culkin of "Home Alone" fame became the latest in a string of defense witnesses to testify that they never saw the singer act inappropriately with young boys. Culkin denied ever being molested by Jackson.

Prosecutors Rest Case Against Michael Jackson
May 4, 2005
After two months, 85 witnesses and 500 pieces of evidence, the prosecution rested its case against Michael Jackson with a final witness who was supposed to bolster its conspiracy case on the charge of false imprisonment.

Jackson Prosecutors Beef Up Conspiracy Case
May 2, 2005
The prosecution put on several witnesses to document a pattern of dozens of frantic telephone calls surrounding the time of the documentary that touched off the investigation into Jackson's relationship with young boys.

Jackson's Ex-Wife to Testify
April 24, 2005
The prosecution plans to end it's case with a bombshell witness -- Debbie Rowe, Jackson's second wife and the mother of his two oldest children.

Prosecution Fights Back in Jackson Trial
April 18, 2005
Prosecutors fought back against the defense attack on the mother of the singer's accuser by showing the jury photographs of the woman with bruises from an incident the defense claimed was a scheme to get money.

Moms Testify at Jackson Trial
April 13, 2005
After a series of witnesses testified to seeing various inappropriate behavior by Michael Jackson with young boys, the prosecution shifted it's case to the false imprisonment charges against the singer.

Jackson Had Oral Sex With 10-Year-Old, Guard Says
April 7, 2005
A former security guard testified that he watched Michael Jackson perform oral sex on the 10-year-old boy who later collected a reported $23 million settlement in 1993.

Tickle Me, Jacko
April 5, 2005
A 24-year-old married salesman, probation service mentor and youth pastor told the jury that Jackson molested him when he was 7 to ten years old while playing "tickle games."

Jackson Trial to Heat Up This Week
Apr. 4, 2005
The trial of Michael Jackson should heat up this week as the jury begins to hear testimony from a series of witnesses who will testify about previous inappropriate behavior by the pop singer.

Judge Allows Evidence of 'Prior Bad Acts'
March 28, 2005
In a stunning blow to the defense, Judge Rodney Melville ruled that evidence of Michael Jackson's "prior bad acts" will be allowed in his child molestation trial, opening up the possibility that details of incidents he paid millions to hush up will now will become public.

The 90s:Jackson continued to work on new albums and in a big move Jackson left Quincy Jones and went with Sony to produce his 1991 album, Dangerous, which sold close to 28 million copies. Rumors about Jackson and his unusual relationship with children began to surface.
The Oprah Winfrey Interview:In 1993 Jackson was interviewed inside his home by Oprah Winfrey. Michael Jackson described his child fame as lonely and sad. He told Oprah, "Well, you don't get to do things that other children get to do, you know, having friends and slumber parties and buddies. There was none of that for me. I didn't have any friends when I was little. My brothers were my friends."
Molestation Charges and Marriage:It was during this same year that official allegations were made against Michael for the molestation of a 13-year-old boy. Although Michael went public with his denial of any unlawful relationships with any child, he also decided to settle with the family for close to $20 million. It was also during this time that Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley, the daughter of Elvis Presley, married but were divorced less than two years later.
Jackson's Fortune Grows:By 1995 Michael Jackson had a fortune of an estimated $750 million. Within his financial portfolio was a catalog of 300,000 songs including songs of Elvis Presley and the Beatles that he bought at auction, ultimately outbidding Paul McCartney, an act that severed their friendship.
Wife or Baby Maker?:In 1996 Debbie Rowe and Jackson married and they had a son, Prince Michael, and daughter Paris Katherine. The marriage lasted until 1999, when they divorced and custody of the children went to Jackson.
The New Millennium:In 2001 Jackson invested $30 million into his next album, "Invincible" which was a financial loser. Sony failed to renew its contract with Jackson and the self-named "King of Pop" was losing popularity. His appearance was becoming more outlandish than before with what appeared to be extreme surgeries trying to fix other extreme surgeries, making this once attractive vibrant entertainer look like an aged vampire.
Dangling Baby Prince Over a Balcony:In February 2002 Jackson and a surrogate mother parented another son, Prince Michael II. In 2002 pictures of Michael dangling the baby over the railing of a balcony at a hotel in Berlin circulated around the world causing much criticism and skeptism toward Michael being a responsible parent. This event mixed with photographs of Michael walking with his other children covered in veils drew questions about his eccentric behavior and the welfare of his children.
The Martin Bashir Documentary:Martin Bashir, a UK journalist did a rare, up-close documentary on Michael Jackson which was aired in February 2003. In the documentary, Jackson talked about his traumatic childhood. He also shared his thoughts about children and of Neverland Ranch and defended his practice of sharing his bed with children.
Jackson Proclaims Betrayal:In the film 12-year-old Gavin Atvizo sat by his side. When the documentary was aired Jackson felt betrayed and manipulated by Bashir and claimed that he only showed moments taken out of context that displayed an unfavorable side of Jackson. Gavin's mother also complained that no consent was given for Gavin to appear on the film. As a counter attack Jackson put together a film of material omitted from the Bashir production including the part when Bashir commended Jackson's fathering skills.
More Molestation Charges:On November 18, 2003 Jackson's Neverland Ranch was searched by 70 investigators in hopes of finding evidence that would corroborate the charges of 13-year-old boy, who told police that Jackson sexually molested him. A warrant for Jackson's arrest was also issued and on November 20, Jackson, who had been out of town during the search, surrendered himself to police. He was charged with "lewd or lascivious acts" with a child younger than 14 under section 288(a) of the California Penal Code.

Jackson was charged with seven counts of child molestation and two counts of administering an intoxicating agent to commit that felony, in February and March 2003, all regarding the same boy under 14.

On June 13, 2005, Michael Jackson was found not guilty of all charges.



We Are The World by Vurnuh's Lounge on Jul 6, 2009Recorded by popular musicians to raise funds USA for Africa...



Singing Blogger Cover Song 015 – You Are Not Alone by The Singing Blogger on Jul 6, 2009Finally had the time to finish this song, this one is my official tribute to Michael Jackson. Listen to my own version of You Are Not Alone. Rest in peace, MJ. Stay tuned here at The Singing Blogger because this week, I will be singing 2 songs! Wooo...



Music Monday - One More Chance by Proud Mommy on Jul 6, 2009To pay tribute again to the late King of Pop, MICHAEL JACKSON.Your songs...your music...will live forever in our hearts!Come join Music Monday and share your songs with us. One simple rule, leave ONLY the actual post link here. You can grab this code...



Michael Jackson Simpsons Episode Re-airs! by Bluerivenfire on Jul 6, 2009"Stark Raving Dad" featuring the mysteriously named 'John Jay Smith' at The animated series Simpsons is known to have cartoonized celebrity guests and Michael Jackson is one of their biggest celebrity guest ever.On the Simpsons episode where Michael...



Michael Jackson video by Watch Pinoy TV on Jul 6, 2009Watch this video of King of the Pop Michael Jackson in his songs Making of we are the world.



The Material Girl pays Tribute to Michael Jackson at the opening of her concert, July 4th. by Cheezmizan with Chuva on Jul 6, 2009It wasn’t just Madonna who paid tribute to the late Michael Jackson, everyone around the world were showing their respect for “greatest artists the world has ever known” according the the Material Girl. The Philippines also displaye...



Hitler finds out MJ has died by Daily Contributor on Jul 5, 2009Adolf Hitler is pretty pissed off to hear that Michael Jackson has passed away and won't be able to perform at his birthday party.Post from: Daily Contributor Hitler finds out MJ has died...



Michael Jackson Memorial Ticket Winners by Wow Legs on Jul 5, 2009Today at 11 am, 8,750 lucky people will be chosen from the 1.6 million who registered for the Michael Jackson Memorial ticket. Each of the 8,750 lucky Michael Jackson memorial ticket winners will receive 2 tickets, which means that 17,500 tickets wil...



Remembering the King of Pop by Daily Contributor on Jul 5, 2009Michael Jackson, text portrait by Ben Heine.Post from: Daily Contributor Remembering the King of Pop...



Madonna pays tribute to Michael Jackson at her “Sticky & Sweet” concert by Mind Relaxing Ideas on Jul 5, 2009The Queen of Pop gave a special tribute to the King of Pop Michael Jackson on the start of the second leg of her “Sticky & Sweet” tour at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday, July 4After Madonna performs "Holiday", a Michael Jackson impersonator...






Web Hosting Companies