“All over the world today, people are gathered in love vigils, to celebrate the life of a man that taught the world how to love”. – Reverend Al Sharpton’s eulogy for Michael. It has been 14 years since Michael Joseph Jackson’s passing, and his influences continue to be felt in so many ways as he continues to be missed by millions if not billions.
Michael on performing: “To me, nothing is more important than making people happy, giving them a release from their problems and worries, helping to lighten their load.”
Happy July 4th, American Independence Day. For many young fans across the globe in 1980s, Michael Jackson was how they saw the USA. Journalist Natasha Fatah writes MJ was: “my first introduction to America: American music, American style, American joy and possibility.”
“People used to underestimate my ability as a songwriter … when I started coming up with songs, they’d look at me like: ‘Who really wrote that?’. But time cleared up those misconceptions. You always have to prove yourself to people and so many of them don’t want to believe.” – Michael Jackson
In 1997, Michael Jackson joined French comic and mime Marcel Marceau on stage for the unveiling of an MJ wax figure at the Museum Grevin in Paris, France. Michael told Jet Magazine that Marceau was an inspiration “I used to sneak in and sit in in the audience and watch how he would defy the laws of gravity, like he was stepping on air.”
In 1997, Michael Jackson joined French comic and mime Marcel Marceau on stage for the unveiling of an MJ wax figure at the Museum Grevin in Paris, France. Michael told Jet Magazine that Marceau was an inspiration “I used to sneak in and sit in in the audience and watch how he would defy the laws of gravity, like he was stepping on air.”
An Associated Press headline read “Dangerous Tour Kickoff Wows Munich.” On this date in 1992, 70,000 in the German city’s Olympic Stadium were in attendance for this show. The AP reported that MJ “tore through ‘Beat It’, ‘Billie Jean’, and ‘Black or White’ accompanied by balloons, giant video screens, and numerous wardrobe changes that ranged from an 18-karat gold body suit to a black vampire cape.”
This week in 1988, “Dirty Diana” became the fifth of five consecutive singles from the “Bad” album to hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart making Michael the first artist to achieve this milestone. Hit the link in stories to watch the short film for the song now.
One thing those visiting the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C. can find is a Michael Jackson fedora from the 1984 Victory tour. Do you know what other Michael Jackson memorabilia is on display there?
Michael’s double album “HIStory – Past, Present and Future – Book 1” was released on this date in 1995. AllMusic.com selected their top songs from the “History Continues” disc, writing that: “ ‘You Are Not Alone’ is seductive, ‘Scream’ improves on the slamming beats of his earlier single ‘Jam,’ and ‘Stranger in Moscow’ is one of his most haunting ballads.” Hit the link in stories to listen again now and share your favorites.
Last month you were asked, “what is your favorite song from Michael’s HIStory album?” and many fans said: “Stranger in Moscow”. Filmed in downtown Los Angeles, the short film for the song uses black & white photography and slow motion “bullet time” effects to create a sense of isolation around the characters, portraying loneliness. Hit the link in stories to watch it now.
Fans Alessandro and Maria shared a part of their impressive MJ collection with the fan community on Michael’s website. They have multiple versions of many of Michael’s releases, action figures, and boxed sets. What unique items are in your MJ collection?#MJCollectibles
On this date in 2009, Billboard published its “Michael Jackson Tribute” issue which details how “Thriller” album “saved – and changed – the music business” and why Michael “reinvented the music video”. The issue also included his full chart history.
A day before the second performance of The Dangerous Tour, Michael took time out to visit Sophia Children’s Hospital in Rotterdam, Netherlands and meet with patients and their families. He donated 100,000 pounds to the hospital. #MJHumanitarian
Michael Jackson inspired clothing was seen on the runways in Paris during Pharrell Williams’ debut as the creative director of Louis Vuitton. From the letterman jacket to the sparkly socks to the penny loafers – Michael’s style influence lives on through the lens of fashion’s most iconic brands.
Stream Michael Jackson’s biggest hits including “Billie Jean”, “Smooth Criminal”, “Remember The Time”, “Human Nature” and dozens more. Hit the link in stories to find the “Top Tracks” playlist on your favorite music service – Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, and Pandora.
The Michael Jackson summer 2023 collection features bright colors including neon blue and pink. Hit the link in stories to shop the entire collection.
Michael Harmon made his Broadway debut in @mjthemusical as a swing cast member. He was part of the cast for the US tour of the musical “Hairspray.” Hit the link in stories to get your tickets now for Broadway performances through January 7th 2024.
Actress and dance star JoJo Siwa recently visited the cast of Michael Jackson ONE and took on the challenge of learning one of the many routines in this 90-minute celebration of Michael Jackson and his music which brings together acrobatics and iconic MJ-inspired dance. Hit the link in stories to get tickets now.
On this date in 2013, this 90-minute celebration of the music and legacy of Michael Jackson launched in Las Vegas. Thank you to the cast, creative and crew from “Michael Jackson ONE” ( @mjonelv ) and to all the fans who’ve attended over the past 10 years, and to those who continue to return or are joining for their first performance.
“During his life, Michael Jackson always worked to create a sense of wonder in his music and other artistic projects, and the show ‘Michael Jackson ONE’ is a perfect realization of those ambitions” – Las Vegas Magazine. Hit the link in stories to get tickets.
Have you heard about the @mjthemusical X American Airlines sweepstakes? You still have time to enter before it ends tomorrow, July 16, at 11:59PM ET. Hit the link in stories for rules/regulations. Good luck to all who enter!
Blu Allen is a swing cast member in @mjthemusical. He performed in regional productions of the musicals, “The Color Purple” and “Five Guys Named Moe”. Hit the link in stories to get your tickets now for Broadway performances through January 7th, 2024.
Michael Bush’s “King of Style” is a great demonstration of how much of a fashion influence Michael was and will always be. This inspired a round table discussion that will be published on Michael’s YouTube in the coming weeks and includes myself and some of those involved in Michael’s fashion decisions throughout his life. We will detail how Michael’s influence has permeated into fashion trends from his early days all the way to today’s biggest fashion icons.
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