Monday, March 31, 2014

XSCAPE - NEW MUSIC FROM MICHAEL JACKSON




Michael Jackson  "XSCAPE" Album Teaser | #MJXSCAPE

It was announced today that on May 13th Epic Records, in conjunction with the Estate of Michael Jackson, will release XSCAPE, an album of new music by the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. XSCAPE is executive produced by Epic Records Chairman and CEO L.A. Reid. After mining by the Estate of Jackson’s archives, Reid was granted unlimited access to the treasures spanning four decades of material on which Jackson had completed his vocals. Reid then teamed up top producers to “contemporize” the songs while retaining Jackson’s essence and integrity, creating the best music you’ve never heard.


Full press release below




XSCAPE Album Cover - Click for HQ Pic 


XSCAPE
LONG AWAITED NEW MUSIC FROM MICHAEL JACKSON
OUT ON EPIC RECORDS MAY 13

EPIC CHIEF L.A. REID TEAMS UP WITH TOP PRODUCERS TO “CONTEMPORIZE” SONGS FROM ICONIC ARTIST’S ARCHIVE

March 31, 2014 — New York, NY — On May 13, Epic Records, in conjunction with the Estate of Michael Jackson, will release XSCAPE, an album of new music by the internationally beloved music icon and King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The project features eight new tracks, which the world will be hearing for the very first time on the new album. For the ultimate fan experience, XSCAPE will also be available in a Deluxe Edition, which includes all of the sourced Michael Jackson recordings in their original form. The XSCAPE standard and Deluxe Editions are available for pre-order beginning April 1 on iTunes.com/MichaelJackson and elsewhere, and available at all retailers worldwide on May 13.

XSCAPE is executive produced by Epic Records Chairman and CEO L.A. Reid, who, after an initial mining of Jackson’s archives by the Estate, was granted unlimited access to the treasures representing four decades of material on which Jackson had completed his vocals.

Reid curated the final list of recordings to deliver to the producers, who retooled the production to add a fresh, contemporary sound that retains Jackson’s essence and integrity. It’s a process Reid calls “contemporizing.” The album’s lead producer, Timbaland was one of a handful of producers Reid believed had the gravitas, depth and range to creatively engage with Jackson’s work. Additional producers include global hitmakers Rodney Jerkins, Stargate, Jerome “Jroc” Harmon and John McClain.

“Modern music and artistry would look and sound completely different if not for the groundbreaking contributions Michael Jackson gifted to the world,” remarked L.A. Reid. “Michael left behind some musical performances that we take great pride in presenting through the vision of music producers that he either worked directly with or expressed strong desire to work with. We are extremely proud and honored to present this music to the world.”

The title of this album honors Michael’s album naming process. He always chose a song from the album to name his projects and, beginning with THRILLER, used only one word titles, each with an edgy quality to them. This is true of the new project. Written by Michael Jackson and Jerkins, and produced by Jackson and Jerkins, “Xscape” has further significance in that it is the one track on the album that was ‘contemporized’ by the producer who recorded it originally in the studio with Michael.

John Branca and John McClain, co-executors of the Estate of Michael Jackson said, “Michael was always on the cutting edge and was constantly reaching out to new producers, looking for new sounds. He was always relevant and current. These tracks, in many ways, capture that spirit. We thank L.A. Reid for his vision.”

XSCAPE is a long awaited collection of exciting new music that will thrill the legions of fans of one of the world’s most revered and best-selling artists, as well as attract a whole new generation discovering his artistry for the first time. In conjunction with the release of XSCAPE, Epic / Sony Music will launch an unprecedented global campaign with the One Sony sister companies, Sony Corporation, Sony Mobile Communications, and Sony Network Entertainment International drawing from all of Sony’s strengths and consumer reach.

"Michael has long been a treasured member of the larger Sony family," said Kazuo Hirai, President and CEO, Sony Corporation. "Starting with the release of ‘Off The Wall’ in 1979, Sony Music Entertainment has since released all of Michael’s recordings. We are thrilled and privileged to be collaborating as One Sony to celebrate Michael’s latest legacy, and bringing his fans an exclusive experience through our upcoming initiatives with our products and services."

More news about Michael Jackson’s upcoming album will be revealed in the coming weeks. Keep visiting  www.michaeljackson.com for new details.

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Michael Jackson Saved My Grandma

This is such a sweet story I had to share it on my blog. "Michael Jackson Saved My Grandma", is a heart warming story told by Chris Cantore about Michael Jackson helping his grandparents on a plane in  Dec 1997. It was originally posted on Chris Cantore's blog and republished on nbcSandiego.com 6/26/2009. Chris also called into a radio station host, who was a friend of his, to tell the story the day after Michael passed. You can hear it on the video below.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. ~ Qbee


Michael Jackson Saved My Grandma 




Chris Cantore's blog post

In December 1997, my maternal grandparents, Joseph and Concetta DeLisi, were on an American Airlines flight from New York (JFK) to Los Angeles (LAX). They were visiting my family for Christmas.

A couple of hours into the flight, my grandma (literally) fell ill. What began as a stomachache, ended with Granny fainting and tumbling into the coach aisle. When she awoke, hovering above and holding out his hand, the King of Pop.

“Are you OK?” Michael Jackson asked, in his delicate voice.

He helped Grandma up, and invited my grandparents to join him in first class. They accepted.

While Grandma rested, Grandpa enjoyed first class service and chatted it up with Jackson. They discussed family, food, and Italy (Gramp's favorite subjects).

Upon landing, Michael offered to drive my grandparents from LAX to my folks' house in the San Fernando Valley. Once again, they accepted.

With Grandma getting pushed through the airport in a wheelchair, they made their way into MJ’s limo. However, in an effort to dodge paparazzi, they were forced to make three limo transfers by Jackson’s security. Once settled and on the 405, Michael popped-in one of his favorite movies, "Men in Black". The three of them watched it together.

Once they arrived at my childhood home, my mom, unaware of the preceding events, opened the door to find her parents standing on the front stoop with Michael Jackson -- holding their bags. He entered the house and stood in front of the Christmas tree. According to Grandpa, Jackson was enamored by its beauty and the “family spirit” in the home.

Mom, in utter shock, FAILED to grab a camera and document the moment -- instead, invited Michael Jackson back for my dad's work Christmas party. Jackson politely declined, returned to his limo, and headed to Neverland Ranch.

While a photograph was never taken, he left our family with an amazing memory; one that showed Michael Jackson’s heart, compassion, and genuine kindness.

Oh, and the first class menu he signed on the plane.





Source :nbcsandiego.com June 26, 2009

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

The King of Pop invented more than just amazing dance moves

Michael Jackson: Singer, Songwriter,
 American Inventor

The King of Pop invented more than just amazing dance moves




Here's the scene: Michael Jackson, dressed in white suit and hat like a gangster guardian angel walks into a bar full of thugs, gamblers, and flappers, the music stops and everyone stares at him; he reaches for a gun - no, it's just a quarter, which he flips all the way across room where it slides perfectly into a jukebox coin slot. The song starts with a synthesized crash: As he came into the window / it was the sound of a crescendo....You've been hit by a Smooth Criminal. Dancing, fighting, dramatic pauses, a weird slow-motion interlude, and more dancing and fighting follow. Then it happens, at about the 7:10 mark above, Michael gives a knowing smile, tilts his hat, and leans. He leans an amazing, impossible lean. It seems so simple but it's just. so. cool.

When a 7-year old me saw it for the first time on screen, it was surely the coolest thing I had ever seen (which until that point was a teenage werewolf playing air guitar and surfing on top of a van). Smooth Criminal might still be the coolest thing I've ever seen. It's cooler than Miles Davis giving birth to cool in an igloo cool. It's cool, man. There's no other word for it.

Oh wait, there might be actually - how about "inventive"?



US Patent 5255452 A: "Method and means for creating anti-gravity illusion"


In the "Smooth Criminal' video, the centerpiece of the wonderfully bizarre film Moonwalker (1988), the impossible lean was accomplished with wires, but to recreate the effect during live performances, Jackson worked with two designers to develop a "method and means for creating [an] anti-gravity illusion." This signature move (among many others) was made possible by a patent for a shoe allowing the “wearer to lean forwardly beyond his center of gravity.” Though it looks like a regular loafer when worn with long pants, the shoe is actually strapped around the ankle to secure it to the dancer's foot - but the real secret is in the heal, which conceals a slot that can lock into a small post raised on stage. Dancers click their heels into place at just the right time and–-boom–-you've been hit by a smooth criminal. It's a brief moment, but its one of the most iconic images of Michael Jackson's career and American pop culture.


US Patent 5255452 A: "Method and means for creating anti-gravity illusion"


Michael Jackson's patent, and more importantly, his signature is on display as part of a new exhibition at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. "Making Their Mark: Stories Through Signatures," invites visitors to examine the signatures on historic documents and imagine the moment they were signed, moments that have shaped America's history and defined its culture. No one has a signature that is exactly the same every time its written, but a signature's variability is part of what reveals it to be authentic; each signature is a unique product of the time and place it was written. Other notable signatories on display as part of the exhibition include founding fathers such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, whose documents tell the story of a young nation in rebellion against King George III. But they are in good company with the King of Pop, whose signed patent reveals that his inventiveness extended beyond creating sweet dance moves.


View full patent here https://www.google.com/patents/US5255452



Source: Jimmy Stamp http://www.smithsonianmag.

Sunday, March 23, 2014

"Remember the Time : Protecting Michael Jackson in his final days" (summary)


Ivy - MJJC has received  an advance copy of Michael Jackson's Bodyguards, Bill Whitfield and Javon Beard's new  book.  She has written a Summary posted below.  I have just a started reading the book myself and so far it very positive uplifting stories about Michael and his children and their day to day duties working for Michael. They seem to respect him very much.  Those who wish to purchase it can pre-order it on Amazon. The Official release date is June 3. 2014 ~ Qbee


Remember The Time: Protecting Michael Jackson in His Final Days

by Bill Whitfield and Javon Beard' with Tanner Colby


Available for pre-sale on Amazon.com




Thanks to Ivy - MJJC for the summary


I was given an advance copy of the "Remember the Time : Protecting Michael Jackson in his final days" by MJ's bodyguards Bill Whitfield and Javon Beard.


Below is my review and brief summary.


As a MJ fan who has read all the books written about him, I look for unique and interesting books about him. This book delivers on that front. It's not the same old stuff you read a million times before, it's the unique and first hand experiences of Bill and Javon. Just this could be enough reason to get the book.

The book covers December 2006 (when Michael returned to US) to June 2009 (his death). Although Bill and Javon worked for Michael till the day he died, the bulk of the book covers the period between December 2006 to early 2009 when Michael moved to LA. (Bill and Javon did not go to LA but was supposed to join Michael at London). Book talks about Michael's stay at Las Vegas, Virginia, New Jersey and back at Las Vegas.

The book has several heartwarming, funny and interesting and at times unbelievable stories. Michael Jackson the father is always nice to read. His interactions with his children, their love towards each other gives you warm feelings. So stuff like Michael doing laundry, Michael taking his kids to Chuck E. Cheese, fast food drive through events, after hour store visits to toy stores, go kart place, Krispy Kreme to see how donuts are made, Michael giving responsibility talk to Prince about his dog Kenya, Blanket asking for a hippopotamus as a pet after Prince got his dog Kenya and Paris got her cat Katie, Michael giving money and food to homeless people,ordering a large Tinkerbell statue from eBay, asking bodyguards to get(cough steal) a lifesize Spiderman figurines on the lampposts outside Burger King stores, Michael getting stopped by Secret Service as his car with tinted windows drove around White House etc is interesting and fun stories to read. The book also mentions visits by "Friend" and "Flower", two woman from overseas and yes Michael kissing "Friend". I don't want to give much away for the people who might buy the book.

Book mentions Michael's staff, business people, family and friends as well. Some of them are mentioned negatively (most of Michael's business associates including Bain, Feldman, Cross and Sony, as well as some of his family members such as Randy Jackson), some of them mentioned positively (such as Miko Brando and Cascios) and some just neutral.

Knowing that how some people would be interested in above, I'll provide brief details below:

Raymone Bain : generally mentioned negatively for not paying bodyguards salaries while she was paying herself and others, renting a luxury apartment for herself with what looks like MJ's money, Michael thinking he had an office in DC while Bain was working out of her home and such.

Jacksons: Bodyguards mention that Michael did not want to see his family - his orders. The only person he would see and could come unannounced was Katherine. He refused to see other family members when they came and required them to make appointments. Michael refused to see Joe once, refused to see Randy, Rebbie and Jackie (when they got in by following the chef), refused to see Randy (when he smashed his car to the gate) and only agreed to see his brothers (Jackie, Tito, Jermaine) in the security trailer after making sure Randy wasn't with them and didn't want to see Janet. Bodyguards impressions about Jacksons are mostly positive to neutral with the exception of Randy (see below) and Jermaine who they said always had an angle or some sort of deal he was working on.

Randy crashing the gate: Details of the event is provided in the book. It turns out the gate crashing event happened on Elizabeth Taylor's 75th birthday. Her people had reached out to Michael and he would attend her birthday as a surprise to her. Michael spent 2 weeks preparing to that day. Before they were supposed to leave for Taylor's birthday,the  bodyguards take the car to fill it with gas. When the bodyguard returns, Randy follows the car, crashes the closing gate, forces his way into the property. Bodyguards rush to the car with their guns out and see Randy with a woman passenger. Randy tells them "Get that gun out my face before I call the press.” and screaming and cursing “Michael owe me money! I want my ****in’ money! I ain’t ****in’ moving ’til I get my ****in’ money! ”. They tell Michael that Randy is there and what he's saying, he tells the bodyguard to get rid of him. But they can't make him leave so Michael decides he won't go to Elizabeth's birthday and goes to bed. Randy refused to leave and stayed at the driveway for hours. Bodyguards had to call Joe Jackson. When Joe came Randy told him he would call the press to tell them he was there for his money. Joe eventually convinced Randy to leave.

Sony: Mottola is mentioned as devil and Michael mentioned not really wanting to work with Sony and on Thriller 25. There's a story about Michael breaking Sony headphones. They say he didn't work on Thriller 25 with enthusiasm and did everything the last minute. Bodyguards also state that Michael eventually was paid $12 Million for the sales of Thriller 25. (Sony initially planned to take the money from Thriller 25 sales and apply it to pay MJ's debt on Sony/ATV catalog. Apparently Tohme got them to pay the $12 Million to Michael so that he could use that money as a down payment for the Las Vegas house he wanted to buy).

One of the sad thing to read that there wasn't many friends or visitors that would visit Michael. They mention nanny Grace telling them some people wouldn't take or return MJ's calls after the 2005 trial. Book mentions Miko Brando, Eddie Griffin (comedian), Chris Tucker, Jesse Jackson and Cascios as people who visited Michael and/or Michael met with. He talked with Nelson Mandela on the phone several times. Eddie Griffin mentioned as a regular visitor, Miko Brando brought his kids to play with Michael's kids, Chris Tucker and Michael went to movies together and Eddie Cascio visited Michael in Vegas and Cascio house was the only place Michael would feel safe to stay without bodyguards in front of the door. Brad Buxer visited to work on music with Michael. (unidentified) choreographers were also coming to work with him regularly as well as a Chinese film professor from USC.

The second half of the book mentions financial troubles. Although they don't blame Michael for such troubles, it's not a pretty picture. Staff not being paid, not having a house to stay, friends/business associates paying for hotels for a while and when they stop hotels were asking them leave and even locking them out. It's obvious there was some frustration on the bodyguards part in regards to not being paid. Like I said they don't blame Michael for it but the finances isn't a pretty picture.

Conrad Murray is briefly mentioned as a doctor that made a housecall when the kids were sick and occasionally came to check up on them. Only a few visits, at day time and for a short amount of time. They mention Michael's insomnia, how sometimes he would have a good day's sleep and sometimes wont. How sometimes he would be up all night and the night security would watch him move around the house - his room, studio/dance room, kitchen and such. There's almost no drug talk. Just once going to a doctor middle of the night for pain and just one time his behavior didn't seem normal / seemed like under the influence of something. That's all. No doctors, no nightly visits and no propofol - given that Michael seemed to be not sleeping most of the time.

Overall I liked the book and I recommend purchase. It's interesting and definitely unique. I enjoyed all the little stories about Michael very much and financials wasn't a pretty picture as I said before. I can't say I liked that part. Book is written in an every day language. It feels like you are sitting with Bill and Javon and they are recapping their day to you. So that's interesting too. I guess it's possible that some fans might have a trouble with this book if they feel overly protective of Michael's privacy. Yes the book mentions Michael's everyday life, stuff that wasn't known before hence private but I thought they were nicely balanced. I personally like positive stories about Michael and/or stories that show him as a normal person. But like I said it's possible that some might think this is an invasion of privacy.


Finally some quotes:
---------------------------

"Michael Jackson had an effect on people. It’s hard to describe. Once he let people in, they started feeling possessive of him. Like, He’s mine! People didn't do it on purpose; he brought it out of them because he was bigger than life. He’s calling them personally, giving them leeway to dictate certain stuff, and they start to feel like, Okay, he trusts me. They see how vulnerable and hurt he is. They see all these other people trying to use him and take advantage of him. So they start to think, If I’m the one in control, I’ll make sure he’s okay.

So once he lets someone in, pretty soon they’re starting to speak on his behalf, as opposed to letting him make his own decisions. They know if they do it, they won’t get that much flak, because they know Mr. Jackson doesn't question things. They start to feel like they’re in control, but to keep that control, they've got to manipulate everybody else that’s trying to get at Mr. Jackson. So they’re spreading lies about this person or telling Mr. Jackson not to trust that person."

---------------------------

"It wasn't necessarily that those other people were bad people. There was just a force that dictated a lot of this madness. But the way it was around Mr. Jackson, nobody trusting anybody, so much money and power in play, it just sucked you into all this drama. "

--------------------

" People look at what happened to Mr. Jackson and they want to blame somebody. “It was Dr. Murray.” “It was Tohme Tohme.” “It was his family.” Nah. That wasn’t it. It wasn't any one person. It was everything."

------------------------------------------

"As we drove back to the house, everyone was being real quiet in the backseat. Then Blanket looked up at his daddy and said, “Daddy, can we go back to the other house? Can we go back to Neverland?” Mr. Jackson shook his head and said, “No. We can’t ever go back there. That place has been contaminated by evil.”
-------------------


One time, we were driving and Blanket started to say something, and Mr. Jackson kinda shushed him. The kids kept giggling and Mr. Jackson kept going, “Shhh! No, I didn’t! No, I didn’t!”
Blanket said, “Yes, you did, Daddy. You said that Bill looked like—”
“Shhh! ”

So now I was curious. I said, “Bill looks like what?”
I looked in the rearview mirror. Blanket and Mr. Jackson were both staring at each other like, Who’s gonna tell him?

Blanket looked at me and said, “Bill, Daddy says you look like the Thing!”
“The Thing? What’s the Thing?”

“You know,” Blanket said, “the guy from the Fantastic Four! Daddy said you look like the Thing from the Fantastic Four.”

And I was like, Wow. Okay. The brother’s got jokes. Then Blanket said, “And Javon looks like Frozone from The Incredibles!”

We all had a good laugh about it.

---------------------------

Michael to Bill

“I just want my kids to have a better life than me,” he said. “I never want them to go through what I had to go through. How would you guys feel if your kids asked you for something and you had to send someone out to get it? I appreciate what you guys do for my kids, but I’m their father. I should be the one doing those things, but I can’t just get in the car and go. There are so many things I can’t do for them because those people out there won’t let me. You have no idea how that feels. You really don’t. I just wanna live my life with my kids.”

-------------------------------------------------

Ps: the name of "Friend" is mentioned towards the end of the book and the name reminds you of a certain person. However the physical description of "Friend" doesn't fit with the person known to fans. So it looks like they are two different people with the same name.



BOOK DESCRIPTION
Publication Date: June 3, 2014
Hounded by the tabloid media, driven from his self-made sanctuary at Neverland, Michael Jackson spent his final years moving from city to city, living with his three children in virtual seclusion—a futile attempt to escape a world that wouldn’t leave him alone. During that time, two men served as the singer’s personal security team: Bill Whitfield, a former cop and veteran of the security profession, and Javon Beard, a brash, untested rookie, both single fathers themselves.
Stationed at his side nearly 24/7, their job was to see and hear everything that transpired, and to keep everyone else out, making them the only two men who know what 60 million fans around the world still want to know: What really happened to the King of Pop?
Driven by a desire to show the world who Michael Jackson truly was, Whitfield and Beard have produced the only definitive, first-person account of Michael Jackson’s last years: the extreme measures necessary to protect Jackson and his family, the simple moments of happiness they managed to share in a time of great stress, the special relationship Jackson shared with his fans, and the tragic events that culminated in the singer’s ill-fated comeback, This Is It. The truth is far more compelling than anything you’ve yet heard. 
An indispensable piece of pop-culture history, Remember the Time is the story of a man struggling to live a normal life under extraordinary circumstances, the story of a father fighting to protect and provide for his children. Remember the Time is the book that dismantles the tabloid myths once and for all to give Michael Jackson back his humanity.



Source  MJJC - discuss this book and the summary with other fans on the board

   

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Jackson 5 visit to Gloucestershire inspires unreleased Michael Jackson Song

Here is a very nice article from Damian Shields posted  on his blog earlier  this month, about the origin of  "Days in Gloucestershire" an unreleased song by Michael Jackson.   Contrary to what many fans believed it was not recorded in 2008 but in 2004 in a bungalow at Neverland Valley Ranch.  I always enjoy reading about the inspiration  and creative process  behind Michael's songs. I hope you enjoy this as well ~ Qbee



Jackson 5 visit to Gloucestershire inspires unreleased Michael Jackson recording three decades later

The Michael Jackson Estate and Sony Music’s treasure chest of unreleased Michael Jackson material suffered a blow yesterday, with yet another one of the King of Pop’s unpublished work-in-progress recordings finding it’s way onto the internet.

The song, called “Days In Gloucestershire”, comes from collaborative sessions between Jackson, his long-time arranger/producer Brad Buxer, and trusted recording engineer Michael Prince. It is essentially the remedy to Jackson and Buxer’s previous track, “I Am A Loser”.

Those not familiar with the story behind “I Am A Loser” can
read all about it here

In a nutshell, Jackson and Buxer were staying in adjoining hotel rooms while working on music together in early 2003. Buxer, who was going through a breakup at the time, was awake late one night, pacing around his room repeating, “I’m a loser! I’m just a loser!”

Before long Jackson, who could hear Buxer through the wall, knocked on his door, came in and asked, “What’s the problem?” 

“Oh I’m a loser… I’m just a loser!” answered Buxer, before explaining his situation.

“Let’s write a song about it,” suggested Jackson. And they did!

Fast forward to 2004; Jackson and Buxer were at it again – this time working together with Michael Prince at Neverland Ranch. 



Although there was a state-of-the-art studio at Neverland, “Days In Gloucestershire” was recorded in one of the ranch’s bungalows.

Buxer had a little studio set up in a bungalow, Prince had one set up in a bungalow, and Jackson was staying in one of the bungalows with his three children. 

Jackson began staying in the ranch’s bungalows with his children after his home, including his bedroom and private office, were raided by police on November 20, 2003 in relation to allegations of child molestation. Jackson was arrested, charged, and was awaiting trial at the time (at which he would later be found not guilty on all counts).

After writing a song about being a ‘loser’ Jackson and Buxer began talking about things that made them happy and lifted their spirits when feeling down.

Michael recalled that when he was in The Jackson Five he visited a beautiful place in England called Gloucestershire. Jackson, however, took creative license (as he often did) on the pronunciation of the South West county – pronouncing it as it reads, not as it really should be.



According to Jackson, the time he spent in Gloucestershire as a teenager three decades earlier while on tour with his brothers was still one of his fondest memories. And so, just like they did with “Loser”, Jackson and Buxer turned life into art. 

Buxer did the music and Jackson wrote the lyrics, then Brad left to go home for a few days. Prince stayed at the ranch with Jackson and went on to record all the King of Pop’s vocals in a makeshift studio right there in the bungalow’s bathroom – not an uncommon thing for Jackson.

However unfortunately, as with the vast majority of material he was working on during the final years of his life, Jackson never got to bring the track to completion. As it stands in its final version, the song has just one verse and a chorus which Jackson sings over and over again.

“He would do is go in and do the first verse, and the chorus, and he would not do a second verse,” says Teddy Riley of Jackson’s habits when writing or recording demos. “It’s just to get the idea down.”

This is the way Jackson worked in order to decipher which tracks he felt good about, and which he didn’t.

“What I do when I write is that I’ll do a raggedy, rough version just to hear the chorus, just to see how much I like the chorus,” explained Jackson. “If it works for me that way when it’s raggedy, then I’ll know it will just work … 

I do that same process with every song. It’s the melody. It’s the melody that’s most important. If the melody can sell me then I’ll go to the next step.”

“Days In Gloucestershire” is by no means complete, but judging by the positive reaction from Jackson’s loyal fans since it first appeared online yesterday, and to those who are simply looking at it as a piece of art, that lack of completion doesn’t seem to matter one bit.


by Damien Shields - March 16, 2014

Friday, March 21, 2014

Béla Farkas, Who Received Liver Transplant Thanks to Michael Jackson is Now Proud Father of Healthy Baby Girl.

Many fans have heard the story about little Béla Farkas, a Hungarian boy, who was saved by a liver transplant, paid for by Michael Jackson 20 years ago. Michael and Lisa Marie Presley first met 4 year old Bela Farkas an orphan in August 1994, at Bethesda Hospital in Budapest Hungary. We now have a beautiful update to this story in the Hungarian Sun.  Béla Farkas has just become the proud father of a beautiful, healthy baby girl and wants to thank Michael Jackson for saving his life and continuing to be a part of it up until his death in 2009.  People always wonder why we love Michael so much and are so proud to be his fans. Well this is just one of the many, many reasons.  A summary in English is below the copy of the article.  ~ Qbee   Updated with addition information 3-22-2014 

Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley with Béla Farkus Budapest 1994


A beautiful update on the story of Bela Farkas that will warm your heart







Thanks to Respect77 from MJJC for a  summary in English and Agnes Spett for the article above

* The article is fully positive. The young man in the pics is Bela Farkas who was the little boy whom Michael met in 1994 in Budapest while visiting a hospital. He never before gave an interview. The little boy at the time needed a liver transplant but at the time no such operation was performed in Hungary and it was very expensive abroad. When Bela was born his parents left him, so he had no hope to get the money. When Michael visited the hospital he asked why the boy was so thin and yellow and they explained it to him. He immediately said that he would pay for the operation and the treatment. Not only he paid for the operation but all the treatment that was needed after that and he continued to send Bela gifts too. Shortly after his operation he was adopted, so he grew up with loving parents eventually.

When Michael went to Hungary for the HIStory tour, he met Bela again. The boy then told him: "You are as if you are my dad." Michael laughed and told him: "Then you are my son." They remained in contact until Michael's death. Michael sent him cards, gifts for his birthday, for Christmas and Bela sent him drawings, photos. When Michael died Bela cried as if he lost his dad. He is 24 now and just become the dad of a healthy girl. He says the doctors predicted he would not live past his 18th birthday and here he is at 24 still doing well. He's very grateful to Michael and he's sure he's in Heaven now *




ღ¸.•* Michael Jackson & Béla Farkas *•.¸ღ



Thanks to  Michael Jackson.ru for addition information and pictures. 

Michael’s second meeting with Bela in 1996


Michael himself recounted Bela’s story in the documentary
 “Michael Jackson: The Private Home Movies” in 2003



What Michael didn’t mention in the film was that he not only found a donor for the boy and paid for the surgery, but also continued paying for Bela’s treatment for the next ten years. “I don’t even like to think about it,” says Bela. “The treatment cost $15 thousand a year. Michael spent over 50 million forints on me – just because he happened to meet me in the hospital.”




“If I could,” admits Bela, “I would ask him, ‘Of all children in that hospital, why did you choose me?’




Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Today in Michael Jackson History March 19th



HISTORICAL DATES


1979 - The Jackson continue the destiny Tour performing the 1st of 3 dates in Johannesburg, South Africa

1984 - Michael is on the cover of 'Time' magazine, titled "Why He's A Thriller", with a nine page article on the star. This cover was the 5th biggest-selling issue in "TIME" magazine's history.

1988 - Michael continues his BAD Tour performing the 2nd of two concerts at Market Square Arena in Indianapolis, Indiana

1988 - On or close to this date Michael buys property he had been looking at for some time, a 2,700-acre ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley. He names his property “Neverland Valley Ranch”.

1996 - Michael attends a press conference in Paris, announcing plans for a new company, "Kingdom Entertainment", a Paris-based multimedia corporation, jointly owned with Saudi Prince, Al-Walid bin Talal bin Abdul Aziz al-Saoud.

2001 - Michael Jackson was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist at the Waldorf Astoria in New York. Michael is the youngest artist to ever receive the honor and N'Sync, had the honor of introducing and inducting him into the Hall of Fame. Leaning in a cane because of a broken foot, Michael accepted his induction as He took the stage to one of the loudest, longest ovations of the evening and seemed genuinely moved, both by 'N Sync's speech and by the audience's reception. Michael was inducted into the hall of fame twice, His first in 1997, where he he also was the youngest artist to be inducted as part of a music group, namely the Jackson 5.





PICTURE OF THE DAY
 (click to enlarge)


Michael Jackson's Neverland Valley Ranch




SONG OF THE DAY


With a Child's Heart




VIDEOS OF THE DAY

  Michael Jackson's Neverland 



Michael announces "Kingdom Entertainment" at press conference 1996



Michael Jackson being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2001




QUOTE OF THE DAY

"I don't categorize music. Music is music. They changed the word R&B to Rock 'n' Roll.It has always been, from Fats Domino to Little Richard to Chuck Berry. How can we discriminate? It's what it is, great music, you know."  ~ Michael Jackson 




Source: Qbee  MJJCommunity.com

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Michael Jackson's Unfinished Dream

 I just came across this article by Anand Krishna, that I had save on my PC since 2009. Its speaks about how Michael could deeply feel and internalized the pain of a suffering humanity. He was not only physically connected but spiritually as well.  He had a true desire, to change the world and himself to try and ease the suffering in our world.  While I don't agree with all of the author's opinions,  I was still  deeply moved by his article and wanted to share it with you. It may even help skeptics to look at Michael though different eyes and see what was truly in his heart. I added the graphic below because I think this quote also bears witness to the authors claim. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. ~Qbee




Michael Jackson's Unfinished Dream
 by Anand Krishna

My mention of Michael Jackson on my Face book status startled many, especially as I invited them to pray for him. Within minutes dozens of friends were commenting on my status, most of them were fans. More personal messages were dropped in my mailbox or emailed directly, and these were messages from my annoyed friends: "What have you got to do with Michael Jackson, a child molester, blah, blah, blah?"

This is a very big question, a huge question, since it can be rephrased in innumerable ways. What have I got to do with you? What have I got to do with the publisher of this paper? What have I got to do with President Obama?

Or, what have I, or you, got to do with this world? Perhaps the best answer is: "Because I live in this world." This is the point. The fact that you and I live in this world connects us to all other citizens in the world.

I remember the great Sufi mystic poet Saadi: "Human beings are members of a whole, In creation of one essence and soul. If one member is afflicted with pain, other members uneasy will remain. If you have no sympathy for human pain, The name of human you cannot retain."

But human pain and suffering cannot connect me with my fellow human beings, if I do not have some kind of "feelings" for them. I have an emotional tie with my family members, so I can easily feel their pain. But, I may not have such a tie with you, and therefore I may not feel the same way about you, your pain and your suffering.

Not so with Michael Jackson, he could feel the pain of a suffering humanity. He raised and donated millions of dollars for humanitarian causes. He was not compelled to do what he did. Indeed, there are people much richer than him that did not do anything to alleviate suffering.

Michael Jackson differs from them because of his "feelings". We can still hear the echo of his compassion through his songs and writings, such as this passage from his album "Dangerous":

"Consciousness expresses itself through creation. This world we live in is the dance of the creator. Dancers come and go in the twinkling of an eye but the dance lives on. 
"On many an occasion, when I am dancing, I have felt touched by something sacred. In those moments, I felt my spirit soar and become one with everything that exists.
"I become the stars and the moon. I become the lover and the beloved. I become the victor and the vanquished. I become the master and the slave. I become the singer and the song. I become the knower and the known.
"I keep on dancing and then, it is the eternal dance of creation. The creator and the creation merge into one wholeness of joy. I keep on dancing...until there is only...the dance."

Such feelings are indeed very "dangerous", for then you can no longer shut your eyes to what is happening around you. Michael was in a very vulnerable condition, even before penning such thoughts, he was already singing: "We are the world...the world must come together as one.. It's time to lend a hand to life."

He felt connected with the world not just physically, but also spiritually. He did not stop at recognizing and acknowledging the pain and suffering of people; he wanted to make a change.

In "Man in the Mirror", he actually saw the reflection of his soul and sang with an added fervor: "If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself, and then make a change." It was an advice given not to you or to me, but to himself: "I'm gonna make a change, for once in my life it's gonna feel real good, gonna make a difference, gonna make it right..."

His realization that he had "been a victim of a selfish kind of love" made him all the more obsessed with the idea of spreading the right kind of love to heal himself and "Heal the World" to "make it a better place for you and for me". He dreamt of a world where "Black or White" either did not matter at all, or mattered equally.

In "The Earth Song" he wept together with Mother Earth: "What have we done to the world, look what we've done." Frustrated with all the happenings around him, he continued: "I used to dream, I used to glance beyond the stars; now I don't know where we are, although I know we've drifted far."

Back in the late 1970s, I had the rare chance of meeting philosopher J. Krishnamurti (1895-1986). He suffered from a similar frustration too. Later, in a documentary made on his life, those who were close to him during his last days discussed his frustration.

Both, philosopher J. Krishnamurti and artist Michael Jackson spoke of change, of the ultimate freedom from bondage, from the old-rotten old paradigms. And, as rightly put by Mahatma Gandhi, both realized the necessity of "being the change" that they wanted to see in the world. Yet, both of them died frustrated, as did the Mahatma. Gandhi who could not accept the idea of India's division based on religion.

J. Krishnamurti let out his frustrations through his writings and discussions with people around him. Gandhi let out his frustrations by withdrawing from political life and going back to his commune in Gujaratm. Michael Jackson, the star, may have let out his frustrations by experimenting with his body,

From strict diets, plastic surgery and his involvement in unpopular ventures, his love and sex lives can all be seen as manifestations of his innermost desire to change.

Change was both, his dream and his obsession.

When he "felt" that he failed to bring about change, or at least it was not the kind of change he desired, he withdrew and shut himself away from the outer world. This was a grave mistake. By doing so, he closed the outlets to let go of his frustrations. and died a lonely man.


Yet, a man, a star like Michael Jackson is too big to die.

Indeed, he is too bright a star to fall.

He shall shine for many, many years. His legacy of songs, his unfulfilled dream of the world to come, and his obsession to change shall be remembered by generations to come. Michael's dream shall remain alive, for his dream is not a loner's dream, his dream is the dream of all those who are capable of dreaming something big.

Jackson, we share your frustration and we will turn this into a source of energy to realize your dream, to "make a better world for you and for me". I shall not bid you good-bye my friend, for in your dream our meeting continues...

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Annual One Rose for Michael J. Jackson Event Open For 2014

This is my favorite event above all in the MJ Community. I'm so grateful to to be able to honor Michael in this way. It speaks volumes to the world of just how much Michael Jackson is still loved and missed even 5 yrs after his passing and it just grows bigger each year. One Rose for Michael has just added a Paypal button on their website to make it even easier to purchase your rose for Michael this year. I have already purchased my first rose and will buy more leading up to June 25th.  ~ Qbee



May each petal on every rose be a kiss floating into eternity for Michael <3 



Annual One Rose for Michael J. Jackson Event Open For 2014

It is with great pleasure to announce, that this year's One Rose for Michael J. Jackson, Rose tribute at Forest Lawn for this June 25th has officially begun.

This is 5th year we celebrate his creative genius & legacy.

Since its inception, this annual rose event has been a monumental endeavor for fans around the world to come together as one and pay our respects to our beloved Man in the Mirror.

While many fans are able to make their pilgrimage to Forest Lawn to be able to personally pay their respect, many fans from around the world are not able to do so, but instead are able to send out their love to Michael in a global effort to honor Michael and his memory.

Each rose represents the heart of a Michael Jackson fan worldwide. Together, these gorgeous, long-stem, freedom roses create a beautiful and amazing Blanket of Love for the world to see just how much Michael continues to be loved....after all, love lives forever.


Please Visit One Rose for Michael J. Jackson below
for more information and details on how you can purchase your Rose for Michael.



My  tribute to One Rose For Michael J. Jackson from 2012 

Sunday, March 09, 2014

Join Brad Sundberg 'In The Studio With MJ' The Homecoming at Westlake Studio LA

As many of you know Brad Sundberg's ' In The Studio with MJ ' seminars has been getting rave reviews from the fans who joined him in Toronto, Orlando, France and around the world. Well Now he is traveling to Los Angeles where it all began. He is bringing out the big  guns as he revisits, Westlake Recording studio where they produced Michael's BAD album and worked on parts of Dangerous and HIStory as well. Brad has great  stories, videos and music to share and a special surprise in store for the fans who attend. But I will let him tell you all about it and I hope you are able to join the homecoming ~ Qbee 



In The Studio With MJ - The Homecoming
June 23/24/25
Westlake Studios, LA



OK, I have some amazing news to share with you, but I need to set the stage, or rather... the table.

Let's time-travel back to around 1986, the Bad era. One of the first things I discovered when working with Bruce, Quincy, Rod and Michael was the importance of food. I know this is going to sound crazy, but stick with me. There will be plenty of time for music, I want to discuss food.

Back then Quincy had a personal chef by the name of Jean-Luke. (Say it in a very French accent, with a soft, shushing "J"). Jean-Luke would occasionally bring in these amazing little chicken sandwiches, with home-made mayo and wafer-thin slices of jalapeno pepper. Beyond words.

Well, Michael was not going to be outdone, so he brought in the big guns: The "Slam Dunk Sisters", Catherine and Laura. They started cooking for Michael (who gave them the nickname) at Havenhurst just after Thriller was released. At the risk of sounding like a Food Network geek (guilty, sort of), they knew how to cook with love. The prepared simple comfort food that I'm sure Michael loved from a very young age. So as the Bad album got on track, Catherine and Laura continued to prepare Michael's meals.

Sometime early in the projected Michael thought it would be great if we stopped working for an hour or two on Friday afternoons and gathered in the studio for a giant family dinner together. You guessed it: "Family Friday Dinner" was born, and the Slam Dunk Sisters became our personal chefs.

I have spent more than a few minutes in my seminars and my writings describing "Family Friday Dinners" and the Slam Dunk Sisters. There is something very special about sharing a meal together with family and friends. Homes are built around kitchens. Holidays are celebrated with specific foods. Celebrations almost always involve meals, beverages and treats. Food is essential to survival, but it can and should be so much more. A great meal shared with family and friends is truly a memorable event.

So "Family Friday Dinner" during the "Bad" and "Dangerous" albums became the highlight of the week. It was what we looked forward to and often talked about. I remember clearly watching the security camera of the parking lot on the TV in the studio, and we would get so excited when we saw Catherine's car pull in Fridays; it meant dinner was very near.


Family Friday Dinner and the Slam Dunk Sisters

Yes, the food was delicious, and I'll get to that in a moment. But it was also the times that my wife Debbie and daughter Amanda would sometimes join us, as would Bruce's wife Bea. Michael Boddicker might have his daughters there, and Frank Dileo would often mysteriously show up on Fridays. I don't think Bill Bray or Miko Brando missed too many "Family Friday Dinners" either. It was food, friendship, laughter and stories.

The food was, in Michael's words, "Country." Turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potato pie, greens, fried chicken... and of course Catherine's amazing banana puddin'. (Although you can't see it... I am actually just staring into space for a few moments... sorry.)


OK, I'm back.

A few weeks ago I started thinking about the seminars at Westlake this June. I started thinking about reunions and homecomings, and what makes them complete. The answer? Food. Yes, there will be music and stories and memories... but there had to be food.

So... I came up with a crazy idea, and I made a phone call to a dear friend I had not spoken to in more than twenty years: Catherine. We talked and laughed and swapped stories, and finally I got up the courage to ask her a question: Would the original "Slam Dunk Sisters consider providing dinner for my VIP guests at the Homecoming, and snacks for everyone, so everyone could taste the food Michael loved so much? She started giggling and said YES!!!

So let me make sure you understand what is going on here.

On June 23, 24 and 25, we will be at Westlake Studio D, where we produced the Bad album and worked on parts of Dangerous and HIStory. We will be in the same room where Michael and Siedah sang "Man In The Mirror." We will be in the same room where Michael whispered the "Pillow Talk" at the beginning of "I Just Can't Stop Loving You." There is an endless amount of history in this room, but there will also be food. Food that Michael loved, prepared by the two women who prepared it for him and us countless times before. At the risk of sounding corny, this is your chance to hear, feel, see, taste and smell how it felt to be in the studio with us.

Now... VIP tickets are very limited, and those will include the full dinner plus and an extra 3-hours of music and stories. But I have asked Catherine to prepare EVERY ticket holder a light lunch and get the chance to taste her and Laura's food and meet them.

Does that make sense? Let's recap:

All Access = Seminar + light lunch.
VIP = Seminar + light lunch + complete dinner + bonus 3 hours.

So now you are starting to see what a vital role food took in our productions, and why I think it is so important and exciting to bring the Slam Dunk Sisters into The Homecoming.

Exactly seven days from now, tickets will go on sale, at 11:59pm (New York Time), Friday night, March 14th. I am very limited on space for VIP and All-Access (standard) tickets, so please buy your tickets early before they are gone.

Hear things you have never heard.
See things you have never seen.
Learn things you never knew.
Eat like you are part of the team.


Don't Be Messin' Round!


In The Studio With MJ - The Homecoming
June 23/24/25
Westlake Studios, LA

http://inthestudiowithmj.com


Source:  Facebook In The Studio with MJ

Saturday, March 08, 2014

Michael Jackson is Hero to African banker and philanthropist

Tony O. Elumelu is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and Chairman of Heirs Holdings, a proprietary investment company operating a portfolio of businesses across the African continent.


Tony O. Elumelu Visits With Mothers At The Ogita DPI Relief Camp, Abia 


In 2010, Elumelu founded Heirs Holdings, driven by his vision of African created and African-focused entrepreneurship that is committed to stimulating economic prosperity and social wealth. Heirs Holdings has significant interests in the ICT, financial services, energy, real estate and hospitality, agribusiness, and healthcare sectors.

In the same year, he established The Tony Elumelu Foundation, an Africa based and funded philanthropy dedicated to the promotion of entrepreneurship in Africa by enhancing the competitiveness of the private sector to create economic and social wealth.


On stage, he was dazzling his audience like a rock star, except that he is not.

With rapt attention, they listened to him as he told his inspiring story: how at 34, he had climbed the corporate ladder as the youngest Nigerian CEO of a bank. How like a magician, he turned around a dead bank, meaning he brought back the bank from the graveyard, breathed life into it and turned it into a hugely prosperous bank that started a banking revolution in Nigeria.

The man I am talking about is Tony Elumelu, the turnaround manager par excellence, the David who acquired Goliath in a merger with UBA which he transformed into a pan-African bank with branches in 20 African countries, plus global footprints in New York, London and France.

On stage, Elumelu had told his story to the crowd of managers who had come to listen to him, to hear nuggets of corporate wisdom and to draw lessons and “learning points” from this master strategist of Standard Trust Bank and United Bank of Africa fame.

After speaking for over an hour, it was now question time. A young manager wanted to know Elumelu’s hero and role model. To the shock of everyone, he said: “My role model is Michael Jackson.”

Which Michael Jackson is he talking about? Is it an unknown Michael Jackson who is a guru somewhere in the corporate world? No, no, no. The person he considers his hero is the one and only Michael Jackson, the world greatest pop star ever. Michael Jackson whose Thriller is the best album ever sold in the history of pop music.  Michael Jackson who was planning his last concert ‘This is it!’ but was suddenly found dead in controversial circumstances.

The audience could not believe what they heard. In response, they broke into a fit of laughter. They laughed and laughed and laughed. The hall echoed and amplified the roars of laughter which sounded like waves of the Atlantic Ocean laughing its way down to the shores of Bar Beach. But Elumelu wasn’t ashamed to confess his faith in the man they call wacko Jacko. From the pulpit, he went on:
“I like three people. I like Michael Jackson. The late Michael Jackson. And I tell you why. I don’t know if any of you has seen ‘This is it!’ Have you seen it? I believe it is a learning video. If you look at that video, you saw a man who did not attain success by chance. Because a lot of things went behind.
“It’s all about staying focused. Just before Michael Jackson passed on, he was working on This is it. And you won’t believe the amount of energy, the intensity of practice, the way they were preparing for that world show. It is not the job of a lazy man. If he had lived to perform the world show, all of us would have said: ‘Wow! Talented man. Lucky man. Great guy.’ Everything comes easy for him. But you should have seen the ‘This is it’ video that he put in a lot of hours, every day in preparing himself towards making that vision he created in his brain of what entertainment he was going to provide. The message for our younger ones is: we need to define what we want to become or be. Be disciplined about it, go about it in a focused fashion and support it with hard work.
“And so, it is my passion for excellence, my passion for hard work, my passion for making sure things are done properly. And I thought Michael Jackson epitomises that. And so I was influenced to a large extent by Michael Jackson.
“Another person that influenced me a lot in life is Bill Gates. Today, Bill and Melinda Foundation, they spend billions of dollars on philanthropy every year. He is one of the richest men on earth. But what was his background? Even Steve Jobs. Not that he is my role model. But Bill Gates. Just brains. Using the brains. You can create capital with brains. That is the future of capitalism. So, I saw that in Bill Gates. And he also suffered in the process. He also knew when to leave. And the third person I like is Warren Buffet. I aspire to be like him. I pray to be a small Warren Buffet.”

Source: TheSun,The Tony Elumelu Foundation, MJJC

Join the discussion

Monday, March 03, 2014

Michael Jackson's Snakes Find New Home in Fruita Children's Nature Center

Zoo Quests, Children's Nature Center just acquired news snakes that were originally from Michael Jackson's, Neverland Ranch. I found new pics on the Zoo's FB page . I think the new python pictured below may be Michael's Jackson Albino Burmese Python (Madonna) from Neverland . If it is they have renamed it Sunshine. Below is a news story from News Channel 5 (krextv.) ~ Qbee

Our snake expert, Alan Snow holds the head of our new Albino Burmese Python

Our Snake expert, Alan Snow, with Sunshine our albino Burmese Python



Michael Jackson's Snakes Find New Home in Fruita
By Emily Fredrick: Sun, 02 Mar 2014


FRUITA, Colo. - Warmer temperatures have allowed Fruita
Children's Nature Center to bring in more animals, drawing in more visitors



"In January we were very cautious because of the cold weather, we wanted to make sure that all of the animals were very safe when they came in because they are shipped to us, and we wanted to make sure no one was in a package where it ended up being too cold, so a lot of them have been arriving," said the Nature Center's Sunday manager, Bea Sullivan, "within the past two weeks we've gotten so many animals in here that we hadn't had before. The frogs have arrived and they are very small and the little kids they love getting to see the beautiful bright colors that they have. 

We did get the snakes recently within the past couple of weeks, several of them did come from Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch, they are very tame and they like to engage with people, and that is fun for the community to get to see."

Community members have been stopping by to see the new animals including local students hoping to work in a zoo one day.

"We've had lots of professors from CMU stop in, and we're so glad to have them, they have been bringing students with them. Today we had a 10 o'clock opening just for them, so they could see how we take care of the animals and what we do as our set up every single day," said Sullivan.

"This is the only opportunity for them to get this type of experience. A lot of biology students want to work in places like zoos and things like that so they are able to get this experience to help them get their foot in the door somewhere else," said Colorado Mesa University assistant biology professor, Dr. Eriek Hansen.

As the weather continues to get warmer, the Nature Center will be receiving a shipment of honey bees to educate the community about the important role they play in local orchard pollination.


For more information about the Children's Nature Center click here