Jan. 26 in history

22 Years Ago --- Sixth Annual Readers' Poll Winners Boston Globe January 26, 1984 Eight weeks and 575 votes after we published our Sixth Annual Reader's Poll ballot, we're here to tell you what you liked a lot in 1983. Which included Meryl Streep, The Police, "Shear Madness," The Hilltop Steak House, WBCN-FM and Liz Walker. ... What in the world could possibly slow down Michael Jackson's meteoric career? Possibly only a voice change. He nearly pulled off an unprecedented two-fer here, winning the best soul album category and finishing second in the best rock album category - with the same record, no less. "Thriller," in fact, received more votes than any record in the history of the Calendar Poll... --- 19 Years Ago --- Listen Up If He Says 'Beat It' Toronto Star January 26, 1987 Chicago Bears star Walter Payton wore the trademark uniform of superstar singer Michael Jackson during a weekend rehearsal for an appearance on TV's Saturday Night Live at NBC studios in New York. The stellar running back posed during the show's tongue-in-cheek workout session. --- 18 Years Ago --- American Music Awards Winners Houston Chronicle January 26, 1988 ...Paul Simon won favorite pop male vocalist, and his "Graceland," won favorite pop-rock album. Simon won a Grammy for the album in 1987. Michael Jackson won favorite soul rhythm and blues single for "Bad." Jackson had won 11 previous American Music Awards trophies. Neither Simon nor Jackson were on hand to accept their awards Monday. --- --- Jackson's Gear Draws A Crowd St. Petersburg Times January 26, 1988 The arrival of rock singer Michael Jackson's stage equipment at the Pensacola Civic Center attracted a small crowd of onlookers curious to see rehearsal gear for the performer's upcoming national tour. However, several women from Winter Haven, who huddled Friday under piles of patchwork quilts and blankets, said they weren't there because of Jackson. "We're waiting for Alabama tickets to go on sale tomorrow morning," said Cathy Birthisell, a fan of the country music group. "I like Michael Jackson, but I'm not going to lose my place in line to see them unload his equipment." Jackson is not expected to arrive for at least a week, the Pensacola News Journal reported Saturday. He has leased the Civic Center for 26 days solely for rehearsals and plans no public performances. Jackson's rehearsals before 10,000 empty seats will be worked around the Alabama concert, scheduled for Feb. 13, and five home games of the Pensacola Tornados, a Continental Basketball Association team. Jackson begins his national tour Feb. 23 in Kansas City, Mo. --- 17 Years Ago --- Madonna Follows Michael Jackson's Footsteps At Pepsi Chicago Sun Times January 26, 1989 Pepsi-Cola's successor to Michael Jackson as singing pitchman is Madonna, who will get to work this week filming commercials for the country's No. 2 soft drink. Just as Michael Jackson's title song from his "Bad" album made its debut in a Pepsi spot, so will Madonna's "Like a Prayer" title cut become a commercial, now scheduled for March. The Jackson project turned into a mini-nightmare for Pepsi, however, because Jackson delayed the release of his album for months in order to finish a video, and a teaser for the commercial had to be aired instead of the real thing. --- --- Woman Convicted In Harassment Of Michael Jackson Los Angeles Times January 26, 1989 A woman was convicted Wednesday of eight misdemeanor charges stemming from her violation of a court order that she not pose as singer Michael Jackson's wife or visit his Encino home. Van Nuys Municipal Court Judge Stephen E. O'Neil deliberated for less than an hour before finding Lavon A. Muhammad, 41, guilty of contempt of court, violating a restraining order, petty theft and trespassing. Although Muhammad calls herself "Billie Jean Jackson" and claims the singer fathered her three children, she has never met Jackson, Deputy City Atty. David S. Kestenbaum said. She has harassed Jackson for several years, which led to the 1986 restraining order, Kestenbaum said. The charges stem from two incidents last year and one this month. Muhammad tried unsuccessfully in August to buy a wedding gown in Beverly Hills and bill it to Jackson, Kestenbaum said. In December, she billed $145 in medical services to Jackson. This month, she walked up Jackson's driveway in Encino in an unsuccessful attempt to enter his property, Kestenbaum said. After the verdict, the judge told Muhammad that the maximum sentence of 2 1/2 years in jail is an option if she continues to refuse psychiatric treatment. Sentencing is scheduled Monday. --- 14 Years Ago --- Whose Stars Deliver More For The Megabuck? Star Tribune January 26, 1992 ...In March Jackson signed the richest recording contract, worth as much as $1 billion, with the Sony Corp; that staggering figure is based on all kinds of incentives, including movies and his own record label. In more concrete terms, Jackson signed a six-album, $65 million deal. ... Under his new contract, Jackson is reportedly getting $5 million per album plus a 25 percent royalty on sales, or about $2.70 for every compact disc sold. Assuming that his new album "Dangerous" - the first under the new contract - does as well as "Bad," Jackson would earn at least $67.5 million. And that doesn't include his songwriting royalties or profit-sharing, which reportedly kicks in after sales of 10 million copies. As for Sony, on sales of 25 million the company will gross $250 million, and that doesn't include what retailers are pocketing from sales. Just how well is "Dangerous" doing? It is the fastest-selling Jackson record ever. Since its release seven weeks ago, it has sold 10 million copies worldwide. It took four months to sell that many of "Thriller" or "Bad," which needed two singles to push them over the 10-million mark. So far "Dangerous" has had only one, "Black or White," and it has turned out to be one of the most successful singles ever, spending seven weeks at No. 1. It had tied Jackson's "Billie Jean" as his biggest hit. Jackson releases a new album about every 4 1/2 years. In 4 1/2 seasons, based on his 1991 performance, Bonilla will generate 828 runs at $31,500 apiece, earning $26.1 million compared with Jackson's $67.5 million. That's just Jackson's take as a recording artist. He might also go on tour and gross $1 million a night from ticket sales in stadiums and another $250,000 from souvenir sales. He also is the owner of one of the richest song-publishing houses in the world, which generates hundreds of millions of dollars annually without his having to do anything... --- 13 Years Ago --- Michael Jackson Wins 3 At Annual Music Awards Austin American Statesman January 26, 1993 Michael Jackson won two trophies and his third special award while Michael Bolton, Billy Ray Cyrus, Mariah Carey, Reba McEntire, Patti LaBelle, Garth Brooks and Bobby Brown scored major victories Monday at the 20th annual American Music Awards. Jackson won favorite pop rock album for Dangerous and favorite soul-rhythm and blues single for Remember the Time. Jackson also was presented a new honor, the International Artists Award, which in the future will bear his name... --- 12 Years Ago --- Jackson Settles Suit With Boy, Denies Guilt Pittsburgh Post January 26, 1994 Lawyers for Michael Jackson and a 14-year-old boy who alleged in a lawsuit that the singer sexually molested him announced yesterday that they have settled the case, abruptly ending one chapter of a scandal that has dogged the internationally renowned pop icon since last fall. Although the attorneys declined to discuss any aspect of the settlement, sources close to the negotiations said it was for between $15 million and $24 million, with some of the money paid to the boy in cash and the rest funneled into a trust fund. The terms of the settlement were reviewed by a judge appointed to serve as the boy's guardian. After a brief court hearing yesterday, Larry R. Feldman, the boy's attorney, said he and his client were "very happy with the resolution of this matter." Despite agreeing to a settlement that sources say will pay millions of dollars to the alleged victim in this case, Jackson's attorneys said their client stands by his assertions of innocence. "The resolution of this case is in no way an admission of guilt by Michael Jackson," said attorney Johnnie Cochran Jr., one of two lawyers representing Jackson in the matter. "In short, he is an innocent man who does not intend to have his career and his life destroyed by rumors and innuendo." --- 10 Years Ago --- 3T Album Review: Brotherhood Richmond Times January 26, 1996 First reactions: OK, they're Michael Jackson's nephews, Tito Jackson's sons... I thought that they would be able to sing a few notes. But I was really surprised about how much they sounded like the Jackson brothers. Even though this was the first time I had heard 3T sing, I found that their voices were familiar. Best song: The best song on the album is called "Memories." This song is not only good, it is also emotional. The song is dedicated to their mother, the late Delores Jackson, and makes you want to cry. Worst song: "Gotta Be You" is the wackest song on the album. I was disappointed when I heard it. It skips to about four different topics, none having to do with each other. Best words to describe it: Relaxing and comforting, most of the songs soothe your mind. But some are just plain boring. Then others are like ear candy. If you like... Harmonizing brothers who want to show how much they care for each other, gravel up some change and buy the CD. Critic's notes: Even though I'd rather buy this CD at a half-price sale, maybe you'll pay full price. Some tracks, "Anything," "Memories" and "Why," are OK, but why waste money on the rest of the album? --- 9 Years Ago --- David Ingram's Gift Palm Beach Post January 26, 1997 ...It helps to learn a person's specific interests. David Ingram knew, for example, that Michael Jackson loved the movie "Free Willy," as well as toys. So, Ingram took a $4,000 Lalique crystal whale, inserted it in a child's $27 backpack and tacked on a note saying, "Unzip me for more treasures." --- 7 Years Ago --- Michael Jackson Dances Hora At Bar Mitzvah In South Africa Jewish Telegraphic Agency January 26, 1999 Sporting a red military-style jacket with gold braid and a yarmulka, Jackson surprised congregants in the Sandton synagogue when he turned up for the Bar Mitzvah of Dean Cohen earlier this month. Jackson was accompanied by bodyguards and his two children. The story of Jackson's friendship with Cohen's parents, Phillip and Roslyn, only became public last weekend. Friends of the Cohens had guarded the secret as closely as the security which surrounded the pop hero. "We only knew he was coming an hour before his arrival," said Rabbi Siggi Suchard, who officiated at the service. "I was introduced to Michael Jackson before the service. I found him very polite and quiet. He was given a yarmulka, which he wore, but not a tallis," Suchard said. This is the second world-famous Bar Mitzvah guest who has been presented to the rabbi -- the first was President Nelson Mandela, who accepted a personal invitation to a Bar Mitzvah ceremony two years ago. "We were totally surprised," said one guest. "But there was so much extra security at the shul and a great deal of secrecy surrounding the arrangements that I suspected something was going to happen." Phillip Cohen apparently struck up a friendship with Jackson when the family spent a weekend at the popular Sun City hotel and gaming resort three years ago. According to guests, there appears to be a genuine closeness between the pop star and the family -- so much so that Jackson made a special trip to South Africa for the Bar Mitzvah. After the service, Jackson's children were taken home, while the famous guest attended the celebration at a local hotel. "He danced the hora, the train and other traditional dances," said a guest. "He shook hands with all the children and signed autographs." The musicians Skippy and Doug -- Eyal Shaked and Douglas Watt -- who were hired for the party were "somewhat unnerved" by Jackson's presence. "It's kind of like you are a fine artist, hired to paint a ceiling, and Michelangelo walks in. But he was really very nice. We sang the American national anthem for him. When I apologized for making a mistake with a couple of the words, as I hadn't known he was coming, he laughed and reassured me, "said Shaked. "Then with my chutzpah, I invited him to sing with our band -- but he answered very graciously that he'd rather just listen and dance." Jackson was reportedly one of the last to leave. --- 5 Years Ago --- Blend Of Dance Styles Conjures Up A 'Spirit' Anchorage Daily News January 26, 2001 Dublin's "Spirit of the Dance" might bring more than its festive stage show to winter-starved Anchorage this week... One of six companies staging "Spirit" around the world will perform numerous shows at Atwood Concert Hall. The dancers have performed in locales as varied as Morocco and Australia and opened for Michael Jackson in Korea. Performances are already booked for 2002 and 2003, including a tour of the Far East, Young said. ... While Young doesn't foresee an Irish step version of "Thriller," even Michael Jackson was smitten by the dances. "He wants to learn the steps..." --- --- Beatles' "1" Is Solid Gold For Jackson, Too New York Daily News January 26, 2001 With the Beatles' "1" still the nation's biggest seller this week, there's no doubt that the wallets of Paul, George, Ringo and Yoko are swelling. But there's another star, one we really haven't heard from in a while, who's also raking in money from the Beatles' catalogue: Michael Jackson. In 1985, Jackson made headlines when he elbowed his "Say, Say, Say" partner, Paul McCartney, out of the way with a $47.5 million purchase of ATV Music Publishing, which holds the rights to almost all of the Lennon/McCartney repertoire and dozens of other pop classics. Jackson proceeded to cash in. Beatles fans groaned when the counterculture anthem "Revolution" was used to hawk Nike running shoes a few years later. Jackson's in for another big payday now that "1" has shipped some 20 million units worldwide and sold just over 5.8 million copies in the States. Since 1995, he has been partnered with Sony - a deal that earned him a reported $95 million - and the singer has a significant stake in the Sony/ATV Music Publishing windfall. Sony/ATV owns the copyright to 23 of the 27 songs on "1." --- 4 Years Ago --- Pop: A1's Long Road To Credibility Birmingham Post January 26, 2002 ...From the start of their pop career a1 had to deal with the fact that they were never given any credit for writing their own material. Adams says: 'We wrote 10 tracks on the first album, 11 on the second and all of the tracks on this one. We did try and tell people that we co-wrote our songs but I don't think they cared.' The band even submitted tracks for Michael Jackson's current album Invincible. Ingebrigtsen says: 'I think there was a shortlist of 500 songs and we made it to the last 200. But with a big album like that there is a lot of politics involved. 'The biggest producers and the biggest names have their say and there is a lot of money involved. We never had any big expectations but it was a great honour just to be asked.' 'We still personally feel that our songs were better than some of the ones which made it on to the album,' he laughs. --- --- Gest & Minnelli Telegraph Herald January 26, 2002 Liza Minnelli says love has helped her conquer ill health. Talking to British reporters with her fiance, David Gest, the 55-year-old singer said that a year ago she was stricken with encephalitis and feared she would not sing again. Now, 90 pounds lighter and back on her feet, she's embarking on a European tour. "David inspired me. I lost a lot of weight and it helped me because I have a bad back. The thinner I stay the better I feel," she said. Minnelli, daughter of Judy Garland and Vincent Minnelli, said she also drew on "an inner strength that my parents gave me, especially my mother." Gest, a producer, called Minnelli "a remarkable human being." The couple plans to wed in New York on March 16. The two met while Minnelli was appearing on Gest's production of "Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Special" last year. It will be Minnelli's fourth marriage and the first for Gest. --- 3 Years Ago --- Michael Jackson Eyes Queen's Palace Sunday Times January 26, 2003 Michael Jackson wants a home in Europe - and top of his list in Britain are Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, Jackson's property agent tells John Harlow... Jackson is officially on the lookout for some new digs, and the sprawling 19th-century edifice is his benchmark for quality. Either Buckingham Palace, or maybe Windsor Castle: money is no object, says Jackson's property agent, James Meiskin. Jackson is a hot buyer, with good financial references... But so far, there is no suitable seller. "There are probably fewer than 10 properties in the world that match Michael's very strict criteria, which include space, security and architectural uniqueness, and many of them are not for sale right now," says Meiskin, who has been a friend and business adviser to Jackson for many years. "There are some extraordinary places out there, and we hope to find something, either in the United States or Europe, by the end of the year," says Meiskin, who is president of the New York-based Plymouth Partners, an extremely posh estate agency. "Neverland Ranch near Santa Barbara in California will remain Michael's primary residence, but he also wants a very large home or castle that has to be among the best, if not the best, home in whatever country it is located," he says. "We are looking around the United States, but I suspect Michael will end up buying a castle or palace in Europe. France, Italy and the United Kingdom are all under consideration. "In England, it has to be something to the standard of Buckingham Palace. Unique and special, with nothing like it around. Or maybe Windsor Castle," he said, generously ignoring the castle's unfortunate history of fires and floods. There are a handful of other candidates, possibly including Blenheim Palace, Castle Howard and maybe Longleat (Michael likes animals, after all). But if those stuffy owners insist on holding onto their heritage in the face of oodles of dollars, then the 44- year-old singer, his three children, Prince Michael, daughter Paris Michael and baby Prince Michael II, will be off house-hunting on the Continent. In the spring of 1996, Jackson set off a feeding frenzy among the owners of France's 40,000 chateaux. He visited four, dancing through the endless ballrooms and bedroom suites with a Mickey Mouse umbrella. He was fascinated by Joan of Arc's bedroom at the Chateau Bouesse, but found the prospect of turning it from a famous restaurant into a home daunting and the lack of a private helipad a drawback. He fell in love with an 18th-century palace until a nervous security adviser pointed out its hilly exposure to snipers and stalkers. Later that year it was reported that Jackson spent a comparatively modest Pounds 6.2m-Pounds 7.4m on a 82-room spread near Paris. He was attracted to the Chateau de Chabennet by its seven turrets, moat and drawbridge, and its proximity to Disneyland Paris. But a fresh mystery now surrounds the Chateau de Chabennet. Meiskin says he cannot talk about it, prompting speculation that the 40-acre estate was either merely rented, like Jackson's apartment in the Trump Tower in New York, or the chateau has failed to please in some darkly French way and is for sale again. With Jackson, who knows? Either way, France remains in Jackson's dreams. "It is a very short list, but the palace in Paris owned by the Sultan of Brunei would suit Michael. It is not for sale, but Paul Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft, is interested in it, and, if it came onto the market, Michael would be too." ... ---