Jan. 9 in history

18 Years Ago --- The Thriller Beat San Francisco Chronicle January 09, 1988 So what's the juice behind Michael Jackson's new flick, "Moonwalker"? Insiders tell us $22 million has been spent so far on the film - and some of it the Thriller's money - without a final product being in the can, and without so much as a distributor lined up. A spokesman for Jackson confirmed that the film has been under way for some time and said that "conversations" are taking place with Lorimar. --- 17 Years Ago --- A Boy's Dream To Come True Seattle Times January 09, 1989 Andrew Wigglesworth is set to meet his idol, pop star Michael Jackson, later this month. Actor Martin Sheen is taking the boy, who lost his left leg to a non-cancerous tumor, to a Jackson concert in Los Angeles on Jan. 17. After 9-year-old Andrew lost his leg nearly two years ago, he continued to perfect his Jackson impressions and moonwalk. He met Sheen while working as an extra on a movie set last month in Vancouver, B.C. --- 16 Years Ago --- Jackson's Fun and Games USA Today January 09, 1990 Video-game characters run, jump, punch and shoot. Now, one moonwalks. Michael Jackson's "Moonwalker," unveiled at this week's Consumer Electronics Show, gives joystick control of the superstar as he kicks, spins and slides backward. Jackson helped in the design, says Al Nilsen of Sega, which makes arcade and Genesis system versions. "His overriding criteria was that it's fun." Based on the Smooth Criminal video, the game pits Jackson against Mr. Big, who tries to kidnap the children of the world. Jackson relies on "magical powers," dance and friends to undo Mr. Big. Also in the game - due in July for $49.95: - Ghouls and street toughs, reminiscent of the Thriller and Beat It videos. - The songs Beat It, Bad, Smooth Criminal. The video hero wins all the dance duels because, Nilsen says, "No one can dance like Michael." CUTLINE: Jackson: Joystick hero --- 14 Years Ago --- On The Charts Austin American Statesman January 09, 1992 TOP SINGLES 1. Black or White, Michael Jackson (Epic) 2. All 4 Love, Color Me Bad (Giant) 3. Can't Let Go, Mariah Carey (Columbia) 4. It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday, Boyz II Men (Motown) 5. 2 Legit 2 Quit, Hammer (Capitol) 6. Smells Like Teen Spirit, Nirvana (DGC) 7. Addams Groove, Hammer (Capitol) 8. Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me, George Michael & Elton John (Columbia) 9. Finally, Ce Ce Peniston (A&M) 10. Wildside, Marky Mark & the Funky Bunch (Interscope)* --- 12 Years Ago --- Media/Justice Takes Another Casualty In The War Against Black Men Chicago Citizen January 09, 1994 The media/justice system has once again taken another casuality in the witchhunt against Black men. The two have become merged systems. One announces the crime, digs deep for details, later presenting its findings on the 6 o'clock news. While the other relies on public impact, searches for the judge and jury, and biasedly persecutes its victims. Michael Jackson was pronounced guilty before the scales of justice could prevail. Despite the so-called "innocent before proven guilty" theory, another "Mike" had been hung. African-Americans should know this judicial system route too well. Regardless of financial greatness, Black men from around the world are not exempt from the guns of justice. The careers and allegations of Mikes' Tyson and Jordan have suffered from its wounds. Undoubtedly Michael Jackson's too-soon declaration of his "proud African-American Heritage" may have slapped him into the reality of the real Never-Neverland does exists in America. Once again, the media/justice system reminded another community casuality where his roots actually lie. Our focus must take a primary look toward fair treatment in the media/justice system (considering the case has become an Inquirer-style news broadcast and the handling of Michael's subsequent arrival back home was handled as a Hoover-organized strip search). Jackson has not received fair and equal due process that is guarenteed under the law. With the molestation allegations against Chicago's Cardinal Joseph Bernadin shoved under the rug, and the rumored explicit sex-scandals of President Bill Clinton, Michael Jackson's reputed crimes have taken front and center stage. No internationally-known person in the history of America, perhaps the world, including the scandalous episodes of the Kennedy family, has undergone such defamation of character such as Michael Jackson. No matter how big or small, society will continue to degrade, mutilate, distort, destroy, and create racist stereotypes of Black men no matter what it costs. The public has allowed T.V. shows like Hard Copy, Inside Edition, Current Affair hold court. They've allowed his sister Latoya, former employees and alleged extortionists present the evidence. If anything is accurate in this case it is the blatant defamation of character and malicious intent. Being part of the most silent business merges in America, the legal system has protected everyone under similar events from Boy Scout leaders to Catholic Church Cardinals. Never has one been publically humiliated to have photos taken of their private parts. Even the capture of mass-murderer Jeffrey Dahmer was more humane than the witchhunt against Jackson. Again, Black men, dead or alive, were the centered victims. The defamation of one of the most famous mega-entertainers ever, is about the final straw in what has been a long-scale movement against Black men since slavery. We are under the gun again. The media may think the defamation of a Black man sells, but comparably, his price was just as high during slavery. For the record, if Michael Jackson is guilty of that which he is accused, he should do no less than the time granted to any person who is sentenced for such crimes. However, he should not be sentenced in the press. --- --- Farrakhan Defends Michael Jackson: Mrs. Jackson And NAACP Join Defense Chicago Citizen January 09, 1994 Saying, "The attack on Michael Jackson is a wicked thing," in a speech before 22,000 people in New York City, Minister Louis Farrakhan recently defended Michael Jackson against charges of alleged child molestation. And on the West Coast, Michael's mother, Katherine Jackson and the NAACP joined the growing list of African Americans stepping forward to defend the pop superstar amid the national furor. Pointing to a cover-up with Jackson as "scapegoat," Farrakhan lashed the media for treating Jackson with a double standard. "You don't handle your own people that way. You cover up the wickedness of your presidents. You cover up the mistresses of your presidents, and the homosexuality of your great leaders," he declared. "You put the man up to worldwide ridicule, and he's judged as guilty. Michael Jackson is no dope fiend. But he puts his trust in the wrong people who are feeding him morphine and pain killers. Whether you like it or not, I am a defender of Black people. And when I see the world ganging up on Michael, I think it is time for us to say cut this foolishness. Leave that man alone. Stop using him for ratings on your silly news shows," stated Farrakhan, who was joined on stage at the Jacob Javits Convention Center by Rev. Al Sharpton, singers Johnny Gill and Stephanie Mills, rapper Flavor-Flav, actor Wesley Snipes and radio personality Gary Byrd. Farrakhan also said, "Personally, I think there's a conspiracy. You want to hang him by innuendo. You want to hang him on the basis of circumstantial evidence. You want to weaken him and make him bow down. But you will find out there is more to Michael than what you think," Farrakhan said in his two-hour speech. Appearing on TV's "Hard Copy," Michael's mother Katherine, and brother Jermaine attempted to dispel what they see as erroneous notions about the reclusive superstar. Mrs. Jackson said, "Michael's appearance makes a lot of people think he's gay. But you can tell when a person is gay, sometimes you look at a person's face and you say, 'Oh my God, that guy is gay.' Michael is not gay." Mrs. Jackson wondered why there has not been more investigation of possible extortion by the father of the 13-year-old accuser. Both Mrs. Jackson and Jermaine said that the kids always came by their house and stayed overnight. She said: "Kids slept at the house when he lived at home and nothing happened. We have a guest room, kids slept in the guest room, Kids slept on the floor in his room. Michael is not the type to do anything like that." Jermaine Jackson states that Michael, who according to Forbes magazine made $42 million last year, has been confirmed to appear with the family in Las Vegas on a TV special this February. With no mention of the role sister LaToya will play in the special, Jermaine says that he still has talks with Michael and proclaimed, "He's strong. He knows that he's being strong. He has inner strength and God is with him." Members of the Los Angeles NAACP also held a press conference to say that they too were in support of Michael Jackson. The civil rights group added its weight in lodging complaints against the media for its "mistreatment" of the superstar. Also Johnnie Cochran has been brought in to bolster the Jackson defense. Lawyers for Jackson point out that the case is a civil one and no criminal charges have been made against Michael. --- --- New PBS Topics Include Jackson-hunting Media Orange County Register January 09, 1994 ...On public TV's schedule this summer is "Fiddling in the Kitchen with Itzhak Perlman," featuring the world-class violinist frying up a storm with buddies such as operaman Placido Domingo and sexmeister Dr. Ruth Westheimer. But my personal fave for PBS must-see is "Tabloid Truth: The Michael Jackson Scandal," debuting on "Frontline" at 9 p.m. Feb. 15 on KCET/28. There was a sneak preview of "Truth," the tabloid variety, on Thursday, and it really sizzles. This one's for everyone who's ticked off - and I know there are a lot of you - about how the media are treating Michael Jackson. But be forewarned. This saga of The Gloved One's current miseries doesn't answer what we all really want to know: Did he or didn't he? Instead, it follows the inventors of shock-journalism, the British tabloids, as they hound Jackson until they draw blood. Oh, those bloody Brits, and Australians, too. Even American-bred "A Current Affair" uses Her Majesty's subjects as ace scandal reporters. We get to see them, plus other Brits from the London Sun, in the act on "Tabloid Truth," where we follow a checkbook bidding war for disclosures from Jackson intimates. All the mudslinging quickly gets so ludicrous it becomes a real, and very telling, hoot. Otherwise, the critics gathering has been a real patriotic British lovefest... --- 9 Years Ago --- Song For Liz Cincinnati Post January 09, 1997 Michael Jackson will compose a song, "Elizabeth," for Elizabeth Taylor's 65th birthday bash. But, Ms. Taylor says, "It's not because of my birthday (Feb. 27). It's to celebrate AIDS and all the heroes and heroines who have fought so hard to stay alive." The gala will benefit the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. --- --- Gala Marks Haitian Independence Anniversary Bay State Banner January 09, 1997 An escaped slave appeared on stage resplendent in white, bearing a bow and arrow, used no longer for batting the enemy but for making beautiful music. ... The Theme freedom, ringing consistently throughout the evening, continued with Patric Lacroix Multicultural Dance Theater's depiction of "The Village, Haitian Caribbean Ballet," a colorful image with women of all nations rejoicing at the joy of being free. Another dance execution, "Eternal Breath," highlighted dancers in white moving to the beat of Michael Jackson's "Will You Be There?" and giving a message of hope for a better tomorrow, unity and racial harmony... --- 4 Years Ago --- Networks Go Head-to-Head With Music Shows Charleston Daily Mail January 09, 2002 Music takes center stage tonight as two networks, and two award shows, battle it out for top billing. ABC broadcasts the 29th Annual American Music Awards (8 p.m., TV-PG), a gala that has seen controversy over the last few weeks. Producer Dick Clark recently sued the Grammy Awards. He claimed that the Grammys blacklisted any stars who appeared on his show. He was particularly galled that Michael Jackson had declined to appear on the American Music Awards. Clark alleged that Jackson had bowed to pressure from the Grammys. Meanwhile, CBS, the network that will broadcast the Grammy Awards in February, has scheduled a repeat of the "Michael Jackson 30th Anniversary Celebration" (9 p.m., TV-PG) to compete with the ABC special. And just to make matters more confusing, both musical extravaganzas feature performances by teen singer Britney Spears. The Louisiana Lolita performs on the American Music Awards, along with Usher, Mick Jagger, Cher, Toby Keith, Kid Rock and Lenny Kravitz. CBS has added never-before-seen footage of Spears singing a duet with Jackson and a number by Lil' Romeo to their rebroadcast. --- --- Music Is What Lives and Lasts Chicago Sun Times January 09, 2002 Seated in an upholstered chair in the softly lighted suite, Jackson appears relaxed and poised, if a tad weary. He radiates unshakable self-confidence about his musical skills and flashes irritation only when pressed about the press. Though Jackson aggressively courts media attention, he remains frustrated by the level of scorn and speculation directed at him. "The guy who hits the most home runs is always the target," he complains. "It's human nature." Flanked by chaperones, Jackson faces interrogation with genial resignation and no hint of butterflies. Q: How do you respond to inaccurate articles about you? A: I don't pay any attention. The fans know the tabloid garbage is crap. It's terrible to try to assassinate one's character. I've had people come to me, and after meeting me, they start crying. I say, "Why are you crying?" They say, "Because I thought you would be stuck up, but you're the nicest person." I say, "Who gave you this judgment?" They tell me they read it. I tell them, "Don't you believe what you read." Q: Do these rumors persist because you don't refute them? A: No. I've done so much in the past. I did the most watched TV interview in history with Oprah Winfrey [in 1993]. But [the media] tend to want to twist what you say and judge you. I want to keep it on the music and the art. I think about some of my favorite people who ever lived. If I could stand face to face with Walt Disney or Michelangelo, would I care what they do in their private life? I want to know about their art. I'm a fan. Q: How do you shield yourself from being hurt by criticism? A: Expecting it, knowing it's going to happen and being invincible, being what I was always taught to be. You stand strong with an iron fist, no matter what the situation. Q: Critics refer to you as the self-proclaimed King of Pop. Did you choose that title? A: I never self-proclaimed myself to be anything. If I called up Elizabeth Taylor right now, she would tell you that she coined the phrase. She was introducing me, I think at the American Music Awards, and said in her own words--it wasn't in the script--"I'm a personal fan, and in my opinion he is the king of pop, rock and soul." Then the press and the fans started saying "King of Pop." Q: The New York concerts marked your first U.S. shows in 12 years. Were you nervous? A: No. It was an honor to be back with my brothers again. The producer wanted a cavalcade of luminaries from different fields of endeavor. It was a great honor to have them salute me. It was heartwarming, a happy, fun occasion. Q: Would you consider another tour with your brothers? A: I don't think so. I would definitely do an album with them, but not a tour. They would love to tour. But I want to move on to other things. Physically, touring takes a lot out of you. When I'm onstage, it's like a two-hour marathon. I weigh myself before and after each show, and I lose a good 10 pounds. Sweat is all over the stage. Then you get to your hotel and your adrenaline is at its zenith and you can't fall asleep. And you've got a show the next day. It's tough. Q: "Invincible" was several years in the making. Does your perfectionism slow the process? A: It did take a while because I'm never happy with the songs. I'll write a bunch of songs, throw them out, write some more. People say, "Are you crazy? That's got to go on the album." But I'll say, "Is it better than this other one?" You only get 75 minutes on a CD, and we push it to the limit. Q: After such a long absence, did you have doubts about your current relevance? A: Never. I have confidence in my abilities. I have real perseverance. Nothing can stop me when I put my mind to it. Q: Is it your belief that music is a tool for healing? A: It's a mantra that soothes the soul. It's therapeutic. It's something our body has to have, like food. It's very important to understand the power of music. Whether you're in an elevator or a department store, music affects the way you shop, the way you treat your neighbor. Q: "Invincible" hasn't enjoyed record-breaking sales. Does "Thriller" cast too big a shadow? A: Absolutely. It is tough because you're competing against yourself. "Invincible" is just as good or better than "Thriller," in my humble opinion. It has more to offer. Music is what lives and lasts. "Invincible" has been a great success. When "The Nutcracker Suite" was introduced to the world, it totally bombed. What's important is how the story ends. Q: How has fatherhood changed you? A: In a huge way. You have to value your time differently, no doubt about it. It's your responsibility to make sure they're taken care of and raised properly with good manners. But I refuse to let any of it get in the way of the music or the dance or the performing. I have to play two different roles. I always wanted to have a big family, ever since I was in school. I was always telling my father I would outdo him. He had 10 children. I would love to have like 11 or 12 myself. Q: And what have your kids taught you? A: A lot. [Parenthood] reminds you to do what the Bible has always told us. When the apostles were arguing among themselves over who was the greatest in Jesus' eyes, he said, "None of you," and called over a little boy and said, "until you humble yourself like this child." It reminds you to be kind and humble and to see things through the eyes of children with a childlike wonderment. Q: Are you resentful that stardom stole your childhood? A: Yeah. It's not anger, it's pain. People see me at an amusement park or with other kids having fun, and they don't stop and think, "He never had that chance when he was little." I never had the chance to do the fun things kids do: sleepovers, parties, trick or treat. There was no Christmas, no holiday celebrating. So now you try to compensate for some of that loss. Q: Have you made peace with your father? A: It's much better. My father is a much nicer person now. I think he realizes his children are everything. Without your family, you have nothing. He's a nice human being. At one time, we'd be horrified if he just showed up. We were scared to death. He turned out really well. I wish it wasn't so late. Q: Do your religious beliefs ever conflict with the sexy nature of your music or dancing? A: No. I sing about things that are loving, and if people interpret it as sexy, that's up to them. I never use bad words like some of the rappers. I love and respect their work, but I think I have too much respect for parents and mothers and elderly people. If I did a song with bad words and saw an older lady in the audience, I'd cringe. Q: After 38 years in show business, fans still mob you. Are you immune to adulation? A: It's always a good feeling. I never take it for granted. I'm never puffed up with pride or think I'm better than the next-door neighbor. To be loved is a wonderful thing. That is the main reason I do this. I feel compelled to do it, to give people some sense of escapism, a treat to the eye and the ear. Gannett News Service --- 2 Years Ago --- Jackson On The Silver Screen? Knight Ridder Tribune News January 09, 2004 In "Miss Cast Away," which is slated for an April release, MJ will share the screen with "Joe Millionaire's" Evan Marriott, B-movie staple Eric Roberts, and the very forgettable Charlie Schlatter ("Police Academy"). According to director Bryan Michael Stoller, Jackson plays Agent MJ, who's sent to the island by the pope to dispense wisdom to the castaways. "Michael's got a great sense of humor," Stoller told the New York Daily News, adding, "He's popular, whether it's negative or positive press." ---