MJJ World
Latest News09/10/991999 Music Video Awards Latin heartthrob Ricky Martin took away two awards - best dance and best pop - for his hugely popular 'Livin' La Vida Loca'. "I need to thank my teachers", Martin said, accepting the pop award. "I need to thank the legends of pop. I need to thank Elvis, the Beatles, Michael Jackson, Madonna. Thank you so much for being leaders and teaching me the beauty of pop." Madonna made history by becoming the most honored artist in the history of the MTV Video Music Awards by snagging the moonman trophy for Best Video From A Film with 'Beautiful Stranger' from 'Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me'. This win brings her career total to eighteen. Aerosmith, who made a special appearance at the show, and Michael Jackson are the second and third top honorees of the 20th century, respectively. [Reuters]
09/09/99Emmy Award-Winning Don Mischer Productions selected as Executive Producer for 2002 CeremoniesSALT LAKE CITY - The selection of 13-time Emmy Award-winning Don Mischer Productions to become executive producer for the 2002 Opening and Closing Ceremonies has been approved by the Management Committee of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee for the Olympic Winter Games of 2002 (SLOC). The Opening and Closing Ceremonies for the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta were created and produced by Don Mischer Productions as well as the 'Michael Jackson's Super Bowl XXVII Halftime Show' in 1993. Produced for Radio City Music Hall and the NFL, this historic performance by Michael Jackson included thousands of children, special effects and a 12-ton stage that was assembled in 3 1/2 minutes by volunteers. [Yahoo!News, Business Wire]
Remember... HIS Story10 years ago, singer Janet Jackson's 'telemusical' video, a term coined to describe the four black-and-white music videos arranged together to form a dramatic story, had a cast of hundreds, including her brother, Michael Jackson. [AP]
09/08/99Talking about influenceAmerican actor and singer Kevin Bacon was recently the subject of an article in Billboard magazine. Here is an excerpt of that article: Kevin Bacon remembers the first song he wrote as a young teen in the early 70's. "It was called 'All The World.' I wrote it for Michael Jackson. Of course he never heard it", he says, laughing. Talking about influence. [PlanetJackson, Billboard]
09/07/99Michael and "The Simpsons"Michael contributed his voice to an episode of "The Simpsons" entitled "Stark Raving Dad". Although he's dubbing one of the episode's characters (Leon Kopovski), he's not singing in the show. Impersonator John Jay Smith is performing "Happy Birthday, Lisa", the episode theme song, instead of him. Michael's recording deal with Sony Music usually prevents him from performing for other record companies. "Happy Birthday, Lisa" was composed and produced by Michael Jackson and was released in 1997 on the Simpsons CD: Songs In The Key Of Springfield. During a recent fan convention in Pasadena, California, Matt Groening, creator of the Simpsons, stated the following: "It was always amazing to me that no one ever found out that Michael Jackson wrote that song. He was a big fan of the show." Besides, Michael can be heard singing on another Simpsons song: "Do The Bartman". He's doing background vocals on that track together with Bryan Loren, the song producer. "Do The Bartman" can be found on the CD: The Simpsons Sing The Blues, released in 1990. Michael's contribution to the song was officially confirmed by Bryan Loren during an interview with Black & White Magazine in 1997. [PlanetJackson]
09/06/99Quote from Julio Iglesias, Jr.When recently asked about his musical influence by Interview Magazine, Spanish singer Julio Iglesias, Jr. answered: "Michael Jackson".
09/05/99Kora All-Africa Music AwardsOn Saturday September 4th, Michael Jackson attended the fourth Kora All-Africa Music Awards in Sun City, South Africa. He was given a Lifetime Achievement Award and donated one million rand ($166,400) to the Nelson Mandela's Children Fund, which represents a portion of the proceeds from the "Michael Jackson & Friends" concerts. The award was handed to Michael by Namibian Premier Hage Geingob. Michael will be back in the USA on Tuesday to resume work on his new album. [PlanetJackson, TLC] Michael with Nelson Mandela
HumorAmerican humorist Bob Mills wrote the following joke for the Los Angeles Times in February of 1997: "Michael Jackson is a dad. Characteristic of first-time fathers of sons, he rushed out and bought the baby a sequined baseball glove."
09/04/99A Secret AdmirerArtist Keith Haring began his career in the subways, drawing simple outlines on unused advertising space. Later, as his career took off, he became an icon of the modern art world. By the time he died of AIDS in 1990, his works could be seen about everywhere, from museums to MTV set decorations. Haring's works have appealed to children as well as grown-ups. The artist himself had a special affinity for children and supported their cause. Keith Haring was also a great admirer of the King of Pop and got to meet him. Michael Jackson was very interested in the artist's works and bought several of his creations. A little souvenir of Michael and Keith can be seen on the website Haring's Foundation recently opened. Check it out at: Haringkids.com. [PlanetJackson]
09/03/99Michael in South AfricaMichael arrived in Sun City this afternoon.
09/02/99Michael to Attend the Kora All-Africa Music AwardsMichael Jackson will be in South Africa this weekend to attend the fourth annual Kora All-Africa Music Awards to be held on Saturday, September 4th in Sun City, South Africa. Michael is to receive an award and present a donation to former President Nelson Mandela for the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund at the awards. [Suntimes]
09/01/99From London to the US, via South AfricaMichael is currently in London (he arrived this morning) on his way to South Africa. The King of Pop will be back to the USA by next week to resume work on his new album.
Remember... HIS Story10 years ago, Michael topped Forbes' list of the top 40 best-paid entertainers for 1988-89. The magazine estimated Michael's income at $200 million, a record that was beaten only in 1993-94 by Steven Spielberg with an estimated income of $335 million. [AP]
