12.02.2012
The Legendary Whitney Houston Has Died (1963-2012)
US Singer and Actress Whitney Houston Has Died In
Los Angeles, aged 48
With her incredible vocal
range and purity, runway good looks and girl-next-door charm, Whitney Houston
was an out-of-the-box superstar when she arrived on the music scene in 1985. Her
meteoric rise included record-setting hits, groundbreaking videos and a
promising film career.
Word of the 48-year-old singer's death broke early Saturday evening as the
industry gathered in Los Angeles for the official Pre-Grammy Gala at the Beverly
Hilton Hotel hosted by her mentor Clive Davis, chief creative officer of Sony
Music Worldwide. Her publicist, Kristen Foster, confirmed that the singer died
in her room at the Beverly Hilton, but the cause of her death is unknown.
Houston had been expected to attend the gala.
Producer Quincy Jones said in a statement that he was "absolutely heartbroken …
I always regretted not having had the opportunity to work with her. She was a
true original and a talent beyond compare."
We (MJBFC Team) are shocked and devastated about the
sudden death of Whitney Houston. Another loss, another great talent left
this world... WE LOVE YOU WHITNEY !!! Rest In
Peace.
Source:
MJBaltic.Com
10.10.2011
Michael Jackson Tribute Show In Wales - 8th Of October 2011
Michael Jackson Tribute in Cardiff - fantastic show,
great sound, great voices and best music!
We just came back from Wales and finally can make a review of the show. It was
absolutely fantastic 4 hours concert, we so enjoyed our time in Wales. We hope
this show will be officially released on DVD & BLURAY in 3D. Yes,
everything was filmed in 3D, so fingers crossed. It's definitely worth to have
this concert in your home video collection. Guys, it was brilliant !!!
Here is some of the best
moments in pictures from the tribute
concert in Cardiff:
CARDIFF, Wales (AP) — Chart-toppers, soul singers and
three generations of Michael Jackson's family including his children celebrated
the King of Pop at an energetic tribute concert Saturday, urging fans to focus
on the late star's music rather than his death.
The run-up to the "Michael Forever" concert was overshadowed by the Los Angeles
manslaughter trial of Jackson's doctor, and marred by fan criticism, sluggish
ticket sales and dissension within the Jackson family.
But once the 4 hours show
started, Michael Jackson's musical genius, and the warm tributes of friends and family,
carried the night.
"We're very happy to be here on this special night to honor our father," said
Jackson's 13-year-old daughter Paris, who made a brief onstage appearance
alongside brothers Prince, 14, and 9-year-old Michael Joseph Jr., known
as Blanket.
The children wore outfits evoking their father's famous styles — Paris
most strikingly, in a red and black "Thriller" style jacket. Blanket
stood stoic and shy, but the older children smiled and appeared confident in the
spotlight.
On a stage shaped like a giant glove, musicians including Christina Aguilera,
Gladys Knight and Cee Lo Green performed songs from across Jackson's
career — from his childhood with the Jackson 5 through monster solo albums like
"Thriller" and "Bad."
The Black Eyed Peas, pulled out of the lineup this week, citing
"unavoidable circumstances."
Participants urged fans to ignore the criticism and controversy, and to revel in
the celebration of Jackson's musical legacy.
"It's not about the controversy," said R&B star Ne-Yo, who kicked off the
show with a rendition of "Billie Jean," complete with some passable moonwalking.
"It's not about the trial. It's not about his death. It's about celebrating his
life. It's about celebrating his music."
The 50,000-strong crowd at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium did just that, roaring
with approval as Jackson's brothers Marlon, Tito and Jackie
— three-fifths of the original Jackson 5 — took the stage to perform "Blame It
On the Boogie" with British boyband JLS.
"Can you feel his spirit in the house tonight?" asked Marlon. Judging by
the cheers, the fedora hats and the sequined gloves in the audience, many could.
"This is a great counter-act to that," said Motown great Smokey Robinson
about tribute show, who gave a soulful rendition of "She's Out of My Life."
''And it gives people something happy to do, rather than thinking about what's
going on in the trial."
The show mined a rich trove of Jackson hits. Leona Lewis crooned "I'll Be
There," Beyonce delivered the early single "I Wanna Be Where You Are" and
Jamie Foxx performed "Rock With You." Aguilera sang Charlie
Chaplin's "Smile" — one of Jackson's favorite songs and delivered
breathtaking performance of the great Jackson song "Dirty Diana".
"Tonight is a history lesson," Foxx told the crowd. "We're going to cover five
decades of greatness."
The show reached a climax with Knight performing the poignant "Gone Too
Soon" before a rousing finale that brought most of the performers — and the
Jackson children — back onstage for the exuberant "Don't Stop Til' You Get
Enough."
The concert has divided the King of Pop's family and followers. The three
brothers, sister La Toya and vocal group 3T — composed of three of
Michael's nephews — all performed, while 81-year-old matriarch Katherine
Jackson was in the audience.
But Michael's brothers Jermaine and Randy and sister Janet have stayed away,
saying it is wrong to hold the show at the same time as Murray's trial.
Before the show, Marlon Jackson said he respected his siblings' decision,
but said he was sure Michael would have approved. "Each one of us grieves
differently," he said. "We want to celebrate the positive side of his life, the
positive things that he did."
And those who came to Cardiff said it was a fitting antidote to the grim
courtroom spectacle in Los Angeles.
"There's a lot of negativity in that courtroom," said Ronnie Lee, a 32-year-old
truck driver from Pembroke, Wales, sporting a "Thriller" T-shirt. "This is a
chance to say, 'Thank you Michael' and celebrate the music."
"It was amazing,"
a 26-year-old fan said. "I actually cried three or four times."
06.10.2011
Michael Jackson Tribute Show In Wales This Saturday - 8th Of October 2011
Michael Jackson Tribute Show Goes On Despite
Setbacks
Just days remain until thousands descend on the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff for a tribute
show honoring King of Pop Michael Jackson. Media Wales Ciaran Jones talks to
Jackie, Marlon and Tito Jackson about the forthcoming Michael Jackson tribute
concert Michael Forever at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
Please click the image to watch the Michael Jackson
brothers interview
A Michael Jackson tribute concert will
go ahead this weekend in Wales despite squabbling among the late singer's
siblings, a backlash from fans, a headline act withdrawing at late notice and
tickets still unsold.
Chris Hunt, head of Global Live Events which is staging the Saturday "Michael
Forever" gig in Cardiff, admitted that preparations had been challenging, but
blamed "misinformation" for some of the negative headlines.
"I've never been in a situation in my entire career like it where so many false
rumors emerged as if from nowhere," Hunt told Reuters in a telephone interview.
He denied reports that the promoters had fallen out with Jackson's estate and
said that any large family like that of the "King of Pop" was bound to have
disagreements, particularly one that lived in the bright media glare.
"It's going to be a huge and spectacular event," Hunt said of the gig at the
Millennium Stadium, where there will be room for over 60,000 people.
Taking part in the concert will be Jackson's brothers Marlon, Tito and Jackie
and his sister La Toya, who will be performing live in public for the first time
in nearly 20 years.
Also expected to be present are his mother Katherine, three children and several
other close family members.
Brothers Jermaine and Randy, however, criticised the tribute because it
coincided with the involuntary manslaughter trial in Los Angeles of Jackson's
doctor. Janet Jackson has declined to take part citing the same reason.
24.09.2011
Michael Jackson Forever - Tribute Concert In Wales - October, 8th 2011
Michael Forever have released the Statement from
Michael Jackson’s mother Katherine:
“This is a one-off event which will truly celebrate Michael’s life. The love and
support from his talented friends and everyone involved has been overwhelming.
I’m so grateful to everyone and can’t wait to see the unique and special
performances on the 8th October in Wales. It is the biggest show this Autumn and
is exactly what Michael would have wanted.” – Katherine Jackson
Confirmed Line-up Artists for Michael Jackson Forever
Tribute Concert:
Christina Aguilera
Beyonce Black Eyed Peas
Ne-Yo
JLS
Leona Lewis
Cee Lo Green
Gladys Knight
Smokey Robinson
Jackson Brothers
3T
Pixie Lott
Craig David
Alexandra Burke
Diversity
Alien Ant Farm Jennifer Hudson Yolanda Adams
MORE ACTS TO FOLLOW...
Giving Tree Exclusive As “Immortal Tour” Cast Say
Happy Birthday
In five weeks time the
Immortal World Tour will launch, here’s a first look at the “Giving Tree” that
plays central to the theme of the concerts – as the cast wish Michael Jackson
happy birthday:
Source:
MJSTAR, MJBaltic.Com
24.08.2011
Breaking News:
Frank Dileo Has Passed Away
Michael Jackson’s former manager Frank Dileo, who
managed Michael for much of the ’80s and again during the last months of
Michael’s life, died at his home in eastern Ohio at age 63, after a long
illness.
Statement: Michael Jackson Estate Remembers Frank Dileo
As many of you
know, Michael’s longtime friend and manager Frank Dileo had been dealing with
serious health issues for the past several months. It is with great sadness that
we share with you the news that Frank lost his long struggle this morning and
passed away at the age of 63.
Frank had an amazing amount of creative energy, a huge heart, an infectious
spirit and a larger than life persona that captured the attention of any room he
entered. He also cared deeply about Michael, his children and his fans.
Frank and Michael became friends when Frank was vice president for promotion at
Epic Records during the release of “Thriller.”
In his best-selling book
“Moonwalk,” Michael wrote: “Frank really worked hard and proved to be my right
hand during the years ahead. His brilliant understanding of the recording
industry proved invaluable.”
Frank went on to manage the incredibly successful Bad World Tour. Even after
they stopped working together professionally, the bond between Michael and Frank
remained and the family friendship continued. In early 2009, Frank was reunited
with Michael once again as his manager as preparations began for the “This Is
It” concerts.
After Michael’s passing, Frank proved invaluable to the Executors of his Estate,
sharing unique insights that nobody else could possibly have.
Said John Branca, Co-Executor of the Michael Jackson Estate: “I had the
privilege of knowing Frank Dileo for more than two decades. He was not only one
of the great veterans of the music business, he was a beloved friend to me and
all who were lucky enough to have had him in their lives. He was one of a kind.
He was a character. He was an original. We loved him, and we will miss him. Our
hearts are with his family.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with Frank’s wife, Linda, his son Dominic, his
daughter, Belinda, his grandchildren and all of his extended family and loved
ones.
Source:
The Official Online Team of the Michael Jackson Estate™
08.06.2011
Announcement: Official Michael Jackson Fan Fest Pre-Sale
Official Michael Jackson Fan Fest Pre-Sale is Open
Now! Please Use Password: MJFF19
Fans will have the chance to experience the
legacy of Michael Jackson in a whole new way during the first ever
Estate-authorized Michael Jackson Fan Fest which will take place for a limited
time only at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino starting on December 3, 2011.
This exclusive pre sale event is for Michael Jackson fans only. For your chance
to get your hands on a pair of these tickets, you must include the exclusive
password:
This experience is expected to include a wide variety of elements such as an
up-close look at Michael Jackson memorabilia, items from Neverland Ranch, photo
opportunities in recreated sets from historic Michael Jackson videos, a behind
the scenes look at the creation of Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour, a
main stage featuring contests, Q&A sessions with members of the creative team
from THE IMMORTAL World Tour as well as other associates of Michael Jackson,
giveaways and more.
In addition, the Fan Fest will give attendees the chance to play and compete
against others in contests centered around the recently released UBISOFT video
game “Michael Jackson: The Experience.” An interactive, engaging, and immersive
design will create a larger than life environment for all Fan Fest goers and
promises to be a one-of-a-kind unique event.
The Fan Fest will be open for 4-hours before THE IMMORTAL World Tour shows on
December 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, and 14 in the Bayside Exhibit Halls. In
the case of two-show nights, the Fan Fest will have two sessions open to the
public at separate starting times. Ticket and session information will be
announced in the coming weeks. Check back for up-to-the-minute updates.
Source: MJOnline, MJBaltic.Com
01.06.2011
Michael Jackson Musical Director Has Joined The Immortal Tour
Musical Director Greg Phillinganes On Joining
Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour
Greg Phillinganes Performed with
Michael Jackson on "HIStory", "Dangerous", "Bad", "Thriller", "Off The
Wall" and The Jacksons' "Triumph" and "Destiny" Tours.
More news to come so stay tuned...
Source: MJBaltic.Com
25.03.2011
Elizabeth Taylor was laid to rest near
her good friend Michael Jackson
Elizabeth Taylor has been buried in a cemetery just
outside Los Angeles, a day after her death. Her private funeral was held at the Forest Lawn
Memorial Park in Glendale.
Pop icon Michael Jackson, a close friend of Taylor's, is one of a number of
stars also buried at the cemetery.
The cemetery is also the final resting place of movie stars John Wayne, James
Stewart and Sammy Davis Jr. Taylor and Jackson are in separate wings of the
mausoleum, though she is near him, Glendale Police Department spokesman Tom
Lorenz said.
"There's nowhere in the world where more famous people are laid to rest," Lorenz
said.
Her funeral service started 15 minutes late, at the star's request.
"Miss Taylor had left instructions that it was to begin at least 15 minutes
later than publicly scheduled, with the announcement: 'She even wanted to be
late for her own funeral'," said a statement from Taylor's publicist.
The hour-long service included a recital of the Gerard Manley Hopkins' poem The
Leaden Echo and the Golden Echo and a trumpet solo of Amazing Grace, performed
by Taylor's grandson Rhys.
"Miss Taylor was interred in the Great Mausoleum, sheltered beneath a soaring
marble Michelangelo angel."
About four dozen family members attended the funeral, which was presided over by
a rabbi.
On Friday Broadway theatres will dim their lights for a minute at 2000 local
time - the traditional curtain time for shows - in tribute to the actress.
Michael Jackson sings "Elizabeth, I Love You"
This song was specially written by Michael Jackson for his
close friend Elizabeth.
Source: MJBaltic.Com
23.03.2011
Michael Jackson's Close Friend Elizabeth Taylor dies at the age of 79
Dame Elizabeth Taylor, one of the 20th Century's
biggest movie stars, has died in Los Angeles
Her four children were with her when she died at
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, her publicist said.
In a statement, her son Michael Wilding called her "an extraordinary woman who
lived life to the fullest".
"We know, quite simply, that the world is a better place for Mom having lived in
it," he continued.
"Her legacy will never fade, her spirit will always be with us, and her love
will live forever in our hearts."
Dame Elizabeth's most famous films included National Velvet, Cleopatra and Who's
Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
In her prime, she was arguably one of the world's greatest actresses and most
beautiful women.
Her colourful private life, screen success and Aids charity work ensured she was
never far from the spotlight since finding fame at the age of 12.
In addition to her four children - Michael Wilding, Christopher Wilding, Maria
Burton-Carson and Liza Todd-Tivey - Dame Elizabeth is survived by 10
grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
A private family funeral will be held later this week. Instead of flowers, the
family has requested that contributions be made to the Elizabeth Taylor Aids
Foundation.
British actress Joan Collins, who starred alongside Dame Elizabeth in the 2001
TV film These Old Broads, called her "the last of the True Hollywood Icons".
"A great beauty, a great actress and continually fascinating to the World
throughout her tumultuous life and career. She will be missed," she added.
Singer George Michael said: "She also did a great deal in the last 25 yrs to
help the world deal with the HIV epidemic. I am proud to have known her if only
a little."
One-time co-star Sir Michael Caine also paid tribute, remembering her as "a
beautiful woman, a wonderful actress, and a great human being."
Source: BBC, MJBaltic.Com
24.02.2011
The Making Of Michael Jackson's Album 'MICHAEL'
Watch Exclusive Video: The creation of 'Michael'
Source: MJSTAR, MJBaltic.Com
12.01.2011
Dr.Murray To Stand Trial For The Death Of Michael Jackson
Also Dr.Conrad Murrays Medical License Suspended
A judge on Tuesday ordered the personal physician of
Michael Jackson to stand trial for involuntary manslaughter after hearing
testimony that he administered a dose of a powerful anesthetic and other
sedatives then left the pop star alone.
The ruling in the case against Houston cardiologist Dr. Conrad Murray came after
a six-day preliminary hearing before Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor.
Prosecutors concluded their case with testimony from two doctors who said Murray
acted outside the standard of medical care when he administered the anesthetic
propofol and failed to provide proper care.
Both witnesses said that even if Jackson had self-administered the final dose of
the drug, his death would be a homicide because of Murray’s actions.
Murray’s defense attorney Ed Chernoff and prosecutors declined comment on the
ruling.
Judge Pastor granted a request by the California Medical Board
to suspend the Dr.Conrad Murray’s license to practice medicine
in the state. Pastor said he made the decision in the interest
of public safety and ordered Murray to notify every district in
which he practices of the decision within 24 hours. Murray has
clinics in Houston and Las Vegas.
Source: Associated Press, MJSTAR, MJBaltic.Com
12.12.2010
New Album 'Michael' In Stores On Monday
Michael Jackson - The Brand New Album - OUT NOW!
This Monday, December 13th, Epic Records in conjunction
with the Estate of Michael Jackson, will release the much-anticipated new album
MICHAEL. The album contains ten tracks, produced by an esteemed group of
producers along with Michael Jackson. While primarily focused on songs that
Michael worked on recently, there are also earlier compelling tracks.
Source: MichaelJackson.Com, MJBaltic.Com
09.12.2010
Online Premiere Of
New Michael Jackson Video - Hold My Hand
WORLD EXCLUSIVE: New Michael Jackson Video Hold My Hand (Duel
With Akon)
Source: MJBaltic.Com
08.12.2010
BREAKING NEWS:
New Guinness World Record For Michael Jackson
The following press release is from the Guinness
Book of World Records:
Guinness World Records, the global authority on record
breaking, today confirms that a poster erected to mark the release of Michael
Jackson’s ‘Michael’ album (released 13th December) has set a new record as the
world’s largest poster.
Guinness World Records confirmed that the poster of Michael Jackson’s ‘Michael’
measures 171ft by 170ft with a total surface area of 29,070 ft², smashing the
previous record - held by the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver - by more than
110 ft².
To put it into perspective, the ‘Michael’ poster would take over three quarters
of the pitch at Wembley stadium, is longer than the equivalent of six
Routemaster buses end-to-end and if upright would be higher than Nelson’s
column.
The poster, made of PVC and weighing one ton, took engineers three hours to
install - and is less than 3,000 meters from one of Heathrow’s main runways,
literally viewable by all planes arriving/ departing.
Guinness World Records requires the world's largest poster to be publically
displayed and formed of one single piece of material; it must also advertise a
commercially available product. Guinness World Records sent an official
adjudicator to the site situated at Rectory Farm in Middlesex to officially
verify and measure the ‘Michael’ poster.
Tarika Vara, Guinness World Records adjudicator, said: “This is a massive
achievement and it brings me great pleasure to confirm that with this new world
record, Michael Jackson's 'Michael' has earned its place in history. This poster
has not only achieved incredible scale but it has combined this with intricate
detail and having seen it up close I can confirm that the quality of the image
is fantastic. Michael Jackson already holds a number of Guinness World Records
and we are thrilled to award another title to the King Of Pop.”
The poster will stay at what will be known as ‘Michael’s Field’ until 23rd
December, after which, the poster will travel via sea container into continental
Europe where it will be toured and displayed.
Michael Jackson’s Guinness World Records include:
World’s best-selling album for ‘Thriller’
Highest annual earnings for a pop star from 1989 and this record remains
unbroken 21 years later
Most hit singles on UK singles chart in one year in 2006 when Michael had 19
singles in the UK Top 40
Source: MJFC, MJBaltic.Com
25.09.2010
New Video Game - 'Michael Jackson - The Experience' Official Release
Michael Jackson Ubisoft Video Game for Wii, DS, PSP
Will Be Released In November 2010
'Michael Jackson: The Experience' will hit shelves on November
23rd for Wii, DS and PSP, Ubisoft has announced. However the
Xbox 360 Kinect and PS3 Move versions of the music game have
been pushed back to 2011. The title was previously due to
arrive in time for Christmas on all platforms.
Michael Jackson:
The Experience allows players to sing and dance along to smash
hits from the King of Pop’s back catalogue including Beat It and
Billie Jean. The game was announced earlier this year at E3.
Ubisoft previously said Michael Jackson: The Experience will
sell at least 1million copies when it is released.
Source: MJBaltic.Com
17.02.2010
We Are The World 25 For Haiti - World Premiere
The Complete
Official Version Of The 'We Are The
World 25 For Haiti' Released
Here it is the complete full video of We Are The World 25. The video features
Michael’s original performance with sister Janet adding her part. Michael’s
children do not feature in the video.
Filmed by Oscar winner
Paul Haggis, the video shows images of devastation from the
island nation after the January 12 earthquake that has claimed
more than 200,000 lives.
It also shows some of the 85 artists who gathered in Los Angeles
earlier this month to re-record the 1985 charity anthem.
Teen sensation Justin Bieber opens the song. Also featured are
Jennifer Hudson and Nicole Scherzinger, Sugarland singer
Jennifer Nettles, Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion and Fergie. Josh
Groban, LL Cool J, Nick Jonas, Lil Wayne (and his auto-tune),
Jeff Bridges, Kanye West, Miley Cyrus and Haitian-American
singer Wyclef Jean also get screen time.
Michael Jackson, who co-wrote the original hit with Lionel
Richie, is shown in a clip from the original music video. In the
new version, Jackson, wearing his trademark 1980s pseudomilitary
regalia, sings alongside his sister, Janet Jackson.
Richie and fellow producer Quincy Jones introduced the song
Friday via video, saying money raised by its sales will provide
food, shelter and medicine for the Haitian people.
Fans can download “We Are the World 25 for Haiti” online now.
All proceeds will benefit earthquake recovery efforts in Haiti.
Source: Associated Press, MJBaltic.Com
03.02.2010
The
Michael Jackson Official Exhibition In London - Simply Amazing!!!
Hurry Up - European Run Extended Until 28th Of February
2010
Due to huge public demand Michael Jackson: The Official Exhibition is to extend
it’s stay at The O2 bubble venue offering European fans a final chance to see
the stunning collection.
Showcasing some of the
most personal and iconic memorabilia from The King of Pop’s
extraordinary life, Michael Jackson: The Official Exhibition
celebrates his unparalleled career, open for a limited European
exclusive run at The O2 bubble.
The exhibit chronicles Michael’s rise to fame with The Jackson 5
at Motown Records, his record-breaking solo career as a global
superstar, and end with the spectacular shows he had planned for
The O2 arena before his untimely death. This extensive, never
before seen collection is exhibited across nine different themed
galleries and include more than 200 objects.
Michael Jackson: The Official Exhibition includes items that
have never been seen up close by the public. Michael Jackson’s
estate opened up his extensive archives from his homes,
Neverland Ranch, concert collections and video vault to present
more than 250 items, including awards, clothing items and a wide
range of personal belongings. These include an original Jackson
5 contract, personally commissioned portraits, the largest
publicly displayed collection of his iconic concert and video
costumes, his personal Rolls Royce and the famous sequined
glove.
The exhibition is divided into galleries that reflect specific
milestones in Michael’s life, including: Motown, his solo
career, dancing, costumes, his humanitarian efforts and a
celebration of his life.
