Victory Tour
The Victory Tour was the Jacksons last tour, held in North America and Canada. The tour lasted 5 months from July 6, 1984 - December 9, 1984 playing 55 dates to more that 2 million fans. This was the only tour where all six of the Jacksons performed together. At the last show of the tour, performed at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Michael announced his split from The Jacksons during "Shake Your Body [Down To The Ground]". At on of the dates Eddie Van Halen joined The Jacksons on stage for a "Beat It" guest appearance playing electric guitar.
The Victory tour grossed US$ 75 million and set a new record for the then-largest grossing tour.
Michael donated all his performance money from this tour to charity stating: "For me, that was what the Victory tour was all about - giving back!"
The Victory tour grossed US$ 75 million and set a new record for the then-largest grossing tour.
Michael donated all his performance money from this tour to charity stating: "For me, that was what the Victory tour was all about - giving back!"
It's a Thriller
With Thriller, Michael Jackson also broke down long-standing racial barriers in the music industry, spanning traditional divides between pop, rock and dance music, and establishing himself as a black star who appealed to audiences of all backgrounds and paving the way for future African-American artists.
The record, released in November 1982, has sold as many as 115 million copies worldwide, and it produced seven hit singles: The Girl Is Mine (#2) Billie Jean (#1), Beat It (#1), Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' (#5), Human Nature (#7), P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) (#10) and the title track, Thriller (#4).
Before colaborating with jazz producer Quincy Jones, Jackson wrote four of the album's nine tracks at his home in encino. Later taking those demos to Jones he then finished recording with a budget of $750,000 between April-November 1982. Before the album's release, Jackson had to fight an up hill battle to have his songs air on the year-old music video network MTV.
Michael Jackson broke down racial barriers
As the Jackson 5, Michael Jackson and his brothers became a cutting-edge example of African American crossover artists. As an international superstar he was herald for breaking down racial barriers in the music industry
Young Michael Jackson was the first black "bubblegum teen star" and continued as a pioneer for the african American culture when he broke barriers by appearing on MTV, and by breaking sales records with the 1982 album, "Thriller."
The former president of CBS Records, Walter Yetnikoff, remembered with scorn that MTV would not play "Billie Jean" or "Beat It" because it billed itself as a (pre-dominatly white) rock station.
Looking back on that era, a 1991 Los Angeles Times article quoted MTV founder and then-CEO Robert Pittman as saying the channel's format didn't lend itself to other musical styles, including R&B and country. And Pittman accused his critics of attempting to impose their musical pluralism on the channel's die-hard rock fans. But Yetnikoff said he threatened to pull videos of his other artists unless MTV played Jackson's videos.
it took some struggle but soon Jackson's videos were heavily in rotation on MTV. Showcasing a black artist paved the way for the popular show, "Yo! MTV Raps," and other black artist as Prince, and Rick James. In turn, Michael Jackson became one of the first African-Americans to be a global icon.
He also influenced a new generation of black & white musicians alike, including Justin Timberlake, Usher, Ne-Yo and Kanye West. As well as boy bands New Edition, New Kids on The Block, Nsync, Back Street Boys, and 98 Degress, all who've gained their formula from The Jackson Five
As his album climbed in the charts, the title track Thriller, along with Billie Jean and Beat It were regularly played. MTV ran the 14-minute Thriller video every hour on the hour to meet demand.
At the time, a New York Times review hailed him as "A one-man rescue team for the music business. A songwriter who sets the beat for a decade. A dancer with the fanciest feet on the street. A singer who cuts across all boundaries of taste and style and colour too".
The group zombie dance that forms the centrepiece of the film has been replicated by school groups, dance teams, and used in pop culture and in films from Hollywood to Bollywood. References can easily be seen in Ferris Beulers Day off, 13 going on 30, as well as Televisions shows such as Wizards of Waverly Place, Every body Hates Chriss, and other music videos.
The record, released in November 1982, has sold as many as 115 million copies worldwide, and it produced seven hit singles: The Girl Is Mine (#2) Billie Jean (#1), Beat It (#1), Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' (#5), Human Nature (#7), P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) (#10) and the title track, Thriller (#4).
Before colaborating with jazz producer Quincy Jones, Jackson wrote four of the album's nine tracks at his home in encino. Later taking those demos to Jones he then finished recording with a budget of $750,000 between April-November 1982. Before the album's release, Jackson had to fight an up hill battle to have his songs air on the year-old music video network MTV.
Michael Jackson broke down racial barriers
As the Jackson 5, Michael Jackson and his brothers became a cutting-edge example of African American crossover artists. As an international superstar he was herald for breaking down racial barriers in the music industry
Young Michael Jackson was the first black "bubblegum teen star" and continued as a pioneer for the african American culture when he broke barriers by appearing on MTV, and by breaking sales records with the 1982 album, "Thriller."
The former president of CBS Records, Walter Yetnikoff, remembered with scorn that MTV would not play "Billie Jean" or "Beat It" because it billed itself as a (pre-dominatly white) rock station.
Looking back on that era, a 1991 Los Angeles Times article quoted MTV founder and then-CEO Robert Pittman as saying the channel's format didn't lend itself to other musical styles, including R&B and country. And Pittman accused his critics of attempting to impose their musical pluralism on the channel's die-hard rock fans. But Yetnikoff said he threatened to pull videos of his other artists unless MTV played Jackson's videos.
it took some struggle but soon Jackson's videos were heavily in rotation on MTV. Showcasing a black artist paved the way for the popular show, "Yo! MTV Raps," and other black artist as Prince, and Rick James. In turn, Michael Jackson became one of the first African-Americans to be a global icon.
He also influenced a new generation of black & white musicians alike, including Justin Timberlake, Usher, Ne-Yo and Kanye West. As well as boy bands New Edition, New Kids on The Block, Nsync, Back Street Boys, and 98 Degress, all who've gained their formula from The Jackson Five
As his album climbed in the charts, the title track Thriller, along with Billie Jean and Beat It were regularly played. MTV ran the 14-minute Thriller video every hour on the hour to meet demand.
At the time, a New York Times review hailed him as "A one-man rescue team for the music business. A songwriter who sets the beat for a decade. A dancer with the fanciest feet on the street. A singer who cuts across all boundaries of taste and style and colour too".
The group zombie dance that forms the centrepiece of the film has been replicated by school groups, dance teams, and used in pop culture and in films from Hollywood to Bollywood. References can easily be seen in Ferris Beulers Day off, 13 going on 30, as well as Televisions shows such as Wizards of Waverly Place, Every body Hates Chriss, and other music videos.
Motown 25
We Are The World
written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richiein 85, the song "We are the world" USA for Africa was intened to aid the people of Africa and raised over 63 million dollars to do just that.
It turns out Jackson wanted a world anthem "something the whole world could sing" he said, The creative process started when Jackson invited Richie to his home to work on the song, they listend to diffrerent patriotic anthems. Every thing from God save the Queen, to the Star Spangeled Banner to America the beautiful. After a full night of writers block they breaked for the night and Richie went home, it was then that Michael heard the melody in his head. "We are the wold We are the children" and that became the hook. He later filled in the versus with Richie.
Then the night of the Grammys 1985 Jackson skiped the ceramoney, and went to the studio to work on the guided vocals for the rest of the cast of 49 who would be ariving in a few hours. view Michael Jackson singing the rough cut demo here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FimOIarEVxk
Along with the vocals of Michael Jackson, We Are The World included established talent as Lionel Richie, Bruce Springsteen, Tina Turner, Stevie Wonder, Cindy Lauper, Ray Charles, Harry Bellafonte, his siblings Randy Jackson & Latoya Jackson, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Diana Ross, and Willie Nelson.
The following year, the song won multiple Grammy Awards
It turns out Jackson wanted a world anthem "something the whole world could sing" he said, The creative process started when Jackson invited Richie to his home to work on the song, they listend to diffrerent patriotic anthems. Every thing from God save the Queen, to the Star Spangeled Banner to America the beautiful. After a full night of writers block they breaked for the night and Richie went home, it was then that Michael heard the melody in his head. "We are the wold We are the children" and that became the hook. He later filled in the versus with Richie.
Then the night of the Grammys 1985 Jackson skiped the ceramoney, and went to the studio to work on the guided vocals for the rest of the cast of 49 who would be ariving in a few hours. view Michael Jackson singing the rough cut demo here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FimOIarEVxk
Along with the vocals of Michael Jackson, We Are The World included established talent as Lionel Richie, Bruce Springsteen, Tina Turner, Stevie Wonder, Cindy Lauper, Ray Charles, Harry Bellafonte, his siblings Randy Jackson & Latoya Jackson, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Diana Ross, and Willie Nelson.
The following year, the song won multiple Grammy Awards
Bad
Bad is the seventh studio album by American songwriter and recording artist Michael Jackson The album was released on August 25, 1987 by Epic/CBS Records, nearly five years after Jackson's previous studio album, Thriller, which went on to become the world's best-selling album. Bad itself sold over 30 million copies worldwide, and shipped eight million units in the United States alone, and has been cited as being one of the best selling albums of all time. Bad is the only album to have five of its singles peak at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Similar to Jackson's previous music material, the album's music features elements of R&B, Rock, Pop, Soul, Funk, Dance and Jazz.
Jackson wrote sixty songs for the album and recorded thirty, wanting to use them all on a three-disc set. But Jones had suggested that the album be cut down to a ten-track single LP. When the album was released on CD, a bonus 11th track, "Leave Me Alone" was included. It was later released as a single. Bad is widely regarded as having cemented Jackson's status as one of the most successful artists, as well enhancing his solo career and being one of the best musical projects of his career.
Ten of the eleven songs on Bad were released as singles; Bad, Another Part Of Me, The Way you Make Me Feel, Man in the Mirror, Dirty Diana, Smooth Criminal,Speed Demon, and I Just Can't Stop Loving You. Bad peaked at number one in seven countries, as well as charting within the top twenty in other territories. The only song in the album that wasn't released as a single is Just Good Friends. Siedah Garrett was involved in the Bad album. She co-wrote Man in the Mirror and she and Michael sang I Just Can't Stop Loving You.
Bad saw Jackson exercise even more artistic freedom than he did with his two previous Epic/Sony releases Jackson co-produced Bad, and composed nine of the album's eleven tracks on the album. The album continued Jackson's commercial success in the late 1980s and garnered six Grammy Award nominations, winning two. Aside from commercial success the album also received positive reviews from contemporary critics.
Jackson wrote sixty songs for the album and recorded thirty, wanting to use them all on a three-disc set. But Jones had suggested that the album be cut down to a ten-track single LP. When the album was released on CD, a bonus 11th track, "Leave Me Alone" was included. It was later released as a single. Bad is widely regarded as having cemented Jackson's status as one of the most successful artists, as well enhancing his solo career and being one of the best musical projects of his career.
Ten of the eleven songs on Bad were released as singles; Bad, Another Part Of Me, The Way you Make Me Feel, Man in the Mirror, Dirty Diana, Smooth Criminal,Speed Demon, and I Just Can't Stop Loving You. Bad peaked at number one in seven countries, as well as charting within the top twenty in other territories. The only song in the album that wasn't released as a single is Just Good Friends. Siedah Garrett was involved in the Bad album. She co-wrote Man in the Mirror and she and Michael sang I Just Can't Stop Loving You.
Bad saw Jackson exercise even more artistic freedom than he did with his two previous Epic/Sony releases Jackson co-produced Bad, and composed nine of the album's eleven tracks on the album. The album continued Jackson's commercial success in the late 1980s and garnered six Grammy Award nominations, winning two. Aside from commercial success the album also received positive reviews from contemporary critics.
All it took was one memorable performance for fans to love Michae's music and appriciate his talent, and just the way he worked the stage. At this point and time in his career he did not need to make a rounds on the talk show circut, your not gonna find him doing talk show after talk show to promote his Bad album, because his career was evolved enoughed to make a big impact, and all it took was one epic showstopper to achive this.
In March 1991, Michael Jackson signed a 15 year, 6 album deal to Sony Music. At the time, Sony estimated that if the albums Jackson released under the new contract sold at the same level they currently sold, it would generate over $1 billion in profits for them. Additionally, Jackson was awarded the highest royalty rate in the business. By the time the contract ended in March 2006, Michael would have been paid $45 million from Sony ($1 million a year, plus $5 million per album delivered), this does not include money he earned from sales of albums, singles, videos etc. Under this contract, Jackson is estimated to have earned $175 million from album sales alone.
In November of 1991 Michael performed a showstopper on MTV's 10th Aniversary Special, a TV Station that would'nt exist today with out him. He performed Black or White, and Will You Be There.
In November of 1991 Michael performed a showstopper on MTV's 10th Aniversary Special, a TV Station that would'nt exist today with out him. He performed Black or White, and Will You Be There.
Dangerous
After a lengthy gap of nearly five years, Jackson had to pull something out of the bag. BAD was, after all, a difficult act to follow, and the press were trying to prove he was bonkers. Dangerous was released on November 22, 1991 with record-breaking sales. the Grammy winning Dangerous was Jackson's fastest-selling album ever in the United States with seven million shipped in under two months. This broke the sales record for Bad, which had also shipped seven million copies in 1987, but in twice as many months "Heal The World" was much like jackson's melodic hits, and it became a major hit. "Black Or White" was the best of the rest. In all, nine singles were released, in the span of two years (1991-1993). Seven singles reached the UK Top 10, the most for any Jackson album. The singles included Jam, Remember The Time, Will You Be There, In The Closet, Give into Me, who Is It, and Gone Too Soon
As was becoming the standard for Jackson, the album's short films were among the most costly and innovative of all time. Michael Jackson did not make videos, he made short films with big studio productions, elaborate sets, and star studded premiers. Several of the short fims taken from the Dangerous album had complex storylines and dance sequences, and featured cameo appearances by celebrities. The video for "Jam", directed by David Kellogg, showed Jackson and Michael Jordan playing basketball and dancing together, while "Remember the Time", directed by John Singleton, was set in an Ancient Egyptian palace, and starred Eddie Murphy, Magic Johnson and Iman. "In the Closet" featured Jackson and supermodel Naomi Campbell as lovers. The director of the video was photographer Herb Ritts, who also photographed Jackson in a series of promotional shots for the release of the Dangerous album. The video clip for "Who Is It" is notable as it was directed by David Fincher who later went on direct a number of films including Se7en, Fight Club and Zodiac. For the video "Give Into Me", Michael appears in a concert setting, featuring Guns N Roses guitarist Slash.
As was becoming the standard for Jackson, the album's short films were among the most costly and innovative of all time. Michael Jackson did not make videos, he made short films with big studio productions, elaborate sets, and star studded premiers. Several of the short fims taken from the Dangerous album had complex storylines and dance sequences, and featured cameo appearances by celebrities. The video for "Jam", directed by David Kellogg, showed Jackson and Michael Jordan playing basketball and dancing together, while "Remember the Time", directed by John Singleton, was set in an Ancient Egyptian palace, and starred Eddie Murphy, Magic Johnson and Iman. "In the Closet" featured Jackson and supermodel Naomi Campbell as lovers. The director of the video was photographer Herb Ritts, who also photographed Jackson in a series of promotional shots for the release of the Dangerous album. The video clip for "Who Is It" is notable as it was directed by David Fincher who later went on direct a number of films including Se7en, Fight Club and Zodiac. For the video "Give Into Me", Michael appears in a concert setting, featuring Guns N Roses guitarist Slash.
At the Super Bowl Game XXVII January 31, 1993 at the in Pasedena California, Michael Jackson gave a spectacular performance for the halftime show. Unlike many previous years, he was the only performer in the entire halftime show. Jackson started the performance by being catapulted on stage and then simply standing frozen in one of his famous poses. Jackson's set of songs started with Jam (with the beginning of "Why You Wanna Trip On Me"),and ended with a choir of 3,500 local Los Angeles area children singing "We Are The World", later joining Jackson as he sang his single "Heal the World".
Part of the halftime show can be found on Michael Jackson's Dangerous - The Short Films DVD. However, the DVD only features the "Heal The World" performance of the halftime show, and omits the show opening and a medley of "Jam", "Billie Jean" and "Black Or White".
Because of Jackson's star power, the Fox network declined to broadcast counter-programming against the halftime show like they did during Super Bowl XXVI's show in the previous year. Fox would never broadcast counter-programming again against the Super Bowl.
It was the first Super Bowl where the audience figures actually increased during the half-time show. audiences who did not watch football, or even like the game tuned in just to see Jackson. Getting Michael Jackson for the halftime show was in response to declining interest in past performances, notably in the two years immediately prior to Jackson. NFL and network officials decided it was necessary to start signing top acts for the halftime in future years to boost future viewership and interest.
Part of the halftime show can be found on Michael Jackson's Dangerous - The Short Films DVD. However, the DVD only features the "Heal The World" performance of the halftime show, and omits the show opening and a medley of "Jam", "Billie Jean" and "Black Or White".
Because of Jackson's star power, the Fox network declined to broadcast counter-programming against the halftime show like they did during Super Bowl XXVI's show in the previous year. Fox would never broadcast counter-programming again against the Super Bowl.
It was the first Super Bowl where the audience figures actually increased during the half-time show. audiences who did not watch football, or even like the game tuned in just to see Jackson. Getting Michael Jackson for the halftime show was in response to declining interest in past performances, notably in the two years immediately prior to Jackson. NFL and network officials decided it was necessary to start signing top acts for the halftime in future years to boost future viewership and interest.
Michael Jackson kicked off the 1995 Video Music Awards with an epic 15-minute opener of some of his biggest hits, staring with the intro from dont stop till you get enough, "Beat It," "The Way You Make Me Feel," "Black or White" and Dangerous, and ending with a beautiful redition of the current hit You Are Not alone. During Black or White Jackson was joined onstage by former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash, who had previously recorded a number of tunes with Jackson on both HIStory and 1993's Dangerous albums. some backgrond on
Dangerous Jacksons eighth album released on November 22, 1991 became his second to debut at #1 on the Billboard 200 album chart, where it spent the next four consecutive weeks. The album has sold over 32 million copies worldwide, givingthe puplic memorable hits Black or White, Jam, In the closet, Who is it, Remember The Time, Gone to Soon, Heal the World, and will You Be There. "Will You Be There" was poetry right from Michaels heart, and alwoed him to freely where is heart and his emotions on his sleeve. The song was used for the soundtrack to promote Free whillie the movie about a kid befreinding and rescuing a wale called Willie.
When the performance was over, the crowd at Radio City Music Hall gave Jackson a deafening standing ovation worthy of the size and scope of the performance.
Later that night, Jackson won two MTV Video Misic awards, one for Best Choreography, the other for Best Art Direction for the video for "Scream," his collaboration with his sister Janet. The "Scream" clip remains the most expensive music video ever shot, with an estimated budget of more than $7 million.
When the performance was over, the crowd at Radio City Music Hall gave Jackson a deafening standing ovation worthy of the size and scope of the performance.
Later that night, Jackson won two MTV Video Misic awards, one for Best Choreography, the other for Best Art Direction for the video for "Scream," his collaboration with his sister Janet. The "Scream" clip remains the most expensive music video ever shot, with an estimated budget of more than $7 million.