Michael Jackson has, and continues, to take a lot of hits in the press for his interactions with kids. However, a journalist, Jamie Foster Brown, who traveled with MJ and his kids to Japan last month, is outspoken in his support for Michael’s parenting skills.

Brown, publisher of Sister 2 Sister mag, which refers to itself as ‘devoted to the world of black entertainment’ traveled with Michael and his entourage chronicling the trip to japan for it’s current issue. Brown had nothing but good things to say about the family. He reports that the children; Prince who is now unbelievably 10 years old, middle sis Paris who is 9 and the “baby” of the family ‘Blanket’ who is 5 are awesome, well behaved and incredibly well - spoken. None of this will come as a surprise to fans.

While indoors, the children were treated ‘normally,’ only wearing veils when outside. “They were walking around me, and we were taking pictures without (their veils) - they were very loose. But when they did go outside, they put the scarves around the children’s faces.”

Jamie said that Michael “seemed to be a good parent. More so than most of us!” He continued “I just noticed also how nice the kids were. They’re not privileged at all. They have a lot of fun with (Michael.) They’re intelligent, extremely well-spoken, and they like to play jokes.”

Source: EntertainmentWise, MJFC-USA

A 10-year-old boy from Swansea will play the young Michael Jackson in a new musical based on his hits.

Shaheen Jarfargholi has landed the role in Thriller Live, which will tour the UK for eight weeks, starting in May.

Shaheen, from Mount Pleasant, said he was a big Jackson fan and burst out crying with joy when he was told he had been chosen to play the singer.

The stage show will follow the singer’s career from The Jackson Five through to his solo releases.

Shaheen, who trained at Swansea’s Mark Jermin Stage School, said he went through four rounds of auditions in London.

“I had to sing different Michael Jackson songs for producers and directors, which wasn’t a problem as I really love his music and my mum is a huge fan too,” he said.

“I have been waiting by the phone to find out if I got the part and when my agent told me I just burst out crying - I am so happy and can’t wait to start.”

He begins rehearsals next week in London and will have to master Jackson’s Moonwalk for the role.

“Michael Jackson’s choreographer is working on the show and I have to learn all the Jackson Five routines,” he added.

Shaheen is no stranger to the limelight having appeared in Doctor Who spin-off Torchwood and Casualty as well as several commercials.

His mother Karen said: “This is what he loves and it’s just a fantastic opportunity for him.”

For more information on ‘Thriller Live’ visit the Official Website.

Source: BBC News

Sony/ATV Music Publishing today announced that it has acquired the legendary catalogue of award-winning songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.

The Leiber Stoller catalogue contains more than 40 Top 40 hits, including “Stand By Me,” “Poison Ivy,” “Is That All There Is?,” “Love Potion #9″ and some of the greatest songs that are part of the Elvis Presley legend, including “Hound Dog” and “Jailhouse Rock.” Sony/ATV Music Publishing is co- owned by Sony and trusts formed by Michael Jackson.

“I have always been a great fan of this amazing catalogue,” said Martin N. Bandier, Chairman and CEO, Sony/ATV Music Publishing. “These songs can only be described as gems that help define American music. I am looking forward to exploring ways to introduce them to a whole new generation and to working with Jerry and Mike, who are two of the most prolific and successful songwriters of all time.”

“This is an important and exciting acquisition for Sony/ATV Music Publishing,” said Rob Wiesenthal, Chief Financial Officer, Sony Corporation of America, and Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Sony Entertainment Inc. “This catalogue traces decades of rock and roll history, and we look forward to further increasing its value for the company going forward.”

“I am delighted that we were able to acquire the Leiber Stoller catalogue,” said Michael Jackson. “The songs of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller have defined an era, and the artists who have recorded their work reads like a who’s who of rock and roll.”

Leiber and Stoller, who have worked together for more than 50 years, have been inducted into the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame, the Record Producers’ Hall of Fame, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They also share a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

“As an innovative and independent music publishing company, Sony/ATV provides the perfect home for our work,” said Mike Stoller. “I am confident that the team at Sony/ATV will give the necessary focus and attention to our songs, creating fresh and innovative ways to promote our work.”

Jerry Leiber added, “I am pleased to join Sony/ATV Music Publishing’s extensive roster of great composers, including Lennon and McCartney, Roy Orbison, and Hank Williams.”

Key songs from the Leiber and Stoller catalogue include:

Stand By Me, Jailhouse Rock, Hound Dog, Kansas City, Love Potion #9, Jackson, Is That All There Is?, Lucky Lips, Yakety Yak, Love Me, Santa Claus Is Back In Town, I’m A Woman, I Keep Forgettin’, Don’t, Spanish Harlem, Loving You, Searchin’, Poison Ivy, Charlie Brown, Ruby Baby, I (Who Have Nothing), Trouble, Treat Me Nice, There Goes My Baby, Dance With Me, Little Egypt, (You are So Square) Baby I Don’t Care, Young Blood, You are The Boss, She’s Not You, Regulate, Saved, Pearl’s A Singer, Smokey Joe’s Café, Riot In Cell Block # 9, King Creole, Black Denim Trousers and Motorcycle Boots (L’Homme a la Moto), Bossa Nova Baby, Down Home Girl and Drip Drop.

Source: The Earth Times

Number Ones falls 14 places to #43 in the UK album chart.

Source: BBC Radio 1, MJ.INF

Flying Music and Key Concerts Proudly Present: THRILLER LIVE! - A Celebration Of The Music of Michael Jackson & The Jackson 5. Coincides with the 25th Anniversary of epic album, Thriller. UK Tour Starts May 6th

Choreography by multi award winner: Lavelle Smith Jnr

Tito Jackson, star of The Jackson 5, and most recently judge on BBC1’s hit celebrity talent show, Just The Two Of Us, has just been confirmed as compere for this years highly anticipated THRILLER LIVE tour, which starts May 6th (N.B: for Liverpool, Glasgow, Leicester and Dartford dates, Tito will not be compere).

With Michael Jackson and The Jackson 5 (following Jermaine’s Celebrity Big Brother success and Tito’s success on British TV) very much in the news, THRILLER LIVE; a multimedia stage & video spectacular celebrating the amazing career of one of the World’s Greatest Entertainers - Michael Jackson – will be one of the years most crucial shows, brought to you by Flying Music and Key Concerts.

This amazing show, featuring over 30 performers including a full company of singers, dancers, gospel choir, live band will celebrate the King Of Pop like never before!

With dazzling choreography (from MTV award winner, LaVelle Smith Jnr – credits include Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation Tour, Beyonce’s American and UK tours, Rolling Stones Steel Wheels Tour and more) and brilliant vocal performances, Jackson’s amazing songs and videos are brought to life on stage in a spectacular and sensational way.

The UK tour, starts on May 6th in Reading, with a show that features over two-hours of hit songs including Thriller, I Want You Back, I’ll Be There, Blame It On The Boogie, Can You Feel It, Rock With You, She’s Out Of My Life, Billie Jean, Earth Song, and many more.

The production, conceived by Adrian Grant, who himself has a long association with Michael Jackson, having published the best selling Jackson biographies, Michael Jackson – The Visual Documentary, and Making History (both Omnibus Press) has been over 15 years in the making, from a tribute show in 1991 to a West End spectacular in 2006. Indeed, the cast of THRILLER LIVE took to the stage at last year’s World Music Awards at Earls Court, where the cast performed to Thriller itself.

The tour itself also coincides with the 25th anniversary year of the Thriller album being released; the 25-date tour will celebrate the music and showmanship of Michael and his brothers like never before!

For more information visit the Official Website.

Source: Thriller Live

CBS is said to be working with three members of the Jackson family to create a new reality television show to find a new pop music family. The show is said to be similar to ‘American Idol’ and will be called ‘Pop Dynasty.” The details are still being worked out, but families who are seeking fame and fortune will be tested on their abilities. Not only will the candidates be required to prove their talent similar to those on ‘American Idol,’ but they will also compete on how families do on their ability to work together.

The three Jackson members are Jermaine, LaToya and Tito. It has been surmised that Janet and Michael will not participate. Jermaine, LaToya and Tito will act as judges. Others that have been said to be working on the show include Jamie Foxx, Greg Shelton, Stu Schreibuerg and Marcus King.

Jermaine recently took part in the United Kingdom’s celebrity ‘Big Brother.’ LaToya has participated in a reality show called ‘Armed and Famous,’ centered around celebs training in hopes of becoming a reserve police officer. Tito acted as judge in a celebrity singing contest hosted by the BBC called ‘Just The Tow of Us.’

Source: CBS, MJFC-USA

Michael Jackson has denied US reports he is preparing to sell his Neverland ranch at the reduced rate of $20 million (GBP10.3 million) - $30 million (GBP15.4 million) lower than his original asking price.

Industry insiders had claimed the Thriller star was ready to sign away the 2,700-acre property in Santa Barbara, California - which includes a zoo, cinema and amusement park - to American debt guru Bill Huff, according to PageSix.

But Jackson’s representative Raymone Bain has dismissed reports stating that Neverland isn’t even on the market. She says, “This is not true.”

Source: Contact Music

BET has chosen the TOP 25 DANCERS. On April 6, BET premiered their choices, hosted by R&B celebrity, and number four on the list, Chris Brown.

The honor of top dancer of all time went to the God Father of Soul, James Brown. And the second, hot on his heels, was The King Of Pop, Michael Jackson. Following the leaders was Nicholas Brothers, Chris Brown and Janet Jackson.

If you missed the program, tune in on Wednesday, April 11 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on BET.

Source: BET, MJFC-USA

Number Ones rises 2 places up the UK album chart to #37.

Source: BBC Radio 1, MJ.INF

In an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, Senegalese R&B singer Akon, who currently holds US #1 spot with `Don’t Matter’ and features on Gwen Stefani’s #2 hit `The Sweet Escape’ said that he is planning a meeting with Michael Jackson to talk about Michael’s next album.

The two were supposed to meet up in Las Vegas last week but previous commitments Akon had made to his charity foundation for African kids unfortunately forced him to call off the appointment. He is now hoping to meet with Michael before the end of April.

Akon said that he already has big plans for the superstar’s comeback and is very much looking forward to it:

“I’m excited because I think it’s gonna be magic when we get together.

All the stuff that he’s going through, that he’s been through the past two years, the stuff that’s been out in the media… the stuff that hasn’t been out, I think he needs to just take all that (and) put it in his records. It’s a big story.

Nobody’s ever really heard Mike’s story… If he takes that and accepts what’s been out there and expresses his opinion, express his feelings, express what he felt on a record I think it’d take his whole album to a whole ‘nother level because the album now becomes a soundtrack of his life from that point to this point and that’s something people are gonna want to know about.”

Source: Rolling Stone Magazine, MJFC-USA