PRODUCER DAVID GEST AND UNIVERSAL PICTURES ANNOUNCE ALL-STAR WORLD PREMIERE OF GEST’S NEW FILM ‘MICHAEL JACKSON: THE LIFE OF AN ICON’ IN LONDON ON 02 NOVEMBER 2011 AT EMPIRE LEICESTER SQUARE, 7:00PM

London, Wednesday, 5th October 2011 – David Gest and Universal Pictures today announced they will co-host a special all-star event to celebrate the world premiere of Gest’s new film ‘Michael Jackson: The Life Of An Icon’ to be held in London at 7:00pm, Wednesday 02 November 2011 at the Empire Leicester Square. The film will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on Monday 31 October 2011.

In attendance will be Michael Jackson’s mother Katherine, brother Tito, sister Rebbie, David Gest, the film’s director Andrew Eastel and lawyers Thomas Mesereau and Susan Yu (who successfully acquitted Michael Jackson of all charges during his child molestation court case in 2005). They will all participate in a special Q&A to discuss their involvement in the project prior to the screening. Joining them at the event will be more than 100 celebrities including many of the music industry’s top recording artists, motion picture and television stars, sporting legends and other well-known personalities. In addition, Michael Jackson fans from all over the world will have the opportunity to win tickets to attend this event. They will be able to join celebrity guests on the red carpet, view the film and have a chance to be selected to pose a question during the audience Q&A. Universal Pictures will soon announce details for Michael Jackson fans to participate in this event.

Television star and producer David Gest, who produced Michael’s last concert ‘Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration’ in 2001, which was the highest-rated musical television special in history and featured the final reunion of the original Jackson 5, said: “I am thrilled that Katherine, Tito, Rebbie, Andrew, Thomas and Susan as well as 100 stars will be in attendance for the world premiere of my new film ‘Michael Jackson: The Life Of An Icon’. There is going to be a jam at the invitation-only after-party following the premiere and more than 20 legendary artists who appear in the film will take part. I am thrilled because so many of today’s contemporary artists who are friends of mine are really looking forward to performing with these legends. This party is going to be historic!”

Musical legends already confirmed to perform at the exclusive after-party include: Russell Thompkins, Jr., the original lead singer off all the Stylistics hits (‘I Can’t Give You Anything (But My Love)’, ‘You Make Me Feel Brand New’, ‘Rockin’ Roll Baby’, ‘Sing Baby Sing’); Peabo Bryson (‘A Whole New World (Aladdin’s Theme)’, ‘Beauty & The Beast’ ‘Tonight, I Celebrate My Love’); Deniece Williams (‘Let’s Hear It For The Boy’, ‘Free’, ‘Too Much, Too Little, Too Late’ & ‘It’s Gonna Take A Miracle’); Kim Weston (‘It Takes Two’, ‘Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me A Little While)’ & ‘Helpless’); Brenda Holloway (‘Every Little Bit Hurts’, ‘When I’m Gone’ & ‘You Made Me So Very Happy’ which she co-wrote); Jimmy Ruffin (‘What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted’, ‘I’ll Say Forever My Love’, ‘It’s Wonderful’ & ‘Hold On To My Love’); Martha Reeves (‘Dancing In The Streets’, ‘Heatwave’, ‘Jimmy Mack’ & ‘ I’m Ready For Love’) and many more to be announced. According to Tito Jackson: “this is going to be like a 60′s, 70′s and 80′s soulfest with so many legends gathered in one place in honour of my brother. Michael loved soul music and grew up on it and my mother, sister and I are really excited to hear and see all these great performers in one room. It is going to bring back a lot of wonderful memories!”

‘Michael Jackson: The Life Of An Icon’ is a powerful behind-the-scenes account of the star’s life, providing fresh insight into his early years with the Jackson 5, his rise to global solo-stardom through to the final moments of his sudden death in 2009 featuring exclusive interviews with Katherine Jackson, Tito Jackson, Rebbie Jackson, Smokey Robinson, David Gest, Dionne Warwick, Whitney Houston, Paul Anka, Michael’s manager, the late Frank DiLeo in his last interview, Valerie Simpson and her husband, the late Nick Ashford in his last interview, Petula Clark, Mickey Rooney, legendary record producers Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff, the songwriting team of Brian Holland-Lamont Dozier-Eddie Holland and more than 50 friends, peers and associates share intimate and fascinating stories about the singer’s celebrated life. Released on DVD and Blu-rayT on Monday 31 October 2011 from Universal Pictures International Home Entertainment, the film will feature performance footage as well as never-before-seen family photography.

Directed by Andrew Eastel and produced by Michael Jackson’s childhood best friend David Gest, ‘Michael Jackson: The Life Of An Icon’ gives Katherine Jackson the first chance to tell her side of the story about Michael’s upbringing in Gary, Indiana, his relationship with father Joe, her support for her son during the court cases and her thoughts on the life he faced afterwards. Rebbie Jackson, Michael’s eldest sister, gives a very rare interview and recounts the star’s childhood growing up in Gary, Indiana and his extraordinary bond with mother Katherine. Gest’s other best friend, Michael’s brother, Tito provides an in-depth look into Jackson’s history and what his mother and family went through during the sensational child molestation trial in 2005 that he was acquitted from an all counts.

Michael’s mother Katherine says: “‘Michael Jackson: The Life Of An Icon’ is a truly remarkable film that captures the true character, wit and sensitivity of my son. Producer David Gest takes you on an emotional roller coaster that will bring people to tears as well as really understand who the man behind the music was and is.”

About David Gest:

David Gest and Michael Jackson began their friendship in 1969 and more than thirty years later the two formed a successful business venture, World Events LLC, where Gest produced and Jackson starred in the highest rated music television special in history ‘Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration’ on the CBS Network. It was seen in more than 100 countries throughout the world. Gest produced these historic last live concerts of Jackson at Madison Square Garden on 07 and 10 September 2001 which also featured the last reunion of Michael and his brothers, The Jackson 5.

About ‘Michael Jackson: The Life Of An Icon’:

Producer, narrator and best childhood friend to Michael Jackson, David Gest has pieced together the most important facts about Jackson’s life based on unseen first-hand accounts he recorded during the last 15 months with many of Michael’s family members, friends and close associates who knew the star well. In addition to celebrating his many achievements as the biggest selling artist of all-time, the film will finally answer some of the speculation surrounding Jackson’s life. Also included in the show is rare, in-studio and live television performance footage of Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 as well as unforgettable original music from the Motown period by Michael, the Jackson 5 and other artists who Jackson respected and was influenced by. The soundtrack includes more than 21 classic tunes.

EPIC RECORDS SET TO RELEASE IMMORTAL THE NEW ALBUM FROM MICHAEL JACKSON ON NOVEMBER 21, 2011

A MUSIC TAPESTRY FOR THE CIRQUE DU SOLEIL SHOW. MICHAEL JACKSON THE IMMORTAL WORLD TOUR

New York, NY – On November 21, Epic Records in conjunction with the Estate of Michael Jackson, will release IMMORTAL – the highly anticipated musical tapestry for Cirque du Soleil’s Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour. IMMORTAL will be released as both a deluxe double disc version and single disc.
Led by esteemed musical designer, Kevin Antunes (Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, Madonna) IMMORTAL takes a fresh, creative approach in redesigning and reimagining more than 40 of Michael Jackson’s greatest original recordings into a compilation that allows listeners to experience his music in an entirely new way. After spending a year in the studio working with Michael’s original multi-track master recordings, Kevin created IMMORTAL which offers listeners a new soundscape to Michael’s artistry while preserving the power and familiarity of his unparalleled voice and his legendary tracks.

Kevin Antunes comments, “Michael’s legacy as the greatest entertainer of our lifetime is inspiring beyond words. It was clear from the start that Michael’s voice and overall musical essence was the sole/soul source of creative energy driving the project. From the studio to the stage, there’s an undeniable integrity and resolute truth in Michael’s vocal performances that are highlighted in the Immortal arrangements. It was built with love and respect for Michael’s music, his family, and his millions of fans around the world.”

IMMORTAL is sure to touch the hearts of passionate Michael fans as the album unfolds his musical legacy with redesigned versions of his hits, electrifying mashups and newly discovered outtakes fans have never heard before including an alternate take on the Jackson 5’s “ABC” and a choir that Michael recorded for “They Don’t Really Care About Us.”

To pre-order IMMORTAL, and view footage from Michael Jackson The IMMORTAL World Tour please visit our Merchandise Store

The North American leg of Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour kicked off last night in Montreal, and will include an extended stay in Las Vegas in December. The epic show, which was written and directed by Jamie King – the leading concert director in pop music today –, is a riveting fusion of Michael Jackson music, choreography and Cirque du Soleil creativity that offers fans worldwide a unique view into the spirit, passion and heart of the artistic genius who forever transformed global pop culture.

IMMORTAL DELUXE ALBUM TRACKLISTING:

1. Working Day and Night (Immortal Version)
2. The Immortal Intro (Immortal Version)
3. Childhood (Immortal Version)
4. Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ (Immortal Version)
5. Shake Your Body Down To The Ground (Immortal Version)
6. Dancing Machine/Blame It On The Boogie (Immortal Version)
7. Ben (Immortal Version)
8. This Place Hotel/Smooth Criminal/Dangerous (Immortal Version)
9. The Mime Segment: I Like The Way/Speed Demon/Another Part Of Me (Immortal Version)
10. J5 Medley: I Want You Back/ABC/The Love You Save (Immortal Version)
11. Human Nature/Speechless (Immortal Version)
12. Is It Scary/Thriller/Ghost/Somebody’s Watching Me/Threatened (Immortal Version)
13. You Are Not Alone/I Just Can’t Stop Loving You (Immortal Version)
14. Beat It/Jam/State Of Shock (Immortal Version)
15. Earth Song/Planet Earth (Immortal Version)
16. Scream/Little Susie (Immortal Version)
17. Gone Too Soon (Immortal Version)
18. They Don’t Care About Us (Immortal Version)
19. I’ll Be There (Immortal Version)
20. Immortal Megamix: Can You Feel It/Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough/Billie Jean/Black Or White (Immortal Version)
21. Man In The Mirror (Immortal Version)
22. Remember The Time/Bad (Immortal Version)

IMMORTAL SINGLE ALBUM TRACKLISTING:
1. Working Day and Night (Immortal Version)
2. The Immortal Intro (Immortal Version)
3. Childhood (Immortal Version)
4. Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ (Immortal Version)
5. Dancing Machine/Blame It On The Boogie (Immortal Version)
6. This Place Hotel/Smooth Criminal/Dangerous (Immortal Version)
7. J5 Medley: I Want You Back/ABC/The Love You Save (Immortal Version)
8. Human Nature/Speechless (Immortal Version)
9. Is It Scary/Thriller/Ghost/Somebody’s Watching Me/Threatened (Immortal Version)
10. You Are Not Alone/I Just Can’t Stop Loving You (Immortal Version)
11. Beat It/Jam/State Of Shock (Immortal Version)
12. Earth Song/Planet Earth (Immortal Version)
13. They Don’t Care About Us (Immortal Version)
14. Immortal Megamix: Can You Feel It/Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough/Billie Jean/Black Or White (Immortal Version)
15. Man In The Mirror (Immortal Version)

From a group of 20 street performers at its beginnings in 1984, Cirque du Soleil is a major Québec-based organization providing high-quality artistic entertainment. The company has 5,000 employees, including more than 1,400 artists from more than 50 different countries. Cirque du Soleil has brought wonder and delight to more than 100 million spectators in more than 300 cities on six continents. In 2011, Cirque du Soleil will present simultaneously 22 different shows around the world.

For more information about Cirque du Soleil, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com.

There will be a Michael Jackson line of perfumes, but it won’t be coming from Michael’s father, Joseph. I can tell you exclusively that the Michael Jackson estate is in negotiations right now to market its own brands through a conventional big time cosmetics company. The perfume has been created, the bottles are being deisgned, and a name is being decided upon. It will not be called “Thriller,” says a source who’s working on the project.

But it’s not a bad idea. Neither are “Bad,” “Dangerous,” “Invincible” or “Off the Wall” (the latter could be body spray!). What’s NOT happening: a line of perfumes from Michael’s father, Joe Jackson.

Indeed, the estate is spending extra time shutting Jackson senior down as he makes pronouncements about new businesses he’s dreaming up to exploit his late son’s likeness. Recently, Jackson proclaimed on his website that he and a German firm – UD Group International – a firm with ties to Michael’s one time manager Dieter Wiesner, had somehow gotten the rights in that country to Michael’s name. However, the Jackson estate insists this isn’t true, and that they are contacting their German lawyers to set matters straight.

On the website, Joe Jackson can be seen hocking his own line of “champagne,” and carrying on about his new ventures. He tried to launch his own perfume line during the Cannes Film Festival, but that’s been scotched. He also told this reporter about his plans for Neverland style hotels. “That will not be happening,” said an estate source. “We think Joe knows all these things are pipe dreams. He just likes to do the traveling and get the attention,” said my source.

Meanwhile, the Estate is looking forward to opening night in Montreal on October 2nd, when Cirque du Soleil unveils its Michael Jackson show. Tickets are on sale in several cities. After Montreal, the show heads to Las Vegas. What’s happening here is really interesting: in death, Michael Jackson is now becoming a big, big business, bigger than he could have envisioned.

Source: Showbiz411.com

Jermaine has released the following statement regarding his upcoming book in response to fans comments about the books timing after his and Randy’s statement regarding the timing of the upcoming tribute ‘Michael Forever’:

Many of you have asked about my book’s timing in light of my comments about the tribute concert, so let me explain.

When I first signed the book deal, the agreed publication date was October 13. When the courts moved the trial date from June to September, that meant the book would come out in the middle of those proceedings — an outcome I couldn’t allow.

Once I explained this to the UK & US publishers, they both understood and acted swiftly, going to great lengths to rearrange their ‘locked in’ schedules.

I was offered two alternative publication dates: first week November or second week September. To avoid a potential clash with any jury deliberations/verdict in the November, I agreed September 13 because it’s BEFORE the trial’s start on September 20.

Where my publishers listened and acted to avoid conflict with the trial, Global Live, the promoters behind the tribute concert, heard my same concerns and stuck to their October 8th concert date. There is the difference.

I will not be promoting the book or doing any book signings after September 20 and until the trial has ended.

JERMAINE

Source: Jermaine’s Twittersphere (@jermjackson)

Finally, after teasing us with audio snippets, video footage of the pair in the studio, Mr. Barry Gibb of the 60′s and 70′s disco group, The BeeGee’s, and long-time friend of the King of Pop has finally released his collaboration with the Michael Jackson; “All In Your Name“.

And the release couldn’t have been more fitting or timely for MJ fans around the globe, offering comfort in a familiar voice, on the second anniversary of the passing of our King.

I’m sure you already feel it but I have to tell you how much Michael loved and cherished all of you. The songs on it’s way! God speed! Barry

“All In Your Name ” is dedicated to all of Micheael’s fans all over the World. Michael and I both love it. We hope you do to.

~ Barry Gibb

Michael’s vocals are beautiful, on key and perfectly held. It’s as if he is singing down from Heaven itself.

Please thank Barry and support this release by purchasing the track (it costs just, 72p) online at: barrygibb.com/shop/

You can also thank Barry again, directly via his Twitter page

Groundbreaking “Crowdsourced” Video to Debut TODAY, June 14th on Facebook.com/MichaelJackson

This spring, the Estate of Michael Jackson and Sony Music gave everyone around the world the opportunity to be a part of Michael Jackson’s video legacy with The Behind the Mask Project.

This groundbreaking, global online casting call prompted people in all corners of the planet who love Michael Jackson’s music to shoot, upload and submit their own unique performances for inclusion in the video; the project elicited an unprecedented response from 103 countries in the world. And TODAY June 14th at 9am EST, The Behind the Mask Project will be unveiled on http://www.Facebook.com/MichaelJackson

Source: michaeljackson.com

THE WORLD UNITES ON NEW MICHAEL JACKSON VIDEO “BEHIND THE MASK”

Groundbreaking “Crowdsourced” Video to Debut on June 14th on Facebook.com/MichaelJackson

New York, NY – This spring, the Estate of Michael Jackson and Sony Music gave everyone around the world the opportunity to be a part of Michael Jackson’s video legacy with The Behind the Mask Project.  This groundbreaking, global online casting call prompted people in all corners of the planet who love Michael Jackson’s music to shoot, upload and submit their own unique performances for inclusion in the video; the project elicited an unprecedented response from 103 countries in the world.  And on June 14th, The Behind the Mask Project will be unveiled on www.Facebook.com/MichaelJackson .

Led by the creative team at @radical.media and acclaimed director Dennis Liu, The Behind the Mask Project launched in March 2011 with a state of the art website http://behindthemask.michaeljackson.com loaded with simple tools that defined the different roles one could play.  Upon entering the site, users selected an action like playing an instrument, singing a lyric, acting out a crowd reaction or demonstrating a classic MJ dance move.  Then, using the site’s split-screen template, contributors were able to shoot their move right on the website or with their web cam and upload the clip at the precise time it occurred in the video.

Dennis Liu comments, “This has been the most exciting and fun project I think I’ve ever been involved in. It’s been such a privilege, and was incredibly moving to see so many people from all over the world join as one, their creative voices, dance and musical talents bound together by Michael Jackson’s spirit and incomparable artistry.  We received submissions from the Sahara Desert to Venice Beach, from mountaintops to suburban backyards, with some shots featuring well over one hundred people apiece. All who participated delivered brilliantly.”

After submissions poured in from all over the globe they were carefully edited down by the director to the best 1600 submissions (including 50 kids and 36 animals). On June 14^th, the 35 million Facebook fans of Michael Jackson will get the first look at this landmark video.  New fans can log on to www.Facebook/MichaelJackson and click “Like” to view the video.

Technology journalist Natali Morris comments, “Michael Jackson was crowdsourcing his videos before crowdsourcing even existed. This project is a perfect way to honor his connection with his fans.”

The song “Behind the Mask” is a critic and fan favorite from MICHAEL – the unique collection of songs featuring Michael’s performances completed posthumously and released in December by the Michael Jackson Estate and Sony Music. MICHAEL was the #1 global album upon its release in December and has shipped over 3 million units worldwide making it one of the biggest albums of 2010.  The album’s success continues to underscore Michael’s importance as a global icon and superstar, transcending cultures and languages.

Dennis Liu is an award-winning digital filmmaker at @radical.media.  Dennis quickly made a name for himself winning awards for clients that include Apple and Microsoft and being honored in the renowned “Saatchi & Saatchi New Directors Showcase”.   @radical.media is a global transmedia company that creates some of the world’s most innovative content and the home to @radical.media design+digital. @radical.media’s award-winning projects include the Academy Award®-winning documentary “The Fog of War”; the Grammy®-winning “Concert for George”; the Independent Spirit Award-winning “Metallica: Some Kind of Monster”; the award-winning digital experience “The Wilderness Downtown” for Google Creative Lab and Arcade Fire; the Grammy-nominated “The Johnny Cash Project”; the Emmy® and Golden Globe®-winning pilot episode of the hit series “Mad Men”; the Emmy®-winning “10 Days That Unexpectedly Changed America” for the History Channel; and five seasons of the critically acclaimed Sundance Channel series “Iconoclasts,” among others.

Source : MJOnline – The Official Team of the Michael Jackson Estate

Mrs Jackson’s business portfolio is continuing to blossom, the King of Pop’s mother is now designing floral arrangements!

Katherine has personally helped put together 6 different floral arrangements for a website called SendHerFlowers.com.

Sources close to Katherine tell us the deal is 100% legit – and Katherine has been family friends with people involved in the business for years.

Source: TMZ

Here is an exclusive sneak peek of Part 2 of the Developer Diaries on the inspiration behind Michael Jackson The Experience!

Part 2 : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EERwGnCrB_Y

Source: MJOnline -The Official Online Team of the Michael Jackson Estate

Here is an exclusive sneak peek of Part 1 of the Developer Diaries on the inspiration behind Michael Jackson The Experience!

Part 1 : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8exFciWxTQ

Source: MJOnline -The Official Online Team of the Michael Jackson Estate

Exclusive announcement: this Sunday 10th April the ‘Hollywood Tonight’ Throwback Mix (as heard in the video) and fantastic DJ Chuckie Remix will be available to download in the UK (either as a bundle or as individual tracks); so head to iTunes or your favourite download store if you’ve been itching to get your hands on the new versions. The original album track is already available.

The DJ Chuckie Remix is a big club hit, and climbs to No.5 in the official Music Week Urban Club Chart this week.

Following its premiere on the morning TV show Daybreak, the ‘Hollywood Tonight’ video has been receiving heavy support from music TV channels including: 4Music, Chart Show TV, Flava, MTV Base, MTV Hits, Starz, The Box, VH1 and Viva. Official YouTube hits are now over 6.7 million.

Have you submitted your clips for the Behind The Mask fan video project yet? Check out this sneak peak here of what other fans have been up to around the globe: http://www.michaeljackson.com/uk/news/exclusive-first-look-behind-mask-project

Also on YouTube is the insightful Making Of The ‘Michael’ Album video, featuring interviews with Akon, Teddy Riley, 50 Cent, Neff-U, Lenny Kravitz, Eddie Cascio etc.: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15TxYH0hAjQ

Incidentally, Michael Jackson reached yet another landmark UK sales figure this week: his 2003 chart-topping collection ‘Number Ones’ has just sold its incredible 2 millionth copy!

Finally – all UK shops taking part in Record Store Day will hopefully be stocking the limited edition Michael Jackson ‘Behind The Mask (Edit) / Hollywood Tonight (Throwback Mix)’ 7” vinyl on Saturday 16th April. So be sure to check your local record store for stock!

Source: MJ Online Team

Michael Jackson was so impressed with dancer, Sofia Boutella — star of the late icon’s new music video for “Hollywood Tonight” — he was ready to offer her the opportunity of a lifetime: the chance to dance alongside him on his This Is It concert series at the O2 Arena in London. Unfortunately, she was still under contract for Madonna’s Confessions Tour at the time and couldn’t get out of it. Seeing how disappointed Boutella was, Jackson turned to a couple of his collaborators and said: “I used to date Madonna. I should call her.”

While Boutella ultimately missed out on This Is It, she pays admirable homage to the King of Pop in his most recent posthumous video, which paints the story of a young, ambitious girl trying to make it in Hollywood without being swallowed by its trappings and illusions. It’s a well-worn tale, but is carried out tastefully by director, Wayne Isham, and sparked by the infectious energy and talent of Boutella. The video also reminds — along with recent MJ tributes on American Idol and Glee — how profound Jackson’s influence continues to be on new generations (many of whom only “discovered” him after his tragic death in 2009).

“Hollywood Tonight” is the second single to be released from Jackson’s posthumous album, MICHAEL (“Behind the Mask” is the alternate single for several countries, including the United States).

The song has a long and winding history. Jackson first put down a sketch of the lyrics in 1999 while staying at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Soon after, he began working out the music with longtime friend and collaborator, Brad Buxer (who co-wrote the song). The song traveled with them from Los Angeles to New York, Miami to Neverland, during the early Invincible sessions. Jackson and Buxer were pumping out some outstanding material around this time, including songs like “Beautiful Girl,” “The Way You Love Me,” “Speechless,” “The Lost Children,” “Shut Up and Dance” (a great dance track Jackson and Buxer worked on with Michael Prince and Eric Kirkland with echoes of Stevie Wonder and MJ circa Bad which, unfortunately, doesn’t have complete vocals) and “I Was the Loser” (a nice, melodic mid-tempo tune about lost love that is mostly finished), among others. A couple of years earlier Jackson and Buxer had also worked on artistic standouts like “Morphine” and “In the Back.”

Jackson loved parts of “Hollywood”–the opening Gregorian chant (his idea), the “westbound, greyhound” harmonies, the whistling in the outro–but stopped working on it once producer Rodney Jerkins came on board for Invincible.

Over the next ten years, however, he returned to the track numerous times. For the bass line, he was searching for something similar to “Billie Jean,” but distinct. “Do smooth muted bass on ‘Hollywood,’” he indicated in one note. His early demos feature two layered bass lines (Michael Prince added the “Billie Jean”-esque kick and snare in the last mix MJ requested). Jackson and Brad Buxer continued tinkering with it in Las Vegas in 2007. For a while, he liked the idea of ending with the sound of a bus leaving or arriving. Yet he ultimately decided to conclude with the whistling, since the juxtaposition was a bit awkward.

In October 2008, Jackson, now living in Los Angeles, asked recording engineer Michael Prince to put the latest mix of “Hollywood” on CD so he could listen to it and see what might be improved. Sadly, he never got around to working on it again.

The new single of “Hollywood” is truer to this last version than the album cut. Of course, Jackson had intended to keep working on it, which is why his estate and Sony originally brought in two of Jackson’s close collaborators, Theron Feemster (aka Neff-U) and Teddy Riley, to try to finish it. Feemster had the first crack and came up with some solid mixes; yet Sony didn’t feel it was quite right and subsequently gave Teddy Riley a shot. Riley’s production, which retained much of Michael and Brad’s demo (including the intro and outro), elements of Feemster’s mix (including the fantastically funky guitar riff and horns), and added a bit more punch, became the album version.

After it was released, however, many fans voiced concerns about a) the over-processed vocals, and b) the lengthy spoken bridge. Jackson had, in fact, written lyrics for his own bridge, which were much darker than Riley’s. Jackson’s bridge reads:

She doesn’t even have a ticket
She doesn’t even have a way back home
She’s lost and she’s alone
There’s no place for her to go
She is young and she is cold
Just like her father told her so

While Jackson’s version highlights the tragedy and uncertainty of a dream deferred, Teddy Riley’s bridge opted for a more positive and tidy resolution. “With the bridge we kind of made her succeed,” Riley explained. “[She] completed her mission.”

Riley would have undoubtedly used Jackson’s version had their been vocals for it. Unfortunately, they were never recorded. With the new single, however, Sony decided to cut the spoken part completely and showcase instead some of the heightening drama and tension Jackson intended for this section. They used his beatboxing, his idea of swelling horns and strings, and his operatic vocal (pulled from a tape left running during a recording session in a hotel room). In addition to the bridge, the vocals on the new single are left un-processed and the production is scaled back. The result is a single that has a rawer, funkier, but less finished feel than the album version.

“Hollywood Tonight,” then, has gone through many incarnations: the several different demos Jackson recorded with Brad Buxer and Michael Prince, from 1999 to 2008; the two versions Theron Feemster worked on following Jackson’s death (one of which is reportedly quite impressive); the polished album version completed by Teddy Riley; and, of course, the new single. All are necessarily approximations to what Jackson would have ultimately put out in finished form. That’s the nature of posthumous releases. They will always be imperfect and they will always generate fierce debate.

But for most music lovers, we will take whatever new Michael Jackson we can get, whether demos, new mixes or remixes. “Hollywood Tonight” could be gathering dust in a vault; instead, it has people dancing in the streets.

Source: The Huffington Post

Music producer and Michael Jackson friend Rodney Jerkins says the King of Pop planned to “shock the world” with his comeback — and that Michael said of his plans, “Wait until we show them what’s next.”

Fans itching to get more music from the late Michael Jackson may be in for a treat. Super producer Rodney Jerkins revealed that he will release a new album of previously unheard material from the King of Pop. Jerkins, who spoke with VladTV about the album, was mum on an official release date but confirmed that the project would eventualy see the light of day. “You know there is a lot of red tape, but it’s definitely going to happen,” he said.

Jerkins produced several tracks for Jackson, including the 2001 single ‘You Rock My World,’ which went on to become the last big hit single of his career, “I worked with Michael for years,’ Jerkins continued. “It was definitely a goal of mine as a kid. When I first wanted to be producer, at 11 years old, on a Iittle piece of paper [I] was like, ‘One day I wanna work with Michael Jackson.’ I just believe that God granted my wish.”

Source: The Boombox

It’s been a great campaign for the second single, Hollywood Tonight, in the UK thus far; with the song already having received four weeks of A-list support from Radio 2 (the nation’s biggest station) and a plethora of other key stations across the nation.

The song has been Top 10 for two weeks in the official Music Week Urban Club chart too.

And you may have seen Teddy Riley’s UK interview in Mojo magazine this month too.

Exciting newsflash: the official video for Hollywood Tonight will premiere online this week, and you can catch the UK TV premiere this Friday morning on Daybreak (ITV1). Don’t miss it.

Source: Sony UK / MJJC

We have all secretly (or not so secretly!) wanted to be involved with MJ’s videos! Now, continuing the legacy of Michael’s pioneering videos that pushed the creative boundaries, YOU and all your friends will have an opportunity to help create online a unique, groundbreaking internationally crowdsourced music video for the single “Behind the Mask”. Using the web in a truly innovative way, fans from around the world will be brought together to create an imaginative piece of Michael Jackson history in The Behind the Mask Project.

After all the submissions from all corners of the world are received, the director – Dennis Liu, will select the top clips and weave them into this revolutionary work of Michael Jackson video art. The final results of The Behind the Mask Project will be unveiled mid-April!

You can find the tools to submit your creative here: http://behindthemask.michaeljackson.com

We can’t wait to see what you all come up with!!

Source: MJ Online Team