On Monday morning, the FBI will declassify some of its files on Michael Jackson, according to published reports.  The information held within the files will supposedly reveal “secrets” that were withheld during the 1993 and 2004 trials.  It is expected that the documents will also contain information about cases where Jackson was the victim – including threats and extortion attempts. The files will likely be available to the general public within two or three days following the declassification.

Because of Jackson’s fame and resulting necessary defensive stance against  the paparazzi, there has been an increasing clamor to declassify the FBI information.  Now, the FBI has plans to make the information that it has, or at least a portion of it, available on its website.  It is anticipated that the interest in the files will be unprecedented due to his fame and highly publicized life.

It is being questioned why the FBI is only releasing a portion of the files.  It is reported that they have over 600 pages on Jackson but plan to declassify only 333.  Presumably  the remaining files contain sensitive information that will be kept private, perhaps to protect others.

The FBI made a similar move back in October concerning files involving Anna Nicole Smith and a possible plot to kill the son of her 89-year-old husband.

Source: mjfanclub.net

Michael Jackson has been named the man of the year by MTV News, following a week-long countdown to the top spot. The top ten list was compiled by MTV based on music sales, box-office performance, MTVNews.com headlines and traffic and a few other factors.

“Michael Jackson was one of the all-time greats, the likes of which we’ll probably never see again,”

MTV News said.

“A man so big his death could stop the world. He was an innovator. He was a hitmaker. He was a pioneer. He was the unquestionable King of Pop, now and forever.”

Other celebrties to make MTV’s list of the top men of 2009 include Jay-Z at number two, Adam Lambert at number three, Taylor Lautner at number four, Lil Wayne at number five, Robert Pattinson at number six, Kanye West at number seven, Drake at number eight and Eminem at number nine.

Source: mjfanclub.net

After being out of print individually in any format for many years, six of the phenomenal Jackson 5′s original albums will be reissued on CD and vinyl, while all four of Michael’s solo ’70s Motown albums are being reissued on vinyl by Motown/UMe on January 5, 2010.

With this year marking the 40th anniversary of the debut of the Jackson 5, the recent release of I Want You Back! Unreleased Masters, an acclaimed 12-track album of previously unheard Jackson 5 material, and the Jacksons’ new A&E series, The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty, which offers unprecedented access to the personal and professional lives of Jackie, Jermaine, Tito and Marlon, the world has once again turned its attention to the brothers from Gary, Indiana.

The newly remastered Jackson 5 albums returning to CD, with their restored original artwork, are:

• Goin’ Back To Indiana: Soundtrack to their 1971 TV special features excerpts from a triumphant homecoming concert; includes bonus track “Who’s Lovin’ You”
• Lookin’ Through The Windows: 1972 album spun off the Top 10 hits “Little Bitty Pretty One” and the title track; includes bonus track “Love Song,” a non-LP B-side
• Skywriter: Underrated 1973 gem with the hits “Corner Of The Sky” and “Hallelujah Day”
• Get It Together: Seamless and super-funky, this 1973 album boasts the No.
  1 “Dancing Machine” and the title track.
• Dancing Machine: Highlighted by the single version of “Dancing Machine,” this 1974 album also includes “Whatever You Got, I Want” and two-part hit “I Am Love.”
• Moving Violation: A classic of the early disco underground, this 1975 album featured the No. 1 Dance/Disco chart hit “Forever Came Today”; reissue adds an alternate mix of that track. The last original album Jackson 5 album on Motown.

The LPs, imported from the U.K., are presented in their original 12×12 size. The vinyl albums from Michael Jackson are:

• Got To Be There: MJ’s 1972 solo debut LP features the title track and “Rockin’ Robin” and the Top 20 “I Wanna Be Where You Are.”
• Ben: His second straight solo smash, featuring the title track, his first solo Pop No 1
• Music And Me: A ballad-heavy album from a maturing Michael, this 1973 disc includes the Top 20 R&B “With A Child’s Heart”
• Forever, Michael: From 1975, Michael’s final solo album for Motown, featuring the Top 10 R&B dance classics “Just A Little Bit Of You” and “We’re Almost There.”

The vinyl editions of Jackson 5 albums, also imported, are Goin’ Back To Indiana, Lookin’ Through The Windows, Get It Together and:

• Third Album: In 1970, their first ballad, “I’ll Be There,” became the group’s and Motown’s biggest Pop hit ever, No 1 for five weeks (also No 1 R&B). “Mama’s Pearl” reached No 2 R&B/No 2 Pop. (ABC, their smash second LP, is already available on vinyl.)
• Maybe Tomorrow: This 1971 album contains some of the most-sampled and covered material in the group’s catalog, including the title track and the No 1 R&B/No 2 Pop “Never Can Say Goodbye.”

Source: mjfanclub.net

Many fans around the world have begun to receive Michael Jackson Opus’ this past week. Opus Media Group has received calls and e-mails with questions, which prompted them to send the below e-mail addressing some of the frequently asked questions.

Dear customer,

We have received some calls from customers regarding the absence of the Opus Reality Card in the Opus and asking why there is only one glove included.

We took the decision to include just one white glove purely as a further tribute to Michael Jackson. The single white glove is an iconic and defining symbol of the man and his extraordinary career and we thought it only fitting to include just one glove with your Opus. We hope that this is an understandable decision.

Please be assured that the promised Opus Reality feature is very much part of the Opus offering, but we want to ensure that this is something only available to our customers. With that in mind, it has been decided that this should be offered through a secure and protected online forum. In the New Year, you will be provided with your own unique pass code to a secure area of the Opus web site. The Opus Reality trigger card will be available to download from the site and used to access footage that will be presented in a way that will hopefully provide you with a unique ‘Michael Jackson Experience’. The benefit of using this system is that it significantly reduces the possibility of non-Opus customers being able to access this experience.

We are committed to bringing you a selection of Opus Reality footage over the coming year with the first example ready for you before the end of January 2010.

We hope that this has helped to address these queries.

Have a great holiday.

Sincerely,

Opus Media Group.

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Source: mjfanclub.net

Twenty-three years ago, at the height of his phenomenal entertainment career, Michael Jackson joined forces with Disney to create “Captain EO,” a groundbreaking 17-minute 3D film experience.

We are excited to confirm that the classic musical spectacular that thrilled Disneyland park guests from 1986 – 1997, will return for an exclusive, limited engagement at Disneyland park beginning in February 2010!

The attraction’s return to Tomorrowland will provide new audiences the opportunity to experience the original 3D production for the very first time, as well as a nostalgic look back for longtime fans wanting to see “The King of Pop” in a rare performance created for the big-screen, just one more time.
“Honey I Shrunk The Audience” will be closing sometime in the next few weeks to make way for the Captain’s return.

Check back Here for more details on “Captain EO.”

According to the Associated Press, the Austrian company that was organizing a global tribute to Michael Jackson in London is being dissolved and will not be able to put on a star-studded show in honor of the King of Pop.

The Michael Jackson tribute concert in London that was scheduled for next June has been cancelled, as the show’s Austrian organizer announced on Friday that it is being liquidated.

Former chief promoter Georg Kindel and his now-defunct company World Awards Media and Jackson’s brother Jermaine had already disappointed fans this past summer by first announcing a Vienna tribute concert for September and then cancelling it because of a lack of participating stars and funds. World Awards Media’s majority owner, Vienna-based Superfund, issued a press release on behalf of Kindel’s company, saying that the decision to dissolve the company was made at the end of November. The statement did not provide any further details.

After the failed Vienna show, Jermaine Jackson said that London would be the ideal concert location because that was where Michael Jackson had planned to stage his comeback concerts.

Kindel told the Austria Press Agency that he did not know if Jermaine Jackson would go ahead with the concert — set for London in the first half of June 2010 — on his own.

Source: mjfanclub.net

The California Theatre of the Performing Arts will be celebrating the New Year with a Laser Spectacular Tribute to the King of Pop and tickets are selling quickly.

The multimedia extravaganza will include lasers, actual Jackson film footage, dancers and a live Michael Jackson tribute artist, according to California Theatre producer Joseph Henson.

The live tribute is a combination of things happening simultaneously – in sync with the lasers. It’s a very exciting event.”

Spanning Jackson’s 40-year career, the production will take the audience on a visual journey beginning with the singer’s most recent achievements and traveling backwards to his early years as a child prodigy, with 50,000 watts of rockin’ concert sound behind it.

Through the use of animated laser graphics, laser beams and aerials, the lights and lasers re-create images of Jackson with 3-D holographic effects and Henson says it will provide [music fans] an opportunity to hear Michael Jackson’s hits like they’ve never been heard before.

Not only is it going to be a great party, it’s very affordable, with a spectacular show and reception with party favors, the countdown and champagne toast.”

The party starts on December 31 at 9:45pm at California Theatre of the Performing Arts, 562 W. Fourth St., San Bernardino.

If you’re in California on New Year’s Eve, here’s the ticket info:
Tickets: $20-$55 for show only; $45-$80 includes pre-show reception with party favors, champagne toast. Tickets available at box office, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; online at www.ticketmaster.com

Information: (909) 885-5152; www.californiatheatre.net

Source: mjfanclub.net

On January 26, 2010 in North America and on February 22 in the UK and Europe, Michael Jackson’s ‘This Is It’ will be released on DVD and Blu-Ray. An official trailer for the release of the DVD was launched online yesterday and can be seen Here.

Source: mjfanclub.net

A very touching story is unfolding via the Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait website, one that is representative of Michael Jackson’s far-reaching impact on the world. Joshua, from Germany, a 12-year-old boy, and avid Michael Jackson fan had tickets to watch Michael Jackson’s This Is It film with his parents on October 28 – and on that same day, he was diagnosed with Leukemia.

One night from his hospital room, Joshua told his mother:

“Mom, I had so many plans… and I’ll never get to see This Is It on a big screen.”

Since then, Joshua has had six surgeries and five chemotherapy treatments. Young Joshua believes that by having his dot next to Michael Jackson’s in the portrait, he can be healed. The Michael Jackson tribute portrait was created and organized by Jerry Biederman and David Ilan the artist who has embarked upon a phenomenal homage to Michael Jackson in the form of a portrait. The King of Pop is arguably the greatest entertainer the world has ever known. David Ilan uses a technique called pointillism. Each dot in the portrait represents an actual fan who has signed up to be a part of the tribute.

The Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait website has become a major social networking mecca for MJ fans around the world. Hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world have signed up to be a part of the special tribute to the King of Pop.

The Tribute website recently held a contest for its young members, inviting children from around the world to write why they should have their dot next to Michael’s dot in the portrait. Numerous submissions were received from children in different countries. One of the entries was from Joshua. He wrote:

My name is Joshua. I’m 12 years old. I’m from Germany. I love MJ. His dance, his music, his heart + love for children. I miss him + I need him right now. I have Leukemia and I know he would help me. Maybe being next to Michael’s dot would help. I just had my 3rd chemotherapy and today I’m having a bad day. Wish he was here with me. Love Joshua”

According to executive producer and organizer of the Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait, Jerry Biederman:

Nearly 200 of the portrait’s members have come forward in the course of just one week to send Joshua messages and prayers, but people from around the world are asking for a mailing address so they can send him various things. A charity in Australia has now taken an interest and they have arranged for one of Michael’s nephews who they are associated with, Austin Brown (Rebbie Jackson’s son) to give Joshua a call.”

The organization of which Jerry Biederman discusses is called AlittleSomthin4Michael.

Joshua’s mother Faith has written several messages and open letters on the website. Such as the following:

Let me tell you that the love, support and friendship of others, especially those from The Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait website, are one of the things that keep my head above water. We, as a family, but especially my boy, have been through hell the past four weeks. The torment Joshua’s been suffering is outrageous. We are fighting this cancer with all our might. He is such a brave kid and every day I love and admire him more. Every time he feels bad, I put his headphones on him and he listens to all the MJ CDs and that’s how he relaxes.”

Faith’s open letter to the Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait community can be read here.

Some fans might identify young Joshua’s situation with that of Ryan White. White was the teenager who was expelled from school for having AIDS, and later died from the disease. Ryan White of course met Michael Jackson and was a friend. The song Gone Too Soon was dedicated to his memory. Joshua, like Ryan, and all fans, saw Michael Jackson for who he really was – a kind, gentle human being who wanted to do all that he could for children in need, and he accomplished a great deal. Tribute website blogger Linda Higgins writes that Ryan White’s mother, Jeanne White-Ginder, once said in an interview:

He didn’t care what race you were, what color you were, what was your handicap, what was your disease, Michael just loved all children.”

Michael Jackson’s untimely death shocked the world and left his family, friends, and countless fans devastated. While the loss is great, greater is the legacy of love and music that will live on forever in each and every person who has been impacted by Michael Jackson’s example of excellence and unconditional love. Michael Jackson cared greatly about children and their needs in the world. He truly believed that the children are our future, and that it was this generation’s responsibility to ensure a brighter tomorrow for the children of the world – to heal the world. Michael Jackson once said:

When you don’t have a childhood, like myself and other child stars, you try to compensate for the loss later on and you try to catch up. But what I like to do is help other children who are less fortunate than I am. You know kids who are terminally ill, kids who have diseases, poor children.”

So many children idolize Michael Jackson because of the care that he has always shown for them.

There is a community group on the Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait website entitled, “The Power of the Portrait: Believe It or Dot.” Many members of the website that have had their dot placed within the portrait have reported occurrences of good luck. Many members of the tribute website feel an immense sense of community and recognize that Michael Jackson is still bringing people together from all over the world. Joshua’s mother Faith has given the tribute portrait team a recent update.

Faith writes:

“We’ve had fantastic news, the news we’ve been praying for for weeks now! Josh is responding well to the treatment and what’s more important… all the other clinics that are involved in his case confirmed the good results. He started with 95% cancer cells in his bone marrow. Two weeks ago he was down to 20% and a few days ago they only found 1.5%!!! We are on target, we are right there where doctors wanted him to be. All the prayers were heard and answered and my heart is overflowing with gratefulness, love and hope! Not only to God and Jesus Christ, but to all those helping and supporting us. People like YOU!”

Hopefully this is the beginning of the end of Joshua’s battle with cancer, and one day his mother Faith will say that Joshua is completely cured of the disease. The story of Joshua, reminds us all of the possibilities that love holds. Love is perhaps powerful enough to eradicate anything that is negative from society. Love is the answer.

If you would like to help Joshua and his family fight his battle against Leukemia, please contact Linda Higgins at
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for further details.

If you have not yet become a part of this amazing new tribute, you may do so by signing up for your dot at http://www.MichaelJacksonTributePortrait.com.

Source: mjfanclub.net

Michael Jackson’s “Moonwalking” shoes and hat sold today in London for 22,800 pounds ($37,343).

The items, worn at Michael Jackson’s 2001 concerts celebrating his 30th anniversary as a solo performer, were offered by Bonhams with a presale estimate of 10,000 pounds to 12,000 pounds.

Michael Jackson had signed the black loafers in black marker on the soles, said Bonhams. He  had inscribed them “Rock My World Billie Jean.” The fedora also had his name in gilt lettering on its band.

Michael  Jackson can be seen wearing both in footage of his concerts at Madison Square Garden in New York, on September 7 and 10, 2001. The performance was broadcast by CBS on November 13, 2001 and attracted more than 25 million viewers.

Source: mjfanclub.net

During this year’s Nobel Peace Prize Concert Will Smith, who hosted the event along with his wife Jada, was joined onstage by other participating artists in order to pay tribute to the King of Pop. The Smith’s were joined by their two children, Willow and Jaden, and also by singers and musicians Wyclef Jean, Toby Keith, Donna Summer, Natasha Bedingfield, Westlife, Luis Fonsi, Esperanza Spaulding, Alexander Rybak, Lang Lang and Amadou & Miriam. The artists sang ‘Man In The Mirror’ and you can watch the clip below.

The concert took place Friday December 11, 2009.

watch?v=eaQ4rHzRI6Q&feature=player_embedded

Source: mjfanclub.net

The administrators of Michael Jackson’s estate and a cadre of attorneys are seeking millions for managing the King of Pop’s affairs after death, court documents filed Tuesday show.

It’s unclear how much exactly will be paid out.

The administrators of Jackson’s estate, attorney John Branca and music executive John McClain, are seeking five percent of money the estate has earned so far.

The administrators and attorneys have not been paid since Jackson’s death on June 25, the filings state.

The estate may have earned $100 million or more with the sale of rights to the concert film “This Is It,” new music releases and merchandising agreements.

But Jackson’s estate also faces significant debt and a lawsuit cites at least 10 lawsuits that are still pending. They include suits over the rights to “Thriller,” Jackson’s iconic song and music video directed by John Landis, and lawsuits filed by former associates.

The filings state that a detailed accounting of the estate’s earnings is not ready, but attorneys have filed some financial records for the judge to review.

Many experts believe that Jackson’s estate earnings could eclipse those of another famous, and profitable, music icon — Elvis Presley.

“Unlike the typical estate, the operation of Michael Jackson’s estate is more akin to the operation of a multimillion dollar business enterprise,”

attorney Jeryll S. Cohen wrote in a filing.

She wrote that many of the attorneys working the case have spent up to 14 hours a day on the case, and that not approving the fees soon will create a financial hardship.

Branca is asking the five percent be paid to his firm. The filing states he is not asking for a personal fee for administration of the estate.

Payments would also go to a variety of firms, including one representing the interests of Jackson’s children.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff has scheduled a hearing for Jan. 4 to decide how much can be paid out.

Source: mjfanclub.net

Kenny Ortega, director of Michael Jackson’s ‘This Is It’ recently signed on for his next feature film project, In the Heights, the big screen adaptation of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical.

Although Ortega directed the “High School Musical” films and choreographed “Dirty Dancing,” he knew his shot came from the success of the Jackson film. The strong reviews, the box office and now this has left him conflicted, Ortega told Variety magazine in a recent interview.

I’d trade it all in a second to have Michael back with us, but I owe a debt of thanks to him,”

Ortega said.

“He’s my angel. Whenever I said yes to him, I came out on the other end benefitting greatly.”

Source; mjfanclub.net

Dame Elizabeth Taylor says people should watch ‘This Is It’ if they want to get to know the real Michael Jackson.

Elizabeth, who was best friends with the ‘Bad’ singer, loved the documentary – which was pieced together from footage of the ‘King of Pop’ rehearsing for his sold-out London residency – and has urged everyone to watch it.

She said:

“Michael and I shared a pure and perfect love. Usually, I don’t speak publically about the loss of a loved one.”

But I am encouraging everyone to please, please see his mastery in ‘This Is It’. Michael’s genius will never be equalled. Tragically, we shall never see the likes of him again.”

The 77-year-old actress also revealed she has Michael’s music on her iPod, as well as British singing sensation Susan Boyle.

She added in an interview with the USA Today newspaper:

We’re just starting to load my iPod now. I ask my secretary to help me with those things. I have Andrea Bocelli, Enya, Susan Boyle and of course my loved one, Michael Jackson, on it.”

Despite constant rumours she is in ill health, Elizabeth insists she is still going strong.

She said:

“I’ve outlived many who have prematurely buried me. There are so many things in the world that are more important than my health watch.”

Source: mjfanclub.net

The Recording Academy will honor a number of artists with Special Merit Awards as part of the upcoming Grammy celebration. This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award honorees will be Michael Jackson, Leonard Cohen, Bobby Darin, David “Honeyboy” Edwards, Loretta Lynn, André Previn and Clark Terry. Additionally, this year’s Trustees Award honorees are Harold Bradley, Florence Greenberg and Walter C. Miller; and AKG and Thomas Alva Edison are this year’s Technical Grammy Award honorees. The Grammys will be handed out on January 31 and will air live on CBS.

“This year’s honorees are a prestigious group of diverse and prominent creators who have contributed some of the most distinguished and influential recordings,”

said Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow.

“Their outstanding accomplishments and passion for their craft have created a timeless legacy that has positively affected multiple generations, and will continue to influence generations to come. It is an honor and privilege to recognize such talented individuals who have had and will continue to have such an influence in both our culture and the music industry.”

The Lifetime Achievement Award honors lifelong artistic contributions to the recording medium while the Trustees Award recognizes outstanding contributions to the industry in a non-performing capacity. Technical Grammy awards are presented to individuals and companies who have made contributions of outstanding technical significance to the recording field.

Source: mjfanclub.net