Michael Jackson: 10 YEARS AGO, TODAY…
“Ten years ago today, the world lost a gifted artist and extraordinary humanitarian”
“A decade later, Michael Jackson is still with us, his influence embedded in dance, fashion, art and music of the moment. He is more important than ever.”
~ The Michael Jackson Estate pic.twitter.com/GqtxxhmE9n— Ms Mo (@MJJRealRealm) June 25, 2019
Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour by Cirque du Soleil – Show Preview & Review
Courtesy of Cirque du Soleil and the Michael Jackson Estate
Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour by Cirque du Soleil
An electrifying production that unfolds inside the creative mind of Michael Jackson.
A riveting fusion of visuals, dance, music and fantasy that immerses audiences in Michael’s creative world and literally turns his signature moves upside down, Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour unfolds Michael Jackson’s artistry before the eyes of the audience. Aimed at lifelong fans as well as those experiencing Michael’s creative genius for the first time, the show captures the essence, soul and inspiration of the King of Pop, celebrating a legacy that continues to transcend generations.
NOW ON TOUR! Tickets & Info: http://cirk.me/oDTx4T
The Canadian Press – ONLINE EDITION
‘A gift from beyond’: Cirque du Soleil’s Jackson show debuts in Montreal
By: Benjamin Shingler, The Canadian Press
MONTREAL – Michael Jackson had always hoped to do a show with Cirque de Soleil, and on Sunday that dream came true.
The “Immortal World Tour” debuted at the Bell Centre in Montreal, combining acrobatics and dance with the King of Pop’s massive catalogue of hits spanning more than four decades.
From “ABC” to “Thriller,” the high-octane performance did not disappoint.
It was also a tribute to Jackson’s lasting impact on dance and fashion _ from his patented moonwalk to his iconic white glove.
At one point, a pair of giant dancing black dress shoes with white socks graced the stage, and at another, a pack of acrobatic werewolves.
But Michael Jackson and the circus? It’s a perfect fit, according to his brother, Jackie.
“First of all, Michael is a great fan of Cirque (du Soleil). He’s seen all the shows,” Jackie, who arrived with his brothers Tito and Marlon, told reporters just before the show. “And to have Cirque and Michael together, you expect to see something fantastic.”
Jackson’s mother Katherine and his three children were also at the show, making a brief appearance beforehand for a photo-op.
The family made the trip to the premiere from Los Angeles, where the manslaughter trial of Michael Jackson’s doctor is underway.
The show packed 60 hits into about an hour and a half, starting with the Jackson 5 and ending with Jackson’s last studio album.
It did not, however, dare imitate the man himself — no single performer plays the role of Jackson.
“We were very clear on this, and I think the family was too,” said Daniel Lamarre, president and CEO of Cirque du Soleil.
Lamarre said he had the blessing of Jackson’s mother to go ahead with the show.
“Many people were interested in doing shows to pay tribute to Michael Jackson,” Lamarre said.
“His mother said Michael has always wanted to do a show with the circus, so if there is a show about Michael, it will be Cirque du Soleil.”
While a wholehearted tribute, the performance didn’t glaze over Jackson’s eccentricities, with Bubbles the chimpanzee making more than one appearance.
It also alluded to a darker side. To the tune of Jackson’s song “Childhood,” where he laments never having had one, dancers swayed above the entry sign to the now infamous Neverland Ranch while a child looked longingly through a window.
In another tune, Jackson is heard pleading “I need my privacy, get away” as clips of the TV news media play in the background.
The $60-million tour has stops in cities across Canada and the United States, beginning with Ottawa on Oct. 7.
The Jackson estate authorized and took part in the project.
Before the show, more than a hundred fans waited in the rain for a glimpse of the Jackson family on the red carpet.
One group of women wore single white gloves and black leather jackets in homage to Jackson.
“I’ve been a fan since I first saw him on TV in 1969 when I was nine,” said Montrealer Shirley Elvis.
“When I first heard this show was coming, I think everyone was in a really dark place and when we heard that they were going to do this it was like another gift from Michael from beyond.”
REMEMBERING THE KING OF POP
“Michael Jackson continues to inspire people in every corner of the world as someone who chose to use the extraordinary gifts and talents he was blessed with to deliver messages of hope, love and peace. Michael’s legacy is more than his remarkable artistic accomplishments. It also includes an indescribably unique spirit that still connects Michael today with countless fans in a way that knows no borders, no cultural barriers and which speaks a common language of unity and compassion. Our thoughts and prayers are especially with his children as we fondly remember the Michael Jackson whose friendship, humor and kindness joyously touched so many lives.”
Remembering Michael Jackson: The Global Humanitarian
One of the most generous humanitarians to ever have graced this planet with their physical presence returned to the essence 2 years ago, today. Although much mention is not made of it – while still physically alive, the generous Michael Jackson donated millions of dollars, as well as countless hours, to numerous charities and other organizations which assisted many others in need…
Read more >>> Hip-Hop Wired
Those “Crazy Michael Jackson Fans:” Maybe we should listen?
By Rev. Barbara Kaufmann
Read article > >> InnerMichael.com
Hooray For ‘Hollywood’: Michael Jackson Tops Dance/Club Play Songs
by Gary Trust
THE KING REIGNS AGAIN.
Michael Jackson leads Billboard’s Dance/Club Play Songs chart for the first time in almost 16 years, as “Hollywood Tonight,” from his posthumous album “Michael,” rises 2-1.
With the coronation, the late King of Pop collects his eighth solo No. 1 on the survey.
Jackson last ruled with his sister Janet when their duet “Scream” led the weeks of July 15 and 22, 1995.
Here is a recap of Jackson’s eight solo Dance/Club Play Songs No. 1s; he first dominated as a member of the Jacksons, with “Forever Came Today” (four weeks, 1975) and “Lovely One”/”Can You Feel It”/”Walk Right Now” (one week, 1980). (Previously, combinations of album cuts were eligible to chart as one entry).
Title, Date reached No. 1, Weeks at No. 1
“Thriller (all cuts),” Jan. 22, 1983, 11 weeks
“Tell Me I’m Not Dreamin’ (Too Good to Be True)”
(Jermaine Jackson & Michael Jackson), June 9, 1984, three weeks
“Bad (Remix),” Nov. 7, 1987, two weeks
“The Way You Make Me Feel,” Jan. 30, 1988, one week
“In the Closet,” June 13, 1992, one week
“Who Is It,” May 22, 1993, one week
“Scream” (Michael Jackson & Janet Jackson), July 15, 1995, two weeks
“Hollywood Tonight,” June 11, 2011, one week (to-date)