Michael Jackson Musical genius vs. Megalomaniac entertainer

Outline 1. Introduction 1. Introduction 2. Childhood 2. Childhood A. Early childhood years in Gary/Indiana A. Early childhood years in Gary/Indiana B. Jackson Five B. Jackson Five C. Breaking up with Jackson Five and the start of his solo career C. Breaking up with Jackson Five and the start of his solo career

Outline 3. A legend is born 3. A legend is born A. Breakthrough („Thriller“) A. Breakthrough („Thriller“) B. Becoming the „King of Pop“ B. Becoming the „King of Pop“ 4. Personal life 4. Personal life A. Relationships A. Relationships A.1. Jacksons‘ marriages and children A.1. Jacksons‘ marriages and children B. Charity B. Charity B.1. USA for Africa B.1. USA for Africa B.2.Various donations (Neverland Ranch) B.2.Various donations (Neverland Ranch)

Outline 5. Downfall of the „King of Pop“ 5. Downfall of the „King of Pop“ A. Rumours (Interview with O. Winfrey/1993) A. Rumours (Interview with O. Winfrey/1993) B. child abuse case B. child abuse case 6. Conclusion 6. Conclusion

1. Introduction Michael Joseph Jackson Gary/Indiana (USA) one of nine children

2. Childhood A. Early years in Gary/Indiana Father: Joseph Jackson Father: Joseph Jackson worked in a steel mill worked in a steel mill enthusiastic about music enthusiastic about music → hobby musician strict rules: strict rules: forced his children to play music forced his children to play music locked them up at home locked them up at home beat them up with his belt beat them up with his belt Mother: Katherine Jackson Mother: Katherine Jackson in contrast to Joseph: in contrast to Joseph: sensitive different point of view concerning religious education → Jehovah‘s Witnesses → door-to-door evangelism Overall he never had a typical childhood

2. Childhood B. Jackson Five 1962: „The Jackson Brothers“ 1962: „The Jackson Brothers“ 1964: Michael started playing congas and tambourine 1964: Michael started playing congas and tambourine 1966: „The Jackson Five“ 1966: „The Jackson Five“ 1967: Michael became lead singer only aged eight 1967: Michael became lead singer only aged eight In the same year the Jackson 5 got their first record contract (Steeltown label) In the same year the Jackson 5 got their first record contract (Steeltown label) Berry Gordy (head of Motown records) bought them out of their contract Berry Gordy (head of Motown records) bought them out of their contract → family moved to Los Angeles → were launched into the public spotlight by Diana Ross (became a longtime friend) in albums, including smash hits like „ABC“ and „I want you back“ 14 albums, including smash hits like „ABC“ and „I want you back“

2. Childhood C. Breaking up with Jackson Five and the start of his solo career Jackson Five signed a contract with another label → they were not allowed to use the name „Jackson Five“ anylonger Jackson Five signed a contract with another label → they were not allowed to use the name „Jackson Five“ anylonger from now on: „The Jacksons“ → performed until 1980 from now on: „The Jacksons“ → performed until 1980 Michael and Marlon left the band → success immediately declined („The Jacksons“ only existed until 1990) Michael and Marlon left the band → success immediately declined („The Jacksons“ only existed until 1990) 1979: album „Off the wall“ → global success 1979: album „Off the wall“ → global success

3. A legend is born A. Breakthrough 1982: „Thriller“ was one of a kind, being the best-selling record of all times 1982: „Thriller“ was one of a kind, being the best-selling record of all times → first black artist being shown on a regular basis on MTV → first black artist being shown on a regular basis on MTV the production of music clips was revolutionized by movielike videos such as „Thriller“, „Billie Jean“ and „Beat it“ the production of music clips was revolutionized by movielike videos such as „Thriller“, „Billie Jean“ and „Beat it“ 1987: „Bad“ → second-best-selling album in music history 1987: „Bad“ → second-best-selling album in music history „Bad World Tour“: his second world tour „Bad World Tour“: his second world tour first artist who managed to have five number-one hits off one album first artist who managed to have five number-one hits off one album

3. A legend is born B. Becoming the „King of Pop“ 1991: „Dangerous“, including smash hit „Black or White“ 1991: „Dangerous“, including smash hit „Black or White“ → several celebrities acting in his music clips → several celebrities acting in his music clips 1992: „Dangerous“ world tour (huge success all over the world) 1992: „Dangerous“ world tour (huge success all over the world) 1993: honoured as „living legend“ at the Grammy Award show and won several WMA‘s 1993: honoured as „living legend“ at the Grammy Award show and won several WMA‘s 1995: „HIStory Past, Present and Future Book I“ 1995: „HIStory Past, Present and Future Book I“ → promotion of this album cost a fortune → promotion of this album cost a fortune → music video „Scream“ was/is the most expensive clip of all times (8 million $ budget) → music video „Scream“ was/is the most expensive clip of all times (8 million $ budget)

3. A legend is born B. Becoming the „King of Pop“ 1996/1997: „HIStory“ world tour → the biggest and most expensive show of all times 1996/1997: „HIStory“ world tour → the biggest and most expensive show of all times 2001: musical comeback: „You rock my world“ → worldwide hit single 2001: musical comeback: „You rock my world“ → worldwide hit single September 2001: celebrating his 30 years stage anniversary September 2001: celebrating his 30 years stage anniversary 2002: - was inducted into the famous „ Rock & Roll Hall of Fame“ 2002: - was inducted into the famous „ Rock & Roll Hall of Fame“ - appeared at the American Music Awards → received the „Artist Of The Century“ Award - appeared at the American Music Awards → received the „Artist Of The Century“ Award - received the „Bambi“ for his life´s work

4. Personal life A. Relationships – Jacksons‘ marriages and children was seen with a lot of famous and attractive women, such as Brooke Shields, Sheryl Crow and Madonna was seen with a lot of famous and attractive women, such as Brooke Shields, Sheryl Crow and Madonna 1994: marriage between Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley 1994: marriage between Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley → was criticized and after two years as a couple they split up 11/1996: married Deborah J. Rowe 11/1996: married Deborah J. Rowe → son, named Michael Joseph Jackson Jr. („Prince“) and a daughter, Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson [divorced in 1999] 2002: „Prince Michael II“ was born (surrogate mother) 2002: „Prince Michael II“ was born (surrogate mother) many discussions about his children → people could not believe that Michael is the biological father of Prince and Paris many discussions about his children → people could not believe that Michael is the biological father of Prince and Paris

4. Personal life B. Charity – USA for Africa 2000: Guiness Book of World Records → most charities supported by a popstar 2000: Guiness Book of World Records → most charities supported by a popstar e.g. in 1992: set up the Heal the World Foundation e.g. in 1992: set up the Heal the World Foundation → focuses on children‘s rights around the world often used his music for charities often used his music for charities „We are the World“ (1985) → wrote this song for „USA for Africa“ „We are the World“ (1985) → wrote this song for „USA for Africa“ → raised about 50 million $ for famine relief → raised about 50 million $ for famine relief USA: United Support of Artist USA: United Support of Artist raised money to fight AIDS, cancer, famine and poverty raised money to fight AIDS, cancer, famine and poverty supported child help supported child help

4. Personal life B. Charity – Various donations (Neverland Ranch) acquired the ranch in 1988 acquired the ranch in 1988 most famous home most famous home value approximately 120 million $ value approximately 120 million $ 11 km² 11 km² divided into 2 parts: divided into 2 parts: → amusement park and zoo named after the fictional island in „Peter Pan“ named after the fictional island in „Peter Pan“ entertained children at Neverland entertained children at Neverland has also special rooms for sick and terminally ill children to stay over has also special rooms for sick and terminally ill children to stay over children are allowed to do whatever they want children are allowed to do whatever they want

5. Downfall of the „King of Pop“ A. Rumours MJ ashamed of his black skin?? MJ ashamed of his black skin?? Actually in 1994, MJ was diagnosed by dermatolgist Dr.Arnold Klein with vitiligo Actually in 1994, MJ was diagnosed by dermatolgist Dr.Arnold Klein with vitiligo → Actually MJ’s grandfather also had suffered from vitiligo, a skin disorder Why is MJ having an umbrella and always wearing long-sleeved shirts in public? Why is MJ having an umbrella and always wearing long-sleeved shirts in public? → his dermatologist told him to avoid any exposure to the sun

5. Downfall of the „King of Pop“ A. Rumours MJ obsessed with plastic operations?? MJ obsessed with plastic operations?? → he claims to have had three operations: a) in 1979 to repair a broken nose resulting from a dancing accident in the same year b) the second one in 1982 to correct imperfections of the first surgery c) the surgical creation of a cleft in his chin he justified these operations by stating “to help me breathe better and to hit higher notes” he justified these operations by stating “to help me breathe better and to hit higher notes” but MJ also did his nose operations, on account of feeling “ugly” with it, and being made fun of by his family for having such a big nose but MJ also did his nose operations, on account of feeling “ugly” with it, and being made fun of by his family for having such a big nose

5. Downfall of the „King of Pop“ A. Rumours Why is MJ always surrounded by children?? Why is MJ always surrounded by children?? → he states that he always loved and appreciated children’s innocence, which in his opinion he lost too soon → he states that he always loved and appreciated children’s innocence, which in his opinion he lost too soon Let us therefore look at his lyrics from his song “Childhood”: Let us therefore look at his lyrics from his song “Childhood”: “It’s been my fate to compensate for the childhood I’ve never known” Now let us take a short look at the most-watched television interview of all times in 1993, where MJ talks to Oprah Winfrey about every single rumor about him Now let us take a short look at the most-watched television interview of all times in 1993, where MJ talks to Oprah Winfrey about every single rumor about him

5. Downfall of the „King of Pop“ B. Child abuse case turning point in 1993 turning point in 1993 suddenly had to cancel his “Dangerous World Tour”, when allegations of child molestation had appeared against MJ in 1993 suddenly had to cancel his “Dangerous World Tour”, when allegations of child molestation had appeared against MJ in year-old Jordan Chandler pressed charges against MJ and accused him of sexually molestating him 13-year-old Jordan Chandler pressed charges against MJ and accused him of sexually molestating him Michael avoided having to go to court by paying 23 million US-Dollar to the accuser Michael avoided having to go to court by paying 23 million US-Dollar to the accuser this was heavily criticized and people wanted to use that as a proof for Michael’s guilt this was heavily criticized and people wanted to use that as a proof for Michael’s guilt

5. Downfall of the „King of Pop“ B. Child abuse case but in November 2005 Jackson’s lawyer T. Mesereau reports to Harvard Law School students: but in November 2005 Jackson’s lawyer T. Mesereau reports to Harvard Law School students: the defence would have had a witness that would have confirmed that Jordan Chandler told him that he actually was not molestated and that he was extremely angry with his parents, on account of them forcing him to press charges against MJ the defence would have had a witness that would have confirmed that Jordan Chandler told him that he actually was not molestated and that he was extremely angry with his parents, on account of them forcing him to press charges against MJ a proof: Chandler put an end to his relationship with his parents and stopped talking to them for eleven years a proof: Chandler put an end to his relationship with his parents and stopped talking to them for eleven years

5. Downfall of the „King of Pop“ B. Child abuse case in 2005 MJ was again facing allegations of child molestation by Gavin Arviso in 2005 MJ was again facing allegations of child molestation by Gavin Arviso but on June 13, 2005 MJ was cleared of being inoccent of all ten charges made against him but on June 13, 2005 MJ was cleared of being inoccent of all ten charges made against him after the trial CNN reported that two jurors thought that MJ abused children sexually in the past, but this time there was not enough evidence to prove it after the trial CNN reported that two jurors thought that MJ abused children sexually in the past, but this time there was not enough evidence to prove it

6. Conclusion He used his influence like no other artist to help the poor and showed his enormous generosity through various donations He used his influence like no other artist to help the poor and showed his enormous generosity through various donations MJ managed to break down the barriers of racism and revolutionized pop music in a very unique way MJ managed to break down the barriers of racism and revolutionized pop music in a very unique way Nevertheless it is hard to judge over his personal life because it is and always will remain mysterious Nevertheless it is hard to judge over his personal life because it is and always will remain mysterious The „King of Pop“ is one of a kind and his fame is not comparable to any other artist in terms of extreme obsessity and adorance of an artist whether caused by himself or by the brutal and immoral media coverage The „King of Pop“ is one of a kind and his fame is not comparable to any other artist in terms of extreme obsessity and adorance of an artist whether caused by himself or by the brutal and immoral media coverage → you should always keep this in mind when you judge any of his seemingly „obscure“ and „megalomaniac“ actions and behaviour

Conclusion Ask yourself if it is more important for all of you to take a closer look at only his private life e.g. playing with his chimp „Bubbles“ and the various number of surgeries he has undergone or to HONOUR and CHERISH his achievements which everyone of us knows or at least has heard of…

7. Facts and curious stuff In 1992, Michael was crowned 'King Sani' in a West African village in Gabon, Ivory Coast In 1992, Michael was crowned 'King Sani' in a West African village in Gabon, Ivory Coast He has won 13 Grammy Awards He has won 13 Grammy Awards To help keep his voice clear, Michael would normally put 2 Ricola drops in a cup of hot water and drink this To help keep his voice clear, Michael would normally put 2 Ricola drops in a cup of hot water and drink this 1984: Michael received two stars on Hollywood's Walk of Fame 1984: Michael received two stars on Hollywood's Walk of Fame the "Official Michael Jackson 1985 Calendar" was a huge seller but did not contain an acknowledgment of any holidays, because Jehovah's Witnesses, Jackson's religion at the time, do not celebrate holidays the "Official Michael Jackson 1985 Calendar" was a huge seller but did not contain an acknowledgment of any holidays, because Jehovah's Witnesses, Jackson's religion at the time, do not celebrate holidays When touring, Michael loses about 10 pounds of water weight during his performances When touring, Michael loses about 10 pounds of water weight during his performances Jackson told an interviewer his famous moonwalk performance was a last- minute production and that he learned his trademark move from three street kids Jackson told an interviewer his famous moonwalk performance was a last- minute production and that he learned his trademark move from three street kids

Bibliography „Michael Jackson“ URL: URL: (visited on Jan 15, 2006) „Michael Jackson Homepage“ URL: URL: (visited on Dez 21, 2005) URL: URL: URL: URL: URL: URL: URL: URL: (all visited on Jan 15, 2005)