Michael Jackson ***August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009***

[bluejeangirl76]

Reports had it, that this so called "doctor" was performing CPR to Michael.. while Michael was LAYING ON HIS BED. What the hell? To perform CPR, aren't you supposed to locate the body to the ground on a hard, flat surface? Performing CPR on a bed does the procedure NO JUSTICE.

I thought the same thing when I listened to the 911 call. The doctor would have and should have known this. Something is fisssshy!!

[youkeepmewaiting]

Really good Jackson documentary that you Americans probably have not seen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iyhdd64Q ... playnext=1

Martin Bashir goes and films him for 8 months. It's a good watch. Through out the filming however Jackson was wearing a secret microphone, and this was used to make a second docu when the first one show him in a bad light.

Quite sad in bits, especially when Jackson opens up about his Dad

[Tito]

Thriller, the greatest selling album ever, is sure to get a bump in sales.

Eagles Greatest Hits is #1.

Thriller is #2 or #3

[G.I.Jim]

Thriller, the greatest selling album ever, is sure to get a bump in sales.

Eagles Greatest Hits is #1.

Thriller is #2 or #3

You SMELL like #2!

[Saint John]

Thriller, the greatest selling album ever, is sure to get a bump in sales.

Eagles Greatest Hits is #1.

Thriller is #2 or #3

Incorrect, asshole. You're going by U.S. sales. Thriller is well over 50 million worldwide. Most estimates range between 70-100 million. Here's as of 2004 (the first number is rank, the second is estimated worldwide sales and the third is U.S. sales) I certainly find it more than plausible that he has sold more albums in the rest of the world combined than in the U.S. alone, and in the U.S. he is certified at 26 million. That labum is the best selling album ever. That's simple common sense.

001 54 26 THRILLER Michael Jackson (1983)

002 42 19 BACK IN BLACK AC/DC (1980)

003 41 27 GREATEST HITS 1971-75 The Eagles (1976)

004 40 15 SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER Soundtrack (1978)

005 37 17 THE BODYGUARD Soundtrack (1992)

[G.I.Jim]

Thriller, the greatest selling album ever, is sure to get a bump in sales.

Eagles Greatest Hits is #1.

Thriller is #2 or #3

Wrong on this one dude, Thriller is #1 and sold double Eagles GH. 100 million to 49 million.

Thank you for once again being the finder of all facts!

[Deb]

Thriller, the greatest selling album ever, is sure to get a bump in sales.

Eagles Greatest Hits is #1.

Thriller is #2 or #3

Wrong on this one dude, Thriller is #1 and sold double Eagles GH. 100 million to 49 million.

Yep, just heard that on the news, that Thriller was and still to this day is THE highest selling album of all time. Also heard he has sold over 750 million........I'm assuming that means solo and with the Jacksons, but I was like what! did I hear that number right?!

[Deb]

Thriller, the greatest selling album ever, is sure to get a bump in sales.

Eagles Greatest Hits is #1.

Thriller is #2 or #3

Wrong on this one dude, Thriller is #1 and sold double Eagles GH. 100 million to 49 million.

Yep, just heard that on the news, that Thriller was and still to this day is THE highest selling album of all time. Also heard he has sold over 750 million........I'm assuming that means solo and with the Jacksons, but I was like what! did I hear that number right?!

I think what you heard was that his worth WAS $750 Mil at one point.

Actually, I just googled it, and they might have been right...........he shows up under the 500 million to 999 million section. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_be ... ic_artists

[G.I.Jim]

Thriller, the greatest selling album ever, is sure to get a bump in sales.

Eagles Greatest Hits is #1.

Thriller is #2 or #3

Wrong on this one dude, Thriller is #1 and sold double Eagles GH. 100 million to 49 million.

Yep, just heard that on the news, that Thriller was and still to this day is THE highest selling album of all time. Also heard he has sold over 750 million........I'm assuming that means solo and with the Jacksons, but I was like what! did I hear that number right?!

I think what you heard was that his worth WAS $750 Mil at one point.

Nope...she's right...

One of the few artists to have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, his other achievements include multiple Guinness World Records—including one for "Most Successful Entertainer of All Time"—13 Grammy Awards, 13 number one singles in his solo career, more than any other male artist in the Hot 100 era, and the sale of 750 million records worldwide.[6] Jackson's highly publicized personal life, coupled with his successful career, made him a part of popular culture for almost four decades. Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009, aged 50.[7] The specific cause of death has yet to be determined.[2] Before his death, Jackson had announced a 50-date sell-out This Is It comeback tour, in London, England.[8]

[The Sushi Hunter]

I got rid of the double cd album I had of MJ's "History." I bought it at the Wherehouse in July of 95' only because they said he was supposed to be changing up a few of his lyrics cause he used a racial slur in it. I never even opened up that album, just thought it would be worth something some day because of that incident. But eventually, in 2003 or 2004, I just went to Ameoba and got some store credit for it and purchased something I really wanted.

[Babyblue]

What MJ said specifically was that record producers would not give him a record deal unless he changed his appearance, an appearance that would be accepted by white fans. It was a interview that he had made after the black community lashed out at him for changing his true look. To the black community, it was a slap in the face of the black community that MJ would deny his race. MJ's comback to that which he addressed was that he was basically "forced" to do it for the record deals.

White liberals screwing it up for the black man...per usual.

I bet ya there was a black man in you ancestor wood pile, or better yet a mexican

[Voyager]

TimeOnline.uk
June 27, 2009

Michael Jackson: finances will take years to unwind

Michael Jackson’s complicated financial legacy will lead to a battle for control of his business and music empire that could last a decade.

Lawyers acting for his family and creditors owed an estimated $500 million (£300 million) will fight for the right to assets of “Michael Jackson Inc”, which could be valued at more than $1 billion.

The singer was reported to have intended to leave his estate to his three children and his mother. Last night it was unclear if that arrangement was amended later.

During his lifetime Jackson was often described as a millionaire who spent like a billionaire. In the years before his death he was clearly struggling for cash to cover his extravagant spending. “What he needs more than anything is independence and cash,” said Diane Diamond, an expert on Jackson, last month. “His wallet is hurting.” But the singer also made a number of shrewd investments. In 1985 a financial trust founded by Jackson paid $47.5 million for ATV Music Publishing which owned the Beatles’ back catalogue and thousands of other songs.

A decade later the trust sold half the company to Sony for $150 million. Sony/ATV Music Publishing now has an estimated value of $2 billion. The $1 billion share owned by the Jackson-created trust is likely to be protected from the singer’s creditors.

At the time of his death Jackson also had an income estimated at $19 million a year, including $12 million royalties from Sony Music for his back-catalogue. Sony Music is expected to reissue special versions of his biggest-selling albums and possibly previously unreleased recordings — leading to significant increase in royalty payments.

The valuable publishing rights for Jackson’s own songs are currently controlled by Warner but that deal is due to expire soon and the catalogue folded into Sony/ATV, substantially increasing the value of the company.

Fernando Gandioli, an international inheritance expert with Withers lawyers, said that if Jackson has not left a will then under California law his assets would pass to his children, assuming there is no legal wife.

If there is a will, Jackson’s legacies willl be made public once probate is granted unless he had established a trust during his lifetime.

After decades of extravagant spending, expensive legal cases and questionable business advice, Jackson finally appeared to be attempting sort out his finances. After going through 11 managers since 1990 he reappointed Frank DiLeo, who had guided him between 1984-1989. Last week he rehired John Branca, the entertainment lawyer who struck many of his most lucrative deals.

Jackson’s financial troubles date back to his success in the 1980s, which had allowed him to indulge in his wildest fantasies. He paid $19.5 million on the Neverland ranch at Santa Barbara, California, turning its 2,600 acres into an estate with its own zoo, amusement park and miniature railway. At one time the estate had a staff of 150 with an estimated wage bill of $10 million.

But even as the hits dried up he continued to spend, with outgoings between $20 million and $30 million a year more than his income. He was an obsessive shopper and collector, spending $4 million in a single spree at one Las Vegas emporium in 2003, including a giant marble chess set and 10ft tall glass urns.

Then there was a series of highly damaging and expensive legal settlements. In 1994 he was reported to have agreed a £16.5 million out-of-court deal with family of Jordan Chandler over abuse allegations. Five years layer he paid £5 million to Debbie Rowe in return for residency rights of their two children in a divorce settlement. In 2004 he paid £1.1 million to the son of an employee at Neverland ranch who accused him of abuse. By the time of his 2005 trial for child abuse he had debts of $300 million. He obtained a $91 million loan from Bank of America, later increased to £166 million.

In 2008 the debt had risen to £178 million. When he defaulted on the loan to the tune of £198,000 the debt was sold to Fortress Investment Group, a hedge fund. Jackson’s financial troubles were highlighted again when he defaulted on £24.5 million debt secured on Neverland in spring last year.

Six months later he was sued for £4.7 million in London by his former benefactor, Sheikh Abdulla bin Hamad al-Khalifa, who had initially lent him £23,000 to pay his utility bills for Neverland. Although the case was settled out of court, there are still a number of outstanding legal cases, including the singer’s former spokesman, who is seeking a $59 million settlement.

But Jackson still owned half of Neverland, which is currently being refurbished in partnership with the real estate firm Colony Capital LLC, and has been valued at up to $80 million.

Tom Barrac, chief executive of Colony Capital, said: “You are talking about a guy who could make $500 million a year if he put his mind to it. There are very few artists who are muiltibillion-dollar businesses, And he is one.”

As lawyers began poring over the finances there was one final bizzare twist with a claim that Sir Paul McCartney could be one of the beneficiaries amid unconfirmed reports that he had been left Jackson’s share of the Beatles’ back catalogue.

All this should give a plethora of lawyers plenty to fight over — and their bills will run into many millions.

[The Sushi Hunter]

What MJ said specifically was that record producers would not give him a record deal unless he changed his appearance, an appearance that would be accepted by white fans. It was a interview that he had made after the black community lashed out at him for changing his true look. To the black community, it was a slap in the face of the black community that MJ would deny his race. MJ's comback to that which he addressed was that he was basically "forced" to do it for the record deals.

White liberals screwing it up for the black man...per usual.

I bet ya there was a black man in you ancestor wood pile, or better yet a mexican

Me or Tito? If me, that may explain my huge cock or my taste in Mexican babes.

[The Sushi Hunter]

I think MJ killed himself.

[Voyager]

I think MJ killed himself.

There is no doubt in my mind that his mental state was ultimately the cause of his death.

[The Sushi Hunter]

So the personal doctor has not been seen or have they captured him yet? He'll have some stories to tell for sure. Maybe even notes, videos, recordings of MJ. Wouldn't that be crazy if MJ handed over this doc a farewell video.

[Don]

So the personal doctor has not been seen or have they captured him yet? He'll have some stories to tell for sure. Maybe even notes, videos, recordings of MJ. Wouldn't that be crazy if MJ handed over this doc a farewell video.

The doctor has already went to the police from what I understand.

[youkeepmewaiting]

No foul play apperently

[Don]

Michael Jackson: finances will take years to unwind

Within 5 years, providing there is proper handling, the Jackson Empire will be in the black and his kids set for life even more so then they are now.

[The Sushi Hunter]

Michael Jackson: finances will take years to unwind

Within 5 years, providing there is proper handling, the Jackson Empire will be in the black and his kids set for life even more so then they are now.

Well yeah....cause MJ won't be burning up all the profits like he has been for the last 15 to 20 years now.

[Don]

Michael Jackson: finances will take years to unwind

Within 5 years, providing there is proper handling, the Jackson Empire will be in the black and his kids set for life even more so then they are now.

Well yeah....cause MJ won't be burning through all the profits like he has been for the last 15 to 20 years now.

Exactly.

[Babyblue]

What MJ said specifically was that record producers would not give him a record deal unless he changed his appearance, an appearance that would be accepted by white fans. It was a interview that he had made after the black community lashed out at him for changing his true look. To the black community, it was a slap in the face of the black community that MJ would deny his race. MJ's comback to that which he addressed was that he was basically "forced" to do it for the record deals.

White liberals screwing it up for the black man...per usual.

I bet ya there was a black man in you ancestor wood pile, or better yet a mexican

Me or Tito? If me, that may explain my huge cock or my taste in Mexican babes.

Sorry not you. It is that dirty rat Tito

[The Sushi Hunter]

What MJ said specifically was that record producers would not give him a record deal unless he changed his appearance, an appearance that would be accepted by white fans. It was a interview that he had made after the black community lashed out at him for changing his true look. To the black community, it was a slap in the face of the black community that MJ would deny his race. MJ's comback to that which he addressed was that he was basically "forced" to do it for the record deals.

White liberals screwing it up for the black man...per usual.

I bet ya there was a black man in you ancestor wood pile, or better yet a mexican

Me or Tito? If me, that may explain my huge cock or my taste in Mexican babes.

Sorry not you. It is that dirty rat Tito

Damn!

[Ftloperry]

On CNN they talked with someone associated with the National Enquirer and she said people should remember that back in January 16 of this year they published a story given to them by a close family friend that told them that Michael was very ill and only had 6 months to live. It was being reported on Headline News that MIchael Jackson had not been feeling well the night before and was very lethargic when he was rehearsing the night before. I'm still so shocked over this.

Daryl Hall said on Headline News "That Micheal was a troubled soul and surrounded himself with to many "YES" people and should have had more "NO" people around. He said it was a sad end to a troubled man." It is being said that the Beatles catalog is worth close to a billion dollars and it is being rumored that in his will Micheal left them to Paul McCartney.

We have heard from so many celebrities on this sad news and I was wondering if anyone has hear if Diana Ross made a statement. Diana Ross discovered the Jackson's and brought them to Motown. No matter what the controversy or troubles Michael has had in his life or as of recent he was a talent so big all over the world. He was the consummate performer. There will never ever be another entertainer like Michael Jackson. He was truly a one of kind performer. I just hope that the media will give the family and his children the privacy and respect they so deserve during this most difficult moment. CNN reported that Janet Jackson is devastated and so grief stricken over the loss of her brother that she can't issue any statement at this time or if she ever can.

[Andrew]

My thoughts exactly. I've known several people with varying degrees of this condition. We don't know the degree to which this condition may have spread on MJ. Most people try to find a corrective make-up that most closely matches their original skin tone, however, at some point it may have become easier to simply go with the lighter color, and try to spackle over whatever was left of the original color. Either way, someone who makes his living in the public eye cannot show up in public looking like a pinto pony. Of course, then again, there are those body image issues MJ is (in)famous for. Who knows. I suppose it will all come out soon enough.

I bet he hoped at least one part of his anatomy was still black (if you know what I mean).

Tito, I've read your posts and I have had enough. You really are a loser of the highest order. I'm removing you for now as I just can't stomach any more of your posts for the time being.

[7 Wishes]

On CNN they talked with someone associated with the National Enquirer.

The last bastion of responsible journalism.

Compared to the Enquirer, Fox News is the bloody BBC.

[Andrew]

I'm truly embarassed by some of the posts within this thread.

[L~L~L]

"I can't stop crying; this is too sudden and shocking," Jackson's friend and co-star in "The Wiz" Diana Ross told MTV News in a statement. "I am unable to imagine this. My heart is hurting. I am in prayer for his kids and the family." http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/161478 ... hael.jhtml

On CNN they talked with someone associated with the National Enquirer and she said people should remember that back in January 16 of this year they published a story given to them by a close family friend that told them that Michael was very ill and only had 6 months to live. It was being reported on Headline News that MIchael Jackson had not been feeling well the night before and was very lethargic when he was rehearsing the night before. I'm still so shocked over this.

Daryl Hall said on Headline News "That Micheal was a troubled soul and surrounded himself with to many "YES" people and should have had more "NO" people around. He said it was a sad end to a troubled man." It is being said that the Beatles catalog is worth close to a billion dollars and it is being rumored that in his will Micheal left them to Paul McCartney.

We have heard from so many celebrities on this sad news and I was wondering if anyone has hear if Diana Ross made a statement. Diana Ross discovered the Jackson's and brought them to Motown. No matter what the controversy or troubles Michael has had in his life or as of recent he was a talent so big all over the world. He was the consummate performer. There will never ever be another entertainer like Michael Jackson. He was truly a one of kind performer. I just hope that the media will give the family and his children the privacy and respect they so deserve during this most difficult moment. CNN reported that Janet Jackson is devastated and so grief stricken over the loss of her brother that she can't issue any statement at this time or if she ever can.

[7 Wishes]

Imagine their life if Daddy has been Oxy'd and Demerol'd out for the last 20 years. Add the xanax and zoloft.

It would suck. I spent 9 years with a woman who spent most of her time getting Demerol shots for "migraines" and illicit prescriptions for Xanax and Oxycontin. It is hell.

He killed himself and I think he knew what he was doing.

I just don't think so. I'm betting the physician gets charged with manslaughter at some point in the future.

[RedWingFan]

On CNN they talked with someone associated with the National Enquirer.

The last bastion of responsible journalism.

Compared to the Enquirer, Fox News is the bloody BBC.

They really screwed the pooch on that John Edwards story didn't they? They had pics posted for days before the media breathed a word if I remember correctly.