Misc. MJ News and Mentionings:
Robin Thicke in hip-hop heaven
Boston Herald -
But his all-time favorite collaboration was when he wrote the song “Fall Again” for the King of Pop, Michael Jackson . “It's me singing all the background. ...
Court battle over Neverland Ranch giraffes begins
KSL-TV - John Hollenhorst -
A court battle opened this week over the future of four giraffes once owned by entertainer Michael Jackson. Officials are trying to get them evicted from ...
By Nick Levine, Music Editor
Last year's X Factor charity single, a cover of Mariah Carey's 'Hero', became the second-biggest seller of 2008 and raised more than £1m for wounded servicemen and women, so it was pretty inevitable that this year's finalists – all 12 of them – would be asked to stay late for a bit of pro bono. If possible, it's an even schmaltzier affair than last year, a rendition of Michael Jackson's 'You Are Not Alone' in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital. Just to recap, that's sick kids, a dead beloved superstar and a big old blancmange of a pop ballad.
As you'd expect, the finalists trill their way through gamely enough, with Joe McElderry's bell-clear vocals leading the way, Miss Frank sounding wonderfully husky on record, and John and Edward apparently being given the grand total of one line. Meanwhile, the fact that it's Danyl Johnson who steers the tinselly, choir-assisted climax could offer a clue as to where Simon Cowell's prime loyalties lie. Lots of pop fans will get their G-strings in a terrible twist when this hits No.1 a week today, but the riposte will keep coming back like an automated response email: "Ah yes, but it's all for..." Besides, for our money, this is more listenable than 'Hero' ever was.
http://www.digitalspy.com/music/sin...-factor-finalists-2009-you-are-not-alone.html
COURT BATTLE OVER JACKSON MERCHANDISE RIGHTS
A multi-million dollar legal battle has begun over the merchandising rights for artists including MICHAEL JACKSON and THE ROLLING STONES
Bosses at Bravado International Group claim to have secured the exclusive rights to create merchandise relating to the King of Pop and the British rockers, as well as Guns N' Roses, The Doors, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Led Zeppelin.
Company executives have filed a lawsuit at Los Angeles federal court in a bid to protect their deals against alleged fraudsters.
The papers accuse several companies, including Dollar Days International, Alan Shrem and Kennedy-Shrem International, of illegally using the names and likenesses of stars including Jackson in the sale of memorabilia such as t-shirts, watches and posters.
Bravado bosses are demanding $2 million (£1.25 million) for each alleged violation, according to TMZ.com.
http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/story/court-battle-over-jackson-merchandise-rights_1122440
1999 - Michael Jackson's "Thriller (Super Audio)" was released.
2003 - In a BBC broadcast Joe Jackson, Michael Jackson's father, admitted that he whipped Michael with a switch but never beat him.
2004 - Michael Jackson's "The Ultimate Collection" was released. The set contained four audio CDs with 57 singles, album tracks, rarities and previously unreleased recordings, as well as a live concert DVD.
2004 - J. Marc Schaffel filed suit against Michael Jackson for breach of contract. Schaffel was seeking $3 million for unpaid loans, cash advances and producing fees. Schaffel was a former business associate of Jackson.
Robin Thicke in hip-hop heaven
Boston Herald -
But his all-time favorite collaboration was when he wrote the song “Fall Again” for the King of Pop, Michael Jackson . “It's me singing all the background. ...
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Court battle over Neverland Ranch giraffes begins
KSL-TV - John Hollenhorst -
A court battle opened this week over the future of four giraffes once owned by entertainer Michael Jackson. Officials are trying to get them evicted from ...
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'X Factor' Finalists 2009: 'You Are Not Alone'
By Nick Levine, Music Editor
Last year's X Factor charity single, a cover of Mariah Carey's 'Hero', became the second-biggest seller of 2008 and raised more than £1m for wounded servicemen and women, so it was pretty inevitable that this year's finalists – all 12 of them – would be asked to stay late for a bit of pro bono. If possible, it's an even schmaltzier affair than last year, a rendition of Michael Jackson's 'You Are Not Alone' in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital. Just to recap, that's sick kids, a dead beloved superstar and a big old blancmange of a pop ballad.
As you'd expect, the finalists trill their way through gamely enough, with Joe McElderry's bell-clear vocals leading the way, Miss Frank sounding wonderfully husky on record, and John and Edward apparently being given the grand total of one line. Meanwhile, the fact that it's Danyl Johnson who steers the tinselly, choir-assisted climax could offer a clue as to where Simon Cowell's prime loyalties lie. Lots of pop fans will get their G-strings in a terrible twist when this hits No.1 a week today, but the riposte will keep coming back like an automated response email: "Ah yes, but it's all for..." Besides, for our money, this is more listenable than 'Hero' ever was.
http://www.digitalspy.com/music/sin...-factor-finalists-2009-you-are-not-alone.html
**************************************
COURT BATTLE OVER JACKSON MERCHANDISE RIGHTS
A multi-million dollar legal battle has begun over the merchandising rights for artists including MICHAEL JACKSON and THE ROLLING STONES
Bosses at Bravado International Group claim to have secured the exclusive rights to create merchandise relating to the King of Pop and the British rockers, as well as Guns N' Roses, The Doors, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Led Zeppelin.
Company executives have filed a lawsuit at Los Angeles federal court in a bid to protect their deals against alleged fraudsters.
The papers accuse several companies, including Dollar Days International, Alan Shrem and Kennedy-Shrem International, of illegally using the names and likenesses of stars including Jackson in the sale of memorabilia such as t-shirts, watches and posters.
Bravado bosses are demanding $2 million (£1.25 million) for each alleged violation, according to TMZ.com.
http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/story/court-battle-over-jackson-merchandise-rights_1122440
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Today in
Michael Jackson History
Michael Jackson History
1999 - Michael Jackson's "Thriller (Super Audio)" was released.
2003 - In a BBC broadcast Joe Jackson, Michael Jackson's father, admitted that he whipped Michael with a switch but never beat him.
2004 - Michael Jackson's "The Ultimate Collection" was released. The set contained four audio CDs with 57 singles, album tracks, rarities and previously unreleased recordings, as well as a live concert DVD.
2004 - J. Marc Schaffel filed suit against Michael Jackson for breach of contract. Schaffel was seeking $3 million for unpaid loans, cash advances and producing fees. Schaffel was a former business associate of Jackson.