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New York declares Michael Jackson Day as the King of Pop turns 50
Posted: 29 August 2008
NEW YORK – A New York politician has declared August 23 as Michael Jackson Day. Hundreds of fans came together at the Caribbean Cultural Center in Manhattan to celebrate Jackson's birthday, as the King of Pop turns 50 on August 29, proving he is no Peter Pan.
Michael Jackson is a name that has reached far and wide. Most people know of him and his colourful life, whether the reasons are good or bad. He started out as part of The Jackson Five and eventually became a solo artiste, dazzling music producers and audiences all over the world.
His first album "Off The Wall" produced mega hits like "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" and "Rock With You". His second album "Thriller" swept seven Grammy awards.
Jackson reached a new high in the early 1980s, creating his signature “moonwalk”, a smooth dance that still leaves a lasting impression. Monster hits like “Billie Jean”, “We Are the World”, “Thriller” and “Beat It” are still heard on the radio today. He was nicknamed “King of Pop” by Elizabeth Taylor, who described him as “the true king of pop, rock and soul”.
People started questioning Jackson in mid 1980s, when his multiple cosmetic surgeries became too obvious to ignore. His nose, chin, eyes, and cheeks were all altering drastically. The most glaring of all the changes was his lightening skin colour, which he blamed on a skin condition.
His displays of erratic behaviour continued over the next 20 years.
He splashed out US$17 million on 2,700 acres of land to build Neverland Ranch, a private amusement park. He wore surgical masks in public. He had two short-lived marriages – one with the daughter of Elvis Presley, Lisa Marie Presley, and another with a dermatologist’s nurse. He caused controversy when he dangled his then-toddler son off a balcony.
He was also first accused of child molestation, which was eventually settled out of court for US$22 million. Instead of the King of Pop, people were dubbing him “Wacko Jacko”, and his career was in the rut.
But it was another child molestation accusation in 2003 that saw Jackson being formally charged in court. The trial dragged on for two years, and Neverland Ranch was searched for molestation evidence. Jackson was eventually acquitted, but sordid details and allegations revealed during the trial ruined his reputation and career beyond repair.
It is undeniable though, that Jackson’s reign in the music industry for almost two decades rightfully earned him the title of "Most Successful Entertainer of All Time" by the Guinness Book of Records. He has also been inducted into the prestigious Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice, which solidifies his title as King of Pop.
It doesn’t matter whether you recognise him as the King of Pop or ***** *****. Michael Jackson has left his mark in history, for better or worse.
- CNA/sl
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/entertainmentfeatures/view/372500/1/.html
Posted: 29 August 2008
NEW YORK – A New York politician has declared August 23 as Michael Jackson Day. Hundreds of fans came together at the Caribbean Cultural Center in Manhattan to celebrate Jackson's birthday, as the King of Pop turns 50 on August 29, proving he is no Peter Pan.
Michael Jackson is a name that has reached far and wide. Most people know of him and his colourful life, whether the reasons are good or bad. He started out as part of The Jackson Five and eventually became a solo artiste, dazzling music producers and audiences all over the world.
His first album "Off The Wall" produced mega hits like "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" and "Rock With You". His second album "Thriller" swept seven Grammy awards.
Jackson reached a new high in the early 1980s, creating his signature “moonwalk”, a smooth dance that still leaves a lasting impression. Monster hits like “Billie Jean”, “We Are the World”, “Thriller” and “Beat It” are still heard on the radio today. He was nicknamed “King of Pop” by Elizabeth Taylor, who described him as “the true king of pop, rock and soul”.
People started questioning Jackson in mid 1980s, when his multiple cosmetic surgeries became too obvious to ignore. His nose, chin, eyes, and cheeks were all altering drastically. The most glaring of all the changes was his lightening skin colour, which he blamed on a skin condition.
His displays of erratic behaviour continued over the next 20 years.
He splashed out US$17 million on 2,700 acres of land to build Neverland Ranch, a private amusement park. He wore surgical masks in public. He had two short-lived marriages – one with the daughter of Elvis Presley, Lisa Marie Presley, and another with a dermatologist’s nurse. He caused controversy when he dangled his then-toddler son off a balcony.
He was also first accused of child molestation, which was eventually settled out of court for US$22 million. Instead of the King of Pop, people were dubbing him “Wacko Jacko”, and his career was in the rut.
But it was another child molestation accusation in 2003 that saw Jackson being formally charged in court. The trial dragged on for two years, and Neverland Ranch was searched for molestation evidence. Jackson was eventually acquitted, but sordid details and allegations revealed during the trial ruined his reputation and career beyond repair.
It is undeniable though, that Jackson’s reign in the music industry for almost two decades rightfully earned him the title of "Most Successful Entertainer of All Time" by the Guinness Book of Records. He has also been inducted into the prestigious Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice, which solidifies his title as King of Pop.
It doesn’t matter whether you recognise him as the King of Pop or ***** *****. Michael Jackson has left his mark in history, for better or worse.
- CNA/sl
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/entertainmentfeatures/view/372500/1/.html
