Michael Jackson's Speeches and Statements through the Years - Part 3
On June 22, 1995, after receiving the "Special International Artist Award" for record sales and humanitarian achievements from actor Morgan Freeman, at the VH1 Honors in Los Angeles, California, Michael Jackson draws attention to the poverty and health issues plaguing Third-World countries and their children, not before is thank-you's:
"Thank you, Morgan, for your words, thank you, VH1... Thank you - thank you for this honor, and thank you - thank you , all my friends and fans for your love and support. You've given me so much, it allowed me to take some of that love and pass it on to those people whose problems in this world need and deserve our help. A perfect example is the recent U.N. announcement that 1 to 3 million lives could be saved if Third-World children were given a vitamin A pill three times a year. Cost per child is just six cents, that's all." Concluding his speech, he stresses:
"So we must join together in healing the world, so we can share this beautiful planet in joy and love. I love you very much."
On receiving the special Artist of a Generation Award at the 16th edition of BRIT Awards on February 16, 1996, Michael Jackson declares the following:
“I love you. Thank you – thank you BRITs Awards and Sir Bob (Geldoff). I’m humbled by this award. It is especially important coming from my wonderful family in the United Kingdom. You provided me with so much love and you’ve given me your loyalty and your support throughout my entire career, and a special thanks to Paul Russell… [To chanting fans] I love you.. I love you.. I love you all and especially, I love all my fans very much. Thank you.” Jackson performs “Earth Song” prior to being offered this award, and following the performance, he informs the audience on the gravity of forest depletion, children deaths and famine, including alarming statistics such as areas of tropical forests being burned every minute, 3 million children dying every minute, or 300 children dying from hunger every minute, the singer requesting for unified involvement on behalf of people, joining him in these relief efforts. He reiterates this speech after performing the mentioned song at the 1996 World Music Awards in Monaco, Monte-Carlo.
In 1996, on the eve of his History Tour II concert in Tunis – sponsored by the newly formed Kingdom Entertainment - , he issues the following statement:
"I am particularly delighted that this concert will be in Tunisia, a peaceful and tolerant nation which cares equally for men, women and children. Proceeds from my concert will go to a national charity helping the needy, and that's an extra source of satisfaction for me". The mentioned charity is called "The National Solidarity Fund", which fights against poverty.
At the 1996 World Music Awards in Monaco, Monte-Carlo, Michael Jackson performs “Earth Song” and draws awareness to the world’s degrading state, wins a total of 4 awards, including the World Music Awards Best Selling Pop Male and World’s Best Selling R&B Male Artist presented to him by Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco.The singer has the following to declare on receiving the award:
“I love you more. Much more… these awards from you and the World Music Awards are very special to me, as a person who loves and adores and has concerns for people of all nationalities and ethnic origins. My music serves as my way of making mankind aware of the inquisities that exist against all people of all the world. […]. I am not and never have been anti-semitic. And do me a favor: don’t read the tabloids. I love you all very much. And this is our future right here [the children]! I love you.” All the proceeds from this yearly show go to the Monaco Aide and Presence Foundation, which assists underdeveloped areas mainly in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and Brazil. So far, many projects have been successfully carried out.
In Sun City, South Africa, July, 1996, on occasion of President Nelson Mandela's birthday, Michael Jackson makes a speech, in which he raises awareness on abuse undergone by children around the world, setting himself as an example of helping to alleviate the lives of deprived categories suchlike and urging others to take action against crimes suchlike.
"We are behaving like people without compassion and love for the most vulnerable section of society. The children of the universe are without a spokesperson, they are voiceless...We are all touched by the atrocities committed against children: sexual, physical abuse, child slave labor, educational neglect. We feel ashamed. Angry. Appalled. But there is no action....No action.", the performer declares. At a press conference held there, he gives an emotional discourse to the people of South Africa:
“First, I would like to say, sincerely, from the bottom of my heart, you have no idea how happy and honored I am to be here in South Africa. The people here have been so kind to me… their love, their generosity, the hospitality has been overwhelming…[…] I mean, I’m saying this from the bottom of my heart, ‘cause I really mean it. And I’m not wearing these glasses to be Mr. Cool, I wear these glasses because this is like a side (?), so you won’t see the tears… [voice trails off] I’m so happy to be here and you all have been so wonderful to me and I want to thank you so much and I – I thank you for coming to Sun City… I would like to take this opportunity to thank President Nelson Mandela and the wonderful people of South Africa… for this gracious, really gracious welcome to your wonderful country. I just love it.. I love it so much, I’m thinking about a house to buy here [laughs]… I would like to thank the wonderful wonderful (inaudible) and the staff and its hospitality and hosting this conference. And I’m sorry I was not able to play in South Africa days previously, because I was so undecided before coming here. But now I am really excited about bringing the HIStory Tour – a brand new show, the HIStory Tour to South Africa. We are in negotiations right now, but we’re planning [to tour in] South Africa in mid January, 1997, in Capetown, in Durban and Johannesburg. My promoter, Mr. Marcel Avram is here today to announce additional dates and answer any questions you may have regarding the HIStory World Tour. I love you from the bottom of my heart [voice trails off] and I thank you so much for your wonderful wonderful (footage breaks off)”.
On September 13, 1996, during his History Tour in Bucharest, Romania, Michael Jackson is invited at the Parliament Palace, where he attends a folklore performance - music and dances - by children dressed in traditional Romanian attire, after which is received on stage by the children, chanting his name and thunderously applauding him. They also perform a few song remakes in Romanian of famous anthems, such as Stephen Foster's "Oh, Susanna" or The Beatles' "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da", to which Jackson happily bops his head and claps his hands. When he is invited to take the stage, he makes the following appreciative discourse:
“This performance was one of the most amazing performances I’ve ever seen in my entire life. And I’m not just saying that, I really mean it from my heart. It was the highest in artistic presentation and I only wish all of the world leaders could be here to see this, because I think they would think twice when they so quickly send our brothers to the killing fields. Because this is our future – all the children. And I love you so much. And… [children loudly chanting his name] I just once again wanted to say thank you very very much, and from the bottom of my heart I truly and endearly love each and everyone of you. Thank you so much.” (rare footage provided by LovinTheKingOfPop on YouTube)
In 1997, Michael Jackson makes an appearance at "Gran Premio Internazionale Dello Spettacolo”, an Italian TV award show, where, on behalf of himself and late tenor, Luciano Pavarotti (also present on stage beside him), announces plans for putting together a charity project (supposedly the following “Pavarotti and Friends – For War Child” benefit concert in Modena, Italy or another similar endeavor):
‘It’s been our dream for a long time to do something for the children of the world. It’s been my passion and it has been his passion for it. […]”, the singer declares.
“So, so, the idea was to have as – have Pavarotti and myself as the protagonists to announce it to the world and to pretty much organize like a cavalcade of stars to, to support us and sing this wonderful song where all the, you know proceeds, will go to children of the world […]”, Jackson says. He also briefly adds that
“[There is] The Three Tenors [concert] on the 17th of June in Modena and I wanted to join them…”. The singer, however, will not honor his intent due to an illness at the time of his first child, Prince. Jackson was also there (at "Gran Premio Internazionale Dello Spettacolo”) to present an award for Best Show Of The Year.
On occasion of The Jackson 5 being inducted by singer, actress and longtime friend, Diana Ross, into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, Michael Jackson delivers a speech of gratitude towards his family, friends, children, Motown founder and Jackson 5 overseer, Berry Gordy, to his admirers, supporters and God. His discourse reads:
“To – I’d like to say to our family, our children, our friends and, most of all, my mother and father. They’re here tonight - my mother and father - , you were there to protect us with unselfish love. Because you were there, we are here. Berry Gordy, I love you. Like Diana Ross, you were there, and now again you are here. I’m crazy about you [embraces Diana Ross]. […] Berry Gordy, I want you to know, in my heart and mind, you are a genius and a king. And without you, Berry Gordy, I don’t think music would be the same today [embraces Berry Gordy]. […] Berry Gordy, you promised us four consecutive number-one records and you delivered them all. I’ll never forget it. […] Your faith makes it possible for us to be here today. We love from the bottom of our hearts, sincerely. And I just want you to know that without you, my mother and my father, I don’t think we would be here. And, of course, [without] God. And to all the fans - I don’t wanna take too much time – you were there unconditionally and I say thank you very much. So, whenever you call our name, I promise – I love all of you – we’ll be there.” The Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame is a museum from Cleveland, Ohio, dedicated to recording the history of some of the best-known and most influential artists, producers and others who influenced the music culture in a significant way.
In 1998, Michael Jackson and business partner, Don Barden, announce plans for the creation of a billion-dollar entertainment complex, The Majestic Kingdom, in Detroit, Michigan, the city that launched his superstardom. The project included a casino, a family-theme park, an acquarium and a hotel designed by Jackson himself and named "The Mansion In The Sky". The singer, who had been an anonymous partner in these kind of ventures for years, says:
"My mission is to just push the envelope of technology beyond its limitation and create some of the most wonderful things as humanly possible".
On May 15, 1998, Michael Jackson holds a press conference to unveil plans to found the World Peace Foundation for Children, and, in relation to it, to organize a series of concerts intended to to be “a mega event with the potential for great historical significance” for the Korean people, and to raise public awareness to the need to help the scores of dispriviliged children around the world. The proceeds from a concert in Seoul, South Korea, would benefit the Korean Peace Foundation for Children, the first subsidiary group to be formed as part of the WPFC. The concerts were scheduled later than planned, in 1999, (one being held in München) and became part of a new project, titled "Michael Jackson & Friends - The Adventure of Humanity".
During a press conference held in Japan, on July 25, 1998, he announces the creation of 'Michael Jackson Japan Company Ltd.'.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I have joined forces with Prosperity Enterprise Corporation to develop a number of global family-oriented entertainment-driven-themed attractions in Japan and around the world...not just Japan, but this is going to be around the world...to develop a billion-dollar business. 'Michael Jackson Japan Company Ltd.' has been formed', the singer declares.
On March 20, 1999, Michael Jackson makes an appearance on the German TV show, ‘Wetten Das..?’, presented by Thomas Gottschalk, to announce his plans to stage two concerts (in Seoul, Korea, and Munich, Germany), with the mission to raise funds for The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, the Red Cross and UNESCO. The singer explains his motivation behind the staging of these shows:
“What happened was… I – I knew that I – I knew that I had to do something, I just think that it’s on my back and, you know, between now and the millennium, and do nothing… And then, I had this idea for a song and – and the words, “What More Can I Give”, kept me. And then, I knew I had to do something. And about the same time, I was talking to President Mandela, and when he invited me to perform, it was all the inspiration that I needed…[smiles] […]” A representative of the entertainer intervenes to add that the purpose of Jackson’s concert in Munich is justified by the unification of Germany ten years before, in the context of many countries splitting, while his concert in Seoul is staged on the grounds that “Michael really wants to get the message across that North and South Korea [must] unite”. Jackson performed songs “Dangerous” and “Earth Song” at ‘Wetten Das..?’ in Germany four years before.
On March 23, 1999, Michael Jackson meets Nelson Mandela at the President's residence, Genadendal, in Cape Town, South Africa, to announce two charity concerts entitled "Michael Jackson & Friends - The Adventure of Humanity", the singer’s shows being centered upon "the concept of giving" and the theme-song, "What More Can I Give". "I shall be undertaking 2 concerts in June, one in Seoul, in the Republic of Korea, and one in Munich", he says. Jackson also speaks of the necessity of people helping "end the needless suffering in the world" and further urges that people donate to the best of their possibilities to charity, informing that the monies raised on occasion of the mentioned concerts – that he hopes to amount to millions - are due to benefit the "Nelson Mandela Children's Fund", "International Red Cross" and "UNESCO". The singer names Mr. Mandela
"my inspiration to want to do something before the end of the century, to undertake what I call "An adventure of humanity", before the birth of the millenium. I love this man very much and I love Africa." He adds:
"It is right to announce this project here in the very cradle of mankind: the birthplace of us all."
On May 1, 1999, the singer makes a speech after being honored by the Indian Film Industry with the "World Humanirt Award", at the Nassau Collisseum in New York, during the Bollywood Awards function. In his speech, he focuses on stating that the attention and resources he mobilizes for a worthy cause are "more than just an opportunity, but a duty", and adds: "It pains me to think we do so little for our children", in the context of a largely developed society. He also likens receiving awards to "a commission to do more for makind", using Mahatma Gandhi as an inspirational avatar of peacefully capturing the public's attention to obtaining freedom for India.
After completing his "MJ and Friends" concert in Seoul, South Korea on June 25, 1999, he holds a speech before the audience, in which he draws attention to the war-torn country, expressing appreciation to its President for improving the life quality of the country, and announces his hope to raise financial and moral support, as well as global awareness for the Korean people.
On September 4, 1999, on being honored with a humanitarian Kora award at the 4th Kora-All Africa Awards, in Sun City, South Africa, he declares:
"Africa, I love you. I thank you very, very much for this wonderful honor. I love you all very, very much. Thank you."
On May 18, at the 2000 World Music Awards in Monaco, Monte Carlo, Michael Jackson, who receives the 'Male Artist Of The Millenium' award for the best-selling recording artist of all time in the male category, is being introduced by Prince Albert of Monaco, then makes the following acceptance speech:
“Thank you very, very much Prince Albert. I'm incredibly honored to have been chosen to receive this award. I'd like to thank the World Music Awards and especially the fans. And you are the reason...you are the reason, why I continue to do what I do. I've been performing... I love you too [to screaming fans]. I love you. I've...I've been performing since I was 5 years old, so I haven't had what you call an ordinary life, but I've been blessed with so many extraordinary opportunities and so many wonderful, wonderful friends all over the world that I wouldn't change a minute of it, really. I love you more! And I am so proud to thank...I thank God, and I am so proud God gave me the gift of song. And the world gave me the opportunity to be heard through music. And it's because of moments like this I can say with all my heart that I'm very proud to be an entertainer. And... You ain't seen nothing yet!”
Source:
http://www.thesilencedtruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=67&Itemid=62