1984

Michael launches his own company MJJ PRODUCTIONS with Bill Bray & Miko Brando as first full time employees.

Janet & Latoya make a photoshoot together at Hayvenhurst.

January 10 : Michael visits the burn center at Brotman Memorial Center Hospital in Los Angeles .

January 11 : At the first annual Black Gold Awards, produced by Dick Clark, Michael wins four awards (but does not attend). Janet is presented with the hottest female newcomer of the year award at the Black Gold Awards in Los Angeles (with a video congratulations from Michael).

January 16 : Michael, Janet & LaToya attend the American Music Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles with Brooke Schields and Emmanuel Lewis.

MJ wins an unprecedented eight awards including the special award of Merit presented by Diana Ross. The ceremony is watched by over sixty millions people.

January 23 : “Thriller”, the seventh and last single from the album is released by Epic. It will peak at #4 on Hot 100 Billboard.

“Thriller” becomes the first album with 7 Top 10 singles on Billboard.

January 24 : Michael & The Jacksons shoot a Pepsi commercial named “Street” directed by Bob Giraldi and featuring the group dancing in the street with a bunch of kids (including Alfonso Ribeiro & Siggy Jackson) on a Pepsi version of Billie Jean.

January 26 : “Somebody’s Watching Me” by Rockwell Gordy featuring Michael on the title track is released by Motown.

January 27 : It is announced that Jackie Onassis will publish Michael’s autobiography.

Michael poses for pictures during a photoshoot with Michael Leshnov at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles where The Jacksons filming of a second Pepsi commercial named “Concert” and directed by Bob Giraldi.

Later, a pyrotechnic failure causes an accident. Michael suffers second and third degree scalp burns. He is saved by Miko Brando and is rushed to to Cedar Sinai Medical Center where his arrival causes a media frenzy. All the Jackson family joins him at the hospital. Later, Michael is moved to Brotman Memorial Hospital for treatment at the burn center.

January 28 : Michael is released from the hospital and goes to Emmanuel Lewis’s home to recover from the accident.

February : Janet & LaToya are on the cover of Right On! magazine.

February 1 : Michael receives an official letter from US President Reagan wishing him a speedy recovery.

February 5 : Michael makes his first public appearance since his burn injury when he visits the Los Angeles zoo with Emmanuel Lewis.

February 6 : Michael & Emmanuel Lewis are on the cover of Jet magazine.

Michael arrives in NYC with Janet and they check in the Hemsley Palace.

Michael befriends Dominic Cascio, a banquet manager at the Hemsley Palace Hotel. Dominic introduces Michael to his wife Connie and children Frank (5) and Eddie (3). Later Michael visits the Cascios at their family home in Hawthorne, New Jersey.

February 7 : Michael goes to the New York Metropolitan Museum of Natural History to receive awards from CBS & The Guineess Book Of World Records to celebrates Thriller as the largest-selling album of all time (25 millions at the time) Among the many guest are Michael’s date for the evening Brooke Schields, Andy Warhol & the whole Jackson family (including LaToya, Rebbie & Janet).

February 8 : Michael attends the Tap Dance Kid musical at the Broadhurst Theatre in NYC with Sean Lennon.

February 9 : Michael is photographed leaving Hemsley Palace in NYC sporting the Thriller videos varsity jacket, and the Billie Jean fedora.

February 26 : Katherine, LaToya, Janet & Michael attend the premiere of Pepsi’s Jacksons commercial at a black-tie event for 1000 bottlers at New York City ’s Lincoln Center. Michael gets on stage with Alfonso Ribeiro who also appeared on the commercials. They dance together for a few seconds.

Janet appears in Diff’rent Strokes episode titled “The Wedding Part 2”

February 27 : Michael & Brooke Schields are on the cover of Jet magazine

The Pepsi commercials are previewed on MTV.

After three weeks in NYC, Michael flies back to L.A.

February 28 : In the company of Brooke Schields & Emmanuel Lewis, Michael attends the Grammy Awards ceremony broadcast live from the Shrine Auditorium of Los Angeles.

He wins an unprecedented 8 awards. On stage he shares his triumph with producer Quincy Jones and even invites his sisters Janet, LaToya & Rebbie to joins him.

The Jacksons Pepsi commercials are aired during the telecast and become the most popular ads ever!

March : Michael is on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.

“Eat It”, a parody of ‘Beat It’ by “Weird Al” Yankovic is released.

March 5 : Latoya attends the 2nd Annual American Video Awards Nominees Announcement at Kathy Gallagher’s Restaurant in Los Angeles,

March 19 : Michael is on the cover of TIME magazine with a nine page article. The cover was made by Andy Warhol.

March 20 : Michael hires Frank Dileo, Vice President of Promotions at Epic as his new manager.

March 23 : Michael appears on the cover of Jet magazine.

March 29 : The Jackson family selects Frank Russo to run the Victory Tour in association with Danny’O Donovan.

April : Jermaine Jackson’s first album for Arista contains a new duet with Michael titled “Tell Me I’m Not Dreamin” but Epic does not give permission to Arista to release it as a single.

Michael undergoes his third plastic surgery on his nose.

April 5 : LaToya attends the 2nd Annual American Video Awards.

April 9 : David Smithee, a terminally ill child is invited to visit Michael at the Encino family house thanks to the Make A Wish Foundation.

Liza Minnelli accompanies Michael to Swifty Lazar’s Oscar Night Party but after a short stay, they go on to visit Liza’s father director Vincente Minnelli.

April 14 : Michael attends the “TJ Martell Foundation Annual Gala” which serves to raise funds for research & innovative treatments in the fight against leukemia, cancer and AIDS. Michael presents Tony Martell with a check for $500,000 for the Foundation.

April 24 : LaToya is a guest on Good Morning America with Barbara Walters.

April 17 : Michael undergoes reconstructive scalp surgery at Brotman Memorial Hospital. Plastic surgeon Dr. Steven Hoefflin performs revolutionary laser surgery on Michael to repair damage he suffered to his scalp during the filming of a Pepsi commercial. After surgery, Dr. Hoefflin said : “Michael is doing very well, we covered the damaged area with his own hair and any implant has been required. Now he needs to rest and the operation will help him. Michael poses for pictures with the medical team.

April 27 : At Hayvenhurst, Snow White and the seven dwarfs visit Michael. They pose for pictures and film a video together.

Late April : The rehearsals for the Jacksons ’ Victory Tour begins at the Zoetrope Studios in Los Angeles.

May : Michael is on the cover of Ebony magazine.

Motown releases the album “Farewell My Summer Love” a collection of old material from Michael’s solo studio sessions at Motown.

Frank Russo files a $20 millions lawsuit against the Jacksons for going back on their verbal agreement to make him manager of the Victory Tour.

May 4 : The whole Jackson family gathers to host a surprise party to honour Katherine at the Bistro Garden in Beverly Hills . Michael offers her a Rolls Royce! Michael, accompanied by country star Floyd Cramer sings to Katherine the Kris Kristofferson country song “For the Good Times”.

Janet appears in Diff’rent Strokes episode titled “The Houseguest”.

May 8 : Michael attends a performance of “Cats” musical at Winter Garden Theatre in Broadway, New York.

May 11 : Michael attends a Kool and The Gang concert at Radio City Music Hall in New York City accompanied by Tatum O’Neal heavily disguised in a beard and afro wig!

May 12 : Michael visits Shirley MacLaine backstage after her Broadway performance in Playbill “Shirley MacLaine on Broadway” at the George Gershwin Theatre in New York.

May 14 : President Reagan presents a Special Achievement Award to Michael in a garden ceremony at the White House in Washington D.C. Michael attends the presentation with Frank Dileo, John Branca and publicist Noman Winter.

May 21 : The Jacksons are on the cover of Jet magazine.

May 24 : LaToya is a guest on American Bandstand’s Dance Contest”.

May 28 : Janet & LaToya appear on the cover of Jet magazine.

June : Janet graduates from high school and decides not to go to College.

Michael meets with other supporters of Camp Good Times in Malibu such as OJ Simpson, Dustin Hoffman, David Soul, Neil Diamond & Richard Chamberlain.

June 5 : The Victory Tour contract is signed by Don King, Chuck Sullivan and Joe & Katherine Jackson.

“State Of Shock”, the first single from the “Victory” album, , a duet between Michael & Mick Jagger, is released. It’s an instant success even though no video is shot for the song. It will peak at #3 on Hot 100 Billboard.

June 9 : Michael attends the unveiling of a wax statue of himself at The Guinness Museum of World Records in San Francisco .

June 22 : When Enid finds out that Jackie cheated on her with Paula Abdul, she drives over him which causes a knee injury and prevents him for participating to the Victory Tour.

June 26 : Michael and his brothers arrive in Birmingham for secret pre-tour rehearsals.

June 29 : During Victory Tour rehearsals in Atlanta , Michael & his brothers greet a crowd of several thousands fans.

June 30 : LaToya and Howard Hewett sing “Heart Don’t Lie.” LaToya  sings “Bet’cha Gonna Need My Lovin’ on American Bandstand.

July : Janet joins the cast of musical TV show “Fame” on NBC. She plays the part of Cleo Hewitt. She also starts recording a second album for A&M.

LaToya’s 3rd studio album titled “Heart Don’t Lie” is released by Epic Records.

July 1 : The Jackson have a full dress rehearsal of the “Victory” show at BJCC Colisuem in Birmingham.

July 2 : The album “Victory” is released by Epic. For the first time, the 6 brothers are reunited with the return of Jermaine. It will peak at #4 on Billboard 200.

July 5 : On the eve of Victory’s Tour first concert and after a controversy over the selling of tickets, Michael holds a major press conference in Kansas City with his brothers to announce a change in the tour’s organisation. He announces hat the whole of his share of the proceeds from the Victory Tour will be donated to charity.

July 6+7+8 : The Jacksons kick off the Victory Tour at the arrowhead stadium in in Kansas City (Missouri)

The whole Jackson family + Reverend Jesses Jackson attend the concerts.

July 13+14+15 : Concerts at the Texas Stadium in Irving, (Dallas county) attended by Prince & Emmanuel Lewis among others. During the second concert in Dallas , Eddie Van Halen joins Michael on stage to play his solo guitar on Beat It

July 16 : Michael is on the cover of Newsweek.

July 20 : Publicity of the Michael Jackson doll begins.

July 21+22+23 : Concerts at the Gator Bowl stadium in Jacksonville.

July 23 : Janet appears on the cover of Jet Magazine.

July 29+30+31 : Concerts at the Giants stadium in East Rutherford (New Jersey) attended by Katherine, Janet, Yoko Ono, Sean Lennon, Dominic, Connie, Frank & Eddie Cascio among others.

August 1 : At Hemsley Palace in NY, MJ is presented with a T-shirt and a plaque from Rev. Al Sharpton,president of the National Youth Movement (NYM), stating that needy children and minorities contributed to the success of the Victory Tour.

August 25 : LaToya performs “Heart Don’t Lie” on Solid Gold.

August 25+26 : Concerts at the Buffalo Rich Stadium in Orchad Park.

August 31 : Janet performs Don’t Stand Another Chance on Much More Music in Toronto, Canada.

September : Michael is on the cover of Life magazine.

Janet’s second album titled “Dream Street” is released by A&M Records. It will peak at #147 on Billboard 200.

September 1+2 : Concerts at the John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) attended by Sly Stone & Bruce Springsteen. Bruce Springsteen visit Michael backstage and they pose for pictures.

September 5 : Frank Dileo holds a press conference to read a statement on behalf of Michael to set the record straight about many rumors.

September 7 : While the Jackson family is on tour, Janet & her boyfriend James DeBarge secretly elope in Grand Rapids (Michigan). Janet only reveals her secret marriage to LaToya but soon the press reveals the wedding. James moves into Hayvenhurst in Janet’s bedroom.

September 7+8 : Concerts at the Mile High Stadium in Denver (Colorado). Michael visits Elton John and spends a few days at the Caribou Ranch with John Barnes where they work on song ideas.

Michael Jackson and producer Jim Guercio, also owner of Caribou Ranch, September 1984 : While Michael Jackson never recorded a complete album at the ranch studio, he did record some music and also cherished his time on the ranch. He visited while on his famous Victory Tour in 1984, and instructed his bodyguards to go back to Denver, saying he didn’t need them. “He put on Levis and a cowboy hat and went horseback riding, and just hung out,” John Carsello, manager of the ranch, says. “He was really cool. I remember we gave him a toy yo-yo and we were teaching him tricks with it. People like that would sometimes just come by. It was great.” Despite Jackson using his time on the ranch to unwind, Carsello called the pop star a workhorse, and recalls the makeshift dance floor the staff constructed for Jackson with pieces of plywood and linoleum so he could practice his dancing in the studio. Source: thirstcolorado.com

September 8 : LaToya performs “Hot Potato” on Solid Gold.

September 11 : The single “Centipede” by Rebbie Jackson is released on Colombia Records. The song is written and produced by Michael who also sings backing vocals. It will peak at #24 on Hot 100 Billboard. Rebbie shoots a music video but Michael does not appear in it.

September 14 : Michael wins three awards at the first annual MTV Video Music Awards but does not attend the ceremony. Diana Ross accepts the awards for Michael.

September 15 : Michael goes shopping with Quincy Jones in Montreal.

In Los Angeles, Janet performs her new single “Don’t Stand Another Chance” + “Dream Street”  on American Bandstand.

“Two To The Power Of Love” is released at the 2nd single from “Dream Street”. Janet does not shoot a video for this song.

September 16 : Michael attends Sunday service at the Kingdom Hall in Montreal .

September 16+17+18 : Concerts at the Canada Montreal Olympic Stadium in Montreal (Canada). During the last song, Jackie joins the brothers on stage for the first time during the tour.

September 21+22 : Concerts at the United States RFK Stadium in Washington D.C.

While in Washington , Michael visits the Kennedy Center Opera House to see Anthony Quinn and Lila Kedrova in the touring production of Zorba.

September 28+29 : Concerts at the John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia (Pennsylvania).

September 29 : Season 4 premiere of “Fame” featuring Janet is aired on NBC.In the first episode Janet/Cleo performs  her new single “Two To The Power Of Love” with Jesse Borrego taking Cliff Richard’s place.

September 30 : The single “Torture” is released by Epic. It’s a duet between Michael & Jermaine but none of them participates to the video! It will peak at #17 on Hot 100 Billboard.

October : Michael takes Emmanuel Lewis to Wet’N Wild Park, a water park in Orlando. They take a balloon ride.

October 5+6+7 : Concerts at the Exhibition Stadium in Toronto, Canada.

October 10 : Rebbie’s debut album titled “Centipede” is released.

October 12+13+14 : Concerts at the Comiskey Park in Chicago.

October 19+20 : Concerts at the Municipal Stadium in Cleveland.

October 23 : “Fast Girls” is released at the 3rd single from “Dream Street”. Janet does not shoot a video for this song.

Janet gives an interview on the Bryant Gumbel show.

October 27 :  In Fame new episode “The Heart Of Rock N Roll”, Janet/Cleo performs “Don’t Stand Another Chance”.

October 29+30 : Concerts at the Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta.

November : Michael is on the cover of People Extra.

Janet & James move into their own  condominium at 12546 The Vista in Brentwood.

November 2+3 : Concerts at the Orange Bowl in Miami.

November 3 : While in Miami for the Victory Tour, Michael visits Barry Gibb, one of the members of the Bee Gees, with whom he is friend. He takes the opportunity to go water skiing.

November 9+10 : Concerts at the Houston Astrodome in Houston (Texas).

Michael sits for Madame Tussauds sculptor Jim Mathieson.

November 10 :  Janet performs “Don’t Stand Another Chance” on the Soul Train Show.

November 16+17+18 : Concerts at the BC Place in Vancouver, Canada.

November 18 : Michael is made an honorary member of the new West Minister Police Department while in British Colombia.

November 20 : 5000 fans turn out to see Michael at the unveiling of his Hollywood Boulevard Star on the Walk Of Fame.

“Dream Street” is released to radios as the 4th & final single from “Dream Street’. Due to low sales of the album A&M cancel the released of the single. A music video is shot later as part of “Fame” storyline but it was never played on MTV or used as promotional video for the single.

November 21 : The single “Body” is released as the 4th and final single from “Victory” by Epic. Michael does not appear in the video. It will peak at #47 on Hot 100 Billboard.

November 30 + December 1+ 2 : Concerts at the Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.

December : Michael is on the cover of Ebony and magazines.

Michael appears in the video LA is my lady produced by Quincy Jones for Frank Sinatra.

Michael visits Steven Spielbeg on the set of The Goonies movie and befriends the young actor Corey Feldman.

Michael invites Elizabeth Taylor and her family to his concert at the Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles but Elizabeth leaves the stadium midway during his performance :  “I went to a concert and I couldn’t see a thing. I was way up,” Elizabeth recalled, “in a stadium.” Actually, she was seated in a special glass-enclosed VIP section that apparently didn’t give her the best sight lines. “I couldn’t see a thing and I brought thirty people, and we couldn’t even hear. So we went home to watch it on television by disc. “Michael heard that I had left halfway through and called me the next day and was like in tears ’cause he’d heard I had walked out,” Taylor said. “I hadn’t walked out. I just couldn’t see anything. And then we talked on the phone for about three hours. From there on in, we talked more and more on the phone.” Later this month, Elizabeth invites Michael to her home in Bel Air. Michael returns the invitation for a dinner at Hayvenhurst. This is the beginning of a lifelong special friendship…

December 2 : Michael sits down for a three hour interview recorded on tape for his memoirs.

December 6 : Michael is in Chicago to testify in court that he did write the song  “The Girl Is Mine”.

December 7+8+9 : The Jacksons play their last Victory Tour concerts at the Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles . During the last song of the last concert, Janet, LaToya & Rebbie join the group on stage with all the nieces and nephews to dance all together.

Michael announces on stage that this concert is the “last curtain call” from The Jacksons.

During 55 concerts attended by over 2 million people, the tour grossed a record $75 million!

December 13 : Michael returns to the Brotman Memorial.

December 22 : Rebbie performs on “American Banstand” Christmas Special.

Previous year : 1983

Following year : 1985