Author: Fred Colby

January : Deepak Choprah introduces Grace Rwaramba to Michael and she is hired as a secretary at MJJ Productions.

Michael is on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.

Michael participates with painter Greg Hildebrandt for a pre-production painting commissioned by a producer for a planned film entitled “Adam at Midnight”, a story set in New Orleans where Michael was set to play the lead part as “a male Cinderella type character”; the project was ultimately cancelled. Anton Furst, the director of MidKnight commits suicide which puts the film on ice.

January 14 : “Remember The Time” is released as the second single from the “Dangerous” album.

February 2 :  Fox, BET & MTV simultaneously premiere the 9 minute short film for “Remember The Time”. It peaks at #3 on Hot 100 Billboard.

“Michael Jackson: More Dangerous Than Ever” airs on MTV, featuring clips from Michael’s career, Dangerous release, and behind-the-scenes of Remember The Time.

February 3 : Michael holds a press conference at Radio City Music Hall in New York to announce his new endorsement deal with Pepsi + his new world tour to raise funds for his newly formed Heal The World Foundation.

While in NYC, Michael spends time with the Cascio family.

February 10 : Michael departs from Los Angeles for a one week tour of Africa with Brett Barnes, Bob Jones, Bill Bray and Charles Bobbitt.

February 11 : Michael is welcomed by 100 000 people when he arrives in Libreville in Congo. In French-speaking, oil- and mineral-rich Gabon, he is presented with the West African nation’s Medal of Honor from President Omar Bongo, who was the official host of the performer’s “Come Back To Eden” tour. President Bongo told Jackson that he was the first entertainer to ever receive the medal, which until then has been given only to heads of states and high-ranking diplomats and dignitaries—including Nelson Mandela.

February 14 :  Michael is crowned King Sanwi on the Ivory Coas by tribal chief Amon N’Djafolk. Based on mystic readings and possible DNA tests, a tribal chief asserted that he was a descendent of Sanwi royalty and invited him to be crowned king-in-waiting. He has come to the land of his ancestors to participate in a historic ceremony conducted beneath a sacred tree in the gold-mining village of Krindjabo, populated by the Agni tribe and located near Abidjan, Ivory Coast. As the village people stood in admiration, Amon N’Djafolk, the traditional tribal chief of MICHAEL JACKSON Continued Krindjabo, placed a crown of gold upon the head of the musical monarch and pronounced him “king of Sani.” Almost overcome by emotions, MJ says, “Merci beaucoup,” to the French-speaking people and repeated in English, “Thank you very much.” He then joins elders of the king’s court, signed official documents and sits on a throne of gold as women dancers, clad in white gowns, gave a dazzling performance of ritual dances. These elderly women are the guardians of the village.

February 16 : Michael returns Abidjan and takes a break to spend some time with orphaned and abandoned children, then Michael invites groups of orphans to his hotel at the International Hotel in Abidjan.

February 17 : Michael arrives in Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania, where he is received by Prime Minister Hassan Diria. President Ali Hassan Mwinyi honores Michael and visits him at his hotel.ago.

Michael is on the cover of Jet Magazine for ” Remember The Time ” : Michael Jackson’s New Video Remember The Time When Blacks Were Kings And Queens

February 18 : Michael visits a school for orphans in Sinza in Tanzania, Dar es Salaam. During his trip to Africa, Michael visited medical centers, schools, churches, institutions for children & educational NGOs for children with disabilities.

February 19 : Michael arrives in London with Brett Barnes and they check in the Dorchester Hotel.

February 20 : Michael and friend Brett Barnes shop at Foyles bookstore, Tower Records, and Virgin Records. Upon heading back into the Dorchester hotel, MJ is knocked over by an excited crowd of fans.

February 21 : Michael and Brett visit Madame Tussauds in London. Michael views his own waxworks figure while looking through the museum. They also make a quick visit to the London Planetarium.

February 22 : Michael visits comedian Benny Hill at the Royal Brompton Hospital.

February 23 : Michael & Brett fly back to Los Angeles.

March 05 : Michael attends the “National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters (NABOB) Eighth Annual Communications Awards Dinner” in Washington D.C. at the Sheraton Washington Hotel where Jesse Jackson presents him with the “Lifetime Achievement Award”.

March 16 : Michael is on the cover of Jet magazine with an interview in Africa.

March 29 : Michael films the video for “In The Closet” directed by Herb Ritts and featuring Naomi Campbell.

MTV airs “My Dinner with MJ” contest. 30 winners selected out of over 4 Million entries realized the dream of a lifetime: they were Michael’s and MTV’s special guests that night at the party, which was attended by a hundred privileged guests. The huge dinner party was held in the desert, fifty miles outside the holiday resort

April 9 : “In The Closet” Is released as the 3rd single from the “Dangerous” album. It peaks at #6 on Hot 100 Billboard.

April 20 : Michael is in Chicago to film the video for Jam featuring Michael Jordan, Kriss Kross and rapper Heavy D. Jimmy Safechuck, Brett Barnes, Macauley Culkin & Wade Robson visit him on the set.

While in Chicago, Michael visits Macauley Culkin on the set of “Home Alone 2”.

April 23 : The “In The Closet” short film is premiered on FOX, MTV & BET.

Late April : Michael is on the cover of the May issue Ebony magazine : “Michael Jackson : Crowned in Africa, pop music King tells real story of controversial trip”.

May : The single “Someone Put Your Hand Out” is released in Europe as an exclusive Pepsi promotional single, to promote the upcoming Dangerous World Tour.

Michael’s car breaks down on Wilshire Boulevard and is towed to a garage, Rent-a-Wreck. The Rent-a-Wreck owner, David Schwartz, calls his wife, June Chandler-Schwartz, to meet Michael. She brings her son from a previous marriage, Jordan Chandler. Jordan’s father, Evan Chandler, is a dentist who treated Hollywood celebrities. He was also a screenwriter who co-wrote the 1993 comedy Robin Hood: Men in Tights. June gives Michael her home phone number and a friendship starts between Michael & Jordy.

Michael starts the Dangerous Tour rehearsals in L.A with Kenny Ortega, Lavelle Smith, Greg Phillinganes and Brad Buxer.

May 1 : George H. W. Bush recognizes Michael’s philanthropic work and invites him to the White House to honor his acts of generosity at a ceremony recognizing a number of dedicated volunteers. Michael travels directly to Washington, D.C., from Chicago, where he is filming the short film for “Jam” with basketball player Michael Jordan.

The ceremony is preceded by a luncheon beginning at noon in the White House’s State Dining Room, the room used for official meals hosted by the president. One hundred and thirty guests, including the award recipients and their companions, dine with the president and First Lady. Michael Jackson is seated at the president’s table, in front of the fireplace, above which hangs the portrait of Abraham Lincoln he posed in front of in 1984, when he was received by President Reagan.

At around 1 p.m., as the guests are ushered into the East Room for the awards ceremony, the president and First Lady Barbara Bush briefly retire to the Red Room, adjacent to the State Dining Room. It is in the Red Room that the president and his wife meet privately with Michael Jackson for a few moments. Gregg Petersmeyer, President Bush’s assistant, is also present.

As the ceremony’s guest of honor, Michael Jackson then takes a seat in the front row of the East Room. This room is the customary setting for historic events, receptions, weddings, and other occasions held at the White House. The awards are presented to some twenty recipients, after which the president addresses Michael Jackson directly:

“I would now like to turn to the final item on our program and extend a special thank-you to Michael Jackson for joining us today to honor you. His commitment to disadvantaged young people and people with disabilities reflects his deep affection for children. And I am delighted to name him a Points of Light ambassador. “Michael, we wish you all the best, sir, in your mission to bring light into children’s lives, a cause so close to your heart within the Points of Light movement. I would now like to give you the floor. If you would care to say a few words, please do.”

Michael joins the president and speaks briefly:

“Congratulations to the Points of Light winners. I wanted to attend this luncheon because I believe that each person can make a difference in the life of someone in need. That is what Points of Light is all about. I am very happy to be here. I love you. Thank you very much.”

Source : Michael Jackson est nommé ambassadeur Points of Light par le président Bush, le 1er mai 1992

While in Washington, Michael visits a little girl, Raynal Pope, who was mauled by dogs.

May 6 : Michael covers the funeral costs of Ramon Sanchez who was killed by a stray bullet during the LA riots.

May 12 : Michael shoots his Pepsi commercial entitled “Dreams” with model Vanessa Sandin. Another Pepsi commercial with Michael singing “I’ll Be There” on a piano is shot around this time. During a break on set, he is presented with a commemorative plaque from Italian Singer Gianni Morandi.

May 16 : Michael tapes his Dangerous Tour rehearsals at at Culver Studios.

May 23 : Michael poses for pictures with one of builders of Neverland Valley Park’s, Rob Swimson.

June : Michael shoots the video for “Who Is It” (directed by David Fincher).

Dangerous Tour rehearsals continue in L.A.

June 3 : Michael goes to Manhattan in NYC to attend “One To One” gala where he is awarded for his charity work. And then he goes to Tavern On The Green and Plaza Oak with Donald Trump & Elizabeth Taylor.

June 18 : “Dancing The Dream”, a book of poetry & essays from Michael Jackson is published by Doubleday.

June 19 : The “Jam” short film is premiered on FOX, BET & MTV.

June 23 : Michael arrives in London to hold a press conference about his Heal The World Foundation (he takes Brett Barnes with him on tour).

June 24 : Michael & his entourage arrive in Munich . Travelling with him are Brett Barnes, Bob Jones, Bill Bray, Wayne Nagin, Karen Faye, Michael Bush & the whole tour crew.

June 25 : Michael films the video for ‘Give In To Me with” Slash in Munich, Germany performing a rock concert in an abandoned railway repair factory.

June 26 : A day before the 1st concert of his Dangerous Tour, Michael donates 40,000 DM to then Mayor of Munich, Mr. Georg Kronawitter, as a relief for the needy children residing in the urban areas. Mr. Kronawitter, presents Michael a marble statue as a gift. Michael attends the ceremony with Brett Barnes.

In the evening, Michael and his band have the final dress rehearsals of the Dangerous Tour at the Olympiastadion in Munich, Germany.

June 27 : Michael kicks off the Dangerous World Tour with a concert at the Olympiastadion in Munich, Germany.

Michael gives an interview to Daily Press about his book “Dancing the Dream” and the ideas represented within.

MTV follows Michael and his crew for the Europe leg of the Dangerous Tour for a series of TV specials called “MTV Dangerous Diaries”. Live footage and performances from the tour are mingled with interviews from his band and crew members.

June 28 : Michael & Brett Barnes arrive in Rotterdam in the Netherlands via the Orient-Express train.

June 29 : Michael visits Sophia Children’s Hospital in Rotterdam to donate £100 000. He then goes to the city zoo, Diergaarde Blijdorp, not far from the hospital with Brett Barnes.

June 30 : Concert at the De Kuip in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

July 1 : Concert at the De Kuip in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

July : The new Jackson/Pepsi commercials “Dreams” & “I’ll Be There” are aired on TV.

July 4 : Concert at the Stadio Flaminio in Rome, Italy.

July 6 : Concert at the Stadio Brianteo in Monza, Italy.

July 7 : Concert at the Stadio Brianteo in Monza, Italy.

July 9 : Michael takes Brett Barnes to Phantasialand in Cologne.

July 11 : Concert at the Müngersdorfer Stadion in Cologne, Germany.

Michael earlier calls friend Glenda Stein about his schedule; the phone conversation is recorded by husband Sam Stein.

July 13 : The “Who Is It” video is premiered on BBC2 but Michael withdraws it the day after.

“Jam” is released as the 4th single from the “Dangerous” album. It peaks at #26 on Hot 100 Billboard.

July 15 : Concert at the Valle Hovin in Oslo, Norway.

July 17 : Concert at the tockholm Olympic Stadium in Stockholm, Sweden.

July 18 : Concert at the tockholm Olympic Stadium in Stockholm, Sweden.

July 19 : Michael checks in the Hotel d’Angleterre, a five-star hotel dating back to the 18th century in in Copenhagen, Denmark. He is occupying the Royal Suite on the first floor. He will even make an appearance on the balcony to greet his fans.

July 20 : Concert at the Gentofte Sportspark in Copenhagen, Denmark.

July 21 : Michael visits The Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen with Brett Barnes and Bill Bray. Tivoli gardens have been around since August 1843. The fifth most visited park in Europe, this amusement park, located in the heart of the Danish capital, combines the thrills of funfairs with the traditions of Danish folklore.

July 22 : Concert at the Rock Werchter in Werchter, Belgium.

July 25 : Concert at the Lansdowne Road in Dublin, Ireland.

July 26 : Michael visits Disneyland Paris for the first time with Brett Barnes.

July 29 : Michael arrives to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for Children in London with Mickey & Minnie characters! Later he checks in the Dorchester Hotel.

July 30 : Concert at the Wembley stadium in London, England. Janet, Rene & Tina attend the show.

July 31 : Concert at the Wembley stadium in London, England. Michael meets Prince Charles backstage before the concert and presents him with a cheque for £200 000 for the Prince’s Trust.

August 1 : Michael cancels the third Wembley concert at the last minute due to a nausea-type virus.

August 5 : Concert at the Cardiff Arms Park in Cardiff, Wales.

August 8 : Concert at the Weserstadion in Bremen, Germany.

August 10 : Concert at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg, Germany.

August 13 : Concert at the Weserberglandstadion in Hamelin, Germany.

August 16 : Concert at the Roundhay Park in Leeds, England.

August 18 : Concert at the Glasgow Green in Glasgow, Scotland.

August 20 : Concerts at the Wembley arena in England.

August 22 : Concerts at the Wembley arena in England.

August 23 : Concerts at the Wembley arena in England.

August 25 : Michael attends the first Heal The World European Children’s Congress at the Regent’s College in London despite suffering from laryngitis.

Michael signs a patent as co-creator of a “Method and Means for Creating Anti-Gravity Illusion”, which is used in “Smooth Criminal” performances.

August 26 : Concert at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion in Vienna, Austria.

August 28 : Concert at the Waldstadion in Frankfurt, Germany.

Michael appears on “Bim Bam Bino”, a children’s television show, and is presented with a check for his “Heal the World Foundation”.

August 29 : Michael spends his 34th birthday in Regensburg at the castle of Princess Gloria Von Thurn And Taxis.

August 30 : Concert at the Südweststadion in Ludwigshafen, Germany.

August 31 : “Who Is It” is released in Europe as the 5th single from the “Dangerous” album.

Michael arrives in Pegnitz, Germany, aboard the Orient Express. He joins the next dates of his Dangerous tour in Germany and Switzerland aboard this prestigious train.

September 2 : Concert at the Hans-Walter-Wild-Stadion in Bayreuth, Germany.

Michael phones to Ryan White’s mother during her appearance at the Maury Povich US TV Show.

September 4 : Concert at the Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Sportpark in East Berlin, Germany.

September 6 : Michael cancels his concert in Gelsenkirchen because of severe throat problems.

September 8 : Concert at the Stade Olympique de la Pontaise in Lausanne, Switzerland.

September 9 : Michael’s short speech for MTV’s “Choose or Lose” campaign, encouraging young adults to register and vote in America, airs during the “MTV Video Music Awards”.

September 11 : Michael cancels another concert in Basel, Switzerland.

September 12 : Michael goes to Paris, France.

September 13 : Concert at the Hippodrome de Vincennes, near Paris, France.

September 15 : Michael and his team check in l’Hôtel de la Cité in Carcassonne, France. Michel Del Burgo has forgotten nothing about the megastar’s stay, beginning with his entrance into the lobby, which felt like an apparition: “He looked exactly as he did on television, with his hat, dark glasses and a scarf covering his face.” The chef remembers a star whose behaviour towards the staff was “exemplary”, far removed from the excesses reported in the media. His night, however, was rather eventful: “His family came to join him in Carcassonne. As a result, he took refuge in his van in the hotel car park, with crates of Orangina and Coca-Cola. Eventually, the police intervened and asked his relatives to leave, and he returned to his suite.”

September 16 : Concert at the Stade de Toulouse in Toulouse, France.

September 18 : Concert at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Barcelona, Spain.

September 21 : Concert at the Estadio Carlos Tartiere in Oviedo, Spain.

September 23 : Concert at the Vicente Calderón Stadium in Madrid, Spain.

September 26 : Concert at the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon, Portugal.

September 28 : Michael arrives in Bucharest, Roumania. Michael is taken directly to Snagov Palace, about forty kilometers northeast of Bucharest. Near the monastery of the same name, Snagov Palace is an impressive villa located on the western shore of Lake Snagov. It was built in the early 1930s by Prince Nicolae, brother of King Carol II, in the Neo-Renaissance style. During the Ceausescu era, it served as a meeting place for senior government officials. Today, it is a retreat for state guests and can also be reserved for receptions or conferences. However, it is not open to the public.

September 29 : Michael goes to Bran Castle in Brasov. More than a three-hour drive north of Bucharest, this castle, now owned by the famous Austrian royal family, the Habsburgs, is mainly associated in collective memory with Vlad III the Impaler, better known as Count Dracula. In fact, Dracula and his legend were the only information Michael Jackson knew about Romania when he arrived in the country.

September 30 : Michael visits the Leaganul De Copii Sfanta Ecaterina orphanage. Many Romanians gather around the children’s center, awaiting Michael’s arrival. The then-president, Ion Iliescu, had arrived shortly before him, along with a delegation. Michael meets Princess Ecaterina Caradja. In the mid-afternoon, introduced by the Romanian Prime Minister, Michael delivers a speech in which he discusses the goals of his Heal The World Foundation and the first project that took shape thanks to this playground. He then goes to Cotroceni Palace, the residence of the Romanian president. Welcomed like a true head of state, Michael tours the palace alongside Iliescu. He will return the following evening after the concert and receive a trophy and a gendarmerie uniform from the president.

October 1 : Michael performs a concert at Lia Manoliu National Stadium in Bucharest (demolished in 2008 and replaced since 2011 by the Arena Națională), the largest stadium in the country, with a capacity of nearly 70,000 people. The concert is broadcasted live to 61 countries across the world and on October 10 on HBO.

October 2 : Michael films scenes with the Romanian police, at the time intended for a music video titled Police Walk. The thousands of police officers recruited for the occasion receive instructions from the director, who asks them not to overtake Michael as he walks and runs at the head of their group like a general leading his troops. One of them dares, at the end of the shoot, to hand Michael a piece of paper for an autograph, but without much success, as Michael is quickly taken away by his bodyguards.

Later Michael travels to Istanbul, Turkey.

Alejandra Loaiza gives birth to Randy Jackson Jr in Colombia, South America. When Randy learns about it, he flies to Colombia and take Alejandra back to California with their children Genevieve & Randy Jr.

October 4 : Five hours before Michael is due to perform in Istanbul, the concert is canceled. Michael goes to London.

October 5 : Michael consults a Harley Streetspecialist regarding throat problems. On doctor’s orders Michael has to cancel the remaining of the European tour in order to rest.

October 7 : Michael flies back from London to L.A.

October 10 : Cable TV network HBO broadcasts another version of the Bucharest concert earning the highest cable TV ratings in history!

November : June Chandler Schwartz and her son and daughter became regular guests at Neverland.

Michael becomes friend with Lisa Marie Presley after spending an evening with her at their mutual friend Brett Livingsyon-Stone”s Los Angeles home. They exchange phone numbers and start calling each other.

Michael releases a video statement on BBC’s “Going Live!” magazine show, in which he announces a press conference discussing world concerns and their solutions, as well as raising further awareness on his Heal the World Foundation’s mission; he also announces a “Heal the World” contest.

November 4 : Michael attends the funeral of his grandmother (on his mother’s side) Crystal Lee King at her Jehovah’s Witness church in Phoenix, Arizona.

November 14 : Michael is on the cover of TV Guide.

November 15-18 : The Jacksons-An American Dream is aired on ABC. This mini series about the Jackson family produced by Jermaine & Margaret and becomes a huge success.

November 23 : “Heal The World” is released as the 5th single from the “Dangerous” album. It peaks at #27 on Hot 100 Billboard. The “Heal the World” music video / short film, which Michael contributes ideas in is premiered.

November 24 : Michael speaks at a press conference for his “Heal the World Foundation” in Queens, New York at one of John F. Kennedy International Airport’s cargo hangars, announcing that he has teamed up with AmeriCares to deliver relief supplies (including blankets, medicines, shoes and winter clothing) to war-torn Sarajevo, that his foundation will be organizing the “World’s Children’s Congress” in 1993, made up exclusively of delegates aged 8 to 16 for an “innocent perspective on the world’s problems”, plans for “Convoy USA”, an effort to heal the children of America’s inner cities, and speaking on the importance of children in the world.

November 30 : Back at Neverland, MJ grants the wish of David Sonnet,a young boy he met through the Make A Wish Foundation, and invites him and other three disabled children to his Neverland Ranch. Michael accepts to give a filmed interview at Neverland to Dan Beck, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Epic/Sony.

December : Michael donates £5,000 to British children to help them reach their targeted financial goal for raising funds to help starving victims of the Bosnian crisis.

December 3 : Michael’s message on “Top of the Pops” airs, thanking fans in the UK for the success of “Heal the World”, stating that all of the proceeds will go to the “Heal the World Foundation”, and revealing the message behind his song.

December 6 : Michael’s acceptance of the “Best Male Solo Artist Award” via video at the “Smash Hits Poll Winners’ Party” in London airs.

December 9 : At the Billboard Music Awards, Michael accepts three awards through a video presentation filmed earlier with Phil Collins at Neverland Michael accepts the “No. 1 World Album Award” for “Dangerous”, “No. 1 World Single Award” for “Black or White”, and the “Special Award Commemorating the 10th Anniversary of ‘Thriller'”.

Michael arrives in Tokyo, Japan and checks in the Capitol Hotel.

December 10 : MJ is welcomed at U.S. Consulate in Tokyo, in recognition for his humanitarian efforts through his “Heal the World Foundation”. During a press conference Michael is presented with a check for $10,000 for the Heal The World Foundation by Tour Sponsor Pepsi.

December 12 : Michael kicks of the japonese leg of his Dangerous World Tour with a concert at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo.

December 14 : concert at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo.

December 15 : Michael visits Sega Enterprises and discusses a new project.

December 17 : Concert at the Tokyo Dome.

December 18 : Michael visits Disneyland Tokyo.

December 19 : Concert at the Tokyo Dome.

December 21 : Michael visits Sega one more time during an off day from the Dangerous Tour. Michael is shown new and unreleased Sega items and meets with the Chairman Isao Okawa.

December 22 : MJ meets Japanese artist Kenji Koga in his hotel room, asking him to help him illustrate an amusement park project for underprivileged children around the world called MJ ‘Wonder World of Toys’. For ten days, the two men will work on the concept.

Concert at the Tokyo Dome.

December 24 : Concert at the Tokyo Dome.

December 25 : Michael’s message on “Top of the Pops” airs, telling people to keep loving one another even after Christmas, and briefly talks of his Heal the World Foundation.

December 26-28 : Michael flies to Nagasaki-Ken to visit the amusement park Huis Ten with Tito’s children, the 3T.

December 26 : During “Parade Of Stars”, a telethon for donations to the “United Negro College Fund”, Michael speaks on the importance of equal rights to education and on the “Michael Jackson Scholarship Program” benefits. A taped performance of “Heal The World” is contributed for the show.

December 29 : Michael returns to Disneyland Tokyo with the 3T.

December 30 : Concert at the Tokyo Dome. 

December 31 : Last concert of the second leg of the Dangerous tour at the Tokyo Dome with Slash playing the guitar! Michael celebrates New Year’s eve on stage with a countdown. This is the last time Michael ever performs the song “Working Day and Night” in front of an audience.

Michael becomes close friend with Macauley Culkin and his family. He invites them to Neverland.

Michael performs in a series of commercials for Sony Electronic’s Kirara Basso television.

Michael befriends the Stein family, particularly mother Glenda, and calls her several times throughout the years; his phone conversations are secretly recorded by father Sam.

Michael invites psychologist Dr. Wayne Dyer and his family to Neverland after reading his books on spirituality; they spend five days there.

January : Michael agrees to be photographed by Dilip Mehta, an Indian-born freelance photojournalist at the time introduced to MJ by the Indian doctor and thinker Deepak Chopra. The photographer has the opportunity to spend five nights at Neverland, allowing him to get to know the star through conversations and to share in his daily life. Photoshoots also taje place at Pebble Beach, not far from Monterey Bay, about a three-hour drive north of the Neverland Ranch. One of the sessions is held in what is now the Deluxe Ocean View Suite at the Lodge Hotel in Pebble Beach.

The single “Do The Bart Man” produced by Bryan Loren and featuring background vocals by Michael is released.

February : Joy & Wade Robson visit Michael in Los Angeles.

February 1 : Michael records the song “Dangerous”.

February 20 : Michael calls in for the Bee Gees episode of “This is Your Life”, a British documentary series, to pay tribute to the group and his inspiration from their “Saturday Night Fever” album during the “Thriller” album sessions.

March : Evelyn “Evvy” Tavasci is hired as Norma Staikos’s assistant at MJJ Production’s office located at 10960 Wilshire boulevard in Westwood.

Michael calls hip-hop artist MC Hammer to respond to Hammer’s message; Hammer asks for approval of a scene in his “2 Legit 2 Quit” music video including a Michael Jackson impersonator and his glove.

March 18 : Michael & Madonna have dinner together at the Ivy restaurant in Los Angeles

March 20 : In New York City , the biggest deal is music industry is signed between Michael Jackson & Sony Software who bought CBS Epic Records. For a potential $1 billion, Michael agrees to a fifteen year, six-album record and film contract and also becomes CEO of his own record label Nation Records (later renamed MJJ MUSIC)

March 25 : Michael & Madonna attend the 63rd Academy Awards ceremony together at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.

The title of Michael’ new album is revealed to be Dangerous.

March 31: Michael hosts an Easter egg hunt at his Neverland ranch. There are 45 eggs to find, with prizes for the children present, including a golden egg that allowed the winner to receive the grand prize.

April 8 : Michael organises a seat chimp party to raise money for Jane Goodall’s ape research institute.

April 9 : Michael & Madonna go to the Spago restaurant in Los Angeles . Michael asks Madonna to do a duet with her on the song “In The Closet” but she refuses.

April 15 : Michael and Madonna are on the cover of People Weekly magazine.

June : Michael pays for the funerals of David Ruffin, a member of The Temptations.

Michael is co-chairman of a Stevie Wonder presentation of the Nelson Mandela Award.

The tabloids publish stolen pictures of a photo session of Michael by Herb Ritts.

Michael enlists the help of producers L.A Reid & Babyface which deeply upsets Jermaine who is also working with them.

June 19 : Michael visits the island of Bermuda with Home Alone star, Macaulay Culkin, his family and Alan, Lynn & Brock Goldstein. They stay at the Hamilton Princess Hotel.

June 22 : Michael & Macauley go scuba diving.

June 23 : Accompanied by Macauly Culkin and his family Michael attends a dinner at Disney World in Orlando, Florida with Make-a-Wish founders to discuss ways in which he could help the organization.

June 29 : Gregory Peck and his wife Veronique spend the weekend at Neverland.

July : News surfaces of Michael first movie for Colombia Picture Entertainment, a science fiction musical extravaganza named “MidKnight”.

July 25 : Michael is filmed in the recording studio working on the song “Jam”.

July 26 : Michael & Emmanuel Lewis visit the Community Youth Sports & Arts Foundation Center in Los Angeles. The charity addresses drug abuse problems and provides relief programs for families of gang members. While there, Michael offer them financial support and donates a top-of-the-range wide-screen television set.

The media report that Steven Spielberg has invited Michael to make a cameo appearance in his new film “Hook”, based on the book “Peter Pan”.

July 27 : Michael invites the Jackson family to Neverland to celebrate the first ever Joe Jackson Day. Katherine, Joe, Rebbie, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine & Janet and the grandchildren attend the event.

Later at Hayvenhurst, Joe receives his present from Janet & Michael : A boat!

August 7 : Michael goes to Disneyland with a young friend.

August 17 : Michael, Bruce Swedien & Brad Buxer work on the song “Someone Put Your Hand Out”.

August 22 : Michael, Bruce Swedien & Brad Buxer work on the song “Will You Be There”.

August 26 : Macauley Culkin spends his 11th birthday in Neverland with all his family & Michael.

September : Wade Robson and his family move to L.A and become regular guests at Neverland.

September 02-16 : Michael films the “Black or White” short film featuring Macauley Culkin, Wade Robson, Brandi Jackson, Bart & Omer Simpson.

September 12 : Latoya publishes her autobiography “Growing Up In The Jackson Family” which causes a great controversy. During her promotional tour, LaToya gives many interviews with Jack Gordon by her side (including the Phil Donahue Show) and she claims that Rebbie and her sexually abused by Joe… The Jackson family denies the allegations and claims LaToya was brainwashed by her manager/husband Jack Gordon… Michael & Janet do not react publicly to those allegations.

September 16 : Michael’s drawing of Mickey Mouse for Disney’s Hyperion upcoming book “The Art of Mickey Mouse” is published in “New York” magazine.

September 19 : Michael’s voice acting performance in the Simpsons episode “Stark Raving Dad” airs on FOX.

October : A 30 seconds commercial directed by David Lynch begins airing on TV to promote the forthcoming release of Dangerous.

October 03 : Additional scenes are filmed for the “Black or White” short film (Black panther dance).

October 07 : Elizabeth Taylor gets married for the eighth time to Larry Fortensky at Neverland. Michael pays for everything and gives the bride away in the ceremony. Many celebrities attend the wedding which is almost interrupted by paparazzis.

October 10 : Gary Hearne is hired as Michael’s personal driver. He will remain en employee of MJJ Priductions until August 2006.

October 18 : Additional scenes are filmed for the “Black or White” short film.

October 21 : Michael, Elizabeth & Larry are on the cover of People magazine.

October 25 : Additional scenes are filmed for the “Black or White” short film (Statue Of Liberty).

October 29 : Michael & Bruce Swedien complete the mixing of the Dangerous album in Los Angeles.

October 30 + 31 : Additional scenes are filmed for the “Black or White” short film at Culver studios.

Late October : Michael is on the cover of November 02 issue of TV Guide which features an exclusive report on the set of the “Black Or White” short film.

November : Randy is arrested after Eliza phones the police to report that the beatings have not stopped. Randy is sentenced to one month in jail, two years’ probation, and ordered to enroll in a domestic violence rehabilitation program. Eliza files for divorce and custody of Steveanna.

November 2 : Michael films scenes for the Black or White short film at the Culver Studios.

“Black Or White”, the first single from the Dangerous album is unofficially leaked to US radio stations.

The same day, an unofficial version of Jermaine’s new single “Word To The Badd” is also leaked to the same radios. In the song, Jermaine openly attacks Michael.

November 03 : The “black and white babies scene” is filmed for the “Black Or White” short film. MJ is not present but he call on set.

Late that night Michael visits Jermaine at Hayvenhurst and the two brothers have an argument over “Word To The Badd”.

November 05 : The freeway with MJ and East Indian girl is filmed for the “Black Or White” short film at night.

November 6 : “Black Or White” is officially premiered to radio stations all around the world.

November 11 : The single of “Black Or White” is officially released. It peaks at #1 on Hot 100 Billboard.

November 14 : The Black Or White” short film is premiered in 27 countries around the world by almost 500 million viewers! The 11 minutes short film was directed by John Landis and features Macauley Culkin, Brandi Jackson, George Wendt, Heavy D, Wade Robson, Bart & Omer Simpson.

Michael’s plan to appear in a film called “MidKnight” produced by Jon Peters, is reported. Columbia Pictures were set to release the film in the summer of 1992, but it never finalized due to the death of the director. Earlier, Michael had invited the director, screenwriter, and executive to Neverland Ranch to discuss it.

November 15 : Following the controversy over the last part of the Black Or White Video, Michael issues a statement and decides to edit his video.

November 16 : Michael tapes a performance of “Black Or White” & “Will You Be There” at the Santa Monica Airport in Santa Monica for the MTV’s 10th Anniversary Special to be aired on November 27th. After Michael finished recording his performance, Janis DaSilva, an American reporter for the English magazine Off The Wall, created and managed by Adrian Grant, presents him with the Off The Wall Appreciation Award on behalf of the magazine’s team and readers.

November 18 : Michael & Brooke Schields go out for dinner at the Inn Of The Seventh Ray Restaurant in Malibu .

November 20 : Michael sends a video-taped message to the London listening party Of Dangerous.

November 21 : The album “Dangerous” is released in Europe .

November 26 : The album “Dangerous” is released.

November 29 : Michael appears on the cover of Entertainment Weekly.

December : Michael films the “Remember The Time” short film in Los Angeles directed by John Singleton and featuring Eddie Murphy, Iman & Magic Johnson. Emmanuel Lewis visits Michael on se set.

After 4 years of phone calls, Michael invites Brett Barnes and his family to Neverland for the first time. During this three week stay, MJ takes the Barnes family to Disneyland, Las Vegas and Century City. Brett & Michael become lifelong friends.

December 2 : Michael appears on the cover of Jet magazine.

December 11 : Michael is given a private visit to the Guinness World Of Records Museum.

Dee Dee finds out Tito is cheating on her. She files for divorce and custody of Taj, Taryll & TJ (3T).

January : Michael accepts the MTV Vanguard award of the decade by MTV CEO Tom Freston and Adam Curry, for his excellence in video and his inspiration to others.

Michael visits Disneyworld in Florida.

Michael’s recording team moves from Westlake to Record One studio in the Sherman Oaks neighborhood of Los Angeles. DECADE 1979-1989 project becomes DECADE 1980-1990. 

January 6 : Michael invites 82 abused children to Neverland.

January 26 : Michael is at the Beverly Hilton Hotel for the unveiling of a painting of himself titled The Book made by Australian artist Brett Livingstone Strong.

January 27 : Michael & Janet both attend the American Cinema Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills with many stars including Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren and Whitney Houston. Michael is presented with the Entertainer Of The Decade Award from his guest Sophia Loren.

February 3 : Michael receives a Role Model Award from Japon which he accepts via satellite.

February 4 : ABC airs the Tribute to Sammy Davis Jr’s 60th year in Show Business.

February 20 : Michael attends a sit-down breakfast at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel organised by CBS Records to celebrate Michael as the Top Selling Artist Of the 8O’s.

February 21 : Michael and Paul McCartney meet for three hours before the “32nd Annual Grammy Awards”, resulting in Michael giving an extra four percent stake in Michael’s catalog. Michael’s “Moonwalker” film wins the award for “Best Long Form Music Video”, but he is not present at the ceremony,

March : Wade Robson and his family visit Michael at the “Record One” Recording studios in L.A. Michael invites the whole family to his ranch for the weekend.The following weekend, the family again stays at Neverland. Afterwards, Michael takes Wade and his mother to Las Vegas and they visited Siegfried and Roy.

March 20 : Adrian Grant (the editor of fanzine Off The Wall) presents Michael with the “Off the Wall Appreciation Award”, a painting by British artist Vincent McKoy, in Los Angeles where Michael is working on new songs, one of which is “Men in Black”.

Spring : Michael fires John Branca after 10 years with him as his lawyer. He replaces him with three seasoned law veterans : Bert Fields (for litigation), Alan Grubman (fpr negociations with CBS) and Lee Phillips (for music publishing) allo closeley associated with David Geffen.

The first commercials of L.A Gear ‘campaign “Unstoppable” featuring Michael Jackson are shown in cinemas across America, with only the soundtrack of some of Michael’s songs: “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin'” and “The Way You Make Me Feel” (and Michael does not appear).

March 26 : Adrian Grant visits Michael at his Neverland ranch.

April 4 : Michael visits the Capital Children’s Museum in Washington DC with Ann Levin and Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

April 5 : Michael meets with President Bush at the White House Rose Garden ceremony to be honoured as Entertainer Of The Decade by the Capital Children’s Museum. Michael is received in the President’s Oval Office and spends some time in the Rose Garden with the First Lady, Barbara Bush.That same evening, MJ travels to McLean, Virginia, just about fifteen minutes northwest of Washington. He is invited to Merrywood, a sprawling Georgian-style estate on the banks of the Potomac River, built around 1919. The place is particularly renowned for having been the home where Jackie Kennedy, the wife of John F. Kennedy, spent part of her childhood. The house had belonged to her stepfather, Hugh D. Auchincloss II, since the 1930s. Michael attends a fundraising event in support of the Capital Children’s Museum. Organized by The Friends of the Capital Children’s Museum, the ceremony is also intended to honor Michael and his philanthropic efforts for children. Over 200 guests, who paid between $1,000 and $5,000 to attend the event, are present.

April 7 : Michael arrives as one of the first guests at the Taj Mahal Casino of his friend Donald Trump.

April 8 : Michael calls Ryan White’s mother at around 1AM for a status on his friend Ryan White’s health, and receives the sad news that Ryan will likely not make it through the night, and Michael will not be able to fly over in time to see him. In the morning, Michael leaves on a flight with business magnate Donald Trump to travel to Ryan’s home in Indiana.

April 10 : Michael attends Ryan White’s visitation at the funeral home.

April 11 : Michael attends Ryan White’s funeral service in Indiana along with 1500 persons including Barbara Bush, Elton John, Donald Trump & Ryan’s mother Jeanne.

April 20/21 : Janet gives two concerts at the Forum in Inglewood. Many members of the Jackson family attend the shows including Katherine and Michael.

April 25 : Martha Upshaw, Katherine’s mother dies. The whole family attends her funeral except LaToya who is abroad with Jack Gordon.

May : Joy & Wade Robson return to Los Angeles to participate in a photoshoot with Michael for the L.A Gear.

Fan force Michael to retreat while visting F.A.O Schwartz Toy Store with two young girls.

John Brown, a 14-year-old cancer sufferer is invited to Neverland to meet his idol in person.

May 8 : Michael is presented with the first ever BMI Michael Jackson Award at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. Katherine, Joe & Jackie attend the ceremony.

May 16 : Sammy Davis Jr, a long time friend of Michael dies of throat cancer. Michael is named as an honorary pallbearer along with Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin & Bill Cosby.

May 18 : Michael attends Sammy Davis Jr.’s funeral, named as one of the honorary pallbearers.

June : Michael fires John Branca after a dispute between Branca and Walter Yetnikoff about David Geffen’s effort to get Michael to perform for the soundtrack of the “Days of Thunder” film.

June 3 : Michael collapses while dancing at the Hideout. He is taken to St John Hospital of Los Angeles where he is treated for chest pains. He gets visits from the whole Jackson family (except LaToya) + Elizabeth Taylor who is treated in the same hospital.

June 8 : Michael leaves the hospital and goes resting in Neverland.

June 17 : Eliza gives birth to Steveanna Jackson but she files for divorce from Randy soon after.

June 25 : Michael starts recording the “Dangerous’ album at the Ocean Way/Record One Studio 2 in Los Angeles.

July : Michael attends the wedding of Berry Gordy to Grace Eaton in Santa Barbara.

The first publicity pictures of Michael ‘LA Gear campaign begin to circulate in magazines showing Michael dancing in the street with his niece Brandi and other children including Wade Robson.

July 21 : Michael welcomes children from the Dream Street Foundation and young people from the Make-A-Wish Foundation to his Neverland ranch. Forty-five children from all over the United States as well as England and Russia came to spend the day at Neverland and Michael was there with them. Michael indicated that he supported the Dream Street Foundation because he “values being a child and being able to have fun.”

August : Saga/Genesis releases the video game of “Moonwaker”.

Michael hires Sandy Gallin & Jim Morey as new personal Managers.

August 06 : LA Gear’s first advertisement, starring Michael and his 8 year old niece Brandi Jackson (Jackie’s daughter), premieres on ABC and in movie theaters. In 30 seconds commercial, we can see MJ dancing alone in the street by night.

August 18 : Michael invites 130 children from the LA & Santa Barbara YMCA summer program to his Neverlans ranch. The children makes a “We love you Michael” banner and Michael is made an honorary member of the 28th Street YMCA in Los Angeles.

August 21 : Michael confirms Sandy Gallin of Gallin-Morey Associates as his new manager.

September : Michael’s tribute to BET (Black Entertainment Television) in “Billboard” magazine, thanking them for their support, is published.

Teddy Riley joins the DECADE 1980-1990 project at the Larrabee Studio in North Hollywood. Michael records the background vocals for “Do The Bartman”, a song written by Bryan Loren; he also participates in creating the name of the song, and some of the lyrics.

September 12 : Michael attends the City Of Hope Gala in honour of CBS Record Division President, Tommy Mottola.

September 14 : The Los Angeles Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America presents Michael Jackson with the first “Michael Jackson Good Scout Humanitarian Award.” Disney Chairman Michael Eisner presents the award during a ceremony at the Century Plaza Towers in Los Angeles.

October : Katherine Jackson publishes her memoirs titles “My Family : The Jacksons” and gives an interview to Ebony magazine to promote it (Michael, Janet & LaToya appear on the cover of the magazine).

October 5 : Michael’s off-camera interview discussing Quincy Jones, included in the “Listen Up: The Lives of Quincy Jones” film, is released.

November 20 : Michael’s co-written song “Alright Now” is released on Ralph Tresvant’s self-titled album.

December : Michael has recorded so many new songs that the DECADE compilation is canceled and a whole new album named “Dangerous” is planned for 1991.

January 2 : MTV premieres the video for “Leave Me Alone”.

The Cosby Show has the Huxtable family attending a Michael Jackson concert.

January 5 : Margaret gives birth to Jourdynn Jackson. A few months later, Jermaine, Margaret & the kids leave Hayvenhurst to move in their own house in Beverly Hills .

January 10 : “Moonwalker” is released on video in the US & Canada.

January 14 : The 21st NAACP Image Awards are broadcast. MJ wins Best Male Artist & Best Album Of The Year for BAD. He is also honored with the “Leonard Carter Humanitarian Award” in recognition of his humanitarian endeavors. MJ does not attend the ceremony.

January 16+17+18+26+27 : Michael plays the last final concert of the Bad World Tour at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena in Los Angeles . Among the celebrities & friends attending the shows are Gregory Peck, Barbara Streisand, Sylvester Stallone, Sydney Poitier, Elizabeth Taylor, Whitney Houston, Diana Ross, Suzanne dePasse, Berry Gordy, Sean Lennon, Yoko Ono, Liza Minnelli, Katherine, Joe, Rebbie, Janet & Jimmy Safechuck. On the last date, Michael dedicates his Motown medley to Berry Gordy. These concerts are the last time Michael performs the songs “Heartbreak Hotel”, “Another Part of Me” and “Rock With You” in front of an audience.

The tour ends after 123 concerts grossing over $125 millions!

January 30 : At the American Music Awards, Michael is presented with the video Pioneer Award presented by his friend Eddy Murphy.

February : “Leave Me Alone” is released  as the 8th single from “Bad” but only in Europe

February 7 : Michael visits the Cleveland Elementary School in Scockton (California) after a man opened fire on children.

February 13 : Michael accepts two Brits Awards via satellite.

February 14 : Michael’s publicist Lee Solters announces that Michael and his manager Frank Dileo are to part company.

February 27 : Michael is on the cover of Jet magazine.

March: The Black Radio Exclusive Humanitaran Award is presented to Michael at the Universal Amphitheater in Universal City (California).

At Hayvenhurst, Joe, Katherine & Jermaine have a meeting with Jerome Howard and Kenneth Choi to discuss a concert deal in Korea for The Jacksons. They call Michael but he refuses to participate.

March 5 : Michael takes 200 disadvantaged children to Circus Vargas in Santa Barbara and to Neverland.

April : Michael is on the cover of Ebony magazine.

Michael shoots the video for “Liberian Girl” featuring many guest stars such as Paula Abdul, Quincy Jones, John Travolta, Olivia Newton John, Rosanna Arquette, Steven Spielberg, Whoopi Goldberg, David Copperfield, Corey Feldman & Bubbles!

The video is dedicated to Liz Taylor.

April 12 : Michael attends the 3rd Soul Train Awards where he is presented the Heritage Award & Sammy Davis Jr Award from Eddie Murphy & Elizabeth Taylor. Another award is presented to Michael by Mike Tyson.

During the night, Katherine introduces Michael to Kenneth Choi. Michael is still not ok to participate in a family concert in Korea.

April 14 : At the 2nd World Music Awards in , Michael accepts two awards presented by Whitney Houston via satellite from Neverland.

April 15 : Moonwalker is broadcast on the US cable channel ‘Showtime’.

April 16 : The single “2300 Jackson Street” is released by Epic. It’s a tribute to Joe & Katherine with all the children (except Marlon & LaToya) & grandchildren singing and appearing in the video shot during a Family Day at Tito’s home. It’s the last song ever that Michael recorded with The Jacksons.

April 30 : Michael hosts a “Getting to know your party” at Neverland for his staff : “Michael wants to meet all the employees and their family”.

May : Michael is seized by armed police after being mistaken for a robber whilst shopping in disguise with Jimmy Safechuck at Zales jewellers in Simi Valley.

May 02 : Michael meets with Belgian pianist, conductor, and composer François Glorieux for the first time in Los Angeles. He described Glorieux as “an exceptional musician” and requested orchestral arrangements for a large number of his songs,e.g.,”Liberian Girl .”

May 23 : “2300 Jackson Street”, the last album by The Jacksons is released by Epic. Michael only participates to the title song. It’s the last album ever recorded and released by The Jacksons 20 years after their first album on Motown.

June : After six month of pressure from the Jackson family, Michael accepts to sign the concert deal for the family concerts in Korea to take place in August. He will perform only 4 songs on stage as well as a medley with the Jacksons. The Reverend Moon, who was to fund the venture, wants Michael’s payment’s lowered. As a result, the deal is canceled. Later, Michael is sued by Segye Times, Inc. Michael, in turn, sues Segye Times, Inc for 8 million dollars…

Michael goes back to Westlake studio with Matt Forger and Bill Bottrell. He meets Brad Buxer who will work with him until 2008. Together they work on new songs for a compilation named DECADE 1979-1989. Quincy Jones is not part of this project. Earth Song, They Don’t Care About Us, Black Or White and Heal The World are among the first songs worked on. Soon after, Bryan Loren joins the team and starts working on songs with MJ.

June 13 : Michael gives a second sitting to sculptor David Goode in Los Angeles for the latest Madame Tussaud’s wax figure.

July 4 : Michael turns up at Diana Ross’s Motown home-coming party with super-model Beverly Johnson.

Two year after the promotion began, “Liberian Girl”, the ninth & last single of the Bad album is released in Europe.

July 20 + 21 : Michael, Bill Bottrell and John Barnes work on the song “Turnin Me Off” at Weslake Studio C.

July 25 + 26 + 27 : Michael, Bill Bottrell and John Barnes work on the song “Make Or Break” at Weslake Studio C.

July 28 : Michael becomes the newsest claymation member of the Raisin Family by appearing in their new TV commercial called “Michael Raisin”.

July 31 + August 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 : Michael, Bill Bottrell and John Barnes work on the song “Turnin Me Off” at Weslake Studio C.

August : Randy gets married to Eliza Shaffer but keeps on seeing his longtime girlfriend Alejandra.

August 14 + 15 + 16 + 17 + 18 + 21 + 22 + 23 + 25 : Michael, Bill Bottrell and Michael Boddicker work on the song “They Don”t Care About Us” at Weslake Studio C.

August 18 : Michael, Bill Bottrell and John Barnes work on the song “Make Or Break” at Weslake Studio C.

September 04 : Speed Demon is released as a promotional single for both the Bad album and the 1988 film Moonwalker.

September 05 : After on of her performances concert at Bally’s Reno in Nevada. Jack Gordon takes LaToya to a chapel for a surprise wedding!

September 13 : Michael attends a press conference at the Hollywood Palladium in LA, to announce his endorsement deal worth $28 million with L.A. Gear. This special marketing campaign was called “Unstoppable” .MJ agreed to design and market a line of sport shoes and sportswear.

September 22 : Michael is presented with the Humanitarian Award at the 8th annual Best Of Washington Celebrity Fashion Show and Luncheon at the Sheraton Washington Hotel.

October 10 : Michael goes back to the Gardner Elementary School in Hollywood where he attended sixth grade. The school renames his auditotorium “The Michael Jackson Auditorium”. Michael gives a speech to thank his former teacher Mrs Gerstin & former tutor, Rose Fine who attend the event.

October 19 : Michael gives a deposition in the copyright infringement lawsuit regarding The Girl Is Mine, Thriller and We Are The World.

November 06 : Michael, Bill Bottrell and John Barnes work on the song “Turnin Me Off” at Weslake Studio C.

November 11 : Michael spends the evening with Darian Pagan, a four-year-old leukemia sufferer who wanted to meet him.

November 12 : Michael rehearses his part for the Sammy Davis Jr 60th Anniversary Gala, where he performs “You were there”. He poses for a picture with Ella Fitzgerald, Eddy Murphy and Nell Carter.

November 13 : Michael performs “You Were There” during the taping of the Sammy Davis Jr 60th Anniversary TV Special at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. He also poses for a picture with the whole cast of the TV special.

Mid november : Michael goes to COMDEX (COMputer Dealers’ EXhibition) at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Creative Technology (also known as The Creative Labs in the United States) occupies a small booth set up by the Singapore Trade Development Board at the expo. Customers line up to buy The Sound Blaster. Among them, drawn by the booming decibels and sound effects emanating from Sim Wong Hoo’s booth, is Michael Jackson. Fascinated by the sound innovation, the singer spends about thirty minutes listening to the young Singaporean extol the virtues of his invention.

November 28 : Ryan White visits Michael at Neverland. It’s the last time both seen each other before Ryan passes away from AIDS.

Michael fakes a pass to Bo Jackson of the Los Angeles Raiders and Kansas City Royals at Michael’s recording studio in Los Angeles. Bo stopped by for a visit and gave Michael an autographed football and a baseball. They have a photo session together.

December : Michael attends the world class boxing fight between Sugar Ray Leonard & Roberto Duran at the Mirage Hotel.

Michael is on the cover of Vanity Fair with a new photoshoot by Annie Leibovitz.

December 6 : Michael makes a surprise appearance on the Arsenio Hall Show to present Eddie Murphy with the MTV’s Humour God Of The 80’s Award. Murphy then presents Michael with the award for Thrillers as The Greatest Video In The History Of The World.

December 7 : Michael attends the world class boxing fight between Sugar Ray Leonard & Roberto Duran at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas.

December 19 : Michael visits F.A.O Schwartz toy store in Manhattan . He then goes to Radio City Music Hall with several children to see the Christmas Spectacular.

December 28 : Ryan White, a young boy suffering from AIDS is invited to spend a week in Neverland with Michael.

December 31 : Michael is presented with a scroll proclaiming him Best Selling Male Singer of the 80’s as part of the Cilla Black ITV Show “Goodbye to the 80’s”.

Michael becomes friend with Deepak Choprah.

Katherine & Joe purchase a six-bedroom house in Las Vegas for 292 000 dollars.

January : Jermaine, Margaret & Jeremy moves into Hayvenhurst (in Janet’s bedroom).

Some time later, Latoya leaves Hayvenhurst and goes to New York City with her manager Jack Gordon to work on her new album and upcoming concert in Atlantic City.

Michael visits Siegfried &  Roy at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas .

Michael shoots the “Speed Demon” short film which is a part of the “Moonwalker” movie.

January 09 : Michael completes the filming of the “Leave Me Alone” short film.

Late January/Early February : Michael takes Jimmy Safechuck and his family to Honolulu. They stay at Kahala Hilton Hotel for three days and they attend Pepsi Bottler’s Convention. Michael also takes them to Disneyworld in Orlando (Florida).

January 24 : A Day I Will Never Forget by Denise Darval-Chang “I, along with three friends, met Michael Jackson on Jan. 24, 1988, at the Kahala Resort, where a friend worked. We had just finished paddling and were enjoying a barbecue when my friend mentioned that Michael Jackson was scheduled for a ‘sunset’ sail. “We decided to go to the hotel. It was a windy day and not good conditions for a catamaran sail. “After about 15 minutes, lo and behold, Michael Jackson appeared walking down to the beach with a young boy and a Caucasian woman. “We ran up to him, and he asked, ‘Are you the lifeguards?’ We were not lifeguards, but we were so excited we just replied, ‘Yes.’ “I asked her who the boy was. She said he was from the Make-a-Wish Foundation. The lady I handed the camera to, I was later told, was actress Teri Garr! Her top films include ‘Tootsie,’ ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’ and ‘Young Frankenstein.’ They were in Hawaii for a Pepsi convention, as was Michael J. Fox.

February : ABC News : ‘Artist David Nordahl was at home painting in February 1988 when the phone rang at midnight. A voice said, “This is Michael Jackson.”

February 5-18 : Rehearsals for the Bad Tour second leg take place at the Pensacola Civic Center in Pensacola (Florida).

Michael invites Jimmy Safechuck and his parents to stay with him.

February 6 : “Man In The Mirror” is released as the 4th single from “Bad” along with a video in which Michael does not appear. It will peak at #1 on Hot 100 Billboard.

February 8 : In a pre recorded video from the set of the “Speed Demon” short film in Los Angeles, Michael accepts the Brit Award for best international artist of 1987.

February 10 : Filming of “Baby Bad”, a parody of the “Bad” short film featuring children filling the roles of various people from the original clip. The video stars Brandon Quintin Adams (who also appears in the “Smooth Criminal” short film) as the young Michael Jackson. It also featurs three of Michael’s nephews Jermaine Jackson Jr. along with TJ and Taryll Jackson and a young Nikki Cox. The singing group the Boys appear as background dancers. Ingrid Dupree of the Kidsongs kids also appear in this segment. This video is part of the Moonwalker movie.

February 17 : Mary Hart from Entertainment Tonight visits Michael during dress rehearsals of the Bad Tour at the Pensacola Civic Center in Pensacola (Florida). Michael Michael gives a short interview to Mary and accepts to be filmed while rehearsing with his band and dancers.

February 18 : On the last day of dress rehearsals, Michael allows 420 school pupils to watch him rehearse. The full show is rehearsed and taped.

February 23+24 : Michael kicks off the US leg of the Bad Tour at the Kemper arena in Kansas City (Missouri).

February 28 : Purchase and Purchase Agreement for and the sale of the Sycamore Valley Ranch is signed.

Late February : Michael arrives in NYC.

March 1 : In NYC, Michael attends a press conference arranged by Pepsi to preview “The Chase” a new Pepsi commercials featuring Michael (a four part story). Michael also presents United Negro College Fund’s President and CEO, Christopher Edley a check for 600,000 dollars, the entire grossings from his private sold-out benefit concert held at Madison Square Garden.

March 2 : At the 30th Grammy Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York , Michael fails to win any awards for “Bad”. He makes an amazing performance of “The Way You Make Me Feel” & “Man In The Mirror” and gets a standing ovation from the whole industry. During the telecast, “The Chase” is premiered.

March 3 : Michael gives a benefit concert at Madison Square Garden in NYC for the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). An original Michael Jackson UNCF private concert ticket and official souvenir program from the Bad World Tour are printed for the occasion.

Tatiana Thumbtzen replaces Sheril Crow on “The Way You Make Me Feel” and kisses Michael on the mouth! Siedah Garrett sings I Just Can’t Stop Loving You with Michael & Steve Stevens plays electric guitar on Dirty Diana! Among celebrities guests are Brooke Schields, Quincy Jones, Prince, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Madonna, New York City Mayor and the Jackson family (including Katherine, Rebbie, Janet and La Toya). Backstage, La Toya introduces Donald Trump to MJ.

Michael invites Dominic, Connie, Frank & Eddie Cascio to the concerts and he spends time with them at the Hemsley Palace.

March 5 : Second concert at the Madison Square Garden.

March 6 : Third concert at the Madison Square Garden.

March 9 : Michael attends a performance of “The Phantom Of The Opera” with Jimmy Safechuck, his mother & Liza Minnelli in NYC.

March 10 : Michael is honoured by the United Negro Colege Fund as one of their highest contributors at the 44th annual anniversary dinner held at the Sheraton Hotel in NYC. Katherine, Joe, Quincy Jones, Whitney Houston, Yoko Ono, Elizabeth Taylor & Liza Minnelli attend the event. In presenting him the coveted Frederick D. Patterson Award, named for the former Tuskegee Institute (now University) president who founded the UNCF in 1944, Dr. Mabel McLean, president of Barber Scotia College in Concord, N.C., and then chair of the presidents of UNCF member in-stitutions, told Jackson: “Through your efforts to increase knowledge, to combat hunger, to aid terminally ill children, to inspire youth, you have shown the world that caring, sharing and dart”

March 12 : The US cable network Showtime airs “Motown On Showtime : Michael Jackson… The Legend Continues”. The special is produced by Suzanne DePasse with Burl Hechtman serving as a supervising producer as well as Michael Jackson himself as executive producer. It features never before seen footage of the Bad World Tour 1987 + new interviews of Michael’s family and friends (Marlon Jackson, Suzanne DePasse, Quincy Jones, Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, Katherine Hepburn, Yoko Ono etc..) + a glimpse inside Hayvenhurst. It was widely praised and won a Cable Ace Award for Outstanding Editing in a Musical Special. It’s 1989 home video release in the USA was #1 on the Billboard Top Video Chart for six weeks and 2 weeks at #1 on the Top Music Video Chart, where it pushed MJ’s other home video, Moonwalker (released that past January) out of the top spot.

Michael postpones tonight’s concert in St Louis (Missouri) to March 14 because he suffers from a cold.

March 13 : Concerts at the St Louis arena in St Louis (Missouri).

March 14 : Laryngitis Forces Singer to Skip Performance

ST. LOUIS (AP) _ Pop singer Michael Jackson canceled a performance at the 18,000-seat Arena, the second time in 72 hours illness forced him to skip a scheduled concert on his 13-city tour. “It’s been a tough past three days. Michael Jackson is not known as ’no- show,” Arena manager Roger Dixon said Monday. “He’s always been known to give it his all (but) he’s only human. This just proves it.” Monday night’s show by Jackson, whose tour started Feb. 24 in Kansas City and has taken him to New York City, orginally had been scheduled for Saturday night. Jackson performed Sunday night as scheduled before about 19,000 at the Arena despite suffering from a cold. Dixon said he had been notified by the singer’s promotion company, TCC Productions of Encino, Calif,, that Jackson’s illness progressed Monday to laryngitis.

March 18+19 : Concerts at the Market Square arena in Indianapolis (Indiana).

March 19 : Originally named Zaca Laderas Ranch, the estate is renamed Sycamore Valley Ranch shortly after it was purchased by property developer William Bone in 1981, the ranch is sold today to Michael Jackson for $ 18 million who renames it after Neverland Ranch.

March 20 : Concert at the Freedom Hall in Louisville (Kentucky).

Michael is on the cover of Jet Magazine.

March 21 : Michael arrives in Denver (Colorado).

March 22 : MJ visits the Ramses exhibition in Denver. ABC News 2009 : “Nordahl’s Jackson period began after the singer invited him to the Denver stop of the Bad tour in March 1988. “I didn’t know what to expect,” Nordahl says. “He was sweet. We went to galleries, bookstores and a private showing of the King Tut exhibit. We sat around and laughed and talked and drew.”

March 24+25+26 : Concerts at the McNichols Sports arena in in Denver (Colorado)

March 30+31 + April 1 : Concerts at the Hartford Civic Center in Hartford ( Connecticut ).

April : Michael & Katherine go to Gary where they visit their former neighnor Marie Gunn and pose for pictures with her. They also visit Katherine’s father, Prince Scruse and wife at their Indiana Harbour home.

April 8+9+10 : Concerts at the Summit in Houston (Texas).

April 11 : John Branca and Marshall Gelfand sign individual grant deeds turning over the Sycamore Valley Ranch to MJ.

April 13+14+15 : Concerts at the Omni Colisuem in Atlanta. Rebbie Jackson attends one of the the concerts and she poses for pictures with MJ backsage.

Twenty years, almost to the day, after Reverend Martin Luther King’s assassination, a quiet memorial ceremony is held with Michael Jackson near Martin Luther King’s gravesite.

April 14 : The video for “Dirty Diana” is premiered on MTV.

April 18 : “Dirty Diana” is released as the 5th single from “Bad”. It will peak at #1 on Hot 100 Billboard (5th consecutive number 1!)

April 19+20+21 : Concerts at the Rosemont Horizon in Rosemont (northwest of Chicago) where Michael is presented with the keys to the city by mayor Eugene Sawyer.

April 20 : “Moonwalk”, Michael’s long awaited autobiography is published by Doubleday and soon becomes a best seller.

April 22 : Chicago Tribune (April 26, 1988) : “Michael Jackson and an entourage of about 12 people arrived in two vans and spent an hour and a half in Goodies on North Halsted Friday in what turned out to be the start of a heavy-duty shopping weekend. Michael and the young dancer who’s in his Pepsi commercials and his stage show had some ice cream at the soda fountain and bought gag gifts, Peter Pan toys, rub-on tattoos and some Michael Jackson Colorforms. He also had his picture taken in the photo booth with owner Ted Frankel, who had the shots blown up to poster size within a day.”

April 23 : Chicago Tribune (April 26, 1988) : “Wayne Banchik, owner of the Nostalgia Shop at 534 N. Clark St., didn’t get a picture, but he got Michael’s autograph when he stopped Saturday afternoon (again with a group of a dozen or so). Jackson, who Banchik says is very knowledgeable about American illustrators, bought some vintage magazines and said he’d like to come back to see some Walt Disney memorabilia. He turned down a vintage advertising button for Coke, bought one for Pepsi.”

April 24 : Chicago Tribune (April 26, 1988) : “The folks at F.A.O. Schwarz in Water Tower had warning that M.J. would come by at noon on Sunday, so they opened a little later than usual. After 20 minutes, Michael and the shopping crew left with a life-size Steiff lion and two lifelike Himsted dolls. They created such a commotion when they arrived that they left by the back way.”

April 25+26+27 : Concerts  at the Reunion arena in Dallas (Texas)

May 4+5+6 : Concerts at the Met Center in Minneapolis (Minnessota) which end the first leg of the tour. Prince attends the concerts. He meets Michael backstage ans later he invites him to Paisley Park for a private time (Paisley Park is a 65,000 square foot estate in Chanhassen, Minnesota).

May 5 : “Get It”, the duet between Michael & Stevie Wonder tis released. Michael does not shoot a video.

Mid May : Michael moves out of Hayvenhurst to his recently purchased ranch in the Santa Ynez Vallez Neverland Valley Ranch.

Michael invites Jonathan Spence to visit Neverland.

May 16 : Michael is on the cover of Jet magazine.

May 18 : Michael’s movie “Moonwalker” is previewed at the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France. Michael does not attend the preview.

May 19 : Michael arrives in Rome, Italy with Bob Jones, Bill Bray and Jimmy Safechuch. They stay at the Lord Byron Hotel. Michael attends a reception held in his honor at American Embassy, Villa Taverna, a lovely 8-acre estate with beautiful gardens. It’s hosted by Ambassador and Mrs. Max Rabb and Sophia Loren, Gina Lollobrigida, Federico Fellini and Franco Zefferelli are among the guests.

May 20 : Michael & Sam Emerson make a photoshoot at Villa Taverna garden.

May 21 : Michael visits the Sistine Chapel in the accompanied by US Ambassador Maxwell Rabb.

May 22 : Michael rehearses for his upcoming concert in Rome.

May 23 : The director of the Suzuki Race Team Gary Taylor gives Michael a Suzuki RG 500 motorcycle when he found out that Michael loved that motorcycle. Michael poses for pictures with the engine in front of the Lord Byron hotel in Rome.

Michael visits children who suffered from cancer in the Bambino-Gesu Children’s Hospital in Rome. He signs autographs and gives away sweets and records to the children. He also donates a ₤ 100,000 for leukemia research.

Michael kicks off the European leg of the Bad Tour at the Stadio Flaminio in Rome. After the concert, CBS Records International hosts a sumptuous sit-down buffet for 500 guests at the 16th Century Palazzo Taverna where Michael makes a brief appearance greeted by guests Sophia Loren, Gina Lollobrigida Federico Fellini & Georgio Armani.

May 24 : Second concert in Rome .

May 25 : Michael is the guest of honour at a party held at the house of film director Franco Zeffirelli.

May 27 : Leaving Rome, Michael and his entourage drive to Florence where Michael enjoys the historic beauty of the city and visits the museum to see Michelangelo’s masterpiece sculpture of “David.” Then, they go to Turin.

May 29 : Concert at the Stadio Olimpico di Turino in Turin, Italy.

May 30 : Michael and his entourage arrive in Vienna, Austria. During his stay in Vienna, MJ came up with the idea for Earth Song.

Captain EO Backstage’ is aired in USA. The TV special produced by MKD Productions, directed by Muffett Kaufman and hosted by Whoopi Goldberg, goes behind the scenes of Captain EO, showing dance rehearsals, make-up, special effects etc.

June : Michael is on the cover of Ebony magazine.

“Michael Jackson : The Legend Continues” is released on home video.

June 01 : Michael visits the Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna.

June 02 : Concert at the Praterstadion in Vienna, Austria.

June 05 : Before his concert in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, Michael donates a cheque for $125,000 to The Dutch National Education & Vacation Fund. The organisation raises funds for development of young people in society. Michael Jackson is présented with an Award for CD: “Bad” from Ruud Röben (CBS Records), just before his concert at the Feijenoord Stadium, Rotterdam.

First concert at the Feijenoord stadium in Rotterdam, Holland.

June 06 : Second concert at the Feijenoord stadium in Rotterdam, Holland.

June 07 : Second concert at the Feijenoord stadium in Rotterdam, Holland.

June 10 : Michael takes his staff to Liseberg Park in Gothenburg. They spend the day riding roller coasters & having fun. Michael leaves his signature and hand print in concrete and offers the staff 100 tickets to his concert.

June 11 : First concert in Gothenburg, Sweden. Eriksberg, is actually a shipyard converted to a stadium for the two shows, with an attendance of 55,000 each. It is accessible only by ferry and the first night 150 small boats jockeyed for position to hear the concert. The occasion is also special in that Michael got to see Ragni Lantz Griffin (former wife of my predecessor at Motown, Junius Griffin, and At the urging of Gladys Knight, Ragni was present at the Gary talent show where The Jackson Five first came to the attention of the label. She later attended the group’s first Hollywood engagement at the Daisy. A touching reunion to say the least!

Backstage before the concert, Michael is presented with the Rockbjörnen Award.

June 12 : Second concert in Gothenburg, Sweden.

June 13 : Michael and his entourage arrive in Geneva, Switzerland. They stay here for three days.

June 16 : Concert at the St Jakob Stadium in Basel, Switzerland, attended by Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, Reggie Theus & Bob Dylan.

June 17 : While in Basel , Michael meets the Charlie Chaplin family at The Manoir de Ban, a manor house located at Corsier-sur-Vevey on the banks of Lake Geneva in Switzerland.

June 18 : Michael & Bill Bray visit the Berlin Zoo in Berlin, Germany (MJ wears a wig, fake moustache and a hat).

June 19 : Concert at the Reichstag Grounds in Berlin, Germany.

June 23 : Michael arrives in Paris and checks in the Crillon Palace.

June 24 : Michael goes shopping at the « Nain Bleu » toy store in Paris.

June 25 : Michael invites Jimmy Safechuck and his parents to join him on tour for a few weeks. They check in the Crillon Palace.

June 26 : Michael has the famous Louvre Museum opened for a private visit of about an hour. Contrary to what was said at the time, he showed little interest in Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, but specifically requested to see three particular works: Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss, a 1793 marble sculpture by the Italian sculptor Antonio Canova (Denon Wing, ground floor, Michelangelo Gallery, Room 4), Endymion, Moonlight Effect (also known as The Sleep of Endymion) by Anne-Louis Girodet (Denon Wing, 1st floor, Daru, Room 75), and Saint Sebastian by the Italian Guido Reni (Sully Wing, 1st floor, Pavillon de l’Horloge, Room 3, Chapel Room).

June 27 : First concert at the Parc des Princes in Paris attended by Grace Jones, Albertine Bongo (daughter of the President of Gabon, a former French African colony), Regine and Johnny Halliday among others.

June 28 : Paris mayor Jacques Chirac presents Michael with ‘La Grande Médaille de la Ville de Paris’ which is an honor usually reserved for heads of state.

Second concert at the Parc des Princes in Paris.

July 1 : Concert at the Volksparkstadion in Hambourg, Germany.

July 2 : Michael and an entourage of about 100 people (the whole tour crew) visit Phantasialand in Brühl near Cologne. Among them the Safechuck family.

July 3 : Concert at the RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne, Germany.

July 8 : Concert at the Olympiastadion in Munich, Germany.

July 10 : Concert at the Hockenheimring in Hockenheim, Germany.

July 11 : “Another Part Of Me” is released as the 6th single from “Bad”. It will peak at #11 on Hot 100 Billboard

Michael arrives in London.

July 13 : Michael visits sick children at the Great Ormond Street Hospital in London .

July 14+15+16+22+23 : Michael performs 5 concerts at the Wembley stadium in London attended by Jack Nicholson, George Lucas, Harrison Ford & Jane Seymour among others.

July 16 : Prince Charles Princess Diana attend the third Wembley concert. Michael meets the Royal couple backstage to present with a £150 000 cheque to the Prince’s Trust and another £100 000 cheque to the Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital.

July 18 : Michael & Jimmy Safechuck visit Elstree Studios where Steven Spielberg is directing “Indiana Jones” and they both meet Harrison Ford.

July 20 : Micheal visits sick children again at the Great Ormond Street Hospital .

In the evening, a banquet is held in his honour at the Guildhall.

July 22 : Mickey Mouse & Donald Duck present Michael with a pair of specially engraved ice skates backstage before his fourth concert in Wembley.

July 23 : Michael is on the cover of Hello magazine.

July 26 : Concert at the Cardiff Arms Park in Cardif, Wales.

July 30+31 : Concerts at the Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork, Ireland.

The live video of “Another Part Of Me” is premiered.

August 3 : Michael arrives at Los Monteros Hotel, Marbella, Spain, to prepare for his first-ever Spanish concert, as part of his Bad World Tour.

August 5 : Michael performs at the Municipal Stadium in Marbella, Spain, to an audience of 28,000. It’s his first concert in Spain.

August 7 : Concert at the Vicente Calderón Stadium in Madrid, Spain. Michael is presented with a quadruple Platinum Award for BAD before his concert.

August 8 : Michael Is on the cover of Jet magazine.

August 9 : Concert at the Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain. Jimmy Safechuck gets onstage with MJ during “Bad”.

August 10 : Michael arrives in Nice, France with Jimmy Safechuck. He stays at the Negresco Hotel and goes out very little during his few days on the Côte d’Azur.

August 12 : Concert at the Stade Richter in Montpellier, France.

August 13 : Michael attends Sammy Davis Jr concert at the Salle des Étoiles Sporting Club in Monte-Carlo, Monaco and gets onstage with him.

August 14 : Concert at the Stade Charles-Ehrmann in Nice, France.

August 17 : Michael throws a birthday party for Harrison Funk and Safechuck’s mother.

August 19 : Concert at the Stade Olympique de la Pontaise in Lausanne, Switzerland.

August 21 : Concert at the Talavera Wiesen in Wurzburg, Germany.

August 23 : Concert at the Werchter Festival Grounds in Werchter, Belgium.

August 25 : Katherine joins Michael in London.

August 26+27 : Michael & Katherine go to Madame Tussaud Museum .

Concerts at the Wembley stadium in London. Michael dedicates “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” to Elizabeth Taylor.

August 29 : Concert at the Roundhay Park in Leeds, England, where 90 000 fans sing Happy Birthday to Michael!

Janet & Katherine attends Michael’s concert.

August 30 : Michael goes to Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London to see a performance by Mime Marceau. He meets the artist backstage and poses for pictures with him and Bob Jones.

August 31 : Michael poses for a picture with captain Pat Hammond on the ferry between Dover and Calais.

September 2 : Concert at the Niedersachsenstadion in Hannover, Germany.

Latoya & her manager Jack Gordon attend the show with Katherine and visit Michael at his hotel later. It’s the las time Michael & Latoya sees each other until 2002!

September 4 : Concert at the Parkstadion in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.

September 6 : Concert in Linz, Austria.

September 7 : Michael receives the MTV Video Vanguard Award from Peter Gabriel during a special presentation via satellite.

September 8 : Michael is presented with an award for his seven sold out concerts at the Wembley stadium which gains him another entry in the Guinness Book Of Records. Katherine attends the presentation.

September 10 : Concert at the National Bowl in Milton Keynes, England.

September 11 : Michael performs his last European concert at the Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, England, in front of 125 000 people!

September 14 : Back in London, Michael visits BAFTA for a preview of his unfinished movie Moonwalker, with Julie Chadwell.

September 15 : Michael & Katherine fly from London to Los Angeles and go directly to Michael’s new home : Neverland Ranch. Upon arriving they are greeted by all the ranch’s employees who welcome them led by Michael’s personal maid Bianca Francia & her son Jason.

A special ‘Flintstones Kids’ cartoon featuring a Stone Age Michael Jackson is aired on ABC. MJ lends his song “Beat It” to be used in the series to encourage kids to say no to drugs. The special is called “Just Say No”.

September 26+27+28 : Concerts at the Civic Arena in Pittsburg (Pennsylvania).

September 30 : The music video for “Another Part Of Me” is premiered. Directed by Patrick Kelly, featuring Jackson performing the song live during his Bad World Tour. The film footage was taken on July 14 and 22 at Wembley Stadium and at Rotterdam on June 7 with soundtrack mixed from live multitrack recording taken on July 15 (while the drum multitrack is from July 16), with additional footage from June 27 and 28 shows at Parc des Princes in Paris as well as some footage from Volksparkstadion in Hamburg on July 1 and in Cork on July 30.

October 3+4/5 : Concerts at the Meadowlands Arena in Rutherford (New Jersey).

October 10+11 : Concerts at the Richfield Coliseum in Richfield.

October 13 : MTV premieres the “Smooth Criminal” short film.

October 13/17/18/19 : Concerts at the Capitol Center in Landover (Maryland)

October 23 : In a brief ceremony outside the old Motown Studio in Detroit , Michael presents Esther Edwards & Berry Gordy with a $125 000 cheque for the Motown museum.

October 24+25+26 : Concerts at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

October 29 : “Moonwalker” makes its debut in Japonese theatres.

Michael cancels three concerts in Tacoma (Wahington) when his vocal cords become swollen.

November 7+8+9 : Concerts at theIrvine Meadows Amphitheatre in Irvine Meadows, Laguna Hills (California)

November 13 : Concert at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena in Los Angeles. Many members of the Jackson family attend the show. Backstage, Michael is presented with a proclamation from Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley who declared November Michael Jackson’s month.

Michael cancels five concerts in Los Angeles due to illness. They are rescheduled for January 1989.

November 14 : “Smooth Criminal” is released as the 7th single from “Bad”. It will peak at #7 on Hot 100 Billboard.

Early December : Michael and his team arrive in Tokyo, Japan.

December 02 : Miko Brando and American child actor Brandon Adams attend the Beverly Hills premiere of ‘Moonwalker’, held at the Academy Theater in Beverly Hills.

December 9 : Michael performs his first concert at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo.

December 10 : Michael performs his seconc concert at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo.

December 11 : Michael plays the 3rd concert at Tokyo Dome,Tokyo. He meets backstage with two young fans and their parents. 9 year old Ayana Takada was the 4 millionth fan to attend the Bad tour. MJ brings her on stage and presents her with a certificate commemorating the event.

December 17 : Michael performs his 4th concert at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo.

December 18 : Michael performs his 5th concert at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo.

December 19 : Michael performs his 6th consecutive sold concert at the Tokyo Dome in Japan.

December 22 : Without any press or announcement, Michael travels to Tomioka, about 120 kilometres from Tokyo, to visit Gunma Safari Park. There, he boards the safari bus, feeds the lions, spends quite some time watching the monkeys, and specifically asks to see the baby elephants Tango and Natsuko, who had been born at the park. Before leaving, he donates 500,000 yen at the Savanna restaurant to support children who have lost their parents in accidents and animal welfare.

December 23 : Michael is invited to attend a welcome party at the Capitol Tokyu Hotel by the Choshi Hanedaiko Preservation Society (sponsored by PEPSI, Nippon Shinpan, and Nippon Television).

December 24 : Michael performs his 7th concert at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo.

December 25 : Michael performs his 8th concert at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo.

December 26 : Michael performs his 9th and last concert at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo.

“Moonwalker” is released in Europe cinemas but not in the US.

It is reported that Michael has been making compassionate visits to the bedside of David Smithee, a 12-year-old whose father set him alight alive!

December 27 : Michael and his entourage fly back home from Tokyo to L.A.

Michael buys a new condominium in Century City nicknamed the “Hideout”.

Michael, Quincy Jones & Bruce Swedien start recording the “Bad” album at the Westlake Studio in Los Angeles. They select songs from the 65 demos recorded at the Hayvenhurst studio for the past two years. Michael, Quincy Jones & Bruce Swedien start recording the “Bad” album at the Westlake Studio in Los Angeles. They select songs from the 65 demos recorded at the Hayvenhurst studio for the past two years. The finished demos mixed and sent to Quincy Jones are : Smooth Criminal, Leave Me Alone, Price Of Fame, Speed Demon, I Just Can’t Stop Loving You, Come Together, Dirty Diana, Liberian Girl and Another Part Of Me. Quincy only works on three new songs : Bad, Man In The Mirror and Just Good Friends.

January 19 : Michael shoots a 4 minute commercial for Pepsi directed by Joe Pytka titled “The Chase”. The first version of “The Chase” featured a Pepsi version of the song “The Price Of Fame”. Later the song is replaced by a Pepsi version of “Bad”. The Chase premieres during the 1988 Grammy Awards broadcast on March, 1, 1988.

January 05 : At the Hayvenhurst studio, Bill Bottrell works on a Pepsi version of the song “Price Of Fame”.

January 06 : At the Hayvenhurst studio, Bill Bottrell works on a Pepsi version of the song “Price Of Fame” (spanish vocals).

January 09 : Michael attends the American Cinema Awards with Sophia Loren & Sylvester Stallone.

January 11 : At Westlake studios, Bill Bottrell works on the “Price Of Fame” Pepsi mix.

January 12 : At Westlake studios, Bill Bottrell records MJ background vocals for “Streetwalker”.

January 13 : At Westlake studios, Bill Bottrell records MJ background vocals for “Streetwalker” ans the lead vocals for “Dirty Diana”.

January 22 : After a meeting with Frank Dileo, Bill Bottrell is fired from the “Bad” project.

January 30 : Quincy Jones invites Siedah Garrett to his home with a group of other songwriters and ask them to write material for Jackson’s next album. Garrett takes the brief to Ballard, her writing partner, who begins playing a keyboard figure; Garrett writes the lyrics. The two record a demo of “Man In The Mirror” over the course of a week, with Garrett on vocals. Garrett deliver the tape to Jones, who calls back a few hours later to tell her he approves…

Late January : Michael shoots a new Pepsi commercial with a special version of the song “Bad”. During the filming he meets 9 years old actor Jimmy Safechuck.

February : Michael begins filming a short film for the song “Smooth Criminal” from his upcoming album. The short film is directed by Colin Chilvers on a story written by Michael. It features young actors Sean Lennon, Kellie Parker & Brandon Adams plus Joe Pesci and among the dancers, Lavelle Smith who will become Michael’s choreographer. “Smooth Criminal” is a part of the “Moonwalker” movie.

Mid February : Michael makes a surprise appearance at the CBS Records international marketing meeting in New York. He poses for a picture with Bunny Freidus, sen vice president of creative operations for CBS Records International; Bob Summer, president of CBS Records International; Jackson; Walter Yetnikof president of CBS/Records Group; and Frank DiLeo, Michael’s manager.

February 24 : During the Grammy Awards telecast, a 45 seconds teaser of the new Pepsi/Jackson commercial is broadcasted.

February 28 : Michael attends Elizabeth Taylor’s 55th Birthday Party at Burt Bacharach’s Home in Beverly Hills with Stevie Wonder & Carole Bayer Sager among others.

March 03 : Michael films a scene from the “Smooth Criminal” short film.

March 10 : MJ replies to a letter from Jimmy Safechuck ans reveals him that he is working a new video for his album and is “very busy”.

March 17 : Hazel gives birth to Jermaine’s son, Jaimy Jackson.

March 31 :  Filming of the “playing with the kids” scene of Smooth Criminal.

April : Michael withdraws from The Jeovah’s Witness.

April 20 : Steve Stevens records his “Dirty Diana” guitar solo. He poses for pictures with Michael & Quincy in the studio.

April 24 : Michael signs a sponsoring contract for his forthcoming Japan Tour in Los Angeles. The Michael Jackson 1987 Japan Tour is held as an “event commemorating the 35th anniversary of NTV’s opening”.

May :  Michael and Quincy record the last songs of the “Bad” album : “Just Good Friends” with Stevie Wonder, “Man In The Mirror” with Siedah Garrett and “I Just Can”t Stop Loving You” with Siedah Garrett.

The media report that Michael wants to purchase the bones of Elephant Man.

Michael’s first solo world tour is announced to begin next September in Japon.

May 5 : Filming of the “Smooth Criminal” break scene at the Culver Studios.

May 18 : The Jehovah’s Witness headquarters in Brooklyn, NY, issue the statement that they “no longer considered Michael Jackson to be one of Jehovah’s Witnesses,” by mutual agreement.

May 26 : Michael records “Just Good Friends” with Stevie Wonder in Los Angeles.

June 29 : Frank DiLeo holds a press conference in Tokyo to announce that Michael will embark on his first concert tour as a solo artist in September in Japan. It marks his first concerts since the Victory Tour in 1984 which he performed with his brothers as the Jacksons. DiLeo said the tour will start with a Japanese leg because of the country’s loyal fans. In a written statement, Michael, who is completing his “Bad” album in Los Angeles, promises “thrilling and exciting” concerts. Pepsi is sponsoring the tour.

July 2 : Michael’s first offer to buy the Sycamore Valley Ranch is sent (and rejected.)

July 9 : Michael, Quincy & Bruce complete the mixing of the Bad album.

July 13 : 25 CBS Records executives and representatives are invited to a dinner party at Hayvenhurst where they are treated with a preview of the Bad album and the Bad short film.

Epic announces that the Bad album has been completed and will be released on August 31.

July 15 : Radio 1 premieres I Just Can’t Stop Loving You, the first single from the Bad Album.

July 20 : The single “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” is released worldwide. It will peak at #1 on Hot 100 Billboard. Michael does not shoot a video for this song.

August : Michael rehearses for the Bad World Tour at Universal Studio a Universal Studio and at The Culver Studios in Culver City, California. He records the intro for “Heartbreak Hotel” at his Hayvenhurst home studio with his new background singer Darryl Phinnessee.

August 20 : Jackie & Enid are officicially divorced. Enid has custody of Siggy & Brandi.

August 31 : The album “Bad” is released worldwide.

The “Bad” short film is world premiered on the CBS TV Special “Michael Jackson : The Magic Returns”.

September:  Michael hires Bob Jones, vice-president of MJJ Productions.

Michael’s Pepsi commercial featuring “Bad” is premiered.

Michael is on the cover of Ebony and Jet magazines.

September 1 : Michael gives his first interview in years to Ebony/Jet’s journalist  Darryl Dennard at the Brooklyn Museum in Brooklyn, New York.

September 06 : Michael shoots the “The Way You Make Me Feel” short film in Los Angeles directed by Joe Pytka, choreographed by Vincent Paterson and featuring Tatiana Thumbtzen & Latoya!

September 7 : The single “Bad” is released. It will peak at #1 on Hot 100 Billboard.

September 9 : Michael arrives in Tokyo (Japan) with pet chimp Bubbles, Katherine & Joe, LaToya & her manager Jack Gordon, Quincy Jones, Frank Dileo, Karen Faye, Michael Bush, Bill Bray, Wayne Nagin, Donny Osmond ect… Over 600 journalists, cameramen and fans wait for Michael’s arrival at Tokyo’s Narita International Airport. MJ stays at the Capitol Hotel.

While in Tokyo, Michael gives an interview to Mollie Meldrum for 60 Minutes Australia. Mollie had interviewed Michael ten years earlier in 1977.

September 10 : Michael visits Korakuen Amusement Park .

September 11 : Michael visits Disneyland Tokyo.

September 12 : Michael rehearses with his band and dancers at the Korakuen Stadium in Tokyo.

At night, Michaels kicks off the Bad World Tour Korakuen stadium  in Tokyo.

September 13 : Second concert at the Korakuen stadium  in Tokyo.

September 14 : Third concert at the Korakuen stadium  in Tokyo.

September 15 : Michael is spotted sightseeing and shopping in Tokyo.

September 16 : Michael records his vocals for his duet ‘Get It’ with Stevie Wonder at Sony’s CBS Studio in Tokyo, Japan, with Bruce Swedien, Quincy Jones, and Christine Snider-Decroix.

September 17 : Michael takes the Shinkansen, Japan’s high-speed train, from Tokyo to Osaka.

September 18 : At the Osaka City Hall, Michael is presented the key to the city by Mayor Oshima at a formal tea ceremony and in the presence of Bubbles!

September 19+20+21 : Concerts at the Hankyu Nishinomiya stadium in Nishinomiya. Michael learns of the tragic story of Yoshiaki Ogiwara, a five-year-old boy who had been kidnapped and killed. Michael donates $20,000 to the boy’s family and dedicates his Japanese shows to his legacy.

September 24 : Michael visits Isao Tomita, a pioneering Japanese composer and electronic music producer, considered one of the fathers of synth-based classical music arrangements.

September 25+26+27 : Concerts at the Yokohoma stadium in Yokohama. .

September 26 : Ebony/Jet showcases an interview of Michael by Darryl Dennard.

September 28 : Back in Tokyo, a photoshoot is organized for Michael at the famous Ginza intersection. However, the madness of the fans will prevent it from being carried out to its conclusion.

September 29 : Michael visits Disneyland in Tokyo to view the screening of his 3-D film, Captain EO. The attraction was opened on March 20, 1987.

September 30 : Michael visits the Nagatacho Elementary School in Tokyo.

October : Hazel files for divorce and Jermaine introduces Margaret to the family.

Janet leaves Hayvenhurst to move in with her boyfriend Rene Elizondo Jr.

October 3+4 : Concerts at the Yokohoma stadium in Yokohoma.

October 7 : Michael arrives in Osaka by train from Tokyo. The three concerts are scheduled to take place on October 8, 9, and 10. However, the day after his arrival, Michael feels ill and had to postpone the first two concerts to October 11 and 12. These would ultimately be the last concerts of the 1987 Japanese tour.

October 10+11+12 : Concerts at the Osaka stadium in Osaka .

Michael is on the cover of People with a hand-written message from Michael.

October 13 : Michael visits a castle in Osaka.

October 15 : Back in Tokyo, Michael visits the Nissan Motor factory in Oppama close to Yokosuka in Kanagawa disctrit (Baie de Tokyo)  then he has dinner at Shiosai restaurant at the Otowa hotel no mori in Hayama.

October 16 : Michael visits the CBS Sony Studios Roppongi and then he goes to Yomiuri Land, an amusement park. Michael meets the Japanese illustrator, Mutsumi Inomata and they pose for a picture.

October 18 : Michael donates his jacket used in his Japan tour for a charity auction in Tokyo, Japan (he poses for pictures with the jacket).

October 19 : After 41 days in Japan to launch his first solo world tour, Michael leaves the country to Narita airport at 10:22 am from the flight JAL731 to Hong Kong.

October 23 : Michael arrives at Gongbei Port, the main customs access point for entering China from Hong Kong, which sees millions of travelers pass through each year. Gongbei is also the closest port to Macau, a region of China with a somewhat special status, located right next to it. The journey from Hong Kong to Gongbei is made by ferry and takes approximately seventy minutes. Michael spends a day in Zhongshan in the province of Guangdong, south of China. In Yongmo, a village near the city of Sanxiang in the Zhongshan metropolitan area, Michael decides to meet with the locals in the morning. Michael wanders through the old streets for barely an hour, took photos with children, and greets the villagers with a smile. In the afternoon, Michael goes to Cuiheng Village, about eighteen kilometers southeast of Zhongshan, near the town of Nanlang. Michael first visits the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Museum, established in 1956, which includes, among other things, his former residence and the Memorial Hall.

October 24 : Michael spends the day in Ocean Park with Karen and “Dr Penguin”. At nightfall, Michael takes advantage of the empty streets of Old Hong Kong to take photos near traditional shops. Old Street is the main street in this part of Aqua City (The Waterfront section), which recreates the Hong Kong of the 1950s to 1970s.

October 31 : MTV premieres the “The Way You Make Me Feel” short film.

November 04 : Michael does a costume photoshoot at Shaw Brothers studio in Hong Kong. The same day, Michael is presented with a souvenir TV tube from singer Liza Wang on behalf of tvb on the Hong Kong film set.

November 9 : “The Way You Make Me Feel” is released as the 3rd single from “Bad” It will peak at #1 on Hot 100 Billboard

November 10 : Michael flies from Hong Kong to Sydney.

November 11 : Michael arrives in Sydney and takes an onward flight to Melbourne.

November 12 : Michael visits the Royal Children’s Hospital, the main pediatric hospital in the city and the state of Victoria (where Melbourne is located). There, he meet four-year-old Angela Darlington and her mother, Helen.

November 13 : Concert at the Olympic Park stadium in Melbourne.

Michael calls a 5 years old boy named Brett Barnes on the phone after Brett’s family sent him a letter. They will remain friends until the end of his life.

November 16 : Michael visits Taronga Park Zoo in Sydney, Australia.

November 18 : Michael goes to the Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick, Australia to give gifts to children, sign autographs and chat with families.

November 19 : “Michael Jackson tonight listened to the Choir from Turramurra High School as they sand for him at the Regent Hotel. Jackson also talked with children from the Camperdown Childrens Hospital.”

November 20+21 : Concerts at the Parramatta stadium in Sydney.

November 22 : Michael poses for pictures with a baby at Murawina Preschool in Redfern, outside Sydney. The same day he does a photoshoot with kids by Sam Emerson.

November 24 : Michael arrives in Brisbane, Australia. He is welcomed by Mascot Expo Oz.

November 27 : First concert at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Brisbane.

November 28 : Second concert at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Brisbane. Stevie Wonder joins MJ on stage and they perform “Bad” together. After winning a dance contest, five years old Wade Robson gets to dance on stage with Michael & Stevie Wonder during the song “Bad”.

This is the last time Michael ever performs the songs “Things I Do for You”, Off The Wall” and “Lovely One” in front of an audience.

November 29 : Michael flies back home from Brisbane to Los Angeles.

December : Michael invites Jimmy Safechuck and his family at have dinner at Hayvenhurst and they all become friends. Later Michael visits Jimmy Safechuck and his family in L.A.

The five-minute music video for Dirty Diana is filmed in Long Beach (California). It’s directed by Joe Pytka and produced by Angela Jones.

December 11 : Michael attends the wedding oh his attorney John Branca to Julie McArthur. He arrives at the service with Bubbles!

December 15 : “Get It” a duet between Stevie Wonder & Michael is sent to US radio stations.

December 18 : Michael makes a deal proposal of $17 million to buy Sycamore Valley Ranch which what will become Neverland Ranch the following year. From the 2011 book by Gloria Rhoads Berlin ( here in picture with Michael ) “In search of Neverland”, chapter 6- “Let’s make a deal” : “Finally, on December 18, 1987, we made an offer of $ 17 million for the ranch and it turned out to be a success. Mr. Branca, who had always made all contracts on behalf of Michael Jackson, began preparing all documents and finalized negotiations in late December 1987.

December 22 + 23 : Michael is filming the “Leave Me Alone” short film as part of the “Moonwalker” movie.

January 06 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Smooth Criminal”.

January 07 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Smooth Criminal”.

January 08 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Hot Fever”.

January 20 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Price Of Fame”.

January 21 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Price Of Fame”.

January 22 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Tomboy”.

January 23 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Price Of Fame”.

January 24 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Price Of Fame”.

January 27 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Price Of Fame”.

Michael arrives half-way through the American Music Awards ceremony in company of Elizabeth Taylor where he, Quincy Jones, Lionel Richie and Ken Kragen are presented with awards for “We Are The World”. Katherine, LaToya, Rebbie & Janet also attend the ceremony (Janet makes her first public appearance with her new boyfriend Rene Elizondo Jr). For the show’s conclusion, Michael joins many celebrities including Diana Ross, Janet & LaToya to sing “We Are The World”.

January 28 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Liberian Girl”.

January 29 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Tutning Me Off”.

January 30 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the “song for Epic”. Bill Bottrell on X (December 6, 2024) : “Epic wanted M to do a trio with Tina Turner and Bruce Springsteen. Pretty lame idea, but M was a good soldier and told them I’ll try something. M went away for a few days and John B and I wrote a hook and no lyric and made a quick demo. M got to tell Epic he tried and all was done.” Remains unreleased.

January 31 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the “song for Epic”.

February : Michael is asked to be best man at the wedding of Diana Ross & Arne Naess but he cancels at the last minute and stops speaking to Diana.

February 02 : Michael gives a 5 minutes interview about Quincy Jones for CBS 60 minutes programme.

February 03 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the “song for Epic”.

February 06 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the “song for Epic”.

February 09 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the “Al Capone”.

February 17 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the “Al Capone”.

February 18 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Price Of Fame”.

February 19 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Don’t Be Messin”.

February 20 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Don’t Be Messin”.

February 21 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Price Of Fame”.

February 22 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Hot Fever”.

February 23 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Hot Fever”.

February 24 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Turning Me Off”.

February 25 : Michael, Lionel Richie, Quincy Jones & Stevie attend the Grammy Awards where “We Are The World” wins four awards.

February 28 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Bad Girl”.

March 08 : Heart transplant recipient Donna Ashlock visits Michael at Hayvenhurst. She stays for lunch and watches a movie with Michael.

March 09 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Turning Me Off”.

March 13 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “The Choir Song”.

March 14 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “The Choir Song”.

March 19 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Free”.

March 23 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Florida Groove”.

April 11 : Michael sends a signed and dated letter to Colin Chilvers detailing the original “Smooth Criminal”short film concept. Michael’s original concept for Moonwalker was far different to the one we know and love. The original title was ‘The Smooth Criminal Story’ and was to based around the song title of the same name and would sit neatly inside Moonwalker as an extended piece. In entering the world of film for the second time, this time as the creator, producer and brains behind the project and in 1985 under the business ‘Smooth Pictures’, Michael began developing a story that was unique for its time and would have been amazing to watch. As a starting point, Michael had placed himself as a kitchen worker in a cabaret club. (Yes, Michael Jackson as a chef!). The owner of the club, ‘Annie’ is a performer at the club and also its owner who was supporting of her kitchen worker’s dreams of becoming a star. However those dreams are put on hold when, for un-stated reasons the police burst in to Annie’s club searching for Michael. Annie is knocked down in the process. (-Annie, are you ok?)

April 20 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Fly Away”.

April 21 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Fly Away”.

April 22 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Fly Away”.

April 23 : For the second time, Michael accompanies Elizabeth Taylor to the opening of the Hollywood Park Race Track in Inglewood.

May : Michael, Elizabeth, Lionel Richie & Mikhail Baryshnikov attend the LA Bullet Opening Night party in Los Angeles.

May 6 : Michael attends a press conference at New York ’s Red Parrot where Pepsi announces a new contract for a reported $15 million and later he receives a Guinness Book of World Records plaque for having received the largest fee ever for a product endorsement.

Michael & Emmanuel Lewis stay at the Hemsley Palace Hotel in NYC. For the first time, Michael is seen in public with a surgical mask.

May 09 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Do You Know Where You Children Are”.

May 10 : Michael & Emmanuel attend the Sunday matinee of Broadway’s Big Deal.

Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Do You Know Where You Children Are”.

May 13 : On their last evening in New York , Michael & Emmanuel watch The Little Shop Of Horrors.

May 15 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Do You Know Where You Children Are”.

May 16 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Do You Know Where You Children Are”.

May 19 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the songs “Fly Away” and “Speed Demon”.

May 20 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Speed Demon”.

May 21 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the songs “Florida Groove” and “Trash Can Song”.

May 22 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Speed Demon”.

May 23 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Florida Groove”.

May 26 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Speed Demon”.

May 27 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Speed Demon”.

May 28 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on a “new song”.

May 30 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Sunset Driver”.

May 31 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Sunset Driver”.

June : Michael undergoes his 4th rhinoplasty and he also asks Steven Hoefflin to create a cleft in his chin.

Michael & Corey Feldman go to Disneyland.

June 18 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Speed Demon”.

June 19 : Los Angeles Times : “A baby giraffe has been removed from the backyard of singer Michael Jackson’s home in Encino on orders of state game officials pending a hearing on the singer’s application to add the animal to his private zoo. The fate of the 6-month-old giraffe, which was brought to California from Missouri without a permit, will be determined at the June 27 hearing in Sacramento, said Lt. Donald Wilkins of the state Fish and Game Department. “Michael loves animals,” said Norman Winters, the singer’s publicist, “and he loves to play with them when he’s home.” Winters said the giraffe, if allowed, would join a chimpanzee, llamas, exotic deer, snakes and other animals already in the private zoo at Jackson’s estate. Under threat of seizure, the giraffe was moved to a state-licensed holding facility last week until the five-member Fish and Game Commission determines its fate, Wilkins said.”

June 20 : He’ll Never, Ever Tell

Michael invites the Sherman Brothers, Disney’s famous songwriting team and two men who work at Disney (Mike Bonifer and Cardon Walker )to Haybenhurst for a lunch and a tour of the property. They also get to meet Bubbles. “As we are walking downstairs to his recording studio, where we’ll see the lyrics for Smooth Criminal hand-written on the score sheet he’ll be recording later that evening”.

July : While Michael is still working at the Hayvenhurst studio with John Barnes, Matt Forger and Bill Bottrell, another team led by Quincy Jones and Bruce Swedien start working on songs such as “Bad” at the Westlake studio.

July 4 : Michael attends the annual 4th of July picnic & barbecue at the Skywalker Ranch, George Lucas’s Estate, located in a secluded, yet open area near Nicasio, California, in Marin County.

July 8 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Florida Groove” aka “Streetwalker”.

July 9 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Florida Groove” aka “Streetwalker”.

July 10 : Recording session at Westlake Studios . MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Smooth Criminal”.

July 11 : Recording session at Westlake Studios. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Smooth Criminal”.

July 12 : Recording session at Westlake Studios. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Smooth Criminal”.

July 14 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Fly Away”.

July 15 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio + Westlake studios. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Smooth Criminal”.

July 16 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio + Westlake studios. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Smooth Criminal”.

July 18 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” (basic track).

July 19 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” (OD’s).

July 20 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” (background vocals).

July 21 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” (lead vocals).

July 22 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” (soprano vocals).

July 30 : Michael attend the funeral of film director Vincento Minnelli with his daughter Liza & widow Lee at the Forrest Lawn Cemetary in Glendale, California.

Late July : Michael attends a showcase for acts signed at Joe Jackson’s management company at the Roxy in Los Angeles and he poses for a picture with Joe.

August : Quincy asks Prince to record the song “Bad” as a duet with Michael but Prince refuses.

August 24 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Don’t Be Messin’Round”.

August 25 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Don’t Be Messin’Round”.

Michael meets Leonard Bernstein during a concert by the New York Philharmonic at Royce Hall in Los Angeles thanks to singer David Pack, who organized Bernstein’s wish to meet Michael for his birthday. That same evening, Michael attends a dinner at Bernstein’s for his 68th birthday. They pose for pictures together with Quincy Jones.

August 26 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Don’t Be Messin’Round”.

August 30 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on a “new song”.

September : Michael attends the concert of the Norwegian group A-Ha in Hollywood with good friend Sophia Loren and arrives in a surgical mask.

September 11 : Michael attends Jermaine’s concert in Los Angeles with Janet & LaToya. He is disguised as “Uncle Willy”.

September 12 : Captain EO, Michael’s 17 minute 3-D musical fantasy is premiered at Epcot Center at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Michael does not attend the premiere.

September 13 : Captain EO, Michael’s 17 minute 3-D musical fantasy is premiered at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. Michael is not seen at the premiere but rumored to be present in a disguise. George Lucas, Francis Ford Coppola, Anjelica Huston, Katherine, LaToya & Janet attend the premiere.

September 16 : Michael appears on the cover of National Enquirer in an oxygen chamber (the photo was sent by Frank Dileo).

October : Michael records the song “Bad” as a solo vocalist.

October 1 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on a “new song”.

October 3 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Leave Me Alone”.

October 4 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Streetwalker”.

October 11 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Streetwalker”.

October 14 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Leave Me Alone”.

October 15 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Leave Me Alone”.

October 25 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Don’t Be Messin’Round”.

October 26 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Come Together”.

October 27 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Come Together”.

October 29 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Come Together”.

October 30 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Come Together”.

November : Michael & Elizabeth Taylor attend a Liza Minnelli concert at the Universal Amphitheater in Hollywood.

Michael & Run-DMC work together on an anti-drug song.

Michael is spotted at Disneyland Los Angeles where he sees Captain EO.

November 04 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on a “rap song”.

November 05 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on a “rap song”.

November 07 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on a “rap song”.

Mid-November : Michael checks in the Hemsley Palace Hotel in NYC where he rehearses the choreography for the “Bad” short film with dancers Jeffrey Daniel, and Gregg Burge. While in town, Michael also visits the Cascio family at their New Jersey home.

November 18 : “The Making of Disney’s Captain EO” premieres on cable television’s Disney Channel.The special présented by Whoopie Goldberg extends Captain EO beyond the parks, giving television audiences a way to see the production story around Michael’s 3-D film with Disney, George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola.

November 19-mid december : Michael films a 16 minutes short film for the song “Bad” directed by Martin Scorsese and featuring Wesley Snipes. Scenes are filmed in Dobbs Ferry , a tiny hamlet in upstate New York and in a subway of Brooklyn . The song and video tell the story of Daryl, a black youth from the ghetto who returns home from his private school.

Elizabeth Taylor, Quincy Jones & Sean Lennon visit Michael on the set.

December : Rumours circulate about Michael having an affair with his make-up artist Karen Faye.

December 1 : Print proof for the original Bad album cover.

December 14 : Michael attends the event organized by the Friends of the Hebrew University in Israel in Los Angeles, during which Steven Spielberg is presented with the prestigious Scopus Award, recognizing his professional excellence and humanitarian actions. Barbra Streisand, Whoopi Goldberg and Quincy Jones are also among the guests.

December 19 : Michael, Jonathan Spence & Frank Dileo attend a performance of “The Little Shop Of Horror” at the Beekman Theatre in NYC.

December 26 : Jermaine’s mistress, Margaret Maldonado gives birth to a baby boy named Jeremy Jackson while Jermaine’s wife Hazel is pregnant from him…

Michael hosts a family day at Hayvenhurst to open the « Memory Room » with family pictures and history.

Michael, Katherine & LaToya visits the set of US prime time soap opera “Dynasty” and meet the actress Joan Collins.

January 22 : Michael, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder & Quincy Jones record a demo version of the song “We Are The World” at Kenny Rogers ‘Lion’s Share Recording Studio in L.A (Michael takes Emmanuel Lewis to the studio) and later they send the demo cassettes to all artistes involved in the recording.

January 28 : Janet attends the American Music Awards with James & LaToya. She and LaToya presents an award to Kenny Rogers. Rebbie also attends and she presents an award.

Two hours after the ceremony, Michael and 44 other artists (including Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, LaToya, Jackie, Marlon & Randy) gather secretly for 10 hours at the A&M Recording Studios in L.A to record “We Are The World”.

January 30 : Janet’s lawyer files a petition in court to nullify her mariage to James. Janet leaves James and she goes back to Hayvenhurst. Soon later, she decides to leave Fame.

February 14 : At Hayvenhurst, Michael helps with the delivery of a baby deer born to his pet deers Prince & Princess. The birth of Valentino is videotaped.

The storyline of “Capatin Eo” is conceived by four Disney “imagineers” during a four-day brainstorming session in February, 1985. “We were asked to come up with some concepts to go with three elements,” said Rick Rothschild, of Walt Disney Imagineering in Florida. “The elements were George Lucas, Michael Jackson and 3-D.” Rothschild said he and his colleagues came up with three concepts and pitched them to Disney Chairman Michael Eisner, Lucas and Jackson on Valentine’s Day. They all agreed that day, he said, to go with the one they had called “The Intergalactic Music Man.” It was changed to “Captain EO” after Coppola was brought in as director. (It’s from the Greek word eos , which means dawn.)

https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-09-10-ca-13189-story.html

February 23 : Michael appears on the cover of TV Guide for the first time.

Michael goes to Disneyland with friends.

February 26 : Michael wins in the category Best Video Album for “The Making Of Thriller” at the Grammy Awards but he does not attend the presentation.

March : Michael is on the cover of Rock & Soul, Beatbox, Look In and Right On! magazines.

At Hayvenhurst, Michael starts recording song demos for his upcoming album with sound engineers John Barnes, Bill Bottrell & Matt Forger. They also work on songs “Another Part Of Me ” and “We Are Here To Change The World” for the upcoming Captain Eo short film. The preproduction starts for Captain Eo.

March 7 : “We Are The World” is released and soon becomes a worldwide anthem.

March 26 : Michael arrives in London.

March 27 : Michael goes antiques shopping in London. Later that day, he attends the futuristic musical “Starlight Express” in London and meets the cast backstage.

March 28 : Michael attends the unveiling of his wax statue at Madame Tussaud’s wax museum in London. 8000 fans gather to get a glimpse of their hero.

More than 6,000 radio stations of all format varieties play “We Are The World” simultaneously at 10:15 a.m. EST. (Eastern Standard Time).

March 29 : Michael leaves the Montcalm Hotel in London to visit the Marylebone Police Station to thank them for their service where he is treated to a police drill and presented with a police badge and helmet.

Michael attends an evening reception and party in his honour in London where CBS Records present him with an 8X Platinum wall-mounted plaque.

“We Are The World: The Video Event” is released on VHS.

March 30 : Michael spends the weekend with Paul McCartney and family at their farmhouse near Rye, Sussex.

April : Michael and seven members of USA For Africa are on the cover of Life Magazine.

April 1 : Michael flies back home.

April 3 : Rebbie Jackson accepts an award for Best Home Video in 1984, at the Third Annual American Video Awards in Santa Monica, California. The award was won by the documentary ‘The Making of Michael Jackson’s Thriller’.

April 8 : Michael and Lionel Richie are on the cover of Jet Magazine.

April 29 : An early draft of the script prepared for Captain EO at Disneyland.is sent to MJ. The 11-page script is dated April 29, 1985 and features many notable differences from the final film including the “pink elephant-like creature called Hooter.” The script comes contained inside a 3-D program featuring imagery of Michael Jackson and the names of Imagineers who contributed to the musical motion picture space adventure.

May 10 : Michael visits Brandywine River Museum’s exhibit of paintings by N.C Wyeth in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. He is the guest of Andy Wyeth . The singer wishes for the painter to create a portrait of him. George Weymouth, a friend and member of the Wyeth family, acts as an intermediary. As a curator of the Brandywine River Museum, where the meeting took place, he suggests a small carriage ride to the King of Pop that day. Michael and his entourage (including Bill Bray, Frank Dileo, and John Branca), along with Andy Wyeth and his son Jamie, gather at the Big Bend mansion.

May 14 : Michael receives a royalty cheque from Epic Records for $53 million for sales of the Thriller Album.

May 29 : Michael visits Ewoks, Battle For Endor movie set.

June : Michael starts rehearsing for an upcoming 3D science fiction musical short film named Captain EO to be shown exclusively at Disneyland and Disney World. Francis Ford Coppola will direct and George Lucas will produce the film.

June 28 : Michael and Elizabeth Taylor attend Liza Minelli’s “Comeback” concert tour at the Pacific Amphitheater in Costa Mesa.

July : Michael starts shooting the Captain Eo short film at Laird International Studios with Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas. Elizabeth Taylor, Emmanuel Lewis Taj Jackson & Jonathan Spence visit him on the set. He meets Dennis Tomkins and Michael Bush who will become his costume designers until the end of his life.

July 4 : Michael attends the annual 4th of July picnic & barbecue at the Skywalker Ranch, George Lucas’s Estate, located in a secluded, yet open area near Nicasio, California, in Marin County.

July 17 : Michael is filming the first scene of Captain Eo in the spaceship.

July 24 : It is announced that Michael is to star in a 3-D science-fiction musical film called Captain EO to be shown exclusively at Disneyland and Disney World.

July 30 : Michael severely sprains his right hand during the filming of Captain EO. He is treated at the Brotman Memorial Hospital.

August : “Eaten Alive” by Diana Ross is released. The single is co-written by Michael and Barry and Maurice Gibb from the Bee Gees.

August 10 : After 10 months of negociations, Michael purchases the ATV Music catalogue from Australian multi millionnaire Robert Holmes for 47.5 million dollars.

For their help in negociating, Michael rewards attorney John Branca and manager Frank Dileo each with a Rolls Royce.

September 27, (or 29) : Michael and Liz Taylor attend Bruce Springsteen’s concert at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, one of the last concerts of the Born In USA Tour.

October 1 : Recording studio session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Smooth Criminal”.

October 2 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Smooth Criminal”.

October 3 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Hot Fever” (later known as “The Way You Make Me Feel”.

October 4 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Smooth Criminal”.

October 5 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Smooth Criminal”.

October 18 : Michael spends two hours at Sydney Airport on his way to Perth, Austalia. He is accompanied by Bill Bray.

October 19 : Michael visits Princess Margaret’s Children Hospital in Perth. Later he is presented with the City’s Keys by Mayor Michael Agapitos.

At night Michael appears live on Australian TV Telethon with Peter Waltham & Molly Meldrum.

October 20 : Michael attends a “Téléthon garden party”, hosted Robert Holmes’s Estate (the business man who sold ATV catalogue to Michael).

Michael makes a second appearance on the Telethon.

October 21 : Michael visits the Cohunu Koala Wildfire Sanctuary in Perth, Australia.

October 22 : Michael flies back home.

October 27 : LaToya performs “Baby Sister” during the 16th annual World Popular Song Festival in Tokyo, Japan aka the Yamaha Music Festival . “Baby Sister is the 1st single from LaToya’s ‘s 4th studio album “Imagination” released in 1986. Janet supports LaToya by performing background vocals on her song during the performance. Michael also supports LaToya through a video taped with her earlier this month at Hayvenhurst.

November 08 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Tomboy”.

November 22  : Rebbie gives birth to her son named Austin Brown (“Auggie”).

November 28 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work with Roger Troutman (guitar).

December 02 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger work on the song “Tomboy”.

December 25 : Michael and Elizabeth Taylor visit Hollywood Park together.The actress is a member of the Turf Club at the racetrack and owns a horse, Basic Image, that participates in races. “We both love horses and animals, and we love going to the paddock and seeing the horses up close. We love Hollywood Park,” Michael Jackson said to his friend Gloria Rhoads Berlin. The two stars are spotted at their table, watching the actress’s horse race, ridden by the famous jockey William Lee “Bill” Shoemaker, who will, however, finish in the last positions. The story goes that Liz, seeing her horse falling behind, started shouting and swearing to the astonishment of Michael Jackson, who was not accustomed to hearing her utter such words!

December 30 : Recording session at Michael’s Hayvenhurst home studio. MJ, Bill Bottrell, John Barnes and Matt Forger record vocals for an unspecified song.

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

January 10 : Michael visits the burn center at Brotman Memorial Center Hospital in Culver City. Michael meets Keith Perry, a 23-year-old young man whose body was burned over 95% following a car accident.

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 + 25 : 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 that night, Michael is moved to Brotman Memorial Hospital for treatment at the burn center.

January 28 : Suffering from second- and third-degree burns, Michael calls Dr. Steven Hoefflin to his bedside. The doctor’s verdict comes quickly: “Partial baldness is to be feared. After a few days, or even a few weeks, depending on the depth of the injuries, Michael will undergo reconstructive surgery. Michael is released from the hospital and goes to Emmanuel Lewis’s home to recover from the accident. But before leaving the hospital, Michael visited patients in the ward. He once again visits Bessie Henderson and Keith Perry, who had just undergone his fourteenth operation.

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.

At night, Michael attends the premiere of The Rink (musical) at the Martin Beck Theater on Broadway and he poses for pictures with Liza Minnelli only moments before she goes in stage.

February 10 : Michael and Yul Brynner pose for pictures at the Studio 54 in NYC.

February 18 : Michael and Emmanuel Lewis have dinner at The Golden Temple, a vegetarian restaurant in LosAngeles. Michael poses for pictures with 8 months old baby Elijah, son of David Wallechinsky.

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 in the commercials. They dance together for a few seconds.

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

The Pepsi commercials are previewed on MTV.

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 Janet, LaToya & Rebbie to joins him.

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

February 29 : At the first annual Black Gold Awards, produced by Dick Clark, Michael is presented four awards. He does not attend the ceremony but accepts them in a pre recorded video taped at Hayvenhurst. 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).

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

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

March 19 : Michael is o 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 2 : Michael visits Disneyland in Anaheim, California and poses for pictures with Mickey & Minnie.

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 13 : Quincy Jones introduces Franck Sinatra to Michael during the recording session of “L.A. Is My Lady”.

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 16 : The rehearsals for the Jacksons ’ Victory Tour begins at the Zoetrope Studios, owned by Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas and located at 1040 North Las Palmas Avenue in the Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles.

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. ​During one of his visits to Disneyland, Michael noticed a series of small statues of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs that had been created for the Emporium store on Main Street, U.S.A., and he expressed a desire to acquire them. Typically, Disneyland did not sell these statues, but they made an exception for Michael Jackson.​ Before shipping them to the singer’s residence, Disneyland added a beautiful display case with a wooden base to showcase the precious figurines. They also decided to turn the delivery into a special event, arranging for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs themselves to personally deliver the set to MJ.

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 05 : Michael hosts a surprise party to honour Katherine at the Bistro Garden in Beverly Hills. All the family attends the dinner including Katherine’s father Prince Scruse. Pianist Floyd Cramer flies from Nashville to sing for Katherine. Michael, accompanied by country star Floyd Cramer sings to Katherine the Kris Kristofferson country song “For the Good Times” and offers her a Rolls Royce! The whole event is videotaped. In her 1990 memoirs, Katherine wrote : “When we walked into one of the restaurant’s private rooms, I was astonished to see the whole family there — even my father, whom the children had secretly flown in from Indiana. ‘Surprise!’ they shouted, as tears streamed down my face. The children had even hired Floyd Cramer, one of my favorite Country Western artists (who came straight from Nashville), to play the music.”

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

Later that week, Michael attends a performance of “Oliver” at Mark Hellinger Theatre in NYC. Backstage, he poses for pictures with the cast including Patti Lupone.

During this same week, Michael & Mick Jagger record the song “State Of Shock” at the A&R Recording in NYC.

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.

Mid-May : Michael attends his first full-band, pre-tour rehearsal at the Zoetrope Studios in Los Angeles.

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

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

June 2 : Michael, with Jane Fonda, goes to her Laurel Springs Camp for underprivileged children in Santa Barbara to unveil “The Michael Jackson Children’s Theatre.”

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

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

June 18 : “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 21 : It is announced that Jackie will not be able to tour due to emergency knee surgery. When Enid found out that Jackie cheated on her with Paula Abdul, she drove over him which caused a knee injury…

June 26 : Michael and his brothers arrive in Birmingham for secret pre-tour rehearsals. They rehearse here from June 27 to July 04.

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

July 14 : Second concert at the Texas Stadium in Irving, (Dallas county).

July 15 : Third concert at the Texas Stadium in Irving, (Dallas county).

July 16 : Michael is on the cover of Newsweek.

July 16-19 : Mark Bego’s 1984 book On The Road With Michael: “Fans hounded Anatole’s hotel in Dallas so much that Michael took off and spent three days with his friend—former child star Spanky McFarland of the original “Our Gang” movies.” MJ stays for three days at his country home outside Dallas.

July 20 : Publicity of the Michael Jackson doll begins.

From Mark Bego’s book “On The Road With Michael, 1984 :
“On Friday night, July 20, I received a phone call from Jay Moore from radio station WIVY, whom I had met that morning. According to Jay, two friends of his who own bookstores in the San Marco area of Jacksonville, stores which specialize in rare and out-of-print books and magazines, had each had a very interesting visitor—a young black man with an obviously false mustache, a baggy gray suit, dark glasses, and a dark hat pulled down over his eyes. The mysterious young man was accompanied by two burly football linebacker-sized bodyguards, and in a soft voice asked to be shown where the children’s and religious books were located. Need I say more? It was naturally none other than Michael Jackson himself, out on another one of his famous incognito shopping sprees.
On Saturday afternoon Jay took me over to meet both store owners. According to Mike Blauer of the San Marco Book Store, he had his suspicions about the identity of his oddly dressed customer, which were confirmed after he spoke to him. Said Blauer, “After about ten minutes of us just wondering out loud, I walked up to his two assistants, just like I do to other customers, and I just said, ‘Are there any particular books I can help you find?’ and I turned the corner and Jackson was standing looking at my various books on plays. I said, ‘Can I help you with any books?” He said [Blauer used a high pitched voice], ‘Oh, no thank you, I’m just looking.’” After Blauer heard the familiar voice, he knew for sure that it was the real Michael Jackson. According to Blauer, the bodyguards stuck very close to Jackson the entire, time he was in the store. Michael spent part of his time sitting cross-legged on the floor, browsing through a couple of art books. Michael and his bodyguards then went next door to an interior decorating store, and it seems that Michael was most amused by a framed, autographed picture of his friend Brooke Shields that hung in the shop.
After the visit to the bookstore, Mike Blauer located a first-edition copy of the play Peter Pan and sent it over to the hotel where the Jackson crew was staying, with a note which said, “Is this what you were looking for?” Blauer never heard back from Jackson and was left with nothing more than an amusing story to tell his customers.”

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

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 4 : Michael welcomes several guests at his suite at the Statler Hilton (aka Pennsylvania Hotel) in New York City. Among the guests are Andy Warhol, Keith Harring Sean Lennon, Susan Blond and Rosanna Arquette

First concert at the Madison Square Garden in New York City attended by many celebrities such as Madonna Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Mayor Koch, Cyndi Lauper, Brooke Schields, Bette Midler or Emmanuel Lewis. Michael meets Madonna after the show and they pose for a picture together.

Michael has dinner with Katherine Hepburn at her city townhouse.

August 5 : Second concert at the Madison Square Garden in New York City

August 10 : First concert at the Neyland Stadium in Knoxville.

August 11 : Second concert at the Neyland Stadium in Knoxville.

August 12 : Third concert at the Neyland Stadium in Knoxville. Leslie Robinette visits MJ backstage and they pose for pictures together.

August 13 : In NYC, The Jacksons are scheduled to begin shooting the ‘Torture’ video, directed by Jeff Stein. Reports appear in the NY Daily News about problems which occur during production of the Torture video at the Kaufman Astoria Studios in Queens, New York. An argument apparently breaks out between Michael and his brothers, resulting in neither Michael nor Jermaine participating in the video. Stand-ins perform Michael’s dance sequences, and a wax figure is used for close-ups.

August 17 :  First concert at the Pontiac Silverdome in Pontiac, located roughly 26 miles (41.8 km) northwest of downtown Detroit, Michigan.

August 18 : Second concert at the Pontiac Silverdome in Pontiac (Michigan).

August 19 : Michael goes the Pontiac City Hall with a troop of police officers. Michael’s cameramen film them escorting him down the steps and into a police car. According to the source. Captain Robert Burns has organized the video shooting upon Michael’s request for his personal home movies.

Third concert at the Pontiac Silverdome in Pontiac (Michigan).

August 23 : While in Orlando, Florida, Michael takes a balloon ride. Joe Kittinger, transported Michael.

August 20-24 : Michael visits Disneyworld with Emmanuel Lewis, Sean Lennon & Jonathan Spence in Orlando (Florida). During this visit, Michael makes a photoshoot with Lynn Goldsmith at the Epcot Center.

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

September : Michael is on the cover of Life magazine.

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 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.

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

First concert 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 17 : Second concert at the Canada Montreal Olympic Stadium in Montreal (Canada).

September 19 : Michael attends “Zorba” starring Anthony Quinn and Lila Kedrova at the Kennedy Center Opera House in in Washington, D.C

September 21 : First concert at the United States RFK Stadium in Washington D.C.

September 22 : Second concert at the United States RFK Stadium in Washington D.C.

September 28 : First concert at the John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia (Pennsylvania).

September 29 : Second concert at the John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia (Pennsylvania).

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 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 05 : In Miami, Michael meets Jackie Gleason, a prominent American comedian, actor, writer, and musician, best known for his larger-than-life personality and his iconic role as Ralph Kramden in the classic television sitcom The Honeymooners. They have dinner at New York Steak House on upper Biscayne Boulevard and they pose for pictures together.

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

Michael sits for Madame Tussauds sculptor Jim Mathieson.

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.

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 attends a formal ceremony at Brotman Memorial Hospital. Following his accident, Pepsi awarded him compensation of one and a half million dollars, which the singer donated directly to the burn unit to improve patients’ daily lives and support research into burn treatments. The center is then renamed The Michael Jackson Burn Center.

December 23 : Michael Jackson Rock’s Thriller, a radio special show airs an exclusive interview of Michael by american journalist Laura Gross.

Michael is baptized a Jeovah’s Witness at the Kingdom Hall of Los Angeles.

Michael hires Marlon Brando’s son, Miko Bando.

January 2 : The single “Billie Jean” is released by Epic. It will peak at #1 on Hot 100 Billboard.

January 31 : Michael shoots a short film for the song “Billie Jean” directed by Steve Barron.

February : Michael goes to London to work on songs with Paul MacCartney. While in London he visits his friend Mark Lester.

February 8 :  Michael attends the Brit Awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London with Paul & Linda McCartney. He accepts an award on behalf of Barbara Streisand.

February 14 :  The single “Beat It” is released by Epic.It will peak at #1 on Hot 100 Billboard.

February 17 : Michael is on the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine with exclusive photos and an interview by Gerri Hirchey.

February 25 : Jane Fonda & Michael attend the presentation of Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ album certified twice platinum at CBS Records in Century City.

Michael gives an interview to Entertainment Tonight.

March : Michael is on the cover of Rock & Soul magazine.

The Jackson do not renew the managing contract of Weisner & DeMann.

March 9 : On Skid Row, east of Hollywood , Michael begins filming the “Beat It”short film , directed by Bob Giraldi & choreographed by Michael Peters with 25 dancers and 50 actual Los Angeles gang members. The video costs $ 150 000! Tom Joyner interviews Michael on the “Beat It” set for Ebony/Jet Celebrity Showcase.

March 10 : The “Billie Jean” short film is added to MTV’s playlist which is seen as a major breakthrough for a black artist.

March 12 : The co-managing contract between Joe Jackson, Weisner & De Mann expires.

March 20 : Michael & LaToya attend the “Dreamgirls” opening night after party at the Shubert theater in Century City.

March 25 : Michael & The Jacksons tape a performance at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium for “Motown 25th: Yesterday, Today & Forever” TV special. For the first time since 1975, all the Jackson brothers including Jermaine & Randy are reunited on stage for a medley of the Jackson 5 hits followed by a solo performance of “Billie Jean” during which Michael showcases his first ever public performance of the Moonwalk. At the end of the show, Michael joins Diana Ross and all the Motown stars on stage to pay tribute to Berry Gordy.

March 31 : The “Beat It” short film has its world premiere on MTV during prime time. Soon after its premiere the video is also running on other video programs including BET’s Video Soul, SuperStation WTBS’s Night Tracks, and NBC’s Friday Night Videos. In fact, “Beat It” is the first video shown on the latter’s first ever telecast on July 29, 1983.

April : At his home recording studio in Hayvenhurst, Michael starts working on new songs written by Buz Kohan for a Peter Pan movie project with Steven Spielberg : “Neverland Landing”, “Make a Wish”, “I’m Peter Pan” and “Happy Song”.

April 6 : Michael attends a post concert party for Liza Minnelli at the New Universal Amphitheater, Hollywood with Quincy Jones & David Geffen.

April 16 : Michael & Samir Kamoun don Charlie Chaplin outfits at Hayvenhurst to pay tribute to him on his birthday.

April 25 : Michael is on the cover of Jet magazine.

May 8 : The single “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin” is released by Epic. It will peak at #5 on Hot 100 Billboard. Michael does not shoot a video for this single.

May 16 : NBC broadcasts the two hour special “Motown 25th: Yesterday, Today & Forever” TV special. The show is watched by 47 millions American. Michael watches it at Hayvenhurst with the Jackson family.

May 17 : Fred Astaire & Hermes Pan call him to congratulate on his ‘Billie Jean” performance. Later Fred Astaire invites Michael to his home to teach him the Moonwalk. Soon after, Gene Kelly visits Michael at Hayvenhurst.

June : At Hayvenhurst, Michael is presented with a Telegatto Award for Artist of the Year from a journalist of Italian weekly magazine TV Sorrisi e Canzoni. Michael is photographed with the award in the trophy room of his house, a space where he gathered all of his awards.

Michael is on the cover of Creem magazine.

Member of The Jacksons World Fan-Club receive an improvised and unreleased song from the group named “The Surprise Song”. The Jacksons reveal that they are working on a brand new album and world tour.

Michael meets John Barnes and they start working on new songs such as Buffalo Bill or Liberian Girl. Soon later, Michael meets record producer and songwriter Bill Bottrell. Barnes, Bottrell and Matt Forger will become Michael’s close musical team for the next four years.

June 22 : Michael decides not to renew his managing contract with Joe, Weisner & DeMann.

July : Michael is rumoured to work with Steven Spielberg on a new adapatation of the children fairy tale Peter Pan.

July 12 : The single Human Nature is released by Epic. It will peak at #7 on Hot 100 Billboard. Michael does not shoot a video for this single.

July 1 : Latoya and Michael attend the Black Radio Exclusive Convention at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Los Angeles, California.

July 9 : Michael appears on the cover of the teenage magazine Top.

August : Queen are at the Record Plant in LA to record their album “The Works”, and on one of the days shortly before the first recording session begin, Freddie and his assistant Peter Freestone visit MJ at Hayvenhurst. Togeher they record three demos : “State Of Shock”, “Victory” and “There Must Be More To Life Than This”.

Michael has a meeting with Epic records head of promotion, Frank Dileo in a bungalow at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Michael asks him if he would be interested in managing him.

Michael gives a radio interview to De Ann Collins (KMJQ/Houston’s News & Public Affair Director) at Hayvenhurst. It’s broadcasted on radio stations around the US.

Daily Mirror competition winner Susan Coburn meets Michael at Hotel Coronado in San Diego with Jonathan Morrish. Michael invites Daily Mirror reporter, Jonathan Morrish and his wife to Hayvenhurst the day after. Michael introduces them to his pets Louie the llama and Muscles as he gives them a personally conducted tour of his security guarded California home.

August 14 : Michael attends David Bowie’s “Serious Moonlinght” concert at the Forum in LA. Backstage he poses with David Bowie, Bette Midler and Cher.

August 20 : Pre-production begins on the Thriller short film directed by John Landis & choreographed by Michael Peters. Director John Landis and his producing partner, George Folsey Jr. visit Michael Jackson at Hayvenhurst to talk about the making of a short film for Thriller.

Michael attends a James Brown’s concert at the Beverly Theatre with John Barnes and Bill Bray. James invites him on stage to sing and dance! Later that night Prince also comes on stage!

August 22 : A picture published in Jet magazine shows Michael at the bedside of Bessie Henderson, a 41-year-old seamstress, accompanied by Dr. Hoefflin at the Brotman Memorial Hospital in Culver City. “Bessie had undergone numerous operations and was very depressed,” reported Hoefflin, the young woman’s plastic surgeon. “When Michael started calling her, things changed and she got much better.”

September : It is announced that The Jacksons will tour the US in 1984.

Michael is on the cover of Black Beat magazine.

September 6 : Michael signs an agreement through his production company Optimum Productions, that will pay John Landis 50 per cent of net profits from both the Thriller video and the documentary.

Michael is presented by CBS with 36 gold and platinum plaques from 19 different countries, all the “Thriller” LP and singles from it, at the San Diego presentation with Quincy Jones, CBS Records Group President Walter Yetnikoff and his staff.

September 19 : The single “P.Y.T (Pretty Young Things)” is released by Epic and it features Janet & Latoya doing background vocals. It will peak at #10 on Hot 100 Billboard. Michael does not shoot a video for this single.

September 25 : Michael’s performance at the Motown 25th is shown at the Emmy Awards Ceremony where it is nominated but does not win.

September 30 : The Jacksons sign boxing tycoon, Don King, as promoter of their forthcoming tour.

October : Michael is on the cover of People, Interview, Globe & Rock & Soul magazines.

October 3 : A new duet between Michael & Paul MacCartney named “Say Say Say” is released by Columbia Records. It will peak at #1 on Hot 100 Billboard.

In the October 3, 1983, issue of the New York Post, columnist Cindy Adams reports : “Michael Jackson, the 25-year-old hottest name in music whose last album sold 14 million copies, is getting back together with his old family, The Jackson Five. Boxing promoter Don King has just promoted this knockout of deal to launch his own entrance into the music business…. In six months King did what Kismet couldn’t d in five years. He signed all the Jacksons to go on to together…. This, possibly the biggest concert tour eve will be in ’84. It’ll be 40 dates. It’ll kick off domesticall then go international. It will be sponsored by one of largest corporations in the United States.”

October 4 : Michael & Paul shoot the video in a little town called Los Alamos, about 70 miles from LA. Latoya Jackson & Linda Mac Cartneyare feautured in the short film. During the filming, Michael stays at Sycamore Valley Ranch who will one day become his Neverland Valley Ranch. The first shot is just of Paul, Linda and Michael looking over a truck. After being made up and in costume, Paul and Linda are on set, when it’s “Lights, action!” just like in the movies. It all goes well that first morning, except that one of the grips falls off a ladder, and is a bit shaken, so we break for lunch early. He’s okay, though, just a slightly sprained wrist. The local girls have laid on this beautiful barbeque for lunch. After lunch, Paul, Linda and Michael go out to meet a bunch of local school kids who’d come down with their headmaster. They all sign autographs and chat to the kids. After lunch, we move on up to the orphanage to film a scene. Paul and Linda’s daughter, Heather, is in this scene.

October 5 : Second day of filming for the “Say Say Say” short film.

October 6 : Last day of shooting—the scene in the warehouse/studio where the “Mac & Jack Show” really gets underway, with Paul and Michael dancing around in check suits. The “Fred Astaire” routine with the top hat goes a bit wrong when Paul’s top hat keeps sticking to his head! Anyway it’s all sorted out, and Paul goes into costume as the magician with his magic cauldron.

October 11-20 : Michael shoots the “Thriller “short film in Los Angeles.

Jackie Kennedy Onassis visits him on the set and they have dinner together at Hayvenhurst. The next day, Michael takes Jackie to Disneyland.

October 31 : Paul McCartney’s album Pipes of Peace is released ,which contains two duets with Michael, ‘Say Say Say’ and ‘The Man’.

November : At his home recording studio in Hayvenhurst, Michael starts working on new songs for the upcoming “Victory” album including “Be Not Always”, “Buffalo Bill”, “State Of Shock”,”Chicago 1945″, “Dream Away”, “Dirty Diana” and “Liberian Girl”.

Michael records a new version of “Billie Jean” for the upcoming Pepsi commercials at the Soundcastle studio with Bill Bottrell and John Barnes.

At Hayvenhurst, Michael and LaToya are filmed talking and singing together. This private home movie is sold a few years later. In the video, we can hear Michael singing the song “Peter Pan” and he mentions working on songs “Buffalo Bill” and “Liberian Girl” for the upcoming Jacksons album.

Michael & Diana Ross are on the cover of Ebony.

Michael & Quincy return to the Westlake studios to make an interview about Thriller.

The “Thriller” single is released in Europe.

November 11: A $5 million endorsement contract is signed between The Jacksons & Pepsi Cola involving sponsorship of the Victory Tour & two TV commercials.

November 14 : Michael attends the premiere of the Thriller short film with a private audience at the Crest Theater in Los Angeles. In attendance were Diana Ross, Warren Beatty, Prince, Eddie Murphy and many more “A-list” stars. Michael stays in the projection booth so that others such as actress Ola Ray could bask in the attention. 

November 30 : Michael attends a press conference at New York’s Tavern On The Green to announce plans for the Victory Tour. He is accompanied by his parents & sisters (in the audience), his brothers and his sisters in law. Also present are singing stars Patti LaBelle, Roberta Flack, noted actors Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis, Andy Warhol, Peter Max and a young boy named Emmanuel Lewis (star of the TV show Webster). During the conference Don King announce The Jacksons’s Victory Tour sponsored by Pepsi.

After the press conference, Michael calls for a meeting in his suite at the Helmsley Palace with John Branca ans his brothers. He is not happy with Don King and decides to hire Bill Graham to handle the Victory Tour.

December : Michael spends two weeks at Disneyworld in Orlando, Florida. He stays at the Hotel Royal Plaza where his suite is named the Michael Jackson suite.

During his stay, MJ records new songs with George Atwell, the organist and composer-in-residence at the First Presbyterian Church of Orlando. In June 2009, after Michael’s passing, the musician shared memories of his collaboration with the King of Pop on the website orlandosentinel.com. Atwell worked on a few of Michael’s songs (which, to his knowledge, were never released) in the private suite the singer was occupying at Disney’s Royal Plaza. The elevator kept ringing all night as curious fans tried to get to the upper floor to catch a glimpse of the King of Pop. “After the release and success of Thriller, Michael Jackson came on vacation to Orlando and, through mutual musician friends in Los Angeles and Orlando, he asked us to help him produce four demos of songs he had in mind. I was the in-house producer at Bee Jay Recording Studios in Orlando at the time, and we gathered some keyboards, a LinnDrum machine (which played sampled drum sounds), a guitar, and a bass, and the four of us went to meet him at the Royal Plaza Hotel (on the 13th floor). He was extremely kind, polite, and concerned about whether we were okay, if we were too tired, if we were hungry, etc. He was working with Pepsi at the time, and the first thing we saw in the sink were three large bottles of Pepsi… a true sponsor! Since Michael couldn’t read music, he took each of us, one by one, into a room and worked on each part until he got exactly what he wanted to hear. He would sing the part, we’d play it, then we’d tweak it, change expressions, chord structures, etc., until he said, ‘Yes, that’s it!’ There was a guard sitting outside his room, and while we worked into the early hours of the morning, we could hear the elevator bell ringing. All night long, fans were trying to get close to Michael. They tried to bribe the guard by any means possible (I’ll let you imagine how!) to get in, but of course, they never succeeded. We worked on the tracks at the hotel. He later took everything to the recording studio, where we laid down all the tracks and he sang over them. What I remember most about those sessions was that vocally, he never missed a beat! The only times the tape had to be rewound were when the engineer was late on a take or when there was a technical issue. He sang the lead vocals and all three backing vocal parts, recording each part three times, flawlessly. He didn’t sit at a piano to work out the harmonies (as is usually done); he just sang them naturally! His incredible “ear” and the rhythmic precision of his finger snaps while recording the guide tracks for us to follow are forever etched in my brain. There was a very specific groove to the rhythm, and he alone seemed to know how to find it.

At the studio, we were all sitting in the lounge watching the premiere of Thriller on MTV. He was like a kid… he couldn’t believe the video was playing on MTV, that the Thriller album was number one on the charts… all that, even after so many number-one hits he had already had up to that point (he was 24 at the time).”

December 2 : The 14 minutes short film of Thriller is premiered on MTV.

December 8 : Michael & Paul Mac Cartney are on the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine (not a photo but a drawing of them).

December 14 : “The Making Of Thriller” is released on VHS and it will become the most biggest selling music video of all time!

December 21 : Recording session at Hayvenhurst for “Liberian Girl”.