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Tag Archives | Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson King of Pop poster

Michael Jackson number one on list of top-earning dead celebrities

Once again, Michael Jackson is king of the top-earning dead celebrities. Over the last 12 months, Jackson’s estate has raked in $140 million, according to Forbes. Last year, Jackson topped the same list with $160 million. Not bad, for an entertainer who died from a drug overdose back on June 25, 2009. Some other celebrities who passed away long before Jackson are still earning big bucks as well. Taking second on the list with $55 million, Elvis who died in August of 1977. Presley... Read More →

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Remembering the King of Pop Michael Jackson

    Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009 at the age of 50.  His memory and his music live on. I want to give a shout- out to the music genius with one of my favorite MJ tunes and videos, “Remember the Time” (released January 14, 1992). The cast includes entertainer, Eddie Murphy, supermodel, Iman, Laker legend, Magic Johnson, and stars, the King of Pop.    

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Michael Jackson earns $160 million from the grave

  Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009 of a tragic drug overdose, however, he’s still making tons of dough. Today Jackson topped  Forbes’ list of top-earning dead celebrities. The King of Pop reportedly scored $160 million over the past year. That beats the top living celebrity earner, Madonna, who collected $125 million from June 2012 to June 2013.  This makes Jackson the top earning celebrity in the world. A kind of immortality few celebrities achieve. Also, the entertainer is not just  earning money on the... Read More →

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Entertainment Bits: Maria Shriver got a new gig, Jackson trial, and “Iron Man 3” rave review

Maria Shriver returns to NBC News Maria Shriver messy break-up and separation from former California Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, apparently has not hurt her reunion with NBC News. In a press release, NBC announced Shriver “… joins NBC News as a special anchor reporting on the shifting roles, emerging power and evolving needs of women in modern life.” Shriver worked for the network as an anchor and correspondent from 1986 until 2004. Shriver’s new role at NBC  reportedly “… will build upon her pioneering work as First Lady of... Read More →

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Photo: Cover of "Michael" the new Michael Jackson album from www.michaeljackson.com

Entertainment Bits: MJ’s will reviewed, Facebook stock down again, WGA-West slams Verizon/cable deals

No surprise that a family feud is underway over the very rich estate of the late pop legend, Michael Jackson. Some of the superstar’s disgruntled siblings have charged his will is a fake. Yes, that’s the will that left the singer’s fortune to various charities, his mother, and his children and nothing to his brothers and sisters.  Forbes investigated MJ’s will and here’s a report on what they discovered. Another bummer of a day for Facebook. The social media giant’s stock has been struggling... Read More →

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Photo: Pool/Los Angeles Times -- A grim faced Dr. Conrad Murray is sentenced in a Downtown Los Angeles courtroom November 29, 2011

Convicted Jackson doctor sentenced today

An outraged Los Angeles judge today sentenced Dr. Conrad Murray to the maximum of 4 years behind bars. Earlier this month, Dr. Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the drug overdose death of pop superstar, Michael Jackson. Dr. Murray will be doing his time in Los Angeles County jail where he will most likely spend less than a year due to inmate overcrowding. More on the Murray trial and sentencing on the Los Angeles Times website.

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ShowBiz Bits: “The Green Hornet,” Michael Jackson’s doctor, and DGA Awards feature film nominees

“The Green Hornet” opens in theaters today The new film version of “The Green Hornet” is going to try to make a killing over the long Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend. “The Green Hornet” has appeared in a number of different media including, a radio program, a television series, and comic books. The 3D film hits domestic theaters today and stars, Seth Rogen as the wealthy playboy, Britt Reid, turned superhero/crime fighter who teams up with trusty sidekick/martial arts expert, Kato, played by Jay Chou. Cameron Diaz stars as Lenore “Casey”... Read More →

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ShowBiz Bits:New development for Anna Nicole Smith’s boyfriend, Michael Jackson’s doctor’s hearing, and the People’s Choice Awards

Judge dismisses charges against Anna Nicole Smith’s boyfriend In a surprise decision, a Los Angeles Superior Court Judge today threw out the charges against Anna Nicole Smith’s long-time boyfriend/attorney, Howard K. Stern. Last October, a jury found Stern guilty of two conspiracy felony charges in connection with drugs prescribed for Smith — who died of an accidental overdose February 7, 2007. Also, the judge reduced from four to one — the charges against one of Smith’s doctors — saying the evidence did not support the charges. More on the judge’s decision and the... Read More →

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Photo: cover of "Michael" the new Michael Jackson Album from www.michaeljackson.com

Akon’s new duet with the King of Pop released

The first official single from that upcoming album of previously unreleased material from the late Superstar, Michael Jackson, was released today. “Hold My Hand” apparently was initially recorded in 2007, but not  finished during MJ’s life. It’s a duet with popular Rapper, Akon, who recently went back into the studio to complete, “Hold My Hand.” Akon has sung with Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and many others. I love his duet, “The Sweet Escape,” with Gwen Stefani. You can catch a listen of “Hold My Hand” on the new Michael Jackson site. Unlike the previous cut,... Read More →

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Photo: Cover of "Michael" the new Michael Jackson album from www.michaeljackson.com

Breaking News: A new Michael Jackson song — is it real or fake?

A cut from a new soon-to-be-released Michael Jackson album hit the airways and the Internet today and already there’s a controversy.  The song, “Breaking News,” has the funky beat and sound of a King of Pop track — but is the voice that of the late superstar?  That is the much-debated question today. Sony Records is releasing the album,”Michael,” next month on December 14, and reportedly has vouched for the authenticity of the work. You can hear “Breaking News” on the new website  michaeljackson.com , get more details on the album, as well as a new production centered on MJ’s... Read More →

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Remembering the King of Pop weekend: the fans, the music, and a new lawsuit

Michael Jackson  (August 29, 1958 — June 25, 2009) Kudos, flowers, tears, and memories are being shared around the world today for Legendary Entertainer, Michael Jackson, on this the first anniversary of his death.  Like millions of his fans, first I was shocked and then saddened, when reports of Jackson’s death were confirmed on June 25, 2009. Later, the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office would rule the singer’s death a homicide from a drug overdose. Jackson’s personal physician, Cardiologist Conrad Murray, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with his death.... Read More →

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Michael Jackson’s doctor charged in his death — free on bail

Photo: Don Bartletti/Los Angeles Times — Michael Jackson’s physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, escorted into the Airport Courthouse in Los Angeles 02/08/10 The late MIchael Jackson’s personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, is out on bail today after being charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the entertainer’s death last summer. Murray pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in a courtroom near Los Angeles International Airport yesterday. The doctor faces a maximum of four years in prison. As a condition of his $75,000 bail Murray, a licensed cardiologist, is not allowed to prescribe heavy sedatives, especially propofol.  A coroner’s... Read More →

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Top honor: Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” selected for National Film Registry

The King of Pop, Michael Jackson, is at his singing and dancing best in the wildly entertaining and unforgettable 1983 music video “Thriller” (also released as a film). Created with incredible imagination and energy that leaps off the screen, “Thriller” was directed by John Landis and runs about 14 minutes. It was produced in conjunction with Jackson’s groundbreaking “Thriller” album, considered the best selling album ever. Michael Jackson, co-star Ola Ray, and the undead in the “Thriller” video (1983) I’ve seen the “Thriller” video a gillion times and have no... Read More →

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Christmas 2009: Grave Hunter Lisa Burks & a fan pilgrimage to Michael Jackson’s burial site

Photo: Lisa Burks snapped this rare picture of Michael Jackson’s sarcophagus through an open door at Forest Lawn in Glendale on December 3, 2009.   Fellow blogger/photog/writer Lisa Burks had a very interesting experience with some devoted fans of the late pop superstar, Michael Jackson recently. The fans made a Christmas visit to Forest Lawn in Glendale, where Jackson’s body is entombed at the Holly Terrace of the Great Mausoleum.  Burks has a nice report, with photos, here of her time spent with these special fans of the legendary entertainer. Also on Lisa’s Adventures in... Read More →

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Business, Entertainment, and Publishing News Bytes

FORD FUSION SELECTED MOTOR TREND CAR OF THE YEAR American automaker Ford has picked up one of the most prestigious honors in its industry. Motor Trend magazine picked the Ford Fusion 2010 as the car of the year. The Ford model beat out the redesigned Toyota Prius and BMW 7-series.  Story here. “MICHAEL JACKSON’S THIS IS IT” HEADED TO TV  The TV rights to the  documentary of the late Michael Jackson’s final concert rehearsal footage was snatched up by the MTV Network. The music channel will begin showing “This Is It” in 2011. More details on the deal on... Read More →

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King of Pop dances to top of the Box Office

Even in death, the late superstar, Michael Jackson, can still generate millions of dollars in ticket sales. The legendary entertainer’s behind the scenes documentary, “Michael Jackson’s This Is It,” thrilled enough moviegoers to become the number one film in the country this weekend. The Jackson flick debuted with an estimated $21.3 million, falling short of some expectations, but still winning the domestic Box Office derby just the same. Jackson was in the Los Angeles area rehearsing for his “This Is It” series of London concerts when he died suddenly on June 25, 2009. Later, the Los Angeles County Coroner’s... Read More →

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Michael Jackson documentary and new single on the way

Photo: Megan Lewis/Reuters/Files — November 17, 1996 Sydney, Australia Some dedicated Michael Jackson fans are already lined up at the Nokia Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles for tickets to the screening of a documentary about the late entertainer. What is truly  amazing is that some of those fans got in line yesterday, but the tickets for the advance showings of “This is It” don’t go on sale until sometime after 12:01 a.m. this Sunday morning! The first 500 ticket hopefuls will reportedly get commemorative tickets designed by Jackson for his London... Read More →

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Michael Jackson’s death officially ruled a homicide

  It’s official. The Los Angeles County Coroner has ruled the sudden death of Superstar Michael Jackson was a homicide. In a new release today, the coroner attributed the entertainer’s death on June 25, 2009 to a deadly combination of drugs. According to the release: “Cause of death was established as acute propofol intoxication. Other conditions contributing to death: benzodiazepine. The drugs propofol and Lorazepam were found to be the primary drugs responsible for Mr. Jackson’s death. Other drugs detected were midazolam, diazepam, lidocaine, and ephedrine.” The final... Read More →

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Another Vegas raid in the Michael Jackson death investigation

Federal agents and other law enforcement officers searched a Las Vegas pharmacy today in connection with the criminal investigation into the death of Superstar Michael Jackson. Last month, agents raided the Vegas medical office and home of Jackson’s personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray. Photo: Justin M. Bowen/Las Vegas Sun Today’s search of the Applied Pharmacy Services on West Flamingo Road in Vegas is said to be a follow-up to last month’s searches. The agents reportedly went into the pharmacy looking for evidence of prescription drugs linked to Jackson. The... Read More →

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Michael Jackson’s mother wins custody of his kids

Photo: Carlos Allegri/pool/Reuters A major issue involving the personal affairs of the late superstar Michael Jackson has been solved. Yesterday, a Los Angeles Superior Court Judge, Mitchell Beckloff, granted custody of the singer’s three children to his mother, 79-year-old Katherine Jackson. Jackson’s ex-wife Debbie Rowe, mother of his two oldest children, will retain legal parental rights and have visitations. Even though Jackson’s will expressed his wish to have his mother raise his children, I’m concerned that Mrs. Jackson’s age may make it difficult for her to carry out that function. Hopefully,... Read More →

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Michael Jackson criminal investigation focuses on his personal physician

Photo: Dr. Conrad Murray/Las Vegas Sun Doctor Conrad Murray continues to be the focus of a criminal investigation into the death of the late pop superstar Michael Jackson. Yesterday, a team of Federal DEA Agents, Las Vegas Police, and LAPD Detectives swooped down on Dr. Murray’s Las Vegas medical office and home. During the raids, investigators reportedly carted off boxes of documents, medical records, cellphones, and other materials. Earlier in the week, investigators searched the cardiologist’s Houston office as well. There are reports, authorities are looking for evidence that Murray may... Read More →

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A fantastic send-off for superstar Michael Jackson !

Photo: Andrew Gombert/Pool This is the cover of the program for the public Michael Jackson memorial service held at Staples Center in Los Angeles yesterday. A ton of photos of the event and the fans are on the Los Angeles Times website . Thousands of lucky ticket holders joined MJ’s friends, celebrities, and family members for the emotional and musically charged memorial inside Staples, while millions of other folks watched or listened to a live broadcast. Performances by Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Brooke Shields, Jennifer Hudson, and Usher made it... Read More →

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