The Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait

Newsletter Highlights: March 2011

March 28, 2011

Rest in Peace, Elizabeth Taylor: 1932-2011

This issue is dedicated to Elizabeth Taylor who passed away on March 23, 2011. May your beautiful soul rest in peace, we will miss you. Thank you for the unconditional love you gave Michael Jackson. You were a true friend.

In lieu of flowers, her family has requested that you donate to her AIDS foundation:

www.elizabethtayloraidsfoundation.org

The MJTP Home Page Has A New Look!

We have just unveiled a new homepage for The Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait. The website is still the same with all of the functions and features that have gotten us this far. However, we have redesigned the homepage especially for those who are hearing about the Tribute for the first time. We have placed a greater emphasis on Michael Jackson the Humanitarian and are celebrating the power of music to make the world a better place. We believe this will expand our horizon and attract more people to appreciate and learn about what made Michael Jackson so much more than the most talented entertainer of all time. We hope you like it. This would be an ideal time to tell your friends who are outside of the familiar MJ online community about their opportunity to get a free dot in this one-of-a-kind work of art.

Who’z Bad?!

We're excited to announce our Who'z Bad?! project, an initiative that's been under way for several months. Make the pledge to Live a Life of Peace and Non-Violence; you will receive a Who’z Bad?! badge on your MJTP profile as a reminder of your commitment. While this is geared toward our younger members, anyone can take the pledge. We will be highlighting important issues we – our youth especially - face in today's society. The younger generation is our future; working together, we can make this world a better place for all. Read more and take the pledge HERE

An Update from Dot Members in Japan

Ten days have passed since the disastrous earthquake and tsunami. In the affected area, more than eight thousand people were deprived of their precious lives and more than 10 thousand people are still missing. Survivals are facing a severe situation because of the cold weather and lack of food.

The traffic line has been damaged, so it’s making the situation more difficult. However, we are trying very hard to overcome this hard time by helping each other. Please stay with us by your thoughts and prayers. We believe Michael is sending his love and support, too. Thank you for all your care, love and prayers.

We're especially touched by the group "Prayers for Japan." Through your cares and prayers expressed in notes and comments, we realize that we are not alone even in our darkest hours.

- from Tomoko & Miyuki in Japan

Exciting New Video Interview with Kevin Antunes about Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour

Kevin Antunes, Musical Designer for Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour, talks about working with the original multitracks to Michael's music and how his voice from the original master recordings drives the show.

Kevin is a musical designer, musical director, keyboardist and digital audio programmer having worked with everyone from Justin Timberlake to Janet Jackson. And now, fresh from Madonna's Sticky & Sweet world tour, he joins forces with Cirque du Soleil on this 'project of a lifetime'.

To see the video CLICK HERE

Welcome Musician/Producer Rory Kaplan to the MJTP

We're pleased to announce Rory Kaplan as a Dot in The Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait. Rory toured with Michael on the Victory and Bad tours, and has worked with many other great artists throughout his long-standing career.

"Michael personified art, talent, integrity, dedication to his craft, spirited, heartfelt, a visionary, and giving in so many ways. His impact on his fans, and myself will be remembered forever."

To leave Rory a warm welcome message CLICK HERE.

Announcing a New MJTP Partner: ‘Heal The Dream’

The MJTP is happy to support the 'Heal the Dream' project, which is in collaboration with BENU, seeking to help children in need. In 2011/2012, an exclusive release of a fairy tale book will jumpstart this motivated organization. The content will include artists, musicians and actors from all over the world who support this act, and without doubt, will surprise you. All of the profit collected by "Heal the Dream" will be donated to the most needy children in Africa.

Learn more on the Heal the Dream website and their Facebook page.

Tribute Tidbits

In Michael’s Words
"I've met a lot people in my life…and very few are real real friends. Elizabeth is one of the most loyal, loving, caring people that I know." – Michael Jackson

To see a collection of videos and quotes that I’ve gathered of Michael and Elizabeth CLICK HERE.

March 18, 2011

The Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait sends our prayers, thoughts and love to everyone, everywhere, affected by the Japan earthquake, resulting tsunamis and concern relating to the damaged nuclear power plants.

Jermaine Jackson to Write a Memoir of Michael

Jermaine Jackson, Michael’s brother and VIP dot, has announced plans to publish his memoir about Michael calledYou Are Not Alone in the fall of 2011. Jermaine said, “This book commemorates Michael’s life. The forthcoming trial of Dr. Murray surrounds Michael’s death, but none of us wish for those proceedings to stand as the final word on how he is remembered.”

My article on the MJTP called “What Will Be the Lasting Impression of Michael Jackson” echoes those sentiments.

According to Touchstone, his publisher, “Jermaine’s book will offer a unique view of the real Michael Jackson, a perspective only a very few people could possibly have. As his brother and close confidante since they were children, Jermaine can explain Michael in a way that, in life, Michael was never able to articulate himself.”

To read the entire press release CLICK HERE.

– Linda Higgins

The MJTP Welcomes Eddie Garcia, Choreographer/Director

The MJTP is very excited and honored to announce the highly talented Choreographer / Director, and friend of Michael's, Eddie Garcia, as a Dot in The Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait!

As a child, Eddie Garcia was not unlike other kids his age, that is to say, when it came to his affection and adoration for the enormously talented Michael Jackson. But what did separate Eddie from so many of his peers was the chain of events that ultimately had him touring and dancing with his idol on stages from Tulsa to Tokyo.

It all began when Eddie Garcia was cast in the film Captain EO for Disney Pictures. Read more and leave him a welcome message HERE.

Raffle Winner Announced!

Congratulations to the Winner Our Latest Raffle,
Tina Albritton (Dot number 2222) of the USA!

Tina has been a longtime member of the Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait. She bought several tickets for this raffle.

As promised, the MJTP and matching anonymous donor donation was made on March 14, 2011, to Give Kids the World: "For the children, on behalf of Michael Jackson, from the members of The Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait." Thank you to all who participated for helping to make this happen!

The New Video for ‘Hollywood Tonight’

The new video for “Hollywood Tonight” is now available. "Wayne Isham, who directed the video for Michael Jackson’s 'You Are Not Alone,' returns to one of the very same locations where he filmed in 1995 with Michael – the Pantages Theater near the famed corner of Hollywood and Vine." Thank you to MJOnline, The Official Online Team of the Michael Jackson Estate® for making this post available!

To watch the video and read the storyline of “Hollywood Tonight” CLICK HERE.

Tribute Tidbits

In Michael’s Words
"Soul is the most precious thing you can share, because you’re sharing yourself, and the world needs that gift now more than ever. The child with AIDS in the ghetto is waiting for you, along with the starving people of Africa, and everyone else who needs healing. Make the world more beautiful by sharing with me the wonderful feeling you get when your soul is lifted up to become pure love.” - Michael Jackson at the Soul Train awards in 1993

Thanks to A Million Trees for Michael for posting this on their Facebook page.

To see a video of Michael giving this speech when he received the Soul Train Humanitarian award in 1993 and his performance of “Remember the Time” CLICK HERE.

March 12, 2011

'Dot to Dot: Keeping Michael’s Legacy Alive'

The March issue of Dot to Dot: Keeping Michael’s Legacy Alive is now online. This issue is called “Beyond the Dream” referring to us, the ones he left behind.

In her cover article, Valmai Owens, Editor-In-Chief, said “Michael’s dream was to heal the world, and his vision was to do this by healing children and restoring the indestructible bonds of family relationships. At the heart of everything Michael did was love, and although he was a casualty of having no childhood himself, he turned it into a positive thing by using what he had experienced to educate, and promote the right of all children to be protected and loved unconditionally.” Read the full article HERE.

This issue includes exclusive interviews with Jonathan Moffett and Mengesha “Mystro” Francis, as well as more interviews from the artists of The Beat of Our Hearts.

In addition, there are lots of wonderful articles such as “Children Speak of Memories and Love for Michael” by Lauren Trainor, as well as many more features, articles and sections.

CLICK HERE to read the entire issue.

The MJTP Hosts Event at Disneyland
for 30 Children from the Inner City

On Saturday, February 26th, thanks to an anonymous donor, the MJTP took a group of 30 kids from The Boys & Girls Club of East Los Angeles who have never been to the theme park and had no hopes of going, until now. Artist, David Ilan, said “This is one of the groups that Michael Jackson supported. He would have brought these deserving kids to his amusement park at Neverland if he were here.”

Read all about the event HERE.

To view photos from the event CLICK HERE

New VIP Dot Member

Please help us welcome VIP Dot member Mengesha “Mystro” Francis.

“Every 50 years God sends an angel down from Heaven to entertain us here on earth, and I believe Michael Jackson was sent from Heaven to get our attention.” - Mengesha “Mystro” Francis.

CLICK HERE to read more about him and leave him a warm welcome message.

Then read the fantastic interview he gave to Valmai Owens in the March issue of Dot to Dot. You can read that HERE.

Mengesha’s piano tribute Earth Song is one of the most beautifully played versions of this song I’ve ever heard. Listen to it HERE.

Spotlight Articles

By Linda Higgins

“Associating with Michael Jackson”
"He is probably the most famous person in the planet, God help him!" Those words were spoken by Bob Geldof when giving Michael Jackson the award for Artist of a Generation at the Brit Awards in 1996. I’m one of those people who believe that everything happens for a reason. I believe there was a reason he was the most famous person on the planet and in my opinion it has something to do with putting love back into the world. Read More

What Will Be the Lasting Impression of Michael Jackson?
When the trial of The People vs. Conrad Murray commences for the death of Michael Jackson, fans, friends and family can expect to encounter more pain as the defense, in their quest to prove Murray’s claim of innocence, will do anything in their power to portray Michael in a negative light. This will be heart-wrenching for all of us to watch…to say the least… Read More

Meet Stephanie Marie! New Generation of MJ Fans: "In the Spotlight"
My name is Stephanie Marie, I am 17 years old, and, well, to be completely honest, I had no idea who Michael Jackson was until the day he died. I remember seeing it all over the news that day and wondering, Who is this man? So I told my mother the news, and her jaw dropped. She was shocked; she stuttered and really could not believe that he had passed. I asked her who he was and she told me he was a singer and a dancer. Read More

Jacksons Victory Tour Video
When I came across this video, uploaded by VIP dot member Mengesa "Mystro" Francis, it brought a huge smile to my face as I recalled so many heartfelt memories. It is an excerpt from the Jacksons Victory Tour in 1984. Quoting from the description under the video, "The tour featured 55 concerts, to an audience of approximately 2 million. The tour reportedly grossed approximately $75 million and set a new record for the then-largest grossing tour. The 1984 Victory Tour showcased Michael's single decorated glove, black sequined jacket and moonwalk, which captivated audiences around the world early in 1983, just about a year prior." Michael donated all of his proceeds from this tour to charity.

CLICK HERE to watch the video.

Tribute Tidbits

Important Message from Michael Jackson’s Estate
The Estate of Michael Jackson has issued an important message about a project they will be spearheading to remove all non-Estate related Michael Jackson profiles on Facebook. The message says in part, "If you have a Michael Jackson page which contains any content on Facebook that you think may be questionable to someone else, and you want to protect or keep your content, we’re giving you advance notice so that you can take action now to do whatever you think is proper before Facebook starts removing any “questionable” pages."

Source www.MJ-Upbeat.com

CLICK HERE to read the entire statement.

Welcome Three New MJTP Partners

We are proud to announce our newest partners with the MJTP

MJJ Magazine – A deluxe publication dedicated to the one and only King of Pop

Discovery Watch– A dynamic team of fans working to ensure the Discovery Channel never airs a re-enactment of Michael Jackson’s Autopsy.

MJFC- The official
Italian Michael Jackson
Fan Club!

In Michael’s Words
"We were jubilant when we learned we had passed the Motown audition. I remember Berry Gordy sitting us all down and saying that we were going to make history together. 'I'm gonna make you the biggest thing in the world' he said, 'and you're gonna be written about in history books.' He really said that to us. We were leaning forward, listening to him, and saying, 'Okay! Okay!' I'll never forget that. We were all over at his house, and it was like a fairy tale come true listening to this powerful, talented man tell us we were going to be very big. 'Your first record will be a number one, your second record will be a number one, and so will your third record. Three number one records in a row. You'll hit the charts just as Diana Ross and the Supremes did' This was almost un-heard of in those days, but he was right; we turned around and did just that. Three in a row." - Michael Jackson, Moonwalk