Michael Jackson Video Archives Memorial Volume XXVI

Description

1.    CBS 48 Hours “Michael Jackson Picking Up The Pieces” 6/30/09: One of the first documentaries made in the USA days after Michael’s passing. Naturally it covers the untimely passing of Michael Jackson and everything they could find out about the case up until that time. This CBS Special takes a look at Dr. Conrad Murray, the physician who reportedly found Jackson not breathing, shortly before the singer’s death. While Jackson’s music has brought joy to so many, his life was riddled with controversy. “Michael Jackson: Picking Up the Pieces,” will step back and look at the man whose strained relationship with his family, poor body image and plastic surgery eventually eclipsed his talent. The broadcast will examine Jackson’s connection to the black community during his career as well as his legacy among musicians today and into the future. In creating a pop-music dynasty, Jackson amassed a fortune, one that provided him a life of excess, eventually plunging him into debt. In the wake of his death, Jackson leaves behind an estate in financial upheaval, which will likely take years to untangle. And the fate of Jackson’s three children is also uncertain. The special will examine what lies ahead both financially and emotionally for those closest to him. Despite all the questions that remain about who Michael Jackson really was, one thing is clear – his talent knew no boundaries and there has been no shortage of remembrances of his life and music. “Michael Jackson: Picking Up the Pieces,”will include the latest tributes – big and small – across the globe, including the memorable performances at the BET Awards, the more intimate gatherings of his fans and the memorial service taking place at the famed Apollo Theater.
2.    E! Special The Michael Jackson Story 07/03/09: The documentary opens with clips from the King of Pop’s music videos and follows with testimonies from friends and family, including new interviews with his mother, Katherine Jackson, and friend, Gladys Knight, that will talk about Michael’s life in an “incredible, revealing” way.
3.    The 2009 BET Awards June 2009: Various Tributes to Michael Jackson via live performances. The show didn’t waste any time, kicking off the proceedings with a 10-minute tribute that brought the packed crowd at Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium to their feet, immediately establishing the show as a sort of wake for the fallen singer. The show opened with a clip of Jackson’s appearance on the 2003 BET Awards, where he performed with James Brown. It was a melancholy but inspiring introduction to the proceedings. The audience was then treated to a stunning performance by New Edition, who performed a medley of Jackson 5 hits. The iconic R&B group, led by Bobby Brown, sang and danced their way through classics like “ABC” and “The Love You Save.” The choreography was especially impressive, considering that New Edition had so little time to rehearse. Following the Jackson 5 songs, host Jamie Foxx walked onstage dressed like vintage Jackson: The Thriller-era red leather jacket and a single sparkling sequined glove. Foxx greeted the audience and immediately launched into a performance of “Beat It.” Foxx, who has plenty of experience mimicking R&B icons, ran through the classic Jackson tune with aplomb, never missing a note. After the ovation, Foxx told the audience that the show would be festive. “No need to be sad,” he told the audience. “We want to celebrate this black man. He belongs to us and we shared him with everyone else.” Foxx kept it light, poking fun at Jackson’s nose and the change in his skin tone over the years. “Michael was all kinds of black. He was Wesley Snipes and Chico DeBarge at the same time.” Foxx wrapped up the show’s opening sequence with a decent take on Jackson’s signature dance move: the Moonwalk. The Shrine erupted once again as Foxx danced his way off the stage.