Retro Friday: Young Michael Jackson Edition

Here's 12-year-old Michael Jackson and his big brother Jackie sitting down for a live interview with KNBC-Channel 4 reporter Robert Abernethy in 1971. Then-KNBC anchor Jess Marlow promotes the interview at the very start of this clip.

Autry Celebrates Michael Jackson in "How the West Was Worn"

Michael Jackson at the Autry National Center? Not the first museum you would seek out for an exhibit about the late King of Pop. But the Autry is currently home to "How the West Was Worn by . . . Michael Jackson," an ongoing exhibit that "shows how Jackson’s use of Western wear evolved over the years, reflecting his ability to use classic Western styles in distinctive ways."



Among the items on display, from the private collection of designers Dennis Tompkins and Michael Bush: Jackson's red bib-front shirt with black trim; Black 501 Levi’s jeans; Black fedora hat; Aviator sunglasses; and, of course, one of his signature single white gloves. Some background from the Autry's blog:

Tompkins and Bush, who designed for Jackson for 25 years, spent several months working with Jeffrey Richardson, the Autry’s associate curator for film and pop culture, choosing items from the wardrobe of the King of Pop that were inspired by western themes. The costumes all went into a case in the Imagination gallery, which focuses on Hollywood’s interpretation of the West.

“The idea is to show people that Michael used western influences,” Richardson said. “That influence continues even if people don’t realize where the ultimate inspiration came from. It didn’t come from Michael. Michael was taking from other things.”

And here's a 2010 ABC "Good Morning America" story on the installation:



We recently visited the Autry during a free museum weekend (which the Autry frequently participates in -- take advantage of it). The Blogger Kid particularly enjoys the make-believe mid-20th century Chinese restaurant housed in the kids' area, while I enjoy the Hollywood western memorabilia (including a vintage TV Guide). A few more pics:

The Autry Celebrates Michael Jackson's Western Style

This may be one of the more unusual stretches I've ever seen for a museum exhibit: "The Autry National Center presents an installation of Western fashion worn by one of the most successful and popular entertainers in history, pop icon Michael Jackson."

No lie: A new Autry installation "will reflect Jackson's ability to use classic Western styles in distinctive ways."

I know. I know.

Now, it's not unusual for the Autry to celebrate Hollywood stars -- hell, the entire institution is named after the Singing Cowboy himself, Gene Autry.

And yet, Michael Jackson was never synonymous in life with country music. In death, though, he apparently is now remembered as an influential player in the world of Western style:

His contributions to music, dance, and fashion made him a global icon for over four decades. In the world of style, his willingness to try different patterns and designs made Jackson truly unique. While many of his influences—from military jackets to aviator sunglasses—are readily apparent, his frequent use of Western wear has gone virtually unnoticed. The new installation at the Autry will reflect Jackson's ability to use classic Western styles in distinctive ways.

Surrounded by objects belonging to the likes of the Cisco Kid, the Lone Ranger, John Wayne, and Clint Eastwood in the Autry’s Imagination Gallery, a three-sided case with full-size mannequins will display outfits that Jackson wore in the 1970s and ’90s, as well as the famous white glove—all courtesy of his longtime costume designers Dennis Tompkins and Michael Bush.

Curated by Jeffrey Richardson, the Autry's Associate Curator of Film and Popular Culture, the exhibit will highlight Jackson's early career by featuring a sparkling trimmed and rhinestone cowboy outfit worn on the television variety show The Jacksons on March 2, 1977. The costume was clearly influenced by Western entertainers like Roy Rogers and Rex Allen. In a video accompanying the display, visitors will be able to see Jackson’s performance of the hit songs "Cisco Kid" and "I Shot the Sheriff" on a set decorated to look like a Western saloon.

The display case will also examine Jackson's use of Western wear in the latter part of his career. As a solo artist, Jackson often wore a classic bib-front shirt, just like John Wayne and many other screen cowboys throughout the twentieth century. Following in the tradition of flashier stars like Tom Mix and Gene Autry, Jackson had shirts adorned with intricate designs and opulent buttons.

The red bib-front shirt with black trim was worn by Jackson in 1996 while promoting his "HIStory" World Tour in Sydney, Australia.

The Autry Museum’s Celebration of Michael Jackson’s Birthday takes place on August 29.

Michael Jackson, One Year Later: The TV Crews Return to Glendale

A few live trucks parked last night in front of Glendale's Forest Lawn, where Michael Jackson's remains lie. (You can't see in this pic, but about five more TV trucks were parked in the elementary school across the street.)

I imagine it's a madhouse this morning, the one-year anniversary of Michael Jackson's death. Here's a roundup of TV specials marking the occasion. ABC, CNN, E!, MTV, BET, more all plan specials today and tonight.

The Scene Outside the Michael Jackson Burial

KTTV/Fox 11's Tricia Takasugi does a standup shot from outside Forest Lawn Glendale



The crowd was lively but modest tonight at the corner of Los Feliz and Glendale Ave. in Glendale, about the closest people could get to the Michael Jackson memorial inside.



A group of fans unfurled a massive banner ("The King of Pop/Michael Jackson/Gone Too Soon") and held it up for passing motorists to see; one kid, complete with sparkly glove, stepped in front of the banner to show a few moves (above).

Live TV trucks could be found everywhere, and just about everyone held a video camera to capture the moment. But everyone was on their best behavior; the police were calm as well. Best of all, the road closures seemed to have no impact on traffic -- had I not stopped to take a few pics, I would have gotten home in the same amount of time I always do.

And now, as of tonight, we can market our home as Michael Jackson-adjacent. Here's hoping our proximity to the King of Propofol boosts our property values!

More pics:

Navigating the Michael Jackson/Forest Lawn Traffic

It became a little trickier than usual escaping the Franklin Avenue HQ this morning, as roads were blocked and the media had already set up camp outside Forest Lawn Glendale, where Michael Jackson will be buried tonight. I'm thinking the drive home is gonna be a bit tougher.

Above, that's about as close to the front gate of Forest Lawn you can get right now. Glendale Ave. is also blocked off from these two ends, at Los Feliz Blvd. and San Fernando:

Welcome to the Neighborhood, King of Pop

Looks like Franklin Avenue HQ is getting a new neighbor: According to the L.A. Times, Michael Jackson will finally be laid to rest on Aug. 29 at Glendale's Forest Lawn.

From the paper:

Jackson will be interred Aug. 29, which would have been his 51st birthday, in an intimate morning service for family and friends in the expansive cemetery's Great Mausoleum, according to a statement from the family publicist. The pop singer's remains will be placed in a crypt in the Holly Terrace section of the mausoleum, a massive building that is the final resting place for stars from film's golden age, such as Jean Harlow, Carole Lombard and Clark Gable.

Jackson, who spent lavishly on antiques and fancy reproductions, is to be placed in an area decorated by sculptures and bronzes of American icons, including George Washington, Mark Twain, Abraham Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt on a property that has replicas of Michelangelo statues and a stained glass window depicting the "Last Supper."

In choosing Forest Lawn, Jackson's family opted for a place with the over-the-top qualities that the pop star loved in life and the privacy guarantees that eluded him. The 103-year-old property's 290 acres straddle the border of Glendale and Los Angeles. It changed the design of cemeteries by re-imagining them as park-like outdoor museums with rolling hills dotted by inspiring statues and uninterrupted by upright gravestones.

According to the paper, the Glendale Forest Lawn was once Southern California's largest tourist attraction.

Don't Stop Till You Get Enough Horribly Ugly Michael Jackson Wear

I suppose this is a rhetorical question... but why does the cheap merchandise created to cash in on Michael Jackson's sudden death have to be so, so gaudy? Does being a vulture automatically preclude you from having any design taste?

Again, rhetorical. From a recent visit downtown, here are a few of the quite unfortunate shirts on display.

Retro Friday: The Jacksons Edition

Tripiest video ever from the Jacksons/Jackson Five? From 1980, it's almost like the director of this video to "Can You Feel It" had just seen a screening of "Xanadu"... or had been freebasing in front of an Earth, Wind and Fire LP.

Actually, according to Wikipedia, the video was directed by Bruce Gowers and Robert Abel, and was even voted one of the 100 best videos of all time, in a 2001 United Kingdom poll to mark the 20th anniversary of MTV. (Gowers, who also directed Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody," is now the director of "American Idol's" live episodes.) Check it out.

Also: The Jacksons are coming to town! (See below)

Franklin Avenue Live Tweets the Michael Jackson Memorial

Read from the bottom up... and if you haven't started following us yet, do so now -- Franklin Avenue is over here.

OK, we're all now officially jackasses for Tweeting this memorial. Good night!
12:42 from TweetDeck

Marlon: The most underrated Jackson.
12:38 from TweetDeck

Oops: Jackson kept his kids shrouded in anonymity for years... only for them to appear right now on stage, televised to the entire world.
12:32 from TweetDeck

"This is It" -- turns out to be an unfortunate title for the concerts that will now never happen...
12:28 from TweetDeck

Really? A "Britain's Got Talent" finalist? OK, maybe it's time to wrap things up, folks. I'm starting to fear a Sanjaya appearance.
12:20 from TweetDeck

This is all fine, but what are Jon & Kate doing? RIGHT NOW. C'mon @usweekly, get off your lazy ass and tell me.
12:12 from TweetDeck

Just a note now: At my memorial service, please don't reference my acquittal for child molestation. Probably not necessary. Thanks.
12:01 from TweetDeck

Holding out for Corey Feldman's turn at the podium.
11:59 from TweetDeck

Apparently MLK III's promised land is very well catered.
11:53 from TweetDeck

OK, enough Jermaine. BRING ME TITO.
11:51 from TweetDeck

Bam! First "Blanket" ref of the morning!! Thanks Brooke!
11:46 from TweetDeck

Does anyone know whether Brooke Shields gets custody of Emmanuel Lewis?
11:41 from TweetDeck

Sharpton to kids: "Ain't nothing strange about your daddy!" Kids to Sharpton: "Uhh, thanks?"
11:39 from TweetDeck

Oh I'm sure AEG is on it. Kaching! RT @geoffberkshire: When can I download these Stevie Wonder and Jennifer Hudson performances for my iPod?
11:26 from TweetDeck

Gonna have to switch off the ABC web stream. Anchor just asked a pundit how this compares to the outpouring after Tupac's death. Whaa?
11:23 from TweetDeck

Must admit, this is a pretty well-done memorial. Kinda wish I'd tried to get tix. Was turned off by the whole spectacle, but classy so far
11:11 from TweetDeck

Poor Mayor V -- as @laobserved notes, our camera-lovin' mayor is on vacation (with Lu!), missing all this: http://bit.ly/FA59A
11:03 from TweetDeck

Boom! First Tito reference of the morning! Thanks, Barry Gordy.
10:58 from TweetDeck

Anyone else relieved/surprised to see that Ryan Seacrest isn't hosting this?
10:55 from TweetDeck

Psst, cops are a little distracted at the moment. Who's up for a little looting?
10:39 from TweetDeck

If a billion people really watching this, then I suppose Staples really did get its money's worth. Global urge to buy office products now?
about 2 hours ago from TweetDeck

If this is really "In Memory of Michael Jackson," what's with the unflattering pic of the King of Pop on the Staples Center screen?
about 3 hours ago from TweetDeck

This seems like a good time to remind everyone that Jermaine Jackson named his 8-year-old girl "Jermajesty." Say it out loud.
about 3 hours ago from TweetDeck

AEG's Tim Leiweke has been making the media rounds... and I notice how his grin keeps getting bigger. Just like the "Ka-ching" in his ears.
about 3 hours ago from TweetDeck

Does anyone know if Bubbles is attending? And is Muscles still alive?
about 3 hours ago from TweetDeck

Is Quincy Jones Double-Dipping with the L.A. Times and Newsweek?

For all I know, Quincy Jones was upfront with both the L.A. Times and Newsweek in giving them the same first-person piece on his relationship with Michael Jackson. And perhaps they both knew that they'd be running virtually identical first-person accounts (Newsweek's being more heavily edited-down, due to space).

If they didn't, well, I suppose that would explain why the same piece (just differently edited) appeared in both publications. Here's a taste of Jones' piece in the L.A. Times, which ran it first:

For some reason I have had the honor of meeting young performers when they reach the age of 12. There was Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Tevin Campbell and, of course, Michael Jackson. I was fully aware of Michael and impressed by the achievements that he'd reached with the Jackson Five, but it never crossed my mind that we would eventually work together. But as is always the case, divinity interceded into the process.

In 1978, Sidney Lumet pulled me kicking and screaming into doing the music for "The Wiz," and in hindsight I'm so glad he did. As the scarecrow, Michael dove into the filming of "The Wiz" with everything that he had, not only learning his lines but those of everyone in the cast. Prior to filming, Michael and I were working at my home and he asked if I could help find him a producer to work with him on his first solo album from Epic.

At rehearsals with the cast, during the part where the scarecrow is pulling proverbs from his stuffing, Michael kept saying "So-Crates" instead of "Socrates." After about the third time, I pulled him aside and told him the correct pronunciation. He looked at me with these big wide eyes and said, "Really?" and it was at that moment that I said, "Michael, I'd like to produce your album."

And here's how it ran in Newsweek:

For some strange reason, I have a history of meeting young performers when they reach age 12. There was Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Tevin Campbell, and, of course, Michael Jackson. In 1978 Sidney Lumet pulled me kicking and screaming into doing the music for The Wiz, starring Diana Ross as Dorothy and Michael as the Scarecrow. Michael dived into the filming, learning not only his lines but everyone else's. There was only one problem: there's a scene where the Scarecrow starts pulling proverbs from his stuffing and talking about Socrates. Michael kept saying "So-crates." It was really interesting to watch; either because of his age or his fame, no one wanted to correct him. After about the third time, I pulled Michael aside and told him the correct pronunciation. He looked at me with the big, wide eyes of a child opening a present under the Christmas tree and said, "Really?" It was at that moment that I said, "Michael, I'd like to produce your solo album."

Retro Friday: In Memory of Michael Jackson

Above, the 1980s Pepsi commercial featuring Michael and his brothers... as well as Alfonso Ribeiro. (Yes, pretty sad to see Michael replace the words to "Billie Jean" with lyrics pimping Pepsi.)



Footage from the 1984 Grammy Awards when Michael Jackson, with Brooke Shields and Emmanuel Lewis in tow, cleaned up with the trophies.



And here's the ad that ran in the U.K. on ITV1 to promote the upcoming "This Is It" series of 50 concerts in London... which will now never happen.

The Best Photo in History

Franklin Avenue friend Rich Brown writes, "at last a good excuse to revisit one of the greatest photos of all time." Yikes!

R.I.P. Michael Jackson: Make Sure You Mourn The Right Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

RIGHT Michael Jackson -- the singer, who passed away today at the age of 50.


WRONG Michael Jackson -- the radio personality, who's still very much alive.

Sadly, though, you're gonna have to wait a day before you can actually visit the REAL Michael Jackson's star. It's currently covered up by "heavy equipment" -- because of tonight's premiere of "Bruno."

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is suggesting that mourners head to the Jacksons' star instead:

HOLLYWOOD, CALIF- Flowers will be placed on the Walk of Fame star of entertainer Michael Jackson tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. at 6927 Hollywood Boulevard. Due to an event occurring at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre where his star is located, the star for Jackson is covered. Because of heavy equipment near the area and for safety reasons press and fans will not be allowed in the area this evening. Anyone who would like to pay their respect to Michael Jackson can visit The Jacksons star which is located at 1500 Vine Street near Sunset.

The Chamber of Commerce, though, adds that you shouldn't start congregating around the star of the OTHER Michael Jackson:

The star located at 1541 Vine street is NOT the star of recording artist Michael Jackson who passed away today. The star at that address is for Radio Personality Michael Jackson.

The star for The Jacksons IS located at 1500 Vine Street.

Vincent Price Would Be Proud: Angelenos Pull Off a "Thriller"

They pulled it off -- the L.A. chapter of "Thrill the World" performed the Thriller dance on Saturday in front of crowds at Hollywood and Highland. And as you can see above, they did a pretty good job.

The LA Weekly was there, and files an extensive report. A highlight:

This Los Angeles chapter of "Thrill the World '08" -- across the globe, dances in 91 cities in 12 countries took place the same day -- was up and at 'em at an hour that ought to make the dead crawl back into their tombs and whimper. In an attempt to hold the world record for the most people to do the "Thriller" dance at one time, dozens of aspiring zombie strutters gathered in the bowels of the shopping complex's garage -- level 6E to be exact -- with coffee and donuts, makeup and hairspray, costumes and boomboxes to pump up, dress up, and get in last minute practice.
Just before 11 a.m., they began the lurch up to the bright plaza and took their places to the initial bewilderment, and giddy delight of wandering shoppers and tourists.

Check it out -- including the photo gallery.

"Thrill the World" Comes to Hollywood and Highland

Caught this first on CreepyLA, Los Angeles' Halloween blog: If you're looking for a different way to celebrate the holiday, you might want to consider joining in on L.A.'s mass "Thriller" group dance.

The event is part of Thrill the World, a global effort to get as many people dancing the "Thriller" as possible.

Here in L.A., the group will be performing the dance sometime after 10:30 but no later than 11 on Saturday, Oct. 25. Wanna join in? You can't just show up: They're holding several rehearsals in the coming days, so that you can learn your part. Here are the upcoming rehearsals:

Tues Oct 21st: UCLA
@ Campus. Wilson Plaza or nearby. 3:30pm-6:30pm
center of campus UCLA, Westwood CA

Wed Oct 22nd: Santa Monica
@Virginia Avenue Park. Time: TBD
2200 Virginia Ave, Santa Monica, CA

Fri Oct 24th: Hollywood *FINAL PRACTICE!
@ Pan Pacific Regional Park. 5pm-7pm (we may stay later)
7600 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

It doesn't take long to learn the dance, they say, and the event is, of course, free. More details here.

Radio Waves: The Return of Two Big Names to L.A. Radio?

Local talk radio legend Michael Jackson is about to make another run on the airwaves. According to his website (and as first reported by LARadio.com), Jackson will air from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saul Levine's KMZT-AM (1260), which is about to switch to an all-talk format as KGIL-AM. Jackson writes:

The station is in Los Angeles and they are chaninging their call-sign from K-Mozart to KGIL. That's a call sign which had a fine reputation for many years. We'll be on the AM band at 1260, and as the newsreport had it, I'll be filling some very familiar hours; 9-11 a.m. There's a possibility, to be confirmed in a few days, that the program will be repeated between 4.00 and 6.00 pm. There's lots to tell and as I learn more I'll pass it on.

1260 AM has been playing classical music since February, when Levine flipped his FM station (105.1, now KKGO-FM) from classical to country. In the process, Levine moved the classical format to the 1260 AM signal.

But 1260 AM is hard to hear in much of Los Angeles county, and AM radio isn't ideal for classical music anyway. 1260 AM has seen many format changes in recent years, from adult standards to showtunes to all-Beatles to news to country.

As for Jackson, the host most recently conducted a wide variety of interviews for all-news KNX, but ultimately left the station when he wasn't given his own timeslot. He's still best known for his unprecedented 32-year run on KABC-AM, as seen above in that promotional ad.



Meanwhile, another question making the local radio rounds: Is Los Angeles ready for the return of Don Imus?

Of course, the other question is, does Los Angeles care?

As talk of Imus' return to radio continues, here in L.A. the buzz on radio boards has been a potential timeslot on KABC-AM. But that's far from a sure thing -- particularly because Imus doesn't have a great track record in Los Angeles. His last syndicated stop here didn't make any noise. And by the time he was forced off the air -- for using a derogatory comment -- Imus was only heard in the region on a tiny Inland Empire station.