Joe Jackson Looking for Stipend from Late Son Michael’s Estate

Proving yet again that his only achievement to date has been fathering successful entertainers, Joe Jackson, father to the late Michael Jackson, is seeking a stipend from the estate of his son. The elder Jackson is looking to get a free ride for an unspecified amount to cover expenses that he already is incurring at a pace exceeding $15,000 per month. The request was filed by Brian Oxman, a lawyer who often works with Joe Jackson and who noted that he saw no reason that the estate’s administrators would not offer an allowance for his client.

Directly contrary to that statement, however, is the fact that Michael Jackson’s 2002 will does not even go so far as to mention his father. To say that the successful Jackson’s relationship with his father was strained would be an understatement, as Michael had said on more than one occasion that he would get physically ill at the sight of his father, both as a child and an adult. A private trust of Michael’s pays month to Katherine Jackson, his mother, as well as his three children and several charities. At present, $26,000 per month is going to Katherine Jackson, while the three children receive $60,000 per month for their care.

The filing stated of Joe Jackson that, "He does not have a regular or steady source of income, and he was dependent upon the money provided by his son, Michael Jackson, through his wife, Katherine Jackson, for his support." Howard Weitzman, one of the attorneys for the administrators of Jackson’s will, noted, "It was quite surprising to learn of the request. Mr. Jackson’s petition will be considered as are all requests for money from Michael’s estate." Among statements by Joe Jackson noting his monthly expenses, he has included $2,500 per month to eat out, $1,000 on entertainment, $2,000 on air travel and $3,000 on hotels.

Grammys to Show 3-D Tribute to the Late Michael Jackson

Last year, those putting together the Grammys wanted to have Michael Jackson make an appearance to celebrate the 25th anniversary of his popular and groundbreaking album "Thriller". Jackson declined, according to Ken Ehrlich, the Grammy telecast’s co-executive producer, who said, "He just wasn’t ready for it." Now, in the wake of the entertainer’s death, the Grammys will feature a tribute to Michael Jackson that will be shown in 3-D. The video for "Earth Song," which was to be included in Jackson’s July, 2009 comeback concert before he died, will also be shown.

Ehrlich also said of Jackson, "Whenever we would do a show, the first thing he would say to me was, ‘How can we do something that we’ve never done before?’ And now we’re doing something that hasn’t been done before." With regard to Jackson’s "Earth Song," Ehrlich noted, "There are these incredible images of the beauties of nature, and then they are seen through the eyes of a little girl, and that girl falls asleep and when she wakes up, she is witness to the destruction of nature. It’s all about questioning what our values are."

To accommodate the 3-D tribute, viewers can get official "Grammy" glasses from Target stores from January 24 through January 31. The glasses are free and will make it possible to see the 3-D effects planned for the show. During the show, Jackson will also be honored with the lifetime achievement award. Recording Academy President and CEO Neil Portnow, speaking of the award, said simply, "this is the one award from us that Michael never received."

Michael Jackson Awarded Four Trophies at American Music Awards

Michael Jackson's impact on the music world was still being felt last night as the King of Pop won four American Music Awards on the evening. Jackson took home Best Pop/Rocck Male Artist, Best Soul/R&B Male Artist, Best Pop/Rock Album and Best Soul/R&B Album. The awards followed his compilation greatest hits collection, Number Ones and Michael's brother Jermaine Jackson was on hand to accept the awards.

"He saw good in everyone and he wanted everyone to do good," Jermaine told the audience. "He always started with love." Ultimately, the evening did focus on the live performances and the awards to the performers who are currently dominating the musical landscape.

Taylor Swift was the big winner on the night, taking home 5 awards and the overall prize of Artist of the Year. Swift wasn't present to accept her award, but she was able to do so via a feed from England. During her brief acceptance speech, Swift acknowledged what an honor it was for her to be nominated in a category with Michael Jackson.

The evening included numerous live performances, including some especially memorable ones from Lady GaGa and Jennifer Lopez. Lady Gaga smashed her way into a glass room and played a piano that was on fire on the stage. Jennifer Lopez, on the other hand, got a little too quick with some of her dance moves and ended up falling on her arse. No injuries were reported and the show continued without incident.

Michael Jackson Making Billions Even Posthumously

It may seem hard to fathom, but Michael Jackson died almost one year ago and since his June 25 death in 2009, he has earned $1 billion. You read that right…that’s "Billion" with a "B." While Jackson was struggling with debts at the time of his death that resulted from long stretches of professional inactivity and catering to his own rather outlandish whims, it seems that his estate will continue to be solvent as his death at the age of 50 has not diminished his ability to sell. A record deal with Sony Music that extends through 2017 is the primary contributor to the newfound riches, though his wildly popular concert film is also responsible for creating all that revenue for MJ Inc.

Since his death, Jackson has sold nearly 9 million albums in the U.S. alone, with another 800,000 albums sold from the Jackson 5 and the Jacksons. Outside of the U.S., 24 million "units" have sold. Billboard Magazine estimates that the value of those sales is around $383 million. In addition to sales of actual records, there have also been 12.9 million track downloads in the U.S. over the past year, with another 26.5 million worldwide, resulting in another $34 million. Ringtone sales have accounted for even more in revenue, creating an additional $5 million in sales. Altogether, music accounts for $429 million in earnings since his death.

Film and television have also contributed mightily, with rehearsal footage going for $60 million to Sony Pictures. Sony then parlayed that footage into $72 million at the U.S. box office and another $188 million overseas. The "This Is It" DVD then did another $43 million in U.S. sales. Add it all

Fans Remember Michael Jackson on the Anniversary of his Death

Michael Jackson passed away on June 25, 2009, and legions of his fans came out to pay their respects. A crowed gathered in Los Angeles to offer tributes, to sing, to dance and to cry while remembering the pop icon that touched many lives with his music. On the same day, Michael Jackson’s volatile father, Joe Jackson filed a wrongful death law suit against the doctor who has been charged with administering lethal doses of medications to the former king of pop.

At the gathering of fans, a huge banner read "The King of Pop, Michael Jackson, Gone Too Soon." Noted Erick Dominguez, a longtime fan who traveled nearly 100 miles to join the rally, "He’s been my idol all my life since I can remember. I feel like I haven’t had closure." Dominguez, perhaps summing up the love felt for Jackson by his fans, began to silently weep as he talked about his deceased hero. Meanwhile, fans also gathered in Jackson’s hometown of Gary, Indiana, where Jackon’s mother, Katherine, presented a memorial to her son that is located in the front yard of the small home in which he grew up.

Said Katherine Jackson, "This past year has been very hard on the family. If it wasn’t for the help of all of you, we wouldn’t have made it through." Jackson, who was 50 when he died, clearly still elicits strong feelings in his fans. Yumiko Sasaki, a 48-year-old Tokyo resident, was at a gathering of fans in Japan that featured a showing of the late singer’s possessions, and noted, "I don’t know what to say. Seeing all his things makes it all come back to me. It makes me so sad to think that he is gong. He was wonderful."