A year after he passed away, it seems like Michael Jackson’s legacy has never been so present. As the world is getting ready to honor the memory of Michael Jackson on June 25th, the day of his first death anniversary, world-wide artists are expressing their endless admiration for the King of Pop, especially on Twitter.
Missy Elliott (@missyelliott) was one of the first star to pay tribute to Michael: “And 4 the New Generation who dont know bout MICHAEL JACKSON i suggest u do ya HOMEWORK! THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER,” said the rapper after promising she will listen to all his records in one day. As for Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey), she is reminiscing MJ’s golden age: “Watching ‘You are not alone’..Love and Prayers to MJ ‘King of Pop.’ You will be remembered forever. We miss you. Diddy (@iamdiddy) also paid his respect to the King: “Can’t believe its been a year without the legend… He lives on forever in our hearts + spirit!! RIP MICHAEL!!!” Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) remembers the impact of his idol on the world “1 year ago 2day we lost the greatest entertainer that was and will ever be…Michael Jackson…he will be missed but never forgotten. RIP MJ”
Other artists such as Melanie Fiona and James Morrison performed in New York for a concert in loving memory of Michael Jackson, while ?uestlove from the Roots threw a special party in Brooklyn, New York in his honor on the 24th.
Despite his tragic premature death, Michael Jackson benefits what Billboard magazine called a “wonderful afterlife” and his name shall survive for generations. According to Nielson Soundscan, the Jackson catalog has sold 9 million copies in the U.S. in a year, the best of “Number Ones” being 2009’s third biggest selling album. The movie “This Is It,” showing the rehearsal of MJ’s tour planned a few weeks after his death became the highest-grossing concert movie of all time. The soundtrack, featuring exclusive unreleased material of the artist, sold 1.6 million copies. Billboard estimates that the brand Michael Jackson generated more than USD1 billion in the year following his death.
This posthumous success seems to linger since Michael Jackson’s estate agreed the biggest record deal in history with Sony BMG. The 10-album contract will include unreleased tracks from the late singer, along with repackages of old songs. The first album from this USD250 million deal is set to be release in September 2010. Other upcoming projects based on Michael Jackson’s great heritage were announced such as a touring and permanent show by “Cirque du Soleil” based on his music. Video game developer Ubisoft also announced it would release a new dancing-and-singing game featuring Michael Jackson.
So the fans can reassure themselves, there is more to come! On this special day, TRACE will pay tribute to the king by programming MJ videos, along with a special video mix, and an exclusive interview of Usher confessing his endless admiration for Michael. Long live the King!
Written by Liv
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