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American Morning

Look Back at Michael Jackson's Thriller of a Career

Aired September 07, 2001 - 09:31   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: In case you missed it, Michael Jackson stole the show last night at the MTV Music Awards. The King of Pop performed with top boy group 'N Sync. Jackson showed up unannounced at the New York event honoring music's top stars. As you can see, he does still have it. Whatever it is, he still has it.

All right, now fans got a glimpse of Michael Jackson's performance last night on the MTV Music Video Awards, as we said, but tonight is his big night. The King of Pop is going to kick off his first U.S. tour in 11 years, and the first reunion with his brothers in 20 years. That happens tonight at Madison Square Garden.

Here's Lauren Hunter. She's got a look back at Michael Jackson's thriller of a career.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

LAUREN HUNTER, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): If music the measure of the success of Michael Jackson, then his title as King of Pop is a good fit. He sang way to childhood stardom in the '70s as lead singer of the Jackson 5, topping the charts with hits such as "ABC" and "Got to be There."

J. RANDY TARABORRELLI, MICHAEL JACKSON BIOGRAPHER: from the time he was a young boy,he was magical. What he had innately was so brilliant that it's hard to imagine that he wouldn't have become a great star on his own anyway.

HUNTER: That solo success was guaranteed in 1979 with the album "Off the Wall." It brought the first of Jackson's career 13 Grammys.

But it was 1982's "thriller" that catapulted the performer to superstar status and secured his place in music history.

GEOFF MAYFIELD, "BILLBOARD" MAGAZINE: "Thriller" certified 26 times platinum, 26 million shipments. "Thriller" was moment in time. It was the perfect record.

HUNTER: It was number one for 37 weeks, won eight Grammys, and remains the second highest selling album ever in the U.S.

Jackson later acknowledged unusually high standard "Thriller" set.

MICHAEL JACKSON, SINGER: You try and compete with your previous work, and it's tough.

HUNTER: The multiplatinum "Dangerous" was released in 1991, notable for controversial black and white video. At times, the music seemed overshadowed by the public's fascination with Jackson's personal life -- his high-profile friendships and his ever changing appearance.

That escalated in 1993 when the Santa Barbara sheriff's department launch an investigation of charges that Jackson molested a then-13-year-old boy, allegations that Jackson denied.

JACKSON: Don't treat me like a criminal, because I am innocent. The parties reached an out of court settlement two years later for an undisclosed sum, but the taint lingered.

TARABORRELLI: There were always questions about it, because he always so enigmatic, and different and man child like, and asexual and complex.

HUNTER: No charges ever filed, and the investigation was suspended, though the case officially remains open.

Jackson's personal life continued to make headlines with his 1994 marriage to Lisa Marie Presley, a union that lasted just 18 months.

HUNTER: Jackson married a second time in 1996, to former physician's assistant Debbie Rowe. They have two children who are being raised by Jackson following the couple's divorce. Though American audiences haven't seen Jackson on stage in years, he's continued to tour overseas, and was inducted for the second time into the rock 'n' roll hall of fame last March.

MAYFIELD: Michael has achieved heights that most people can just dream about. His place in music history is secure.

HUNTER: With the Jackson's all-star tribute concert this weekend and Michael's new album "Invincible" due out next month, the question is whether can maintain his musical reign and reach a new generation of fans.

LEE SOLTERS, JACKSON'S FORMER PUBLICIST: I think with the CD, and with the Madison Square Garden thing, I think it's going to renew the Michael mania.

HUNTER: Lauren Hunter, CNN Entertainment News Hollywood.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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