A Great Thank You to Michael Jackson

There is a lot of gratitude for Michael Jackson. He is a singer that won almost 200 awards for his pop music talent philanthropic movements. The great things he accomplished with his brothers were overshadowed with an amazing album, 'Thriller'. Michael Jackson decided around this time to find a way to make a positive difference.

An idea was brought forth by Harry Belafonte, the critically acclaimed "King of Calypso". His desire was the creation of a benefit album that would assist with relief efforts for the famine in Africa. The first to be contacted was not Jackson. First on the contact list was Lionel Ritchie, and in addition, country legend Kenny Rogers. Stevie Wonder was another key figure who was interested in the project from the very beginning.

Lionel Ritchie was the one requesting Michael Jackson to take part in the project. These two people advanced the project and wrote a unique song, "We Are the World". As a result of this collaboration, Africa has received 62 million dollars to aid the vision of Belafonte, a vision which Michael Jackson and others have kept alive.

A larger responsibility to give back was assumed by Jackson, after this effort in 1985.

Jackson has the honor of helping the highest number of charities out of all pop stars with money or with support.

Do you realize this?

• In 1984 Jackson provided the money to purchase required equipment for a 19-bed-unit for leukemia victims at Mount Senai New York Medical Center

• When Jackson donated received $1.5 million from Pepsi as compensation for burns he received in the filming of a television advertisement, he donated the entire amount to the Michael Jackson Burn Center for Children

• A scholarship fund was established by Jackson and perpetuated with money derived from a $1.5 million Jackson endowment that funds this scholarship opportunity for African American students

• All money made from the single "Man in the Mirror" were donated to Camp Ronald McDonald

• Money made from various Jackson concerts have been donated to provide relief for underprivileged children in the immediate region of the concert

• In the 90's Jackson established the "Heal the World" Foundation that has provided millions of dollars in assistance on a number of efforts, including famine relief, drug abuse counseling and assisting the underprivileged

• Even after he passed away, some of his personal effects, such as his iconic glove and hat, were scheduled to be auctioned off to assist a program called MusiCares

• In addition, Jackson was honored following his death with the 2009 Save The World Award for his lifelong commitment to giving back.

In life, Jackson was unique in both presence and style. His music was revived after his death, and created new fans of his music from an amazing time in history. More funding for charities was provided for in his will.

Many agree that Jackson had a lot of influence on bringing racial diversity in the music business and the way music videos were presented on TV. His innovative work with videos such as 'Thriller', 'Bad', and 'Billie Jean' instantly opened up opportunities for black entertainers to have their music on TV.

Videos and interesting facts are found about him on websites such as http://www.micheal-jackson1.com.

There are a lot of accomplishments Michael Jackson did first in the business, but in many situations he donated money and help because this was part of his personality, even when the cameras were off, and the paparazzi was gone. Despite being judged often by others, he continued to work diligently to improve the world around him.

He succeeded in both life and death.