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Michael Jackson’s Father, Joseph Jackson, Terminally Ill, A Controversial King Lear Who Willed the Jackson 5 and Ended up with Nothing

Roger Friedman
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Michael Jackson’s Father, Joseph Jackson, Terminally Ill, A Controversial King Lear Who Willed the Jackson 5 and Ended up with Nothing

Joseph Jackson, a controversial figure if ever there was one, is dying. TMZ reported it first. Now I can tell you Mr. Jackson– Joseph– is in the final stages of pancreatic cancer. To me, he’s an operatic figure, a great dying former Emperor, long ago deposed of his kingdom. He’s King Lear with no estate.

In reality, Joe Jackson was a clever hustler. He willed the Jackson 5 into being, and got his family from a small house in Gary, Indiana to the bright lights of Hollywood and international fame. It would be a rags to riches saga with a happy ending if only Joe hadn’t tortured his kids to make it happen.

Will he make it to 90 in July? It doesn’t seem like it. But Joseph will tell the gatekeepers in heaven that he made 90 just to sound good. No one will dispute him unless Michael, who feared his father, is waiting for him with a group of jurors. Everything about Michael’s tragic life, and now Janet’s admission of depression, has to do with Joseph Jackson.

This is the man who brought a Michael Jackson imitator with him to the BET Awards five days after Michael died. This is the man who locked a 10 year old Michael in a closet when he wouldn’t rehearse to Joseph’s liking. The stories of Joseph’s brutality, his lack of feeling, his greed, will follow him to the grave.

Flashback to the morning of Michael’s 30th anniversary concert at Madison Square Garden. Joseph calls a “press conference” and invites me– yes, me, the guy who’d been writing about this stuff for years. He announces he’s going to start Jackon Family Studios and license Jackson 5 videos. Does he have the rights? No. Does Michael even know about this? No.

I ask him, how did you punish your children? He answers: I’d beat them with the back of my hand, or a brush. He was not apologetic.

If this is it for Joe Jackson, he leaves all his children but Michael. That’s including an illegitimate daughter, Jovanni, born after Janet. For years Jovanni lived in Las Vegas, worked in McCarren Airport, and saw her father. Katherine Jackson at least twice contemplated divorcing Joseph; the couple has not lived together for years.

Joseph will be remembered as a mean son of a gun, but also in some ways sympathetic. By the time Michael took off as a solo act, Joseph had little to show of  his success with the Jackson 5. Motown had gotten all the publishing and royalties. A panic sent in that must have sent him right Off the Wall. “Don’t stop til you get enough” should have been his motto. But it was already too late.

Box Office Fizz: “Jurassic World” Sequel Opens 17% Down in Previews from 2015 Blockbuster

Roger Friedman
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Box Office Fizz: “Jurassic World” Sequel Opens 17% Down in Previews from 2015 Blockbuster

The dinosaur world is in high alert this morning.

Last night, “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” made $15.3 million in previews. Sounds good, but that’s down 17% from the first “Jurassic World” in 2015.

If last night and tonight don’t add up to $50 million, the weekend take could be less than $130 million. And that was a number really hoped for.

As I wrote yesterday, Universal anticipated this and made a smart move. They released “Fallen Kingdom” internationally before the bad news could turn into bad buzz and swept up $450 million. They’ve made their money back. Whatever happens now won’t hurt them too much except PR wise.

The third installment — you have to believe they’re going to finish this thing– will have to be actually written. And Chris Pratt will have to seem like he’s happy to be there.

Friars Club Donates $15K to Defunct Gloria Allred Charity, “Celebrity Roast” Guests Include Laura Branigan, Who Died in 2004

Roger Friedman
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Friars Club Donates $15K to Defunct Gloria Allred Charity, “Celebrity Roast” Guests Include Laura Branigan, Who Died in 2004

Last night feminist lawyer Gloria Allred was “roasted” by the Friars Club at their midtown Manhattan headquarters.

For her trouble, the Friars– who are in financial peril, closing for a month this summer, and losing members rapidly– gave Gloria a check for $15,000. It was made out to the Womens Equal Rights Legal Defense Fund, a 501 c 3 registered to Allred.

She must have been happy to get the money. The Fund hasn’t filed a federal tax return since 2014. Net assets listed at the end of 2014 were $27, 142. Currently, GuideStar has them listed as having no assets.

GuideStar may want to look into this since they de-list charities and foundations that don’t file tax returns after 3 missed years.

Who went to the roast? A report in BroadwayWorld.com this morning written by a Friars member names: Joanna Cassidy, Lainie Kazan, and Cat Greenleaf.  Fran Drescher was the roast master.

Branigan, a great singer, died in 2004. I’m glad to see she’s still getting out.

In other news, Abe Vigoda was out of town.

 

(Watch) Here’s the Complete, Brilliant Paul McCartney Carpool Karoake with James Corden

Roger Friedman
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(Watch) Here’s the Complete, Brilliant Paul McCartney Carpool Karoake with James Corden

This is just about the best segment James Corden has done. He goes back to Liverpool with Paul McCartney. They revisit Paul’s childhood home, and McCartney and his band play in a local pub. Even though some it had to be staged, it’s incredibly moving to see McCartney playing a piano in his old front room, singing “When I’m 64” at 76. Corden can’t believe the whole thing, he’s tearing up the whole time, and you will be, too. Bravo!

Monkees Semi-Reunion Tour Cut Short, NY Show Cancelled, as Mike Nesmith Takes Ill

Roger Friedman
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Monkees Semi-Reunion Tour Cut Short, NY Show Cancelled, as Mike Nesmith Takes Ill

If you were hoping to see The Micky and Mike Show Friday night at the Beacon Theater, I’ve got bad news for you.

The partial Monkees reunion has had to cancel New York and three more shows on the tour. Mike Nesmith, who hasn’t played Monkees material live on stage in decades, has taken ill.

According to a spokesman: “Michael Nesmith had a minor health issue today in advance of his tour date in Philadelphia tonight. He visited a local medical facility and, although the issue was not serious, was advised to rest for the next week, so unfortunately the remaining four dates on The Monkees Present: The Mike & Micky Show tour have been postponed until a later date. Nesmith has been dismissed from the hospital and is traveling back to his home in Carmel Valley. He is in good spirits and thanks all the fans for their support and understanding. He looks forward to getting back on the stage again soon.”

Peter Tork was not on this tour because apparently he doesn’t get along with Nesmith. Nesmith dropped out of the Monkees years ago because he didn’t get along with Davy Jones, who sadly died much too young. This tour was supposed to he recorded for a live album, but that may not be happening now. What’s wrong with Mike? Maybe he inhaled too much Liquid Paper. (His mom invented it years ago.)

I was kind of looking forward to hearing all those songs by Neil Diamond, Carole King, Boyce and Hart, and so on. I hope Mike is feeling better soon. Micky Dolenz will perform at the Grammys Special Merit concert in Los Angeles next month, singing “I’m a Believer” for Neil Diamond.

Dick Van Dyke, 92, Raps “A Spoonful of Sugar” at Academy Tribute to “Mary Poppins” Songwriters

Leah Sydney
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Dick Van Dyke, 92, Raps “A Spoonful of Sugar” at Academy Tribute to “Mary Poppins” Songwriters

With the new Emily Blunt- Lin Manuel Miranda “Mary Poppins” coming this fall, the great songwriters Richard and Robert Sherman are back in the spotlight. The Academy honored them last night with  “Sherman Brothers: A Hollywood Songbook”  and oh what a night it was.  Richard Sherman, who just turned 90, was there in full force to revel in the night.  (His brother and writing brother Robert passed away in 2012 at the age of 86.)

The evening was hosted by John Stamos, a true fan boy who explained his life long love of the Sherman’s music and the relevance it has today.  “Their music is an poignant now as it was back then. The same light that shines on a child in Disneyland seeking joy shines on a child in Syria seeking shelter.”

LeAnn Rimes entranced the audience with a knockout version of “Stay Awake” from “Mary Poppins.” Keala Settle — fresh off her Oscar nominated hit with “This is Me” — got the night’s musical numbers started with “It’s A Small World” written by the Shermans, which became Disney’s park theme song.

But the star of the night who everyone had come to see was the amazing 92 year old Dick van Dyke, who MUST receive a Kennedy Center Honor this year.

DvD told a story about the Sherman brothers and  “Mary Poppins.”  “The brothers never made fun of my Cockney accent. A lot of people did.  I don’t even bother to go to England anymore.”  DvD said Walt Disney “saw the world through the eyes of a child.  He had this vision. The Shermans shared that vision, their music goes straight to your heart.  I realized on “Mary Poppins” that we were creating something that hadn’t been before.”

Then along with the barbershop quartet Vantastix, van Dyke performed a medley of his hits, and yes, he rapped a version of “Spoonful of Sugar,” and danced like he was a 25 year old.

Hayley Mills surprised the audience by reprising “Let’s Stay Together” from “The Parent Trap.” The room exploded with applause. The youthful Mills came on to explain her history with the duo. She starred in “The Parent Trap” 58 years ago and like van Dyke, appears wonderfully youthful. (Maybe it’s from the Shermans’ songs.)  She continued, “Walt Disney introduced us. I think we probably all took it a bit for granted.  He was the original Big Daddy.  Your songs will survive for all time.”

One surprise guest was Johnny Whittaker, who was the child star of the TV series “Family Affair.” He starred in the title role of Tom Sawyer, another movie with a Sherman score.

Richard’s son, Gregg, and Robert’s son, Jeffrey (married to the talented writer/comedienne Wendy Liebman) paid tribute to their dads.  Jeffrey noted that his father, “at age 19 was the first American soldier to liberate Dachau.”

Richard Sherman came on at the end to thunderous applause and a rousing standing ovation.  He noted his bond with his late brother.  “Robert told me to stick with him and that one day we’d be wearing silk pajamas.”   He then played the piano and sang “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,”  to the delight of the crowd.  He said poignantly, “I’ll never forget this night.”  Nor will anyone in the audience.  The evening ended with the audience standing singing, “Lets Go Fly A Kite,” with kites all over the room.  The Academy got everything right on this one.

“Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” Scores $450 Mil Worldwide Before Expected Disappointing US Opening

Roger Friedman
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“Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” Scores $450 Mil Worldwide Before Expected Disappointing US Opening

Well, “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” has a 54 on Rotten Tomatoes. Predictions are that it will have a disappointing opening weekend at $130 million, well below its predecessor’s $208.8 million opening.

But the good news is that “Fallen Kingdom” has already made $450 million internationally.

Universal was smart. They got the dino’s, Chris Pratt and company out to foreign territories where special effects were more important than a story. Because “Fallen Kingdom” is basically the same movie as all the other “Jurassic” installments. And Chris Pratt looks like he’s asleep or dazed for most of the film.

But in foreign countries, no one cares about these things. And the special effects are super. So Universal got the jump. A low US first weekend won’t affect the international sales. Even the bad reviews can’t hurt “Fallen Kingdom.” And hopefully for a third and final film they’ll develop the story and give Pratt a Thermos full of coffee.

Paul McCartney’s First New Album in 5 Years Zooms to Top of Amazon Best Sellers 10 Weeks Before Release

Roger Friedman
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Paul McCartney’s First New Album in 5 Years Zooms to Top of Amazon Best Sellers 10 Weeks Before Release

“Egypt Station” had better be pretty good.

Paul McCartney’s first new album in five years has zoomed to the top of the Amazon best seller lists 10 weeks before its release.

The album arrives on September 7th. Meanwhile, McCartney released new tracks today. “Come on to Me,” a rocker, and “I Do;’t Know,” a moody ballad in the vein of Adele’s “Hello,” also jumped to numbers 5 and 6 on Amazon’s Digital Music downloads.

The dropping of the singles and announcement of the album were a little convoluted. But McCartney’s Instagram followers got the message and responded.

The next step will be to see if the singles are popular on Spotify and iTunes, if Capitol can get some airplay for them on radio. I think that “Come on to Me” is so catchy, it might join the many non musical singles already on the air.

“Gotti” Dying a Slow Death at Box Office After Scandal Over Possibly Planted Reviews

Roger Friedman
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“Gotti” Dying a Slow Death at Box Office After Scandal Over Possibly Planted Reviews

I’m sorry, but “Gotti” is not the popular movie everyone was waiting to see.

After making $1.7 million over the weekend, the John Travolta mob flick had a difficult Monday and Tuesday.

In fact, on Monday “Gotti” had the biggest drop from Sunday of any new or current film playing in 500 theaters or more– 64%. On Tuesday, when adults go to the movies, “Gotti” had the smallest increase among the same films– 12%.

On Sunday it seemed like fake reviewers had infiltrated Rotten Tomatoes and posted a bunch of improbably positive reviews in the fan section.

After five days, “Gotti” has made $2.1 million. Yesterday, they took in $218,000, which I think is shocking. Around 2,100 people maybe sat through it.

Maybe things will pick up tonight and tomorrow. Hope floats, just like a dead body in the East River.

update RIP Magno Sound’s Famed Screening Rooms at 729 7th Avenue, After 68 Years, But Post Production Facility Will Continue at New Location

Roger Friedman
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update RIP Magno Sound’s Famed Screening Rooms at 729 7th Avenue, After 68 Years, But Post Production Facility Will Continue at New Location

UPDATE THURS 12:30PM David Friedman called to say yes, indeed, it’s the end of the screening rooms. But Magno will continue as a production and post-production house. They’re moving to 15 East 32nd St. into smaller accommodations. At one time, he recalled, they had five screening rooms. But bookings have fallen as, just as I wrote, links and other digital methods have supplanted the human experience. Nice guy– I hope film companies will follow them to the new location.

 

EARLIER The new just gets worse and worse.

Closing for good after 68 years is Magno Sound and Recording and the famed Magno Screening Rooms at 729 Seventh Avenue. The last day is June 27th.

Magno has been in my life since the early 80s. There was a time when every press screening was there for every film. It was almost like a rite of passage. Even my own film, “Only the Strong Survive,” screened there.

Magno was created in 1950 by a man named Ralph Friedman (no relation to me). He died in 1991 and his sons have run the company ever since then.

The building 729 Seventh Avenue was built in 1915. It was immediately a media hub, where advertising agencies worked on radio ads. Believe it or not, my grandmother told me about going there to work on ads for the shoe company where was in PR in the mid 1920s.

The great screening rooms are disappearing. In the “old” days we depended on Magno, and on Todd AO (West 54th St.) and Columbia -Sony on Fifth Avenue, Universal on Fifth Avenue, the screening room in the Brill Building. They’re all gone. Publicists send links now. Warner Bros. still has their screening room, and Dolby took over MGM at 1350 Sixth Avenue. But it’s only a matter of time that this communal experience will disappear along with so many things we took for granted.

 

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