It seemed like a while since we’d heard from the Jackson family. But with the AEG wrongful death trial, the calls are coming in. First off: last November, my sources say, papa Joe Jackson had not one but four strokes in one day. Somehow he survived them all intact. Since then, I am told, he’s been keeping a low profile in Las Vegas.

“His voice sounds weak on the phone,” a source tells me. “But he’s ok.” Before she married a nine years younger Arab billionaire, Janet Jackson visited her father. But otherwise? “She’s gone,” says my source. “She married a billionaire. They’ve got houses in three countries. She’s spending time in the Middle East. She’s become a Muslim.”

The family, they say, is still talking about the Harvard graduation last May 2012 of Randy’s daughter Stevanna. There were some reports at the time on blogs. But the only family member who attended the graduation, this source says, was Joseph Jackson. Stevanna could turn out to the Marilyn Munster of the large Jackson clan. She’s bright and wants to be a movie producer. The family is hopeful that she can be a role model for Paris Jackson, who’s 15 and wanting to get into the entertainment world.

There’s still a rift among the Jacksons concerning last summer’s escapade in which Katherine Jackson was “kidnapped” by Jermaine, Janet, and Randy. Michael’s kids have very little to do with those siblings. And Rebbie Jackson, the oldest sibling, is getting over the death of her husband, Nathaniel. As for La Toya Jackson, it’s not set in cement that she’ll be agenting or managing Paris and Prince much longer. The Jacksons are still like a chess game in motion apparently.

Stay tuned…

EXCLUSIVE What a birthday night for Miss Aretha Franklin! First the cast of the “Motown” musical already selling out to the rafters serenaded her at the end of the Monday night show. The whole cast and the audience sang the Stevie Wonder “Happy Birthday” song to the Queen of Soul, who brought about a dozen guests. She herself sang along with the show full of Motown hits. The cast didn’t even know she was in the audience until the intermission. Then after the show many members of the cast– as well as the legendary Berry Gordy Jr.– joined Aretha for a swanky birthday party at the Ritz Carlton on Central Park South.

And wait: before the show, Aretha and pals had an Early Bird Supper at one of New York’s very best restaurants– Le Bernardin. This elegant eatery is known for its fish. But Aretha wanted veal scallopini. So she called ahead and they made it for her! Now, this is royalty. She paid the bill herself and couldn’t stop complimenting the cuisine.

Then off to “Motown” where, she told me later, she sang along with the show and kept screaming “The Temps” for the Temptations. “Motown” brings to life many of the Motown stars and their three dozen or so hits. Actors play Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Mary Wells, Martha Reeves, the original Temptations, Gladys Knight and Michael Jackson. Sadly, no Four Tops. And last night, as Gordy keeps trimming the show, they stopped the Miracles’ number “Tears of a Clown.”

At the Ritz Carlton, Aretha was met by Tony Bennett and his wife Susan, who came to pay their respects. The party was tres elegant. Each guest received a Sylvia Weinstock baked miniature Grammy Award with their name on the faceplate. Aretha’s cake was the most magnificent thing I’ve ever seen, also a Weinstock original. And the guests included friends from New York and Detroit, as well as Rev. Al Sharpton (who’s really unbelievably thin at this point) plus BET’s Debra Lee, the Bennetts, Berry Gordy, the “Motown” cast. Music was provided by a combo led by legendary jazz pianist Mulgrew Miller. There were cakes everywhere. Aretha said, “This is for when everyone finishes their Seder.”

photo c2013 Showbiz411

SECOND UPDATE: With about 70% of sales counted so far, “20/20” is at 760,000 copies. That’s more than the combined sales of the rest of the top 50 last week.

UPDATE Justin Timberlake’s “20/20” album looks like it will hit between 975,000 and 980,000. This according to our pals at hitsdailydouble.com. Not a million? Anyway, the hits hit counter has a glitch, but they’ll be up and at it shortly.  The original writers of “Suit and Tie” should be celebrating. Let’s hope they got a good deal for use of their song “Sho Nuff.” Keep refreshing for updates…

EARLIER Well, well. A week on Jimmy Fallon, plus “Saturday Night Live,” not to mention the Grammy Awards and the after parties and the constant barrage of media–it’s all worked. Hitsdailydouble.com says “The 20/20 Experience” should come a cropper on Monday with between 800,000 and 900,000 copies sold. But I am told that the number could be higher. Two versions of “20/20” are occupying the numbers 1 and 2 slots on iTunes. The album is number 1 everywhere else. “Suit & Tie” — based on a song called “Sho Nuff” by 70s R&B group Sly Slick and Wicked (Cleveland edition) has turned into a huge hit. Timberlake and Jay Z will head off on arena tour this spring. Everyone else sampled or interpolated on “20/20” will get paid handsomely (at some point). All that’s left is for JT to sing for President Obama to complete this marketing plan. I like Justin Timberlake doing comedy more than doing soul, and Robin Thicke may be knocking soon, asking for his act back, but if the success of “20/20” gets people to investigate the underlying real thing, I’m all for it.