Whenever an emerging media was rumoured, chances are that Michael Jackson was already onto it.
1982
Thriller brought us the programmed looping bass line now evident in drum'n bass and break-beat, popularised by artists such as Goldie and Roni Size.
1986
Michael Jackson is featured in an entertaining production number that concludes with the stage filled with smoke and laser shots. He shuns the traditional flesh-and-feathers approach created in Las Vegas in favour of original entertainment and technology.
1987
Technical wizard Harry Mendell, talks about the wonders of digital audio editing… “When Michael Jackson wanted to change something in his recording after it was done, it wouldn't put a dent in his schedule”.
1988
Sony goes cold on moving Jackson to DAT (digital audio tapes), possibly the beginning of the end of DAT.
"The big question now is how soon Sony, which acquired CBS Records two weeks ago, will put Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson and all the other CBS stars on DAT. Sony is in an awkward position because CBS record executives have been leaders in the music industry's fight against DAT." Time
1991
Sony pulls the rug on its plans to take the Digital Audio Tape (DAT) format to the mass market. Soon after Michael Jackson is released on Sony's MiniDisc.
The hit "Black or White" helps usher in morphing as an important technology in music videos.
1995
The first Michael Jackson online interview... doesn't go so well.
“I just want everyone to be aware that the media is garbage." Thus spake Michael Jackson, self-proclaimed "King of Pop," during Thursday's "simulchat" with several thousand users of the four most popular on-line computer services and many more viewers of the MTV cable network.
Entertainment Weekly
2003
The Muse.Net. service plugs people in to their digital music collection through any Internet connection. Yes, there was even a little chair dancing to Michael Jackson.
Wired
2004
Michael Jackson launches a new media offensive as he battles to prove his innocence over child abuse allegations by setting up his own website for reporters.
2007
Michael Jackson is reportedly talking about building a 50-foot robotic replica of himself as the centerpiece for a possible Jackson-inspired Vegas show. The robot will roam the Las Vegas desert shooting laser beams to attract visitors.
Wired
2008
The YouTube phenonenon "A Thriller in Manila" - Filipino prisoners have taken to dancing to the hit song during their one-hour exercise session.
Michael Jackson’s Thriller is included in the cassette soundtrack for NASA’s in depth "multimedia feature" celebrating their 50th anniversary
2009
News of Michael Jackson's death explodes on twitter and the rest of the internet.
