Today on CNN Newsroom

The latest news and information from around the world. Also connect with CNN through social media. We want to hear from you.
June 27th, 2009
11:30 PM ET

The Man Behind Michael Jackson's "Dangerous"

Music producer Teddy Riley worked with Michael Jackson on the "Dangerous" album and co-wrote some of the hits. But when he talked with CNN's Don Lemon about that experience, seeing one of the videos was all it took to get him choked up.


Filed under: Don Lemon
June 27th, 2009
08:21 PM ET

Michael Jackson at Disney in '84

CNN Meteorologist Christopher Smith took these photos of Michael Jackson and Emmanuel Lewis at Disney World in 1984 . Jackson was about 26 at the time, and Lewis was about 13. Click each picture to advance through the slideshow.

[cnn-audio-slide http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/interactive/2009/06/entertainment/gallery.jackson.disney/soundslider.swf width=585 height=382]


Filed under: Don Lemon
June 27th, 2009
06:57 PM ET

On the Roof

CNN's Don Lemon anchoring Saturday night from the roof of the L.A. bureau on the investigation into Michael Jackson's death. He turned on his camcorder to share the view.


Filed under: Behind the Camera... • Don Lemon
June 27th, 2009
04:56 PM ET

Troy Davis is Running Out of Time

From writer/producer Elberta McKnight:

Troy Davis remains on death row.

Waiting... wondering... If the highest court in the land will step in and hear his case after decades of hearings, recanted testimony and questions surrounding the murder of Georgia Police Officer Mark MacPhail.

Seven of nine of the prosecution's key witnesses have changed their testimony over the years.

Mark McPhail's mother Annaliese MacPhail says she is convinced Troy Davis is guilty.

This morning, Davis' sister and nephew spoke with our TJ Holmes.

Join TJ Holmes and Betty Nguyen weekend mornings in the CNN Newsroom, beginning 6am ET/3am PT.

Post by:
Filed under: Clips from CNN Newsroom
June 27th, 2009
05:11 AM ET

Ahead in the CNN Newsroom:

Updates on the following stories:

Michael Jackson investigation
Election fallout in Iran
Another warning from North Korea
Air France Flight 447 search
Louisiana "Jena 6" case
South Carolina Governor Sanford's next move

Join TJ Holmes and Betty Nguyen in the CNN Newsroom, beginning 6am ET/3am PT.

Post by:
Filed under: CNN Newsroom
June 27th, 2009
04:00 AM ET

Michael Jackson Memories

We've asked IReporters to share their comments on the death of Michael Jackson.

CNN Newsroom show team members share their memories:

From writer Clint Deloatch:
He is the greatest entertainer of all time.
I have bought everything he has ever released to the public.
I saw him perform live in Knoxville, Tennessee when he rejoined his famous brothers as the Jacksons to perform their Victory tour in the southeast.
Michael Jackson was unbelievable. He could do things NO other dancer could do before or since AND he made it look easy.
If Elvis had NOT come of age in segregated America, Elvis MIGHT… just MIGHT have been equal to Michael. However, because Elvis did reach his peak in segregated America, blacks, Hispanics and other ethnic Americans could not embrace Elvis the way everyone was able to embrace Michael Jackson.
The irony is Michael Jackson was even more loved outside the United States than he ever was in his own country.

From writer Richard Spiropolous:
Michael was a dreamlike entertainer with a voice like an angel-
He always seemed to be a throwback from a different world, a different realm
The intensity and genius of "Thriller," the playful camaraderie he and Paul shared in "Say, Say, Say," the thinly disguised pleas for privacy in "leave me alone" and the breath taking dance moves… "Smooth Criminal."
They all shaped for me this intriguing figure of fantasy and torment, Peter Pan, without the happy thoughts.
The songs immortalized the talent… but never quite explained the strangest, most fascinating musical figure of my time.
His music lives on as a gift to us, his life a text for generations to come.

From copy editor Tracy Murphy:
As I watched the coverage of Michael Jackson's death I flashed back to all the memories I had of the King of Pop growing up. I remember the night MTV premiered "Thriller." It was a huge event. It truly was "must see television." I was in awe of the whole production from beginning to end and his dance moves were phenomenal. I remember trying to do those dances in my living room. It was so much fun. I never came close to getting those moves down like Michael, but boy I tried. Let us not forget when you first saw him do the moonwalk… I thought how'd he do that? Did he have special slippery shoes? Clearly, that was just pure genius!
Michael always kept us wanting more and just when you thought he couldn't top this video or that dance move - he did. Every time I think of his music through the years it just makes me smile. Songs like "I Want You Back" or "P.Y.T.," make you just want to dance. That's exactly what I'll keep doing because his legacy will live on forever.

From writer/editor Karen Waygood:
From the Barbie doll time in my life, I remember looking at posters of the Jackson 5 on my friend's bedroom wall... and covers of Tiger Beat that pitted the Jackson 5 against the Osmonds. The Osmonds were said to be the "answer to the Jackson 5." I don't remember what the question was.

Those early hits - those are my favorites. "I Want You Back, "The Love You Save, "Never Can Say Good-bye," "I'll Be There."
Then, from The Jacksons: "Shake Your Body Down," and "Blame it on the Boogie."

I was working for Tower Records when "Off the Wall" was released. We wore the grooves right off that in-store promotional record! Add "Rock with You," "Don't Stop Till You Get Enough" to my favorites.

From associate producer Hanna Gordola:
Michael, oh Michael. It's so funny how you can feel so close to someone who you've never come close to meeting. I'm on first-name basis with Michael Jackson. In fact, I call him 'Mike'. As in, "Yo! Did you see Mike's latest video?!" or "Hey, put Mike's CD on!"
And you never had to explain which Mike you're talking about. Everyone knows you're talking about the King of Pop.
The thing is, I grew up with Mike. He was a star when I was born in 1983.
"Thriller" was all ready the gold standard. Music videos were supposed to be epic, well, at least if they were Mike's.
Songs were supposed to stay in your head for days, well, at least if they were Mike's.
Whenever "Rock with You" is on the radio, I scream "that's my song! That's MY song!" As if the HOURS I've logged listening to that disco hit entitled me to its ownership.
And so for our show, when I was picking Michael Jackson songs to play, I kind of got carried away. I spent a little too much time selecting, or honestly, jamming along. And when I mention a song to my show team, a producer, writer, etc. would sing the tune or say something about that particular song.
I guess it goes without saying, Mike, I will miss your music. You honestly shaped my life.

From intern Adam Dolgoff:
The very first Michael Jackson memory that stands out is back in the late 80's when I was about four years old. I was watching a movie that at first appeared to be a zombie/werewolf B-movie that strongly resembled "Night of the Living Dead." I was very intrigued by horror movies at the time so I was excited to keep watching. After a few minutes of watching, out pops Michael Jackson dancing away with zombies! My hopes were let down after I found out that it wasn't a zombie movie, but I was very impressed by MJ's choreography and dancing skills. I later found out that it was the best-selling album of all time. Another time I recall hearing one of MJs songs that really appealed to me is when his hit song "Beat It" played in the movie "Back to the Future Part II," in the Café Eighties scene. I had the song stuck in my head for hours and hours. RIP MJ!

Join TJ Holmes and Betty Nguyen in the CNN Newsroom, beginning 6am ET/3am PT.

Post by:
Filed under: CNN Newsroom
June 27th, 2009
03:43 AM ET

Jackson's Body Moved

Michael Jackson's body was moved from a Los Angeles coroner's office to a mortuary Friday evening. Jackson's family asked that the location not be made public.

As the world mourns the passing of a music legend, here's a look back at how the story of Michael Jackson's death unfolded around the world.


Join us this morning in the CNN Newsroom with Betty Nguyen and TJ Holmes beginning 6am ET/3am PT.

Post by:
Filed under: CNN Newsroom