
As Jackson's personal photographer from 1983 to 1995 (he would work with him off and on for the next12 years), Funk had the great privilege of capturing the legendary performer's meteoric rise with his camera lens. Funk shared some of these photos with Black Voices -- many more can be found in the August issue of the Source -- and offered commentary on each one.
After the jump, check out the photos and listen to exclusive commentary from Funk, who was tapped by the Jackson family to produce the program and on-stage visuals for Jackson's memorial last month. Hear him talk about the day Michael decided to rip open his shirt on the Victory Tour, Michael and Randy's jumping contest during performances of 'Shake Your Body Down to the Ground' and a touching moment between the star and Jesse Jackson.
BHM MEDIA NEW
While on a family vacation with Tom and Suri, Katie Holmes hit the beach near Rio de Janeiro in this blue one piece.
bauergriffinonline.com
Rihanna hits the stage at the NFL Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Concert in a pair of knee-high black boots. What do you think about the pop singer's look?
Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images for NFL
Mischa Barton wore this Elie Saab couture mint green gown to the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d'Armenonville. Is Mischa's look a hit or miss?
Eric Ryan, Getty Images
Heroes star Hayden Panettiere arrives at the NBC Universal Pre-Super Bowl event at Portofino in a black tuxedo jacket and dress with a plunging neckline. Is the Hollywood starlet hot or not?
Gerardo Mora, Getty Images
Diane Kruger wore Nina Ricci for the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d'Armenonville. Is her dress a mess or amazing?
Eric Ryan, Getty Images
Kim Kardashian opted for this floral strapless Tracey Reese dress for the 2009 Moves Magazine Super Bowl Party at The Venue Club. Let us know what you think about Kim's look.
Tim Boyles, Getty Images
Burlesque beauty Dita Von Teese wore an ice blue Elie Saab (left) satin dress at the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d'Armenonville.
Dominique Charriau, WireImage
Spanish actress Penelope Cruz appeared at the the 2009 Goya Cinema Awards in Madrid in this black lace Chanel gown. Is it a win or a loss?
Carlos Alvarez, Getty Images
Amy Adams wore a Jasmine di Milo gold and silver sequin backless dress and Christian Louboutin heels to the 61st Annual Directors Guild of America Awards.
Frazer Harrison, Getty Images
Being thousands of miles away didn't stop Meryl Streep from celebrating the inauguration. The actress wore this Catherine Malandrino flag dress to the Paris premiere of Doubt.
Julien Hekimian, WireImage


Comments: (26)
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By: Lily White on 8/29/2009 11:18AM
Thats my baby, you RIP Mike. You were and always will be the best. And they compare him to Elvis, give me a break. That phony, butt twisting dude can never compete with MJ. This photographer did a fantastic job.
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By: friend on 8/29/2009 9:56AM
These pics are very nice. Michael will forever be known as the King Of Pop. Happy 51st B-Day. Much much love.
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By: Shay on 8/29/2009 10:21AM
"Happy Birthday Michael" I Love You, You'll never be 4 gotten.
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By: Prasanna on 8/29/2009 10:30AM
Thanks for sharing wonderful moments of beloved Michael. Have a great 51 st Birthday with GOD. With lots of love.
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By: Prasanna on 8/29/2009 10:40AM
Once again thanks for beutiful pictures of Michael.
Friends,
We call for complete vindication of Michael Jackson by mainstream media.
Michael Jackson was exonerated by a jury of his peers in 2005. Not good enough
for his fans. For his children's sake, mainstream media must become more
responsible. We discuss how truth can compel mainstream media to publicly admit
it wrongly accused Michael Jackson of despicable crimes. Many people still
believe Michael Jackson was guilty of these crimes. People were influenced to
believe the allegations were true by a biased mainstream media.
This group is NOT about vilifying the boys who falsely accused Michael of these crimes. They were kids who were easily manipulated by their parents. Our desire is that these boy accusers (now young men) will summon the strength to come forward and vindicate Michael. This group is about supporting these two young men, so they can do this. Please join us.
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/Vindication_Better_Than_Tributes
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By: LAYDEEVIRGO77 on 8/29/2009 12:54PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHAEL JOSEPH JACKSON....YOU WILL FOREVER BE IN MY HEART....LOVE YOU ALWAYZ
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By: PrInCeSs NiEcEy on 8/29/2009 1:01PM
Happy bdayy MIchael!!! iLy forever & beyondd
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By: henrietta harrell on 8/29/2009 3:25PM
happy birthday micheal i love u and always will to day i am sad my birthday is the same as your and i dont feel like having a birthday with out u
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By: Tammi on 8/29/2009 4:27PM
Ijust want to wish Michael a Happy 51st Birthday. You will always be in my heart. His death has inspired me to take a long look at the man in the mirror/woman.
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By: TRUTH_TELLER on 8/29/2009 4:51PM
Wow! I still can't believe it. It still is very sad that Michael is no longer with us. I guess he is in heaven now giving God some very grand performances.
I pray for healing for his family...especially the children.
The world won't be the same with out him.
Peace and blessings to all!
Simply EL
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