
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: lisa on 8/30/2009 1:14AM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MJ I LOVE U AND MISS YOU SO MUCH
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By: tynee on 8/30/2009 1:12AM
& last but not least your birthday will always be happy because on that day a star has been born & its you once again happy birthday mj we all love you... from family to friends to friends/fans we all heart you!
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By: brittany on 8/30/2009 1:55AM
I no lots of people miss and love MJ, but he only did what we all got to do. People should stop making a god out of MJ and EP. God is not please with this. He said do not put no other god before me. There is only one God, and one king. That King Jesus.
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By: Lovin' King Michael Joseph Jackson on 9/10/2009 1:08AM
Dear Brittany,
All God-fearing people are aware there is only ONE GOD, maker of Heaven and Earth. King Michael Joseph Jackson is a MUSICAL KING, an icon, those that love him celebrate his life and his work. His family and millions of fans miss him terribly. We will never cease to praise him, wonderful man he was, TREMENDOUS CONTRIBUTIONS he gave to society! Please understand the DIFFERENCE!!! R.I.P. our beloved musical king, I love you always, we will always love, miss, and defend you!!!!!!!!!!
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By: Marlene Franklin on 9/08/2009 10:49AM
I always wondered, how to you wish someone a happy birthday when they died. You no longer have birthdays when your dead.
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By: Alicia Kao on 11/02/2009 6:26PM
MICHAEL~我真的太想念你了
你的才華是世上無人能及的
我很幸運~還能看到你生前所留下的這些照片
你看起來仍是那麼帥氣~有自信~笑得如此燦爛
願你在天堂也是這樣~
我愛你!
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