Moonwalk Press Release

July 30, 2009

The following is a press released about the re-issue of Michael’s 1988 best seller ‘Moonwalk’.

“Harmony Books, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, announced today that it has acquired the rights to Michael Jackson’s one and only autobiography, MOONWALK. The deal was negotiated between Shaye Areheart, Vice President, Publisher, Harmony Books, Joy Harris of The Joy Harris Literary Agency, and a representative from the estate of Michael Joseph Jackson.

Originally published by Doubleday in 1988, MOONWALK was an instant #1 New York Times bestseller and sold close to 500,000 copies. It is the only book about his life that Michael Jackson ever wrote. The book chronicles his humble beginnings in the Midwest, his early days with the Jackson 5, and his unprecedented solo success. MOONWALK details his songwriting process for hits like Beat It, Rock With You, Billie Jean, and We Are the World; describes how he developed his signature dance style, including the Moon Walk; and opens the door to his very private personal relationships with his family, including sister Janet, and stars like Diana Ross, Berry Gordy, Marlon Brando, Quincy Jones, Paul McCartney, and Brooke Shields.

With an announced first printing of 100,000 copies, the new edition of MOONWALK will be published on October 13 at $25.00. It will include a new introduction from a well-known figure in the entertainment industry who was close to Michael and an afterword from Publisher Shaye Areheart who was, along with Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Michael’s original editor at Doubleday.

“Publishing what sadly turned out to be Michael’s only autobiography was an exceptional experience for me. He was a brilliant and gracious man. It was a great privilege to have the opportunity to work with him,” said Ms. Areheart. “Since Michael’s untimely death in June, we all have witnessed the surge in public adoration and interest in which he was as a father, friend, mentor, songwriter, and legendary entertainer. This new edition of MOONWALK will continue to celebrate his life and career and show an extraordinary side of Michael that many have not seen.”

At the time of its original publication, MOONWALK broke the fiercely guarded barrier of silence that surrounded Michael Jackson and many, at the time, described the book as candid and courageous. Jackson talks openly about his wholly exceptional career and the crushing isolation of his fame, as well as the unfair rumors that have surrounded it.

MOONWALK is illustrated with rare photographs from Jackson family albums and Michael’s personal photographic archives, as well as a drawing done by Michael exclusively for the book. Proceeds earned by the estate will go to the Michael Jackson Family Trust, benefiting Michael’s children, his mother, Katherine, as well as charitable efforts he supported during his life.

MOONWALK was a worldwide bestseller when originally published. Foreign sales of the reissue of MOONWALK include Michel Lafon Publishing in France, Heinemann in the UK, and Heyne in Germany, with many more to come.

Foreign rights are being handled by The Joy Harris Literary Agency, Inc., in conjunction with Andrew Nurnberg Associates International Limited.

Campbell Wharton

Director of Publicity

Harmony Books, Crown Forum, Three Rivers Press”

Source: MJFC, Harmony Books & MJWN