Efforts to bring Michael’s name back to MTV’s Video Vanguard Award

The history of the "MTV Music Video Vanguard Award"—also known as the MTV Video Vanguard Award—goes back to 1984. This award was given to Michael twice: once in 1988, when he was on the "Bad" tour, for his valuable musical achievements and his services, and once in 1989 for the short film Thriller. Over the years, only a few artists have received this award, because it is given only to people who have contributed to MTV culture. Directors who have made the best and most popular music videos in MTV history also don’t miss out on this award. Winners of this award are among the most respected in the industry. Still, MTV has been criticized for ignoring some other influential artists. In some years, this award was not given at all, or it was awarded under the title "Artistic Achievement." Some of the winners over the years include: The Beatles (1984), Madonna (1986), George Michael (1989), Janet Jackson (1990), The Rolling Stones (1994), and U2 (2001). Michael Jackson received more than 400 different awards throughout his career—an amount that is more than any other artist in history. As we all know, he gave MTV another life and transformed it. MTV has admitted that Michael changed music videos from a collection of images with singers and their instruments into a "short film"—a narrative and artistic story, the way Michael himself described it. Thriller, alongside Billie Jean and Beat It, changed the history of this category of music videos and opened the door for Black artists. For all these reasons, in 1991, the MTV Music Video Vanguard Award was renamed with great fanfare and celebration in honor of Michael to the "Michael Jackson Music Video Award." In 2003, after accusations were raised against Michael, MTV removed his name from the award and gave it to the "Artistic Achievement" category under the name "Artistic Achievement". After Michael was declared innocent in 2005, the award never returned to him. The award was last given in 2006, with Michael Jackson’s name removed, to filmmaker Hype Williams. Removing Michael’s name from this award—and after his innocence was announced—is not justifiable. Taj, Michael’s nephew, wrote on his Twitter: "I was there when MTV was begging Uncle Michael to show up at their ceremony to help them—people were dropping in rank and popularity. It’s interesting how easily they forget." In a 2007 interview, Michael himself told Ebony magazine that MTV drove him crazy with their requests. The MTV Music Video Vanguard Award should be given in Michael Jackson’s name, because without his creativity and genius, the music and video industry today would not be the way it is. Bringing Michael’s name back to this award is a tribute to his valuable contributions to music and performing arts. That’s why Michael’s fans have launched a campaign to bring Michael’s name back to the award. They have posted a video on YouTube showing people from different countries with their placards and protest posters. To watch it, click. They also recently created an online signature form that can be signed at here. In response to Taj’s protest and the fans’ campaign, MTV said: "We hear you, MJ fans. This award is given only in special situations to influential people." Of course, MTV knows exactly how much it owes Michael Jackson. Given their response, maybe they also won’t be unwilling to bring Michael’s name back. Fans were able to bring Michael’s name back to the Gardner School—this time too, with effort and persistence, they can do it. Source: eMJey / MJWN & wikipedia