Michael Jackson, the green economy, the charitable legacy

Wikipedia

Yes, this post has a purely exploitative title, but there is method to this.  Michael Jackson was, among other things, a supporter of many charitable causes.

He gave money as well as performed at charitable events.  Ironically, he is most often praised for his work with children.  Here's more detail from Katie McKoy, Atlanta Special Needs Kids Examiner.

Of course, the mega-star hit "We Are the World" from 1985 is front-and-center in the environment of social consciousness.  The song was co-written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and Wikipedia reports the combined revenues raised from the sales of "We Are the World" and Hands Across America (a related event) was almost $100 million.  The song benefited an organization called USA for Africa, which still exists over 20 years later feeding the starving of Africa.

"Earth Song" is to some a curious matter.  It is Jackson's biggest selling single ever in the U.K. while it was never released as a single in the U.S.  It is the third single from the album HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I.

The song has resurfaced as an anthem for World Environment Day.  The video is below this post.

"Earth Song" garnered praise from various environmental and animal protection groups: 

 Jackson visited the White House on several occasions.  Here he is recognized by President Reagan for Jackson's efforts in raising awareness of the prevalence of drunk driving: