'Moonwalk' Michael Jackson's 1988 memoir to be released again

AP

The King of Pop's memoir that was originally published in 1988 will be re-released accoding to new reports.

MTV reports:

Plans are already in the works to repurpose almost every shred of Michael Jackson's creative output — music, footage, costumes and more — for various tributes on the big screen, small screen, museum hall and concert stage. Next up is the written word.

Jackson's 1988 ghostwritten memoir, "Moonwalk," is being reissued for publication in October, The Associated Press reports. The reissue will contain a new introduction by a yet-unnamed friend of Jackson's and will have a first printing of 100,000 copies.

In interviews with the AP, Jackson's literary agent, Joy Harris, and the original editor of the book, Shaye Areheart, who is also publishing the reissue, revealed the process behind making "Moonwalk," as well as the harried days after the pop star's death when plans to re-release the book began.

Beginning in the mid '80s, Areheart met with Jackson many times at his Encino, California, home to conduct interviews for the memoir. "He was just a lively, in-touch guy," she said. "And he did have his act together."

They would often sit together by a large fireplace as Areheart asked questions and Jackson spoke answers into a tape recorder. He was "smart and funny and gracious," she said.

Yet the project ended up taking much longer to complete than expected, as Jackson was often occupied with the demands of tours and recording sessions. "His time was constantly not his own," Areheart said.

The book ended up coming out in the spring of 1988 and became a #1 New York Times bestseller. In the memoir, Jackson admitted to being beaten by his father and to having two nose jobs. He dedicated the book to Fred Astaire.

According to Harris, publishers began asking about reprinting the memoir the morning after Jackson's death. She got in touch with his attorneys, who began negotiations and struck a deal with Areheart and her Random House imprint, Harmony.

"It did seem abrupt to me," Harris told the AP. "But when I thought about it, it didn't surprise me, in the way that everything is so immediate these days."

Attention Michael Jackson supporters: There is a wonderful new project in the form of a portrait that millions of fans worldwide can take part in. A Portrait of Michael Jackson created from millions of hand-drawn dots will invite millions of fans worldwide to become part of Jackson's legacy by getting a free dot in the portrait in their name. A dot is not drawn on the canvas until someone signs up for it; at least one million fans (dots) are needed to complete the image of the King of Pop, with room in the portrait for many more millions to participate. The organizers of this tribute have the support of Ken Kragen, who was responsible for "We Are the World," The Robson Family (Joy, Wade and Chantal), and Don Wilson, the creator / director / producer of the "Man in the Mirror" video. Proceeds will be donated to several charities that were dear to Michael, including The Make A Wish Foundation. Every single hand-drawn dot David places on his canvas represents a real person. People have joined David's projects from over 150 countries. Every Michael Jackson fan will be able to get a free hand-drawn dot added to the portrait in their name. Thus far people representing over 100 countries have signed up to take part in this project. The Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait is a partner of The Michael Jackson Fan Club (http://www.MJfanclub.net), the largest Michael Jackson fan club in the world, which was supported by Jackson himself.

If 250,000 fans vote at SupportJacksonPortrait.com the drawing will begin. A dedicated website will be created so people can sign up for their free dot. People will be able to attach a message to their dot if they choose. Every time someone signs up, a dot will be hand drawn in the work of art in their name. People will be able to go online to see the portrait as it evolves toward completion and read some of the messages.

Please sign up at SupportJacksonPortrait.com and be a part of this tribute to the King of Pop.

Read the interview with artist David Ilan here.