True History Fact: 1984: Pop music superstar Michael Jackson makes two highly publicized Pepsi-Cola commercials, and during a shoot his hair accidentally catches fire, requiring surgery to his scalp. The campaign, by BBDO Worldwide, New York, is considered the forerunner of big-budget celebrity ads that become prevalent during the decade. Pepsi pays a record $5 million for the rights, another $2 million for the spots. (Courtesy: Advertising Age).