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Michael Jackson Bio: Life, Career, and Death of the King of Pop

Michael Jackson, often hailed as the “King of Pop,” was more than just an iconic American singer, songwriter, and dancer; he was a global phenomenon who reshaped the landscape of music, dance, and popular culture.

His influence extended beyond his Michael Jackson-level dance moves and vocals, touching the hearts and souls of millions worldwide.

Table of Contents

Early Life, Family, and Musical Beginnings

Born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, Michael Joseph Jackson was the seventh child of Katherine Jackson and Joe Jackson. The Jacksons were a large, working-class family, with Michael growing up alongside his brothers and sisters, including notable siblings like Jermaine Jackson and Janet Jackson. From a young age , Michael showed an extraordinary amount of charisma and energy, often charming every room he entered with his smile and lively personality.

Growing up in a small house on Jackson Street in Gary, Michael’s early life was marked by close family bonds and a shared love of music , although his home life had its complexities, largely due to his father’s strict discipline. Despite these challenges, Michael’s childhood was filled with moments that showcased his artistic talents. He would spend hours singing with his siblings and exploring different dance moves that hinted at his future in entertainment. His lively spirit and natural talent made him stand out even in his large family, setting the stage for his later success on global platforms.

Michael was introduced to music through his family, particularly under the guidance of his father, Joe Jackson, who recognized early on the potential in his children. The musical atmosphere of his household was Michael’s first school , where he and his siblings would rehearse rigorously, encouraged by their father’s ambition for them. The ensemble of brothers soon formed the Jackson 5 , a group that would lay the groundwork for Michael’s illustrious career.

The Jackson 5 was more than just a family band; it was the launchpad for Michael’s future. Under Joe’s management, young Jacksons honed the skills through constant practice and by participating in local talent shows. Michael, even as the youngest member of the group, quickly became the standout performer with his impressive vocal range and dynamic stage presence.

This early phase was crucial, as it not only showcased his natural talent but also ignited his passion for performing. As the Jackson 5’s popularity soared in their community, they began to attract more significant attention, which eventually led to their first major break in the music industry, marking the start of Michael’s journey to becoming a global icon.

Rise to Fame and Important Moments in His Career

Michael Jackson’s fame skyrocketed in the late 1970s and 1980s when he pursued a solo career. Michael Jackson was most popular during the 1980s, a decade in which he transformed the landscape of pop music. Yes, Michael Jackson wrote many of his songs; he has hundreds of songs credited to his name, showcasing his prolific talent as both a songwriter and performer.

Michael’s solo career began with the release of his first solo album , ‘Off The Wall,’ which marked a pivotal turn in his journey to stardom. This album included hits like Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough and Rock with You , which became a #1 single. These songs not only showcased his unique vocal prowess but also his ability to blend pop and funk. His follow-up album, ‘Thriller,’ barely needs an introduction but deserves a mention for setting new records: it won an unprecedented eight Grammys in a single night and became the best-selling album of all time .

As Michael’s career progressed, he continued to release hit after hit. Albums like Bad , Dangerous , and HIStory were all monumental in their own rights. ‘Bad’ was significant as it produced five #1 singles, making Michael the first artist to achieve this feat. His 1993 performance at the Super Bowl XXVII halftime show set new standards for live performances, and his interview with Oprah Winfrey in 1993 became the most-watched interview ever.

Thriller Era and Global Stardom

The Thriller era marked a monumental phase in Michael Jackson’s career, propelling him to global stardom unlike any other artist before. Released in 1982, the Thriller album broke all records and set new benchmarks for success in the music industry. It became the best-selling album of all time, a title it still holds, with sales exceeding 66 million copies worldwide.

This incredible achievement was a testament to Jackson’s genius as a performer and an innovator, solidifying his status as a global superstar. The album’s success was driven by a blend of pop, rock, and post-disco sounds that appealed to a broad audience, transcending age, race, and geography.

Thriller featured a lineup of hit songs that became cultural phenomena, each contributing to the album’s massive success. Tracks like Billie Jean , Beat It , and the album’s titular song, Thriller , were not just popular but became iconic pieces of 20th-century music. Billie Jean and Beat It each topped the charts in many countries, with Billie Jean holding the #1 position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for seven weeks. The music video for Thriller , directed by John Landis, was a masterpiece of visual storytelling, blending music and cinematic effects to create a 14-minute horror-themed performance that was unprecedented at the time.

This period of his career was marked by memorable live performances, including the moonwalk during Billie Jean on the Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever television special, which remains one of the most iconic moments in live entertainment history. The album earned Michael a record-breaking eight Grammy Awards in 1984, including Album of the Year, further cementing its place in music history.

During the 1980s, Michael Jackson’s impact on popular culture was evident across various fronts, from his live performances to his fashion and dance moves.

His live performances often featured the moonwalk , a dance move that became synonymous with Jackson himself. This particular dance move, along with his complex choreography in music videos such as Thriller and Beat It , influenced a generation of dancers and pop artists who sought to emulate his style. Michael’s concerts were not just musical events; they were spectacular visual experiences that often incorporated advanced technology, elaborate costumes, and detailed set designs, setting a new standard for live pop performances.

In terms of fashion, Michael Jackson developed a signature style that became instantly recognizable. His military-style jackets, adorned with badges, zippers, and sequins, paired with the iconic single white glove, sparked fashion trends that flooded the streets and nightclubs. Even his choice of wearing black loafers with white socks became a trend, emphasizing the intricate footwork of his dance routines.

Discography

Got to be there (1972).

Ain’t No Sunshine
I Wanna Be Where You Are
Girl Don’t Take Your Love From Me
In Our Small Way
Got to Be There
Rockin’ Robin
Wings of My Love
Maria (You Were the Only One)
Love Is Here and Now You’re Gone
You’ve Got a Friend
Greatest Show on Earth
People Make the World Go ‘Round
We’ve Got a Good Thing Going
Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool
What Goes Around Comes Around
Shoo-Be-Doo-Be-Doo-Da-Day
You Can Cry on My Shoulder

Music & Me (1973)

With a Child’s Heart
All the Things You Are
Happy (Love Theme from Lady Sings the Blues )
Doggin’ Around
Johnny Raven
Morning Glow
Music and Me

Forever, Michael (1975)

We’re Almost There
Take Me Back
One Day in Your Life
Cinderella Stay Awhile
We’ve Got Forever
Just a Little Bit of You
You Are There
Dear Michael
I’ll Come Home to You

Off the Wall (1979)

Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough
Rock with You
Working Day and Night
Get on the Floor
Off the Wall
She’s Out of My Life
I Can’t Help It
It’s the Falling in Love
Burn This Disco Out

Thriller (1982)

Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’
Baby Be Mine
The Girl Is Mine (with Paul McCartney )
Billie Jean
Human Nature
P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)
The Lady in My Life
The Way You Make Me Feel
Speed Demon
Liberian Girl
Just Good Friends
Another Part of Me
Man in the Mirror
I Just Can’t Stop Loving You
Dirty Diana
Smooth Criminal
Leave Me Alone (CD Bonus Track)

Dangerous (1991)

Why You Wanna Trip on Me
In the Closet
She Drives Me Wild
Remember the Time
Can’t Let Her Get Away
Heal the World
Black or White
Give In to Me
Will You Be There
Keep the Faith
Gone Too Soon

HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I (1995)

Disc 1 – HIStory Begins (Greatest Hits)

Disc 2 – HIStory Continues

Scream (duet with Janet Jackson)
They Don’t Care About Us
Stranger in Moscow
This Time Around
Come Together
You Are Not Alone
Childhood (Theme from Free Willy 2 )
Tabloid Junkie
Little Susie / Pie Jesu

Invincible (2001)

Unbreakable
Heartbreaker
Break of Dawn
Heaven Can Wait
You Rock My World
Butterflies
You Are My Life
Don’t Walk Away
The Lost Children
Whatever Happens

Awards and Honors and Other Accomplishments

Michael Jackson’s career was marked by numerous awards and honors. Among the most significant was his record-breaking sweep at the 1984 Grammy Awards , where he won a total of eight Grammys in a single night, a feat that set a record for the most Grammys won by an artist in one evening. These awards included Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for Thriller and Album of the Year for the same album. This achievement highlighted the critical acclaim that matched his commercial success.

In addition to his Grammy wins, Michael Jackson also made history with his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice; first as a member of the Jackson 5 in 1997 and again as a solo artist in 2001. If that wasn’t enough, he was also awarded the Legend Award at the 1993 Grammy Awards.

READ MORE: Who Invented Rock And Roll? The History and Origin of Rock ‘n’ Roll

Musical Style and Influence

Known for his distinctive voice, complex dance moves, and a strong sense of rhythm, Jackson’s approach to music and performance reshaped the pop genre. His albums often merged elements of pop, soul, rock, and funk, a synthesis most evident in tracks like Billie Jean and Black or White . This ability to blend different musical styles not only broadened his appeal across diverse audiences but also set a new standard for what pop music could achieve. His production techniques, particularly his pioneering use of the multi-track recording system, allowed him to create intricate, layered sounds that became a hallmark of his albums.

His video for Thriller , complete with a storyline and complex dance sequences, turned music videos into mini-movies, a concept that has since become a staple in music video production.

In terms of vocal style and musical impact, contemporary artists like The Weeknd have often been compared to Jackson. The Weeknd’s use of falsetto and his emotive delivery bear a resemblance to Jackson’s vocal technique, a similarity acknowledged by both critics and fans alike.

Similarly, Bruno Mars’ stage performances and his retro style, heavily influenced by the disco and funk eras, echo Jackson’s impact on fashion and performance aesthetics.

The moonwalk, a seemingly simple glide backward while the dancer moves as if walking forward, became synonymous with Jackson after he performed it during his performance of Billie Jean on the Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever special in 1983. This move, which involves a technique of shifting weight and sliding the feet, absolutely entranced audiences with its illusion of defying physics.

The robot dance move, which Jackson often incorporated into his performances, involves isolating various parts of the body and moving them with mechanical, jerky motions, creating the illusion that the dancer is a robot.

This technique requires significant control and precision, focusing on smooth transitions between fluid dance steps and sudden, sharp movements. Jackson perfected this style, which added a dramatic effect to his performances, captivating audiences with his ability to shift seamlessly between different dance styles within a single routine. The robot became particularly notable during his performances of songs like Dancing Machine .

Perhaps more spectacular was Jackson’s anti-gravity lean, first debuted in the music video for Smooth Criminal . This move, where Jackson and his dancers lean forward to a 45-degree angle with their bodies straight and feet flat on the ground, seemingly defying gravity, left viewers astounded. The secret behind this apparently impossible feat was a clever combination of specially designed footwear and stage mechanisms. Jackson co-invented a shoe with a slot in the heels that could latch onto pegs on the stage floor, allowing him and his dancers to lean forward without toppling over.

His stage presence—a blend of immense energy, precision, and emotion—made his live performances unforgettable. One of his greatest shows in terms of dancing was the 1995 MTV Video Music Awards performance, where he combined multiple hits into a single, continuous dance spectacle that showcased his mastery over his art.

Personal Life, Controversies, and Philanthropy

Michael Jackson’s personal life, while filled with monumental success, also had its share of complexities and hardships, especially concerning his relationships and family life. Jackson was married twice; his first marriage was to Lisa Marie Presley, the daughter of Elvis Presley, in 1994. The union, which ended in divorce in 1996, was highly publicized and often scrutinized by the media.

His second marriage to Debbie Rowe, a nurse he met while undergoing treatment, resulted in two children: Prince Michael Jackson I and Paris Michael Katherine Jackson. This marriage also ended in divorce, with Rowe giving full custody of the children to Jackson.

Despite his troubled marriages, Jackson was devoted to his three children, including his youngest, Prince Michael Jackson II, known as “Blanket,” who was born via surrogate. His relationship with his family, including his famous siblings and parents, was often close but strained, largely due to the pressures of fame and the dynamics of their shared early career in the Jackson 5.

Michael Jackson’s life was heavily scrutinized by the media, with numerous controversies casting long shadows over his career. The most serious of these were allegations of child molestation that surfaced in the 1990s. Jackson was accused of molesting a young boy who had frequently visited the Neverland Ranch, his elaborate home.

This led to a highly publicized court case in 2005, from which he was acquitted on all charges. Despite being cleared legally, the allegations had a lasting impact on his public image and personal life. Jackson’s fame also made him a target for relentless media scrutiny, which often invaded his privacy and led to various rumors and speculations about his personal life and health.

His struggles with privacy and the invasive nature of his fame were well-documented, including in the 2003 documentary Living with Michael Jackson , which presented a very personal and controversial view of his life.

One of Michael Jackson’s notable efforts was the founding of the Heal the World Foundation in 1992, named after one of his hit songs. This organization was dedicated to providing aid to children and the disadvantaged across the globe. It tackled issues such as poverty, environmental degradation, and children’s welfare. Heal the World was known for its efforts, such as airlifting six tons of supplies to Sarajevo during the Bosnian War and organizing children’s immunizations worldwide.

In addition to his own foundation, Michael Jackson supported numerous other charities and causes during his lifetime, contributing to more than 39 charities as per various reports. His donations were often substantial; for example, he donated the entire profit from his Victory Tour to charity in the 1980s.

Furthermore, the proceeds from his single Man in the Mirror went to Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times, a camp for children suffering from cancer. His support extended to massive fundraising efforts, including his role in the song We Are the World , written along with Lionel Richie.

This single generated millions of dollars for famine relief in Africa and is one of the best-selling singles of all time, demonstrating how Jackson leveraged his popularity for charitable causes.

Today, several of Michael Jackson’s philanthropic initiatives continue to influence charitable efforts and maintain functional operations through the Michael Jackson Estate. His estate continues to donate to causes he cared about, maintaining his legacy of philanthropy. For example, proceeds from certain productions and projects related to Jackson’s music and life continue to benefit his favorite charities.

Final Years and Death

Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009, at the age of 50. He passed away in his home in Holmby Hills, Los Angeles, California. The official cause of death was acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication, which led to cardiac arrest. The circumstances surrounding his death were highly controversial, leading to the conviction of his personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, for involuntary manslaughter. Jackson’s death was ultimately ruled a homicide due to the circumstances of the administered medications. If he were alive today, Michael Jackson would be 65 years old.

In his final years, Michael Jackson faced numerous challenges, including significant health problems, ongoing legal battles, and mounting pressures related to his planned comeback tour titled This Is It . His health issues were often discussed in the media, with reports of severe insomnia and physical pain that he managed with prescription medications. These issues were partly due to the physical demands of his years of performing. In preparation for his comeback tour, it was reported that Jackson was rehearsing rigorously, which further strained his already fragile health.

Legally, Jackson continued to confront allegations and lawsuits. Despite being acquitted of child molestation charges in 2005, the legal battles took a financial and personal toll, impacting his public image and causing significant stress. Financial pressures also loomed large during this period, as Jackson faced debts reportedly running into hundreds of millions of dollars. These financial and legal issues compelled him to stage the comeback he hoped would revive his career and alleviate his financial distress.

The announcement of the This Is It tour was met with tremendous enthusiasm, demonstrating that his popularity remained high despite the controversies. Tickets sold out within minutes; however, the stress of preparing for such a demanding tour, coupled with his health and legal issues, created a storm that ultimately led to his untimely death.

The news of Michael Jackson’s death sent shockwaves through the music world and among his fans globally. News channels and social media platforms were flooded with reactions as fans and fellow artists alike struggled to process the sudden loss. Major networks interrupted their regular programming to cover the news. Artists across various music genres publicly expressed their sorrow and respect, citing Jackson’s influence on their own careers and on the music industry as a whole.

Many fans found themselves revisiting his music, videos, and performances, causing a significant surge in sales and streaming of his catalog. Fans also turned to online forums and social media to share their memories and discuss the mark he left on their lives.

Memorials and Legacy

Following Michael Jackson’s death, a global outpouring of grief led to numerous memorials and tributes to honor the legendary artist. One of the most notable memorials was the public service held on July 7, 2009, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, which was broadcast live around the world, drawing millions of viewers.

During the service, performances and speeches by family members and celebrities highlighted his influence on music and pop culture, reflecting the depth of his impact. Additionally, fans across the globe organized flash mobs, vigils, and tribute concerts, celebrating his life and contributions to music. The Michael Jackson memorial also saw fans gathering at significant landmarks related to his life, such as his childhood home and the famed 2300 Jackson Street, to pay their respects.

Jackson’s legacy as a cultural icon remains profound and far-reaching, influencing countless artists across various music genres. From pop and hip-hop to R&B, new generations of musicians cite Jackson as an immense influence in their artistic development. His innovative approach to music production, stage performances, and his distinctive vocal style continue to be studied and emulated. Artists like Beyoncé, Usher, and Justin Timberlake have openly expressed how Jackson’s work influenced their own.

Wrapping Up the Michael Jackson Bio

Michael Jackson’s life was a rollercoaster, full of ups and downs, incredible highs, and heartbreaking lows. He was a musical genius, no doubt, and his impact on pop culture is undeniable. There’s no denying that Michael Jackson’s story is one we won’t soon forget.

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