Michael Jackson, the legendary King of Pop, revolutionized the music industry with his extraordinary talent and passion for music. His chart-topping hits and mesmerizing performances captivated audiences worldwide, earning him numerous accolades and the title of the most successful entertainer of all time. Not only did he redefine pop and rock music, but he also left an indelible mark on dance, introducing iconic styles like the moonwalk and the Robot. With his angelic voice and unparalleled dance moves, Michael Jackson will forever be remembered as a global icon in popular culture.
Quick Facts
- Nick Name: Wacko Jacko, The Gloved One
- Also Known As: Michael Joseph Jackson
- Died At Age: 50
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Debbie Rowe (m. 1996; div. 1999), Lisa Marie Presley (m. 1994; div. 1996)
- Father: Joseph Jackson
- Mother: Katherine Jackson
- Siblings: Brandon Jackson, Jackie Jackson, Janet Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, La Toya Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Randy Jackson, Rebbie Jackson, Tito Jackson
- Children: Michael Joseph Jackson Jr., Paris Jackson, Prince Michael Jackson II
- Born Country: United States
- Quotes By Michael Jackson
- African American Singers
- Height: 5’9″ (175 cm), 5’9″ Males
- Died on: June 25, 2009
- Place of death: Los Angeles, California, United States
- Personality: ISFP
- Cause of Death: Drug Overdose
- City: Gary, Indiana
- U.S. State: Indiana, African-American From Indiana
- Founder/Co-Founder: Heal the World Foundation
Childhood & Early Life
Michael Jackson was born in an African-American working-class family. He was the eighth of ten children of Joseph Walter “Joe” Jackson and Katherine Esther Scruse. His father worked as a steel mill worker, while his mother was a sincere Jehovah’s Witness. From a very young age, he was a music lover and started as a backup musician before becoming the lead singer of the family band, the Jackson 5.
Career
The Jackson 5 started touring the Midwest and released their first single, ‘Big Boy’, in 1967. However, it failed to interest the audience. In 1968, they signed a contract with Motown Records and released their first album, ‘Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5’, in the following year. Their first single, ‘I Want You Back’, became a chartbuster and was followed by other bestsellers like ‘ABC’, ‘The Love You Save’, and ‘I’ll Be There’.
In addition to his work with the band, Michael Jackson also launched his solo career. His first solo single, ‘Got to Be There’, was a success and established his reputation as a solo artist. The Jackson 5 band withdrew its association with Motown Records in 1975 and signed with Epic Records under a new name, ‘the Jacksons’. From 1976 to 1984, the band toured internationally and released six new albums. Michael Jackson became a leading songwriter for the group, writing numerous hits.
Meanwhile, he also released his solo album ‘Off the Wall’ in 1979, in association with Quincy Jones. The album was a tremendous hit and generated four U.S. top 10 hits. His desire to make a bigger impact led to the release of the album ‘Thriller’ in 1982. It became the best-selling album of all time worldwide, selling 65 million copies and achieving Double Diamond status in the US.
In 1983, he reunited with his brothers for a live performance and showcased his signature dance style, the moonwalk, while singing ‘Billie Jean’. In 1985, he co-wrote ‘We Are the World’, which became the best-selling single of all time. He continued to release successful albums like ‘Bad’ in 1987 and ‘Dangerous’ in 1991.
Major Works
Michael Jackson’s eight albums have sold a total of 1 billion units worldwide and earned him $750 million in his lifetime. Five of his albums are among the world’s best-selling records. ‘Thriller’ is the biggest-selling album of all time, with reported sales of 65 million units.
Awards & Achievements
Michael Jackson received numerous awards, including 31 Guinness World Records, 13 Grammy Awards, Grammy Legend Award, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, 26 American Music Awards, and 18 World Music Awards. He was inducted into the Hollywood Hall of Fame, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Songwriters Hall of Fame, and Dance Hall of Fame.
Family, Personal Life & Legacy
Michael Jackson married twice in his lifetime. His first marriage was with Lisa Marie Presley, the daughter of Elvis Presley, in 1994, but they divorced in 1996. He then married his long-time friend Deborah Jeanne Rowe, a dermatology nurse, in 1997. They had two children together, Michael Joseph Jackson Jr and Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson, before separating in 1999. He also had a third child, Prince Michael Jackson II, from a surrogate mother through artificial insemination.
Michael Jackson passed away unexpectedly on June 25, 2009, following a cardiac arrest due to a propofol and benzodiazepine overdose. His personal physician, Conrad Murray, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011. A televised memorial was held in his honor, and memorials and statues were constructed all over the world.