Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson was an American singer, songwriter, and dancer who is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the twentieth century. He was known as the King of Pop, and his albums and performances transformed the music industry.

Early Life and the Jackson 5

Jackson was born in 1958 in Gary, Indiana, the seventh of nine children. He began performing with his brothers as the Jackson 5 and became the lead singer.

The group was signed by Motown and produced a series of hits, including I Want You Back and ABC. The young Jackson became a solo star.

He released his first solo album in 1972. He remained with Motown until 1975 and then joined Epic Records with his brothers.

Off the Wall and Thriller

Off the Wall, released in 1979, established him as a solo artist and a dance performer. The album combined pop, disco, and funk.

Thriller, released in 1982, became the best-selling album of all time. It produced a series of hit singles, including Billie Jean and Beat It.

The music video for Thriller was a landmark of the medium and helped to establish the importance of the video in the promotion of music. He worked with the producer Quincy Jones.

Performance and Choreography

Jackson was a master of dance and developed a distinctive style. He popularised the moonwalk and the robot, and his choreography influenced generations of performers.

His live performances were theatrical and elaborate. He used special effects, costumes, and lighting to create a spectacle.

The Bad and Dangerous world tours were among the most successful of the period. He performed to huge audiences around the world.

Personal Life and Controversy

Jackson's personal life was the subject of intense media attention. He was accused of child sexual abuse and was tried and acquitted in 2005.

He underwent extensive plastic surgery, and his appearance changed dramatically. He was married twice, to Lisa Marie Presley and to Debbie Rowe.

He was a philanthropist and supported children's charities. His behaviour and his relationships were the subject of much speculation.

Death and Legacy

Jackson died in 2009 from an overdose of the anaesthetic propofol administered by his personal physician. The death was ruled a homicide.

His memorial service was watched by millions around the world. His physician was convicted of involuntary manslaughter.

He is regarded as one of the greatest entertainers of all time. His music and his dance continue to influence popular culture.

The Motown Years

Jackson and his brothers were signed by Motown in 1968. The group produced a series of hits and became one of the most popular acts of the era.

Diana Ross was instrumental in the promotion of the group. The Jackson 5 recordings were produced by the Motown team and were released by the label.

Jackson's solo recordings for Motown include the album Got to Be There. He remained with the label until 1975.

The Quincy Jones Collaborations

Jackson worked with the producer Quincy Jones on Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad. The collaboration produced some of the most successful albums in the history of popular music.

The productions combined pop, funk, disco, and rock. The arrangements were elaborate and used a large number of studio musicians.

The collaboration established the sound of the period and influenced the production of popular music. The albums are studied for their production and for their songwriting.

The Music Videos

Jackson's music videos transformed the medium. The videos for Billie Jean, Beat It, and Thriller were cinematic and ambitious.

The Thriller video was directed by John Landis and was one of the most expensive ever made. It was broadcast on television and became a cultural phenomenon.

The medium of the music video became an important form of promotion. Jackson's videos influenced the development of the visual album and of the pop spectacle.

The Charity Work

Jackson supported a number of charitable causes, including the campaign against famine in Africa. He co-wrote the song We Are the World with Lionel Richie.

He founded the Heal the World Foundation. He supported children's hospitals and the education for children.

The charitable work was part of his public image and of his humanitarian profile. He received awards for his philanthropy.

The Death and the Tributes

Jackson's death in 2009 was followed by an outpouring of grief throughout the world. The memorial service was held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

The film This Is It documents the rehearsals for the planned concerts in London. The film was released after his death.

The tributes continued for years after his death. His music and his dance remain central to popular culture.

See also

• Pop music
• Thriller