Michael Jackson R.I.P.
Musician, Dancer, Entertainer
In memoriam — Michael Jackson passed away on 2009-06-25. Their legacy lives on.
Biography
Michael Joseph Jackson, widely known as the King of Pop, stands as one of the most transformative and influential cultural figures of the 20th century. Born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, Jackson rose from humble beginnings to global superstardom, leaving an indelible mark on music, dance, fashion, and entertainment. His artistic genius, combined with his unparalleled showmanship, reshaped the music industry and broke racial barriers, particularly on MTV, which had initially been reluctant to air videos by Black artists.
Jackson’s journey began as the lead singer of The Jackson 5, a family group that signed with Motown Records in 1968. At just 11 years old, he captivated audiences with his extraordinary vocal range and stage presence. The group’s string of hits, including "I Want You Back" and "ABC," made them one of the most successful acts of the 1970s. However, it was Jackson’s transition to a solo career that truly cemented his legacy. His 1979 album, Off the Wall, produced by Quincy Jones, marked the beginning of his solo dominance, featuring hits like "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" and "Rock with You."
The release of Thriller in 1982 catapulted Jackson into the stratosphere of fame. This album, featuring iconic tracks such as "Beat It," "Billie Jean," and the title track "Thriller," became the best-selling album of all time, with over 70 million copies sold worldwide. The accompanying music videos revolutionized the medium, turning MTV into a cultural force and setting new standards for visual storytelling. Jackson’s performances, including his legendary appearance at the 1983 Motown 25 special—where he first debuted the moonwalk—became defining moments in pop culture history.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Jackson continued to push boundaries with albums like Bad (1987) and Dangerous (1991), each spawning multiple chart-topping singles and groundbreaking music videos. His live shows were spectacles of choreography, pyrotechnics, and theatricality, setting new benchmarks for concert tours. Beyond music, Jackson made significant inroads into film, starring in Moonwalker (1988) and the short film Ghosts (1995), which showcased his creativity and vision as a multimedia artist.
Jackson’s influence extended beyond entertainment. He was a trailblazer for racial equality in the music industry, using his platform to advocate for humanitarian causes. He founded the Heal the World Foundation in 1992, supporting children and disaster relief efforts worldwide. His humanitarian efforts earned him numerous accolades, including the Humanitarian of the Year award from the NAACP and a posthumous honor at the 2010 Grammy Awards.
Despite his unparalleled success, Jackson’s life was marked by intense media scrutiny, public controversies, and personal struggles. His appearance, lifestyle, and relationships were the subject of constant tabloid attention, much of it sensationalized and unfounded. He faced allegations of child abuse in the 1990s and early 2000s, though he was never criminally convicted. These challenges, coupled with his own battles with health and addiction, cast a shadow over his later years.
On June 25, 2009, Michael Jackson died at the age of 50 following a cardiac arrest caused by a propofol overdose administered by his personal physician. His death triggered an outpouring of grief from fans worldwide and sparked renewed interest in his music and legacy. Posthumous releases, such as Michael (2010) and Xscape (2014), continued to chart, and his estate has overseen projects like the Cirque du Soleil show Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour and the upcoming biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua.
Michael Jackson’s legacy endures not only through his record-breaking music and iconic performances but also through his impact on fashion, dance, and popular culture. He remains a symbol of artistic excellence, innovation, and resilience, inspiring generations of artists and fans alike. As the King of Pop, his influence is timeless, ensuring that his music and legacy will continue to shape the future of entertainment for years to come.
Early Life
Michael Joseph Jackson was born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, a working-class steel mill town in the Midwest. He was the fifth of nine children in the Jackson family, which included Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Randy—all of whom would later form The Jackson 5. His father, Joseph Jackson, a steelworker with a musical background, recognized his children’s potential and began training them as a musical group from a young age. His mother, Katherine Jackson, a devout Jehovah’s Witness, provided a spiritual foundation for the family, instilling values of discipline and faith.
From the moment he could speak, Michael displayed extraordinary musical talent. By age five, he was already performing with his siblings, captivating audiences with his powerful voice and natural charisma. The Jackson family’s performances at local talent shows and community events quickly gained attention, and it wasn’t long before they caught the eye of Motown Records talent scout Bobby Taylor. In 1968, The Jackson 5 signed with Motown, and the family moved to Los Angeles to pursue their dreams. This transition marked the beginning of Michael’s journey from a small-town kid to a global superstar.
Growing up in the spotlight was not easy for Michael. Despite his fame, he had a relatively normal childhood, attending school and spending time with friends when not touring or recording. However, the pressures of fame began to take their toll. Michael later spoke in interviews about the strict discipline imposed by his father, which included rigorous practice schedules and sometimes harsh punishments. Despite these challenges, Michael’s talent only grew, and by the time he was a teenager, he was already being hailed as a prodigy with the potential to change the music industry.
Career
Michael Jackson’s career is a testament to his unparalleled talent and relentless drive. He began his journey as the lead singer of The Jackson 5, a group that dominated the charts in the late 1960s and early 1970s with hits like "I Want You Back," "ABC," and "I'll Be There." At just 11 years old, Michael was already a star, balancing the demands of fame with the pressures of growing up in the public eye. The group’s success laid the foundation for Michael’s solo career, which he began to explore in the early 1970s with albums like "Got to Be There" and "Ben."
In 1979, Michael transitioned to a solo career with the release of Off the Wall, an album produced by Quincy Jones that showcased his growth as an artist. The album featured hits like "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" and "Rock with You," and it marked the beginning of Michael’s reign as the King of Pop. However, it was the release of Thriller in 1982 that truly cemented his legacy. This album, featuring iconic tracks like "Beat It," "Billie Jean," and the title track "Thriller," became the best-selling album of all time, with over 70 million copies sold worldwide. The accompanying music videos revolutionized the medium, turning MTV into a cultural force and setting new standards for visual storytelling.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Michael continued to push boundaries with albums like Bad (1987) and Dangerous (1991), each spawning multiple chart-topping singles and groundbreaking music videos. His live shows were spectacles of choreography, pyrotechnics, and theatricality, setting new benchmarks for concert tours. Beyond music, Michael made significant inroads into film, starring in Moonwalker (1988) and the short film Ghosts (1995), which showcased his creativity and vision as a multimedia artist. Even after his death in 2009, Michael’s legacy continues to thrive through posthumous releases, documentaries, and tributes, ensuring that his influence will be felt for generations to come.
Michael Jackson’s career is a testament to his unparalleled talent and relentless drive. He began his journey as the lead singer of The Jackson 5, a group that dominated the charts in the late 1960s and early 1970s with hits like "I Want You Back," "ABC," and "I'll Be There." At just 11 years old, Michael was already a star, balancing the demands of fame with the pressures of growing up in the public eye. The group’s success laid the foundation for Michael’s solo career, which he began to explore in the early 1970s with albums like "Got to Be There" and "Ben."
In 1979, Michael transitioned to a solo career with the release of Off the Wall, an album produced by Quincy Jones that showcased his growth as an artist. The album featured hits like "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" and "Rock with You," and it marked the beginning of Michael’s reign as the King of Pop. However, it was the release of Thriller in 1982 that truly cemented his legacy. This album, featuring iconic tracks like "Beat It," "Billie Jean," and the title track "Thriller," became the best-selling album of all time, with over 70 million copies sold worldwide. The accompanying music videos revolutionized the medium, turning MTV into a cultural force and setting new standards for visual storytelling.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Michael continued to push boundaries with albums like Bad (1987) and Dangerous (1991), each spawning multiple chart-topping singles and groundbreaking music videos. His live shows were spectacles of choreography, pyrotechnics, and theatricality, setting new benchmarks for concert tours. Beyond music, Michael made significant inroads into film, starring in Moonwalker (1988) and the short film Ghosts (1995), which showcased his creativity and vision as a multimedia artist. Even after his death in 2009, Michael’s legacy continues to thrive through posthumous releases, documentaries, and tributes, ensuring that his influence will be felt for generations to come.
Personal Life
Despite his global fame, Michael Jackson was notoriously private about his personal life. He never married, but he had three children: Prince Michael Jackson I (born 1993), Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson (born 1998), and Prince Michael Jackson II (known as Blanket, born 2002). The children were born through surrogacy, and Michael was their primary caregiver, often taking them on tour with him and shielding them from the public eye as much as possible. He was a devoted father, and his children have spoken publicly about the love and support he provided them.
Michael’s appearance underwent significant changes throughout his life, which became a subject of intense media speculation. He openly discussed his struggles with vitiligo, a skin condition that causes loss of pigment, and the resulting changes in his skin color. He also underwent multiple plastic surgeries, which he attributed to injuries from performances and a desire to maintain his image. Despite his explanations, the media often sensationalized these changes, contributing to the public's fascination with his personal life.
One of Michael’s most famous personal endeavors was the creation of Neverland Ranch, a sprawling estate in Santa Barbara County, California, that served as both his home and a theme park for underprivileged children. The ranch featured amusement park rides, a movie theater, and a zoo, and it became a symbol of Michael’s generosity and love for children. However, the ranch also became the center of controversy, particularly after allegations of child abuse were made against Michael in the 1990s and 2000s. Despite these challenges, Michael remained committed to his music and his philanthropic efforts, using his platform to spread messages of love and unity.
Fun Facts
He holds the record for best-selling album of all time with Thriller. Released in 1982, Thriller has sold over 70 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling album of all time. The album’s success was unprecedented, and it remains a cultural touchstone to this day.
He owned the rights to over 250 Beatles songs. In 1985, Michael purchased the publishing rights to the Beatles' song catalog from ATV Music, which included hits like "Yesterday," "Let It Be," and "Hey Jude." This move was controversial at the time, but it cemented Michael’s status as a savvy businessman and ensured that his financial legacy would endure long after his death.
He popularized the moonwalk dance move. Michael first debuted the moonwalk during his performance of "Billie Jean" at the 1983 Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever special. The move, which appeared as though he was walking backward, quickly became his signature and one of the most iconic dance moves in history.
He had a pet chimpanzee named Bubbles. Bubbles was a pet chimpanzee that Michael adopted in the 1980s, and the two became inseparable. Bubbles often accompanied Michael to public events and even appeared in some of his music videos. However, as Bubbles grew older, he became too difficult to handle, and Michael eventually sent him to an animal sanctuary.
He was a pioneer in music video production and choreography. Michael’s music videos were not just promotional tools—they were cinematic masterpieces that set new standards for visual storytelling. Videos like "Thriller," "Beat It," and "Smooth Criminal" featured elaborate choreography, special effects, and narrative storytelling that changed the way music videos were made and consumed.
He donated millions to charities and founded the Heal the World Foundation. Michael was a committed philanthropist who donated millions of dollars to various causes, including children’s charities, disaster relief, and HIV/AIDS research. In 1992, he founded the Heal the World Foundation, which aimed to improve the lives of children around the world through education and healthcare initiatives.
He performed at the 1993 Super Bowl XXVII halftime show, which became the most-watched halftime show in history. Michael’s performance at the Super Bowl was a spectacle of pyrotechnics, choreography, and star power, and it set a new standard for halftime shows. The performance is still remembered as one of the greatest in Super Bowl history, and it helped solidify Michael’s status as a global icon.
Before & Now
Filmography
Movies
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
72 HOURS
Colony
Deep Water
Disclosure Day
Don't Say Good Luck
Evil Dead Burn
Heartstopper Forever
Hokum
Hope
Immortal Combat
In the Grey
Lee Cronin's The Mummy
Moana
Moana
Obsession
Project Hail Mary
Remarkably Bright Creatures
Scary Movie
Shelter
Spider-Man: Brand New Day
Swapped
Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma
The Death of Robin Hood
The Drama
The Isolate Thief
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan: Ghost War
Young Washington
28 Years Later
A Working Man
Avatar: Fire and Ash
David
Midnight Sun
No Other Choice
Predator: Badlands
Redux Redux
Sinners
Sinners
The Bad Guys 2
War of the Worlds
Weapons
Kung Fu Panda 4
Tòkunbọ̀
Female Workers: Romance at Work 3
Graphic Desires
Hotel Labamba
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Son's Girlfriend, Daddy's Girlfriend 2
The Witch: Part 2. The Other One
The Witch: Part 2. The Other One
The Witch: Part 2. The Other One
Top Gun: Maverick
Idol Sex: LA Korean Women
Narrow Nambul
After
The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil
Deep Blue Sea 2
The House with a Clock in Its Walls
The House with a Clock in Its Walls
Spider-Man: Homecoming
Hacksaw Ridge
Train to Busan
The Martian
Interstellar
The Amazing Spider-Man 2
Hope
The Amazing Spider-Man
The Dark Knight Rises
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
Belle épine
Despicable Me
Flipped
From Paris with Love
Inception
My Name Is Khan
Toy Story 3
Toy Story 3
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Triangle
Triangle
The Dark Knight
Twilight
Twilight
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Ratatouille
The Prestige
Ultimate Avengers 2
Ultimate Avengers: The Movie
Corpse Bride
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
9 Songs
Blade: Trinity
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Spiderbabe
Eight Legged Freaks
Spider-Man
Spider-Man
Asura
Monsters, Inc.
Shrek
The Unscarred
Deep Blue Sea
The Green Mile
The Green Mile
Toy Story 2
The Avengers
Toy Story
Forrest Gump
Léon: The Professional
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Top Gun
Back to the Future
Pink Floyd: The Wall
Possession
The Shining
Once Is Not Enough
The Godfather Part II
Vixen!