Who is singer, dancer and songwriter Michael Jackson?
Michael Jackson, born Michael Joseph Jackson on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, was an American singer, dancer and songwriter. Known as the “King of Pop,” he first gained national attention as a child member of the Jackson 5 before becoming one of the most commercially successful and influential solo artists in popular music. His work incorporated pop, R&B, soul, funk, rock and dance music, while his videos and stage performances helped reshape the global music industry. Jackson died in Los Angeles, California, on June 25, 2009.
Background/biography
Jackson was raised in Gary in a large working-class family. He was the son of Joseph Jackson, who worked in the steel industry and later managed the family’s musical group, and Katherine Jackson. Michael was one of the Jackson children who performed together, alongside brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Marlon in the original Jackson 5 lineup.
He began performing at a young age, initially singing and dancing with his brothers at local talent shows and venues. The Jackson 5 attracted attention in the late 1960s and signed with Motown Records, where the group achieved major success. Jackson’s lead vocals, stage presence and ability to connect with audiences made him a prominent performer while still a child.
As he matured, Jackson developed a solo career alongside his work with the Jacksons. He worked with producers and musicians including Quincy Jones and expanded his artistic identity through recordings, choreography, concert production and music videos.
Music career
- Got to Be There (1972), his debut solo studio album.
- Ben (1972), which included the chart-topping title song “Ben.”
- Off the Wall (1979), featuring songs including “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough” and “Rock with You.”
- Thriller (1982), featuring “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” “Thriller” and “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’.”
- Bad (1987), featuring “The Way You Make Me Feel,” “Man in the Mirror,” “Smooth Criminal” and the title track.
- Dangerous (1991), featuring “Black or White,” “Remember the Time” and “Heal the World.”
- HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I (1995), featuring “Scream,” “You Are Not Alone” and “They Don’t Care About Us.”
- Invincible (2001), his final studio album released during his lifetime.
Jackson’s 1982 album Thriller is widely reported as the best-selling album of all time, although estimates of worldwide sales vary by source. Its music videos became landmark works in the medium: “Billie Jean,” “Beat It” and the short film for “Thriller” received extensive television exposure and helped establish music video as a major promotional and artistic format.
He received numerous honors during his career, including Grammy Awards, American Music Awards and inductions connected to both the Jackson 5 and his solo work. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Jackson 5 in 1997 and as a solo artist in 2001.
The moonwalk and a defining television performance
One of Jackson’s most widely remembered moments came during the 1983 television special Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever. While performing “Billie Jean,” he introduced the moonwalk to a large television audience. The move had existed in earlier forms among dancers, but Jackson’s performance made it internationally recognizable and closely associated with his name.
His performance style combined intricate choreography, sharp rhythmic movement, vocal ad-libs and distinctive costumes, including the single white glove used during the Motown 25 appearance. These visual elements became enduring parts of his public image.
Fun facts about Michael Jackson
- Jackson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice: once with the Jackson 5 and once as a solo artist.
- He won a record-setting eight Grammy Awards in one night at the 1984 Grammy Awards for work connected largely to Thriller.
- The “Thriller” music video was added to the U.S. National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 2009.
- Jackson co-wrote the charity single “We Are the World” with Lionel Richie; the recording was released in 1985 to support famine-relief efforts in Africa.
- He was credited as a co-inventor on a patent related to footwear designed to help performers create the leaning effect used in performances of “Smooth Criminal.”
