Michael Jackson is a legendary American singer, songwriter, dancer, and producer. His work forever changed the global music industry, setting new standards in performance, video production, and stage shows. Also, learn about the artist, producer, and composer—Finneas O’Connell. Read more at los-angeles.pro.
Biography
Michael Joseph Jackson was born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, USA. He was the eighth child in a large family. Michael’s father was a veritable tyrant. He emotionally and physically abused the boy. Michael later discussed this on *The Oprah Winfrey Show*. His career began as a member of the family group “The Jackson 5,” where he became the lead vocalist and gained fame as a child. When Michael was five, his father organized the family band, which went from winning local competitions to signing with “Motown Records” in 1969. In a short period, the group rose to national prominence, and in 1970, their first four singles hit number one on the US “Billboard Hot 100” chart. But in 1973, the family project’s popularity began to wane, and the recording company limited their financial opportunities. Parallel to his work with his brothers, Michael Jackson began recording highly successful solo projects, including four albums and a series of singles.
In 2009, journalists reported that doctors had found skin cancer during one of the singer’s routine check-ups. Information about the pop star’s serious health condition had surfaced earlier. For a long time, Jackson rarely appeared in public and often hid his face behind a mask due to issues that arose after numerous plastic surgeries and skin lightening procedures.
Michael Jackson passed away on June 25, 2009, but his music, style, and influence remain relevant today. He was only 50 years old. He received hundreds of awards, including 15 Grammy Awards. His name is also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Jackson’s music lives on in the hearts of millions of fans, and his innovative approach to show business continues to inspire artists worldwide.
Personal Life and Scandals
Jackson’s private life was often the subject of media attention. His eccentric lifestyle, changes in appearance, and controversies surrounding his personal affairs sparked mixed reactions from the public. Despite numerous rumors and lawsuits, he remained one of the most influential figures in the music world.
In 1994, Jackson surprised fans by marrying Lisa Marie Presley, the daughter of Elvis Presley. The marriage lasted a year and a half. Just three years after the divorce, the singer’s second wife gave birth to his first child, Prince Michael Joseph Jackson, Jr. In 1998, their daughter, Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson, was born. In 2002, Michael had a son, Prince Michael II, via a surrogate mother.
Michael’s personal life wasn’t overly busy. He spent a large part of his free time at his ranch, “Neverland.” In 1993, he was accused of child molestation, but the case was settled out of court. Ten years later, the story repeated itself. The trial of the singer lasted from February to May 2005 and ended with an acquittal verdict. The 2019 documentary film “Leaving Neverland” caused significant controversy. Directed by Dan Reed, the film tells the stories of two men, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who claim they were sexually abused by Jackson as children. The documentary sparked a huge public reaction, prompting discussions about Michael Jackson’s legacy, the truthfulness of the accusations, and the morality of his musical heritage. The film received numerous awards, including an Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series.
Singing Career
In 1979, Michael released the album “Off the Wall,” which became his first major success as a solo artist. However, the true triumph came in 1982 with the release of “Thriller”—the best-selling album of all time. It included legendary hits such as “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and the title track. This album immediately began topping various charts and remained there for 37 consecutive weeks, setting an absolute record. Michael swept all the major global music awards during this time and was proclaimed the King of Pop. The music video for “Thriller” further boosted the singer’s popularity. The clip for “Thriller” was revolutionary for the music industry, combining a cinematic style with choreography and special effects. This performance went down in history as the first time the world saw the singer’s unique move: the “moonwalk.” Subsequent albums, such as “Bad” (1987), “Dangerous” (1991), and “HIStory” (1995), cemented his status as a major global star. Songs like “Smooth Criminal,” “Black or White,” and “Earth Song” became pop music classics. Jackson also developed and popularized unique dance moves, including the legendary moonwalk. The singer also demonstrated the “anti-gravity lean,” which required the development of special shoes for the stunt. The audience long remembered this move and asked him to repeat it as an encore. Michael Jackson changed the perception of pop music by introducing high-tech shows, complex choreography, and revolutionary music videos.
Michael Jackson’s style blended various genres, such as pop, rock, R&B, soul, and funk. His music was characterized by innovative rhythms, complex melodies, and powerful vocals. He used unique vocal techniques, including characteristic yells and rhythmic stops. His albums were known for their flawless production, arrangement, and high sound quality.
Jackson was an innovator in the use of synthesizers, drum machines, and electronic effects, which gave his compositions a distinctive sound. He also actively used social and political themes in his songs, for example, in “Man in the Mirror” and “They Don’t Care About Us.”
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Awards and Honors
Throughout his career, Michael Jackson received hundreds of awards, making him one of the most-awarded artists in music history. He is the recipient of 15 Grammy Awards, including a special Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. His album “Thriller” set a record for the number of awards won and remains the world’s best-selling album.
Among other honors:
- 26 “American Music Awards,” including the title “Artist of the Century.”
- 39 “Guinness World Records,” including the title of “Most Successful Artist of All Time.”
- 13 singles reaching number one on the “Billboard Hot 100” chart.
- The “MTV Video Vanguard Award,” which was later renamed in his honor.
- A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Jackson also received numerous humanitarian awards for his charitable work and contribution to world culture. During his career, the King of Pop sold 750 million album copies worldwide, won 15 Grammy Awards, and had 13 singles reach the top spot on the American charts. His name is twice inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—as a solo artist and as a member of “The Jackson 5.” The Guinness Book of World Records recognized Jackson as the most successful artist, and the album “Thriller” as the best-selling album of all time.