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Chris Brown has cited Michael Jackson as his biggest inspiration of all time, [199] stating "Michael Jackson is the reason why I do music and the reason I am an entertainer." Furthermore, Brown has stated, "Being able to see Michael Jackson's success, to be able to inspire the world as well as his talent and musical ability, his eye for detail – automatically inspires me to try to be better ...
Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist. Dubbed the "King of Pop", he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century. Over a four-decade career, his vast contributions to music, dance and fashion, along with his publicized personal ...
Chris Brown has cited Michael Jackson as his biggest inspiration of all time, [197] stating "Michael Jackson is the reason why I do music and the reason I am an entertainer." Furthermore, Brown has stated, "Being able to see Michael Jackson's success, to be able to inspire the world as well as his talent and musical ability, his eye for detail – automatically inspires me to try to be better ...
- Overview
- The Jackson 5
- The “King of Pop”
- Child molestation accusations, financial difficulties, and death
Michael Jackson was an American singer, songwriter, and dancer who was the most popular entertainer in the world in the early and mid-1980s. Even today he is widely regarded as the “King of Pop.”
How did Michael Jackson die?
On June 25, 2009, Michael Jackson died of cardiac arrest in Los Angeles, California, at age 50. Jackson’s death, which was caused by a lethal combination of sedatives and propofol, an anesthetic, was ruled a homicide. In 2011 Conrad Murray, Jackson’s personal doctor, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter.
Where was Michael Jackson born?
Michael Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana, on August 29, 1958.
How did Michael Jackson become famous?
Motown Records president Berry Gordy, Jr., was impressed with the group and signed them in 1969. Sporting the loudest fashions, the largest Afros, the snappiest choreography, and a youthful, soulful exuberance, the Jackson 5 became an immediate success. They scored four consecutive number one pop hits with “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” “The Love You Save,” and “I’ll Be There” in 1970. With Michael topping the pop charts as a solo performer with “Ben” and reaching number two with “Rockin’ Robin,” and with the Jackson 5 producing trendsetting dance tracks such as “Dancing Machine,” the family’s string of hits for Motown lasted through 1975. As Michael matured, his voice changed, family tensions arose, and a contract standoff ensued. The group finally broke with Motown, moving to Epic Records as the Jacksons. Jermaine remained at Motown as a solo performer and was replaced by his youngest brother, Randy Jackson (in full Steven Randall Jackson; b. October 29, 1961). As a recording act, the Jacksons enjoyed consistent success through 1984, and their sister Janet Jackson embarked on her own singing career in the early 1980s; however, Michael’s solo albums took on an entirely different status.
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Jackson’s first solo effort for Epic, Off the Wall (1979), exceeded all expectations and was the best-selling album of the year (it eventually sold more than 20 million copies). Produced by industry veteran Quincy Jones, Off the Wall yielded the massive international hit singles “Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough” and “Rock with You,” both of which showcased Michael’s energetic style and capitalized on the contemporary disco dance fad. Three years later he returned with another collaboration with Jones, Thriller, a tour de force that featured an array of guest stars and elevated him to worldwide superstardom. Thriller captured a slew of awards, including a record-setting eight Grammys; remained on the charts for more than two years; and sold more than 40 million copies, long holding the distinction of being the best-selling album in history. The first single on the album, “The Girl Is Mine,” an easygoing duet with Paul McCartney, went to number one on the rhythm-and-blues charts and number two on the pop charts in the fall of 1982. The follow-up single, “Billie Jean,” an electrifying dance track and the vehicle for Jackson’s trademark “moonwalk” dance, topped the pop charts, as did “Beat It,” which featured a raucous solo from famed guitarist Eddie Van Halen. Moreover, “Beat It” helped break down the artificial barriers between Black and white artists on the radio and in the emerging format of music videos on television.
By 1984 Jackson was renowned worldwide as the “King of Pop.” His much anticipated Victory reunion tour with his brothers was one of the most popular concert events of 1984. In 1985 Jackson and Lionel Richie cowrote “We Are the World,” the signature single for USA for Africa, an all-star project aimed at famine relief. Further solo albums—Bad (1987), which produced five chart-topping hits (among them the title song and “Man in the Mirror”), and Dangerous (1991), much of which was produced by New Jack Swing sensation Teddy Riley—solidified Jackson’s dominance of pop music. In 2001 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; the Jackson 5 were inducted in 1997.
Jackson’s eccentric, secluded lifestyle grew increasingly controversial in the early 1990s. His reputation was seriously damaged in 1993 when he was accused of child molestation by a 13-year-old boy he had befriended; a civil suit was settled out of court. In 1994 Jackson secretly married Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of Elvis Presley, but their marriage lasted less than two years. Shortly thereafter Jackson married again, this marriage producing children, though it too ended in divorce. While he remained an international celebrity, his image in the United States was slow to recover, and it suffered even more in November 2003 when he was arrested and charged with child molestation. Called to testify in Jackson’s defense during the trial that ensued was actor Macaulay Cuklin, who had met and become friends with Jackson when he was nine years old and Jackson was an adult. Culkin said they bonded over their common experiences of having to deal with fame at a young age and having overbearing fathers. Culkin maintained that he had never experienced anything inappropriate with Jackson. After a 14-week trial that became something of a media circus, Jackson was acquitted in 2005.
In the wake of these events, Jackson suffered a financial collapse that resulted in the sale of many of his considerable assets, including, ultimately, his lavish Neverland ranch. He was preparing for a series of high-profile concerts he hoped would spark a comeback when he died suddenly of cardiac arrest on June 25, 2009—prompting a widespread outpouring of grief from his fans that culminated in a memorial celebration of his life and legacy on July 7 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, featuring tributes by friends and luminaries such as Stevie Wonder, Berry Gordy, Jr., Brooke Shields, and Al Sharpton. In August 2009 the coroner ruled Jackson’s death a homicide; the cause was a lethal combination of sedatives and propofol, an anesthetic. In November 2011 Jackson’s personal physician was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter.
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- He once received a humanitarian award from Ronald Reagan. Michael Jackson was a generous philanthropist during his time. He supported HIV and AIDS campaigns at the time when these topics were at the height of their controversy.
- Michael Jackson once attempted to purchase Marvel Comics to become Spider-Man. During the late 1990s, Michael Jackson attempted to purchase Marvel Comics so that he could remake Spider-Man in his vision.
- His entire family converted to Jehovah’s Witnesses because of his mother’s influence. Michael was raised as a follower of Jehovah’s Witnesses, mainly influenced by his mother.
- Michael Jackson was the eight child in his family. Michael was eight of the nine siblings in a family of 12. He was born in 1958 in Gary, Indiana, United States.
Jun 19, 2024 · Michael Jackson, often hailed as the 'King of Pop,' was more than just an iconic American singer, songwriter, and dancer; he was a global phenomenon who reshaped the landscape of music, dance, and popular culture. His influence extended beyond his Michael Jackson-level dance moves and vocals, touching the hearts and souls of millions worldwide. Early
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Feb 5, 2024 · The media scrutiny, legal battles, and speculation about his changing appearance often overshadowed his musical achievements. Jackson’s openness about his struggles added layers to the complex narrative of his life. Legacy and Impact: Michael Jackson’s death in 2009 left a void in the music industry, but his legacy endures.
