Michael Jackson

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Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson in 1988
Background information
Birth name	Michael Joseph Jackson
Born	August 29, 1958 (1958-08-29) (age 49) Gary, Indiana, USA
Genre(s)	R&B, soul, pop, dance-pop, disco, rock, urban, New jack swing, funk, Motown
Occupation(s)	singer, songwriter, record producer, arranger, dancer, choreographer, actor
Instrument(s)	Vocals, percussion, multiple instruments
Years active	1967–present
Label(s)	Motown, Epic, Sony, The Michael Jackson Company, Inc.
Associated acts	The Jackson 5/The Jacksons, Quincy Jones
Website	MichaelJackson.com

Michael Joseph Jackson (born August 29, 1958) is an American musician and entertainer. The seventh child of the Jackson family, he debuted on the professional music scene at the age of eleven as a member of The Jackson 5. Jackson went on to begin a solo career in 1972, becoming a pop icon and named the "King of Pop", in subsequent years. Five of his solo studio albums, Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982), Bad (1987), Dangerous (1991) and HIStory (1995), have become some of the world's best selling pop records.

Jackson became a dominant figure in popular music in the late 1970s as the first black entertainer to amass a strong crossover following on MTV. The popularity of his videos aired on MTV, such as "Beat It" and "Billie Jean", helped to put the relatively young channel "on the map", while videos such as "Black or White" and "Scream" made Jackson a staple on MTV into the 1990s. He transformed the music video into an art form and a promotional tool as well. Jackson popularized physically complicated dance techniques, such as the robot and the moonwalk, along with a distinctive musical sound and vocal style that have influenced numerous hip hop, pop, and R&B artists.

Jackson has donated and raised several hundred million dollars for beneficial causes, through his Dangerous World Tour, charity singles and support of thirty-nine charities.^[1][2] However other aspects of his personal life has generated significant controversy; plastic surgery, a lightening skin tone due to vitiligo and eccentric behavior have damaged his reputation among the public. He was accused of child sexual abuse in 1993, although the matter was settled out of court. Jackson was tried, and later acquitted, of further child molestation allegations and several other charges in 2005. He has been the subject of long term financial difficulties and health concerns.

Jackson is one of few artists to have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice. His awards include eight Guinness World Records—including one for Thriller, as the worlds best selling album—thirteen Grammy Awards, thirteen number one singles in his solo career—more than any other artist in the Hot 100 era—and the sale of over 750 million units worldwide. Jackson's highly publicized personal life, coupled with his successful career has made him a part of pop culture for almost four decades.^[3]

Contents 1 Biography 1.1 1958–1975: Early life and The Jackson 5 1.2 1976–1981: The Jacksons and Off the Wall 1.3 1982–1986: Thriller, Motown 25, Victory Tour and We Are the World 1.4 1987–1990: Tabloid stories, Bad and first solo world tour 1.5 1991–1994: Dangerous, charity, accusations and marriage 1.6 1995–1999: HIStory, charity, second marriage and fatherhood 1.7 2001–2002: Invincible, charity, label dispute and third child 1.8 2003–2006: Living with Michael Jackson and People v. Jackson 1.9 2008–present: 25th anniversary of Thriller 1.10 Physical appearance and health concerns 1.11 Finances 2 Legacy and influence 2.1 Style and performance 2.2 Themes and genres 3 Discography 4 Filmography 5 See also 6 Notes 7 References 8 Further reading 9 External links

Biography

1958–1975: Early life and The Jackson 5

See also: The Jackson 5

Michael Joseph Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana to a working-class family.^[4] The son of Joseph Walter (Joe) and Katherine Esther (née Scruse),^[4] he was the fifth of six brothers and the seventh of nine children. His brothers and sisters are Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, Randy, Janet, La Toya and Rebbie.^[5] Joseph Jackson was a steel mill employee who often performed in an R&B band known as "The Falcons" with his brother, Luther.^[5] He was a strict disciplinarian, and many of the Jackson children recall being spanked or whipped by their father for misbehaving.^[6] Katherine, a Jehovah's Witness, raised the children in that faith.^[4]

Michael showed musical talent early in his life, performing in front of his classmates and other audience members during a Christmas recital at his school at the age of five. In 1964, Michael and Marlon joined the "Jackson Brothers", a band begun by brothers Jackie, Tito, and Jermaine, as backup playing congas and tambourine, respectively. Jackson later began performing backup vocals and dancing; at the age of eight, he and Jermaine assumed lead vocals and the group's name was changed to "The Jackson 5". The group recorded a number of singles for the local label Steeltown Records in 1967, and signed with the national Motown Records label in 1968.^[4][7] Rolling Stone described the young Jackson as "a prodigy" with "overwhelming musical gifts", noting that after Jackson began to dance and sing with his brothers, "he quickly emerged as the main draw and lead singer."^[7] Even though he sang with a "child's piping voice, he danced like a grown-up hoofer and sang with the R&B/gospel inflections of Sam Cooke, James Brown, Ray Charles, and Stevie Wonder."^[7]

The Jackson 5 toured Indiana extensively from 1965 through 1967. After winning a major local talent show in 1966 with renditions of Motown hits and James Brown's "I Got You (I Feel Good)", led by Michael, they began playing professional gigs in Chicago, Illinois and across the mid-eastern United States. Many of these gigs were in a string of black clubs and venues collectively known as the "chitlin' circuit," where the young band often opened for stripteases and other adult acts.^[8]

The fledgling group set a record when all of their first four singles ("I Want You Back", "ABC", "The Love You Save", and "I'll Be There") charted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.^[8][9] During the Jackson 5's early years, Motown's public relations team shortened Michael's age from eleven to nine to make him appear cuter and more accessible to the mainstream audience.^[10] Starting in 1972 Jackson released a total of four solo studio albums with Motown, among them Got to Be There and Ben. These were released as part of the Jackson 5 franchise and produced successful singles such as "Got to Be There", "Ben", and a remake of Bobby Day's "Rockin' Robin". Between 1971 and 1975, Michael's voice, according to Rolling Stone, "descended ever so slightly from boy soprano to his current androgynous high tenor."^[7] The group's sales began declining in 1973 and they chafed under Motown's strict refusal to allow them creative control or input. Although they scored several top 40 hits, including the top five disco single "Dancing Machine" and the top 20 hit "I Am Love", the Jackson 5 left Motown in 1975.

1976–1981: The Jacksons and Off the Wall

Main article: Off the Wall (Michael Jackson album)

The group signed a new contract with CBS Records in 1976, first joining the Philadelphia International Records division and then Epic Records.^[11] Motown Records subsequently sued the group for breach of contract;^[12] as a result of the legal proceedings, which were further complicated by the fact that Jermaine Jackson was married to the daughter of Motown president Berry Gordy, the Jacksons lost the rights to use the "Jackson 5" name and logo.^[13] Jermaine left the group, choosing to stay at Motown, and the group changed their name to "The Jacksons", featuring youngest brother Randy in Jermaine's place.^[14]

After the name change, the group's successful career continued, as they toured internationally and released six more albums between 1976 and 1984. Jermaine re-joined in 1983, making "The Jacksons" a sextet. From 1976 to 1984, Michael was the lead songwriter of the group, writing hits such as "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)", "This Place Hotel" and "Can You Feel It".^[8] In 1978, Michael Jackson starred as the Scarecrow in the film adaptation of the Broadway musical The Wiz, with former label mate Diana Ross playing Dorothy.^[15] The songs for the musical were arranged by Quincy Jones, who established a partnership with Jackson during the film's production and agreed to produce the singer's next solo album.

Off the Wall, issued in 1979, was the first album in music history to have four US top-ten hits, including number one hits "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" and "Rock with You".^[9] The record itself reached number three on the Billboard album charts, was in the top 20 for 48 consecutive weeks, and sold septuple-Platinum in the United States.^[16] Quincy Jones and Jackson jointly produced the album, while the lyrics and music were variously composed by Jackson, Heatwave's Rod Temperton, Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney, among others. The album eventually sold over fifteen million copies worldwide.^[17] Despite its commercial success, Jackson felt the album should have made a much bigger impact and was determined to exceed expectations with his next release.^[18]

In January 1980, Jackson won three awards for his solo efforts at the American Music Awards; these included Favorite Soul/R&B Album, Favorite Male Soul/R&B Artist, and Favorite Soul/R&B Single (for "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough").^[9] He also won two Billboard Awards later that month, for Top Black Artist and Top Black Album.^[9] On February 27, 1980 Jackson won a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance, also for "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough".^[9] Rolling Stone ranked Off the Wall number 68 on their list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time^[19] and was listed by the National Association of Recording Merchandisers at number 80 of the Definitive 200 Albums of All Time.^[20] In 2008, the album was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.^[21]

1982–1986: Thriller, Motown 25, Victory Tour and We Are the World

Main articles: Thriller (album), Motown 25, Victory Tour, and We Are the World

In November 1982 the storybook for E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial was released, including Jackson's song "Someone in the Dark"; the record won a Grammy for Best Album for Children.^[22] A few weeks later Jackson issued his second Epic album, Thriller ; it is one of only three albums to remain in the top ten of the Billboard 200 for a full year, spending eighty consecutive weeks there and thirty-seven of those weeks at number one. It was also the first of three albums to have seven Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 singles and the only album to be the best-seller in the United States for two years (1983–1984). Thriller has been certified 27x platinum by the RIAA,^[23] giving it Double Diamond Award status in the U.S.,^[24] and sold 3.7 million copies in the United Kingdom.^[25] The album reached Diamond or Multi-Platinum status in a plethora of countries as well, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand,^[26] and Spain.^[24] Thriller was listed by the National Association of Recording Merchandisers at number 3 of the Definitive 200 Albums of All Time.^[20]

Still popular today, Thriller sells an estimated 130,000 copies in the U.S. per year, reaching number two on the U.S. Catalog charts in February 2003 and number 39 in the UK in March 2007.^[27] Though sales figures vary with different sources, the album is cited as selling between forty-five million and over one hundred million copies worldwide.^[4][28] According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Thriller sold sixty-five million copies as of 2007.^[29]

The album also became the first in history to spawn seven Top 10 Billboard Hot 100 hit singles,^[30] including "Billie Jean", "Beat It" and the album's title track, all of which were accompanied by music videos. "Billie Jean"'s video was the first by a black artist to receive regular airplay on MTV.^[31] The thirteen-minute "Thriller" video was critically acclaimed and had massive airplay. It was packaged with the featurette Making Michael Jackson's Thriller as a home video: this became the best-selling music home video ever.^[30]

On March 25, 1983 Jackson performed "Billie Jean" live on the Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever television special. Debuting his signature move — the moonwalk — his performances during the event led many to perceive him as one of the greatest dancers of all time. The performance was extraordinarily popular, with over 47 million views of the first televised airing. His performance was often compared to Elvis Presley and the The Beatles appearing on The Ed Sullivan Show.^[32] Jackson suffered a setback on January 27, 1984, however. While filming a Pepsi Cola commercial at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, some pyrotechnics set his hair on fire, and he suffered second degree burns to his scalp. The accident, which happened in front of a full house of fans during a simulated concert, was the subject of heavy media scrutiny and elicited an outpouring of sympathy.^[33] PepsiCo settled a lawsuit out of court, and Jackson gave his $1.5 million, settlement to the Michael Jackson Burn Centre.^[34]

On May 14, 1984 Jackson was invited to the White House to receive an award presented by President Ronald Reagan. The event, notable because an African-American met a Republican president at the White House in the 1980s, was seen as a positive move forward in social views towards race.^[35] Thriller put black music on U.S. radio for the first time in years, paving the way for other acts, such as that of Prince.^[36]

Jackson won eight awards during the 1984 Grammys (in 2008, the Thriller album was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame).^[21] Unlike later albums, Thriller did not have an official tour to promote it, but the Victory Tour, headlined by The Jacksons and which began on July 6, 1984, showcased much of Jackson's new solo material to more than 2 million Americans.^[37] He donated his $5 million share from the Victory Tour to charity.^[38] The following year, on March 7, the charity single "We Are the World" was released worldwide to aid people in Africa and the United States. Written primarily by Jackson with help from Lionel Richie, it became one of the best-selling singles of all time, with nearly 20 million copies sold and millions of dollars raised for charity. It was the first instance where Jackson became seen as a humanitarian.^[39]

Thriller was an enormous hit that made Jackson the seminal icon of American culture at the time. At the age of 25, the New York Times called him a "musical phenomenon," further commenting that "in the world of pop music, there is Michael Jackson and there is everybody else."^[40] Time magazine argued that "the fallout from Thriller has given the [music] business its best years since the heady days of 1978."^[41]

1987–1990: Tabloid stories, Bad and first solo world tour

Main articles: Captain EO, Bad (album), and Bad World Tour

Stories of Jackson sleeping in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber to stall the human process of aging, and allegations that Jackson attempted to purchase the bones of the Elephant Man, began surfacing in tabloids around this time. These inspired the pejorative epithet "Wacko Jacko," a name that Jackson would acquire the following year and came to despise.^[4][42]

In 1986, Jackson starred in the George Lucas-produced, Francis Ford Coppola-directed 3-D film Captain EO. It was the most expensive film produced on a per-minute basis at the time, and was later hosted in some Disney theme parks. Disneyland featured the film in its Tomorrowland area for nearly eleven years, while Walt Disney World screened the film in its Epcot theme park from 1986 to 1994.

In 1987, Jackson released Bad; his third album from the Epic Records label, and the final album with producer Quincy Jones.^[30] He initially wanted to make the album 30 tracks long, but Jones cut this down to 11. With the industry expecting another monster hit, the release was heavily anticipated as it was Jackson's first album in five years.^[43] Jackson hired film director Martin Scorsese to direct the video for the album's title track.^[44] When the 18-minute music video debuted, it sparked controversy as Jackson's physical appearance had significantly changed.^[4]

Bad had lower sales when compared to Thriller, but was still a significant commercial success. In the United States, it spawned seven hit singles, five of which went to number one: "I Just Can't Stop Loving You", "Bad", "The Way You Make Me Feel", "Man in the Mirror", and "Dirty Diana". Two decades after it was released, Bad still holds the record for generating more #1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 charts than any other album.^[45] It went on to sell over 29 million copies worldwide, had over 2 million advance orders, and sold 3.6 million copies in the UK.^{[25][43][46][47]} At the 1993 Grammy Awards, the album was acknowledged as the second best-selling album of all time, but has since been overtaken.^[48][25]

In September 1987, Jackson embarked upon his first solo world tour, the Bad World Tour, which had record-breaking attendance figures. In Japan alone, Jackson had 14 sellouts and drew 570,000 people, nearly tripling the previous record of 200,000 in a single tour.^[49] The tour lasted 16 months, as Jackson performed 123 concerts to 4.5 million fans.^[50]

This period saw Jackson experience high levels of stardom, previously known to Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and Frank Sinatra, among others.^[51] This success led to him to be dubbed the "King of Pop", a nickname conceived by actress and friend Elizabeth Taylor when she presented Jackson with an "Artist of the Decade" award in 1989, proclaiming him "the true king of pop, rock and soul."^[52][53][54] In 1990, the White House presented the singer with its own special "Artist of the Decade" award, in recognition Jackson's musical influence in the 1980s. It was awarded to him by President George H. W. Bush, who commended Jackson for acquiring a "tremendous following", among other achievements.^[55]

From 1985 to 1990, Jackson donated $500,000 to the United Negro College Fund and all profits from his 1988 hit single "Man in the Mirror" went to charity.^[56][57]

1991–1994: Dangerous, charity, accusations and marriage

Main articles: Dangerous (album) and Dangerous World Tour

In November 1991, Jackson issued Dangerous, which has 7 million shipments in the United States, sold 2 million copies in the UK and sold 27 million copies worldwide,^[47][58][25] registering sales figures slightly lower to those of Bad. It became one of the most successful New jack swing albums of all time. Dangerous featured hits, including "Black or White", "Remember the Time", "In the Closet", "Give In To Me", "Heal the World" and "Will You Be There". The album was highly anticipated, as highlighted by an incident at the Los Angeles International Airport that witnessed a group of armed robbers stealing 30,000 copies of the new album before its official release.^[59] Dangerous was listed by the National Association of Recording Merchandisers at number 115 of the Definitive 200 Albums of All Time.^[20]

The biggest hit single in the United States from the album was "Black or White", which reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained there for seven weeks,^[3] with similar performances around the world. The single was accompanied by a controversial music video, which, on November 14, 1991, simultaneously premiered in 27 countries with an estimated audience of 500 million people, the largest viewing ever for a music video.^[3] It featured scenes construed as having a sexual nature as well as depictions of violence. The offending scenes in the final half of the 14-minute version were edited out to prevent the video from being banned and Jackson apologized.^[4]

The second single released from Dangerous was "Remember The Time", which spent eight weeks in the Top Five in the United States and hit a peak at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. In 1993, Jackson performed the song at the Soul Train Awards in a wheel chair saying he had an injury in rehearsals.^[60] At the ceremony, he was given three awards: "Best Male Single" of the year for "Remember The Time", "Best R&B Album" for Dangerous, and a Humanitarian Award for his charitable contributions to date.^[61] In the UK, as well as other parts of Europe, "Heal the World" was the biggest hit from the album. In Britain, it sold 450,000 copies alone and spent five weeks at #2 in 1992.^[27]

Jackson founded the "Heal the World Foundation" in 1992, in reference to his humanitarian single "Heal the World". The charity organization brought underprivileged children to Jackson's Neverland Ranch, located outside Santa Ynez, California, to go on theme park rides which Jackson had built on the property after he purchased it in 1988. The foundation also sent millions of dollars around the globe to help children threatened by war and disease. All profits from the Dangerous World Tour went to his foundation, raising many millions of dollars in relief.^[62]

Later that year, Jackson made a high-profile visit to Africa, in which he visited several countries, among them Gabon and Egypt.^[63] His first stop to Gabon was greeted with a sizable reception of more than 100,000 people in "spiritual bedlam", some of them carrying signs that read, "Welcome Home Michael".^[63] In his trip to the Ivory Coast, Jackson was crowned "King Sani" by a tribal chief.^[63] He then thanked the dignitaries in French and English, signed official documents formalizing his kingship, and sat on a golden throne while presiding over ceremonial dances.^[63] In January 1993, he performed during the halftime show at Super Bowl XXVII. It drew one of the largest viewing audiences in the history of American television.^[3] Jackson was given the "Living Legend Award" at the 35th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.^[64]

In the late 1980s, Jackson befriended Ryan White, a child suffering from AIDS. White made headlines around the world, fighting against legal and social prejudices towards AIDS victims. Jackson, who was sympathetic to the cause, drew public attention to the disease, something that was still controversial at the time. White died in at the age of eighteen in 1990, Jackson attended the funeral. In 1993, Jackson publically pleaded with the Clinton Administration, at Bill Clintons Inaugural Gala, to give more money to AIDS charities and research. He dedicated the song "Gone Too Soon" from his Dangerous album to White.^[65][66]

In 1993, it was revealed that Jackson often allowed children to sleep over at his Neverland ranch, a fact which came under much media and public scrutiny when child molestation allegations were brought against him by a child who had stayed with him on several occasions. Jordan Chandler, the son of former Beverly Hills dentist Evan Chandler, represented by civil lawyer Larry Feldman, accused Jackson of molestation. On December 22, Jackson responded to the allegations via satellite from his Neverland compound and stated that he was "totally innocent of any wrongdoing". In January of 1994 , Jackson settled the issue out of court for an undisclosed sum, reported to be $20 million while Chandler refused to testify.^[67]

Later that year, Jackson married Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of Elvis Presley. They first meet in 1974, during one of Jacksons family engagements at the MGM Grand and were reconnected through a mutual friend in early 1993.^[68] After that they stayed in contact every day over the telephone. As child molestation accusations became public Jackson became dependent on Lisa Marie for emotional support, she was concerned about his faltering health and his addiction to drugs.^[69] Lisa Marie explained, "I believed he didn't do anything wrong, and that he was wrongly accused and, yes, I started falling for him. I wanted to save him. I felt that I could do it."^[70] In one phone call he made to her, she described him as high, incoherent and delusional.^[71] Shortly afterwards she tried to persuade Jackson to settle the allegations out of court and go into rehabilitation to recover — he subsequently did both.^[72]

Jackson proposed to Lisa Marie, over the telephone, towards the fall of 1993, saying "If I asked you to marry me, would you do it?".^[73] The marriage was, in her words, "a married couple's life ... that was sexually active".^[74] They divorced less than two years later, remaining friends.^[75]

1995–1999: HIStory, charity, second marriage and fatherhood

Main articles: HIStory, Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix, and HIStory World Tour

In June 1995, Jackson released HIStory: Past, Present And Future — Book I,^[64] resulting in one Grammy Award for "best video of the year".^[76] It debuted at number one on the charts^[4] has been certified for seven million shipments in the United States and sold 1.5 million copies in the UK.^[77][25] It is the best-selling multiple-disc album of all-time, with 18 million copies (36 million units) sold worldwide.^[3] To promote the album, Jackson embarked on the successful HIStory World Tour,^[64] which was attended by more than 4.5 million people. The first disc, HIStory Begins, was a 15-track greatest hits album and was later released as Greatest Hits — HIStory Vol. I, in 2001. The second disc, HIStory Continues, contained 15 new songs.

The first single released from the album was "Scream", sung and performed with Jackson's youngest sister Janet. The single had the highest debut on the Billboard Hot 100 at #5 and received a Grammy nomination for "Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals".^[78] The music video for "Scream" is one of his most critically acclaimed, winning three MTV awards in 1995, a Grammy in 1996,^[64] and remains the most expensive music video ever made.^[79] "You Are Not Alone" was the second single released from HIStory, it was the first song ever to debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, earning Jackson a Guinness World Record.^[80] It was seen as a major artistic and commercial success, receiving a Grammy nomination for "Best Pop Vocal Performance".^[78]

"Earth Song" was the third single released from HIStory, accompanied by an expensive but well-received music video that was nominated for a Grammy in 1996 but lost to his earlier video "Scream".^[81] The song topped the United Kingdom singles chart for six weeks over Christmas 1995 and sold one million copies, making it his most successful single in Britain.^[27] Slash appeared at Jackson's MTV Music Video Awards 1995 performance during "Black or White", played a solo, then played along to the opening of "Billie Jean".^[82] Jackson showed a shift in his concerns to environmental issues and ended the night with a message asking for donations for his "Heal the World Foundation".

At the 1996 BRIT awards, Jackson was given a special "Artist of a Generation" award.^[27] At the ceremony he performed his single "Earth Song", making a symbolic Christ-like pose while surrounded by children. That led Jarvis Cocker, of the band Pulp, to mount the stage in protest of the performance. Cocker was subsequently questioned by the police on suspicion of causing injury towards three of the children in Jackson's performance, although no criminal proceedings followed.^[83]

On November 13 of that year, during the Australian leg of the HIStory World Tour, Jackson married his dermatologist's nurse, Deborah Jeanne Rowe, with whom he fathered a son, Michael Joseph Jackson, Jr. (also known as "Prince"),^[84] and a daughter, Paris Michael Katherine Jackson.^[85] They first meet in the early 1980s when Jackson was diagnosed with Vitiligo.^[86] Originally there were no plans to marry but following Rowes first pregnancy, Jacksons mother intervened and persuaded them to.^[87] The couple divorced in 1999, with Rowe giving full custody rights of the children over to Jackson.^[4]

In 1997, Jackson released an album of new material titled Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix, with remixes of hit singles from HIStory, and five new songs;^[64] it sold 6 million copies worldwide, becoming a best selling remix album. It reached number one in the United Kingdom, as did the title track.^[88] In the United States, the album was certified platinum but only reached number twenty-four.^[47][27] Of the new songs in the album, three were released globally: the title track, "Ghosts," and "Is It Scary". The singles "Ghosts" and "Is It Scary" were based on a film created by Jackson called "Ghosts".^[89] The short film, written by Jackson and Stephen King and directed by Stan Winston, features many special effects and dance moves choreographed to original music, which Jackson himself authored.^[90] The music video for "Ghosts" is over 35 minutes long and holds the record as the world's longest music video.^[91]

Throughout June of 1999, Jackson was involved with a number of charitable events. He joining Luciano Pavarotti for a benefit concert in Modena, Italy. The show was in support of the non-profit organization Warchild and raised approximately $1 million for the refugees of Kosovo as well as additional funds for the children of Guatemala.^[92] Later that month Jackson organized a set of "Michael Jackson & Friends" benefit concerts in Germany and Korea. Other artists involved included Slash, The Scorpions, Boys II Men, Luther Vandross, Mariah Carey, Andrea Bocelli, and Luciano Pavarotti. The proceeds went to the "Nelson Mandela Children's Fund", the Red Cross, and UNESCO.^[93]

2001–2002: Invincible, charity, label dispute and third child

Main article: Invincible (Michael Jackson album)

In October 2001, Invincible was issued,^[94] debuted at number one in thirteen countries,^[3] and went on to sell approximately 10 million copies worldwide;^[95] this included a double platinum certification in the United States.^[47] The album spawned three singles: "You Rock My World," "Cry," and "Butterflies." The sales for Invincible were low compared to his previous releases, which may be due to the lack of a supporting world tour and because only one music video was released to promote the album. While most reviewers felt that the album was one of Jackson's least impressive,^[96][97] negative reviewers often discussed the singer's perceived eccentric image rather than the music.^[98]

Just before the release of Invincible, Jackson informed the head of Sony Music Entertainment, Tommy Mottola, that he was not going to renew his contract;^[4] the contract was on the verge of expiration in terms of supplying the label with albums of new material for release through Epic Records/SME. In 2002, all singles releases, video shootings, and promotions concerning the Invincible album were canceled. Subsequently, Jackson made allegations that Mottola was a "devil" and a "racist" who did not support his African-American artists,^[4] using them merely for his own personal gain.^[4] He charged that Mottola had called his colleague Irv Gotti a "fat nigger".^[99]

On September 7 and September 10, 2001 Jackson organized a special 30th Anniversary celebration at Madison Square Garden for his 30th year of being a solo artist. The show aired on November 13 and featured performances by Mýa, Usher, Whitney Houston, 'N Sync, the Jacksons, Slash, among other artists.^[94] In wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks on America, Jackson helped organize the United We Stand: What More Can I Give benefit concert at RFK Stadium in Washington D.C. The concert was aired on October 21, 2001 and included performances from dozens of major artists, including Jackson, who performed his song "What More Can I Give" as the finale.^[95]

Jackson's third child, Prince Michael Jackson II (also known as Blanket) was born in 2002.^[100] The mothers identity has not been released by Jackson but he has said it was the result of artificial insemination, from a surrogate mother and his own sperm cells.^[101] In November of that year Jackson brought his new born son onto the balcony of his hotel room. Holding him in his right arm with a cloth loosely draped over the baby's face, Jackson briefly extending the baby over the railing of the balcony causing widespread criticism.^[102]

2003–2006: Living with Michael Jackson and People v. Jackson

Main articles: Living with Michael Jackson, Number Ones, The Essential Michael Jackson, Visionary: The Video Singles, and People v. Jackson

In November 2003, Jackson and Sony Records put out a compilation of his number-one hits on CD and DVD titled Number Ones, which sold over 6 million copies worldwide.^[103] In the United States it peaked at #13, it has been certified platinum by the RIAA, and in the UK it sold 1.5 million copies.^[27][47][25]

On December 18, 2003, Jackson was charged with seven counts of child molestation and two counts of administering an intoxicating agent in order to commit that felony, all regarding the same boy, Gavin Arvizo, under 14 at the time of the incident. Earlier that year, a Granada Television documentary featuring the pop-singer showed him holding hands and discussing sleeping arrangements with Avizno, who would later accuse him of child molestation.^[104] The felony complaint stated that Jackson had committed seven lewd acts and two acts of administration of an intoxicating agent to enable the former accusations. Jackson denied these allegations, saying that the sleepovers were in no way sexual in nature. Jackson's friend, Elizabeth Taylor, defended him on Larry King Live, saying that she had been there when they "were in the bed, watching television. There was nothing abnormal about it. There was no touchy-feely going on. We laughed like children, and we watched a lot of Walt Disney. There was nothing odd about it."^[105]

The People v. Jackson trial began in Santa Maria, California on January 31, 2005, and lasted until the end of May 2005; Jackson was acquitted on all counts in June. The District Attorney of Santa Barbara County, Tom Sneddon, has led two efforts against Jackson involving child molestation.^[106] These prosecutions have led to complaints that Sneddon was motivated by a "vendetta" against Jackson. Evidence to support these claims include Sneddon joking about Jackson's greatest hits album being released on the same day as his arrest, calling Jackson "Wacko Jacko," and shouting "we got him, we finally got him" to the media, when he had just began an investigation and gathered limited information or evidence.^[107]

Following the trial, Jackson relocated to the Persian Gulf island of Bahrain, where he reportedly bought a house formerly owned by a Bahrain Member of Parliament.^[108] In September 2005, it was announced that Jackson was producing an all-star charity single — entitled "I Have This Dream" — to help raise relief funds for victims of Hurricane Katrina. The single has not yet been released.^[109]

Beginning in February 2006, Sony BMG released Visionary: The Video Singles to the European market: a series of twenty of his biggest hit singles of the 1980s and 1990s. Each single was issued weekly over a five-month period in DualDisc format (DVD video on one side, CD audio on the other), and the whole group of discs was made available as a boxed set afterwards.^[110] The boxed set was released in the United States on November 14, 2006.^[111]

Jackson's first documented public appearance since his trial was in November 2006 when he visited the London office of the Guinness World Records. There, he received eight awards, among them "First Entertainer to Earn More Than 100 Million Dollars in a Year" and "First Entertainer to Sell More Than 100 Million Albums Outside the United States".^[112] Jackson was awarded the Diamond Award on November 15, 2006 for selling over 100 million albums at the World Music Awards.^[3]

Following the death of James Brown, Jackson returned to the United States to pay his respects. He, along with more than 8,000 people, paid tribute during Brown's public funeral on December 30, 2006.^[113][114] In late 2006 Jackson agreed to share joint custody of his first two children with his second ex-wife.^[115]

2008–present: 25th anniversary of Thriller

Main article: Thriller 25

On February 11, 2008, Jackson issued Thriller 25, a 25th anniversary edition of Thriller. The album consists of two discs; disc one contains the original nine tracks from Thriller, five remixed Thriller tracks, a song originally recorded in the Thriller era called "For All Time", and included renditions by will.i.am, Fergie, Kanye West, and Akon.^[116] Disc two is a DVD which contains the three music videos from "Thriller" and Jackson's performance of "Billie Jean" at Motown 25. Two singles "The Girl Is Mine 2008" and "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' 2008" were released to moderate success.

Thriller 25 was a commercial success, having done particularly well as a re-issue, peaking at number one in eight countries and Europe. It reached number two in the United States, number three in the United Kingdom, and Top 10 on over thirty national charts. In the United States, Thriller 25 was just 14,000 copies short of reaching the number one position selling 166,000 copies. It was ineligible for the Billboard 200 chart as a re-release, but entered the Pop Catalog Charts at number one, where it stayed for ten non-consecutive weeks and had the best sales on that chart since December 1996.^{[117][118][119][120]} In 12 weeks the album had sold 556,000 copies in the United States.^[117] It sold 3 million copies worldwide after 12 weeks.^[121]

Physical appearance and health concerns

Jackson's skin was a medium-brown color for the entire duration of his youth, but starting in the early 1980s, his skin gradually grew paler. This change gained widespread media coverage, including rumors that Jackson was bleaching his skin. However, in the early 1980s Jackson was diagnosed with vitiligo and lupus, the latter of which is potentially lethal but is in remission in Jackson's case. Both conditions make Jackson sensitive to overexposure to sunlight, which can cause his lupus condition to reawaken.^[122] Jackson first spoke publicly about vitiligo in a 1993 interview with Oprah Winfrey. To treat both these conditions Jackson uses Solaquin, Retin A and Benoquin. He must also have hydroxychloroquin injected directly into his scalp regularly. Ironically, the treatments he uses for his condition further lightens his skin tone, and with the application of pancake makeup to even out his skin tone, he can appear very pale.^[122]

The structure of his face has changed as well, and several surgeons have speculated that Jackson has undergone multiple nasal surgeries, a forehead lift, thinned lips, and cheekbone surgery.^[123] In 1979, Jackson had his first rhinoplasty after breaking his nose during a complex dance routine. However the surgery was not a complete success and Jackson complained of breathing difficulties that would affect his career. He was referred to Dr. Steven Hoefflin, who would perform his second rhinoplasty, as well as more throughout his career.^[124] Jackson had his third rhinoplasty in 1984, another in 1986, and had a cleft put in his chin.^[124] By 1990, the full extent of Jackson's surgery was unknown; those close to the singer estimated he underwent ten operations on his face, up to this point.^[125] Jackson wrote in his 1988 autobiography Moon Walk that he only had two rhinoplastic surgeries and the surgical creation of a cleft in his chin. In the book, he attributed the change in the structure of his face to puberty and a strict vegetarian diet.^[126]

Changes to his face are, in part, due to periods of significant weight loss.^[127] Jackson became slimmer in the early 1980s because of a change in diet and a desire for "a dancers body".^[128] By 1984, Jackson had dropped 20 pounds bringing his weight to 105 pounds, the slimmest he had ever been as an adult.^[129] Witnesses reported that Jackson was often dizzy and speculated that he was suffering from anorexia nervosa.^[130] Following accusations of child molestation in 1993, Jackson began to stop eating, losing even more weight.^[131] In late 1995, Jackson was rushed to a hospital after collapsing during rehearsals for a televised performance, the incident was caused by a stress related panic attack.^[132] During his 2005 trial, the singer again suffered from stress related illnesses and severe weight loss.^[133]

By the fall of 1993, Jackson was addicted to drugs. He began taking painkillers, Valium, Xanax and Ativan to deal with the stress of the allegations made against him.^[134] Jackson's health had deteriorated to the extent that he cancelled the remainder of his tour and went into rehabilitation for a few months.^[135] In January 2004 following his upcoming trial, Jackson was dependent on morphine and Demerol, which he overcame.^[136]

Finances

See also: Neverland Ranch and Northern Songs

A number of shrewd business moves early in his career helped Jackson accrue a sizeable fortune. In 1984, he offered to pay for the Thriller music video using his own money, as his label felt the album had already been a success and that a third video was therefore unnecessary. He was persuaded not to use his own earnings, instead he made a documentary of the videos production, called "The Making of Thriller". He and John Landis convinced MTV to pay for the production of the documentary and thus the music video that went along with it. The video was successful and Jackson garnered a sizeable profit.^[137][138] In 1984, he purchased The Beatles' back catalog (outbidding Paul McCartney and Yoko Ono) as well as the copyrights to thousands of other songs for $47.5 million.^[139] Jackson merged the catalog with Sony's publishing division in 1995, but retained half-ownership.^[140]

In 1988, he purchased property near Santa Ynez, California to build Neverland Ranch at a cost of $17 million. The property was valued at approximately $100 million in 2003. In 1989, his annual earnings from album sales, endorsements, and concerts was estimated at $125 million for that year alone.^[141][142] In the early 1990s, Jackson signed a renewed $65 million recording contract and sold the broadcast rights to his Dangerous world tour to HBO for $20 million, both of which were record-breaking deals at the time.^[141][143] Forbes placed his annual income at $35 million in 1996 and $20 million in 1997, despite his commercial peak ending several years prior.^[141] His total lifetime earnings from royalties on his solo recordings and music videos, revenue from concerts, and endorsements have been estimated at $500 million,^[141] while some analysts have speculated that his music catalog holdings could potentially be worth billions of dollars.^[144]

In recent years, however, it has been reported that Jackson has experienced financial difficulties. In 1993, he settled a child-molestation lawsuit for an undisclosed sum, estimated to be between $15 million and $25 million. The negative publicity surrounding the settlement impacted his future earnings as well.^[141] Jackson has been observed in public spending large amounts of money in an apparently frivolous manner, such as in 2003 when he spent $6 million in a single store, or from money given to charity.^[141]

Reports of financial problems for Jackson became more frequent in 2006 after the closure of the main house on the Neverland Ranch as a cost-cutting measure.^[145] One prominent financial issue for him concerned a $270 million loan secured against his music publishing holdings. After delayed repayments on the loan, a refinancing package in 2005 shifted the loans from Bank of America to debt specialists Fortress Investments. A new package proposed by Sony in April 2006 would have had Jackson borrow an additional $300 million and reduce the interest rate payable on the loan, while giving Sony the future option to buy half of Jackson's stake in their jointly-owned publishing company (leaving Jackson with a 25% stake).^[140] Jackson agreed to a Sony-backed refinancing deal, although details were not made public.^[146] In 2008, Fortress considered a foreclosure sale of Neverland Ranch to service the loan, but ultimately sold the debt to Colony Capital LLC in May of that year.^[54]

Legacy and influence

See also: Michael Jackson filmography and Thriller (album)#Influence and legacy

Jackson's successful career has made him a part of pop culture for almost four decades.^[4] Inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1984, Jackson has had a notable impact on music and culture throughout the world, breaking down racial barriers and paving the way for modern pop music in his own country. He transformed the music video into an art form and a promotional tool through complex story lines, dance routines, special effects and famous cameo appearances.^[4] The popularity of his videos aired on MTV, such as "Beat It" and "Billie Jean", helped to put the relatively young channel "on the map",^[147] while videos such as "Black or White" and "Scream" made Jackson a staple on MTV into the 1990s.

Throughout his four-decade career, he received numerous honors and awards, including the World Music Award's Best-Selling Pop Male Artist of the Millennium, the American Music Award's Artist of the Century Award,^[27] and the Bambi's Pop Artist of the Millennium Award.^[148] He is a double-inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (once as a member of The Jackson 5 in 1997 and later as a solo artist in 2001)^[51] and an inductee of the Songwriters Hall of Fame.^[149] His awards include eight Guinness World Records,^[80] thirteen Grammy Awards,^[150] thirteen number one singles in his solo career—more than any other artist in the Hot 100 era^[3]—and the sale of over 750 million units worldwide.^[151] He is characterized as "an unstoppable juggernaut, possessed of all the tools to dominate the charts seemingly at will: an instantly identifiable voice, eye-popping dance moves, stunning musical versatility, and loads of sheer star power".^[4] In the mid-1980s, Time Magazine described Jackson as "the hottest single phenomenon since Elvis Presley".^[41] He has also been described as an "extremely important figure in the history of popular culture" and a "genius".^[152] In 1990, Vanity Fair named him the "Most popular artist in the history of show business".^[153] Jackson's work, distinctive musical sound and vocal style that have influenced numerous hip hop, pop, and R&B artists. Such artists include Mariah Carey,^[7] Usher,^[154] Britney Spears,^[7] Justin Timberlake,^[155]Ciara,^[156] Ne-Yo,^[157] and Chris Brown.^[156]

Style and performance

See also: Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever

Among the most celebrated aspects of Jackson's career have been his dance, which has given rise to impersonators all over the world. He popularized physically complicated dance techniques, such as the robot and the moonwalk. On March 25, 1983, Jackson debuted "Billie Jean" before a live audience during taping of the tribute special Motown 25. Dressed in a glittery black jacket, sparkling silver shirt, tight black pants cuffed high to showcase, white spangled socks, black penny loafers, and a single sequined glove, Jackson signalled the start of his routine by grabbing his crotch and snapping a black fedora to his head. Halfway through the performance Jackson threw his fedora into the crowd. It was during this performance that Jackson debuted a set of dance moves, including the "Moonwalk", a name dubbed by the media, not Jackson. The "moonwalk" followed by a tornado spin, and balancing up on his toes; it has since gone on to become Jackson's trademark dance piece. The performance sealed his position as a dance legend up against the likes of Fred Astaire, and it is also said to match the effect on popular culture that Elvis Presley and The Beatles had when they appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show. Despite Jackson lip-syncing his song, the audience rose to their feet giving an ovation, and the performance is often cited as one of the greatest live performances of all time. Upon its broadcast on May 16, over 47 million viewers witnessed Jackson's performance. The New York Times said, "The moonwalk that he made famous is an apt metaphor for his dance style. How does he do it? As a technician, he is a great illusionist, a genuine mime. His ability to keep one leg straight as he glides while the other bends and seems to walk requires perfect timing".^[158]

In the late 1980s, Jackson experimented with an innovative 'leaning' move in his music video performances, for which he was granted U.S. Patent 5,255,452.^[159] Jackson's later dancing, however, particularly during between 1987 and 1997, has been criticized as overly sexual or even violent,^[160] such as the ending of the video for "Black or White", which portrays Jackson demolishing a car while performing a number of highly-sexualized dance moves. He has been known to grab or touch his chest, torso, and crotch, both in live performances as well as in music videos such as "Bad" and "In The Closet". While he has described this as "choreography," it has garnered a mixed reception from both fans and critics, with Time magazine describing it as "infamous".^[161]

Themes and genres

Throughout his solo career, Jackson's versitility has allowed him to experiment with a number of themes and genres.^[4] As a musician, he has ranged from Motown’s dance fare and ballads to techno-edged New jack swing to work that incorporates both funk rhythms and hard-rock guitar.^[7] Off the Wall, was crafted from funk, disco-pop, soul, soft rock, jazz and pop ballads.^{[4][162][163]} Prominant examples include the ballad, "She's Out of My Life" and the two disco tunes "Working Day and Night" and "Get on the Floor".^[162]

Thriller refined the strengths of Off the Wall; the dance and rock tracks were more aggressive, while the pop tunes and ballads were softer and more soulful.^[4] Notable tracks include the ballads "The Lady in My Life", "Human Nature" and "The Girl is Mine", the funk pieces "Billie Jean" and "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" and the disco set "Baby Me Mine and "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)".^{[164][165][166][4]} With Thriller, Jackson would being his long association with the subliminal theme of paranoia and darker imagery.^[166] This is evident on the songs "Billie Jean" and "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'".^[165] In "Billie Jean", Jackson sings about an obsessive fan who alleges he has fathered a child of hers.^[4] While in "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" he argues against gossips and the media.^[166] The anti-gang-violence "Beat It" became an homage to West Side Story and was Jackson's first successful rock cross over piece.^[4][7] The title track "Thriller" would begin Jacksons interest with the theme of the supernatural, a topic he would revisit in the future.^[4] In 1985, Jackson wrote the charity anthem "We Are the World", he continued this in future studio albums as humanitarian themes became a central component of his life and music.^[4]

In Bad, Jackson's concept of the predatory lover can be seen on the rock song "Dirty Diana".^[167] The lead single, "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" was a traditional love ballad while "Man in the Mirror", an anthemic ballad of confession and resolution improved on his earlier "We Are the World".^[43] "Smooth Criminal" was an evocation of bloody assault, rape and likely murder.^[43] Dangerous presents Jackson as a starck paradoxal individual.^[168] The album is more diverse than his previous Bad, it appeals to an urban audience while also attracting the middle class with anthems like "Heal The World".^[168]The first half of the record is dedicated to New Jack Swing which includes songs like "Jam" and "Remember the Time".^[169]The album is Jacksons first where social ills become a primary theme, "Why You Wanna Trip on Me" protests against world hunger, AIDS, homelessness and drugs.^[169] Dangerous contains sexually charged efforts like "In the Closet", a love song about desire and denial, risk and repression, solitude and connection, privacy and revelation.^[169] The title track continues the theme of the predatory lover and cumpulsive desire.^[169] The second half is introspective, pop-gospel anthems such as "Will You Be There", "Heal the World" and "Keep the Faith" show Jackson finally opening up about various personal struggles and worries.^[169] In the ballad "Gone Too Soon" Jackson paies tribute to his friend Ryan White and the plight of those with AIDS.^[66] The album also contained one of his first power ballads "Give in to Me".^[169]

HIStory creates an atmosphere of paranoia.^[170] Its content focuses on the hardship and public struggles he went through just prior to its production. In the New jack swing-funk-rock efforts "Scream/Childhood" and "Tabloid Junkie" along with the R&B ballad "You Are Not Alone" Jackson retaliates against the injustice and isolation he feels and directs much of his anger at the media.^[171] In the introspective ballad "Stranger in Moscow", Jackson laments over his "fall from grace", while songs like "Earth Song", "Childhood", "Little Susie" and "Smile" are all operatic pop pieces.^[171][170] Invincible, found him working heavily with production Rodney Jerkins.^[4] It is a record made up of urban soul like "Cry" and "The Lost Children", ballads such as "Speechless ", "Break of Dawn" and "Butterflies"^[96][97] and Mix's Hiphop, pop and rap in "2000 watts", "Heartbreaker" and "Invincible".^[97]

Discography

Main articles: Michael Jackson album discography and Michael Jackson singles discography

Motown releases

• 1972: Got to Be There
• 1972: Ben
• 1973: Music & Me
• 1975: Forever, Michael

Epic releases

• 1979: Off the Wall
• 1982: Thriller
• 1987: Bad
• 1991: Dangerous
• 1995: HIStory
• 1997: Blood on the Dance Floor
• 2001: Invincible
• 2008: TBA

Filmography

Main article: Michael Jackson filmography

See also

• List of best-selling albums worldwide
• List of best-selling remix albums worldwide
• List of best-selling music artists
• List of most expensive music videos
• List of number-one hits (United States)
• List of Michael Jackson's awards
• Michael Jackson album discography
• Michael Jackson singles discography
• Michael Jackson filmography

Notes

References

• Campbell, Lisa (1993). Michael Jackson: The King of Pop (in English). Branden. ISBN 082831957X. 
• Abdelnour, Mark (2004). Buying & Selling Music, Instruments, and Music Collectibles on Ebay. Thomson Course Technology. ISBN 159200504. 
• Taraborrelli, J. Randy (2004). The Magic and the Madness. Terra Alta, WV: Headline. ISBN 0-330-42005-4. 
• Warner, Jay (2006). On this Day in Black Music History (in English). Milwaukee: Hal Leonard, 329. ISBN 0634066935. 
• Guinness World Records (2005). Guinness World Records 2006. Guinness. ISBN 1-904994-02-4. 
• Jackson, Michael (1988). Moonwalk. Doubleday. ISBN 0-434-37042-8. 
• Lewis, Jel (2005). Michael Jackson, the King of Pop: The Big Picture : the Music! the Man! the Legend! the Interviews!. Amber Books Publishing. ISBN 0-974977-90-X. 

Further reading

• Jackson, Michael (1992). Dancing The Dream. Doubleday. ISBN 0-385-40368-2. 
• Grant, Adrian (1994, 1997, 2002 and 2005). Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary. Omnibus Press. ISBN 1-84449-432-2. 
• Noonan, Damien (1994). Michael Jackson (Audio book), Carlton Books. ISBN 1-85797-587-1. 
• Jackson, Michael (2006). My World, The Official Photobook, Vol. 1. Triumph International. ISBN 0-9768891-1-0. 

External links

• Sony's Official Michael Jackson website
• Michael Jackson at MySpace
• Michael Jackson at the Internet Movie Database
• Michael Jackson at All Movie Guide
• Michael Jackson at Allmusic
• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame page on Michael Jackson
• Songwriters' Hall of Fame page on Michael Jackson
• Michael Jackson at the Open Directory Project
• Michael Jackson's Family Tree
• Michael Jackson at Discogs

v • d • e Michael Jackson Studio albums Got to Be There · Ben · Music and Me · Forever, Michael · Off the Wall · Thriller · Bad · Dangerous · HIStory · Invincible · TBA Other albums One Day in Your Life · Farewell My Summer Love · Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix · Greatest Hits - HIStory Volume I · Number Ones · The Ultimate Collection · The Essential Michael Jackson · Visionary: The Video Singles · Thriller 25 Solo tours Bad World Tour · Dangerous World Tour · HIStory World Tour Filmography The Wiz · Thriller · Captain EO · Moonwalker · Ghosts Video releases Dangerous - The Short Films · Video Greatest Hits - HIStory · HIStory on Film, Volume II · Live in Bucharest: The Dangerous Tour · Moonwalker · Number Ones · The One See also The Jackson 5 · Singles discography · Awards · Records and achievements · Tours · Controversies

v • d • e Michael Jackson singles discography Got to Be There "Got to Be There" · "Rockin' Robin" · "I Wanna Be Where You Are" · "Ain't No Sunshine" Ben "Ben" Music and Me "With a Child's Heart" · "Music and Me" · "Happy" Forever, Michael "We're Almost There" · "Just a Little Bit of You" The Wiz "Ease on Down the Road" (w/ Diana Ross) · "You Can't Win" · "A Brand New Day" (w/ Diana Ross) Off the Wall "Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough" · "Rock with You" · "Off the Wall" · "She's out of My Life" · "Girlfriend" One Day in Your Life "One Day in Your Life" Thriller "The Girl Is Mine" (w/ Paul McCartney) · "Billie Jean" · "Beat It" · "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" "Human Nature" · "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)" · "Thriller" Farewell My Summer Love "Farewell My Summer Love" / "Girl You're So Together" Bad "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" (w/Siedah Garrett) · "Bad" · "The Way You Make Me Feel" · "Man in the Mirror" "Dirty Diana" · "Another Part of Me" · "Smooth Criminal" · "Leave Me Alone" · "Liberian Girl" Dangerous "Black or White" · "Remember the Time" · "In the Closet" · "Jam" · "Who Is It" "Give in to Me" · "Heal the World" · "Will You Be There" · "Gone Too Soon" HIStory "Scream/Childhood" · "You Are Not Alone" · "This Time Around / "Earth Song" · "They Don't Care About Us" · "Stranger in Moscow" Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix "Blood on the Dance Floor" · "HIStory/Ghosts" Invincible "You Rock My World" · "Cry" · "Butterflies" Number Ones "One More Chance" Thriller 25 "The Girl Is Mine 2008" (w/ will.i.am) · "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' 2008 (w/ Akon) · "Beat It 2008"(w/ Fergie) · "Billie Jean 2008" (w/ Kanye West) Other collaborations "Somebody's Watching Me" (w/ Rockwell)  · "Say Say Say" (w/ Paul McCartney)  · "Get It" (w/ Stevie Wonder)  · "Whatzupwitu" (w/ Eddie Murphy)  · "Why" (w/ 3T)  · "No Friend of Mine" (w/ Pras)

v • d • e The Jackson 5/The Jacksons Jackie Jackson · Jermaine Jackson · Marlon Jackson · Michael Jackson · Randy Jackson · Tito Jackson Motown albums (The Jackson 5) Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5 · ABC · Third Album · The Jackson 5 Christmas Album · Maybe Tomorrow · Goin' Back to Indiana · Lookin' Through the Windows · Skywriter · G.I.T.: Get It Together · Dancing Machine · Moving Violation CBS albums (The Jacksons) The Jacksons · Goin' Places · Destiny · Triumph · Victory · 2300 Jackson Street Live albums The Jackson 5 in Japan · The Jacksons Live! Singles (US/UK Top Tens) "I Want You Back" · "ABC" · "The Love You Save" · "I'll Be There" · "Mama's Pearl" · "Never Can Say Goodbye" · "Sugar Daddy" · "Doctor My Eyes" · "Lookin' Through the Windows" · "Dancing Machine" · "Enjoy Yourself" · "Show You the Way to Go" · "Blame It on the Boogie" · "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)" · "Can You Feel It" · "Walk Right Now" · "State of Shock" Tours Destiny Tour · Triumph Tour · Victory Tour Related articles Discography · Joseph Jackson · Katherine Jackson · Janet Jackson · La Toya Jackson · Rebbie Jackson

v • d • e The Jackson siblings Maureen Reillette (Rebbie): 1950 • Sigmund Esco (Jackie): 1951 • Toriano Adaryll (Tito): 1953 • Jermaine La Jaune: 1954 • La Toya Yvonne: 1956 • Marlon David: 1957 • Michael Joseph: 1958 • Steven Randall (Randy): 1961 • Janet Damita Jo: 1966

Persondata
NAME	Jackson, Michael Joesph
ALTERNATIVE NAMES	Jackson, Michael Joe
SHORT DESCRIPTION	Singer
DATE OF BIRTH	August 29, 1958
PLACE OF BIRTH	Gary, Indiana, United States
DATE OF DEATH
PLACE OF DEATH