Michael Jackson

Basic Information:

• Name: Michael Joseph Jackson

• Date of Birth: August 29, 1958

• Nationality: American

• Profession: Singer, Songwriter, Dancer, Philanthropist

• Spouse: Debbie Rowe (m. 1996–2000), Lisa Marie Presley (m. 1994–1996)

• Children: Paris Jackson, Bigi Jackson, Prince Jackson

Biography:

Michael Joseph Jackson, born in Gary, Indiana, was the eighth of ten children in the Jackson family. His early life was marked by a strict upbringing and rigorous musical training from his father, Joe Jackson. He began his musical journey with his brothers in the group The Jackson 5 at the age of six, quickly rising to fame with hits such as "I Want You Back," "ABC," and "I'll Be There." His exceptional talent and stage presence made him the standout member. Michael's solo career began in the early 1970s, and he achieved global superstardom with his fifth album, "Off the Wall" (1979), and the groundbreaking album, "Thriller" (1982), which remains the best-selling album of all time. He transformed popular music in the 1980s, earning the title “King of Pop” and pushing the boundaries of music, dance, and video. His career also included periods of intense media scrutiny and personal challenges, but his impact on popular culture remains undeniable. Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009, in Los Angeles, California.

Career Timeline:

• 1964: Joined his brothers to form The Jackson 5.

• 1968: The Jackson 5 signed with Motown Records.

• 1970: The Jackson 5 released their first four number-one hits: "I Want You Back," "ABC," "The Love You Save," and "I'll Be There”.

• 1971: Started his solo career with the album "Got to Be There" at age 13.

• 1975: The Jackson 5 left Motown Records and signed with Epic Records, renaming themselves The Jacksons.

• 1979: Released his breakthrough solo album "Off the Wall," produced by Quincy Jones, which featured hits such as "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough".

• 1982: Released "Thriller," the best-selling album of all time, revolutionizing music videos with iconic tracks like "Billie Jean," and "Beat It."

• 1983: Debuted the moonwalk on the "Motown 25" television special.

• 1985: Co-wrote "We Are the World" with Lionel Richie to benefit African famine relief.

• 1987: Released "Bad," which became the first album to have five number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

• 1991: Released the album "Dangerous," which included the hit "Black or White."

• 1992: Founded the Heal the World Foundation.

• 1995: Released the album "HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I".

• 2001: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist.

• 2009: Passed away at the age of 50 in Los Angeles.

Achievements:

Michael Jackson received numerous awards and recognition throughout his career. He won 13 Grammy Awards, including eight for the album Thriller. He was also honored with the Grammy Legend Award and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Jackson received 26 American Music Awards, more than any other artist, including the "Artist of the Century" and "Artist of the 1980s" awards. Additionally, he won six Brit Awards, several Billboard Music Awards, three presidential honors, including the "Artist of the Decade", the Bambi Pop Artist of the Millennium Award, and 12 World Music Awards, including the Millennium Award. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, once with the Jackson 5 in 1997, and again as a solo artist in 2001. In 2000, he was honored as the Artist of the Millennium at the World Music Awards and credited as the best-selling solo artist of all time. Guinness World Records has recognized Jackson as the most successful entertainer of all time. His groundbreaking work broke racial barriers in America and popularized street dance moves including the moonwalk, the robot, and the anti-gravity lean. Michael also received the Billboard Spotlight Award for being the first artist to have five number-one singles from one album on the Billboard Hot 100. Jackson also helped to open the doors for Black artists on radio and television, particularly on MTV. He was also the first and only recording artist to be inducted into the National Museum of Dance and Hall of Fame.

His philanthropic efforts are also noteworthy; he was honored by Guinness World Records for supporting 39 charities, a record for a pop star. He established the Heal the World Foundation in 1992 and donated an estimated $500 million to charity during his lifetime.

Key Quotes / Catchphrases:

• "Let us dream of tomorrow where we can truly love from the soul, and know love as the ultimate truth at the heart of all creation."

• "The greatest education in the world is watching the masters at work."

• "I'm happy to be alive, I'm happy to be who I am."

• “I’m a black American, I am proud of my race. I am proud of who I am. I have a lot of pride and dignity.”

• “If you enter this world knowing you are loved and you leave this world knowing the same, then everything that happens in between can be dealt with.”

• "We have to heal our wounded world."

• “The meaning of life is contained in every single expression of life.”

• "Lies run sprints, but the truth runs marathons."

• “To give someone a piece of your heart is worth more than all the wealth in the world.”

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