Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson
Name	Michael Jackson
Caption	Jackson in 1988
Birth date	August 29, 1958
Birth place	Gary, Indiana, U.S.
Death date	June 25, 2009 (aged 50)
Death place	Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation	Singer, songwriter, dancer, philanthropist
Yearsactive	1964–2009
Spouse	Lisa Marie Presley (1994–1996), Debbie Rowe (1996–1999)
Awards	Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, Guinness World Records

Michael Jackson was an American singer, songwriter, and dancer who became a global figure in popular culture. Dubbed the "King of Pop", he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century. His contributions to music, dance, and fashion, along with his publicized personal life, made him a global figure for over four decades.

Early Life and Career

He was born in Gary, Indiana, the eighth of ten children in the Jackson family. He rose to fame in 1964 as the youngest member of the Jackson 5, a Motown group formed with his older brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon. The group, signed to Berry Gordy's Motown Records, achieved early success with hits like "I Want You Back" and "ABC". His early solo work, including the 1972 album Got to Be There, established him as a prodigious talent separate from the family group. His performance as the Scarecrow in the 1978 musical film The Wiz marked a pivotal creative partnership with producer Quincy Jones.

Music Career

His collaboration with Quincy Jones led to his breakthrough solo album Off the Wall (1979), which spawned hits like "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" and "Rock with You". The 1982 album Thriller became the best-selling album of all time, featuring iconic songs such as "Beat It", "Billie Jean", and the title track "Thriller". The album's success was amplified by groundbreaking music videos directed by John Landis and featured on the nascent MTV network. Subsequent albums like Bad (1987) and Dangerous (1991) solidified his status, with world tours like the Bad World Tour breaking attendance records. His innovative dance moves, including the moonwalk, became globally imitated. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, first as a member of the Jackson 5 in 1997 and later as a solo artist in 2001.

Personal Life

He married Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of Elvis Presley, in 1994; the marriage ended in divorce in 1996. He later married Debbie Rowe, a nurse for his dermatologist Arnold Klein, in 1996; they had two children, Prince and Paris, before divorcing in 1999. A third child, Prince Michael II (nicknamed "Blanket"), was born via surrogate in 2002. His primary residence was the Neverland Ranch in Santa Barbara County, California, a property fitted with an amusement park and zoo. He was a noted philanthropist, co-writing the charity single "We Are the World" with Lionel Richie and supporting numerous charities like the Heal the World Foundation.

Controversies and Lawsuits

His appearance changed dramatically over the years, which he attributed to the skin condition vitiligo and a diagnosis of lupus erythematosus. In 1993, he was first accused of child sexual abuse; the case was settled out of court with no charges filed. A highly publicized 2005 trial, People v. Jackson, on similar charges resulted in his acquittal on all counts. These allegations, alongside his eccentric public persona and financial troubles, dominated his later years. His assets, including his share of the Sony/ATV Music Publishing catalog, were often subjects of complex legal and financial negotiations.

Legacy and Impact

He is recognized as one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with estimated sales over 400 million records worldwide. His influence is evident in the work of subsequent artists across genres, from Justin Timberlake and Beyoncé to The Weeknd. The Smithsonian Institution has collected his memorabilia, including his iconic fedora. His music videos, such as "Thriller", are credited with transforming the medium into an art form and a key promotional tool. Awards honoring his legacy include the Grammy Legend Award and multiple MTV Video Music Awards.

Death and Funeral

On June 25, 2009, he died at his home in Los Angeles from acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication administered by his personal physician, Conrad Murray. His death was ruled a homicide, and Murray was later convicted of involuntary manslaughter. A public memorial service was held on July 7, 2009, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, featuring eulogies from family members and celebrities like Berry Gordy, Brooke Shields, and Magic Johnson. He was interred in the Great Mausoleum at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California.

Category:American singers Category:American songwriters Category:American dancers Category:20th-century American musicians Category:21st-century American musicians