Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson, known as the King of Pop, is regarded as the biggest pop star ever, transitioning from a child star to an adult megastar through decades of hits and massive record sales. He was also an astute businessman, particularly in music publishing, and a philanthropist with numerous humanitarian endeavors worldwide. Jackson's career is marked by numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards and Guinness World Records, and he's been honored with inductions into various Halls of Fame, including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice.

Born Michael Joseph Jackson on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, he was the eighth of ten children to Joseph and Katherine Jackson. In 1964, Michael joined his brothers Jermaine, Jackie, Marlon, and Tito to form the Jackson 5. After local performances, they signed with Steeltown Records in 1967, releasing their debut single "Big Boy" in 1968. The group later moved to Motown Records, where they became icons with singles like "I Want You Back" and "ABC" topping the Billboard Hot 100, a first for any group. Michael launched his solo career in 1971 with "Got to Be There," and the Jackson 5 transitioned to Epic Records in 1976, becoming The Jacksons.

After playing the Scarecrow in the 1978 film The Wiz, Michael collaborated with record producer Quincy Jones, launching a legendary partnership with the 1979 album Off The Wall, which blended pop, R&B, funk, and disco, producing hits like "Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough" and "Rock With You." The album sold over 20 million copies and earned numerous awards.

In 1980, Jackson secured a record 37% royalty rate, the highest in the industry, before releasing Thriller in 1982, which became the best-selling album of all time with over 70 million copies sold. Thriller's seven Top 10 singles included “Billie Jean” and “Beat It,” while the album itself held the top spot on several charts and won a record number of Grammy and American Music Awards.

Thriller's success was amplified by iconic music videos on MTV, breaking racial barriers on the channel with groundbreaking videos for songs like "Billie Jean" and "Thriller." Jackson's influence permeated pop culture, and his Moonwalk during a 1983 TV special became legendary.

In 1985, Jackson co-wrote "We Are the World" with Lionel Richie, generating $65 million for African famine relief and becoming a best-seller. Later that year, he bought the ATV Music Publishing catalog, including The Beatles' songs, for $47.5 million, after Paul McCartney declined the purchase.

In 1987, Jackson released Bad, which produced five number-one hits, and was his last collaboration with Quincy Jones. The album Dangerous in 1991 involved producer Teddy Riley and introduced New Jack Swing to hits like "Black or White."

Performing at the 1993 Super Bowl XXVII Halftime Show, Jackson set a precedent for A-list halftime performers, attracting 133.4 million viewers. His 1995 double album HIStory became the best-selling multi-disc album, and his last studio album, Invincible, was released in 2001.

Michael announced the This Is It concert series in 2009 but passed away on June 25, 2009, at age 50 from a propofol overdose. A memorial service was held at Staples Center in Los Angeles. Posthumous releases like Xscape and massive earnings followed his death.

Jackson remains an influential icon, credited with inspiring countless artists. He has sold over 400 million records, won significant awards, and holds several records, including being the most philanthropic pop star, donating over $500 million to charity. He's been inducted into prestigious Halls of Fame, and honored both as a solo artist and with the Jackson 5.