Michael Jackson: The King of Pop

Michael Jackson was one of the most influential and successful artists of the 20th century. He was a singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist who revolutionized the music industry with his groundbreaking albums, videos, and performances. He was also a controversial figure who faced allegations of child abuse and struggled with his personal life. In this article, we will look at some of the facts and details about Michael Jackson, the King of Pop.

Field	Information
Full Name	Michael Joseph Jackson
Profession	Singer, songwriter, dancer, record producer
Birthday	August 29, 1958
Birth place	Gary, Indiana, US
Birth sign	Virgo
Height	5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
Weight	136 lbs (62 kg)
Age	50 (at the time of death)
Family members	Joe Jackson (father), Katherine Jackson (mother), Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, Randy, Rebbie, La Toya, Janet (siblings), Lisa Marie Presley, Debbie Rowe (ex-wives), Prince, Paris, Blanket (children)
Net worth	$500 million (estimated at the time of death)
Nationality	American
Movies	The Wiz, Moonwalker, Captain EO, Men in Black II, Miss Cast Away, This Is It

Where was Michael Jackson born?

Michael Jackson was born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana. He was the eighth of ten children in the Jackson family, a working-class African-American family living in a two-bedroom house on Jackson Street. His mother, Katherine Esther Jackson (née Scruse), played clarinet and piano, had aspired to be a country-and-western performer, and worked part-time at Sears. She was a Jehovah’s Witness. His father, Joseph Walter “Joe” Jackson, a former boxer, was a crane operator at US Steel and played guitar with a local rhythm and blues band, the Falcons, to supplement the family’s income.

Michael Jackson’s early life

Michael Jackson grew up with three sisters (Rebbie, La Toya, and Janet) and five brothers (Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Randy). A sixth brother, Marlon’s twin Brandon, died shortly after birth. In 1964, Michael and Marlon joined the Jackson Brothers — a band formed by their father which included Jackie, Tito and Jermaine — as backup musicians playing congas and tambourine. Michael said his father told him he had a “fat nose”, and physically and emotionally abused him during rehearsals. He recalled that Joe often sat in a chair with a belt in his hand as he and his siblings rehearsed, ready to punish any mistakes.

Despite the abuse, Michael loved music and dancing, and he quickly emerged as the most talented member of the Jackson Brothers. He began singing lead vocals on some of the band’s songs, and his incredible vocal range and stage presence captivated audiences. In 1969, the Jackson Brothers signed a record deal with Motown Records under the shortened name The Jackson 5, and they quickly became one of the most popular bands in the world.

Michael Jackson’s education

Michael Jackson attended Bethune Elementary School in Gary, Indiana, until 1971, when the Jackson family moved to Encino, California, so that the Jackson 5 could pursue their music career. Michael enrolled at Montclair College Preparatory School in Van Nuys, California, but he dropped out in 1979 to focus on his solo career.

Despite not completing high school, Michael Jackson was a well-educated man. He was a voracious reader and had a deep interest in history, philosophy, and religion. He also studied dance and music throughout his life.

Michael Jackson’s distinctive features

Michael Jackson was one of the most distinctive and recognizable entertainers in the world. He was known for his incredible vocal range, his smooth and graceful dance moves, and his unique fashion sense.

Jackson’s signature dance moves included the moonwalk, the robot, and the crotch grab. He was also known for his elaborate stage shows, which often featured elaborate costumes and pyrotechnics.

Jackson’s fashion sense was also unique and trendsetting. He was known for wearing sequined jackets, fedora hats, and aviator sunglasses. He also popularized the use of single gloves and white socks.

How did Michael Jackson begin his/her career?

Michael Jackson began his career at a very young age. He was only five years old when he joined the Jackson Brothers, and he was only eight years old when he began singing lead vocals. The Jackson 5 quickly became one of the most popular bands in the world, and Michael Jackson was their breakout star.

In 1971, Michael Jackson released his first solo album, Got to Be There. The album was a commercial success, and it spawned two hit singles: “Got to Be There” and “Rockin’ Robin.” Jackson continued to release solo albums throughout the 1970s, but it wasn’t until the release of his 1979 album, Off the Wall, that he truly achieved superstardom.

Off the Wall was a critical and commercial success, and it featured several hit singles, including “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” and “Rock with You.” The album established Michael Jackson as one of the biggest stars in the world, and it paved the way for his next album, Thriller.

Thriller, released in 1982, is one of the best-selling albums of all time. It featured seven hit singles, including “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and “Thriller.” The album also won eight Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year.

Michael Jackson continued to release successful albums and singles throughout the 1980s and 1990s. He was also a successful actor, starring in films such as The Wiz (1978) and Moonwalker (1988).

Achievements of Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson was one of the most successful and influential entertainers of all time. He won numerous awards for his music, dance, and acting, and he sold over 400 million records worldwide.

Some of Jackson’s most notable achievements include:

• 13 Grammy Awards, including 8 for the album Thriller
• 24 American Music Awards
• 6 Brit Awards
• 5 Billboard Music Awards
• Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture Actor – Comedy or Musical (for his role in The Wiz)
• Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
• Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice (once as a member of the Jackson 5 and once as a solo artist)
• Inducted into the National Museum of Dance and Hall of Fame
• Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame
• Named the “Most Successful Entertainer of All Time” by Guinness World Records

Jackson was also a humanitarian and philanthropist. He founded the Heal the World Foundation in 1992, which supported children’s causes around the world. He also donated millions of dollars to other charities and organizations.

Who was Michael Jackson married to?

Michael Jackson was married twice. His first marriage was to Lisa Marie Presley, the daughter of Elvis Presley, in 1994. The marriage lasted less than two years and ended in divorce in 1996.

In 1996, Jackson married Debbie Rowe, a nurse. They had one child together, Prince Michael Jackson II (also known as Blanket). The couple divorced in 2000.

Was Michael Jackson socially active?

Michael Jackson was very socially active. He was a vocal advocate for children’s rights and environmental protection. He also spoke out against racism and discrimination.

In 1985, Jackson co-wrote and performed the charity single “We Are the World” with Lionel Richie. The song raised millions of dollars for famine relief in Africa.

In 1992, Jackson founded the Heal the World Foundation, which supported children’s causes around the world. The foundation funded programs in education, healthcare, and environmental protection.

Jackson also donated millions of dollars to other charities and organizations, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the United Negro College Fund, and the Rainforest Foundation.

What is the net worth of Michael Jackson?

At the time of his death in 2009, Michael Jackson’s net worth was estimated to be $500 million. He was one of the highest-paid entertainers in the world, and he earned millions of dollars from record sales, concert tours, and endorsements.

Jackson’s estate has continued to generate revenue since his death. His music is still popular around the world, and his merchandise continues to sell well. In 2022, Jackson’s estate earned an estimated $110 million.

Movies Michael Jackson has worked in

Michael Jackson starred in two feature films:

• The Wiz (1978)
• Moonwalker (1988)

He also appeared in several documentaries and television specials, including:

• Michael Jackson: The Legend Continues (1993)
• Michael Jackson’s HIStory (1995)
• Michael Jackson’s This Is It (2009)

Jackson’s music videos were also highly cinematic, and they often featured elaborate sets, costumes, and special effects. Some of his most iconic music videos include:

• Thriller (1982)
• Billie Jean (1983)
• Beat It (1983)
• Smooth Criminal (1988)
• Black or White (1991)
• Remember the Time (1992)

Famous roles played by Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson was known for his iconic music videos and stage performances, but he also starred in two feature films:

• The Wiz (1978): Jackson played the Scarecrow in this musical adaptation of the classic L. Frank Baum story. The film was a critical and commercial success, and Jackson’s performance was praised by critics.
• Moonwalker (1988): Jackson wrote, directed, and starred in this semi-autobiographical musical film. The film tells the story of a young boy who is visited by Michael Jackson and his friends. The film was a commercial success, but it received mixed reviews from critics.

Jackson also appeared in several documentaries and television specials, including:

• Michael Jackson: The Legend Continues (1993): This documentary tells the story of Jackson’s life and career. It features interviews with Jackson, his family, and friends, as well as behind-the-scenes footage of his concerts and music videos.
• Michael Jackson’s HIStory (1995): This documentary is a companion piece to Jackson’s HIStory album. It tells the story of Jackson’s life and career through music and dance.
• Michael Jackson’s This Is It (2009): This documentary was released posthumously and features rehearsals for Jackson’s planned This Is It concert tour. The film was a critical and commercial success, and it provides a rare glimpse into Jackson’s creative process.

Brands endorsed by Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson endorsed a number of brands throughout his career, including:

• Pepsi-Cola: Jackson starred in a series of Pepsi commercials in the 1980s, which helped to make the brand even more popular.
• Reebok: Jackson released a line of Reebok sneakers in the 1980s, which were a huge hit with fans.
• Sony: Jackson signed a record deal with Sony in 1991, and he also endorsed Sony products, such as the Walkman and the PlayStation.
• Louis Vuitton: Jackson was a big fan of Louis Vuitton products, and he often wore the brand’s clothing and accessories.

Viral stories of Michael Jackson

There are many viral stories about Michael Jackson, but some of the most popular include:

• The moonwalk: Jackson first performed the moonwalk in 1983 during a performance of “Billie Jean” on Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever. The dance move quickly became iconic, and it is still imitated by people all over the world today.
• The anti-gravity lean: Jackson performed this dance move in his music video for “Smooth Criminal.” The move appears to defy gravity, and it has been the subject of much speculation and debate.
• The white glove: Jackson often wore a single white glove on his right hand. The glove has become one of his most iconic trademarks, and it has been the subject of many different interpretations.

Scandals of Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson was involved in a number of scandals throughout his career. The most notable scandal was the child sexual abuse allegations against him. Jackson was accused of molesting two young boys in 1993 and 2003. He was acquitted of all charges in both cases, but the allegations have continued to cast a shadow over his legacy.

Famous legal cases of Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson was involved in a number of legal cases throughout his career. The most notable legal case was his child sexual abuse trial in 2005. Jackson was accused of molesting a 13-year-old boy. He was acquitted of all charges, but the trial was a major news story and it damaged his reputation.

Jackson was also involved in a number of other legal cases, including:

• Pepsi commercial lawsuit: In 1984, Jackson was injured while filming a Pepsi commercial. He sued Pepsi for negligence and won a $1.2 million settlement.
• Copyright infringement lawsuit: In 1987, Jackson was sued for copyright infringement for using a sample of a song called “Al Capone” in his song “Smooth Criminal.” He won the case on appeal.
• Child custody lawsuit: In 1996, Jackson’s ex-wife, Debbie Rowe, sued him for custody of their son, Prince Michael Jackson II. Jackson won the case, but the custody battle was a major news story.

FAQ:

1. When and where was Michael Jackson born?

Michael Jackson was born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana. He was the eighth of ten children in the Jackson family.

2. How did Michael Jackson get started in music?

Michael Jackson began singing and dancing at a very young age. He and his brothers formed a band called the Jackson 5 in the early 1960s. The Jackson 5 quickly became one of the most popular bands in the world, and Michael Jackson emerged as the band’s star performer.

3. What are some of Michael Jackson’s biggest hits?

Some of Michael Jackson’s biggest hits include:

• Billie Jean
• Beat It
• Thriller
• Smooth Criminal
• Black or White
• Remember the Time
• Earth Song
• Man in the Mirror
• Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough
• Rock with You
• ABC
• I Want You Back

4. What are some of Michael Jackson’s most famous dance moves?

Some of Michael Jackson’s most famous dance moves include:

• The moonwalk
• The anti-gravity lean
• The crotch grab
• The robot
• The hee-hee

5. What are some of Michael Jackson’s most iconic music videos?

Some of Michael Jackson’s most iconic music videos include:

• Thriller
• Billie Jean
• Beat It
• Smooth Criminal
• Black or White
• Remember the Time
• Earth Song
• Man in the Mirror
• Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough
• Rock with You
• ABC
• I Want You Back

6. What are some of Michael Jackson’s biggest awards and honors?

Michael Jackson has won numerous awards and honors, including:

• 13 Grammy Awards
• 24 American Music Awards
• 6 Brit Awards
• 5 Billboard Music Awards
• Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture Actor – Comedy or Musical (for his role in The Wiz)
• Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
• Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice (once as a member of the Jackson 5 and once as a solo artist)
• Inducted into the National Museum of Dance and Hall of Fame
• Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame
• Named the “Most Successful Entertainer of All Time” by Guinness World Records

7. What was Michael Jackson’s net worth?

At the time of his death in 2009, Michael Jackson’s net worth was estimated to be $500 million. He was one of the highest-paid entertainers in the world, and he earned millions of dollars from record sales, concert tours, and endorsements.

8. What was Michael Jackson’s impact on popular culture?

Michael Jackson was one of the most influential entertainers of all time. His music, dance, and fashion have inspired generations of artists and fans. He is also credited with helping to break down racial barriers in the entertainment industry.

9. What were some of the controversies surrounding Michael Jackson?

Michael Jackson was involved in a number of controversies throughout his career, including:

• Child sexual abuse allegations: Jackson was accused of molesting two young boys in 1993 and 2003. He was acquitted of all charges in both cases, but the allegations have continued to cast a shadow over his legacy.
• Plastic surgery: Jackson underwent a number of plastic surgery procedures throughout his life. His changing appearance was the subject of much speculation and debate.
• Mental health issues: Jackson struggled with mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. He also had a dependency on prescription drugs.

10. How did Michael Jackson die?

Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009, at the age of 50. He died from a cardiac arrest caused by acute propofol intoxication. Propofol is a powerful sedative that is used to induce anesthesia.

Michael Jackson’s death was a shock to the world. He was one of the most popular and beloved entertainers of all time. His legacy continues to inspire and entertain people around the world.

In addition to the above, here are some other interesting facts about Michael Jackson:

• He was a vegetarian.
• He was a Jehovah’s Witness.
• He was a huge fan of Walt Disney World.
• He had a pet chimpanzee named Bubbles.
• He founded the Heal the World Foundation, a charity that supports