He started out singing with his brothers for Motown in 1968; 20 years later, he was on top of the world as the 'King of Pop'.Opinion will vary about Michael Jackson the celebrity, but there is no disputing the talent and genius of Michael Jackson the singer and artist.Thriller was the number one record in the US for 37 weeks.
Week Days | Hot Comments | Thanks for the add | Thanks for the request | Thanks for coming | Next
Michael Jackson, the singer who became known as “The King of Pop” and perhaps once the most famous individual on the planet, has died suddenly. Adored by fans and ridiculed by critics throughout his life, Jackson’s story is one of highs and lows, leaving us reflecting on the damaging nature of celebrity.
|
|
|
|
With Thriller (1982), Jackson has easily the most successful album of all time with well over 100 million copies sold. No other musical release even comes close. At the time of the album’s record-breaking launch Jackson was 24 and already a veteran having toured and recorded from the age of six. The oddities of his adult life would often be attributed to the effects of a lost childhood.
|
|
|
The phenomenon of his success made him “The King of Pop” while the multiple accusations of child abuse and his eccentric character gave him the less complimentary tabloid moniker “Wacko Jacko”. Following the soaring successes of the 1980s, Jackson’s lifestyle was in the public eye as much as his music.Despite all the controversy that surrounded him, armies of fans would follow him right up to his announcement this year of a string of comeback shows in London. The Jackson faithful are already calling 25 June “the day the music died”.
|
|
|
In person, Jackson was shy, quiet and retiring – all unlikely qualities for the most popular entertainer on the planet. His lack of adult social skills would also be attributed to his childhood, during which he would watch other kids playing from the windows of recording studios.Born in Gary, Indiana, brothers Michael, Jermaine, Marlon, Jackie and Tito became The Jackson Five in 1966. Their father Joe Jackson was the creator of the band and a harsh disciplinarian who made the brothers rehearse long into the night. Following accusations that Michael had learnt to dance whilst dodging his father’s fists, Joe defended himself in 2003: "I whipped him with a switch and belt, [but] I never beat him. You beat someone with a stick."
Flash mob Michael jackson, part 5, Paris, au Forum des halles
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michael Jackson dies, almost takes Internet with him
The star, one of the most famous men on the planet, has shocked the world by dying suddenly at the age of 50. He leaves behind a rich legacy of music: from Motown and the Jackson 5 to disco with The Jacksons and that phenomenal solo career defined by the Thriller album and its subsequent video. We take a look at some essential Michael Jackson releases; if you're a true music fan, get your hands on a couple of these albums. Rest in peace, Michael.
|
|
|
webmaster@michaeljackson50.com
