Historical Figure
Michael Jackson
1958–2009
American singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist
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Biography
Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist. Dubbed the "King of Pop", he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century. Over a four-decade career, his contributions to music, dance, and fashion, along with his publicized personal life, made him a global figure in popular culture.
Timeline
The story of Michael Jackson, told in moments.
Joins his brothers' band at six years old. They become the Jackson 5. His father manages them with discipline that later accounts will describe as abusive. Michael is the lead singer. He is smaller than the microphone stand.
The Jackson 5 sign with Motown Records. Their first four singles all hit number one: "I Want You Back," "ABC," "The Love You Save," "I'll Be There." No group has ever done that before. Michael is 11.
Thriller is released. It produces seven singles, all top ten. It sells 66 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling album in history. The 14-minute music video for the title track, directed by John Landis, premieres on MTV and is essentially a short horror film. MTV, which had resisted playing videos by Black artists, can no longer afford to ignore him.
Performs "Billie Jean" on the Motown 25 television special. Two minutes and thirty seconds in, he does the moonwalk for the first time on national television. The audience screams so loud the rest of the song is inaudible. Fred Astaire calls him the next morning.
Co-writes 'We Are the World' with Lionel Richie in one night. Forty-five artists record it at A&M Studios after the American Music Awards. A sign on the door reads: 'Check your egos at the door.' The song raises over $60 million for African famine relief.
Moves into Neverland Ranch, a 2,700-acre property in Santa Ynez Valley, California. It has a Ferris wheel, a zoo, a railroad, and a movie theater. He names it after the place where children never grow up.
The first child molestation allegations surface. The accuser's family settles out of court for a reported million. Jackson maintains his innocence. A criminal investigation produces no charges. His career and public image will never be the same.
Releases Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix. Critics dismiss it. It sells 6 million copies worldwide. He becomes increasingly reclusive. Wears masks in public. The tabloid years are beginning.
Dies of cardiac arrest at his rented mansion in Holmby Hills, Los Angeles. He is 50. He is rehearsing for a 50-show residency at the O2 Arena in London. His personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, had administered propofol, a surgical anesthetic, to help him sleep. Murray is later convicted of involuntary manslaughter. Jackson's memorial service at the Staples Center is watched by an estimated 2.5 billion people worldwide.
In the week after his death, his albums account for thirteen of the top 20 spots on the Billboard 200. Thriller returns to number one, 27 years after its release.
In Their Own Words (20)
I always wanted to do music that influences and inspires each generation. Lets face it, who wants mortality?
On how he creates memorable music, 2007
In a world filled with hate, we must still dare to hope. In a world filled with anger, we must still dare to comfort. In a world filled with despair, we must still dare to dream. And in a world filled with distrust, we must still dare to believe.
Also used at his funeral (3 Sep. 2009) invitation. Quoted in "Dead stars and classic art will surround Michael Jackson " in CNN.com/entertainment (03 July 2009), 2003
I feel fortunate for being that instrument through which music flows. I'm just the source through which it comes. I can't take credit for it because it's God's work. He's just using me as the messenger.
May 1992 Ebony/Jet interview with Robert E. Johnson, 1992
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.
Dancing the Dream (1992), also used in his funeral invitation. Quoted in "Dead stars and classic art will surround Michael Jackson" in CNN.com/entertainment (3 July 2009), 1992
So, just leave me alone,Leave me alone,Leave me alone,Leave me alone, stop it,Just stop doggin' me around.
Leave Me Alone, 1987
Artifacts (15)
![Michael Nostradamus. Lithograph by [M. J.] after Diétrich.](https://iiif.wellcomecollection.org/image/V0004338.jpg/full/512,/0/default.jpg)
Michael Nostradamus. Lithograph by [M. J.] after Diétrich.
http://data.europeana.eu/agent/171241
A Brief memoir of James Jackson Jarves, Jr. (IA briefmemoirofjam00jarv)
Jarves, James Jackson, 1818-1888
Esquisse d'une carte itinéraire pour les voyages de Mr. Frédéric Cailliaud de Nantes et de plusieurs autres voyageurs /
M. J.
Samuel Jackson - St Michael's Hill, Bristol - B2001.2.963 - Yale Center for British Art
Samuel Jackson
List of portraits and busts and catalogue of medals in the possession of the Royal Society (IA b22320143)
Royal Society (Great Britain) Royal College of Surgeons of England
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