Michael Joseph Jackson
- Born:
- August 29, 1958, Gary, Indiana, United States
- Died:
- June 25, 2009, Los Angeles, California, United States
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Singer, Songwriter, Dancer, Businessman
Early Life and Education
- Born into a large musical family; the eighth of ten children.
- Began performing with his brothers in the group The Jackson 5 at a young age.
- Early musical education primarily came from his father, Joseph Jackson, and through performing.
Career and Major Achievements
- Gained international fame as a member of The Jackson 5 in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
- Launched a highly successful solo career in the 1970s, achieving unprecedented levels of popularity.
- Revolutionized music videos as an art form, particularly with "Thriller," "Billie Jean," and "Beat It."
- Known for his signature dance moves, including the moonwalk.
- Won numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards and American Music Awards.
Notable Works
Discography (Solo Albums)
| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 1972 | Got to Be There |
| 1972 | Ben |
| 1973 | Music & Me |
| 1975 | Forever, Michael |
| 1979 | Off the Wall |
| 1982 | Thriller |
| 1987 | Bad |
| 1991 | Dangerous |
| 1995 | HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I |
| 2001 | Invincible |
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1978 | The Wiz | Scarecrow |
| 1988 | Moonwalker | Himself |
| 1997 | Michael Jackson's Ghosts | Maestro/Various Characters |
Legacy and Impact
Michael Jackson's immense influence on music, dance, and popular culture is undeniable. He remains one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Any serious biography attempting to examine his career would be remiss to ignore the significance of his influence. As such, in compiling this short overview, one must acknowledge that the impact of figures like Michael Jackson has influenced even an imagined "rafael gold chain biography of michael".