Michael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American singer, songwriter, and dancer, who is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century. Known as the "King of Pop," Jackson's contributions to music, dance, and fashion, along with his publicized personal life, made him a global figure in popular culture for over four decades.
Early Life[edit | edit source]
Michael Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana, 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 father, Joseph Walter "Joe" Jackson, was a former boxer turned crane operator who had aspirations of his sons becoming successful in the music business. His mother, Katherine Esther Jackson, played clarinet and piano, had aspired to be a country-and-western performer, and worked part-time at Sears to support the family. Michael showed talent in music at a very young age, and by the age of five, he was a member of the Jackson 5, a band formed with his brothers.
Career[edit | edit source]
The Jackson 5 signed with Motown Records in 1969, and their first four singles, "I Want You Back," "ABC," "The Love You Save," and "I'll Be There," all reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Michael began his solo career in 1971 while still a member of the group. His 1982 album Thriller is the best-selling album of all time, with estimated sales of over 66 million copies worldwide. He is one of the few artists to have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, and other achievements include multiple Guinness World Records, 13 Grammy Awards as well as the Grammy Legend Award and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, 26 American Music Awards (more than any other artist), and 13 number-one singles in the United States during his solo career.
Personal Life and Controversy[edit | edit source]
Jackson's personal life and relationships were a subject of public fascination and speculation. His changing appearance, relationships, and behavior generated controversy. In 1993, he was accused of sexually abusing a child; the case led to an investigation but was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount. In 2005, Jackson was tried and acquitted of further child sexual abuse allegations and several other charges.
Death[edit | edit source]
Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009, from acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication at his home on North Carolwood Drive in the Holmby Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles. His personal physician, Conrad Murray, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011 for administering the drugs that caused his death.
Legacy[edit | edit source]
Michael Jackson is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with estimated sales of over 350 million records worldwide. He left behind a vast catalog of songs that have influenced numerous artists across various music genres. His contributions to music, dance, and fashion, along with his publicized personal life, made him a global figure in popular culture for over four decades. The annual celebration of his life and legacy is observed by fans around the world.
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