Michael Jackson - Biography of the King of Pop

Michael Jackson Biography

Michael Joseph Jackson was born to Katherine Esther and Joseph Walter Jackson on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana (USA). Jackson has devoted his life as a public performer. People call him "Big Nose". During Michael Jackson’s childhood his father Joseph Jackson, a steel mill worker, founded the musical group named as "Jackson Five" with Michael as lead singer with his brothers. In his young age, Michael showed unbelievable talent, charisma and a great voice. At first they sang a song at small talent contests and bars, but after that they were signed by the famous Motown label in 1969. "Jackson Five" group had occupied 4 consecutive #1 hits in the US: 'I Want You Back', 'ABC', 'The Love You Save', and 'I ll Be There'. At Motown, Michael recorded several solo albums, which helped him become one of the most popular singing stars of the 70s.

"Jackson 5" group left Motown city and did contract with famous Epic Records in 1976. After leaving Motown, they renamed their group as "The Jacksons" and focused on writing and producing their own songs. "The Wiz" in 1978 was Michael’s debut film, with Diana Ross as Dorothy. He formed collaboration with Quincy Jones for his next album 'Off The Wall' in 1979. The album 'Off The Wall' received very positive reviews and sold more than 15 million copies worldwide. Jackson was the first person to have four Top 10 hits from one album, including two #1 hits: 'Don't Stop Till You Get Enough' and 'Rock With You'.

In 1982, his life’s dramatic change occurred, he launched world’s best-selling album of all time ‘Thriller’ of which more than 50 million copies were sold worldwide. ‘Thriller’ remained at #1 position on Billboard pop album chart for a record breaking 37 weeks. For ‘Thriller’ album he won 7 Grammy awards. After that he entered in the production of the new genre of music videos, popularized by the newly launched MTV Channel. He became first black artist whose ‘Billie Jean’ video was relayed on MTV Channel. In the same year, he narrated the book on the Steven Spielberg movie 'E.T. - the Extra-Terrestrial'. For this book he won the Grammy award. Jackson won 8 Grammy awards in one year (7 for Thriller and 1 for his E.T. narration) - a record that has not been broken yet. His only one live performance show at the "Motown 25" show was unforgettable, where he shows his incredible talent as a dancer and choreographer. In 1985, for the charitable organization 'USA For Africa'. Michael Jackson, along with Lionel Richie, composed the song 'We Are The World'. Numerous artists took part and sung this song. The song eventually gained millions of dollars used to fight famine in Africa, and have won numerous awards, including 4 Grammys.

In 1987, 'Bad' album, created new record of 5 consecutive #1 singles. The album was accompanied by Michael Jackson’s first major solo world tour, which included the most successful concert series ever by selling out the Wembley Stadium (London) for seven nights (504,000 people), and played to sellout crowds around at each stop. In 1988 he published a autobiography "Moonwalk" and made a full length film titled "Moonwalker" starring him in the title role and co-starring Joe Pesci and Sean Lennon .He also turned out to be the highest paid commercial spokesperson ever, after signing a contract with Pepsi Cola that reportedly paid him US million for 4 TV commercials.

He established his own music label MJJ Music in the year 1989. His next album was named 'Dangerous'. In 1992, he found a charitable organization "Heal The World Foundation" (HTW) to provide aid children and the environment. In January 1993, at the US Super Bowl XXVII, he showed his spectacular performance and the show received the highest ever television audience with 133.4 million viewers. In February 1993, he did his first TV interview, talking very openly about his lost childhood, his music, and the rumors surrounding him. He also told about his serious skin problem. The 90 minute interview was broadcasted live around the world and became the 4th most watched TV event in history.

In June 1995, Michael released album ‘History: Past, Present and Future Book I', a double album mixed old songs and new hits was released. This album was of 2-CD set 'History' sold more than 15 million copies worldwide and was accompanied by Jackson's third world tour which was attended by more than 4.5 million people. In 1995, Michael Jackson emerged his ATV Catalog with Sony Music, creating the world s third largest music publishing company. In 1997, Jackson released new album 'Blood On The Dance Floor', an album with several hit remixes and five new songs. In June 1999 he organized two charity concerts called "Michael Jackson & Friends" in Seoul (South Korea) and Munich (Germany) to help children in need worldwide. More number of pop star and classic artists supported this event, which raised US$ 3 million for UNESCO, Red Cross and the Nelson Mandela Children Fund. The Internet shown the event on MCY.COM recorded over 10 million hits, breaking the world record for a single online broadcast..