Michael Jackson

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 publicised personal life, made him a global figure in popular culture.

Jackson began his professional career at age six as the youngest member of The Jackson 5, who signed with Motown in 1968. He launched his solo career in 1971 while still part of the group. Off the Wall (1979), produced by Quincy Jones, established him as a solo star. His sixth album, Thriller (1982), remains the best-selling album of all time, with estimated sales of 70 million copies worldwide.

He pioneered complex dance moves such as the moonwalk, which he debuted on the Motown 25 television special in 1983. His videos for “Billie Jean”, “Beat It” and “Thriller” are credited with breaking racial barriers and transforming the music video into an art form and promotional tool. Subsequent albums Bad (1987), Dangerous (1991), HIStory (1995) and Invincible (2001) all generated multiple chart hits.

Jackson is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with estimated sales of over 500 million records worldwide. He won 13 Grammy Awards, the Grammy Legend Award and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award; was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice (as a member of the Jackson 5 in 1997 and as a solo artist in 2001), the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Dance Hall of Fame; and received the Presidential Citizens Medal.