The life of Michael Jackson

[411 Sports & Entertainment]

The life of Michael Jackson
King of Pop Mini Biography

American superstar Michael Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana in 1958 and has been entertaining audiences nearly his entire life. His father, Joseph Jackson, had been a guitarist but was forced to give up his musical ambitions following his marriage to Katherine (Scruse). Together they prodded their growing family's musical interests at home. By the early 60s the older boys Jackie, Tito and Jermaine had begun performing around the city; by 1964 Michael and Marlon had joined in. A musical prodigy, Michael's singing and dancing talents were amazingly mature and he soon became the dominant voice and focus of "The Jackson 5." An opening act for such soul groups as the O-Jays and James Brown, it was Gladys Knight (not Diana Ross) who officially brought the group to Berry Gordy's attention, and by 1969 the boys were producing back-to-back chartbusting hits as Motown artists. As a product of the 70s, the boys had emerged as one of the most accomplished black pop/soul vocal groups in music history, successfully evolving from a Temptations-like group act to a disco phenomenon.

Solo success for Michael was inevitable, and by the 80s he had become infinitely more popular than his brotherly group. Record sales consistently orbited, culminating in the biggest-selling album of all time, "Thriller." A TV natural, he ventured rather uneasily into films, such as playing the Scarecrow in The Wiz (1978), but had better luck with elaborate music videos. In the 90s the down side as an 80s pop phenomenon began to show. Michael grew terribly child-like and introverted by his celebrity. A rather timorous, androgynous figure to begin with, his physical appearance began to change drastically and his behavior grew alarmingly bizarre, making him a consistent target for scandal-making, despite his numerous charitable acts. Two brief marriages -- one to Elvis Presley's daughter Lisa Marie Presley -- were forged and two children produced by his second wife during that time, but the purposes were obviously image oriented. Despite it all, Michael Jackson's skills as a singer, dancer, writer and businessman are unparalleled, and it is these prodigious talents that will ultimately prevail over the extremely negative aspects of his seriously troubled life.
Albums of Michael Jackson
Got to Be There (1972)
Ben (1972)
Music and Me (1973)
Forever, Michael (1975)
Off the Wall (1979)
Thriller (1982)
Bad (1987)
Dangerous (1991)
HIStory (1995)
Invincible (2001)

Birth name Michael Joseph Jackson
Born August 29, 1958(1958-08-29)
Gary, Indiana, United States
Died June 25, 2009 (aged 50)
Los Angeles, California, United States
Genre(s) Pop, R&B, rock, soul
Occupation(s) Singer, songwriter, record producer, arranger, dancer, choreographer, actor, author, businessman, financier
Instrument(s) Vocals, multiple instruments, percussion
Voice type(s) Falsetto[1]
Years active 1967-2009
Label(s) Motown, Epic, Sony
Associated acts The Jackson 5/The Jacksons
Website MichaelJackson.com

RIP (You will be missed)

[Kamal Imani]

Thank you! I still can't believe this! He's the reason I do what I do.

Kamal

[Warren G Clark Jr]

THE BADDEST in musical history(hands down). Who else can make grown ass men and women fall out at a concert or at a press conference or even just an appearence.......... NO ONE (Human at least)

[Pinky of Yumyum Entertainment]

[Ywndricka]

I loved Michael Jackson in the Jackson Five, today and forever more. Thiller scared me as a child, it was the height of his career. His artistry and imaginary was genius. As I listen to him for the past 12 hours. It would seem Michael cried out for help through his performances, lyrics, and fans. A man of many colors and emotions. We heard him but didn’t hear him until the end. The world is in mourning and the grief will not soon disappear. I feel confused, conflicted and betrayed because he never answered one question.... But the day after his sudden demise, I let God be the final judge and juror of his transgression. I LOVE YOU MICHAEL JOSEPH JACKSON NOT JUST AS A MUSIC ICON BUT AS AN CHILD ABUSED KID FROM GARY,IN

[Paradise]

My heart is broken. I pray that his soul finds peace and my sincerest condolences to his entire family. We have all suffered a great loss in such a talented individual, even with the faults he had, he had so much good in him and so much more to give.

Rest in peace, Sir Michael.

[CW Whit]

" target="_blank">Watch the greatest video from "MJ"
RIP and praying for his family, friends and fans !