Michael Jackson, an American recording artist, singer, entertainer, businessman, and an actor, was born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana and died on June 25, 2009. Michael is the son of parents Katherine Esther and Joseph Walter "Joe" Jackson, a steel mill employee, who had performed in an R&B band called The Falcons. Michael's mother raised him as a Jehovah's Witness. Michael was the seventh of nine children. His siblings are La Toya, Marlon, Randy, Janet, Rebbie, Jackie, Jermaine, and Tito.
Jackson, at the age of 5, showed musical talent performing at a Christmas Recital. In 1964, Jackson and Marlon joined the Jackson Brothers, which was formed by brothers Jackie, Tito and Jermaine. Later, Jackson at the age of 8, and Jermaine performed lead vocals for the group changing the name to The Jackson 5. In 1967, The Jackson 5 recorded several songs for the local record label Steeltown. In 1968, the band signed with Motown Records. Diana Ross, Motown star, would "discover" the group. In 1968, Diana introduced The Jackson 5 to the public at the Beverly Hills, California club called "The Daisy."
In 1975, The Jackson 5 signed a new contract with CBS Records and later joining Epic Records. The Jackson 5's first four singles peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 which were "I Want You Back," "ABC," "The Love You Save," and "I'll be There." Later, the group was renamed The Jacksons. The Jackson Five's sound was influenced by the bands Sly & the Family Stone and The Isley Brothers. Some other influences were The Tempations, Marvin Gaye, The Teenagers, Jackie Wilson, Wilson Pickett, James Brown, Joe Tex, and Stevie Wonder.
In 1971, Michael began his solo career and in years to come was referred to as the "King of Pop." His songs "Billie Jean," "Beat It," and "Thriller," began airing on MTV in the early 1980's popularizing his dance techniques such as the moonwalk and the robot. In 1982, Thriller is the world's best-selling album of all time and was named the most successful music video ever by the Guinness World Records. In 1984, Michael Jackson was inducted onto the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Michael won 13 Grammy Awards, 13 number one singles, and sold 750 million records worldwide.
Michael has supported 39 charity organizations. In 1992, he found the "Heal the World Foundation." All profits from the concerts, raising millions, went to the "Heal the World Foundation", to help children with war and disease. In 1988, Jackson opened an amusement park called the "Neverland Valley Ranch" for children all over the world.
Michael's Albums: 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), and Invincible (2001). Also, Michael starred as Scarecrow in The Wiz (1978).
In the 1970's, Jackson dated Tatum O' Neal. In the 1980's, he dated Brooke Shields, Sheryl Crow, and Tatiana Thumbtzen. In 1994, Jackson married Lisa Marie Presley, singer and songwriter, but divorced less than two years later. In 1996, he married nurse, Debbie Rowe, with whom he had a son, Michael Joseph Jackson, Jr. "Prince" and a daughter, Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson, but divorced in 1999. In 2002, Jackson had another son, Michael Joseph Jackson III, called both "Prince Michael II" and "Blanket", with a surrogate mother.
Michael was a good and kind person. All the good he had done in the world, with his music, his words, giving to charities, and so much more... and then people want to focus on the negative, which was never even proven. Michael was a kind soul who loved children. Remember, he NEVER had a childhood that he so desperately wanted and needed. He missed out and in the presence of children he could be a kid again.
Posted by: David R. Monday June 29, 2009
Micahel Jackson was the best artist of all time.. your music will live on forever.
