Michael Jackson was known to be a shy and reserved person. When he stepped onto the stage, he was a force to be reckoned; he transformed into an entertainer. Micheal Jackson is a legendary pop icon that will be remembered for his contributions to music and pop culture.
Michael Jackson and The Jackson 5
Indiana-native Jackson was born to perform. His professional career as a singer started at the age of 11, being the youngest member of the The Jackson 5, a pop phenomena of the 70s in the Motown era. The group included four of his older brothers, Jackie, Tito, jermaine and Marlon. He started his solo career in 1971 while still being a member of the group. The group was known for their R&B, soul, pop and disco music. They produced such hits as "I Want You Back, "ABC," The Love You Save" and "I'll Be There."
Michael Jackson's Rise to Fame
Jackson's solo career took off when he released his solo album, Off the Wall with Epic Records with such hits as "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" and "Rock with You." This was the first album that produced four US top 10 hits. In 1980, Jackson won awards in several categories in the American Music Awards, the Billboard Music Awards and a Grammy Award.
Redefining Music in the 80s
Jackson helped define the music scene and the music video culture in the 80s with the emergence of MTV. Songs such as "Beat It" and and "Billie Jean" were being played on heavy rotation on MTV and became instant hits. The music video "Thriller" popularized his trademark dance moves such as the "robot" and the "moonwalk." His unique dance moves have influenced many dance techniques that are still being used to date among many hip hop, pop and R&B artists.
In 1984, Jackson was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
In 1987, Jackson released the album Bad and became a commercial hit. The album produced such hits as "I Just Can't Stop Loving You," "Bad," "The Way You Make Me Feel," "Man in the Mirror," and "Dirty Diana." The album reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts. That same year, The Bad World Tour began which generated sold-out shows.
Michael Jackson's Continued Success
Jackson career continued to be a success in the 90s. In 1991, he released his eighth album Dangerous releasing hit singles "Black or White," "Remember the Time" and "Heal the World." In 1992, he had the Dangerous World Tour. Other hit songs he released in the 90s included "Jam," "Scream," "You are not Alone" and "Earth Song." He continued to win awards at the Grammies, held Guinness World Records and topped the Billboard charts. In 1997 and 2001, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002.
Throughout his career, Jackson produced 13 number one hits and was also known for his humanitarian work having contributed to many charities and non-profit organizations.
Jackson's legacy as a pop culture icon will continue to live after his death.
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