Born into musical family, Michael Jackson is as big as ever today

Michael Jackson was born Michael Joseph Jackson on August 29, 1958 (making him 47 as of year 2005) to Joseph and Katherine Jackson in Gary, Indiana. He was the seventh of nine siblings. The Jackson family was raised as Jehovah's Witnesses and practiced door-to-door evangelization. Despite being known as the cute and talented lead singer in Jackson 5, a band that he formed together with his other siblings, he is now better known for his flamboyant style and negative press.

Jackson 5 was soon discovered and grabbed up by Motown Records in 1969 and the family moved to California where the 5 siblings could continue with their newfound career. Their first four singles, "ABC", "I want you back", "the love you save" and "I'll be there" instantly became hits. During this time, the Jackson 5 recorded 14 albums together while Michael Jackson recorded 4 solo albums. In 1976, they left Motown and called themselves simply as the Jacksons and they went on to produce 6 albums together, toured internationally. Both Jermaine and Michael started out on successful solo careers as with Rebbie, Latoya and Janet.

The 80's is probably the most successful decade for Michael Jackson for it was at that point in time that he produced hits like "Billie Jean", "Thriller", "Beat it". "Billie Jean" was aired on MTV and it was the first ever music video by a black singer that was ever aired on MTV.

Michael Jackson is also well-known for his signature dance, the moonwalk, which he first performed for the Motown 25th Anniversary show in 1983. Till today, parents are passing on this absolutely unique dance move to their own kids and we seriously don't know how long the 'Moonwalk' is going to be famous for.

In 1984, he was nominated for 12 awards and won a record-breaking 8 awards ? 7 for Thriller and 1 for his narrative on E.T. storybook. His record is now equaled by Carlos Santana. In 1987, Michael Jackson released 'Bad' and he held his first EVER world tour. 'Bad' proves to be another benchmark in the pop music scene because 6 songs from the albums became brilliant successes ? 'Bad', 'Dirty Diana', 'The man in the mirror', 'Smooth Criminal', 'Leave me alone' and 'The way you make me feel'. In fact, all the songs in the 'Bad' album were successes, leaving only 'Liberian Girl' with moderate reception.

Upon entering the new decade, in 1991, Michael Jackson was awarded a $890 million recording contract by Sony and released 'Dangerous'. During this time, Michael Jackson also announced the birth of a new foundation, the Heal The World Foundation'. 'Dangerous' although much low-key when compared to his other previous albums, produced hits like "Who Is It", Give In To Me", "Gone Too Soon", "Jam", "Remember the time", "Black or White", "In The Closet", "Heal The World" and "Will You Be There" (theme song for Free Willy, the motion picture).

Michael Jackson went on to marry Elvis Presley's (the KING) daughter, Lisa Marie Presley for 2 years and it ended in a bitter divorce. Thereafter, Michael Jackson remarried and this time to Debbie Rowe. The couple has a son, Prince Michael and a daughter, Paris Katherine. They divorced in 1999 and Debbie Rowe left the kids to Michael Jackson as a 'gift'. However, as of 2004, it seems as though Debbie Rowe may have decided to go back on her own words.

Among all the Michael Jackson songs, "Black or White" and "Billie Jean" remains the most aired. Michael Jackson has not had a BIG hit in a long time and later on in his career. And despite the splattering of unfavorable news about his plastic surgeries, pedophilia, the 'balcony' incident, and various law suits filed against and by him, the name "Michael Jackson" is a legendary name?in and out of the music scene.

Dean Erickson. Journalist, and web site builder Dean Erickson lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of all-michael-jackson.info on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.



Play The Piano Like A Pro

Meet the 12 Major Notes:1. C (do)2. C# - Db... Read More

Modal Theory for Guitar Players - Part 2

Playing the ModesWhen I used to use this pack with... Read More

Music to Echo Your Mood

In what way do the kinds of music (rock, rap,... Read More

Why Do Music Lovers Still Prefer to Buy Records?

In the late 1940's, the 45-RPM record replaced the 78-RPM... Read More

Music & Emotions: Can Music Really Make You a Happier Person?

How many times have you turned to music to uplift... Read More

Origins of the Mathers Family

Eminem's roots can be found in Scandinavia through his mother... Read More

Piano Lessons Can be Fun!

There are essentially two ways to learn piano - note... Read More

The Joy of Spontaneous Expression

Do you remember finger-painting as a child? How fun it... Read More

What is Music?

That's a fair question!Basically, you can call music any noise... Read More

Try Some New Music!

Stuck in a music rut?It happens. After listening to your... Read More

Flaming Guitars! Minarik Fuels The Excitement Of A New Generation Of Musicians

Celebrating an endorsement between G-Man Music and the fiery axe-makers... Read More

How to Stop Thinking and Start Playing

Learning how to improvise is confusing for most. The sheer... Read More

5 Sure Fire Ways to Get Radio Play for Your ?Independent? Music!

You have to find radio airplay time if you're going... Read More

Piano Playing Your Way: How To Have More Fun Playing The Piano Than You Ever Have Before

Piano playing doesn't have to be boring. There's no law... Read More

Visualization Techniques for the Pianist

Controlling the images of the mind through image projection has... Read More

Music & Citizenship: Can Playing a Musical Instrument Help Your Child Become a Better Citizen?

Disregard the popular image of rappers with their ghetto blasters,... Read More

Does Reading Make Music?

When you read music you are deciphering the printed page... Read More

Suzuki Violin Vs Traditional Violin

The Suzuki violin method has come to dominate the way... Read More

Soul Band for a Party

Was the request six months ago, a sixtieth birthday party,... Read More

5 Ways to Enjoy Your Music Files

OK, say you've got one thousand of your favorite MP3... Read More

Quick and Easy Violin Mute

One of the reasons I picked up the violin was... Read More

New Age Music - How Its Made

Different styles of music have different "sounds." We can all... Read More

Inspiration Wanted - Apply Within!

One of the biggest stumbling blocks for music students is... Read More

Beginners Guide to Music File Formats

Are you confused by the various types of music file... Read More

Interview With An Up And Coming Musician From Toronto

Today, Norm Goldman, Editor of Sketchandtravel.com and Bookpleasures.com is delighted... Read More

If you'd like to keep up-to-date,
please complete the form below and we'll put you on the mailing list
to receive our twice-yearly newsletter for supporters

* Your email address:
* choes your language: