Michael Jackson
- First Name: Michael
- Last Name: Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson was born on August 29, 1958 in Gary, Indiana. Michael was a famous american singer,song writer, dancer and entertainer. He is still recognized as the most succesful entertainer of all time.
Michael Jackson is the King of Pop. He didn't set this title himself. He was awarded the title by the millions of fans around the world and by other artists, among which hee finds no equal. How did he win the title, you ask? Everything came by itself. He deserved it! No other artist in history has generated the massive sales that he has. No other artist in history has received so many awards he received and so much feedback from so many people. No other artist in history, stirred mass hysteria like him. And no other artist in history has done so many humanitarian efforts like him. There was no other like him yet, and there will be no other like him again. And this because... Michael Jackson unique! He is in a place where no one's been and no one will probably ever get.
His parents were african-american working-class family. His father, Joseph Jackson aspired to be a guitarist but has put aside his musical passion in order to provide for his family. His mother, Katherine Esther Scruse, was a devout Jehova's Witness. Michael was the 8th out of 9 children, he had three sisters: Rebbie, La Toya and Janet and six brothers: Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, Brandon and Randy.
Michael started out as the lead singer of the Jackson 5 band in 1964, he was 5 at the time. They played in local clubs and bars in Gary Indiana.
Michael made his first film debut when he starred in the musical "The Wiz" playing Scarecrow with Diana Ross in the lead role of Dorothy. He met Quiny Jones there who later became his producer. He released his first album titled "Off the Wall" which was a big success around the world and broke the record with 4 number 1 singles in the United States.
In 1982 Michael worked with the best directos and producers using the best technology and special effects in the song "Billie Jean". The latest make-up artist technology was used in the 14 minute short film "Thriller" combined with great dancing and choreography. Michael Jackson shortly became a superstar for his performance and in 1984 he won 8 Grammy awards in a single night.
In 1987, Michael released "Bad", his third solo album and launched his first solo world tour.
Personal life
Jackson's personal life generated allot of controversy and atention from the media and fans for years. He started changing his appearance with esthetic surgery and it started being noticed in the late 1970.
His skin color and nose caused allot of speculation from the media. In 1993 he was accused for child sexual abuse but no formal charges were brought and in 2005 he was accused again and trialed for some similar allegations but found not guilty.
Jackson died on June 25, 2009 from what was reported as a drug overdose but the Los Angeles County Coroner ruled this as a homicide. He was preparating for his "This is It" concert series, that turned out to be the "last".
His memorial was held on July 7, 2009 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles and also had a private family service at the Forest Lawn Memorial , Park's Hall of Liberty before the actual memorial.
There were rumors that as many as 1 billion people watched his memorial on live tv but the U.S audience was estimated at around 31 million.
Trivia
Michael Jackson was nicknamed Wacko Jacko or Jacko and was also known as the King Of Pop
He was 5 foot 10 in height.
Was a Jehovah's Witness.
His favorite movie as a child and teenager was Oliver! (1968).
Claimed to have a skin disease called vitiligo.
Is the godfather of Michael Gibb, son of The Bee Gees front man Barry Gibb
Has sold over 750 million albums worldwide.
At his peak, Jackson was reportedly worth around 1 billion US dollars.
Michael was diagnosed with lupus in 1984.
Jackson was a long time supporter of HIV/AIDS research.
He owed an estimated 435 millon US dollars at his time of death.
Personal Quotes
"I don't like pop music."
"I'll always be Peter Pan in my heart."
"You ain't seen nothing yet, and the best is yet to come." in 1999.
"Elizabeth Taylor used to feed me, to hand-feed me, at times. Please, I don't want anybody to think I'm starving, I'm not. My health is perfect, actually."
"I have confidence in my abilities. I have real perseverance. Nothing can stop me when I put my mind to it."
"My father was a management genius. But what I really wanted was a dad."
"I love my children. I was holding my son tight. Why would I throw a baby off the balcony? That's the dumbest, stupidest story I ever heard."
"Before I would hurt a child, I would slit my wrists."
"I have a skin disorder that destroys the pigmentation of my skin, it's something that I cannot help, OK?"
"I'm never pleased with anything, I'm a perfectionist, it's part of who I am."
"Please keep an open mind and let me have my day in court."
"The greatest education in the world is watching the masters at work."
"Yeah, Wacko Jacko, where did that come from? Some English tabloid. I have a heart and I have feelings. I feel that when you do that to me. It's not nice."
Videos
