Michael Jackson
1958-2009
Period of Music: American Popular Music
Country: USA
Popular Songs: Thriller, Beat It, Billie Jean, Don't Stop 'Til You
Get Enough, Bad, Smooth Criminal, Rock With You, Man in the
Mirror, Black or White
Interesting Facts:
-Michael Jackson was an American singer, songwriter, and dancer. Get Enough, Bad, Smooth Criminal, Rock With You, Man in the
Mirror, Black or White
Interesting Facts:
Known as the "King of Pop," he was one of the most popular
entertainers in the world. Jackson's contributions to music, dance,
and fashion made him popular worldwide for over four decades.
-Michael made his professional debut in 1964 with his brothers as
a member of the Jackson 5. He began his solo career in 1971 at
Motown Records. In the early 1980's, Jackson became a dominant
figure in popular music. His music videos, including those of "Beat
It," "Billie Jean," and "Thriller" are credited with breaking racial
barriers and transforming the medium into an art form and
promotional tool. The popularity of these videos helped bring the
tv channel MTV to fame.
-In 1978 Michael starred as the Scarecrow in the movie The Wiz,
an urban version of L. Frank Baum's classic 1900 children's novel
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz featuring an entirely African-
American cast and an alternative fantasy version of New York City.
-He co-wrote We Are the World in 1985 with Lionel Richie as part
of USA for Africa.
-Jackson is one of the few artists to have been inducted into the
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice. He was also inducted into
the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Dance Hall of Fame as
the only dancer from pop and rock music. Michael's other
achievements include multiple Guinness World Records
including the Most Successful Entertainer of All Time, 13 Grammy
Awards, the Grammy Legend Award, the Grammy Lifetime
Achievement Award, 24 American Music Awards, 13 number-one
singles in the United States during his solo career and estimated
sales of over 350 million records worldwide. 