Michael Jackson

Born on August 29, 1958 in Gary, Indiana, USA, Michael Jackson was the seventh child in a family of nine children.

Young Michael entered show business at the age of five, when his father organized the Jackson 5 family ensemble, which, in addition to Michael, included his four older brothers. It soon became clear that the kid had outstanding musical abilities. The young talent led the group from the category of local celebrities to the first serious contract.

Between 1969 and 1971, the band released six hit singles, including the famous songs “I Want You Back” and “ABC”. Throughout the 1970s, the band continued to generate hits.

The growing young man Michael was no longer satisfied with his popularity in the group, and soon he made his first independent recordings. In 1971, his first separate composition “I’ll Be There” reached number 4 on the charts. Continuing to work with his brothers, Jackson made several more recordings that became hits – “Rockin Robin” and “Ben”, and then released his first album.

In the late 1970s, Jackson met the legendary producer Quincy Jones. Jones and Jackson worked together on the singer’s next album, Off the Wall (1979), which took Michael from the category of child stars to adult superstars. In a short time, 10 million copies were sold. Critics greeted the album with enthusiasm, noting first of all the harmonious combination of soul and rock styles.

In 1982, he surpassed this achievement and released a small album, Thriller, which sold more than 40 million copies. This record has not been surpassed until now and is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the best-selling CD of all time.

Collaboration with Jones brought the singer 8 Grammy Awards and unanimous critical acclaim. Jackson has won 19 Grammy Awards; 13 times he has reached the top of the American sales charts with his singles. His name is twice listed in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – as a solo artist and as a member of the Jackson 5.

There have always been many rumors, scandals, and sensations surrounding Jackson’s name. The singer’s eccentricity, both in appearance and behavior, contributed to this. But this often contributed to his popularity. In any case, the path he took from birth to the peak of his fame is the path of a bright star, and his achievements cannot be taken away.

The famous singer Michael Jackson died of cardiac arrest on June 25, 2009 in Los Angeles. He was only 50 years old.