There never was, and possibly will never be, any debate on who was the biggest pop star in the history of music, because, there is no doubt that Michael Jackson has been the greatest entertainer of all time. In fact, the race for the top spot isn’t even close.
A superstar was born on the 29th of August 1958 in Gary Indiana. Michael Jackson, undoubtedly the world’s biggest and hardest-working artist was discovered in his youth by his father Joseph Jackson. The senior Jackson honed the talent of Michael and his siblings and is singly responsible for the initial creation of the ensemble which became known as the Jackson 5.
The boy band consisted of Michael Jackson and his brothers Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Jackie. The group was founded in 1964. Michael with his extraordinary dancing and singing abilities emerged as the standout talent and was definitely the center of attraction.
Early Years and the Jackson 5:
They rose to fame in the late 1960s with their debut song “I Want You Back.” This song propelled the group to international recognition along with other hits such as “I’ll Be There” and “ABC,” under the Motown Records umbrella. With screaming, adoring fans in tow, the group became Motown legends and pop Icons. Michael’s youthful exuberance and incredible range were defining elements of the group’s success.
But Michael clearly had a greater vision for himself as a solo act. At the age of 13 and on the heels of releasing the Jackson 5 Greatest Hits in 1971, he started transitioning toward his solo career. “Got To Be There” was written by Elliot Willensky and produced by Hal Davis. It was released as a single, peaked at #14 on the Billboard Charts, and became certified Gold. This song solidified him as a budding solo superstar. He demonstrated great promise and was quickly ascending to pop icon status. Other songs followed including “Ben,” his beautiful ballad about a pet rat.
In 1978 Michael Jackson made his film debut playing the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz, alongside Diana Ross playing Dorothy.
With what was dubbed a make-or-break album, he collaborated with the legendary Quincy Jones to produce his first solo album “Off the Wall.” This album which was released in 1979 showcased a more mature side of Michael. with an undeniable sound that merged pop, soul, and R&B. The album featured hit tracks such as “Rock With You” and “Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough.”
“Thriller” and Global Superstardom:
The album and music video “Thriller” was released in 1982 on the Epic Label – and indeed it was! Comparatively speaking, it was a movie of sorts, which redefined and transcended the musical arena. Michael Jackson set the bar so high he was unreachable. Every facet of artistry and production was uniquely his. It showcased a horror-inspired concept with electric dance moves that inspire artists to this day, and I’m sure will for many years to come. This album is what one could call a cultural phenomenon. It featured hits such as “Billy Jean” and “Beat It” from the pop icon. Michael’s moonwalk, a dance move he introduced in a Motown special, became legendary along with his white rhinestone gloves and glittery jackets.
Though “Billie Jean” was aired on MTV, it was “Thriller” that truly broke boundaries. It shattered MTV’s stoic position on playing Black artists’ videos, despite numerous complaints. It dissolved the racial barriers that existed there. The thriller spanned 13 minutes. It was not only the longest but the most expensive music video made up to then. The premiere of Thriller was watched by 47 million people around the world and it sold over 66 million albums worldwide. Kotch Magazine.
Innovations in Music and Dance:
Michael Jackson’s approach to music videos revolutionized the industry. He considered them art forms that brought his music to life. For this purpose, he employed top directors who used cutting-edge technology. His music videos became a cinematic event that everyone would look forward to. Michael Jackson only had himself to outdo. He incorporated innovative visual effects with storytelling, and in so doing, has etched his name in the Guinness Book of Records for being the most successful entertainer of all time and Thriller as being the biggest selling record of all time.
Michael Jackson – The Humanitarian
Other than his musical genius, Michael Jackson was known for his philanthropy. He consistently donated to charitable organizations including children’s hospitals and disaster relief efforts. He co-wrote “We Are The World” with Lionel Richie and raised millions for famine relief in Africa.
Controversies and Legacy:
But despite his musical success, Michael Jackson was no stranger to controversy and criticism. People questioned his skin pigmentation and numerous surgeries. His lifestyle was faced with severe scrutiny and if that wasn’t enough he was involved in legal battles, including accusations of child molestation in the 1990’s and a highly publicized trial in 2005. These events marred his reputation although he was acquitted of all charges.
Michael Jackson went on to release other albums that were commercially successful but didn’t really have the same impact as his previous albums. These include “Bad” “Dangerous” and “Invincible”.
Conclusion:
Michael Jackson died on June 25th, 2009. His death was attributed to acute Propofol and Benzodiazepine intoxication. His sudden death shocked the world especially because he had just made an announcement for his final tour titled “This Is It.”
The world mourned and tributes poured in from fans and artists all over the globe. Evan Chandler and Dennis Robson, two of Michael Jackson’s alleged victim’s father committed suicide on speculation of being riddled with guilt. Also, Hindustan Times and the Mirror reported that nearly a dozen Michael Jackson fans committed suicide as a result of his death.
Michael Jackson lives on through his musical legacy. His impact on pop culture, fashion, and dance is immeasurable. He is the true definition of the power of talent, innovation, and artistic vision in the world of entertainment. There is no denying that he has left an indelible mark on the world of music and entertainment.
Click here to visit us on Facebook.
Contributed by Ayun Daley
