Michael Jackson would have been 66 years old today, and while the legend is no longer with us, his legacy is still felt.
Born on August 29, 1958, in the small town of Gary, Indiana, Jackson was the eighth of ten children. By age six, he was already the lead singer in the family’s band, The Jackson 5, helmed by his father Joe. They soared to superstardom thanks to hits such as “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” and “I’ll Be There.” His first solo album, “Got to Be There,” arrived in January 1972, followed by his other albums, “Ben,” “Music & Me,” and “Forever, Michael,” all of which were separate from his famous brothers. However, his fifth 1979 studio album, “Off the Wall,” solidified Jackson as the undisputed King of Pop. The 10-track project included megahits “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” which earned a Grammy, and “Rock with You,” both of which are now five times platinum.
Jackson’s 1982 sixth masterpiece, “Thriller,” captured the hearts of fans worldwide. The incomparable musician set himself apart from his peers, releasing a 14-minute musical for the lead single, which included groundbreaking special effects rarely seen in music videos during that time period. “Thriller” went on to become the best-selling album of all time and won eight Grammy’s, including Album of the Year. “Thriller” is now certified 34 times platinum. A year before his untimely passing in 2009, this iconic project was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, along with “Off the Wall.”
Jackson would go on to release additional albums, “Bad,” “Dangerous,” “HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I” and his final one, “Invincible” in 2001. Throughout his career, Jackson earned hundreds of accolades, including 38 Grammy nominations and 13 wins. He also secured 26 American Music Awards. Jackson even won 39 Guinness World Records, including the Most Successful Entertainer of All Time.
As we celebrate Jackson’s birthday, we honor not just the entertainer but the artist who forever changed the landscape of music, dance, and popular culture.
Happy Birthday, Michael Jackson. The world will never forget the King of Pop, thanks to many of his classics.
“Rock With You”
“Billie Jean”
“Smooth Criminal”
“Remember The Time”
“Thriller”
“You Are Not Alone”
