Born: August 29, 1958
Gary, Indiana
African American entertainer, singer, songwriter
Aperformer since the age of five, Michael Jackson Is One Of The Most Popular singers in history. His 1983 album, Thriller, sold forty million copies, making it the biggest seller of all time. Through His record albums and music videos he created an image imitated by millions of His fans.
Career Planned in advance
Michael Joe Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana, on August 29, 1958, the fifth of Joe and Katherine Jackson's nine children. The house was always filled with music. Jackson's mother taught the children folk and religious songs, to Which They sang along. Jackson's father, who Worked at a steel plant, Had always dreamed of Becoming a successful musician. When this failed to happen, he Decided to do whatever it Took to Make Successes of His children. He tried to control His children's careers even after They Were adults. The Struggle for the control of the fortunes of the musical Michael Jackson songs family was in constant source of conflict.
 The Jackson boys soon formed a family band That Became a success at amateur shows and talent contests throughout the Midwest. From the age of five Michael's amazing talent Showed itself. His dancing and stage presence to Become the focus Caused HIM of the group. His older brother, Jackie, Told Gerri Hershey in Rolling Stone, "It was sort of frightening. He was so young. I do not know where he got it. He just Knew."
 Discovered by Motown
 The Jacksons' fame and popularity soon spread to Began. While performing at the Apollo Theater in New York City's Harlem neighborhood in 1968, Motown recording artist Gladys Knight (1944 -) and pianist Billy Taylor Discovered them. That year later singer Diana Ross (1944 -) Became Associated with the boys to During "Soul Weekend" in Gary. With Ross's support, the Jacksons signed a contract with Motown Records. Berry Gordy (1929 ), head of the famous Motown Took control of the Jacksons' careers.
 By 1970 the group, known as the Jackson Five, was topping the charts and riding a wave of popularity with Such hits as "ABC," "The Love You Save," and "I'll Be There," Each of Which sold over one million copies. The group Also Appeared on Several Televised specials, and Jackson Five cartoon series was created. Quickly Recognized Michael Gordy's appeal and released albums featuring HIM alone. These albums sold just as well as Those of the Jackson Five. The group managed to survive Michael's voice change and a bitter break with Motown Records in 1976, but as the Jackson family They continued to fight and With Each Other With Their own father.
In 1978 Michael Jackson Appeared in The Wiz, an African American version of The Wizard of Oz. He only sang the hits from the film's soundtrack album ("Ease On Down the Road") in a duet with the star, Diana Ross. His success as the Scarecrow was a preview of what was to come into His videos, Seemed to care for Jackson
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most about dancing. (He later dedicated his autobiography [the story of his one's own life] to dance legend Fred Astaire [1899-1987], and the title's autobiography, Moonwalk, refers to a dance that Jackson made popular.)
Unbelievable Success
While working on The Wiz, Jackson met producer Quincy Jones (1933 -). They worked together on Jackson's 1979 album Off the Wall, Which sold Ten Million copies and earned critical praise. Album in 1982, Jackson and Jones joined forces again on the thriller. Thriller fully established Jackson as a solo performer, and his hit songs from the album "Beat It," "Billie Jean" and "Thriller" made him the major pop star of the early 1980s. The success of Thriller (with forty million copies sold, it remains one of the best-selling albums of all time) and the videos of its songs also helped break the color barrier Jackson imposed by radio stations and the powerful music video channel MTV. By 1983 Jackson was the single most popular entertainer in America.
In 1985, Jackson reunited with Quincy Jones for USA for Africa's "We Are the World," which raised funds for the poor in Africa. Jackson's next two albums, Bad (1987) and Dangerous (1991) were not, as hugely successful as Thriller, Jackson Remained in the spotlight throughout the 1980s and into the 1990s but. In 1992 he founded "Heal the World" to aid children and the environment. Awards in 1993 he was presented with the "Living Legend Award" at the Grammy Awards ceremony and with the Humanitarian (one who promotes human welfare) of the Year trophy at the Soul Train.
Rocked by Scandal
 Despite Jackson's popularity and good works, he became the subject of a major scandal (action that damages one's reputation). In 1993 a thirteen-year-old boy accused Jackson of sexually abusing him at the star's home. Jackson settled the case out of court while insisting he was innocent. The scandal cost Jackson his endorsement (paid public support of a company's products) contract with Pepsi and a movie deal. His sexual preference was called into question, and his public image was severely damaged.
In 995, Jackson was criticized following the release of his new album HIStory: Past, Present, and Future, Book I. One of the songs on the album, "They Do not Care About Us, 'seemed to contain anti-Semitic (showing hatred toward Jewish people), lyrics (words). To avoid further criticism, Jackson changed the lyrics. So he wrote a letter of apology to Rabbi Marvin Hier, head of the Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies, who had protested the lyrics.
Marriage and fatherhood
In 1994, Jackson shocked the world when he married Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of the late (deceased), rock legend Elvis Presley (1935-1977). Many felt that the marriage was to attempt to improve his public image. In August 1996 Jackson and Presley divorced. In November 1996 Jackson announced that he was to be a father. The child's mother what Debbie Rowe, a long-time friend of Jackson. They married later that year in Sydney, Australia. On February 13, 1997, their son, Prince Michael Jackson Jr., was born in Los Angeles, California. The couple's second child, daughter Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, was born in 1998. Rowe filed for divorce from Jackson in October 1999.
n and his brothers were elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1997. Later that year another album, Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix, containing new versions of songs from HIStory, along with five new songs, was released. The album received good reviews, and the world continued to be fascinated by the talent and career of Michael Jackson.In 2000, Jackson's promoter sued him for $ 21.2 million for backing out of two concerts planned the previous New Year's Eve. In 2001, Jacksonville, while delivering a lecture at Oxford University in England to promote his Heal the Kids charity, Described his unhappy childhood and proposed a "bill of rights" for children that would Provide for the right to an education "without having to dodge bullets ". Later that year Jackson was again elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this time as a solo performer. Jackson also released a new album, Invincible, in October 2001.
King of Pop Michael Jackson was almost a victim of the Twin Tower attacks on September 11 - but overslept. Jacko's brother Jermaine insists that the tragic superstar was supposed to have been at the World Trade Center when the terrorists struck for meetings. And he insists it was only his brother's notorious struggles getting to sleep - problems that appear to have ultimately led to his death - that stopped the world losing the King of Pop, eight years before his untimely death Michael had performed his final concert the previous evening at New York's famous Madison Square Garden - and it was because the night went on so long that he failed to rise in time for his planned meetings. "My mother had stayed with him all the way up until four in the morning and he just slept," Jermaine said in an interview promoting his new book, You Are Not Alone: ​​Michael, Through a Brother's Eyes. "He missed his appointments, Which was great." He said the family was terrified at the scenes of the towers because they toppling knew Michael was supposed to have been there. "We were just watching the planes go into the Twin Towers. My mother told us that he was fine," Jermaine recalled. Michael famously suffered with sleep issues - and it is his bid to get drugs t help him sleep that seemingly caused his death. Jermaine admitted in a separate interview ". For Michael to get sleep he had to be knocked out," This was not just this one night, this was administered to him on an ongoing basis Which was causing his body to deteriorate. "
Michael Jackson's older brother Jermaine today Alleged That Dr Conrad Murray is accountable for the pop king's death. "Who is Responsible for your brother's death?" interviewer Chris Connelly said the U.S. During His explosive exclusive for the ABC television network. "The doctor," replied Jermaine. The 56-year-old singer and musician Also Revealed That he had a getaway plane ready for sexual abuse Michael During His trial. Jermaine said he HAD secretly chartered aircraft to whisk the Michael out of the country before the jury Could Give Their verdict. "Where Would it have taken Michael?" Connelly asked. "We would have gone to the Middle East, to Bahrain to Saudi," Jermaine replied. "They Would you have sent to prison for the rest of your life, If They HAD That caught you doing," said Connelly. "They Would not have caught me," replied Jermaine. His brother Jermaine Also Said That Began to withdraw from his Family Between 1984 and 1992 and he only saw about three times a year HIM. He said he sent letters and packages but Michael never responded. Jermaine has just released a book about life in the Jackson family Called You Are Not Alone: Through a Brother's Eyes. Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009. Jermaine sang His favorite song at His funeral.
Michael Jackson's older brother Jermaine today alleged that Dr Conrad Murray is accountable for the pop king's death. "Who is responsible for your brother's death?" Said the explosive during his U.S. interviewer Chris Connelly exclusive for the ABC TV network. "The doctor," replied Jermaine. The 56-year-old singer and musician also revealed that he had a getaway plan ready for Michael during his sexual abuse trial. Jermaine said he had secretly chartered aircraft to whisk the Michael out of the country before the jury could give their verdict. "Where would it have taken Michael?" Connelly asked. "We would have gone to the Middle East, to Bahrain to Saudi," Jermaine replied. "They would have sent you to prison for the rest of your life, if they had caught you doing that," said Connelly. "They would not have caught me," replied Jermaine. Jermaine also said that his brother began to withdraw from his family and between 1984 and 1992 he only saw him about three times a year. He said he sent letters and packages but Michael never responded. Jermaine has just released a book about life in the Jackson family called You Are Not Alone: Through a Brother's Eyes. Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009. Jermaine sang his favorite song at his funeral.
Michael Jackson's brother Tito and sister Rebbie are to reveal His personal stories about life in a new stage show in tribute to the late singer. The pair will play a series of dates in the UK and Europe and will be joined by Michael's friend David Gest and childhood friend, singer Deniece Williams, to entertain audiences with stories of His Life. The show, titled A Named Michael Jackson, Will Also includes five hours of unseen film footage from David's personal archives, a question-and-answer session, and to 30-minute onscreen interview with Jackson's mother, Katherine. Gest said: "The Majority of the show will be stories about Michael and Reminiscences That the public has Never Heard." Titus added: "I am really looking forward to this tour and Being close up with the fans. To see the four of us on stage will be a blast and we all have so many funny and wonderful stories about Michael That Will Leave The crowd laughing , spellbound and crying all at the Same Time. " The two shows are to launch in March 2012 and David has produced a new documentary Also, Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon, Which is Set To Be Released on October 31.
Michael Jackson's children returned to their late dad's hometown in Gary, Indiana to celebrate what would have been the King of Pop's 53rd birthday. Prince, 14, Paris, 13, and Blanket, nine, visited Michael's childhood home over the weekend and took part in the city's celebrations to mark the occasion. The Jackson family lived in the Indiana house before moving out to Hollywood in 1969 after The Jackson 5 made it big. Paris said that she was pleased to see so many of her father's fans at the home when she and her brothers visited it on Saturday.
Pop superstar Beyonce has Become the latest Addition To The Michael Jackson tribute concert in Wales in October - and she will perform via satellite. Katherine Jackson has the tribute gig and Organised Such stars as Cee Lo Green, Christina Aguilera, Leona Lewis and Alien Ant Farm have Already signed up. And now the 29-year-old Best Thing I Never Had hitmaker has-been added, even though she will not be Able to be there in person, According to TMZ.com. According to the Facebook page of Michael Forever the Tribute, a statement said: "A unique, never-before-seen performance by one of her favorite of Beyonce Jackson 5 songs will be shown at the concert." A lifelong fan Michael, Beyonce really Wanted to Be Involved in this tribute concert. Due to scheduling issues she can not be there in person, but this performance is not to be missed. "Michael Forever: The Tribute Concert Is Being held at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales on October 8.
Michael Jackson's children have delivered 10 pieces of art by their late superstar father to the Children's Hospital in Los Angeles. The King of Pop's three children - Prince, 14, Paris, 13, and nine-year-old Blanket - along with their grandmother Katherine Jackson, signed some of the artwork by their dad, who died in 2009, aged 50th Each drawing is said to reflect Jackson's love of keys, seven chairs, and the number. The music legend's sister, La Toya, said the sketches are bound to "bring joy" to the children at the hospital. She said. "They're whimsical, they're magical and it's just joy and peace I know that when you see this, and when the kids see it, it will bring some type of joy to them, and at the sametime I know it will bring some type of joy to my brother as well. " The artwork is from the personal collection of artist Brett-Livingstone Strong, who was a close friend of Jackson's.
Michael Jackson allegedly "did something to worse" than Molesting Young Boys, claims to jailed Hollywood private investigator, who dropped the music legend Following His child molestation court case 2003. Notorious private investigator, Anthony Pellicano - who is said to have "invented" phone-hacking long before the current scandal hit the headlines Rupert Murdoch - reportedly the carried out investigation work for a number of high-profile clients Including Tom Cruise, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone and Bill Clinton. He was jailed for 15 years in 2008, after Being found guilty of 78 counts of wiretapping, racketeering and wire fraud from His controversial operations. Speaking for the first time from behind bars, Pellicano said he was sent down Because He refused to dish the dirt on His celebrity clients - but added he knows some shocking secrets That about them. The 67-year-old says he allegedly dropped Jackson as a client, after the King of Pop HIM hired to investigate one of the families accusing HIM in His child molestation case 2003. Jackson claims he Pellicano Told That he Would only work if He Was not For Him guilty of the charges. "I said, 'You do not have to worry about cops or lawyers. If I find out anything, I will f *** you over,'" he said. "I quit after I found out some Truths ... He did something worse to do than harassing young boys Them," he Alleged. Pellicano but did not elaborate on the "secrets" he claims to know, According to The Hollywood Reporter.
A Michael Jackson tribute concert planned by his mother and siblings has caused a family rift after two of the dead singer's brothers refused to support it. Jermaine and Randy Jackson announced today that they are refusing to back the star-studded show - Michael Forever: The Tribute Concert - because it clashes with the manslaughter trial surrounding his shock death. Earlier today, the King of Pop's mother Katherine Jackson and her children Marlon, Tito, Jackie and LaToya held a press conference at a Hollywood hotel to announce the "spectacular tribute," Which is due to take place in Cardiff in October. Details of the artists set to appear in the four-hour extravaganza have yet to be confirmed. But Jermaine and Randy have said they feel the concert is "ill-timed" and "inappropriate" and that the show's promoters have Global Live "disrespected" them by going against their "strongest wishes". In a statement issued today, the pair said. "Today's press conference in Los Angeles announced a tribute concert to Michael to be attended and supported by the Jackson Family However, we want to make clear that this does not reflect the position of the entire family. "While we wholeheartedly support the spirit of a tribute that honors our brother, we find it impossible to support an event that is due to take place during the criminal trial surrounding Michael's death. "As everyone knows, those proceedings commence on September 20, and this takes place in Michael Forever concert in Cardiff, Wales, on 8 October. In light of this, we feel it is inappropriate to be involved with seeking to ill-timed event and its promoter, Global Live. "Furthermore, the decision to proceed with this concert disrespect opinions and wishes expressed in the strongest terms to Global Live during conversations in April, when this event was presented to the Majority of the family as an idea already in its advanced stages. "There will come a time and place for an amazing and deserving tribute to Michael. But we feel that the most important tribute we can give to our brother at this time is to seek justice in his name."
Which house in Las Vegas on Michael Jackson has lived oz ITS Opened doors to the public to commemorate the second anniversary of His death. Mourners Were Able to visit the summer During a four-hour period, to gain a glimpse into Jack's private life. Could the visitors leave messages, gifts and flowers at the house, which effectively preserve owners to Promised for 24 hours. Jackson died on June 25, 2009, after taking a cocktail of prescription medication. His personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, charged with involuntary manslaughter has-been.
Michael Jackson's mother Katherine refused to make her grand children wear masks after the singer's death, according to new claims. Until he passed away two years ago, the King of Pop made his three children hide their faces behind masks whenever they were out in public. But, according to his sister La Toya, that's the first thing his mother Katherine Jackson stopped when the children went to live with her. Website, "Michael put masks on them to protect them and to keep them safe from anyone who wanted to hurt him," La Toya says in an interview with U.S., The Daily Beast. "He's gone now. The first thing my mother did what to say to them, 'Today we're unmasking you. Today the masks come off'." The 55-year-old makes her revelations as she promotes her new memoir, Starting Over. She also says that Jackson's three children - Prince, 14, Paris, and Blanket 13, nine - are now "doing so well." La Toya speaks openly in the book about her relationship with her younger brother, who died at the age of 50 on June 25, 2009.
Michael Jackson Has Been Named the Greatest Singer Of All Time in a new poll. The U.S. singer died on June 25, 2009, but fans still believe he is the greatest singer to have lived, According To New Poll on the carried out by NME.com. Queen's Freddie Mercury cameo in second place while crooner Elvis Presley CAME third. Other stars in the top 10 of the poll included David Bowie, Robert Plant, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney. Jackson CAME top of the polls just days before the second anniversary of His death.
The insurers of Michael Jackson's comeback doomed tour have gone to court to avoid paying concert promoters and the late superstar's estate $ 17.5m, according to reports. Lloyd's of London, reportedly sued Jackson's company AEG Live and on Monday over a policy designed to protect concert promoters if the King of Pop could not carry out the tour. The UK firm claims in the lawsuit, filed in the Superior Court of Los Angeles, that the defendants failed to give them medical information and details about Jackson's doctor. Lloyd's issued a non-appearance concert cancellation policy in April 2009 - two months before Jackson was scheduled to start the ill-fated tour. The policy would cover $ 17.5m in liability if anything went wrong, according to court papers. Just days after Jackson's death, a lawyer acting for AEG Live, issued a claim under the policy and submitted Jackson's death certificate along with it. But the insurance firm claims that the promoters should have told them about the 50-year-old singer's medical history and "his apparent prescription drug use and / or drug addiction." It goes on to say that a medical examination of Jackson required by the insurance policy was never carried out. Lloyd's lawsuit also claims that it has been trying to get information from AEG about Jackson and his medic, Dr Conrad Murray, since December 2009. Murray has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in relation to Jackson's death and will stand trial later this year.
The legendary red jacket worn by Michael Jackson in Thriller His video is going under the hammer - and Could fetch a staggering $ 400.000. The iconic piece of clothing, which effectively Jacko autographed for His former costume designers Michael Bush and Dennis Tompkins, is a selection of music memorabilia Among Being auctioned off in Beverly Hills, California. Also up for grabs is a custom-made black glove That the King of Pop Wore to the 1984 American Music Awards, Which is expected to sell for up to $ 30.000, and the wig he Wore When He Announced His ill-fated This Is It Concert series in London, Which Could fetch up to $ 6.000. Other items in the Music Icons auction includes a song score handwritten by Jimi Hendrix, thought to be worth up to $ 30.000, in cape worn by former Beatle Ringo Starr in the 1965 movie Help!, Which is expected to fetch up to $ 8.000, and to 1986 Jaguar car owned by Frank Sinatra, estimated to fetch Between $ 10.000 and $ 20.000. Jackson's Thriller jacket, which effectively sparked a fashion craze 1980s, is the Highest priced lot and is expected to fetch $ 400,000 Between $ 200,000 and it goes under the hammer When Julien's Auctions at on June 25 and June 26. The coat is one of two jackets worn by the music legend while he filmed the groundbreaking 1983 video. The other one is on display at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, on loan from the Estate of Michael Jackson. A portion of the proceeds from the halls of the jacket will be donated to the Shambala Preserve in California - where Jackson's two Bengal tigers, Sabu and Thriller, Have Been living since the late singer left His Neverland Ranch in 2006.
A woman has filed a $ 10m claim against Michael Jackson's estate, claiming the King of Pop gave her herpes in 1979. Shellie Smith states in legal documents: "I started having sexual relations with the decedent Shortly thereafter, I started to get blisters on my legs, face and lips He was my only partner..." Smith claims the STD allegedly given to her by Jackson ruined her life. "At this time, I am unable to have a full and vibrant life due to the complications of this disease," she states. It is not the first time Smith has tried to claim money from the Jackson estate. She filed a second claim with different facts, Stating she began having sex with Michael in 1977 and was diagnosed with herpes simplex. And in January 2010, she filed another claim saying she and Jackson were secretly married. Smith submitted a claim at the time saying she was entitled to spousal support - but the claim was rejected.
Michael Jackson's mother says he was a child molester allegations are the 'Biggest Lie Ever Told'. Katherine Jackson defended her late son's legacy in a rare U.S. television interview on Wednesday in Which she Opened up about family life Following The pop star's death. "The first thing I want to tell people as to Is that child molester as Michael in Being That Is The Biggest Lie Ever Told," Katherine, 81, said on the NBC Today Show. "His first accuser, after Michael died there was an article where he confessed That Michael never touched HIM." It was a big lie and His father just wanted to be rich, and he said 'I am so sorry I did not get to Tell Him this before he died. ' "Michael's lawyers HIM Told That Should he just pay the money. He was out on tour at the time and thought They just paying the money and shutting them up was the right thing to do." Michael was upset and I was too. I said 'Why did you do that? It Makes you look guilty. "He said 'The lawyers Told me to do it, I did not want mother Either do it. I wanted to fight it and tell the truth but They Told Me to do it.'" Katherine Also Opened up about how much she missed her I am late. "I cannot say what I miss the most, I just miss HIM period. I miss Being here and not HIM I miss I miss His voice and His singing," she said.
Pop superstar Michael Jackson's niece Yashi Brown has spoken about her battle with bipolar disorder. Brown, the daughter of the Prince of Pop's oldest sister Rebbie Jackson opens up about the mental illness in the latest issue of JET magazine. She was diagnosed when she was in her 20s but the 33-year-old says she was able to keep the mood disorder under control even when her famous uncle died in June 2009. Brown says: "Besides my uncle on my father's side, Uncle Michael was the closest person that was kin to me that ever had passed away." Fortunately his death was during the time that I was on the right dosage of medicine. "It was a very emotional time." My parents, my cousins, my uncles, my aunts, all we wanted to do was be together. We went to my grandmother's house every day. We all just stuck together and our love got us through it. "
The trial of the Accused doctor in the death of superstar Michael Jackson has-been hit by a four month delay, According To Reports. Dr Conrad Murray, who was the tragic singer's personal physician, was two to go on trial next week in Los Angeles. But at the request of defense attorneys, to high-ranking judge yesterday (monday) and put it back until September and dismissed all prospective jurors. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor released the 171 potential jurors who filled out lengthy questionnaires HAD Already ahead of the much-Anticipated hearing. Pastor said a new process of jury selection will begin on September 8 and opening statements will begin That month later. Dr Conrad Murray, who was present at the time of Jackson's death in June 2009, is charged with involuntary manslaughter but has pleaded not guilty. On Friday, His team of attorneys HAD Announced They wanted a two-week delay so They Could Have Their Own Involving experts review new reports recently Obtained prosecution witnesses. The Judge Decided to put back the trial by a full four months to Ensure That Any Other pending issues are Dealt with properly.