|
|
|
|
Michael Jackson was born Michael Joseph Jackson on August 29, 1958 (making him 47 as of year 2005) to Joseph and Katherine Jackson in Gary, Indiana. He was the seventh of nine siblings. The Jackson family was raised as Jehovah's Witnesses and practiced door-to-door evangelization. Despite being known as the cute and talented lead singer in Jackson 5, a band that he formed together with his other siblings, he is now better known for his flamboyant style and negative press.
Jackson 5 was soon discovered and grabbed up by Motown Records in 1969 and the family moved to California where the 5 siblings could continue with their newfound career. Their first four singles, "ABC", "I want you back", "the love you save" and "I'll be there" instantly became hits. During this time, the Jackson 5 recorded 14 albums together while Michael Jackson recorded 4 solo albums. In 1976, they left Motown and called themselves simply as the Jacksons and they went on to produce 6 albums together, toured internationally. Both Jermaine and Michael started out on successful solo careers as with Rebbie, Latoya and Janet.
The 80's is probably the most successful decade for Michael Jackson for it was at that point in time that he produced hits like "Billie Jean", "Thriller", "Beat it". "Billie Jean" was aired on MTV and it was the first ever music video by a black singer that was ever aired on MTV.
Michael Jackson is also well-known for his signature dance, the moonwalk, which he first performed for the Motown 25th Anniversary show in 1983. Till today, parents are passing on this absolutely unique dance move to their own kids and we seriously don't know how long the 'Moonwalk' is going to be famous for.
In 1984, he was nominated for 12 awards and won a record-breaking 8 awards - 7 for Thriller and 1 for his narrative on E.T. storybook. His record is now equaled by Carlos Santana. In 1987, Michael Jackson released 'Bad' and he held his first EVER world tour. 'Bad' proves to be another benchmark in the pop music scene because 6 songs from the albums became brilliant successes - 'Bad', 'Dirty Diana', 'The man in the mirror', 'Smooth Criminal', 'Leave me alone' and 'The way you make me feel'. In fact, all the songs in the 'Bad' album were successes, leaving only 'Liberian Girl' with moderate reception.
Upon entering the new decade, in 1991, Michael Jackson was awarded a $890 million recording contract by Sony and released 'Dangerous'. During this time, Michael Jackson also announced the birth of a new foundation, the Heal The World Foundation'. 'Dangerous' although much low-key when compared to his other previous albums, produced hits like "Who Is It", Give In To Me", "Gone Too Soon", "Jam", "Remember the time", "Black or White", "In The Closet", "Heal The World" and "Will You Be There" (theme song for Free Willy, the motion picture).
Michael Jackson went on to marry Elvis Presley's (the KING) daughter, Lisa Marie Presley for 2 years and it ended in a bitter divorce. Thereafter, Michael Jackson remarried and this time to Debbie Rowe. The couple has a son, Prince Michael and a daughter, Paris Katherine. They divorced in 1999 and Debbie Rowe left the kids to Michael Jackson as a 'gift'. However, as of 2004, it seems as though Debbie Rowe may have decided to go back on her own words.
Among all the Michael Jackson songs, "Black or White" and "Billie Jean" remains the most aired. Michael Jackson has not had a BIG hit in a long time and later on in his career. And despite the splattering of unfavorable news about his plastic surgeries, pedophilia, the 'balcony' incident, and various law suits filed against and by him, the name "Michael Jackson" is a legendary name?in and out of the music scene.
Dean Erickson. Journalist, and web site builder Dean Erickson lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of all-michael-jackson.info on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.
 The Associated Press | American folk music legend Odetta dies at 77 The Associated Press - First coming to prominence in the 1950s, she influenced Harry Belafonte, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez and other singers who had roots in the folk music boom. ... Odetta Holmes dies at 88; folk singer championed black history ... Civil rights beacon, folk singer Odetta, dead at 77 Odetta, folk artist and civil rights inspiration, dies at 77 |
 The Associated Press | The LA Times music blog Los Angeles Times, CA - The most prestigious category wasn't a snapshot of the important music of the past 12 months. It was a multi-genre rundown -- the result of Grammy voters ... Grammy nominations hit prime-time with TV special Grammy nominations get another chance to be hip Taylor Swift to Co-Host 2009 Grammy Awards Nominations Concert |
 ABC News | paidContent.org - Broadband Content Bits: YouTube Goes Classical ... Washington Post, United States - YouTube gets classical : When you think of YouTube, you may not think of classical music, but Google (NSDQ: GOOG) and a number of international orchestras ... Google sees a future in the fancy music of the past Classical musicians get shot at fame on YouTube YouTube's Got An Ear (And Eye) For Music |
 New York Times | In a Queens Coffeehouse, New Music From Composers Scattered Around ... New York Times, United States - The Lost Dog New Music Ensemble, from left, Miranda Cuckson, on violin; Laura Barger, on piano; and Emily Brausa, on cello. By STEVE SMITH Community is a ... |
 CNET News | Music and browsing take flight in Songbird CNET News, CA - Music and browsing mashup Songbird has kicked the remnants of its shell to the curb. With the release of version 1.0.0 for Windows, Mac, and Linux, ... |
 Calgary Herald | Blog: Music Beat Deseret News, UT - Take her much-publicized breakdown, child-custody battles, a dismal appearance on the MTV Video Music Awards and then reappearing on the VMAs the next year ... Britney Spears Bigger as a Trainwreck Britney reboot Britney Spears: Back On Track? |
 Hollywood Industry | As music sales slow, digital market offers hope Reuters - By Antony Bruno DENVER (Billboard) - Ever since Apple's iTunes store launched in 2003, the digital music market has received an annual Christmas gift in the ... Apple's iPod Problem New-look nano highlights Apple’s iPod changes |
Country Star Trace Adkins Sounds Off on Music's Political Divide FOXNews - BILL O'REILLY, HOST: In the "Unresolved Problem" segment tonight: There's a definite split between the country music industry and the pop music world. ... Trace Adkins to Outspoken Celebrities: Don't 'Puke up Your Liberal ... |
Iowa to use trailers for music, theater students Chicago Tribune, United States - AP IOWA CITY, Iowa - The federal government is set to buy 22 trailers for the University of Iowa to be used for music and theater students as temporary ... |
 Los Angeles Times | 'Spectacle: Elvis Costello with . . . . ' Los Angeles Times, CA - Musicians often fare poorly in that venue, either because interviewers are insufficiently schooled in how music is made or because they are overcome by ... Elvis Costello and friends and music: What's not to like? Elvis Costello, making a 'Spectacle' of himself Review: 'Spectacle: Elvis Costello With...' |
| Top of Page home Bookmark Us Now ctrl+d 1st 4 Music, shopping via 1st4music cost no more than going direct and can often save you money with special offers. with questions or comments about this website |