Michael Jackson was born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, and was the eighth of ten children in the Jackson family.
He began his music career at the age of five as the lead singer of The Jackson 5, a group formed with his older brothers, and quickly became a pop sensation.
Michael Jackson's 1982 album 'Thriller' is the best-selling album of all time, with over 66 million copies sold worldwide and seven of its nine tracks becoming top 10 singles.
He popularized the 'Moonwalk,' a dance move that became one of his signature moves, during a performance of 'Billie Jean' on the Motown 25th anniversary TV special in 1983.
Jackson's music videos for songs like 'Thriller,' 'Beat It,' and 'Bad' set new standards for the music video industry and helped MTV gain widespread popularity.
He is the most awarded artist in the history of music, with 13 Grammy Awards, 6 Brit Awards, 5 Billboard Music Awards, and 39 Guinness World Records, including one for the 'Most Successful Entertainer of All Time.'
Michael Jackson was the first artist to have a top 10 hit in five different decades, from the 1970s to the 2010s.
In 1985, he co-wrote the charity single 'We Are the World' with Lionel Richie, which became one of the best-selling singles of all time and raised millions of dollars for famine relief in Africa.
Jackson's Neverland Ranch, located in California, was named after the fictional land in 'Peter Pan,' and featured an amusement park, zoo, and movie theater.
Michael Jackson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice: once as a member of The Jackson 5 in 1997, and again as a solo artist in 2001.
His humanitarian efforts earned him recognition, including the United Nations Humanitarian Award and the Grammy Legend Award for his contributions to music and social causes.
Jackson's influence extends beyond music, as he also inspired fashion trends with his military-style jackets, white gloves, and fedora hats.
Despite his global fame, Michael Jackson faced intense scrutiny and legal battles, but he remained dedicated to his craft, continuing to create and perform until his untimely death in 2009.
'Thriller,' the title track from his legendary album, was turned into a 14-minute short film directed by John Landis, which is considered one of the greatest music videos of all time.
Michael Jackson's legacy continues to live on through his music, dance, and influence on pop culture, making him an enduring figure in the world of entertainment.