MICH AEL JACK SON “The King of Pop”

Born: August 29, 1958 in Gary, Indiana Died: June 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California {MICHAEL JOSEPH JACKSON} Youngest member of “Jackson 5” singing group with his four older brothers (“The Jacksons”)

Started his career as a solo artist… Made his 5 th studio album “Off the Wall” in Funk, disco-pop, soft rock, jazz and pop ballads -Sold more than 5 million copies in the US alone by Album included songs such as: “She’s Out of My Life”, “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” and “Rock With You” It received Best R&B Male Vocal in the 1980 Grammy Awards

“Thriller” was released in November 1982 Collection of ‘singles’ intended for all types of audiences (crossover) Became the best-selling album of all time (50 million copies or more sold) Seven singles were in the Billboard’s Top Ten Won eight Grammy Awards including Album and Record of the Year (1984)

TRACKS: ”Wanna Be Starting Somethin” ”Beat It” ”Billie Jean” ”Thriller”(Rod Temperton)

“Bad” was released in 1987 following “Thriller” Funky fever songs about rage and self pity, and some about longing for grace “Bad” video-costumes, choreography, backdrop inspired by West Side Story “Man in the Mirror”-song about accepting social/political responsibilities (all profits went to charity)

“Black or White” Elements of dance, rap and hard rock (rap lyrics by Bill Bottrell) Described as “a rock ’n’ Roll dance song about racial harmony” 1 st Disc-15 track Greatest hits album 2 nd Disc-Contained 15 new songs Focused on Michael’s hardships and public struggles The last album of new material while still alive

Michael didn’t write songs on paper (sound recorder) When recording, he would sing the lyrics from memory. Liked to imitate (beatbox) instruments using his voice (“Billie Jean”) Styles Ranged from Motown dance ballads, to techno and funk and hard rock guitar Depending on song-voice of aggression, grace, growling, natural, falsetto (high-pitched), and smoothness Motown: pop-influenced style of rhythm and blues characterized by danceable arrangements

“The Jackson 5ive”-cartoon show about the boys (1971) “The Jacksons”-30 min. show with celebrity guests, dancing, singing Jackson 5 on the Ed Sullivan Show 1984 Pepsi Commercial “Motown 25: Yesterday, today, and forever”-performed “Billie Jean” and famous moonwalk 1993 Super Bowl Halftime Show- solo performance 1993-Oprah Winfrey interview 1995-Primetime Live-with wife Lisa Marie Presley

Became known as “King of Music Videos” Videos were long with complex story lines, dance routines, and special effects Featured his famous “Anti-gravity lean” and “Moonwalk” “GHOST” music video – 38 minutes (Guinness World Record for longest music video)

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice (Jackson 5 & Solo artist) “Artist of the Century” Guinness Book of Records for supporting 39 charities (2000) 13 Grammy awards 26 American music awards Award from President Ronald Reagan for supporting charities Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

West Side Story was his favorite film (“Beat It”) Greatest inspiration-James Brown Vocal Coach- Diana Ross Earned about $750 Million in lifetime 4 tours including Bad ( ) Dangerous World Tour ( ) HIStory World Tour ( ) This Is It ( cancelled)

OFF THE WALL Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough Rock With You Working Day And Night Get On the Floor Off The Wall Girlfriend She's Out Of My Life I Can't Help It It's The Falling In Love Burn This Disco Out THRILLER Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' Baby Be Mine The Girl Is Mine Thriller Beat It Billie Jean Human Nature P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) The Lady In My Life Thriller- Special Edition Extra Tracks Someone In The Dark (From E.T Storybook) Carousel BAD Bad The Way You Make Me Feel Speed Demon Liberian Girl Just Good Friends Another Part Of Me Man In The Mirror I Just Can't Stop Loving You Dirty Diana Smooth Criminal Leave Me Alone DANGEROUS Jam Why You Wanna Trip On Me In The Closet She Drives Me Wild Remember The Time Can't Let Her Get Away Heal The World Black Or White Who Is It Give In To Me Will You Be There Keep The Faith Gone Too Soon Dangerous HIStory - Past, Present And Future - Book 1 Scream They Don't Care About Us Stranger In Moscow This Time Around Earth Song D.S. Money Come Together You Are Not Alone Childhood Tabloid Junkie 2 Bad HIStory Little Susie Smile Blood On The Dance Floor - HIStory In The Mix Blood On The Dance Floor Morphine Superfly Sister Ghosts Is It Scary? Invincible Unbreakable Heartbreaker Invincible Break Of Dawn Heaven Can Wait You Rock My World Butterflies Speechless 2000 Watts You Are My Life Don't Walk Away Privacy Cry The Lost Children Whatever Happens Threatened

References "Michael Jackson". Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Encyclopædia Britannica Inc., Web. 27 Nov Jackson “Michael Jackson”. Rolling Stone. Rolling Stone Online. Web. 27 Nov jackson/biography Jones, Steve. “King of Pop, paparazzi”. USA Today: 22 Dec Web. 27 Nov jacksonpassages23_ST_U.htm jacksonpassages23_ST_U.htm MICHAELJACKSON.COM