Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson 1958-2009
Michael Jackson is arguably one of the greatest artists of all time. He was called "The King of Pop", he was a legend in the music industry. From his catchy songs, to his theatrical music videos to his signature dance moves. Today I'm going to talk about how Michael started singing in a band with his brothers to becoming the most iconic superstar on this planet.
From the Beginning:
Michael Jackson was born on August 29, 1958 in Gary Indiana. He started in the music industry when he was 11 joining The Jackson 5 as the lead signer. When he joined the group he stole the attention with his James Brown inspired dances moves and his voice. In 1971 Jackson released his first records as a solo artist, revealing a predilection towards ballads.
Road to Success:
While filming “The Wiz”, Michael met Quincy Jones. The two collaborated on Jackson's next album, Off the Wall (Epic, 1979), which outsold his previous solo efforts and garnered favorable critical notices. One single off the album was “Rock With You”, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5X-Mrc2l1d0.
In an interview in 1980, Michael said, “I do deeply believe in perfection. I'm never satisfied." He also talked about working on tracks and making them perfect. "I'll cut a track or something, I'll come home and I say, 'No, that's not right, we got to do it over, it's not right.' And then go back and back and back. Then, when it's finally out, you say, 'Darn it, I should have done this.' It's Number One on the charts, you're still screaming about what you should have done."
Thriller:
In 1982, Michael and Quincy made the most iconic album off all time, Thriller (Epic, 1982). This album broke sales all over the world and became his most memorable albums selling approximately 45 million albums. On that album were iconic songs such as, “Billie Jean”, “Human Nature”, and “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’”. The song “Billie Jean” is most iconic for the infamous Moonwalk that Michael perfected. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zi_XLOBDo_Y. His later albums were successful but nothing came close to the success that “Thriller” had over his work.
Man in the Mirror:
When Michael Jackson died suddenly in 2009, the world was shook to its core. They had lost a great performer and to some a role model. Surprisingly, after his death his compilation albums “King of Pop” and “The Essential Michael Jackson” topped the Billboard’s European Top albums chart and the Official UK Albums chart. His music still to this day influences millions of people and his legacy will forever live on.
I stated earlier in this blog that I was going to show you how Michael Jackson changed the world and influenced millions of people including myself. There will never be another Michael Jackson and like stated before his work will live forever.
