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Michael Jackson 
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Michael Jackson was one of the world's most famous entertainers with a career that spanned almost five decades. Fans and music lovers had known from very early on that Michael, who started as a young performer in the 1960s with The Jackson 5, was special.

As a singer, dancer and entertainer selling literally millions of records worldwide, Jackson remains one of the greatest pop idols of the 21st century. But despite being nicknamed the “King of Pop”, Jackson came under a great deal of criticism for his lifestyle in the


later years of his career. During the 1980s, word spread of Jackson’s increasingly bizarre and reclusive way of life. Hiding away at his 2,700 acre mansion called Neverland Ranch, Jackson underwent a series of strange cosmetic surgeries. These operations seemed to change the colour of his skin from black to white. At the same time, the shape of Jackson’s face altered to become more angular and less rounded. As the gossip and scandal surrounding Jackson’s transformation increased, his album sales hit a plateau.

 

But despite the public humiliations and ridicule, Jackson’s sudden and premature death in June 2009 evoked widespread grief and mourning among his millions of fans worldwide. Jackson’s reputation as one of the world’s greatest pop stars remains undisputed. This astonishing musical talent leaves behind a rich and enduring musical legacy.

Michael Jackson’s rags-to-riches story began in 1958 in Gary, Indiana USA. Jackson was the seventh of nine children. His father, Joe, was a steelworker who encouraged his children to sing and dance from an early age. Performing with his brothers at a school concert in 1966, Jackson shone as a highly accomplished lead singer – despite his very young age. Jackson’s music teacher suggested the name “The Jackson 5” for the young band. The name stuck and the five Jackson brothers went on to achieve stellar stardom.

As the lead singer of The Jackson 5, Michael toured and performed in numerous clubs, roadhouses and theatres across the US. He signed a contract with Motown Records in 1968. But Jackson’s early life was difficult, and his father was a hard taskmaster. As Jackson later admitted, “I did not have an idyllic childhood. My father was a tough man and he pushed my brothers and me hard, from the earliest age, to be the best performers we could be”. Fortunately, The Jackson 5’s first pop hit I Want You Back reached Number 1 in the American and worldwide pop charts in 1969. In the following year, the group had three more Number One hits. By the age of 14, Michael Jackson was already an international pop star.

Jackson’s screen debut came in 1978 in The Wiz, an all-black remake of the cult film The Wizard of Oz. Jackson starred alongside the legendary Motown singer, Diana Ross. Unfortunately, The Wiz was a commercial disaster. However, the experience helped give Jackson the confidence to develop as a solo star without the backing of his brothers.

Jackson continued to branch out on his own with the help of jazz veteran Quincy Jones. In 1980, Jackson won his first Grammy award for Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough. Just two years later in 1982, Jackson released the album Thriller – the undisputed high point of his amazing career.

Thriller effectively broke all the records. The album sold more than 50 million copies worldwide. Today, it remains the best-selling album of all time. With the success of Thriller, Jackson’s fame reached its peak.

In 1983, Jackson continued to inspire fans with his signature dance move, the moonwalk, to the hit song Billie Jean. For his millions of fans who tried to imitate his moves, Jackson redefined what being a pop star meant. Enthusiastic, almost crazed crowds appeared on the streets wherever Jackson appeared, no matter what the event or the country!

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Glossary

Recluse (n)
someone who avoids other people.
 
Plateau (v)
to stop improving or increasing.

Idyllic (adj)
extremely peaceful and beautiful.

  Last Updated ( Saturday, 15 August 2009 19:27 )