Today we are talking about the king of pop, rock, and soul: Michael Jackson.

Michael Jackson was born on August 29th, 1953, in the town of Gary, Indiana. Michael showed an avid interest in music and performance from a young age, stating that whenever he saw James Brown on tv he would replicate the dance moves at home. His father, Joe Jackson, had a musical background and had been in a band of his own at a time. When he discovered an interest in music in his children he saw an opportunity and took hold of it. Thus, the Jackson Five was born. Michael and his brothers, under the critique of their father, practiced tirelessly, perfecting their sound and their performance for about three years. Once their father felt they were ready, he began to enter them in various shows and talent competitions.

The band soon gained nationwide recognition with hits such as “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” and “I’ll Be There.” But this breakout into fame was not just credited to their smooth, Motown-inspired sound. People just couldn’t get enough of little Michael. From the formation of the band it was clear that Michael was the center of attention. His incredible vocal ability and unique energy on stage often outshined those of his brothers. Naturally, around age 18 he began his career as a solo artist.

Michael hit the ground running releasing his first album Off the Wall in 1979. The album was a sensation with hit songs such as “Rock With You” and “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough.” By 1985 it had sold over 5 million copies in the United States alone. By this time Michael’s career was skyrocketing as he continued to release absolute smash hits – “Thriller,” “Bad,” “Beat It,” and “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’?” just to name a few. The man won 19 Grammys and was nominated for 19. It is no surprise that while he was alive he was the best-selling music artist in the world.

I truly cannot describe how much I love Michael Jackson. He is by far my favorite artist and entertainer. Not only for the music he created but for who he was as an individual. Though a powerful force to reckon with in stage, Michael had a very humble and down to earth personality. This general love for humanity is evident through his music (“Man in the Mirror,” “The Don’t Care About Us,” “Heal the World,” etc.). He frequently gave to those in need and wasn’t afraid to speak the truth about inequality and injustice. As an artist Michael was also unmatched in his individuality. From his clothing to his hair Michael Jackson screamed uniqueness. There are styles of dance taught today that are specifically focused on the way he danced on stage. No other artist is a versatile as him when it comes to music genres. He found a way to incorporate pop, R&B, soul, Motown, rock and roll, and more into his music. Even when asked in an interview with Oprah he said he doesn’t pin himself to one specific type of music.

I can’t choose a favorite performance for him but one of his best is definitely at the 27th Super Bowl (Michael Jackson was also the first artist to perform a Super Bowl halftime – just a fun fact for ya). In the beginning of the performance he literally just stands on stage for a good minute and the crowd goes insane. One of my favorite things about the performance is when he gets the crowd involved during “Heal the World” with the signs. I’ve attached the video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idg8TNknvDU

I don’t care what the media said about him – Michael will forever be one of the most iconic artists in music history as well as one of my biggest role models.

TOP HITS:

• Thriller
• Billie Jean
• Rock With You
• Bad
• Smooth Criminal
• Black or White
• Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough
• Scream
• Remember the Time
• Workin’ Day and Night
• P.Y.T.
• They Don’t Care About Us
• Human Nature
• Heal the World
• The Way You Make Me Feel
• Man in the Mirror
• You Are Not Alone
• Love Never Felt So Good
• Monster
• Ghosts

PLEASE LISTEN TO THESE TOO:

• Off the Wall
• Ease On Down the Road
• Baby Be Mine
• The Lady in My Life
• I Just Can’t Stop Loving You
• The Girl Is Mine
• She’s Out of My Life
• Gone Too Soon
• Earth Song
• Leave Me Alone
• Another Part of Me
• Jam