Michael Jackson - Biography and discography, all albums and songs

Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958, Gary, Indiana — June 25, 2009, Los Angeles) was an American singer, dancer, songwriter, producer and one of the most influential artists in the history of popular music. Known as the “King of Pop”, he became a true symbol of 20th-century culture, shaping the sound of pop, R&B and dance music for decades to come. His groundbreaking music videos, choreography, stage persona and albums had a colossal impact on the entire industry.

Early years and the Jackson 5

Michael was the ninth child in the musical family of Joseph and Katherine Jackson. His father formed a band from his sons called The Jackson Brothers, and later Jackson 5, where Michael soon became the lead vocalist.

At just 11 years old, Michael signed a contract with Motown and released hits that went on to become classics:

• I Want You Back

• ABC

• The Love You Save

• I’ll Be There

Jackson 5 became one of the most successful child groups in history, and Michael — the “child prodigy” of American music.

Start of a solo career (1971–1979)

In parallel with Jackson 5, Michael began his solo career, releasing early albums such as:

• Got to Be There (1972)

• Ben (1972)

• Music & Me (1973)

• Forever, Michael (1975)

However, the real creative breakthrough came after he began working with producer Quincy Jones.

In 1979 he released Off the Wall, Michael’s first truly major step toward global superstardom:

• 20 million copies sold

• Hit singles: Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough, Rock with You

• The first artist in history to score four Top 10 singles from one album

Thriller — the album that changed the world (1982)

In 1982, Jackson released Thriller, which became the best-selling album of all time (over 70 million copies).

It turned Michael into:

• the world’s #1 global superstar

• a pioneer of the modern music video

• a full-fledged cultural phenomenon

The music videos became iconic:

• Thriller (the first true “mini-movie” in MTV history)

• Billie Jean

• Beat It

Jackson’s choreography, including the legendary moonwalk, was etched into the history of dance forever.

Bad and the era of record-breaking stadium tours (1987–1989)

The follow-up album Bad (1987) confirmed his extraordinary level as an artist:

• 5 Billboard Hot 100 #1 singles — a record that still hasn’t been broken

• The global Bad Tour drew more than 4.4 million attendees

• Hit singles: Bad, Smooth Criminal, Man in the Mirror, Dirty Diana

Dangerous and a new era (1991)

In 1991 he released Dangerous, working for the first time with Teddy Riley and helping to popularize the new jack swing sound.

Key singles:

• Black or White

• Remember the Time

• In the Closet

• Who Is It

The music videos from this period became some of the most ambitious of his career — especially Remember the Time, which was produced more like a short film.

HIStory (1995) and later work

The album HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I became the best-selling double album of all time.

Notable singles:

• Scream (a duet with his sister Janet)

• They Don’t Care About Us

• You Are Not Alone

In 2001 he released Invincible — the last studio album issued during his lifetime.

Choreography and stage style

Michael Jackson created numerous innovations in dance:

• moonwalk

• toe stand (balancing on the tips of the toes)

• large-scale synchronized group choreography

• dramatic stage design and storytelling

• the white glove, fedora hat, sequined jackets and military-style outfits

His stage image became an integral part of global pop culture.

Humanitarian work

Jackson was one of the most generous philanthropists among recording artists:

• supported more than 39 charities

• initiated the creation of “We Are the World” (1985) to aid Africa

• funded hospital projects and donated for children’s medical treatment

• financed educational and medical programs

He was listed in the Guinness World Records as the entertainer with the largest charitable support program.

This Is It and death

In the spring of 2009, Jackson began rehearsals for what was billed as his final concert series, This Is It.

On June 25, 2009, the singer died in Los Angeles at the age of 50. His passing became a global event: millions of people around the world mourned the artist, and his catalog returned to the top of charts worldwide.

The documentary film Michael Jackson’s This Is It went on to become one of the most successful concert and music films in history.

Discography (selected)

Studio albums

1. Got to Be There (1972)

2. Ben (1972)

3. Music & Me (1973)

4. Forever, Michael (1975)

5. Off the Wall (1979)

6. Thriller (1982)

7. Bad (1987)

8. Dangerous (1991)

9. HIStory (1995)

10. Invincible (2001)

Albums with the Jackson 5 (selected)

• Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5 (1969)

• ABC (1970)

• Third Album (1970)

• Maybe Tomorrow (1971)

Legacy

Michael Jackson remains:

• the most awarded recording artist in history

• a holder of multiple records for sales, awards and view counts

• a trailblazer who transformed music videos and pop culture

• a benchmark in pop choreography

• a figure whose music continues to unite generations

He is not just a singer — he is a cultural phenomenon who influenced dozens of genres and hundreds of artists.