He spent over four decades in front of the world. First singing and dancing with his four other brothers in the famous Motown group, the Jackson 5 then making it on his own as a solo performer. And a performer he was, Michael Jackson captivated the world with his smooth vocals and seemed to float across the stage when he danced.
It began in a little town called Gary, Indiana. Jackson became a part of The Jackson Five in 1964. Touring across the Midwest, Michael became a natural performer and Rolling Stone dubbed him a prodigy. The Jackson Five would release hit after hit in tracks such as "I want You Back," "ABC," and "I'll be there."
After leaving his brothers for a solo career, Michael Jackson released four solo albums, his fifth; "Off the Wall" had four top 10 hits in the US. However, his real success would come with "Thriller." The 1992 album was filled tracks that would catapult Michael into superstardom. "Thriller," "Beat it," and "Wanna be Startin' Something" made it the best selling album of all time with over 100 million sold. "Thriller" remained in the top 10 for 80 consecutive weeks and for 37 weeks, at number one.
In 1984 Jackson met with President Ronald Reagan and received an award for his support to charities that help people overcome alcohol and drug abuse. Throughout the 80s Michael Jackson broke Guinness World Records for attendance and revenue from his tours. Jackson would wrap up the 80s with another award. "Artist of The Decade," presented to him by President George H. W. Bush.
Fame wouldn't deter Jackson from what really mattered, in 1992 he created the "Heal the World Foundation." Through his very own foundation, he sent millions around the world to help children threatened by war and disease.
He would continue to be a pop icon, even releasing another album in 2001 and preparing for a tour for the summer of 2009. Sadly, on June 25, 2009 he passed away. Michael Jackson has a longstanding legacy that will likely never be replicated. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice, once with The Jackson Five and the other by himself. He has 13 Grammy awards and 13 number one singles. To date, he has sold over 750 million records worldwide and has influenced artist from Mariah Carey, Usher, Justin Timberlake, and R. Kelly to list a few.
Through his music and contributions to the world, Michael Jackson will always be remembered.
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