Michael Joseph Jackson

Michael Jackson, known as the "King of Pop," remains one of the most influential and best-selling music artists of all time. Born into the working-class Jackson family in Gary, Indiana, he made his professional debut at age six as the lead singer of The Jackson 5. After a string of chart-topping Motown hits like "I Want You Back" and "ABC," Jackson launched a solo career that would redefine popular music. His 1982 album Thriller remains the best-selling album of all time, breaking racial barriers on MTV and revolutionizing the music video format into an art form. Signature videos include "Billie Jean," "Beat It," and the 14-minute zombie masterpiece "Thriller."

Known for his signature sequined glove, white socks, fedora, and moonwalk dance move, Jackson combined pop, rock, and funk with a theatrical, acrobatic performance style. He won 13 Grammy Awards, including a historic eight in one night for Thriller in 1984. Other landmark albums include Off the Wall (1979), Bad (1987), and Dangerous (1991). He co-owned the Sony/ATV Music Publishing catalog (including The Beatles' songs) and was a prolific philanthropist through his Heal the World Foundation.

His personal life—marked by his changing appearance, the purchase of the Neverland Ranch, his marriages to Lisa Marie Presley and Debbie Rowe, and two child molestation allegations (he was acquitted in 2005)—generated intense global media scrutiny. Jackson died unexpectedly in 2009 from acute propofol intoxication administered by his personal physician. His memorial was one of the most-viewed events in television history. Despite posthumous controversies, Jackson’s influence on dance, fashion, music production, and global pop culture remains unparalleled.