In Short Life
- Michael Jackson beginning his professional life at the age of 6 as the primary performer of a family band known as “The Jackson 5“.
- He was the youngest Midtown star in the beginning of the 1970s, scoring numerous successes both solo and with bands.
- Michael Jackson published the record Off the Wall in 1979, gradually maturing as an artist this album marked a significant artistic milestone for him.
- By the age of 25, his single album Thriller, released in 1982, was confirmed as the best-selling record of all time.
He simply required some years to progress from an ordinary kid to celebrity. At the age of 11, Michael Jackson, famous lead singer of The Jackson 5, topped the music records in 1969 with ‘I Want You Back’ & ‘Jackson Mania.
On the other hand, it is difficult to argue that Michael’s high degree of creativity at the age of 20, when he published albums such as Off The Wall and Thriller, rocketed him to the pinnacle of the pop culture world, establishing him as a star second to none.
Michael Jackson’s career as a singer, composer, & performer began in his young years. By the age of 25, he had become the world’s most famous superstar, and he still retains the record for the most recognized songs today. It tells the story of how a little boy named Michael Jackson acquired the skills and developed himself to become the musical legend who gained the title “King of Pop.”
Childhood & Family
Michael Joseph Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana, on August 29, 1958, to Joseph and Katherine Jackson, both of working-class origin. Michael, his eighth child, was raised in a modest two-bedroom house with three sisters and five brothers.
The family struggled financially. To help make costs arrive, Michael’s dad, Joseph, worked long hours as a crane operator, and Katherine worked part-time at Sears. Michael claims that as a boy, his father subjected him to emotional and physical abuse during strenuous band sessions. But he sought solace in music, accepting his innate skill early on.
The Jackson Five & Motown
Michael made his professional debut at the young age of 6 in August 1964 as part of The Jackson 5, which included Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, or Marlon. The band developed a local following by performing at auditions or Chicago clubs. Berry Gordy, of Motown, signed them in 1968 after they won a big talent competition in 1965.
The Jackson 5 became national feelings, sparking a craze known as “Jackson Mania,” which was fueled mostly by Michael’s remarkable talent as lead performer. Songs like “ABC,” “I’ll Be There,” and “I Want You Back” hit the charts, highlighting Michael’s strong voice, explosive stage presence, and polished demeanor despite his young age.
Beginning solo projects with Motown
After traveling or performing with his family’s band, Michael grasped possibilities for solo work, keen to broaden his craft. His first solo singles were the #1 hit “Ben” and the top ten hits “Rockin Robin,” “Got to Be There,” and “I Wanna Be Where You Are.”
The song “Ben” came out in 1972, when Michael was only fourteen years old, as part of the music to the same-titled movie. The moving music of a lonely youngster and his ill mouse struck a chord with listeners. This musical maturity demonstrated a creative power fast moving past his Disney-era roots.
During the course of his four Motown solo records, Michael started creating an introspective, soul-influenced style different from the Jackson 5. However, higher autonomy awaited down the way.
Transfer to Epic Records
The Michael Jackson siblings got progressively angry with Motown’s strict artistic control, so they departed in 1976 for Epic Recordings. The trio, now known as The Jacksons, took over composing and producing their work for mainstream pop listeners.
Michael Jackson, on the other hand, had greater name recognition than the revived ensemble. After appearing as the Scarecrow in the 1978 musical The Wiz, Michael signed a separate solo contract with Epic while remaining in The Jacksons’ lineup.
The Epic Phase Starts With Off The Wall
1979 Off the Brick Wall is Michael’s 6th solo record & first for Epic Records. It represented a significant creative leap. Michael easily moved from kid star to adult artist, garnering critical and commercial success for seductive, romantic themes or cutting-edge funk, pop, and disco beats.
Thriller: Michael Jackson’s Masterpiece
That aim was accomplished in late 1982, when Michael Jackson released Thriller, the best-selling studio album of all time, propelling him into the stratosphere of pop culture. Everything about it – the music, videos, dancing, and clothing – burst down barriers and sparked global trends. Thriller spent a record 37 weeks at number one, thanks to famous songs such as “Beat It,” “Billie Jean,” “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’,” and, of course, the title tune. It sold over 100 million copies worldwide, making Michael Jackson a household celebrity even in the most remote corners of the globe.
