10 facts about michael jackson
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Michael Jackson was an American singer and songwriter whose musical achievements led to immense popularity and established him as a dominant figure in popular culture for over four decades during the 20th century. He was a pioneer in musical entertainment due to his unique vocal style, sound, stage performances and music videos which helped transform the medium into an art form.
Michael's Birth
Michael Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana, on August 29, 1958 to Katherine Esther Scruse and Joseph Walter Jackson. He was the eighth of ten children- his siblings included three sisters and six brothers. The sixth brother, Brandon, died not too long after his birth.
The Jackson 5
Michael and his brother Marlon joined the Jackson 5 in 1964, a band formed by their brothers Tito, Jermaine and Jackie. The group went on to achieve success and set a record when their first four singles, which included "ABC," " I Want You Back" and "I'll Be There," all reached the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100.
"Off The Wall"
Jackson's first solo effort was the result of a collaboration with Quincy Jones. Jackson and Jones were joint producers on the album which also included input from stars like Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney and Rod Templeton. The resulting album, "Off The Wall," was the very first solo album to produce four hits in the U.S. The hits from this album include "Rock With You" and "Don't Stop Till You Get Enough."
"Thriller"
Michael Jackson released "Thriller" in late 1982 under the Motown Record Label and it proved to be the best-selling album for 1983, the best-selling album in the U.S. and the best-selling album of all time world-wide. The album has sold an estimated 110 million copies as of January, 2011.
Awards
"Thriller" won Jackson seven Grammy awards, and he won another Grammy for a song he wrote for the storybook of the film "E.T The Extra-Terrestrial"- his total number of Grammy awards for 1984 came to eight. He also later won eight American Music Awards, which led to him being the most awarded artist for a single night at the time.
"The Making Of Thriller"
In 1985, Michael Jackson's "The Making Of Thriller" was awarded a Grammy for the best music video. The video was also inducted into The National Film Registry by The Library of Congress in 2009. It was the first music video to be accorded that honor.
We Are The World
Michael Jackson collaborated with Lionel Richie to write "We Are The World" for charity in 1985.
Entertainer
In 1984, the Guinness Book of World Records recognizes Michael Jackson as "The World's Greatest Entertainer."
"Bad"
Michael Jackson's "Bad" is the first album in the U.S. to ever produce five number one singles.
Death
Michael Jackson passed away on June 25, 2009. He is survived by his parents, five brothers, three sisters, and his three children.
Source: www.ehow.com
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