Biography

The King Of Pop, Michael Joseph Jackson was born to Joseph and Katherine Jackson in Gary, Indiana on August 29, 1958. He was the seventh of nine children. Michael's siblings include Maureen "Rebbie" Jackson, Sigmund "Jackie" Jackson, Toriano "Tito" Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, LaToya Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Steven "Randy" Jackson, and Janet Jackson.

At the age of 5 Michael started his musical career. He was the lead singer of the Jackson 5. Michael and his brothers played in local bars and clubs around Indiana and Eastern USA. Jackson 5 was then discovered by Bobby Taylor in 1968. Bobby from "The Vancouvers" soon got Jackson 5 signed up to Motown Records. All the brothers and the rest of the family moved from Indiana to California. Later on Jackson 5 soon became national stars and did their first 4 singles which were, "ABC", "I Want You Back", "The Love You Save", and "I'll Be There." All these singles became #1 hits. Michael, Jackie, Jermanie, Tito and Marlon made 14 albums with Motown Records. And it wasn't just The Jackson 5 who made albums. There was also Michael himself that recorded 4 solo albums on the label. It wasn't untill 1976 when the group left Motown Records for artistic freedom.

In 1976 Jermaine Jackson left the Jackson 5 and was soon repaced by there other brother, Randy. The Jackson 5 was not to be used anymore and adopted the name 'The Jacksons'. Between the years of 1976 and 1984 The Jacksons made 6 albums. They toured around North America, Europe and Asia.

Michael made his first ever film debut in 'The Wiz' in 1977. Michael played the Scarecrow. He was also playing opposite Diana Ross. Michael soon met his future producer, Quincy Jones. Michael and Quincy teamed up together and he soon had his own producer. Michael's first solo album was released in 1979 and was called 'Off The Wall' with Epic Records. Michael's album was the first to album to get a record breaking 4 #1 hit songs.

Three years later in 1982 Michael produced a record breaking selling album of all time. This album was to be 'Thriller'. 'Thriller' sold over 51 million copies worldwide and is still the world's best selling album. Michael's 7 hit singles, broke out yet again more records. Michael's video for the song, 'Billie Jean' was the first song from a black artist to be aired on US music television station, MTV. This enabled Michael to be the first black artist to have done this. Michael produced a short film for his song, 'Thriller' which was released on home video called, 'The Making Of Michael Jackson's Thriller'. This short film became the world's largest selling home video. Michael literally moonwalked into what was called International Superstardom. In 1983 he performed the world's most famous dance step for his first ever time on Motown's 25th anniversary show. Michael won 8 Grammy awards in one night in 1984. This saw Michael break music history once again. The awards were for the album, 'Thriller' album and his work on the narrative for the 'ET Storybook'.

Joined by Michael Jackson was Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Cyndi Lauper and many more singers singing a song called, 'We Are The World'. The song was written by Lionel Ritchie and Michael himself and was released in 1985. It was performes by 44 of the world's most popular stars. The single was to raise money for 'USA For Africa'. This was a charity raising money and awareness for the starving people in Africa.

In 1986 Michael teamed up with George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola for the 3-D movie 'Captain EO'. In 1998 it was presented in the Disney theme parks. Captain EO cost upto $30 million and was the most exspensive film made per minute. Michael perfomed tow tracks for the film.

1987 then came and Michael recorded his third solo album, titled 'Bad'. Michael then went on his first solo world tour. The concer sold out audiences at every concert. In 1988 Michael wrote his first autobiography. This book was about his childhood, his career, and his cosmetic surgery that he had done. Near the end of the 1980's he was named 'Artist Of The Decade' for his success off of his 'Thriller' and 'Bad' albums.

Michael then ended his contract and signed the largest ever recording contract with Sony Music in 1991. He recorded his fourth solo album, which was to be 'Dangerous'. In 1992 it was the album's world tour. This took him to many different countries that he never has seen before by a pop star. Michael's first performance live from his concert was telecasted on International Television in Bucharest, Romania. In 1992 Michael created a charity, this was to dedicate improvements to the lives of children around the globe. The organisation was to be, 'Heal The World Foundation.'

Michael was married for the first time to Elvis Presley's daughter, Lisa-Marie. In 1994 the couple married at a private ceremony in the Dominican Republic on May 16th. Michael and Lisa-Marie's marriage only lasted 19 months. They ended there marriage in 1996 filing a divorce. A couple months later Lisa-Maried re-married her first husband.

In 1995 Michael released his fifth solo album, titled 'HIStory'. The 'HIStory' album was to be dedicated to his greatist hits and contained 15 new songs. Late 1996 Michael began his world HIStory tour which took over two years. While on tour Michael took time out on November 14th 1996 to take Debbie Rowe to be his wife. In 1997 on February 13th saw a new creation by Michael and Debbie. Debbie had a baby boy named, Prince Michael Joseph Jackson Jr. Named after his Father and himslf. In the same year saw another great product this was his new solo album titled, 'Blood On The Dance Floor'.
The album was to contain remixes from his songs on his HIStory album in addition to 5 new songs.

On April 3, 1998 another child was brought to this world. This time it was a baby girl named Paris Michael Katherine Jackson. Named after his Mother and himself. Late October 1999 Michael and Debbie ended there marriage. At this time Michael was to take a 6 year brake from the Music.

In September 2001 came back 'The King Of Pop' with a new album, 'Invincible'. Later on in September Michael released a single from 'Invincible,' 'You Rock My World' which starred Chris Tucker. In a later time of the year Michael brought out another Single which involved R. Kelly's choir this was to be, 'Cry.' In this period of time Michael has made plans to reunite with his brothers, Jermaine, Jackie, Tito, Malon and Randy on a new album. They are to be called 'J5', as well as planning that he is also set to star in a film titled "The Nightmares Of Edgar Allen Poe" for which he will also co-produce and compose the music within the next year.

Michael's career has spanned over four decades, earning him countless awards and breaking and creating countless records. He has sold well over 200 million albums around the globe and performed on every continent. He has lead the world and created the precedent that all artists and directors go by when creating music videos and continues to guide the entertainment industry with his innovative albums, live performances, and short films.

In September, 2001 in New York Michael celebrated his 30th anniversary amongst other pop stars such as, Whitney Houston, Usher, Destiny's Child, N*Sync, Shaggy, Gloria Estafan, P. Diddy and many many more. All these celebraties did a song that was either from the past or present. Michael then re-united with his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Tito and performed, "ABC," "I Want You Back" and many more of there biggest hits.

A short message to Michael is, "Good luck Michael for the rest of your music career"

The Jacksons Family Tree