American singer, dancer, philanthropist, entertainer, songwriter, producer and recording artist.
Born: 29 August 1958 in Gary, Indiana, USA.
Died: 25 June 2009 in Los Angeles, California, USA (aged 50).
Regarded as the 'King of Pop,' Michael Jackson was not only a legendary entertainer but also a global icon whose cultural impact reshaped music, dance, and the very fabric of modern society. A visionary singer, songwriter, producer, and performer, his revolutionary work in music videos and sound set new standards for artistic expression, while his groundbreaking choreography continues to inspire artists and performers worldwide. Beyond entertainment, Jackson’s influence spans over 60 academic fields, including economics, sociology, anthropology, psychology, cultural studies, medicine, law, and even zoology. His contributions have been the subject of extensive academic research, with studies on topics ranging from the psychology of stardom and human-computer interaction to post-colonialism, biomechanics, and vitiligo awareness. Universities and scholars worldwide explore his work as a transformative force in both popular culture and social change. His ability to unite diverse audiences across continents, with messages of unity, love, and equality, solidified his status as the greatest entertainer of all time. Jackson’s legacy transcends borders, making him one of the most studied and celebrated figures in modern history, whose unprecedented academic influence and far-reaching global impact continue to resonate across generations.
Jackson began his career as the youngest member of The Jackson 5 and started his solo recording career in 1971. Brother of recording artists Jackie Jackson, Janet Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, La Toya Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Randy Jackson, Rebbie Jackson & Tito Jackson, as well as uncle of 3T. Michael Jackson’s musical achievements are unparalleled, with over 500 million records sold worldwide as a solo artist and 150 million sold as a member of the Jackson 5, solidifying his place as the best-selling solo artist of all time. His groundbreaking albums, including Thriller, Bad, Dangerous, and HIStory, cemented his status as one of the most influential and successful musicians in history. Jackson's innovative approach to music videos, live performances, and genre-blending tracks revolutionized the entertainment industry and left a lasting imprint on global pop culture. His ability to fuse rock, pop, R&B, and soul into chart-topping hits set new standards for creativity and performance. Throughout his career, he became a pioneering force in music, influencing countless artists across various genres. His music continues to resonate with a global fandom spanning nearly 200 countries, and his impact on the evolution of pop music and entertainment as a whole remains immeasurable. Today, it is commonplace for artists to be compared to Michael Jackson, a testament to his enduring legacy
Inducted into Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 2001 (as performer).
On June 25, 2009, Michael Jackson died of acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication at his home on North Carolwood Drive in the Holmby Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, CA. His personal physician, Conrad Murray, said he had found Jackson in his room, not breathing and with a barely detectable pulse, and that he administered CPR on Jackson to no avail. After a call was placed to 9-1-1 at 12:21 p.m., Jackson was treated by paramedics at the scene and was later pronounced dead at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.