Home > Baker's Student Encyclopedia of Music > Jackson, Michael

(Joseph), African-American dance-rock superstar; b. Gary, Ind., Aug. 29, 1958. Jackson was raised in a musical family and was already singing with his brothers at the age of 4. By the time he was 9, the family group, called the Jackson 5, was signed to Motown Records, and Michael had become the lead singer. They scored hits with the teen-pop songs A—B—C, I Want You Back, and I'll Be There. The group was so successful among the preteen set that a Saturday morning cartoon show based loosely on their characters was launched.

Jackson had a hard transition during his teen years. The Jackson 5 was less successful than before, and eventually left Motown Records. In 1976 they reemerged as the Jacksons but still were in a creative slump. Michael's own solo career had proceeded in fits and starts, with a few early hits but not much more.

Then, in 1977 he appeared in the film version of the Broadway show The Wiz, an all-Black version of the Wizard of Oz. Working on the sound track was the talented producer-musician QUINCY JONES. The two became friendly, and Jones became Jackson's producer on his 1979 album Off the Wall, which announced a new, more adult sound for the singer. The album produced two hits, including the disco-flavored Rock with You.

But it was their second collaboration, 1982's Thriller, that made musical history. The album produced a slew of hits—including Billie Jean, Beat It, and the title track—which were artfully promoted through clever music videos. Jackson's talents as a dancer were highlighted, along with his unique fashion sense—his famous sequined glove, aviator sunglasses, and military-style jackets.

Jackson's career reached another high point in 1985 when, in collaboration with Lionel Richie, he penned the song We Are the World in support of African famine relief. This song won a Grammy Award in 1985. It also launched a slew of rock-star concerts and recordings supporting charitable causes.

Jackson's follow-up to Thriller, 1987's Bad, could in no way repeat its amazing success. Nonetheless, it produced seven Top-10 singles, including the title song. Meanwhile, Jackson's unusual personality—his reclusiveness, his increasing use of plastic surgery to alter his appearance, and his Southern California estate complete with its own zoo and amusement park—began to make news and color the public's image of him.

In 1992 Jackson returned with a new album, Dangerous, working with producers younger than Quincy Jones. The album was a familiar mix of up-tempo dance numbers and sentimental ballads. To promote it, and in an attempt to give himself a better public image, Jackson gave a highly anticipated interview with Oprah Winfrey. However, in early 1993 he was accused of having sexually molested a young boy. Although the charges went unproved, Jackson went into seclusion at the end of the year, admitting to an addiction to painkillers.

Jackson's behavior became even more strange in the mid-'90s. In 1995 he wed the heir to the Elvis Presley fortune, Elvis's daughter, Lisa Marie, who, for a while at least, was a strong spokesperson for Jackson. He also released the compilation album HIStory, Parts I and II, featuring some new material directly attacking the critics of his musical and personal life.

The marriage to Presley failed and Jackson subsequently married a woman who had previously been his nurse. The two have since had two children. Jackson continues to be a strong concert draw, setting new records in 1997. In 1998 he was at work on a new solo album as well as a reunion album with the Jackson 5.