Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 June 25, 2009) was an American singer, dancer, entertainer, and recording artist. Referred to as the King of Pop, he is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time, and as one of the most influential. His contributions to music, dance and fashion, and a much-publicized personal life, made him a global figure in popular culture for over four decades.
Alongside his brothers, Jackson made his debut as the lead singer and
youngest member of The Jackson 5 in 1964. He would later start
his solo career in 1971. His 1982 album Thriller remains the best-selling album
ever, having sold more than 110 million copies, while several of his
other albums rank among the world's best-selling. He is credited with
having elevated the music video from a mere promotional tool into an
art form: His videos for Billie
Jean, Beat It and Thriller made him the first African American artist to amass a strong crossover following on MTV. Jackson
popularized a number of complicated dance techniques, such as the robot and the moonwalk. His distinctive musical style, vocal style, and
choreography continue to be recognized across generational, racial, and
cultural boundaries.
Jackson is one of the few artists to have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice. Other achievements include several Guinness World Records (including the Most Successful Entertainer of All Time); 15 Grammy Awards (including the Living Legend Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award); 26 American Music Awards (more than any other artist, and including recognition as Artist of the Century); 17 number-one singles in the US (including four as a member of The Jackson 5); and estimated world sales of over 780 million records, making him one of the best-selling recording artists ever.
Jackson's personal life and relationships generated controversy for years. His changing appearance was noticed from the late 1970s onwards, as changes to his nose and skin color caused much media speculation. In 1993 he was accused of child sexual abuse, though no formal charges were brought. In 2005 he was tried and acquitted of similar allegations. Jackson died on June 25, 2009 from a drug overdose, amidst preparations for his upcoming This Is It concert series. He reportedly had been administered drugs such as propofol and lorazepam. The Los Angeles County Coroner ruled his death a homicide, and prosecutors charged his personal physician with involuntary manslaughter. Jackson's death triggered a global outpouring of grief, and his public memorial service, broadcast live across the world, was watched by estimates of up to a billion people.