Michael Jackson's death happened just over a year ago, and the world was shocked by the news. The reaction from Illinois to India, London to Los Angeles was the same: the world had lost one of its greatest musical icons. Jackson fans chose their own ways to remember the king; some played his records at full volume, some put together home shrines with their own Michael Jackson Poster, some gathered in vigil near his Neverland ranch. In this article, we look back at the life and work of the man who changed pop forever.
Michael Jackson was born into a typical African American working class family at the end of the fifties. His father, who had experience in an R'n'B group, envisaged his children becoming stars from a very young age, and his authoritarian parenting had a profound impact on his son.
Many have speculated the Jackson's difficult upbringing was both a curse and a blessing for the star, explaining both his erratic behavior as an adult and his dogged determination to become the most recognizable man on the planet. His early years with the family band The Jackson 5 were marked by a string of memorable hits on the Motown label, all before Jackson himself had turned twenty.
The Jackson 5, who later re-branded as simply the Jackson's had a slew of further hits on epic, but by 1978 Michael felt the itch to branch out in his own right. A fateful encounter with Quincy Jones, who would go on to produce the breakthrough 'Off the Wall' saw Jackson's solo career begin in earnest.
Off the Wall sold over 20 million copies worldwide to date, and was followed by perhaps Jackson's finest hour, the remarkable 'Thriller'. Remembered for its brilliant hits such as 'Beat It', 'Wanna Be Startin' Something' and 'Billie Jean', Jackson's songs, videos and inventive dance moves instantly became the stuff of legend, infectious and inescapable instant classics which pleased fans of multiple musical genres.
Bad was to follow, breaking US records for the most hit singles taken from a single LP, although by this time speculation about Jackson's personal life in the media circus was beginning to overshadow his creative output. In spite of this, he would go on to release Dangerous and the double album History in the 1990s which, while not repeating the successes of the preceding two albums, still had a significant impact on the music industry.
Jackson's charity work for the Heal The World Foundation and his passionate support of good causes is often overlooked. Jackson was also a passionate environmentalist and vegetarian, outspoken on protection of the natural world. Although Jackson's life was one of controversy and speculation, he remained a philanthropist and believer in a better world.
Invincible, released in 2001 was to be Jackson's final LP, and although he planned a 50-date comeback/finale series of shows in London, he sadly passed away before these could take place. Regardless, Jackson leaves the world of pop with a truly enviable legacy. He pushed the boundaries of what a truly global pop star could be, and he continues to be treasured by legions of loyal fans the world over.
Michael Jackson was born into a typical African American working class family at the end of the fifties. His father, who had experience in an R'n'B group, envisaged his children becoming stars from a very young age, and his authoritarian parenting had a profound impact on his son.
Many have speculated the Jackson's difficult upbringing was both a curse and a blessing for the star, explaining both his erratic behavior as an adult and his dogged determination to become the most recognizable man on the planet. His early years with the family band The Jackson 5 were marked by a string of memorable hits on the Motown label, all before Jackson himself had turned twenty.
The Jackson 5, who later re-branded as simply the Jackson's had a slew of further hits on epic, but by 1978 Michael felt the itch to branch out in his own right. A fateful encounter with Quincy Jones, who would go on to produce the breakthrough 'Off the Wall' saw Jackson's solo career begin in earnest.
Off the Wall sold over 20 million copies worldwide to date, and was followed by perhaps Jackson's finest hour, the remarkable 'Thriller'. Remembered for its brilliant hits such as 'Beat It', 'Wanna Be Startin' Something' and 'Billie Jean', Jackson's songs, videos and inventive dance moves instantly became the stuff of legend, infectious and inescapable instant classics which pleased fans of multiple musical genres.
Bad was to follow, breaking US records for the most hit singles taken from a single LP, although by this time speculation about Jackson's personal life in the media circus was beginning to overshadow his creative output. In spite of this, he would go on to release Dangerous and the double album History in the 1990s which, while not repeating the successes of the preceding two albums, still had a significant impact on the music industry.
Jackson's charity work for the Heal The World Foundation and his passionate support of good causes is often overlooked. Jackson was also a passionate environmentalist and vegetarian, outspoken on protection of the natural world. Although Jackson's life was one of controversy and speculation, he remained a philanthropist and believer in a better world.
Invincible, released in 2001 was to be Jackson's final LP, and although he planned a 50-date comeback/finale series of shows in London, he sadly passed away before these could take place. Regardless, Jackson leaves the world of pop with a truly enviable legacy. He pushed the boundaries of what a truly global pop star could be, and he continues to be treasured by legions of loyal fans the world over.
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