by Matthew Wilkins

Created on: January 07, 2010   Last Updated: January 08, 2010

Michael Joseph Jackson: the King of Pop. A lifetime of success, controversy and change, bound together by electrifying music. The Motown boy wonder, Grammy award winner and worldwide pop idol changed the way we listen to music. A global phenomenon, Michael Jackson rocked the world with a catalogue of inspirational hits.

Born August 29th 1958, Michael Jackson remains the most successful artist of all time. As the youngest member of the Jackson 5, Michael entered the music industry in 1964 and quickly became a household name. Beginning a solo career in 1971, Jackson acquired a worldwide following, establishing himself as a favourite amongst fans of all ages. His first solo single, 'Got to Be There', reached number four in the United States and number five in the UK charts. 'Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough', Jackson's first solo number one, proved to be the track that motivated MJ's desire to become a universal superstar.

In 1979 Jackson's album 'Off The Wall', co-produced by Quincy Jones, was the first in history to release four number one singles. This success led to three victories at the American Music Awards in 1980 and was followed by the release of 'Thriller' in 1982. With over 100 million sales worldwide, 'Thriller' remains the best-selling album in history, producing nine top ten singles and winning a sensational eight Grammy awards. Jackson created some of the first videos to accompany studio music for several of the album's tracks, including the title single 'Thriller', which proved a landmark moment within the
industry; the King of Pop subsequently became renowned for his 'miniature movies'. One of the most influential tracks from Michael's sixth studio album is 'Billie Jean'; a track that would introduce the most flawless dance move ever; the moonwalk.

Smooth, quick and effortless, the Jackson moonwalk debuted on national
television on Motown 25 in 1983. The move became famous instantly and is still practiced by children and adults alike. Further stunning moves followed, influencing street dance and confirming Jackson's status as the greatest entertainer of all time.

The success of Michael Jackson continued with the hit singles, 'Jam'' and 'Will You Be There', however in the early nineties, Jackson's life would change forever. Accused of child molestation by the father of Jordan Chandler in 1993, the controversial

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