by chucky roberts

Created on: February 19, 2007   Last Updated: May 09, 2007

Michael Jackson is unquestionably the greatest entertainer. With his talented vocals and precise, technical, flawless dance moves he has became the most famous musical artist of all time. Michael Jackson's music has broken all barriers on a racial, social, and generation level. People of all ages, races, and walks of life have come to appreciate his music, thus making Michael Jackson's release, "Thriller", the all time selling album in music history.

Michael Jackson's beginnings were humble. Michael was born in Gary, Indiana on August 28, 1958. Being the seventh child of nine in a two bedroom house was anything but glamorous for Michael. Michael's parents, Joe and Katherine Jackson worked hard to make ends meet. Joe worked in the steel factory while Katherine worked at Sear's while the children did chores around the house. Michael Jackson showcased his talent for the first time singing "Climb Every Mountain" when he was in Garnett Elementary School. Michael not only received a standing ovation, but reduced half of the teaching calls to tears. Shortly, Joe Jackson, who was managing his sons career begin placing them in talent shows. Together, Michael's brothers, Tito, Jermaine, Jackie, Marlon, and him became "The Jackson 5". With their professional playing, singing, and dancing, they where winning one talent show after another.

In 1967, The Jackson 5 met Gladys Knight and the Pips and opened up for them at Chicago's Regal Theater. Soon after, The Jackson 5 did a performance at the famous theater in New York, "The Apollo" on amateur night, and received a standing ovation.

On July 28, 1968, Michael, and his brothers auditioned for the record label Motown, and were signed onto the label shortly after.

Throughout the 1970's, The Jackson 5 were extremely popular with stream of hits that dominated the radio stations such as "ABC", "I'll Be There", "Dancing Machine", "Blame It On The Boogie", etc. along with Michael Jackson releasing singles here and there like "Ben" and "One Day In Your Life".

By 1979, Michael Jackson decided to embark on his first solo album and released "Off The Wall". Off The Wall generated modest hits like "Rock with You", "Don't Stop Till You Get Enough", "She's out Of My Life", and the title track to the album "Off The Wall".

In 1982, Michael Jackson purchased the ATV catalog for 47.5 million giving him copyright ownership of "The Beatles" catalog and released "Thriller", his second solo album that would perch him to the top. On May 16, 1983, Michael

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