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Remembering Michael Jackson |
by Alli Rodenhauser (whyzz writer) >> more about the author
Michael Jackson was a singer, dancer, and pop star who lived from August 29, 1958 until June 25, 2009.
Born in Gary, Indiana, Michael began singing with his brothers at a very young age — they were signed to Motown Records as The Jackson 5 and, by the time he was ten years old, Michael was world famous! Because he was such a talented entertainer, Michael soon started releasing solo albums; once The Jackson 5 broke up, he became even more popular.
Throughout the 1970's and 1980's, Michael became known as "The King of Pop" and released one hit record after another — his 1982 album Thriller is still the best-selling album of all time, and to date has sold over 100 million copies! He became known for his distinctive dance style (including a move called "the moonwalk," which made him look like he was gliding over the floor!), creative music videos, and flamboyant clothes.
In the late 1990's, Michael's popularity began to decline due to a series of strange behaviors, lawsuits, failing health, and bad press. A skin condition and numerous plastic surgeries drastically changed his appearance, and he retreated from the public eye for many years.
On June 25, 2009, Michael collapsed at the Los Angeles mansion where he was staying — an ambulance was called, but he was pronounced dead from a cardiac arrest shortly after it arrived at the hospital. After his death was officially announced, fans immediately began to gather at places such as his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Apollo Theater in New York City.
Despite the controversies the surrounded him later in life, the impact that Michael Jackson has had on music history is undeniable. Though he had been out of the spotlight for many years, Michael was scheduled to perform a series of record-breaking, sold-out concerts in London this summer. He has been credited with breaking down race barriers, recognizing the importance of the music video, and influencing many current (and future) popular artists, not to mention all of the awards he has been honored with — notably, he is one of only a few people to have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice (once as a solo artist and once with The Jackson 5).
Born in Gary, Indiana, Michael began singing with his brothers at a very young age — they were signed to Motown Records as The Jackson 5 and, by the time he was ten years old, Michael was world famous! Because he was such a talented entertainer, Michael soon started releasing solo albums; once The Jackson 5 broke up, he became even more popular.
Throughout the 1970's and 1980's, Michael became known as "The King of Pop" and released one hit record after another — his 1982 album Thriller is still the best-selling album of all time, and to date has sold over 100 million copies! He became known for his distinctive dance style (including a move called "the moonwalk," which made him look like he was gliding over the floor!), creative music videos, and flamboyant clothes.
In the late 1990's, Michael's popularity began to decline due to a series of strange behaviors, lawsuits, failing health, and bad press. A skin condition and numerous plastic surgeries drastically changed his appearance, and he retreated from the public eye for many years.
On June 25, 2009, Michael collapsed at the Los Angeles mansion where he was staying — an ambulance was called, but he was pronounced dead from a cardiac arrest shortly after it arrived at the hospital. After his death was officially announced, fans immediately began to gather at places such as his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Apollo Theater in New York City.
Despite the controversies the surrounded him later in life, the impact that Michael Jackson has had on music history is undeniable. Though he had been out of the spotlight for many years, Michael was scheduled to perform a series of record-breaking, sold-out concerts in London this summer. He has been credited with breaking down race barriers, recognizing the importance of the music video, and influencing many current (and future) popular artists, not to mention all of the awards he has been honored with — notably, he is one of only a few people to have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice (once as a solo artist and once with The Jackson 5).
