Michael Joseph Jackson August 29, β June 25, was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist. Dubbed the " King of Pop ", he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century. Over a four-decade career, his world record music achievements broke racial barriers in America and his publicized personal life made him a global figure.
Through songs, stages, and fashion, he proliferated visual performance for singers in pop music; popularizing street dance moves including the moonwalk which he named , the robot , and the anti-gravity lean. Guinness World Records named him the most successful entertainer of all-time. As part of the Jackson family , Michael at age six made his public debut in with his older brothers Jackie , Tito , Jermaine and Marlon , as a member of the Jackson 5 later known as the Jacksons.
The Jackson 5 signed with Motown in and achieved worldwide success with Michael as lead singer. Jackson achieved solo stardom with the release of his fifth album Off the Wall He followed it up with Thriller , which became the best-selling album of all time , which aided the popularization of MTV with the music videos for its title track along with " Beat It " and " Billie Jean ".
These are also credited with transforming the medium into an art form and promotional tool. Dangerous saw him venture into an array of artistic sounds, and became one of the most successful albums of the s. From the late s, Jackson became a figure of controversy and speculation due to his changing appearance , relationships , behavior, and lifestyle.
He was accused of sexually abusing the child of a family friend in In , Jackson was tried and acquitted of further child sexual abuse allegations and several other charges.
