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Birth
Michael was born in Gary, Indiana. He was the 7th of nine children. (Sigmund "Jackie", Toriano "Tito", Jermaine, Marlon, Steven "Randy", Rebbie, Janet and La-Toya Jackson) -
Start his musical career!
Michael began his musical career at the age of 5 as the lead singer of the Jackson 5. In these early years the Jackson 5, Jackie, Jermaine, Tito, Marlon and lead singer Michael played local clubs and bars in Gary. -
Jackson Five in action
In 1968 the Bobby Taylor and The Vancouvers discovered the Jackson five. They signed for Motown and moved to California. Their first 4 singles, "I Want You Back", "ABC", "The Love You Save", and "I'll Be There" all made US No1 hits. The Jackson 5 recorded 14 albums -
Change to Epic!
The Jackson 5 stayed with Motown until 1976, wanting more artistic freedom they felt they had to move on and signed up with Epic. The group name Jackson 5 had to be changed as it was owned by Motown, so they reverted to The Jacksons as they had be known in the early days. Brother Jermaine married Berry Gordy's daughter and stayed with Motown. Youngest brother Randy joined in his place. The Jacksons had a number of hit records and in total made 6 albums between the years of 1976 and 1984. -
The Wiz
In 1977 Michael made his first film debut when he starred in the musical 'The Wiz' playing Scarecrow with Diana Ross in the lead role of Dorothy. -
Off the wall
Michael teamed up with Quincey Jones as his producer for his first solo album with Epic Records. The album titled "Off The Wall" was a big success around the world and the first ever album to release a record breaking 4 No1 singles in the US. -
THRILLEEEER!!!
In 1982 Michael Jackson released the world's largest selling album of all time, 'Thriller'. This album produced 7 hit singles, breaking yet again more records, and went on to sell over 50 million copies worldwide. -
The king of pop married
In 1994 Michael married Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of rock legend Elvis Presley. The marriage only lasted for 19 months, as they divorced in 1996. -
HIStory
1995 saw Michael release a fifth solo album, 'HIStory', which was a double album, first half new material and second half half greatest hits -
His second marriage
Michael married for his second time to Debbie Rowe who was a nurse that Michael had met in the treatment of his skin pigment disorder -
His first child
They had their first child Prince Michael Joseph Jackson -
Blood On The Dance Floor
In 1997 Michael released the remix album 'Blood On The Dance Floor' which also contained 5 new song linked with a 38min film "Ghosts". This film Michael played 5 roles using the latest special effects and make-up artistry, combined with his dance and music. -
His baby Paris
Paris Michael Katherine Jackson -
30th anniversary!
Michael celebrated his 30th anniversary as a solo artist with two concerts to be held in New York, USA. Many artists such as Whitney Houston, Usher, Destinys Child, Shaggy and many more performed there own and Michael Jacksons past songs. Michael then reunited with all of his brothers and performed there biggest hits. -
Invincible
In October 2001 Michael released the album 'Invincible' releasing only 2 singles including the big hit "You Rock My World". Shortly after the albums release there were rumours of a rift with Sony Music and a clear lack of promotion of the album. -
A great tour
Michael annouced a shock comeback tour at the O2 Arena in London to start in July 2009, intially for 10 dates but the total grew to a sold out 50 dates with over 750,000 tickets sold. All sold tickets sold out within minutes of being released -
The final
On June 25th 2009 Michael Jackson died suddenly of a reported cardiac arrest. He was 50 years old.
