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Born August 29 in Gary, Indiana, the seventh of nine children.
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Four-year old Michael joins brothers Marlon, Tito, Jackie and Jermaine to form the Jackson 5.
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The Jackson 5 signs a contract with Motown Records and the family moves to Los Angeles, California
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Has first hit single with Jackson 5's I want you back
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Has first solo No. 1 hit, "Ben" - a love song to a movie rat.
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Makes big-screen debut as a scarecrow in "The Wiz
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Wins Grammy for best male R&B vocal performance with "Don't Stop Till You Get Enough"
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Injured when spark ignites his hair during the filming of Pepsi ad. "Thriller," nominated for eight Grammy Awards, wins eight of them. The album is certified 20 times platinum.
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Co-writes charity single "We Are the World"
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Stars in the $17 million film "Captain EO."
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In first TV interview in 14 years, tells Oprah Winfrey that changes in his skin complexion stem from a skin disorder, vitiligo.
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Jackson cancels his world concert tour, citing addiction to painkillers and need for treatment.
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Marries Lisa Marie Presley, the daugther of Elvis Presley
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Presley files for divorce after less than two years of marriage.
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Jackson marries nurse Debbie Rowe
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Rowe gives birth to son Prince Michael
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Rowe gives birth to daugther Paris Michael Katherine
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Rowe divorces Jackson, with Jackson getting full custody of the children in the settlement
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Jackson announces that he will be performing at least 10 times in July in London's 02 Arena. "This is the final curtain call," he said.
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Died at the UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, California after suffering cardiac arrest.
