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Born
Michael Joseph Jackson is born to Katherine and Joe Jackson in Gary, Indiana. His older siblings are Rebbie, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, LaToya and Marlon. Later, brother Randy and sister Janet join the family. The children are raised as Jehovah’s Witnesses. -
Jackson 5
Michael, Marlon, Jackie, Tito and Jermaine combine to form the Jackson 5. Initially, their Father is against the group, but later concedes and becomes their Manager. Michael sings lead vocals on a majority of their songs. -
Solo Career
Michael takes the mantle of his career as a solo artist and releases his first solo album, Got To Be There. The record produced the singles, “Got to Be There,” “Rockin’ Robin,” “I Wanna Be Where You Are” and would go on to sell over 5.2 million copies worldwide. The album was later remastered and reissued in 2009 as part of the 3-disc compilation Hello World: The Motown Solo Collection. -
Career Peak
Jackson releases Thriller, which tops the charts for 37 weeks. Seven of the albums nine songs became Top 10 hits – including “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” “Thriller” and “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin'”- a feat that has never been repeated. During the extended video feature, directed by John Landis, Jackson unveiled his signature dance move, the Moonwalk. -
Death
Jackson passes away as a result of cardiac arrest in Los Angeles at the age of 50.
