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Joe and Katherine Jackson give birth to their son, Michael Jackson in Gary, Indiana. His siblings are Rebbie, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, LaToya and Marlon Jackson. Later, his brother Randy, and sister Janet join the family.
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Michael, Marlon, Jackie, Tito and Jermaine combine to form the band, The Jackson 5. Their father did not agree at first, but later decided the manage the band.
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Motown, and american record company, signs a deal with the Jackson 5. This is the beginning of the band's professional career.
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The song "I Want You Back" jumps to the number-one singles spot. "ABC (1970)," "The Love You Save" and "I'll Be There" follow later.
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Michael Jackson leaves the Jackson 5 and signs his own solo record deal.
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Michael Jackson's singles "Got to Be There," "Rockin' Robin" and "I Wanna Be Where You Are" storm the charts.
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Michael Jackson makes his film debut as the Scarecrow in The Wiz, an urban retelling of the classic film The Wizard Of Oz.
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Michael Jackson gets his first Grammy award for 'Best R&B Male Vocal Performance'.
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Michael Jackson releases the album Thriller, and it tops the charts for 37 weeks. Seven singles dash into the top 10, including "Billie Jean," "Beat It," "Thriller" and "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'." The extended video sequence on "Thriller" has Jackson morph into a werewolf. Jackson unveils his signature dance move, the moonwalk.
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Doubleday, an American publishing company, releases Michael Jackson's autobiography, Moonwalk.