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Biography of Michael Jackson
On August 29, 1958, one of the most successful artists of all time, Michael Joseph Jackson, saw the light of day in Gary (Indiana, USA). He is the seventh of nine children and the fifth of the couple’s six sons Joseph Walter Jackson and his wife Katherine Esther. He passed away on June 25, 2009 at the age of 50.
Michael’s talent was evident early on. At the age of six he entered the Jackson Brothers at, two years later the band was in The Jackson 5 renamed and he was chosen as the lead singer. The group’s first four singles reached #1 on the US Billboard chart.
In 1971, Michael Jackson launched his solo career with the debut single “Got To Be There / Maria”, which peaked at number four on the US Billboard chart. The first album “Got To Be There” followed shortly after. Despite his own success, he officially stayed with the family band until 1984.
The first single to top the charts was “Ben / You Can Cry On My Shoulder,” which Michael Jackson received a Golden Globe for and an Oscar nomination for. From the mid-1970s he turned his attention to the Jackson 5.
On December 1st, 1982, Michael Jackson made history. The album “Thriller” was released on this day, the best-selling album of all time with over 60 million units. All released singles were consistently successful. During this time, Michael Jackson established his trademarks, the moonwalk, white socks, black hat and his legendary grip between the legs. In 1984 he was nominated for 12 Grammys and won eight.
Michael Jackson was able to secure prominent support for “USA for Africa”. “We Are The World” was carried by Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and Bruce Springsteen, among others. Shortly after the release of the album “Bad”, Michael Jackson embarked on his first world tour on September 12th, 1987 with over 120 concerts. He was named “Entertainer of the Decade” by George Bush in 1990.
In the early 1990s he changed record companies and producers. Sony Music has awarded Michael Jackson $900 million for a 15-year deal! The album “Dangerous” was the best-selling album of 1992 and the fastest-selling of all time.
At the beginning of 1993 he claimed that his skin was getting lighter and lighter due to the disease Vitiligo. Michael Jackson also revealed that he only had two medical surgeries done. Both statements met with great skepticism. In the same year he received the “Living Legend Grammy Award” and the “World Music Award”.
On November 11th, 1993 came the big slump for the superstar. Allegations of child abuse had already been raised against Michael Jackson in the summer. On that day, his world tour was cut short due to drug addiction, dehydration and mounting allegations of abuse. This prompted his sponsor Pepsi to pull out of the contract entirely.
To make up for the damage to his image, Michael Jackson married in the spring of 1994 Lisa Marie Presley. Both vehemently denied this allegation and the marriage did not last 1.5 years. Due to the campaign for the release of the album “HIStory – Past, Present And Future Book I” further accusations were added to the existing ones. Michael Jackson was described as megalomaniac and openly accused of losing touch with reality.
In the United States, the 1995 single “You’re Not Alone” was the King Of Pop’s last number one hit to date (as of June 2008). An appearance in the entertainment show “Wetten, dass…?” This brought the best ratings in their history and a little later Michael Jackson had his first number 1 hit in Germany with the single “Earth Song”.
The following tour made negative headlines mainly due to the almost permanent use of playback. In 1996 he married Deborah Jeanne “Debbie” Rowe with whom he has two children, Prince Michael Jackson Jr. (born 1997) and Paris Michael Katherine Patricia Jackson (born 1998). The separation from his wife followed in 1999.
After a big celebration of the 30th stage anniversary, at which Britney Spears, Usher or Destiny’s Child Michael Jackson’s last studio album to date was released on October 29th, 2001 under the title “Invincible”. Financially, the album was an absolute flop with only around 7.5 million copies sold and production costs in the tens of millions.
In 2002, he received the American Music Award for Artist of the Millennium, the World Music Award for Artist of the Century, and the Bambi for Lifetime Achievement. Michael Jackson was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
On April 30, 2005, he was unanimously acquitted in the second child abuse trial. The allegations could never be proven against Michael Jackson. Prosecutor Tom Sneddon was said to be on a personal vendetta.
In early 2008, Michael Jackson’s most successful album was reissued as a 25th Anniversary Edition. The original titles of “Thriller” were reinterpreted by Kanye West, will.i.am and Fergie, among others.
In the midday hours of June 25th, 2009, the King Of Pop suffered a heart attack. Michael Jackson was pronounced dead after hours of unsuccessful resuscitation. He is said to have taken strong painkillers to prepare for his upcoming comeback tour.
Discography
2008: King Of Pop Thriller (25th Anniversary Edition) 
The Girl Is Mine 2008 (mit will.i.am) 
Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ 2008 (mit Akon) Beat It 2008 (with Fergie)
2007: Colour Collection The Collection
2006: Visionary – The Video Singles Blood On The Dance Floor – HIStory In The Mix / Invincible
2005: The Essential Off The Wall / Thriller Bad / Dangerous Essential Collection Best 1200
2004: The Ultimate Collection
2003: Number Ones One More Chance
2002: Love Songs The Very Best Of Michael Jackson
2001: Invincible Universal Masters Collection Thriller (Special Edition) Bad (Special Edition) Off The Wall (Special Edition) Dangerous (Special Edition) Greatest Hits – HIStory Volume I You Rock My World Cry
2000: The Millinenium Collection: The Best Of Michael Jackson
1999: Early Classics (mit den Jackson 5)
1998: 12 Inch Mixes
1997: Blood On The Dance Floor – HIStory In The Mix The Best Of Michael Jackson & The Jackson Five (mit den Jackson 5) Blood On The Dance Floor HIStory / Ghosts
1996: Michael Jackson Story They Don’t Care About Us Why (mit 3T) Stranger In Moscow
1995: Anthology: The Best Of Michael Jackson HIStory – Past, Present And Future, Book I Scream / Childhood (mit Janet Jackson) You Are Not Alone Earth Song
1993: Dangerous – The Remix Collection Rockin ‘Robin Whatzupwitu (mit Eddie Murphy) Give In To Me Will You Be There Gone Too Soon
1992: Tour Souvenir Pack 4 CD Singles Box 
Black Or White (The Clivillés & Cole (C&C) Remixes) Remember The Time / Come Together In The Closet (mit Mystery Girl) Jam Who Is It Heal The World
1991: Dangerous Remix Collection Black Or White
1990: Motown Legends
1989: Leave Me Alone Liberian Girl
1988: Original Soul Instrumental Version Collection Man In The Mirror Get It (mit Stevie Wonder) Dirty Diana Another Part Of Me Smooth Criminal
1987: Bad Love Songs (mit Diana Ross) The Michael Jackson Mix I Just Can’t Stop Loving You (mit Siedah Garrett) Bad The Way You Make Me Feel
1986: Looking Back To Yesterday Ben / Got To Be There Anthology
1984: Great Love Songs Of Michael Jackson Ain’t No Sunshine Farewell My Summer Love 16 Greatest Hits (mit den Jackson 5) Thriller Farewell My Summer Love Girl You’re So Together
1983: 18 Greatest Hits (mit den Jackson 5) Michael Jackson & The Jackson 5 (mit den Jackson 5) Billie Jean Beat It Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ Human Nature P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) Say Say Say (mit Paul McCartney)
1982: Thriller The Girl Is Mine (mit Paul McCartney)
1981: One Day In Your Life The Best Of Michael Jackson One Day In Your Life (Re-Release)
1980: Motown Superstars Series, Vol. 7 Rock With You She’s Out Of My Life Girlfriend
1979: Off The Wall A Brand New Day (mit Diana Ross) Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough Off The Wall
1978: Ease On Down The Road (mit The Wiz Stars) You Can’t Win
1975: Forever, Michael We’re Almost There Just A Little Bit Of You One Day In Your Life
1973: Music & Me With A Child’s Heart Happy Music & Me
1972: Ben Rockin ‘Robin Wanna Be Where You Are Ain’t No Sunshine Ben
1971: Got To Be There Got To Be There
Breaking news about Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson: Neverland Ranch is changing hands
Los Angeles – Ten years after the death of Michael Jackson, his Neverland Ranch has now changed hands. …
Michael Jackson was motivation & inspiration for son Prince
Los Angeles – Prince Jackson was only 12 when his father died, but there’s still a lot of him…
Michael Jackson: They Dont Care About Us becomes an anthem for Blm
Los Angeles – Michael Jackson’s hit “They Don’t Care About Us”
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Michael Jackson lyrics
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Michael Jackson fansites, links and websites
Official Michael Jackson website
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Official website (German) with news, video download, competition, discography and more
http://www.michaeljackson.de/
Fan Homepage
A homepage with detailed information, forum, news and more.
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JacksonVillage – Das Michael Jackson Forum
We are the most modern and one of the most popular Michael Jackson forums in Germany. We don’t have haters, but we do have lots of great features and discussions!
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Michael Jackson concert setlists
Michael Jackson concerts with setlists, videos and tour stats at setlist.fm
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Michael Jackson at akuma.de
Videos, concerts, lyrics and much more about Michael Jackson
http://www.akuma.de/michael-jackson/artist,p4576,index.html
Michael Jackson Our King Of Pop !!!
We try to explain a lot about Michael’s fans about him and his life, as well as about his music and his records! We Love Michael!!!
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mjackson.net – Michael Jackson fansite since 1998
Michael Jackson fansite with forum and community since 1998
http://www.mjackson.de
Swiss Michael Jackson Community
Background information about the King of Pop, fan club and more.
http://www.jackson.ch