Jackson, Michael Joseph (1958– )

US rock singer and songwriter. A pop icon since the 1970s, he is known for his videos and live performances, which contain precisely choreographed dance routines. His first solo hit was ‘Got to Be There’ (1971), and his worldwide popularity peaked with the albums Thriller (1982), Bad (1987), and Dangerous (1991). Jackson's career faltered after allegations of child abuse in the 1990s and 2000s.

He turned professional in 1969 as the youngest member of The Jackson Five who had several hits on Motown Records, beginning with their first single, ‘I Want You Back’. The group left Motown in 1975 and changed its name to the Jacksons. Michael was the lead singer, but soon overtook his brothers in popularity as a solo performer. From Off the Wall (1979) to Bad (1987), his albums were produced by Quincy Jones. Thriller (1982) sold 47 million copies, a world record, and produced an exceptional number of hit singles, among them ‘Billie Jean’ (1983), and hit videos, including the title track ‘Thriller’. Later albums include History (1995) and Blood on the Dance Floor (1997). He was given a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.