Michael Jackson became famous as a child star when he joined the Motown group The Jackson 5 in 1964. He was just 5 years old when he began performing with his brothers, and his incredible talent as a singer and dancer quickly made him the group’s standout member. The Jackson 5 released a series of hit songs in the late 1960s and early 1970s, including “ABC,” “I Want You Back,” and “Never Can Say Goodbye.”
In 1971, Michael Jackson began a solo career while still a member of The Jackson 5. He released his first album, “Got to Be There,” which spawned the hit single of the same name. He continued to release successful solo albums throughout the 1970s, including “Ben” and “Off the Wall.”
However, it was his 1982 album “Thriller” that truly catapulted him to worldwide fame. The album broke records with its sales, and its music videos, including the iconic “Thriller” video, became cultural phenomena. Jackson continued to release successful albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s, and his performances, such as his 1983 Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever performance, solidified his status as the “King of Pop.”
Michael Jackson’s career declined due to negative publicity surrounding his personal life. In 1993, he was accused of sexually molesting a 13-year-old boy, which led to a highly publicized trial. Although he was not convicted, the accusations tarnished his reputation and made some fans wary of supporting him.
Jackson’s physical appearance also changed drastically over the years, leading to speculation about his use of plastic surgery and skin lightening treatments. This, combined with his eccentric behavior and reclusive lifestyle, made him a subject of tabloid scrutiny and ridicule.
His later albums and projects did not enjoy the same level of commercial success as his earlier work. While he continued to release music and tour throughout the 1990s and 2000s, his popularity waned and his public appearances became increasingly rare.
He died on June 25, 2009, from a cardiac arrest caused by acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication. He was 50 years old at the time of his death. Jackson’s personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, had been administering propofol, a powerful sedative normally used in hospital settings, to help Jackson sleep. Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for his role in Jackson’s death and was sentenced to four years in prison.