Michael Jackson has set another music industry record Michael Jackson the King of Pop unexpectedly died are both now reporting that Michael Jackson has died there was a lot of concern about kidnapping the body about vandalizing the body this was Michael Jackson under the influence of an intoxicant and Conrad Murray still knowing these things continue to give him these drugs and these intoxicant Michael Jackson was wasn’t just the King of Pop he was a cultural icon who revolutionized music dance and entertainment behind the fame though was
a life of struggles reinvention and unparalleled triumphs so I’ll take that and use that as the main foundation for the track and build all the sounds around from his rise as a child star to his legacy as a global phenomenon to you better do what and the lingering mystery of his sealed tomb this is the life of Michael Jackson the man who changed music forever family hardships and his rise to stardom in a cramped two-bedroom house in Gary Indiana Michael Jackson’s Journey began born the eighth of 10 children Michael’s childhood was far
from idilic his father Joe Jackson was a Stern disciplinarian who demanded Perfection from his children often resorting to physical punishment to enforce his rules Michael later revealed that he lived in constant fear of his father’s belt but amidst the hardships Michael’s extraordinary Talent Shone through at just 5 years old he joined his brothers in a musical group that would eventually become the jack 5 Michael’s Mother Catherine recognized his gift and nurtured it even as she worked long hours at Sears to support
the family tragedy struck early when Michael’s baby brother Brandon died shortly after birth despite the pain the Jackson family persevered by 1965 Michael had become the lead singer of The Jackson 5 his Soulful voice and electrifying dance moves captivating audiences at local talent shows the group’s Big Break came in 1967 when they won an amateur night competition at the famed Apollo Theater in Harlem from there The Jackson 5 caught the attention of mtown Records in 1969 with Diana Ross’s help the group signed with mtown
and released their first single I want you back the song rocketed to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and the Jackson 5 became an overnight sensation Michael at just 11 years old was the undeniable star his Charisma vocal range and Stage presence were unmatched hits like ABC the love you save and I’ll be there followed cementing The Jackson 5 status as one of the most successful groups of the 1970s but for Michael this was just the beginning his solo career loomed on the horizon promising even greater Heights
and challenges the hardships of his early life had forged an unbreakable determination within him a determination that would Propel him to become the King of Pop and change the face of Music forever from Studio sessions to Global stardom at just 13 years old Michael Jackson embarked on a solo career that would redefine the music industry his first solo single got to be there released in 1971 showcased his incredible vocal range and emotional depth but it was his fifth solo album off-the-wall released in 1979 that truly launched him into the
stratosphere of super stardom produced by Quincy Jones off thewall was a groundbreaking Fusion of Pop Soul Funk and disco the album’s first single Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough with its infectious beat and Michael’s signature falsetto became an instant classic it earned Michael his first Grammy Award and set the stage for an album that would sell over 20 million copies worldwide but Michael wasn’t content to rest on his laurels in 1982 he released Thriller which would become the best-selling album of all time with
estimated sales of 66 million copies the album’s impact was not just commercial but cultural Michael’s music videos for songs like Billy Jean and beat it were many movies featuring groundbreaking dance routines and special effects the Thriller video in particular was a 14-minute horror themed Masterpiece that revolutionized the music video industry directed by John Landis it featured Michael as a werewolf and a zombie showcasing his incredible dance skills and transforming him into a global icon the album’s success was staggering it
spent 37 weeks at number one on the billboard 200 chart and produced seven top 10 singles at the 1984 Grammy Awards Thriller won a record-breaking eight Awards including album of the Year Michael’s live performances were equally legendary his moonwalk first performed during the mtown 25th Anniversary Special in 1983 became one of the most iconic dance moves of all time his victory tour with his brothers in 1984 was one of the largest grossing tours of the decade chart topping hits and gamechanging Deals as Michael Jackson’s career soared
to unprecedented Heights so did his business Acumen in 1985 he made a move that would prove to be one of the most astute in music history he purchased the publishing rights to the Beatles song catalog for 47.5 million outbidding even Paul McCartney the acquisition gave Michael control over some of the most valuable songs in music history including yesterday let it be and Hey Jude the catalog generated millions in annual revenue and its value would only continue to grow over time but Michael wasn’t done yet in 1991 he signed a
record-breaking $65 million contract with Sony Music the largest ever at the time the deal included a $5 million advance for each of his next six albums plus $1 million for every album that sold over 5 million copies Michael also became a Pioneer in the world of endorsements in 1983 he signed a $5 million deal with Pepsi that included a series of commercials and sponsorship of the victory tour the partnership was a massive success and Pepsi’s market share increased by 8% as a result with each passing year Michael’s Financial power
only continued to grow in 1995 he merged his ATV music catalog with Sony music’s publishing division creating Sony ATV music publishing the new company controlled over 250,000 songs including hits by Elvis Presley Bob Dylan and Taylor Swift by the time of his death in 2009 Michael Jackson’s net worth was estimated to be around $500 million making him one of the wealthiest musicians in history his music and his business deals had set new standards for the industry and his influence would continue to be felt for
generations to come transformation breaking barriers shaping stardom as Michael Jackson’s Fame reached stratospheric levels he faced a series of personal and health challenges that threatened to derail his career in the mid 1980s rumors began to circulate about changes in his appearance his skin once a medium brown was becoming increasingly pale speculation ran rampant with some accusing him of bleaching his skin to appear more white in reality Michael was suffering from Vitiligo a condition that causes loss of
skin pigment he was also diagnosed with lupus an autoimmune disease that can cause skin inflammation and damage to even out his skin tone Michael began using makeup and skin lightening cream a decision that would be the subject of much scrutiny and criticism despite these challenges Michael continued to break barriers and make history in 1985 he co-wrote We Are the World with Lionel Richie a charity single that raised over $63 million for famine relief in Africa the song featured an All-Star cast of musicians
including Stevie Wonder Paul Simon and Tina Turner and became a global phenomenon that same year Michael embarked on the victory tour with his brothers which grossed over $75 million and set new records for ticket sales and attendance he also continued his philanthropic work donating Millions to Charities like the United Negro College Fund and the make A- Wish Foundation but the media scrutiny only intensified as Michael’s appearance continued to change rumors of excessive plastic surgery and skin bleaching persisted overshadowing his
Musical accomplishments in 1987 he released the album Bad which produced five number one singles and sold over 35 million copies worldwide yet much of the media attention focused on his altered appearance and increasingly eccentric Behavior the price of Fame creating art under the spotlight in the shadows of swirling rumors and controversies Michael Jackson’s artistic light refused to be dimmed even as the media dissected his every move and appearance the King of Pop continued to push the boundaries of creativity and
entertainment in 1986 he joined forces with legendary filmmakers George Lucas and Francis Ford Copa to create Captain EO a groundbreaking 3D film that combined Michael’s Music and Dance with Cutting Edge special effects the 17-minute film which debuted at Disney theme parks cost an astonishing $30 million to make equivalent to over $70 million today it stood as living proof of Michael’s unparalleled star power and Innovative Spirit the film’s stunning visuals and infectious soundtrack featuring songs like Another Part Of Me
captivated audiences and further cemented Michael’s status as a Trailblazer in the entertainment industry despite the media’s fixation on his personal life Michael remained focused on his art in 1987 he released bad his first studio album in 5 years the album showcased a harder edged more aggressive sound than his previous work with songs like Smooth Criminal and dirty Diana exploring themes of social commentary and sexual Politics the albums accompanying short films including the Martin scors directed Bad video were many masterpieces that pushed
the boundaries of the music video format Michael’s influence on popular culture was undeniable his signature dance moves fashion choices and vocal stylings inspired countless artists and fans around the world he broke down racial barriers in the music industry and paved the way for a new generation of black artists to succeed his impact extended beyond music as he became a global icon and philanthropist using his Fame to raise awareness for important causes like AIDS research and Children’s Welfare but even as he soared to new heights of artistic
achievement Michael couldn’t escape the constant scrutiny and speculation about his personal life rumors about his changing appearance eccentric behavior and relationships with children swirled in the media often overshadowing his musical accomplishments it was a burden that would weigh heavily on him throughout his career even as he continued to create and Inspire the Thriller era rewriting the rules of Pop the late 1980s were a time of unparalleled success and achievement for Michael Jackson in 1987 he released bad
his highly anticipated follow-up to Thriller the album was a massive success producing five Billboard Hot 100 number one singles including I just can’t stop loving you bad and Man in the Mirror bad sold over 35 million copies worldwide and cemented Michael’s status as the biggest star on the planet to support the album Michael embarked on his first solo World Tour the bad World Tour the tour was a massive undertaking spanning 16 months and 123 concerts across 15 countries it grossed over $125 million making it the highest grossing tour of
all time by a solo artist Michael’s live performances were a Marvel of choreography stagecraft and sheer Charisma featuring stunning Renditions of his biggest hits and jaw-dropping dance routines in 1988 Michael released his autobiography moonwalk which offered a rare glimpse into his private life and creative process the book was a bestseller selling over 500,000 copies in its first year of release it revealed the depth of Michael’s artistic vision and his Relentless pursuit of perfection in his music and performances
that same year Michael purchased a sprawling Ranch in Santa Barbara County California which he named Neverland Valley Ranch the 2700 acre property featured a private amusement park zoo and movie theater and became a symbol of Michael’s success and eccentricity it was a place where he could Retreat from the pressures of Fame and indulge his childlike sense of wonder and creativity despite his incredible achievements Michael remained remained hungry for new challenges and opportunities in 1989 he signed a record-breaking $65 million contract
with Sony Music the largest ever for a recording artist at the time the deal included a $5 million advance for each of his next six albums and a $1 million bonus for each album that sold over 5 million copies as the 1980s Drew to a close Michael Jackson stood at the Pinnacle of his career he had redefined the music industry and become a global icon beloved by millions around the world but even as he enjoyed unparalleled success the seeds of his future struggles and controversies were being sown the intense media scrutiny the pressure to
top his own achievements and the toll of his Relentless work ethic would all take their toll in the years to come double life pop star and private Soul as Michael Jack ‘s career reached stratospheric Heights his personal life became increasingly complex and controversial in 1994 he shocked the World by marrying Lisa Marie Presley the daughter of rock and roll legend Elvis Presley the union was met with skepticism and speculation from the media and public who questioned the authenticity of the relationship and
Michael’s motivations despite the scrutiny Michael continued to push forward with his music and philanthropic efforts in 1995 he released the album history past present and future book one a double dis set that featured his Greatest Hits alongside new material the album’s lead single scream a duet with his sister Janet Jackson was a defiant response to the media’s Relentless coverage of his personal life the history album showcased Michael’s continued Innovation and Boundary pushing in the realm of music production and promotion the
albums accompanying short films including the post-apocalyptic scream and the grandos Earth Song were groundbreaking in their scope and ambition Michael’s environmental Anthem Earth Song became a global hit reaching number one in several countries and raising awareness about issues like deforestation and animal welfare in his personal life however Michael continued to face challenges and controversies his marriage to Lisa Marie Presley ended in divorce in 1996 amid rumors of infidelity and disagreements over starting a family
that same year Michael married his second wife Debbie row a nurse he had met through his dermatologist the couple had two children together Prince and Paris before divorcing in 1999 throughout this period Michael’s physical appearance and behavior continued to be a source of Fascination and concern for the media and public his increasingly pale skin thinning nose and reclusive lifestyle fueled rumors and speculation about his mental and physical health some accused him of trying to erase his black identity While
others saw his transformation as a tragic result of his lifelong struggles with self-esteem and Body Image despite the personal turmoil Michael’s musical output remained prolific and groundbreaking in 1997 he released Blood on the Dance Floor history in the mix a Remix album that showcased his continued experimentation with electronic and dance music the album’s title track a dark and Industrial influenced song about a murderous seductress became a global hit and further solidified Michael’s reputation as a musical
innovator as the 20th century Drew to a close Michael Jackson remained one of the most famous and influential entertainers in the world even as his personal life and Public Image became increasingly fraught with controversy and speculation his music and Artistry continued to inspire and Captivate Millions but the toll of his Relentless work ethic and the pressures of Fame were beginning to show the challenges and triumphs of this period would set the stage for the final tragic chapter of his remarkable life and
career the price of Fame battle for justice as Michael Jackson’s Fame and influence reached unprecedented Heights so too did the financial and legal challenges he faced in 1993 he was accused of child abuse by a 13-year-old boy named Jordan Chandler the allegations sent shock waves through the entertainment industry and The Wider public and Michael found himself at the center of a media Firestorm despite maintaining his innocence Michael eventually settled the civil lawsuit brought by the Chandler family out of court reportedly paying
them $22 million the settlement was seen by some as an admission of guilt While others viewed it as a pragmatic decision to avoid a lengthy and potentially damaging trial regardless the allegations and settlement had a profound impact on Michael’s Public Image and career in the wake of the Scandal Michael’s finances began to unravel his lavish spending habits including the maintenance of his Neverland Ranch and his extensive art collection put a strain on his cash flow he was forced to take out loans to cover
his expenses and his debts began to mount in 1996 Michael faced another legal challenge when he was sued by his former business partners Steven hufflin and Arnold kleene over a failed Cosmetics Venture the lawsuit was eventually settled out of court but it was yet another blow to Michael’s finances and reputation despite these challenges Michael continued to be a force for good in the world through his philanthropic efforts in 1992 he founded the Heal the World Foundation a charity organization dedicated to improving the lives of
children around the globe the foundation provided millions of dollars in Aid and support to Children’s Hospitals orphanages and other charitable causes however even Michael’s charitable efforts were not immune to controversy in 2002 the heel the world Foundation was sued by a former executive director who claimed that Michael had used the organization’s funds for personal expenses the lawsuit was eventually dismissed but it was another reminder of the complex web of Financial and legal issues that surrounded Michael’s life
and career as the New Millennium dawned Michael’s financial situation became increasingly precarious in 2005 he was forced to closed Neverland Ranch due to mounting debts and maintenance costs that same year he was acquitted of child molestation charges in a highly publicized trial that once again brought his personal life and behavior under intense scrutiny the last moonwalk a Legend’s final chapter in the Twilight of his career Michael Jackson’s star power remained as captivating as ever even as his personal
struggles threatened to over Shadow His Artistry in 2009 the King of Pop announced a series of comeback concerts at London’s O2 Arena titled this is it the shows initially planned as a 10 concert residency quickly ballooned to 5050 soldout performances a stunning reflection of Michael’s enduring appeal and the unwavering devotion of his Global fan base behind the scenes however Michael was grappling with the physical and emotional toll of his Relentless pursuit of perfection he was rehearsing tirelessly pushing his
50-year-old body to the limit in an effort to deliver the spectacular performances his fans had come to expect those closest to him worried about his health and well-being but Michael remained determined to prove that he still had the magic that had made him a legend tragically Michael would never get the chance to take the stage for this is it on June 25th 2009 just weeks before the first show was set to begin he was found unresponsive in his rented mansion in Los Angeles despite desperate attempts to revive him Michael was
pronounced dead at the age of 50 sending shock waves through the music industry and the World At Large in the aftermath of his passing Michael’s Legacy as a cultural icon and musical innovator only grew stronger his albums soared back to the top of the charts and his music videos racked up millions of new views online a documentary film this is it showcasing rehearsal footage from the planned comeback concerts was released to critical Acclaim and Commercial Success offering fans a poignant glimpse of the magic that might have been Michael’s
influence on popular culture and the music industry is immeasurable he broke down racial barriers revolutionized the music video format and set new standards for live performances his unique blend of Pop soul and Funk coupled with his electrifying dance moves and unparalleled Showmanship inspired countless artists across genres and generations Between Two Worlds Faith Facts and fiction in the Years following Michael Jackson’s death A peculiar and persistent rumor began to circulate that the King of Pop had secretly converted
to Islam before his passing the speculation was fueled by a variety of supposed Clues and coincidences from reports of Michael’s alleged interest in Islamic teachings to claims that he had been spotted wearing traditional Muslim clothing the rumors gained Traction in the tabloids and on social media with some even suggesting that Michael had changed his name to mckel as part of his alleged conversion others pointed to his friendship with influential Muslim figures such as Cat Stevens now known as Yousef Islam as evidence of his Embrace
of the faith however those closest to Michael were quick to dismiss the rumors as baseless speculation his brother Germaine who had himself converted to Islam in 1989 stated emphatically that Michael had never taken the shahada the Islamic Declaration of Faith other family members and Close Associates echoed this sentiment insisting that while Michael had a deep respect for all religions he remained a Christian until his dying day despite these denials the rumors persisted fueled in part by a 2010 interview with Michael’s former
bodyguard Matt fides who claimed that the star had indeed converted to Islam in 2008 fit’s account was met with skepticism by many who knew Michael well and his credibility was further called into question when he made a series of outlandish claims about the singer’s personal life and alleged drug use as with so many aspects of Michael Jackson’s Life and Legacy the truth about his rumored conversion to Islam remains elusive some see the speculation as a reflection of the enduring fascination with the enigmatic
Superstar and the desire to uncover hidden depths and secrets behind his public Persona the final mystery secrets of the sanctuary in the heart of Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale California a towering melum stands as a vient guardian of Michael Jackson’s enduring Legacy the King of Pop was laid to rest here on September 3rd 2009 in a private ceremony attended by his family and closest friends interred in the Holly Terrace section of the great mosum Michael’s final resting place is a secure facility inaccessible to the
general public or media except on an extremely limited basis even in death Michael remains an enigma his unmarked Crypt partially visible through the tinted entrance of the melum often adorned with flowers left by fans and placed by security guards outside the Crypt for more than a decade after his burial Michael’s tomb remained sealed its contents hidden from the prying eyes of the public fans and curious onlookers were kept at a distance by a team of security guards their hopes of paying respects to the late icon dashed by the
impenetrable walls of the MZ Liam in July 2010 security was increased after incidents of vandalism with fans leaving messages like keep the dream alive and miss you sweet angel in permanent ink this only added to the Mystique surrounding his burial site as the years passed the mystery surrounding Michael’s tomb only deepened rumors swirled that the Crypt was empty that Michael’s body had been cremated or secretly buried elsewhere some even suggested that the King of Pop had faked his own death and gone into hiding a theory fueled by alleged
sightings of Michael’s ghost at Neverland Ranch and other locations associated with the star the tight security and inaccessibility of the mausoleum only fed these speculations with some believing it was a deliberate effort to maintain the Intrigue around his legacy as the 10th anniversary of Michael’s death approached in 2019 the fascination with his final resting place reached a fever pitch fans from around the world descended on Forest Lawn hoping to catch a glimpse of The elusive tomb or to leave flowers and
other tributes at the maum’s gates yet the tomb remained sealed its Secrets hidden from view guarded by the same tight security that had kept the world at Bay for years some wondered if the mystery surrounding Michael’s burial was was a deliberate attempt to keep his Legend alive ensuring that the King of Pop remained a figure of Fascination and Intrigue even in death others saw it as a reflection of the deep pain and Trauma that had marked his life a final Act of self-preservation by a man who had spent his entire existence in the unforgiving
glare of the spotlight the Enigma of his resting place much like his life continues to Captivate and mystify leaving the world to wonder what lies behind the tinted glass of the Holly Terrace Mausoleum a legacy that transcends time in an age where social media dominates the cultural landscape it’s hard to imagine a world without constant connectivity and instant access to information but in the early 1980s when Michael Jackson’s career was reaching stratospheric Heights the tools that modern celebrities rely on to build and
maintain their brands simply didn’t exist there was no Twitter No Instagram no YouTube the internet was still in its infancy a niche technology used primarily by academics and government agencies yet despite these limitations Michael Jackson became a global Superstar and his music and image reached every corner of the planet Michael’s success was a brilliant Showcase of his unparalleled talent and Charisma as well as the power of traditional media Outlets like radio television and print his music videos which revolutionized the genre and set
new standards for visual storytelling were broadcast on MTV and other networks reaching millions of viewers around the world his live performances which featured jaw-dropping dance moves and special effects were extensively covered by the press and became the stuff of Legend his albums which consistently topped the charts and broke sales records were promoted through through a combination of strategic marketing and old-fashioned word of mouth buzz but perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Michael’s Global appeal was the way in
which it transcended Language and Cultural barriers his music with its infectious Melodies and Universal themes of love unity and self-expression resonated with audiences from all walks of life his dancing which Incorporated elements of ballet Jazz and Street Styles was a visual language that spoke to people across the world in many ways Michael Jackson was a prototype for the modern Global celebrity a figure whose influence and impact extended far beyond the boundaries of his native country he paved the way for future generations of
artists who would use technology and social media to build their own International fandoms and Brands thanks for watching and we’ll see you in the next one
