Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson (1958–2009) grew up in Gary, Indiana, performing with his brothers as part of The Jackson 5 before launching one of the most successful solo careers in music history. His 1982 album Thriller remains the best-selling album of all time, moving an estimated 66–70 million copies worldwide.

Jackson's influence extended well beyond record sales. He codified a visual language for music videos, turning them from promotional clips into short films — Thriller, Bad, and Black or White set production standards the industry still references. His stage craft fused technical precision with theatrical drama: the moonwalk, the anti-gravity lean, the single glove became globally recognized shorthand for pop spectacle.

His output at Motown as a child, through the CBS/Epic years, and into his later catalogue covered soul, funk, R&B, rock, and dance-pop. Outside music he was a committed philanthropist, co-writing We Are the World and funding charitable efforts through the Heal the World Foundation. His personal life drew intense scrutiny and legal controversy that continues to shape his legacy.