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Michael Jackson (1958—2009) was an American singer, songwriter, and dancer who is widely recognised to be one of the most popular and iconic pop stars of all time. Known as the “King of Pop”, Jackson’s career spanned four decades, from his start as a child star with the Jackson 5 to a record-breaking solo career defined by his innovative music videos and iconic dance moves. His influence went beyond songwriting and singing to encompass revolutions in dance, concert touring, video presentation, and music production.(Official Instagram account @Michaeljackson)
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The ‘Beat It’ singer was born in Gary, Indiana, on August 29 to Joe and Katherine Jackson. Raised in one of the most acclaimed musical families of the rock era, Michael Jackson was the youngest of five brothers who had been assembled into a performance group called ‘Jackson 5’. (Official Instagram account @Michaeljackson)
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The young Jacksons rehearsed for hours every day under their father’s guidance and soon began performing as the Jackson 5 in clubs. I 1969, the performance group was signed by Motown Records. Sporting the loudest fashions, the largest Afros, the snappiest choreography, and a youthful, soulful exuberance, the Jackson 5 became an immediate success. (Official Instagram account @Michaeljackson)
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The group scored four consecutive number one pop hits with “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” “The Love You Save,” and “I’ll Be There” in the 1970s that further propelled them into stardom. (Official Instagram account @Michaeljackson)
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Michael was singled out by music critics as a “prodigy.” He was soon topping the pop charts as a solo performer with “Ben”, and he reached number two with “Rockin’ Robin.” Following some contract issues, Michael and the rest of the Jacksons switched to a different studio known as Epic Records. (Official Instagram account @Michaeljackson)
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Jackson’s first solo effort for Epic, Off the Wall (1979), exceeded all expectations and was the best-selling album of the year (it eventually sold more than 20 million copies). His single from the album titled ‘Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough ’also won him his first Grammy, for best R&B male vocal performance. (Official Instagram account @Michaeljackson)
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In 1978, Jackson starred with Diana Ross in the musical film The Wiz, a reimagining of The Wizard of Oz featuring Black actors. The film in which Jackson played the character of ‘Scarecrow’ marked his screen debut. (Official Instagram account @Michaeljackson)
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Three years after ‘Off the Wall’, Jackson returned with another collaboration-based album titled ‘Thriller’. The album, featuring an array of guest stars and elevated Jackson to worldwide superstardom. captured a slew of awards, including seven Grammys. Thriller remained on the charts for more than two years and sold more than 65 million copies globally, holding the distinction of being the best-selling album in history. (Official Instagram account @Michaeljackson)
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Jackson moonwalks his way into history on the “Motown 25” television special, electrifying viewers by singing and dancing to “Billie Jean” wearing his signature outfit. The special aired in 1983 and took Jackson’s popularity to new heights. (Official Instagram account @Michaeljackson)
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In 1985, Jackson and Lionel Richie wrote “We Are the World,” a precedent-setting song produced to raise money for victims of the Ethiopian famine. (Official Instagram account @Michaeljackson)
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In a televised interview with Oprah, Jackson revealed he was diagnosed with vitiligo, a genetic disorder that causes his skin colour to fade. (Official Instagram account @Michaeljackson)
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Known for his eccentric performances, Jackson used to go all out during his concerts. (In picture Micheal Jackson rocks a flashy gold ensemble, the hitmaker dazzles the crowd during a concert in 1997 in Germany) (Official Instagram account @Michaeljackson)
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In 1997, Jackson 5 were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Micheal Jackson was inducted as a solo artist in 2001. (Official Instagram account @Michaeljackson)
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For his overall contribution to music in the rock and roll genre, the ‘King of Pop’ was awarded the industry legend trophy at the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards in Tokyo, Japan. (Official Instagram account @Michaeljackson)
US announces new rules for selection of H-1B visa for foreign workers
