Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist. Dubbed the “King of Pop”, he is widely regarded as one of the most influential and culturally significant figures of the 20th century. Over a career that spanned more than four decades, his achievements transformed the music industry, broke racial barriers, and established a new standard for artistic performance. Through his songs, dance moves, and groundbreaking visual presentations, Jackson created a cultural phenomenon that reshaped entertainment on a global scale.
This text explores Jackson’s life in detail: his childhood in Gary, Indiana, his rise to superstardom with the Jackson 5, his groundbreaking solo career, controversies, philanthropy, and enduring legacy.
Early Life and Family Background
Michael Jackson was born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, a working-class industrial city located outside Chicago. He was the eighth of ten children in the Jackson family, which included three sisters—Rebbie, La Toya, and Janet—and six brothers—Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, Randy, and Brandon, Marlon’s twin, who died shortly after birth.
The family lived in a small two-bedroom home on Jackson Street, a humble residence that later became a site of pilgrimage for fans around the world. His mother, Katherine Jackson (née Scruse), was a devout Jehovah’s Witness who played clarinet, piano, and cello, and instilled in her children strong religious values. His father, Joseph “Joe” Jackson, worked as a crane operator at U.S. Steel and played guitar for a local R&B band, the Falcons.
