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{{otherpersons|Michael Jackson}}
{{pp-semi|small=yes}}
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- For individuals; see Wikipedia:WikiProject_Musicians -->
| Name = Michael Jackson
| Alias = The King of Pop
| Img = Michael Jackson 1984.jpg
| Img_capt = Michael Jackson at the [[White House]] in 1984.
| Img_size = 150
| Landscape = no
| Background = solo_singer
| Birth_name = Michael Joseph Jackson
| Born = {{Birth date|1958|08|29|mf=yes}}<br />{{city-state|Gary|Indiana}}, [[United States|U.S.]]
| Died = {{Death date and age|2009|06|25|1958|08|29|mf=yes}}<br />{{city-state|Los Angeles|California}}, [[United States|U.S.]]
| Instrument = [[Singing|Vocals]], [[piano]], [[guitar]], [[beat-box]], [[drums]]<ref> Lewis, p. 59</ref>
| Genre = [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]], [[Pop music|pop]], [[Rock music|rock]], [[Soul music|soul]], [[Dance music|dance]]<!-- Discuss before changing. -->
| Occupation = Singer, songwriter, musician, record producer, dancer, choreographer, actor, businessman
| Years_active = 1964–2009
| Label = [[Motown Records|Motown]], [[Epic Records|Epic]]
| Associated_acts = [[The Jackson 5]]
| URL = [http://www.michaeljackson.com www.michaeljackson.com]
}}

'''Michael Joseph Jackson''' (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American musician, dancer, and entertainer. Referred to as the [[Honorific nicknames in popular music|King of Pop]],<!-- This is not a legal alias nor an official stage name - do not place in bold font --> he is the most commercially successful and one of the most influential entertainers of all time. His unique contributions to music, dance, and fashion,<ref>film.com: [http://www.film.com/celebrities/michael-jackson/story/michael-jackson-a-fashion-retrospective/28853307''Michael Jackson: A Fashion Retrospective,] 29. November 2009</ref> along with a highly publicized personal life, made him a prominent figure in popular culture for over four decades.

Alongside his brothers, he made his debut in 1964 as lead singer and youngest member of [[The Jackson 5]], and later began a successful solo career in 1971. His 1982 album ''[[Thriller (album)|Thriller]]'' remains the [[List of best-selling albums worldwide|best-selling album]] of all time, with ''[[Off the Wall (album)|Off the Wall]]'' (1979), ''[[Bad (album)|Bad]]'' (1987), ''[[Dangerous (album)|Dangerous]]'' (1991), and ''[[HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I|HIStory]]'' (1995) also among the world's best selling albums. He is widely credited with having transformed the [[music video]] from a promotional tool into an art form with videos for his songs such as "[[Billie Jean]]", "[[Beat It]]" and "[[Thriller (song)|Thriller]]" making him the first [[African American]] artist to amass a strong [[crossover (music)|crossover]] following on [[MTV]]. With stage performances and music videos, Jackson popularized a number of physically complicated dance techniques, such as the [[robot (dance)|robot]] and the [[moonwalk (dance)|moonwalk]]. His distinctive musical sound, vocal style and choreography has inspired numerous [[pop music|pop]], [[rock music|rock]], [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]] and [[hip hop]] artists and is credited with breaking down cultural, racial, and generational barriers.

One of the few artists to have been inducted into the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]] twice, [[Records and achievements of Michael Jackson|his other achievements]] feature multiple ''[[Guinness World Records]]''—including the "Most Successful Entertainer of All Time"—15 [[Grammy Award]]s (including the "Living Legend Award" and the "Lifetime Achievement Award"), 26 [[American Music Awards]] (24 only as a solo artist, including one for "Artist of the Century")—more than any artist—, 17 [[List of artists who reached number one in the United States#J|number one singles in the US]] (including the four as a member of the Jackson 5), and estimated sales between 350 million and 750 million records worldwide making him one of the [[best selling artists]] in history.<ref>{{cite web|last=Bialik |first=Carl |url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124760651612341407.html |title=The Wall Street Journal, Spun: The Off-the-Wall Accounting of Record Sales by Carl Bialik, Retrieved August 21, 2009 |publisher=Online.wsj.com |date=July 15, 2009 |accessdate=September 2, 2009}}</ref> He was also a notable [[philanthropist]] and [[humanitarian]] who donated and raised over 300 million dollars through support of 39 charities and his own [[Heal the World Foundation]].<ref>michaeljackson.com: [http://www.michaeljackson.com/us/blog/charity-auction-great-heart-michael-jackson-and-jeff-koons-krasnals-children ''Charity Auction - Great Heart of MICHAEL JACKSON and JEFF KOONS from The Krasnals for children''], 29. October 2009</ref><ref>YardFlex.com: [http://www.yardflex.com/archives/004377.html ''Michael Jackson Humanitarian Deeds''], 9. Juli 2009</ref><ref>Michael Jackson World Music Awards SPEECH: [http://michaeljackson.brighterplanet.org/michael-jackson-music/michael-jackson-world-music-awards-speech ''Michael Jackson Tribute'']</ref>

Jackson's [[Personal relationships of Michael Jackson|personal relationships]] and life generated controversy for years. His [[Michael Jackson's health and appearance|changing appearance]] was noticed from the late 1970s onwards, with changes to his nose and to the color of his skin drawing media publicity. He was accused of [[1993 child sexual abuse accusations against Michael Jackson|child sexual abuse]] in 1993 though no charges were brought, and in 2005 he was [[People v. Jackson|tried and acquitted]] of further allegations. He married twice, first in 1994 and again in 1996, and brought up three children, one born to a [[surrogate mother]]. While preparing for the [[This Is It (Michael Jackson concerts)|This Is It]] concert tour in 2009, Jackson [[Death of Michael Jackson|died at the age of 50]] after suffering from [[cardiac arrest]]. He reportedly had been administered drugs such as [[propofol]] and [[lorazepam]], and his death was ruled a [[homicide]] by the Los Angeles County coroner. His death triggered an outpouring of grief from around the world with his globally live broadcast [[Michael Jackson memorial service|memorial service]] attracting an audience of up to one billion people.<ref>Bucci, Paul and Wood, Graeme. [http://www.vancouversun.com/Entertainment/Michael+Jackson+billion+people+estimated+watching+gold+plated+casket+memorial+service/1767503/story.html Michael Jackson RIP: One billion people estimated watching for gold-plated casket at memorial service]. ''The Vancouver Sun'', July 7, 2009.</ref>

==Life and career==
===Early life and The Jackson 5 (1958&ndash;1975)===


Michael Jackson was born August 29, 1958 as the eighth of ten children in [[Gary, Indiana]], an industrial suburb of Chicago, to an African American working-class family. His mother, [[Katherine Jackson|Katherine Esther Scruse]], was a devout [[Jehovah's Witnesses|Jehovah's Witness]], and his father, [[Joseph Jackson (manager)|Joseph Walter "Joe" Jackson]], a steel mill worker who performed with an R&B band called The Falcons. Jackson had three sisters: [[Rebbie Jackson|Rebbie]], [[La Toya Jackson|La Toya]], and [[Janet Jackson|Janet]], and six brothers: [[Jackie Jackson|Jackie]], [[Tito Jackson|Tito]], [[Jermaine Jackson|Jermaine]], [[Marlon Jackson|Marlon]], Brandon (Marlon's twin brother, who died shortly after birth)<ref>Taraborrelli, p. 14</ref> and [[Randy Jackson (musician)|Randy]].<ref name = "Nelson George overview 20">George, p. 20</ref>

Jackson had a troubled relationship with his father. He stated that he was physically and emotionally abused during incessant rehearsals, whippings, and name-calling, though he credited his father's discipline for his success.<ref name="MJ's secret childhood">[http://www.vh1.com/shows/dyn/vh1_news_presents/82010/episode_about.jhtml Michael Jackson's Secret Childhood], [[VH1]], June 20, 2008.</ref> In one altercation recalled by Marlon, Joseph held Michael upside down by one leg and "pummeled him over and over again with his hand, hitting him on his back and buttocks".<ref name = "tara 20-22">Taraborrelli, pp. 20–22</ref> Joseph would also trip or push his sons into walls. One night while Michael was asleep, Joseph climbed into his room through the bedroom window, wearing a fright mask and screaming. He said he wanted to teach the children not to leave the window open when they went to sleep. For years afterward, Jackson said he suffered nightmares about being kidnapped from his bedroom.<ref name = "tara 20-22"/> Joseph acknowledged in 2003 that he regularly whipped Jackson as a child.<ref name="news.bbc.co.uk">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/8121599.stm Can Michael Jackson's demons be explained?], [[BBC]], June 27, 2009.</ref>

Jackson first spoke openly about his childhood abuse in an interview with [[Oprah Winfrey]] broadcast on February 10, 1993. He said that he had often cried from loneliness and would sometimes vomit when he saw his father. In an interview with [[Martin Bashir]], later included in the 2003 broadcast of ''[[Living with Michael Jackson]]'', Jackson acknowledged that his father hurt him when he was a child, but was nonetheless a "genius." When Bashir dismissed the positive remark and continued asking about beatings, Jackson put his hand over his face and objected to the questions. He recalled that Joseph sat in a chair with a belt in his hand as he and his siblings rehearsed, and that "if you didn't do it the right way, he would tear you up, really get you".<ref>Taraborrelli, p. 602</ref><ref name = "lewis 165-168">Lewis, pp. 165–168</ref>

He showed talent early in his life, performing in front of classmates during a Christmas recital in kindergarten. In 1964, he and Marlon joined the Jackson Brothers—a band formed by brothers Jackie, Tito, and Jermaine—as backup musicians playing [[conga]]s and [[tambourine]]. Jackson later began performing backup vocals and dancing; at the age of eight, he and Jermaine assumed lead vocals, and the group's name was changed to [[The Jackson 5]].<ref name = "Nelson George overview 20"/> The band toured [[Midwestern United States|the Midwest]] extensively from 1966 to 1968, frequently performing at a string of black clubs known as the "[[chitlin' circuit]]", where they often opened [[striptease]]s and other adult acts. In 1966, they won a major local talent show with renditions of [[Motown Records|Motown]] hits and [[James Brown]]'s "[[I Got You (I Feel Good)]]", led by Michael.<ref name=RRHF>[http://www.rockhall.com/inductee/the-jackson-five The Jackson Five], [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]], accessed May 29, 2007.</ref>

The Jackson 5 recorded several songs, including "[[Big Boy (The Jackson 5 song)|Big Boy]]", for the local record label [[Steeltown Records|Steeltown]] in 1967, and signed with [[Motown Records]] in 1968.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 20"/> ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' magazine later described the young Michael as "a prodigy" with "overwhelming musical gifts," writing that he "quickly emerged as the main draw and lead singer."<ref name="rollingstone">[http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/michaeljackson/biography Michael Jackson: Biography], [[Rolling Stone]]. Retrieved February 14, 2008.</ref> The group set a chart record when its first four singles ("[[I Want You Back]]", "[[ABC (song)|ABC]]", "[[The Love You Save]]," and "[[I'll Be There (The Jackson 5 song)|I'll Be There]]") peaked at number one on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]].<ref name = "Nelson George overview 20"/>

Between 1972 and 1975, Jackson released four solo studio albums with Motown, among them ''[[Got to Be There]]'' and ''[[Ben (album)|Ben]]'', released as part of the Jackson&nbsp;5 franchise, and producing successful singles such as "[[Got to Be There (song)|Got to Be There]]", "[[Ben (song)|Ben]]", and a remake of [[Bobby Day]]'s "[[Rockin' Robin (song)|Rockin' Robin]]". The group's sales began declining in 1973, and the band members chafed under Motown's strict refusal to allow them creative control or input. Although they scored several top&nbsp;40 hits, including the top&nbsp;5 [[disco]] single "[[Dancing Machine]]" and the top&nbsp;20 hit "[[I Am Love]]", the Jackson&nbsp;5 left Motown in 1975.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 22">George, p. 22</ref>

===Move to Epic and ''Off the Wall'' (1975&ndash;1981)===

The Jackson 5 signed a new contract with [[Sony Music Entertainment|CBS Records]] in June 1975, joining the Philadelphia International Records division, later [[Epic Records]],<ref name = "Nelson George overview 22"/> and renaming themselves The Jacksons.<ref name = "tara 138–144">Taraborrelli, pp. 138–144</ref><!--if we say because of legal proceedings, we have to say a bit about what they were--> They continued to tour internationally, releasing six more albums between 1976 and 1984, during which Jackson was the lead songwriter, writing hits such as "[[Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)]]", "[[This Place Hotel]]," and "[[Can You Feel It]]".<ref name="RRHF" />

In 1978, he starred as the [[Scarecrow (Oz)|scarecrow]] in the musical, ''[[The Wiz (film)|The Wiz]]'',<ref>Taraborrelli, pp. 163–169</ref> and it was here that he teamed up with [[Quincy Jones]], who was arranging the film's musical score. Jones agreed to produce Jackson's next solo album, ''[[Off the Wall (album)|Off the Wall]]''.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 23">George, p. 23</ref> In 1979, Jackson broke his nose during a complex dance routine. His subsequent [[rhinoplasty]] was not a complete success; he complained of breathing difficulties that would affect his career. He was referred to [[Steven Hoefflin|Dr. Steven Hoefflin]], who performed Jackson's second rhinoplasty<!--when?--> and subsequent operations.<ref name = "tara 205–210">Taraborrelli, pp. 205–210</ref>

Jones and Jackson produced the ''Off the Wall'' album together. At the album's pre-release party, Michael, himself, stated that [[Little Richard]] had a "huge influence" on him.<ref name="Michael Jackson saved my life">{{cite web|url=http://www.scarborougheveningnews.co.uk/news/39Michael-Jackson-saved-my-life39.5407768.jp|publisher=scarborougheveningnews.co.uk|title=Michael Jackson saved my life|accessdate=June 28, 2009}}</ref> Songwriters for the album included Jackson, [[Heatwave (band)|Heatwave's]] [[Rod Temperton]], [[Stevie Wonder]], and [[Paul McCartney]]. Released in 1979, it was the first album to generate four U.S. top&nbsp;10 hits, including the chart-topping singles "[[Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough]]" and "[[Rock with You (Michael Jackson song)|Rock with You]]".<ref name = "Nelson George overview 37-38"/> It reached number three on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] and eventually sold over 20 million copies worldwide.<ref name="Off the Wall 20 million">[http://www.virginmedia.com/music/classicalbums/michaeljackson-offthewall.php Michael Jackson: Off the Wall], [[Virgin Media]]. Retrieved December 12, 2008.</ref> In 1980, Jackson won three awards at the [[American Music Awards]] for his solo efforts: Favorite Soul/R&B Album, Favorite Male Soul/R&B Artist, and Favorite Soul/R&B Single for "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough". That year, he also won [[Billboard Music Award|''Billboard'' Music Awards]] for Top Black Artist and Top Black Album and a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance, also for "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough".<ref name = "Nelson George overview 37-38">George, pp. 37–38</ref> Despite its commercial success, Jackson felt ''Off the Wall'' should have made a much bigger impact, and was determined to exceed expectations with his next release.<ref>Taraborrelli, p. 188</ref> In 1980, he secured the highest royalty rate in the music industry: 37 percent of wholesale album profit.<ref>Taraborrelli, p. 191</ref>

===''Thriller'' and Motown 25 (1982&ndash;83)===
In 1982, Jackson contributed the song "Someone In the Dark" to the storybook for the film ''[[E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial]]''; the record won a Grammy for Best Album for Children.<ref name = "MJ Grammy's">[http://www.grammy.com/GRAMMY_Awards/Winners/Results.aspx?title=&winner=Michael+Jackson&year=0&genreID=0&hp=1 Grammy Award Winners], [[National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences]]. Retrieved February 14, 2008.</ref> That same year Jackson issued his second Epic album, ''Thriller'', which became the most commercially successful album of all time. The album remained in the top&nbsp;10 of the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] for 80&nbsp;consecutive weeks and 37 of those weeks at the peak position. It was the first album to have seven ''Billboard'' Hot&nbsp;100 top&nbsp;10 singles, including "[[Billie Jean]]", "[[Beat It]]," and "[[Wanna Be Startin' Somethin']]."<ref>Lewis, p. 47</ref> ''Thriller'' was certified for 29&nbsp;million shipments by the [[Recording Industry Association of America|RIAA]], giving it [[List of music recording sales certifications|Double Diamond]] status in the United States. It is the best-selling album of all time in the [[United States]].<ref name="RIAA certification">[http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=tblDiamond RIAA Diamond Awards], [[Recording Industry Association of America]]. Retrieved October 28, 2009.</ref> It was, and currently remains, the [[List of best-selling albums worldwide|best-selling album of all time]], with 110 million copies worldwide.<ref name="Thriller 110 million copies">{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/china/learningenglish/specials/1430_jackson_photo/page7.shtml |title=Michael Jackson Photo Gallery 迈克•杰克逊影集 |publisher=[[BBC China]] |accessdate=July 16, 2009 }}</ref>
Jackson's attorney [[John Branca]] noted that Jackson had the highest royalty rate in the music industry at that point: approximately $2 for every album sold. He was also making record-breaking profits from sales of CDs and ''The Making of Michael Jackson's Thriller'', a documentary produced by Jackson and [[John Landis]]. Funded by MTV, the documentary sold over 350,000 copies in a few months. The era saw the arrival of novelties like dolls modeled after Michael Jackson, which appeared in stores in May 1984 at a price of $12.<ref name=TIME>Cocks, Jay. [http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,950053-1,00.html Why He's a Thriller], ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'', March 19, 1984.</ref> Biographer [[J. Randy Taraborrelli]] writes that, "''Thriller'' stopped selling like a leisure item — like a magazine, a toy, tickets to a hit movie — and started selling like a household staple."<ref name="tara 226">Taraborrelli, p. 226</ref>
[[File:MichaelJacksonMoonwalk.ogg|thumb|left|Jackson debuts the [[moonwalk (dance)|moonwalk]] during his performance on ''Motown 25'']]
''Time'' described Jackson's influence at that point as "Star of records, radio, rock video. A one-man rescue team for the music business. A songwriter who sets the beat for a decade. A dancer with the fanciest feet on the street. A singer who cuts across all boundaries of taste and style and color too".<ref name=TIME/> ''[[The New York Times]]'' wrote that, "in the world of pop music, there is Michael Jackson and there is everybody else".<ref name="NYTimes">Pareles, John. [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F40F10FB3A5C0C778DDDA80894DC484D81 Michael Jackson at 25: A Musical Phenomenon], ''The New York Times'', January 14, 1984.</ref>

Jackson's popularity would soar further. On March 25, 1983, he performed live on the ''[[Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever]]'' television special, both with The Jackson&nbsp;5 and on his own singing "Billie Jean". Wearing a distinctive sequined glove, he debuted his signature dance move, the [[moonwalk (dance)|moonwalk]], which former [[Soul Train]] dancer and [[Shalamar]] member, [[Jeffrey Daniel]] had taught him 3 years before. His performances during the event were seen by 47&nbsp;million viewers, and drew comparisons to [[Elvis Presley]]'s and the [[The Beatles]]' appearances on ''[[The Ed Sullivan Show]]''.<ref>Taraborrelli, pp. 238–241</ref> Anna Kisselgoff of the ''The New York Times'' said, "The moonwalk that he made famous is an apt metaphor for his dance style. How does he do it? As a technician, he is a great illusionist, a genuine mime. His ability to keep one leg straight as he glides while the other bends and seems to walk requires perfect timing."<ref name="Dancing feet of Michael Jackson">Kisselgoff, Anna. [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=940DE7DE1539F935A35750C0A96E948260&sec=&spon=&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink Dancing feet of Michael Jackson], ''The New York Times'', March 6, 1988.</ref> Ian Inglis, author of ''Performance and Popular Music: History, Place and Time'' (2006) noted Jackson had created a pivotal turning point in the history of popular music "in that [his performance] marked the shift of emphasis from musical performance to visual presentation. In stark contrast to the other, live, performances of ''Motown 25'', Jackson performed to a pre-recorded soundtrack, lip-syncing to his multi-layered pre-recorded voice, thus indicating that the visual reenactment of music video imagery had become an integral, and perhaps dominant, part of live performance."<ref name="MT25">{{citation|last=Inglis|first=Ian|title=Performance and popular music: history, place and time|publisher=Ashgate Publishing|page=119, 127|year=2006|isbn=9780754640578}}</ref> From this performance emerged the origin of music video as the primary source through which artists promote popular music.

===Pepsi, "We Are the World" and business career (1984&ndash;85)===
On January 27, 1984, Michael and other members of the Jacksons filmed a Pepsi Cola commercial, overseen by executive [[Philip Dusenberry]],<ref name=nytt> {{cite news |first=Louise|last=Story|title=Philip B. Dusenberry, 71, Adman, Dies |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/31/business/media/31dusenberry.html |work=New York Times |publisher=|date=December 31, 2007 |accessdate=July 17, 2009}}</ref> at the [[Shrine Auditorium]] in Los Angeles. In front of a full house of fans during a simulated concert, pyrotechnics accidentally set Jackson's hair on fire. He suffered second-degree burns to his scalp. Jackson underwent treatment to hide the scars on his scalp, and he also had his third [[rhinoplasty]] shortly thereafter.<ref name = "tara 205–210"/> Jackson never recovered from this injury. Pepsi settled out of court, and Jackson donated his $1.5&nbsp;million settlement to the Brotman Medical Center in [[Culver City]], California, which now has a "Michael Jackson Burn Center" in honor of his donation.<ref name = "tara 279–287">Taraborrelli, pp. 279–287</ref>
[[Image:Michael Jackson with the Reagans.png|thumb|right|Jackson at the White House South Portico with President [[Ronald Reagan]] and first lady [[Nancy Reagan]], 1984]]

On May 14, 1984, Jackson was invited to the White House to receive an award from President [[Ronald Reagan]] for his support of charities that helped people overcome alcohol and drug abuse.<ref>Taraborrelli, pp. 304–307</ref> Jackson won eight awards during the Grammys that year.

Unlike later albums, ''Thriller'' did not have an official tour to promote it, but the 1984 [[Victory Tour (The Jacksons tour)|Victory Tour]], headlined by The Jacksons, showcased much of Jackson's new solo material to more than two million Americans. He donated his $5 million share from the Victory Tour to charity.<ref>Taraborrelli, pp. 315–320</ref> He also co-wrote the charity single "[[We Are the World]]" in 1985 with [[Lionel Richie]], which was released worldwide to aid the poor in the U.S. and Africa. It became one of the best-selling singles of all time, with nearly 20&nbsp;million copies sold and millions of dollars donated to [[famine relief]].<ref>Taraborrelli, pp. 340–344</ref>

In 1985, ATV Music, a music publishing company owning thousands of music copyrights, including the [[Northern Songs]] catalogue that contained the majority of the [[Lennon/McCartney]] compositions recorded by [[The Beatles]], was put up for sale.<ref name = "tara 333-337">Taraborrelli, pp. 333–337</ref><ref name = "1995 music deal">[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B01E7DD1439F93BA35752C1A963958260 Michael Jackson sells Beatles songs to Sony], ''The New York Times'', November 8, 1995.</ref> Jackson had become interested in owning music catalogs after working with Paul McCartney in the early 1980s: Jackson had learned McCartney made approximately $40&nbsp;million a year from other people's songs. McCartney's attorney assured Jackson's attorney that McCartney was not interested in bidding on ATV: McCartney reportedly said "It's too pricey". However, McCartney later changed his mind and tried to persuade John Lennon's widow [[Yoko Ono]] to join him in a joint bid. Ono declined, and McCartney pulled out. Jackson eventually beat the rest of the competition in negotiations that lasted 10 months, purchasing the catalog for $47.5 million.<ref name = "tara 333-337"/><ref name="Guardian document finances">[http://arts.guardian.co.uk/features/story/0,,1506781,00.html Bad Fortunes], [[The Guardian]], June 15, 2005.</ref>

===Appearance, tabloids, ''Bad'', autobiography and films (1986&ndash;87)===
{{See also|Michael Jackson's health and appearance}}
Jackson's skin had been a medium-brown color for the entire duration of his youth, but starting in the mid 1980s, it gradually grew paler. The change gained widespread media coverage, including rumors that he was bleaching his skin.<ref name = "campbell (1995) 14-16">Campbell (1995), pp. 14–16</ref> According to [[J. Randy Taraborrelli]]'s biography, in 1986, Jackson was diagnosed with [[vitiligo]] and [[Systemic lupus erythematosus|lupus]]; the vitiligo partially lightened his skin, and the lupus was in [[remission (medicine)|remission]]; both illnesses made him sensitive to sunlight. (His long-term dermatologist Dr. [[Arnold Klein]] confirmed this on ''[[Larry King Live]]'', after his death.) The treatments he used for his condition further lightened his skin tone, and, with the application of pancake makeup to even out blotches, he could appear very pale.<ref name="Taraborrelli">Taraborrelli, pp. 434–436</ref> The structure of his face had also changed: several surgeons speculated that he had undergone multiple nasal surgeries, a forehead lift, thinned lips, and cheekbone surgery.<ref>[http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Cosmetic/story?id=131910&page=1 Surgeon: Michael Jackson A 'Nasal Cripple'], [[ABC News]], February 8, 2003.</ref>

Jackson lost weight in the early 1980s because of a change in diet and a desire for "a dancer's body".<ref name = "jackson 229-230">Jackson, pp. 229–230</ref> Witnesses reported that he was often dizzy and speculated that he was suffering from [[anorexia nervosa]]; periods of weight loss would become a recurring problem later in life.<ref name = "tara 312–313">Taraborrelli, pp. 312–313</ref> Some medical professionals have further speculated that he was suffering from [[body dysmorphic disorder]], a psychological condition whereby the sufferer dislikes his appearance and has no concept of how he is viewed by others.<ref name="Taraborrelli"/> Jackson claimed that he had only two rhinoplasties and no other surgery on his face, although at one point he mentioned having a dimple created in his chin.<ref name = "jackson 229-230">Jackson, pp. 229–230</ref>

[[File:Michaeljackson (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|upright|Jackson two years after he was diagnosed with [[vitiligo]], here in the early stages of the disease]]
He became the subject of increasingly sensational reports. In 1986, the tabloids ran a story claiming that Jackson slept in a [[hyperbaric medicine|hyperbaric oxygen chamber]] to slow the aging process; he was pictured lying down in a glass box. Although the claim was untrue, Jackson had disseminated the fabricated story himself.<ref name = "tara 355-361">Taraborrelli, p. 355–361</ref><ref name="BBC, Jackson's image problems">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/music/4584367.stm |title=Music's misunderstood superstar |publisher=BBC |date=June 13, 2005 |accessdate=July 14, 2008 }}</ref> When Jackson bought a chimpanzee called [[Bubbles (chimpanzee)|Bubbles]] from a laboratory, it was reported as an example of increasing detachment from reality.<ref>Goldberg, Michael and Handelman, David. [http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/28852269 Is Michael Jackson for Real?], ''=Rolling Stone'', September 24, 1987.</ref> It was reported that Jackson had offered to buy the bones of [[Joseph Merrick]] (the "elephant man") and although untrue, Jackson did not deny the story.<ref name = "tara 355-361"/><ref name="BBC, Jackson's image problems"/> Although initially he saw these stories as publicity, he stopped leaking untruths to the press as they became more sensational, so the media began making up their own stories.<ref name="BBC, Jackson's image problems"/><ref name = "tara 370–373">Taraborrelli, p. 370–373</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newswatchngr.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1080&Itemid=1 |title=Newswatch Magazine - The Man, His Weird Ways |publisher=Newswatchngr.com |date=2009-07-05 |accessdate=2009-10-24}}</ref>

These reports became embedded in the public consciousness, inspiring the nickname "Wacko Jacko," which Jackson came to despise.<ref>{{cite interview|first=Michael|last=Jackson|interviewer=Barbara Walters|date=September 12, 1997|callsign=ABC|program=20/20}}</ref> Responding to the gossip, Jackson remarked to a reporter:
{{quote|''Why not just tell people I'm an alien from Mars. Tell them I eat live chickens and do a voodoo dance at midnight. They'll believe anything ''you'' say, because ''you're a reporter''. But if I, Michael Jackson, were to say, "I'm an alien from Mars and I eat live chickens and do a voodoo dance at midnight," people would say, "Oh, man, that Michael Jackson is ''nuts''. He's cracked up. You can't believe a single word that comes out of his mouth."''<ref>Taraborrelli, p. vii</ref>}}
[[Image:Michael Jackson's "Bad" Jacket and Belt.jpg|thumb|upright|Jackson wore a gold-plated military style jacket with belt in the ''Bad'' era]]

Jackson starred in the [[3-D film]] ''[[Captain EO]]'', directed by [[Francis Ford Coppola]]. It was the most expensive film produced on a per-minute basis at the time, and was later hosted in [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]] theme parks. Disneyland featured the film in its [[Tomorrowland]] area for nearly 11 years, while [[Walt Disney World Resort|Walt Disney World]] screened the film in its [[EPCOT]] theme park from 1986 to 1994.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 41">George, p. 41</ref> With the industry expecting another major hit, Jackson's first album in five years, ''[[Bad (album)|Bad]]'' (1987), was highly anticipated.<ref name="TIME2">Cocks, Jay. [http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,965452-2,00.html The Badder They Come], ''Time'', September 14, 1987.</ref> It had lower sales than ''Thriller'', but was still a substantial commercial success, spawning seven hit singles in the U.S., five of which ("[[I Just Can't Stop Loving You]]", "[[Bad (Michael Jackson song)|Bad]]", "[[The Way You Make Me Feel]]", "[[Man in the Mirror]]" and "[[Dirty Diana]]") reached number one on the ''Billboard'' Hot&nbsp;100 charts, more than any other album.<ref name="A life in the spotlight&nbsp;— cnn">{{cite web |first=Todd |last=Leopold |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2005/SHOWBIZ/Music/01/30/jackson.life/ |title=Michael Jackson: A life in the spotlight |publisher=CNN|date=June 6, 2005|accessdate=May 5, 2008}}</ref> As of 2008, the album had sold 30&nbsp;million copies worldwide.<ref name="Bad 30 million copies">Savage, Mark. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7448908.stm Michael Jackson: Highs and lows], BBC, August 29, 2008.</ref>

In 1987, Jackson disassociated himself from the Jehovah's Witnesses, in response to their disapproval of the [[Michael Jackson's Thriller|''Thriller'' video]].<ref name=ebony1>''Ebony'', Vol. 42, No. 11, September 1987, and Vol. 45, No. 12, October 1990.</ref> The [[Bad World Tour]] began on September 12 that year, finishing on January 14, 1989.<ref name = "lewis 95-96"/> In Japan alone, the tour had 14 sellouts and drew 570,000 people, nearly tripling the previous record of 200,000 in a single tour.<ref name=WashPost>Harrington, Richard.[http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpost/access/73555081.html?dids=73555081:73555081&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Jan+12%2C+1988&author=Richard+Harrington&pub=The+Washington+Post+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&edition=&startpage=b.03&desc=Jackson+to+Make+First+Solo+U.S.+Tour Jackson to Make First Solo U.S. Tour], 'The Washington Post'', January 12, 1988.</ref> He broke a ''Guinness World Record'' when 504,000 people attended seven sold-out shows at [[Wembley Stadium (1923)|Wembley Stadium]]. He performed a total of 123 concerts to an audience of 4.4&nbsp;million people, and gained a further ''Guinness World Record'' when the tour grossed him $125&nbsp;million. During the trip he invited underprivileged children to watch for free, and gave donations to hospitals, orphanages, and other charities.<ref name = "lewis 95-96"/>

===Autobiography, changing appearance and Neverland (1988&ndash;1990)===
[[File:Michael Jackson The Way You Make Me Feel.jpg|thumb|left|180px|Jackson performing "The Way You Make Me Feel."]]
In 1988, Jackson released his first autobiography, ''[[Moonwalk (book)|Moon Walk]]'', which took four years to complete and sold 200,000 copies.<ref>Shanahan, Mark and Golstein, Meredith. [http://www.boston.com/ae/celebrity/articles/2009/06/27/writer_stephen_davis_remembers_michael_jackson Remembering Michael], ''The Boston Globe'', June 27, 2009.}</ref> Jackson wrote about his childhood, [[The Jackson 5]], and the abuse he had suffered.<ref>Jackson, pp. 29–31</ref> He also wrote about his facial appearance, saying he had had two rhinoplastic surgeries and [[cleft chin|dimple]] created in his chin.<ref name = "jackson 229-230"/> He attributed much of the change in the structure of his face to [[puberty]], weight loss, a strict [[vegetarian]] diet, a change in hair style, and stage lighting.<ref name = "jackson 229-230"/> ''Moon Walk'' reached the top position on ''[[The New York Times]]'' best sellers' list.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 42">George, p. 42</ref> The musician then released a film called ''[[Moonwalker]]'', which featured live footage and music videos that starred Jackson and [[Joe Pesci]]. It debuted atop the ''Billboard'' Top Music Video Cassette chart, staying there for 22 weeks. It was eventually knocked off the top spot by ''Michael Jackson: The Legend Continues''.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 43-44"/>

In March 1988, Jackson purchased land near [[Santa Ynez, California|Santa Ynez]], California to build [[Neverland Ranch]] at a cost of $17&nbsp;million. He installed [[Ferris wheel]]s, a [[menagerie]], and a [[movie theater]] on the {{convert|2700|acre|km2|sing=on}} property. A security staff of 40 patrolled the grounds. In 2003, it was valued at approximately $100&nbsp;million.<ref name="rollingstone"/><ref name="usatoday finances">Gunderson, Edna. [http://www.usatoday.com/life/2003-11-24-jackson-finances_x.htm For Jackson, scandal could spell financial ruin], [[USA Today]], February 19, 2007.</ref> In 1989, his annual earnings from album sales, endorsements, and concerts was estimated at $125&nbsp;million for that year alone.<ref name="World Records"/> Shortly afterwards, he became the first Westerner to appear in a television ad in the [[Soviet Union]].<ref name = "Nelson George overview 43-44"/>

His success resulted in him being dubbed the "[[Honorific nicknames in popular music|King of Pop]]."<ref>Press references to Jackson as a music "king" appeared as early as 1984 after he swept the [[Grammy Award]]s, and "king of pop" appeared as early as 1987. [[MTV]] and [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] used the title in joint press releases and ads for the "[[Black or White]]" video at Jackson's request, but MTV denied a report that VJs were required to use it on-camera. Writers described the title as self-proclaimed from then on.</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Yardena|last=Arar|date=February 29, 1984|title=Michael Jackson coronated latest king of rock 'n' roll|work=Boca Raton News|page=7A}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Staff writer|date=July 27, 1987|title=Is the thrill gone for singer Michael Jackson?|work=Sacramento Bee|page=B3}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|first=David|last=Browne|date=November 29, 1991|title=Michael Jackson's Black or White Blues|journal=Entertainment Weekly}}</ref>
The nickname was popularized by [[Elizabeth Taylor]] when she presented him with the Soul Train Heritage Award in 1989, proclaiming him "the true king of pop, rock and soul."<ref>Campbell (1993) pp. 260–263</ref> President [[George H. W. Bush]] presented him with The White House's special "Artist of the Decade."<ref name=georgebush>[http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=18331 Remarks on the Upcoming Summit With President Mikhail Gorbachev of the Soviet Union], April 5, 1990.</ref> From 1985 to 1990, he donated $500,000 to the [[United Negro College Fund]], and all of the profits from his single "Man in the Mirror" went to charity.<ref name="Blacks who give back">{[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1077/is_n5_v45/ai_8540117 Blacks who give back', [[Ebony (magazine)|Ebony]], March 1990.</ref><ref>Taraborrelli, p. 382</ref> Jackson's live rendition of "You Were There" at [[Sammy Davis, Jr.|Sammy Davis Jr.'s]] 60th birthday celebration received an Emmy nomination.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 43-44"/>

===''Dangerous'', Heal the World Foundation and Super Bowl XXVII (1991&ndash;93)===
In March 1991, Jackson renewed his contract with Sony for $65&nbsp;million, a record-breaking deal at the time, displacing [[Neil Diamond]]'s renewal contract with [[Columbia Records]].<ref name="usatoday finances"/> He released his eighth album ''[[Dangerous (album)|Dangerous]]'' in 1991. As of 2008, ''Dangerous'' had shipped seven million copies in the U.S. and had sold 32&nbsp;million copies worldwide; it is the most successful [[new jack swing]] album of all time.<ref name="RIAA certifications">{{cite web |url=http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH_RESULTS&artist=Michael%20Jackson&format=ALBUM&go=Search&perPage=100
|title=Gold and Platinum |publisher=Recording Industry Association of America |accessdate=April 27, 2008}}</ref><ref name="Dangerous 32 million copies worldwide">{{cite web |title=Michael Jackson sulla sedia a rotelle |url=http://www.affaritaliani.it/entertainment/micheal-jackson110708.html |publisher=''[[Affari Italiani]]'' |date=August 11, 2008 |accessdate=May 10, 2009}}</ref><ref name="New jack swing">{{cite news |first=Kelley L. |last=Carter |title=New jack swing |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/arts/chi-5-things-0810aug10,0,1329158.story |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |date=August 11, 2008 |accessdate=August 21, 2008}}</ref> In the United States, the album's first single "[[Black or White]]" was its biggest hit, reaching number one on the ''Billboard'' Hot&nbsp;100 and remaining there for seven weeks, with similar chart performances worldwide.<ref name="KOP achievements"/> The album's second single "[[Remember the Time]]" spent eight weeks in the top five in the United States, peaking at number three on the ''Billboard'' Hot&nbsp;100 singles chart.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 45-46"/> In 1993, Jackson performed the song at the [[Soul Train Awards]] in a chair, saying he had suffered an injury in rehearsals.<ref>Taraborrelli, p. 459</ref> In the UK and other parts of Europe, "[[Heal the World]]" was the biggest hit from the album; it sold 450,000 copies in the UK and spent five weeks at number two in 1992.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 45-46"/>

Jackson founded the "[[Heal the World Foundation]]" in 1992. The charity organization brought underprivileged children to Jackson's ranch to enjoy theme park rides that Jackson had built on the property. The foundation also sent millions of dollars around the globe to help children threatened by war, poverty, and disease. The [[Dangerous World Tour]] began on June 27, 1992, and finished on November 11, 1993. Jackson performed to 3.5&nbsp;million people in 67 concerts. All profits from the concerts went to the "Heal the World Foundation", raising millions of dollars in relief.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 45-46"/><ref>{{Cite news | title = Jackson to Tour Overseas | work = The Washington Post | date = February 5, 1992 | author = Harrington, Richard |accessdate = December 5, 2008}}</ref> He sold the broadcast rights to his ''Dangerous'' world tour to [[HBO]] for $20&nbsp;million, a record-breaking deal that still stands.<ref>Taraborrelli, pp. 452–454</ref> Following the illness and death of [[Ryan White]], Jackson helped draw public attention to [[HIV]]/[[AIDS]], something that was still controversial at the time. He publicly pleaded with the [[Presidency of Bill Clinton|Clinton Administration]] at [[Bill Clinton]]'s Inaugural Gala to give more money to HIV/AIDS charities and research.<ref>{{Cite news | title = Stars line up for Clinton celebration | work = [[Daily News of Los Angeles]] | date = (January 19, 1993)}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | title = Facing the music and the masses at the presidential gala | work = [[The Boston Globe]] | date = January 20, 1992 | author = [[Patricia Smith|Smith, Patricia]]}}</ref>

In a high-profile visit to Africa, Jackson visited several countries, among them [[Gabon]] and [[Egypt]].<ref name=Ebony>{{cite web |first= Robert| last= Johnson |url= http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1077/is_n7_v47/ai_12288831| title= Michael Jackson: crowned in Africa |work=Ebony |month=May | year=1992 |accessdate=July 23, 2008}}</ref> His first stop to Gabon was greeted with a sizable and enthusiastic reception of more than 100,000 people, some of them carrying signs that read, "Welcome Home Michael."<ref name=Ebony/> In his trip to [[Côte d'Ivoire]], Jackson was crowned "King Sani" by a tribal chief.<ref name=Ebony/> He then thanked the dignitaries in French and English, signed official documents formalizing his kingship and sat on a golden throne while presiding over ceremonial dances.<ref name=Ebony/>

One of Jackson's most acclaimed performances came during the halftime show at [[Super Bowl XXVII]]. As the performances began, Jackson was catapulted onto the stage as fireworks went off behind him. As he landed on the canvas, he maintained a motionless "clenched fist, standing statue stance", dressed in a gold and black military outfit and sunglasses; he remained completely motionless for several minutes while the crowd cheered. He then slowly removed his sunglasses, threw them away and began to sing and dance. His routine included four songs: "[[Jam (song)|Jam]]", "Billie Jean", "Black or White" and "Heal the World". It was the first Super Bowl where the audience figures increased during the half-time show, and was viewed by 135&nbsp;million Americans alone; Jackson's ''Dangerous'' album rose 90 places up the album chart.<ref name = "campbell (1995) 14-16"/>

Jackson was given the "Living Legend Award" at the [[Grammy Awards of 1993|35th Annual Grammy Awards]] in Los Angeles. "Black or White" was Grammy nominated for best vocal performance. "Jam" gained two nominations: Best R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 45-46"/>

===First child sexual abuse allegations (1993)===
{{Main|1993 child sexual abuse accusations against Michael Jackson}}
Jackson gave a 90-minute interview to [[Oprah Winfrey]] in February 1993, his second television interview since 1979. He grimaced when speaking of his childhood abuse at the hands of his father; he believed he had missed out on much of his childhood years, admitting that he often cried from loneliness. He denied tabloid rumors that he had bought the bones of [[the Elephant Man]], slept in a [[hyperbaric]] oxygen chamber, or bleached his skin, stating for the first time that he had [[vitiligo]]. The interview was watched by an American audience of 90&nbsp;million, becoming the fourth most-viewed non-sport program in U.S. history. It also increased awareness of vitiligo, a relatively unknown condition. ''Dangerous'' re-entered the album chart in the top 10, more than a year after its original release.<ref name = "lewis 165-168"/><ref name = "campbell (1995) 14-16"/><ref name = "Nelson George overview 45-46"/>

[[Image:TruthSerum.jpg|thumb|left|100px|Once labeled a "Truth Serum", sodium amytal is now considered a mind-altering sedative.]]
In the summer of 1993, Jackson was accused of [[child sexual abuse]] by a 13-year-old boy named Jordan Chandler and his father, Evan Chandler, a dentist.<ref name = "looking back on 1993">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/august/24/newsid_2512000/2512077.stm |title=1993: Michael Jackson accused of child abuse |date=(February 8, 2003)|publisher=BBC |accessdate=November 11, 2006}}</ref> A year after Jackson met the boy, Evan administered [[sodium amytal]] to Jordan, a controversial [[sedative]]. Under influence of the drug, Jordan told his father that Jackson had touched his penis.<ref name = "tara 485-486">Taraborrelli, pp. 485–486</ref><ref name = "tara 477-478">Taraborrelli, pp. 477–478</ref> The Chandlers initially wanted a payment, but Jackson refused, however due to deteriorating health he could not endure a long trial '[[O. J. Simpson murder case|like O.J.]]'. Both parties engaged in unsuccessful negotiations to reach a financial settlement. Jordan told a psychiatrist and later police that he and Jackson had engaged in acts of kissing, [[masturbation]] and [[oral sex]], as well as giving a detailed description of what he alleged were the singer's genitals.<ref name = "tara 496-498">Taraborrelli, pp. 496–498</ref>

The father was tape-recorded discussing his intention to pursue charges, where he said, "If I go through with this, I win big-time. There's no way I lose. I will get everything I want and they will be destroyed forever ... Michael's career will be over". In the same conversation, when asked how this would affect his son, Chandler replied, "That's irrelevant to me...It will be a massacre if I don't get what I want. It's going to be bigger than all us put together...This man [Jackson] is going to be humiliated beyond belief...He will not sell one more record".<ref name = "tara 477-478">Taraborrelli, p. 477–478</ref> The recorded conversation was a critical aspect of Jackson's defense against the upcoming allegation made against him. He and his supporters argue that he was the victim of a jealous father whose only goal was to extort money from the singer.<ref name = "tara 477-478"/>

An official investigation began, with Jordan's mother adamant that there was no wrongdoing on Jackson's part. Neverland Ranch was searched; and multiple children and family members denied that Jackson was a [[pedophilia|pedophile]],<ref name = "tara 496-498"/> though his image took a further hit when his older sister, [[La Toya Jackson|La Toya]], accused him of being a pedophile, a statement she later retracted.<ref name = "tara 534-540">Taraborrelli, pp. 534–540</ref> Jackson agreed to a 25-minute [[strip search]], conducted by police and doctors at his ranch, required to see if a description provided by Jordan of Jackson's genitals was accurate. Doctors concluded there were strong similarities, but it was not a definitive match.<ref name = "tara 534-540"/> His friends said he never recovered from the humiliation. He described the search in an emotional public statement, and proclaimed his innocence.<ref name = "looking back on 1993"/>

The tabloids painted him in an extremely unfavorable light.<ref name = "tara 500-507"/> Complaints about them included bias against Jackson, paying for stories about alleged criminal activity, and buying leaked confidential material from the police investigation.<ref name = "campbell (1995) 47-50">Campbell (1995), pp. 47–50</ref> On January 1, 1994, Jackson's insurance company settled with the Chandlers out of court for $22&nbsp;million, after which Jordan stopped co-operating regarding criminal proceedings.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.sbscpublicaccess.org/docs/ctdocs/032205mjmemospprtobj.pdf
|title=Objection to Subpoena of Settlement Document
|author=Attorneys for Michael Jackson
|publisher=Superior Court of California
|date=March 22, 2005}}</ref> Jackson was never charged, and the state closed its criminal investigation, citing lack of evidence.<ref name = "tara 540-545">Taraborrelli, pp. 540–545</ref>

===First marriage (1994)===
[[File:Lisa Marie Presley at car race.jpg|right|thumb|Jackson married [[Lisa Marie Presley]] (pictured here at Daytona International Speedway in 2005) on May 26, 1994.]]
In May 1994, Jackson married singer-songwriter [[Lisa Marie Presley]], the daughter of [[Elvis Presley]]. They had first met in 1975, during one of Jackson's family engagements at the [[MGM Grand Hotel and Casino]], and were reconnected through a mutual friend in early 1993.<ref name = "tara 500-507">Taraborrelli, pp. 500–507</ref> They stayed in contact every day over the telephone. As the child molestation accusations became public, Jackson became dependent on Presley for emotional support; she was concerned about his faltering health and addiction to drugs.<ref name = "tara 518–520">Taraborrelli, pp. 518–520</ref> Presley explained, "I believed he didn't do anything wrong and that he was wrongly accused and yes I started falling for him. I wanted to save him. I felt that I could do it."<ref>Taraborrelli, p. 510</ref> In a phone call he made to her, she described him as high, incoherent and delusional.<ref name = "tara 518–520"/> Shortly afterwards, she persuaded him to settle the allegations out of court and go into rehabilitation to recover.<ref name = "tara 518–520"/> Jackson proposed to Presley over the telephone towards the fall of 1993, saying, "If I asked you to marry me, would you do it?"<ref name = "tara 518–520"/> They married in the [[Dominican Republic]] in secrecy, denying it for nearly two months afterwards.<ref name="MJ & Presley divorce"/> The marriage was, in her words, "a married couple's life&nbsp;... that was sexually active".<ref>Taraborrelli, pp. 562–564</ref> At the time, the tabloid media speculated that the wedding was a ploy to prop up Jackson's public image.<ref name="MJ & Presley divorce">{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/US/9601/jacko_presley/ |title=She's Out Of His Life |publisher=CNN |date=(January 18, 1996) |accessdate=July 24, 2008}}</ref> Jackson and Presley divorced less than two years later, remaining friendly.<ref name = "tara 580–581">Taraborrelli, pp. 580–581</ref>

===''HIStory'' (1995&ndash;97)===
In 1995, Jackson merged his ATV Music catalog with Sony's publishing division creating [[Sony/ATV Music Publishing]]. Jackson retained half-ownership of the company, earned $95&nbsp;million upfront as well as [[List of Sony/ATV Music Publishing artists|the rights to even more songs]].<ref name = "1995 music deal"/><ref name="sonydeal">{{cite news |last=Leeds |first=Jeff |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/13/business/media/13music.html?ex=1302580800&en=45bff2f7a4da68fe&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss |title=Michael Jackson Bailout Said to Be Close| publisher=''The New York Times'' |date=April 13, 2006 |accessdate=July 23, 2008}}</ref> He then released the [[double album]] ''[[HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I]]''. The first disc, ''HIStory Begins'', was a 15-track greatest hits album, and was later reissued as ''Greatest Hits&nbsp;– HIStory Vol. I'' in 2001, while the second disc, ''HIStory Continues'', contained 15 new songs. The album debuted at number one on the charts and has been certified for seven&nbsp;million shipments in the US.<ref>{{cite web|title=Top 100 Albums (Page 2)|url=http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=2&table=tblTop100&action=|publisher=Recording Industry Association of America| accessdate=April 16, 2008}}</ref> It is the best-selling multiple-disc album of all-time, with 20&nbsp;million copies (40&nbsp;million units) sold worldwide.<ref name="KOP achievements"/><ref name="HIStory 20 million copies">{{cite web |first=Laura |last=Putti |url=http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2001/08/24/il-nuovo-michael-jackson-fa-un-tuffo.html |title=Il nuovo Michael Jackson fa un tuffo nel passato |publisher=''[[La Repubblica]]'' |date=August 24, 2001 |accessdate=May 10, 2009}}</ref> ''HIStory'' received a Grammy nomination for best album.<ref name = "Ultimate booklet 48–50"/> [[Image:Michael Jackson sculpture.jpg|thumb|upright|One of many identical statues, positioned throughout Europe to promote ''HIStory''. The statue illustrates the singer's flamboyant clothing and hair style, influenced by military imagery.]]

The first single released from the album was the [[double A-side]] "[[Scream/Childhood]]". "Scream" was a duet, performed with Jackson's youngest sister [[Janet Jackson|Janet]]. The single had the highest debut on the ''Billboard''&nbsp;Hot&nbsp;100 at number five, and received a Grammy nomination for "Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals".<ref name = "Ultimate booklet 48–50">George, pp. 48–50</ref> "[[You Are Not Alone]]" was the second single released from ''HIStory''; it holds the ''Guinness World Record'' for the first song ever to debut at number one on the ''Billboard''&nbsp;Hot&nbsp;100 chart.<ref name="World Records"/> It was seen as a major artistic and commercial success, receiving a Grammy nomination for "Best Pop Vocal Performance".<ref name = "Ultimate booklet 48–50"/> In late 1995, Jackson was rushed to a hospital after collapsing during rehearsals for a televised performance; the incident was caused by a stress related [[panic attack]].<ref>Taraborrelli, pp. 576–577</ref> "[[Earth Song]]" was the third single released from ''HIStory'', and topped the UK singles chart for six weeks over Christmas 1995; it sold a million copies, making it Jackson's most successful single in the UK.<ref name = "Ultimate booklet 48–50"/> The [[HIStory World Tour]] began on September 7, 1996, and finished on October 15, 1997. Jackson performed 82 concerts in 58 cities to over 4.5&nbsp;million fans. The show, which visited five continents and 35 countries, became Jackson's most successful in terms of audience figures.<ref name = "lewis 95-96">Lewis, pp. 95–96</ref>

===Second marriage and fatherhood (1996&ndash;99)===
During the Australian leg of the HIStory World Tour, Jackson married [[dermatology]] nurse [[Debbie Rowe|Deborah Jeanne Rowe]] on November 14, 1996 in an impromptu ceremony close to his Sydney hotel room. She gave birth to Michael's first two children: a son named Michael Joseph Jr (commonly known as Prince), and a daughter, Paris-Michael Katherine.<ref name = "tara 580–581"/><ref>Taraborrelli, p. 597</ref> Rowe and Jackson first met in the mid-1980s, when Jackson was diagnosed with [[vitiligo]]. She spent many years treating his illness as well as providing emotional support. They built a strong friendship, then became romantically involved.<ref>Taraborrelli, p. 570</ref> Originally, there were no plans to marry, but following Rowe's first pregnancy, Jackson's mother intervened and persuaded them to do so.<ref>Taraborrelli, p. 586</ref> The couple divorced in 1999 but remained friends, and Rowe gave full custody of the children to Jackson.<ref name="tara 599-600"/>

In 1997, Jackson released ''[[Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix]]'', which contained remixes of hit singles from ''HIStory'' and five new songs. Worldwide sales stand at 6 million copies as of 2007, making it the [[List of best-selling remix albums worldwide|best selling remix album ever released]]. It reached number one in the UK, as did the [[Blood on the Dance Floor (song)|title track]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Rojek |first=Chris |title=Cultural Studies |year=2007 |publisher=Polity |page=74 |isbn=0745636837}}</ref><ref name = "tara 610–611">Taraborrelli, pp. 610–612</ref> In the US, the album was certified platinum, but only reached number 24.<ref name="RIAA certifications"/><ref name = "Ultimate booklet 48–50"/> Forbes placed his annual income at $35&nbsp;million in 1996 and $20&nbsp;million in 1997.<ref name="usatoday finances"/>

Throughout June 1999, Jackson was involved in a number of charitable events. He joined [[Luciano Pavarotti]] for a [[benefit concert]] in Modena, Italy. The show was in support of the [[non-profit organization]] [[War Child (charity)|War Child]], and raised a million dollars for the [[1999 NATO bombing of Yugoslavia|refugees of Kosovo]], as well as additional funds for the children of Guatemala.<ref name="Charity concert Italy">{{cite web |url=http://www.vh1.com/news/articles/1426933/19990505/carey_mariah.jhtml |title=Ricky Martin, Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson, Others To Join Pavarotti For Benefit
|publisher=VH1 |date=(May 5, 1999) |accessdate=May 30, 2008}}</ref> Later that month, Jackson organized a set of "Michael Jackson & Friends" benefit concerts in Germany and Korea. Other artists involved included [[Slash (musician)|Slash]], [[Scorpions (band)|The Scorpions]], [[Boyz II Men]], [[Luther Vandross]], [[Mariah Carey]], [[A. R. Rahman]], [[Prabhu Deva|Prabhu Deva Sundaram]], [[Shobana Chandrakumar]], [[Andrea Bocelli]] and Luciano Pavarotti. The proceeds went to the "Nelson Mandela Children's Fund", the [[International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement|Red Cross]] and [[UNESCO]].<ref name="Jackson & Friends">{{cite web |url=http://www.vh1.com/news/articles/1429785/19990527/guns_n_roses.jhtml |title=Slash, Scorpions, Others Scheduled For 'Michael Jackson & Friends'"
|publisher=VH1 |date=(May 27, 1999) |accessdate=May 30, 2008}}</ref>

===Label dispute, ''Invincible'' and third child (2000&ndash;03)===
In October 2001, Jackson released ''[[Invincible (Michael Jackson album)|Invincible]]''. This was his first full-length album in six years, and it turned out to be the last album of new material he released while still alive. The release of the album was preceded by a dispute between Jackson and his record label, [[Sony Music Entertainment]].

Jackson had expected the licenses to the masters of his albums to revert to him sometime in the early 2000s. Once he had the licenses, he would be able to promote the material however he pleased and he would also be able to keep all the profits. However, due to various clauses in the contract, the revert date turned out to be many years away. Jackson discovered that the attorney who represented him in the deal was also representing Sony, creating a [[conflict of interest]].<ref name = "tara 610–611"/> Jackson was also concerned about another conflict of interest. For a number of years, Sony had been pushing to buy all of Jackson's share in their music catalog venture. Jackson feared that Sony might have something to gain from Jackson's career failing, since if his career did fail he would have to sell his share of the catalog.<ref name = "tara 614–617"/>
These conflicts were utilized by the entertainer to leverage an early exit to his contract.<ref name = "tara 610–611"/> Just before the release of ''[[Invincible (Michael Jackson album)|Invincible]]'', Jackson informed the head of Sony Music Entertainment, [[Tommy Mottola]], that he was leaving Sony.<ref name = "tara 610–611"/> As a result, all singles releases, video shootings and promotions concerning the ''Invincible'' album were canceled.

In spite of the uproar preceding its release, ''Invincible'' came out in October 2001 to much anticipation. Just before the album's release, a special [[Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Special|30th Anniversary celebration]] at Madison Square Garden occurred in September 2001 to mark the singer's 30th year as a solo artist. Jackson appeared onstage alongside his brothers for the first time since 1984.<ref name="guardian">{{cite web|author=Branigan, Tania|title=Jackson spends £20m to be Invincible|publisher=The Guardian|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2001/sep/08/taniabranigan|date=September 8, 2001|accessdate=July 23, 2008}}</ref> The show also featured performances by [[Mýa]], [[Usher (entertainer)|Usher]], [[Whitney Houston]], [['N Sync]], [[Destiny's Child]], [[Monica (entertainer)|Monica]], [[Luther Vandross]], and Slash, among other artists.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 50-53"/> In the wake of the [[September 11, 2001 attacks]], Jackson helped organize the [[United We Stand: What More Can I Give]] [[benefit concert]] at [[Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium|RFK Stadium]] in [[Washington, D.C.]] The concert was aired on October 21, 2001, and included performances from dozens of major artists, including Jackson, who performed his song "[[What More Can I Give]]" as the finale.<ref name = "tara 614–617"/>

''Invincible'' proved to be a hit, debuting atop the charts in 13 countries and going on to sell approximately 13&nbsp;million copies worldwide. It received double-platinum certification in the US.<ref name="RIAA certifications"/><ref name="KOP achievements"/><ref name="Invincible 13 million copies">{{cite web |first=Tamara |last=Conniff |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tamara-conniff/we-killed-michael-jackson_b_272174.html |title=We Killed Michael Jackson |publisher=''Huffington Post'' |date=August 30, 2009 |accessdate=August 30, 2009}}</ref> However, the sales for ''Invincible'' were lower than those of his previous releases, due in part to a lack of promotion, no supporting world tour and the label dispute. The album also came out at a bad time for the music industry in general.<ref name = "tara 614–617"/> The album cost $30 million to record, not including promotional expenditures.<ref name="guardian-02-07-08" />

''Invincible'' spawned three singles, "[[You Rock My World]]", "[[Cry (Michael Jackson song)|Cry]]" and "[[Butterflies (Michael Jackson song)|Butterflies]]", the latter without a music video.

Jackson alleged in July 2002 that Mottola was a "[[devil]]" and a "racist" who did not support his African-American artists, using them merely for his own personal gain.<ref name = "tara 614–617">Taraborrelli, pp. 614–617</ref> He charged that Mottola had called his colleague [[Irv Gotti]] a "fat [[nigger]]".<ref>{{cite interview |last=Jackson |first=Jermaine |subjectlink=Jermaine Jackson |interviewer=[[Connie Chung]]| title=Interview with Jermaine Jackson |date=(December 31, 2002) |program=''[[Connie Chung Tonight]]'' |url=http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0212/31/cct.00.html |accessdate=July 2, 2008}}</ref> Sony refused to renew Jackson's contract, and claimed that a $25 million promotional campaign had failed because Jackson refused to tour in the United States.<ref name="guardian-02-07-08">{{cite web|author=Burkeman, Oliver|title=Jacko gets tough: but is he a race crusader or just a falling star?|publisher=''The Guardian''|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2002/jul/08/oliverburkeman|date=July 8, 2002|accessdate=July 23, 2008}}</ref>

Jackson's third child, Prince Michael Jackson II (nicknamed "Blanket") was born in 2002.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/topics/michael-jackson/ |title=Michael Jackson |publisher=Daily Mirror |accessdate=May 29, 2009}}</ref> The mother's identity is unknown, but Jackson has said the child was the result of [[artificial insemination]] from a [[surrogacy|surrogate mother]] and his own [[Spermatozoon|sperm cells]].<ref name="tara 599-600">Taraborrelli, pp. 599–600</ref> In November of that year, Jackson brought his newborn son onto the balcony of his room at the [[Hotel Adlon]] in Berlin, as fans stood below, holding him in his right arm, with a cloth loosely draped over the baby's face. The baby was briefly extended over a railing, four stories above ground level, causing widespread criticism in the media. Jackson later apologized for the incident, calling it "a terrible mistake".<ref name="Balcony incident">{{cite web |first=Jennifer |last=Vineyard |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1458799/20021120/jackson_michael.jhtml
|title=Michael Jackson Calls Baby-Dangling Incident A 'Terrible Mistake'|publisher=MTV|date=November 20, 2002|accessdate=March 3, 2009}}</ref> Sony released a compilation of Jackson's [[Number Ones (Michael Jackson album)|hits]] on [[Compact Disc|CD]] and [[DVD]]. In the US, the album was certified platinum by the RIAA; in the UK it was certified for shipments of at least 1.2 million units.<ref name="RIAA certifications"/><ref name="BPI">{{cite web|url=http://www.bpi.co.uk/index.asp |title=BPI Searchable database&nbsp;— Gold and Platinum |publisher=[[British Phonographic Industry]] |accessdate=January 25, 2009}}</ref>

===Second child sexual abuse allegations (2003&ndash;05)===
{{See|Living with Michael Jackson|People v. Jackson}}<!--note: we need a separate section for Living with Michael Jackson, as it was pivotal, and we need to say more about the trial-->

In a series of interviews with [[Martin Bashir]], broadcast in 2003, as ''Living with Michael Jackson'', Jackson was seen holding hands and discussing sleeping arrangements with [[Gavin Arvizo]], 13, who later accused him of [[child sexual abuse|sexual abuse]].<ref name = "tara 640">Taraborrelli, p. 640</ref> Shortly after the documentary aired, Jackson was charged with seven counts of child molestation and two counts of [[Alcoholic beverage#United States of America|administering an intoxicating agent]] in relation to Arvizo.<ref name = "tara 640"/> Jackson denied the allegations, saying the sleepovers were not sexual in nature.

During the two years between the charges and the trial, Jackson reportedly became dependent on [[pethidine]] (Demerol), and lost a lot of weight. The ''[[People v. Jackson]]'' began on January 31, 2005, in [[Santa Maria, California|Santa Maria]], California, and lasted five months, until the end of May. On June 13, 2005, Jackson was acquitted on all counts.<ref>Taraborrelli, p. 661</ref><ref name="Michael Jackson health concerns">{{cite news |first=Matthew |last=Davis |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4612897.stm |title=Michael Jackson health concerns |publisher=BBC |date=June 6, 2005|accessdate=April 14, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/jackson/story/0,15819,1505806,00.html|title=Michael Jackson jury reaches verdict |agency=Associated Press|date= June 13, 2005|accessdate=July 12, 2008}}</ref> After the trial, he relocated to the [[Persian Gulf]] island of [[Bahrain]], as a guest of [[Abdullah Bin Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa|Sheikh Abdullah]].<ref>{{cite web |first=Habib |last=Toumi |url=http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/06/01/23/10013403.html |title=Jackson settles down to his new life in the Persian Gulf |accessdate=November 11, 2006 |work= [[Gulf News]] |date= January 23, 2006}}</ref> A [[media circus]] surrounded the event.

===Final years (2006&ndash;09)===
[[Image:Michael Jackson2 2006.jpg|thumb|Jackson with his children in [[Disneyland Paris]], 2006]]
Reports of financial problems for Jackson became frequent in 2006, after the closure of the main house on the Neverland Ranch as a cost-cutting measure.<ref>McNamara, Melissa. [http://www.showbuzz.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/03/17/people/main1414450.shtml Jackson Closes Neverland House], CBS, March 17, 2006.</ref> One prominent financial issue concerned a $270&nbsp;million loan secured against his music publishing holdings. After delayed repayments on the loan, a refinancing package shifted the loans from [[Bank of America]] to debt specialists [[Fortress Investment Group|Fortress Investments]]. A new package proposed by Sony would have had Jackson borrow an additional $300&nbsp;million and reduce the interest rate payable on the loan, while giving Sony the future option to buy half of Jackson's stake in their jointly owned publishing company (leaving Jackson with a 25% stake).<ref name="sonydeal"/> Jackson agreed to a Sony-backed refinancing deal, although details were not made public.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4909412.stm Jackson strikes deal over loans], BBC, April 14, 2006.</ref> Despite these loans, according to Forbes, Jackson was still making as much as $75 million a year from his publishing partnership with Sony alone.<ref>{{cite web |first=Dan |last=Ackman |title=Really Odd Facts About Michael Jackson |url=http://www.forbes.com/2005/06/14/jackson-celebrity-trial-cx_da_0614topnews.html |publisher=''Forbes'' |date=June 14, 2005 |accessdate=October 7, 2009}}</ref>

Jackson was awarded the [[Chopard Diamond award|Diamond Award]] on November 15, 2006, for selling over 100&nbsp;million albums, at the [[World Music Awards]].<ref name="KOP achievements"/> Following the death of [[James Brown]], Jackson returned to the U.S. to pay tribute during Brown's public funeral on December 30, 2006.<ref name="jb">Reid, Shaheem. [http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1549061/20061230/brown_james.jhtml James Brown Saluted By Michael Jackson at Public Funeral Service], MTV, December 30, 2006.</ref> In late 2006, he agreed to share joint custody of his first two children with ex-wife Debbie Rowe.<ref name="Jackson settles with Ex wife">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5394792.stm Jackson child custody battle ends], BBC, September 30, 2006.</ref> Jackson and Sony bought [[Famous Music|Famous Music LLC]] from [[Viacom]] in 2007. This deal gave him the rights to songs by [[Eminem]], [[Shakira]] and [[Beck]], among others.<ref name="2007 music deal">[http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2007/05/31/the-police-plan-mtv-unplugged-performance-michael-jackson-buys-rights-to-eminem-tunes-and-more/ Michael Jackson buys rights to Eminem tunes and more], ''Rolling Stone'', May 31, 2007.</ref>

{{Quote|I've been in the entertainment industry since I was six-years-old... As [[Charles Dickens]] says, "It's been the best of times, the worst of times." But I would not change my career... While some have made deliberate attempts to hurt me, I take it in stride because I have a loving family, a strong faith and wonderful friends and fans who have, and continue, to support me.<ref>Talmadge, Eric. [http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/2007-03-08-2208485574_x.htm Michael Jackson 'wouldn't change anything'], Associated Press, 2007. Retrieved July 25, 2008.</ref>|Michael Jackson}}

The 25th anniversary of ''[[Thriller (album)|Thriller]]'' was marked by the release of ''[[Thriller 25]]'', recorded in Ireland,<ref>{{cite web|last=Friedman |first=Roger |url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,222797,00.html |title=Who's Funding Jackson's Retreat to Irish Recording Studio? - Celebrity Gossip &#124; Entertainment News &#124; Arts And Entertainment |publisher=FOXNews.com |date=October 21, 2006 |accessdate=September 2, 2009}}</ref> it featured the previously unreleased song "For All Time" and re-mixes. Two remixes were released as singles to moderate success: "[[The Girl Is Mine#Thriller 25 version|The Girl Is Mine 2008]]" and "[[Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' 2008]]". ''Thriller 25'' sold well as a re-issue, peaking at number one in eight countries and Europe.<ref name="National certifications for Thriller 25">{{cite web |url=http://zm.nu/detalle.php?base=zmnews&lay=cgi&form=detalle&tok4=notici&tok5=Noticias&id=17840 |title=Zona Musical |publisher=zm.nu |accessdate=April 5, 2008 |language=Spanish}}</ref><ref name="Thriller 25 chart positions at digitalproducer">{{cite web |url=http://digitalproducer.digitalmedianet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=312105&afterinter=true
|title=Thriller the best selling album of all time |publisher=digitalproducer |date=(February 20, 2008) |accessdate=April 6, 2008}}</ref><ref name="Thriller 25 chart positions">{{cite web |url=http://www.ultratop.be/nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Michael+Jackson&titel=Thriller+25&cat=a
|title=Michael Jackson Thriller 25 |publisher=ultratop.be |accessdate=April 6, 2008}}</ref> In 12 weeks ''Thriller 25'' sold over three million copies worldwide.<ref name="Worldwide shipments of T25">{{cite web |first=Roger |last=Friedman |url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,356282,00.html#3
|title=Jacko: Neverland East in Upstate New York |publisher=[[Fox News Channel]] |date=May 16, 2008|accessdate=May 22, 2008}}</ref> To celebrate Jackson's 50th&nbsp;birthday, Sony BMG released a series of compilation albums called ''[[King of Pop (album)|King of Pop]]''.<ref name="KOP announced">{{cite web |url=http://www.sonybmg.com.au/news/details.do;.tomcat2?newsId=20030829005656 |title=Choose The Tracks On Michael Jackson's 50th Birthday Album! |publisher=Sony BMG |date=(June 20, 2008)|accessdate=June 20, 2008}}</ref><ref name="Song pool">{{cite web |url=http://www.mj50.com.au/
|title=MJ50 - Michael Jackson |publisher=mj50.com |accessdate=June 20, 2008}}</ref> ''King of Pop'' did reach the top 10 in most countries where it was issued, and also sold well as an import in other countries.<ref name="acharts KoP">{{cite web |url=http://acharts.us/album/37399 |title=Michael Jackson&nbsp;— King of Pop |publisher=acharts.us |accessdate=September 11, 2008}}</ref><ref name = "KOP chart positions at ultratop">{{cite web |url=http://www.ultratop.be/nl/search.asp?search=king+of+pop&cat=a |title=King of Pop |publisher=www.ultratop.be |accessdate=September 5, 2008}}</ref>

Fortress Investments threatened to foreclose on [[Neverland Ranch]], which Jackson used as collateral for loans running into many tens of millions of dollars. However, Fortress opted to sell Jackson's debts to [[Colony Capital|Colony Capital LLC]]. In November, Jackson transferred Neverland Ranch's title to Sycamore Valley Ranch Company LLC, which was a [[joint venture]] between Jackson and Colony Capital LLC. This deal cleared Jackson's debt, and he reportedly even gained an extra $35 million from the venture. At the time of his death, Jackson still owned a stake in Neverland/Sycamore Valley, but it is unknown how large that stake was.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/entertainment/people/neverland-peters-out-for-pops-peter-pan/2008/11/13/1226318822205.html |title=Neverland peters out for pop's Peter Pan |publisher=''[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]'' |date=(November 13, 2008) |accessdate=November 20, 2008}}</ref><ref>"Jacko gives up Neverland ranch deed". ''[[Press Association]]''. (November 16, 2008).</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Susan |last=Adams |url=http://www.forbes.com/2009/04/14/michael-jackson-auction-lifestyle-collecting-michael-jackson.html |title=Ten Most Expensive Michael Jackson Collectibles |publisher=Forbes |date=April 14, 2009 |accessdate=April 14, 2009}}</ref>

In September 2008, financial concerns prompted Jackson to enter negotiations with [[Julien's Auctions|Julien's Auction House]] to display and auction a large collection of memorabilia amounting to approximately 1390 lots. The auction was scheduled to take place between April 22 and April 25.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.juliensauctions.com/auctions/2009/michael-jackson/index.html |title=Michael Jackson Exhibition - 2009 |publisher=Juliensauctions.com |date=April 25, 2009 |accessdate=September 2, 2009}}</ref> Though an exhibition of the lots opened on 9900 Wilshire Blvd between April 14 and 25, the auction was eventually cancelled at Jackson's request.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/michael-jackson-auction-cancelled-after-lawsuit-1668969.html |title=Michael Jackson: The fantastic possessions revealed - Americas, World |publisher=''The Independent'' |date=June 26, 2009 |accessdate=September 2, 2009}}</ref>

[[File:Michael j jackson (6-21-09).jpg|left|thumb|180px|Jackson at the [[Staples Center]] days before his death.]]
In March 2009, Jackson announced in a press conference at London's [[The O2 arena (London)|O<sub>2</sub> arena]] that he would perform there in major comeback concerts titled [[This Is It (Michael Jackson concerts)|This Is It]]. The shows were to be Jackson's first major series of concerts since the HIStory World Tour finished in 1997, and had been cited as one of the year's most important musical events with over one million people attending in total. Jackson suggested possible retirement after the shows; in his own words it would be his "final curtain call". Although initially a 10 date concert, it was increased to 50 dates after record breaking ticket sales. Jackson rehearsed in Los Angeles in the weeks leading up to the tour under the direction of choreographer/director [[Kenny Ortega]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.life.com/image/88744450/in-gallery/29532/michael-jackson-the-last-rehearsal |title=Michael Jackson: The Last Rehearsal |publisher=LIFE |date=June 29, 2009 |accessdate=August 28, 2009}}</ref> The concerts would have commenced on July 13, 2009 and finished on March 6, 2010. Less than three weeks before the first show was due to begin in London and with all concerts being sold out, Jackson died of a cardiac arrest.<ref name="Michael Jackson dead at 50 after cardiac arrest">{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/06/25/michael.jackson/index.html |title=Michael Jackson dead at 50 after cardiac arrest |publisher=CNN |date=June 25, 2009 |accessdate=August 31, 2009}}</ref>

[[AEG Live]], the concert promoters, released a promotional video that took up an entire commercial break, setting a record for ITV. According to Jackson's website, ticket sales for the concerts broke several records.<ref name="Rolling Stone 50 dates, 1 million tickets">{{cite web |first=Daniel |last=Kreps |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/03/12/michael-jacksons-this-is-it-tour-balloons-to-50-show-run-stretching-into-2010/ |title=Michael Jackson’s “This Is It!” Tour Balloons to 50-Show Run Stretching Into 2010 |publisher=''Rolling Stone'' |date=March 12, 2009 |accessdate=March 24, 2009}}</ref> Randy Phillips, president and chief executive of AEG Live, stated that the first 10 dates alone would have earned the singer approximately £50 million.<ref>{{cite news |first=Patrick |last=Foster |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article5854735.ece |title=Michael Jackson grand finale curtain-raiser |publisher=''The Times'' |date=March 6, 2009 |accessdate=March 24, 2009}}</ref> [[Columbia Pictures]] made a feature documentary [[Michael Jackson's This Is It|concert-film]] from the rehearsal and pre-recorded footage.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tmz.com/2009/08/10/michael-jackson-court-hearing-live-updates/ |title=Michael Jackson Court Hearing - Live Updates |publisher=TMZ.com |date=August 10, 2009 |accessdate=September 2, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tmz.com/2009/08/04/michael-jackson-columbia-pictures-aeg-estate-rehearsal%20footage/ |title=Michael Jackson Movie Coming Soon |publisher=TMZ.com |date=August 4, 2009 |accessdate=September 2, 2009}}</ref> The contract for the film stipulated that a cut of the film must be screened for Jackson's estate, which stands to receive 90 percent of the profits. A final cut was done on October 28, 2009, for a limited 2 week run in theatres worldwide.<ref>{{cite news | author=Joyce Eng | title=Judge Approves Michael Jackson Film | url=http://www.tvguide.com/News/Michael-Jackson-Film-1008827.aspx | work=TVGuide.com | date=August 10, 2009 | accessdate=August 10, 2009}}</ref>

A new single titled "[[This Is It (Michael Jackson song)|This Is It]]" was released on October 12, 2009, with a new album of the same name, ''[[This Is It (Michael Jackson album)|This Is It]]'' which was released worldwide on October 26, 2009, and in North America on October 27, 2009, the day before the ''[[Michael Jackson's This Is It]]'' documentary film, which became the highest grossing documentary or concert movie ever (more than $252 million worldwide).<ref>Box Office Mojo http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=michaeljacksonthisisit.htm</ref> Two versions of the new song appear on the second "This Is It" album's first disc, which also features original masters of Michael Jackson's hits in the order in which they appear in the movie. The album's second disc features previously unreleased versions of more Jackson hits, as well as a previously unheard spoken word poem entitled "Planet Earth."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/#/news/new-michael-jackson-song-album-due-in-october-1004015054.story|title=New Michael Jackson Song, Album Due In October|last=Herrera|first=Monica |date=September 23, 2009|publisher=billboard.com|accessdate=2009-10-24}}</ref>

==Death and memorial==
{{Main|Death of Michael Jackson|Michael Jackson memorial service}}
[[File:Michael Jackson Star on Hollywood Blvd (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|200px|Jackson's fans paid tribute to him at his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, shortly after the announcement of his death.]]
On June 25, 2009, Jackson collapsed at his rented mansion at 100 North Carolwood Drive in the [[Holmby Hills, Los Angeles, California|Holmby Hills]] district of Los Angeles. Attempts at resuscitating him by his [[Conrad Murray|personal physician]] were unsuccessful.<ref name="Times6580897">{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article6580897.ece|title=Fans mourn artist for whom it didn’t matter if you were black or white|first=Michael|last=Harvey|publisher=''The Times''|date=June 26, 2009|accessdate=June 26, 2009}}</ref> [[Los Angeles Fire Department]] paramedics received a [[9-1-1|911]] call at 12:22&nbsp;p.m. ([[Pacific Time Zone|PDT]]), arriving three minutes later at Jackson's location.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8121884.stm|title=Los Angeles Fire Department recording of the emergency phone call made from Michael Jackson's home|publisher=BBC|date=June 26, 2009|accessdate=June 27, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090626/ap_en_mu/us_michael_jackson911_transcript|title=Transcript of 911 call|publisher=Yahoo! News|date=June 26, 2009|accessdate=June 27, 2009}}</ref> He was reportedly not breathing and [[cardiopulmonary resuscitation|CPR]] was performed.<ref name="MSNBC">{{cite web|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31552029?gt1=43001|title=Singer Michael Jackson dead at 50-Legendary pop star had been preparing for London comeback tour|publisher=MSNBC|date=June 25, 2009|accessdate=June 25, 2009}}</ref> Resuscitation efforts continued en route to the [[Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center]], and for an hour after arriving there at 1:13&nbsp;p.m. (20:13&nbsp;UTC).<ref name="Times6580897"/> He was pronounced dead at 2:26&nbsp;p.m. local time (21:26&nbsp;UTC).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/michael-jackson/5643916/Michael-Jackson-King-of-Pop-dies-of-cardiac-arrest-in-Los-Angeles.html|title=Michael Jackson, King of Pop, dies of cardiac arrest in Los Angeles|publisher=Telegraph.co.uk|first=Matthew|last=Moore|date=June 26, 2009|accessdate=June 27, 2009}}</ref><ref name="reuters">{{cite news|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSTRE55O6AK20090626|title=King of Pop Michael Jackson is dead: official|first=Bob|last=Tourtellotte|publisher=''Reuters''|date=June 25, 2009|accessdate=June 25, 2009}}</ref>

The memorial was held on July 7, 2009, at the [[Staples Center]] in Los Angeles, preceded by a private family service at [[Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Hollywood Hills)#Court of Liberty|Forest Lawn Memorial Park's Hall of Liberty]]. Jackson's casket was present during the memorial but no information was released about the final disposition of the body. While some unofficial reports claimed a worldwide audience as high as one billion people<ref name = "bucci">Bucci, Paul and Wood, Graeme.[http://www.vancouversun.com/Entertainment/Michael+Jackson+billion+people+estimated+watching+gold+plated+casket+memorial+service/1767503/story.html Michael Jackson RIP: One billion people estimated watching for gold-plated casket at memorial service]. ''The Vancouver Sun'', July 7, 2009.</ref> the U.S. audience was estimated by Nielsen to be 31.1 million, an amount comparable to the estimated 35.1 million that watched the 2004 burial of President Ronald Reagan, and the estimated 33.1 million Americans who watched the 1997 funeral for Princess Diana.<ref>{{cite web|last=Scott |first=Andrew |url=http://television.aol.com/insidetv/2009/07/09/michael-jackson-memorial-earns-31-million-viewers/ |title=Michael Jackson Memorial Earns 31 Million Viewers & More TV News - Inside TV Blog |publisher=Television.aol.com |date= |accessdate=September 2, 2009}}</ref>

[[Stevie Wonder]], [[Lionel Richie]], [[Mariah Carey]], [[John Mayer]], [[Jennifer Hudson]], [[Usher (entertainer)|Usher]], [[Jermaine Jackson]], and [[Shaheen Jafargholi]] performed at the event. [[Berry Gordy]] and [[Smokey Robinson]] gave eulogies, while [[Queen Latifah]] read, "We had him," a poem written for the occasion by [[Maya Angelou]].<ref>Allen, Nick.[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/michael-jackson/5771156/Michael-Jackson-memorial-service-the-biggest-celebrity-send-off-of-all-time.html Michael Jackson memorial service: the biggest celebrity send-off of all time], ''The Daily Telegraph'', July 7, 2009.</ref> The Reverend [[Al Sharpton]] received a standing ovation with cheers when he told Jackson's children, "Wasn't nothing strange about your Daddy. It was strange what your Daddy had to deal with. But he dealt with it anyway."<ref>[http://www2.macleans.ca/2009/07/07/there-was-nothing-strange-about-your-daddy/ Video of Sharpton's eulogy], ''Macleans'', July 7, 2009.</ref> Jackson's 11-year-old daughter, Paris Katherine, cried as she told the crowd, "Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine ... I just wanted to say I love him ... so much."<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/blog/2009/jul/07/michaeljackson Liveblogging Michael Jackson's funeral and memorial service], ''The Guardian'', July 7, 2009.</ref>

On August 24, multiple news outlets quoted anonymous sources as stating that the Los Angeles coroner had decided to treat Jackson's death as a homicide; this was later confirmed by the coroner on August 28.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article6808546.ece|title=LA coroner to treat Michael Jackson's death as a homicide|publisher=''The Times''|date=August 24, 2009|accessdate=August 24, 2009|first=Kaya|last=Burgess }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8219362.stm|title=Jackson 'had lethal drug levels'|date=August 25, 2009|accessdate=August 25, 2009|publisher=BBC News}}</ref> At the time of death, Jackson had been administered [[propofol]], [[lorazepam]] and [[midazolam]].<ref name='WebMD'>{{cite news | first=Kathleen | last=Doheny | coauthors= Louise Chang, Hector Vila Jr |authorlink= | title=Propofol Linked to Michael Jackson's Death | date=August 24, 2009 | publisher=[[WebMD]] | url =http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/news/20090824/propofol-linked-to-michael-jacksons-death | work = | pages = | accessdate = August 25, 2009 | language = }}</ref>
Law enforcement officials are currently conducting a manslaughter investigation of his personal physician, Conrad Murray.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.daytondailynews.com/entertainment/music/ap-source-coroner-rules-jacksons-death-homicide-263808.html|title= Michael Jackson Homicide Ruling|accessdate=August 24, 2009}}</ref> Jackson was buried on September 3, 2009, at [[Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale|Forest Lawn Memorial Park]] in [[Glendale, California]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/michael-jackson/6136376/Michael-Jackson-finally-laid-to-rest-in-Los-Angeles.html|title= Michael Jackson finally laid to rest in Los Angeles|accessdate=September 8, 2009}}</ref>

==Artistry==
===Influences===
Jackson's music genre takes roots in [[R&B]], [[Motown Records|Motown]]'s music, [[pop music|pop]] and [[soul music|soul]]. He had been influenced by the work of contemporary musicians such as [[Little Richard]], [[James Brown]], [[Jackie Wilson]], [[Diana Ross]], [[David Ruffin]], [[Gene Kelly]], [[Fred Astaire]], [[Sammy Davis, Jr.]] and the [[Bee Gees]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=LuEPnk7irOMC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_navlinks_s |title=Michael Jackson, the king of pop ... – Google Books |publisher=Books.google.com |date= |accessdate=September 2, 2009}}</ref> He was also an admirer of performers from the English [[music hall]] tradition, such as [[Benny Hill]] and [[Charlie Chaplin]].

While Little Richard had a huge influence on Jackson,<ref name="Michael Jackson saved my life"/> James Brown was for him, since early childhood, his greatest inspiration: "the master" or "a genius" especially when he was playing with his group, [[the Famous Flames]], describing his performance as "phenomenal". He declared: "Ever since I was a small child, no more than like six years old, my mother would wake me no matter what time it was, if I was sleeping, no matter what I was doing, to watch the television to see the master at work. And when I saw him move, I was mesmerized. I had never seen a performer perform like James Brown, and right then and there I knew that was exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life because of James Brown."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/article/jackson%20attends%20browns%20public%20funeral_1017673 |title=James Brown - Jackson Attends Brown's Public Funeral - Contactmusic News |publisher=Contactmusic.com |date= |accessdate=September 2, 2009}}</ref>

At first, the young Michael Jackson owed his vocal technique in large part to [[Diana Ross]]. In October 1969, it was decided that Michael would live with Diana Ross. Not only a mother figure to him, he often observed her in rehearsal as an accomplished performer. He later confessed: "I got to know her well. She taught me so much. I used to just sit in the corner and watch the way she moved. She was art in motion. I studied the way she moved, the way she sang - just the way she was." He told her: 'I want to be just like you, Diana'. She said: 'You just be yourself.'"<ref>Taraborrelli, p. 60</ref> But Michael especially owed his ''oooh'''s to Diana Ross. At first, Michael almost always punctuated his verses with a sudden interjection of ''oooh''. Diana Ross used this effect on many of the songs recorded with the [[The Supremes]], and young Michael was delighted to take ownership.<ref>Taraborrelli, p. 64</ref>

===Musical themes and genres===
Steve Huey of [[Allmusic]] said that, throughout his solo career, Jackson's versatility allowed him to experiment with various themes and genres.<ref name=allmusic/> As a musician, he ranged from [[Motown Records|Motown's]] dance fare and ballads to [[techno]] and [[house music|house]]-edged [[new jack swing]] to work that incorporates both [[funk]] rhythms and [[hard rock]] guitar.<ref name="rollingstone"/>

Unlike many artists, Jackson did not write his songs on paper. Instead he would dictate into a sound recorder; when recording he would sing from memory.<ref name = "tara 205–210"/><ref name="Thriller cast interview">{{cite web |first=Peter |last=Lyle |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2007/11/25/sv_thriller.xml |title=Michael Jackson's Monster Smash |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |date=November 25, 2007|accessdate=April 20, 2008}}</ref> Several critics observed ''Off the Wall'' was crafted from funk, disco-pop, [[soul music|soul]], [[soft rock]], [[jazz]] and [[pop music|pop]] ballads.<ref name=allmusic/><ref name="AMG OTW">{{cite web |first=Stephen Thomas |last=Erlewine|authorlink=Stephen Thomas Erlewine |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=A7cu1z85ajyv6 |title=Off the Wall Overview |publisher=Allmusic |accessdate=June 15, 2008}}</ref><ref name="RS OTW">{{cite news|first=Stephen |last=Holden |authorlink=Stephen Holden|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/259585/review/6067502/off_the_wall |title=Off the Wall : Michael Jackson |work=Rolling Stone |date=November 1, 1979 |accessdate=July 23, 2008}}</ref> Prominent examples include the ballad "[[She's Out of My Life]]", and the two disco tunes "Workin' Day and Night" and "Get on the Floor".<ref name="AMG OTW"/>

According to Huey, ''Thriller'' refined the strengths of ''Off the Wall''; the dance and rock tracks were more aggressive, while the pop tunes and ballads were softer and more soulful.<ref name=allmusic/> Notable tracks included the ballads "The Lady in My Life", "Human Nature" and "[[The Girl Is Mine]]"; the funk pieces "Billie Jean" and "[[Wanna Be Startin' Somethin']]"; and the disco set "Baby Be Mine" and "[[P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)]]".<ref name=allmusic/><ref name="Slant Thriller">{{cite web |first=Eric |last=Henderson |url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/music_review.asp?ID=358
|title=Michael Jackson:Thriller |publisher=''[[Slant Magazine]]'' |date=2003 |accessdate=June 15, 2008}}</ref><ref name="AMG Thriller"/><ref name="RS Thriller"/> With ''Thriller'', Christopher Connelly of ''Rolling Stone'' commented that Jackson developed his long association with the subliminal theme of [[paranoia]] and darker imagery.<ref name="RS Thriller"/> Allmusic's [[Stephen Thomas Erlewine]] noted this is evident on the songs "Billie Jean" and "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'".<ref name="AMG Thriller">{{cite web |first=Stephen Thomas |last=Erlewine|authorlink=Stephen Thomas Erlewine |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=A9kqog44ttvjz |title=Thriller Overview |publisher=Allmusic |accessdate=June 15, 2008}}</ref> In "Billie Jean", Jackson sings about an obsessive fan who alleges he has fathered a child of hers.<ref name=allmusic/> In "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" he argues against gossip and the media.<ref name="RS Thriller">{{cite news |first=Christopher |last=Connelly |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/michaeljackson/albums/album/303823/review/6067536/thriller |title=Michael Jackson : Thriller |work=Rolling Stone |date=January 28, 1983 |accessdate=July 23, 2008}}</ref> The anti-gang violence rock song "Beat It" became a homage to ''[[West Side Story]]'', and was Jackson's first successful rock cross-over piece, according to Huey.<ref name="rollingstone"/><ref name=allmusic/> He also observed that the title track "[[Thriller (song)|Thriller]]" began Jackson's interest with the theme of the [[supernatural]], a topic he revisited in subsequent years.<ref name=allmusic/> In 1985, Jackson co-wrote the charity anthem "[[We Are the World]]"; humanitarian themes later became a recurring theme in his lyrics and public persona.<ref name=allmusic/>
{{Listen
|filename = Michael Jackson Thriller.ogg
|title = "Thriller"
|description = One of Jackson's signature pieces, "Thriller", released as a single in 1984, utilizes cinematic sound effects, horror film motifs and vocal trickery to convey a sense of danger.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 23"/>
|filename2 = Smooth Criminal by Michael Jackson.ogg
|title2 = "Smooth Criminal"
|description2 = A single from the album ''Bad'', released 1988, "Smooth Criminal" features digital drum sounds, keyboard-created bass lines and other percussion elements designed to give the impression of a pulsing heart.<ref name="Nelson George overview 24">George, p.24</ref>
}}

In ''Bad'', Jackson's concept of the predatory lover can be seen on the rock song "[[Dirty Diana]]".<ref name="NYT Bad">{{cite news|first=Jon |last=Pareles |authorlink=Jon Pareles|url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B0DE1DC1F38F930A3575AC0A961948260&scp=5&sq=Michael+Jackson+Bad+review&st=nyt
|title=How good is Jackson's Bad? |work=The New York Times |date=September 3, 1987 |accessdate=July 23, 2008}}</ref> The lead single "[[I Just Can't Stop Loving You]]" is a traditional love ballad, while "[[Man in the Mirror]]" is an anthemic ballad of confession and resolution.<ref name="TIME2"/> "[[Smooth Criminal]]" was an evocation of bloody assault, rape and likely murder.<ref name="TIME2"/> Allmusic's [[Stephen Thomas Erlewine]] states that ''Dangerous'' presents Jackson as a stark paradoxical individual.<ref name="ALG Dangerous">{{cite web |first=Stephen Thomas |last=Erlewine |authorlink=Stephen Thomas Erlewine |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:0hrsa9igb23u |title=Dangerous Overview |publisher=Allmusic |accessdate=June 15, 2008}}</ref> He comments the album is more diverse than his previous ''Bad'', as it appeals to an urban audience while also attracting the middle class with anthems like "[[Heal the World]]".<ref name="ALG Dangerous"/> The first half of the record is dedicated to new jack swing, including songs like "[[Jam (song)|Jam]]" and "[[Remember the Time]]".<ref name="NYT Dangerous"/> The album is Jackson's first where social ills become a primary theme; "Why You Wanna Trip on Me", for example, protests against world hunger, [[AIDS]], homelessness and drugs.<ref name="NYT Dangerous">{{cite news|first=Jon |last=Pareles|authorlink=Jon Pareles |url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D0CE2D6143DF937A15752C1A967958260&n=Top%2fReference%2fTimes%20Topics%2fPeople%2fJ%2fJackson%2c%20Michael |title=Michael Jackson in the Electronic Wilderness |work=The New York Times |date=November 24, 1991 |accessdate=July 23, 2008}}</ref> ''Dangerous'' contains sexually charged efforts like "[[In the Closet]]", a love song about desire and denial, risk and repression, solitude and connection, privacy and revelation.<ref name="NYT Dangerous"/> The title track continues the theme of the predatory lover and compulsive desire.<ref name="NYT Dangerous"/> The second half includes introspective, pop-gospel anthems such as "[[Will You Be There]]", "Heal the World" and "Keep the Faith"; these songs show Jackson finally opening up about various personal struggles and worries.<ref name="NYT Dangerous"/> In the ballad "[[Gone Too Soon]]", Jackson gives tribute to his friend [[Ryan White]] and the plight of those with AIDS.<ref name="TWP Dangerous">{{Cite news | title = Jackson's `Dangerous' Departures; Stylistic Shifts Mar His First Album in 4 Years | work = The Washington Post | date = November 24, 1991 | author = Harrington, Richard |accessdate = July 23, 2008}}</ref>

''HIStory'' creates an atmosphere of paranoia.<ref name="ALG HIStory">{{cite web |first=Stephen Thomas |last=Erlewine |authorlink=Stephen Thomas Erlewine|url=http://www.allmusicguide.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:rz60tr7qklkx |title=Michael Jackson HIStory Overview |publisher=Allmusic |accessdate=June 15, 2008}}</ref> Its content focuses on the hardships and public struggles Jackson went through just prior to its production. In the new jack swing-funk-rock efforts "[[Scream/Childhood|Scream]]" and "Tabloid Junkie", along with the R&B ballad "[[You Are Not Alone]]", Jackson retaliates against the injustice and isolation he feels, and directs much of his anger at the media.<ref name="RS HIStory">{{cite news|first=James |last=Hunter |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/michaeljackson/albums/album/312830/review/5943497/history_past_present_and_future_book_1
|title=Michael Jackson HIStory |work=Rolling Stone |date=August 10, 1995 |accessdate=July 23, 2008}}</ref> In the introspective ballad "[[Stranger in Moscow]]", Jackson laments over his "fall from grace", while songs like "[[Earth Song]]", "[[Scream/Childhood|Childhood]]", "Little Susie" and "Smile" are all operatic pop pieces.<ref name="ALG HIStory"/><ref name="RS HIStory"/> In the track "[[D.S. (song)|D.S.]]", Jackson launched a verbal attack against [[Tom Sneddon]]. He describes Sneddon as an antisocial, white supremacist who wanted to "get my ass, dead or alive". Of the song, Sneddon said, "I have not&nbsp;— shall we say&nbsp;— done him the honor of listening to it, but I’ve been told that it ends with the sound of a gunshot".<ref name="Sneddon profile">{{cite web |url=http://www.ndaa.org/ndaa/profile/tom_sneddon_jan_feb_2003.html |title=Thomas W. (Tom) Sneddon, Jr.
|publisher=ndaa.org |accessdate=July 12, 2008}}</ref> ''Invincible'' found Jackson working heavily with producer Rodney Jerkins.<ref name=allmusic>{{cite web|last=Huey|first=Steve|title=Michael Jackson&nbsp;— Biography|url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:kifuxqe5ldae~T1 |publisher=[[Allmusic]]|accessdate=November 11, 2006}}</ref> It is a record made up of urban soul like "[[Cry (Michael Jackson song)|Cry]]" and "The Lost Children", ballads such as "Speechless", "Break of Dawn" and "[[Butterflies (Michael Jackson song)|Butterflies]]" and mixes [[hip hop music|hip hop]], pop and [[Rapping|rap]] in "2000 Watts", "Heartbreaker" and "Invincible".<ref name="ALG Invincible">{{cite web |first=Stephen Thomas |last=Erlewine|authorlink=Stephen Thomas Erlewine |url=http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=A0dq5g4hptv8z |title=Michael Jackson :Invincible |publisher=Allmusic |accessdate=September 9, 2007}}</ref><ref name="NME Invincible">{{cite web |first=Mark |last=Beaumont |url=http://www.nme.com/reviews/michael-jackson/5780|title=Michael Jackson :Invincible |work=[[NME]] |date=November 30, 2001 |accessdate=July 23, 2008}}</ref>

===Vocal style===
Jackson sang from childhood, and over time his voice and vocal style changed noticeably. Between 1971 and 1975, Jackson's voice descended from boy soprano to high tenor.<ref name = "brac 414">Brackett, pp. 414</ref> Jackson first used a technique called the "vocal hiccup" in 1973, starting with the song "It's Too Late to Change the Time" from [[the Jackson 5]]'s ''[[G.I.T.: Get It Together]]'' album.<ref>''The Complete Guide To The Music of Michael Jackson & The Jackson Family'' by Geoff Brown. 164 pages, Omnibus Press</ref> Jackson did not use the hiccup technique— somewhat like a gulping for air or gasping— fully until the recording of ''[[Off the Wall (album)|Off the Wall]]'': it can be seen in full force in the "[[Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)]]" promotional video.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 22"/>

With the arrival of ''Off the Wall'' in the late 1970s, Jackson's abilities as a vocalist were well regarded. At the time, ''Rolling Stone'' compared his vocals to the "breathless, dreamy stutter" of [[Stevie Wonder]]. Their analysis was also that "Jackson's feathery-timbred tenor is extraordinarily beautiful. It slides smoothly into a startling [[falsetto]] that's used very daringly".<ref name="AMG OTW"/><ref name="RS OTW"/> 1982 saw the release of ''Thriller'', and ''Rolling Stone'' was of the opinion that Jackson was then singing in a "fully adult voice" that was "tinged by sadness".<ref name="RS Thriller"/>

{{Listen |help = no |filename = Michael Jackson - Black Or White.ogg |title = "Black or White" |description = The lead single from ''Dangerous'', the danceable [[hard rock]] song "Black or White" was one of Jackson's most successful recordings.<ref name="SM Dangerous">{{cite web |author=Sony Music |url=http://www.sonybmg.com.au/cd/releaseDetails.do?catalogueNo=5044242000 |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20051204230345/http://www.sonybmg.com.au/cd/releaseDetails.do?catalogueNo=5044242000 |archivedate=2005-12-04 |title=Michael Jackson Dangerous Review |publisher=Sony Music Entertainment |date=2001 |accessdate=August 27, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |author=Jeans |year=1993 |title=Michael Jackson: Un mito indescifrable (in Spanish) |publisher=Revista Jeans |page=7 |chapter=Peligroso regreso |accessdate=July 14, 2009 |quote=En "Black or white" Michael Jackson solicitó la participación del guitarrista de Guns N' Roses, Slash, para darle a esta canción de hard rock una línea más agresiva, además cuenta con la participación de Tim Pierce en la guitarra heavy metal; y el resultado es una mezcla de hard rock, dance y rap}}</ref><ref name="ramage; bean; johnson (2001) 491">{{cite book |last1=Ramage |first1=John D. |last2=Bean |first2=John C. |last3=Johnson |first3=June |title=Writing arguments: a rhetoric with readings |publisher=Allyn and Bacon |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=nDnUQkn28lUC&q=%22black+or+white%22+%22rock+'n'+roll+dance+song%22+%22michael+jackson%22&dq=%22black+or+white%22+%22rock+'n'+roll+dance+song%22+%22michael+jackson%22&pgis=1 |year=2001 |isbn=0205317456 |page=491 |accessdate=July 14, 2009 |quote='Black or White', described by the record company as 'a rock 'n' roll dance song about racial harmony'}}</ref> It contains many features of Jackson's vocal style, including the vocal hiccup he is known for.}}

Gritty lead vocals on the verse were displayed by the release of "Bad" in 1987 and lighter tones employed on the chorus.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 23"/> A distinctive deliberate mispronunciation of "come on", used frequently by Jackson, occasionally spelt "cha'mone" or "shamone", is also a staple in impressions and caricatures of him.<ref>{{cite web |first=Rory |last=Lewarne |url=http://www.music-news.com/ShowReview.asp?nReviewID=363&nType=4 |title=Pink Grease |publisher=''Music News'' |date=July 26, 2004 |accessdate=August 10, 2008}}</ref> The turn of the 1990s saw the release of the introspective album ''Dangerous''. ''The New York Times'' noted that on some tracks, "he gulps for breath, his voice quivers with anxiety or drops to a desperate whisper, hissing through clenched teeth" and he had a "wretched tone".<ref name="NYT Dangerous"/> When singing of brotherhood or self-esteem the musician would return to "smooth" vocals.<ref name="NYT Dangerous"/>

When commenting on ''Invincible'', ''Rolling Stone'' were of the opinion that—at the age of 43—Jackson still performed "exquisitely voiced rhythm tracks and vibrating vocal harmonies".<ref name="RS Invincible">{{cite web |first=James |last=Hunter |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/michaeljackson/albums/album/301517/review/5945685/invincible |title=Michael Jackson: Invincible |publisher=''Rolling Stone'' |date=December 6, 2001 |accessdate=July 20, 2008}}</ref> Nelson George summed up Jackson's vocals by stating "The grace, the aggression, the growling, the natural boyishness, the falsetto, the smoothness—that combination of elements mark him as a major vocalist".<ref name = "Nelson George overview 24"/>

===Music videos and choreography===
Referred to as the King of Music Videos,<ref>Chery, Carl: ''XXL: Michael Jackson Special Collecters Edition'', page 95. American Press.</ref> Steve Huey of Allmusic observed how Jackson transformed the [[music video]] into an art form and a promotional tool through complex story lines, dance routines, special effects and famous cameo appearances; simultaneously breaking down racial barriers.<ref name=allmusic>{{cite web|last=Huey|first=Steve|title=Michael Jackson&nbsp;— Biography|url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:kifuxqe5ldae~T1 |publisher=[[Allmusic]] |accessdate=November 11, 2006}}</ref> According to director [[Vincent Paterson]], who collaborated with the singer on several music videos, Jackson conceptualized many of the darker, bleak themes in his filmography.<ref name = "overview of paterson">{{cite web |first=David |last=Noh |url=http://gaycitynews.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=17007818&BRD=2729&PAG=461&dept_id=568864&rfi=8 |title=Choreographer Supreme |publisher=''[[Gay City News]]'' |date=January 26, 2006 |accessdate=January 13, 2009}}</ref>
[[Image:Smooth criminal patent.png|thumb|left|{{Cite patent|US|5255452}}, filed by Jackson, described the [[Smooth Criminal#Anti-gravity lean|anti-gravity lean]] used in the music video for "[[Smooth Criminal]]".]]
Before ''Thriller'', Jackson struggled to receive coverage on MTV, allegedly because he was African American.<ref name=blender>{{cite web |url=http://www.blender.com/guide/articles.aspx?ID=1777 |title=Michael Jackson, "Billie Jean," directed by Steve Barron, produced by Simon Fields & Paul Flattery, |date=October 2005 |accessdate=April 11, 2007 |work=[[Blender (magazine)|Blender]]}}</ref> Pressure from CBS Records persuaded MTV to start showing "Billie Jean" and later "Beat It", leading to a lengthy partnership with Jackson, also helping other black music artists gain recognition.<ref name="Jackson changes the rules of the music video">{{cite news |first=Edna |last=Gundersen |url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2005-08-25-mtv_x.htm |title=Music videos changing places |work=USA Today |date=August 25, 2005 |accessdate=July 23, 2008}}</ref> MTV employees deny any racism in their coverage, or pressure to change their stance. MTV maintains that they played rock music, regardless of race.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1355/is_14_110/ai_n16807343/ |title=Why it took MTV so long to play black music videos &#124; Jet &#124; Find Articles at BNET |publisher=Findarticles.com |date= |accessdate=September 2, 2009}}</ref> The popularity of his videos on [[MTV]] helped to put the relatively young channel "on the map"; MTV's focus shifted in favor of pop and R&B.<ref name="Jackson changes the rules of the music video"/><ref name=ABCNews>{{cite web |first=Bryan |last=Robinson |url=http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/LegalCenter/story?id=464753&page=1|title=Why Are Michael Jackson's Fans So Devoted? |publisher=ABC News |date=February 23, 2005 |accessdate=April 6, 2007}}</ref> His performance on ''Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever'' changed the scope of live stage show; "That Jackson lip-synced 'Billie Jean' is, in itself, not extraordinary, but the fact that it did not change the impact of the performance is extraordinary; whether the performance was live or lip-synced made no difference to the audience" thus creating an era in which artists re-create the spectacle of music video imagery on stage.<ref name="MT25"/> Short films like ''[[Michael Jackson's Thriller|Thriller]]'' largely remained unique to Jackson, while the group dance sequence in "Beat It" has frequently been imitated.<ref name="The Thriller Special Edition Audio">Jackson, Michael. ''Thriller Special Edition'' Audio.</ref> The choreography in ''Thriller'' has become a part of global pop culture, replicated everywhere from [[Cinema of India|Indian films]] to [[Thriller (viral video)|prisons in the Philippines]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6917318.stm|title=Philippine jailhouse rocks to Thriller |publisher=BBC |date=(July 27, 2007) |accessdate=April 11, 2009}}</ref> The ''Thriller'' short film marked an increase in scale for music videos, and has been named the most successful music video ever by the ''Guinness World Records''.<ref name="World Records"/>

In the 19-minute music video for "[[Bad (Michael Jackson song)|Bad]]"—directed by [[Martin Scorsese]]—Jackson began using sexual imagery and choreography not previously seen in his work. He occasionally grabbed or touched his chest, torso and crotch. While he has described this as "choreography," it garnered a mixed reception from both fans and critics; ''Time'' magazine described it as "infamous". The video also featured [[Wesley Snipes]]; in the future Jackson's videos would often feature famous cameo roles.<ref name = "tara 370–373">Taraborrelli, p. 370–373</ref><ref name="Who's Bad? TIME">{{cite news |first=Richard |last=Corliss|authorlink=Richard Corliss |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,979177,00.html?internalid=ACA |title=Who's Bad? |publisher=''TIME'' |date=September 6, 1993|accessdate=April 23, 2008}}</ref> For "[[Smooth Criminal]]", Jackson experimented with an innovative "anti-gravity lean" in his performances, for which he was granted U.S. Patent No. 5,255,452.<ref>{{Cite patent|US|5255452|Michael J. Jackson, Michael L. Bush, Dennis Tompkins: "Method and means for creating anti-gravity illusion", filed June 29, 1992, issued Oct 26, 1993}}</ref> Although the music video for "[[Leave Me Alone]]" was not officially released in the US, in 1989, it was nominated for four ''Billboard'' Music Video Awards, winning three; the same year it won a Golden Lion Award for the quality of the special effects used in its production. In 1990, "Leave Me Alone" won a Grammy for [[Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video|Best Music Video, Short Form]].<ref name = "Nelson George overview 43-44">George, pp. 43–44</ref>

The [[MTV Video Vanguard Award|MTV Video Vanguard Artist of the Decade Award]] was given to Jackson to celebrate his accomplishments in the art form in the 1980s; the following year the award was renamed in his honor.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 45-46">George, pp. 45–46</ref> "[[Black or White]]" was accompanied by a controversial music video, which, on November&nbsp;14, 1991, simultaneously premiered in 27 countries with an estimated audience of 500&nbsp;million people, the largest viewing ever for a music video.<ref name="KOP achievements"/> It featured scenes construed as having a sexual nature as well as depictions of violence. The offending scenes in the final half of the 14-minute version were edited out to prevent the video from being banned, and Jackson apologized.<ref name="''Dangerous'' on Film">Michael Jackson ''Dangerous'' on Film VHS/DVD</ref> Along with Jackson, it featured [[Macaulay Culkin]], [[Peggy Lipton]] and [[George Wendt]]. It helped usher in [[morphing]] as an important technology in music videos.<ref>Campbell (1993), p. 303</ref>
[[Image:Michaeljanetscream.jpg|thumb|Jackson and sister Janet angrily retaliate against the media for misrepresenting them to the public. The acclaimed video for "[[Scream/Childhood#Scream_music_video|Scream]]" was shot primarily in black and white, and at a cost of $7 million.<ref>Guinness World Records 2006</ref>]]
"[[Remember the Time]]" was an elaborate production, and became one of his longest videos at over nine minutes. Set in [[ancient Egypt]], it featured groundbreaking [[visual effects]] and appearances by [[Eddie Murphy]], [[Iman (model)|Iman]] and [[Magic Johnson]], along with a distinct complex dance routine.<ref>Campbell (1993), pp. 313–314</ref> The video for "[[In the Closet]]" was Jackson's most sexually provocative piece. It featured supermodel [[Naomi Campbell]] in a courtship dance with Jackson. The video was banned in South Africa because of its imagery.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 45-46"/>

The music video for "[[Scream/Childhood|Scream]]", directed by [[Mark Romanek]] and production designer Tom Foden, is one of Jackson's most critically acclaimed. In 1995, it gained 11 [[MTV Video Music Awards|MTV Video Music Award Nominations]]—more than any other music video—and won "Best Dance Video", "Best Choreography", and "Best Art Direction".<ref name="TCI">{{Cite book |last=Boepple |first= Leanne |title = ''Scream: Space Odyssey, Jackson-Style.''(video production; Michael and Janet Jackson video) | page = 52 |volume=29 | publisher = Theatre Crafts International | date = November 1, 1995 |issn=1063-9497}}</ref> The song and its accompanying video are a response to the backlash Jackson received from the media after being accused of child molestation in 1993.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bark |first= Ed |title = Michael Jackson Interview Raises Questions, Answers | page = 06E | publisher = ''[[St. Louis Post-Dispatch]]'' | date = June 26, 1995}}</ref> A year later, it won a Grammy for Best Music Video, Short Form; shortly afterwards ''Guinness World Records'' listed it as the [[List of most expensive music videos|most expensive music video ever made]] at a cost of $7&nbsp;million.<ref name = "Ultimate booklet 48–50"/><ref>''Guinness World Records 2006''</ref>

"[[Earth Song]]" was accompanied by an expensive and well-received music video that gained a Grammy nomination for Best Music Video, Short Form in 1997. The video had an environmental theme, showing images of animal cruelty, deforestation, pollution and war. Using special effects, time is reversed so that life returns, wars ends, and the forests re-grow.<ref name = "Ultimate booklet 48–50"/><ref name="''HIStory'' on Film volume II">Michael Jackson ''HIStory'' on Film volume II VHS/DVD</ref> Released in 1997 and premiering at the 1996 [[Cannes Film Festival]], ''[[Ghosts (Michael Jackson film)|Ghosts]]'' was a short film written by Jackson and [[Stephen King]] and directed by [[Stan Winston]]. The video for ''Ghosts'' is over 38&nbsp;minutes long and holds the ''Guinness World Record'' as the world's longest music video.<ref name = "Ultimate booklet 48–50"/><ref name = "tara 610–611"/><ref>Lewis, pp. 125–126</ref><ref>''Guinness World Records 2004''</ref>

===Fashion===
Phillip Bloch said "Michael Jackson was not influenced by fashion, fashion was influenced by him."<ref>stylist.com:[http://www.stylelist.com/2009/06/26/phillip-bloch-on-michael-jackson-the-style-icon-and-man-behind/print''Phillip Bloch on Michael Jackson - The Style Icon and Man Behind the Mask,] 29. November 2009</ref> From early on Jackson was described as a person with an utterly unique sense of style wearing fringed shirts, platform heels, and wide bell-bottom pants with a “Huggy Bear” inspired hat to top off his look. During ''[[Off the Wall (album)|Off The Wall]]'', he would update his style wearing tuxedo jackets, pegged pants, thick white socks with black shiny loafers, instantly giving a classic look, new flair, and originality bringing in the start of his iconoclastic style.<ref>mensflair.com: [http://www.mensflair.com/celebrity-styles/michael-jackson-fashion.php''Michael Jackson: A Fashion Retrospective,] 29. November 2009</ref> During the ''Thriller'' era Jackson would become a fashion icon and bring about the popularity of items that he wore in his music videos, at award ceremonies, and on stage performances such as his [[Beat It]] red jacket, aviator sunglasses, military jackets, jheri curl, high pants with white glittering socks, the [[Billie Jean]] black jacket, his black fedora hat, and most famously his glittering white glove that he first wore on the Motown 25 special.<ref>film.com: [http://www.film.com/celebrities/michael-jackson/story/michael-jackson-a-fashion-retrospective/28853307''Michael Jackson: A Fashion Retrospective,] 29. November 2009</ref><ref>mtv.com: [http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1614819/20090626/jackson_michael.jhtml''Michael Jackson's Style Legacy, From Military Jackets To One Glove Singer started one-man fashion revolution with his cropped pants and sequins.,] 29. November 2009</ref>

Throughout the late 80's and early 90's, Jackson began to wear his iconic military-influenced outfits in silver, with his trademark armbands, during the Bad Tour. He would continue to perform in these outfits this time in gold during the Dangerous Tour, and during the HIStory Tour, where he wore a more futuristic military space outfit.<ref>celebrityclothingline.com: [http://www.celebrityclothingline.com/celebrity-footwear/michael-jackson-a-fashion-retrospect/''Michael Jackson: A Fashion Retrospective,] 29. November 2009</ref> Towards the mid and late 90's Jackson embraced a softer look wearing mostly lightweight flowy shirts and even appearing bare chested; though he occasionally reverted to his military inspired outfits.<ref>latimes.com: [http://www.latimes.com/features/image/la-me-jackson-style26-2009jun26,0,6534176.story''Michael Jackson,] 29. November 2009</ref><ref>nymagazine.com: [http://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2009/06/mj_fashion.html''Michael Jackson: Style Icon,] 29. November 2009</ref> During his trials throughout the later years, Jackson wore a surgical masks and carried an umbrella to protect him from the sun. He was subsequently criticized by the media and legal analysts in the 2005 child abuse trial for not dressing in a manner appropriate for a court appearance. Mary Fulginiti Jenow, a former federal prosecutor who is now a criminal defense lawyer described Jackson as looking ready to "break out into the moonwalk."<ref>nytimes.com: [http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/06/fashion/06JACK.html?ex=1265346000&en=0882fc19fa72a4fb&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland''Michael Jackson Goes to Court: To Moonwalk or to Tiptoe?,] 29. November 2009</ref> During his final public appearance at [[Ed Hardy]]'s designer [[Christian Audigier]] birthday party,<ref>eonline.com:[http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b140097_ed_hardy_designer_christian_audigier.html''Ed Hardy Designer Christian Audigier Talks Jon Gosselin, Michael Jackson] 15, December 2009</ref> Jackson and Audigier began talks and later started to work together on a clothing line that would be composed of items such as red jacket with Jackson’s portrait on it, a black leather belt with large buckle reading ‘BAD,’ silver socks, silver gloves, and an umbrella. Audigier is said to be busy putting together the final pieces of the brand.<ref>stylenews.com: [http://stylenews.peoplestylewatch.com/2009/08/21/ed-hardy-designer-on-his-clothing-line-dedicated-to-michael-jackson/''Ed Hardy Designer On His Clothing Line Dedicated to Michael Jackson] 15, December 2009</ref>

Jackson's creative sense of style has also made a huge impact on the younger generation.<ref>bet.com:[http://www.bet.com/Specials/michaeljackson/photos/michaeljackson_afashiontribute.htm?i=8''Michael Jackson: A Fashion Tribute,] 29. November 2009</ref> He has been described as having an innovative sense of style that impacted the trendsetters of today who mimmick his fashion like [[Usher (entertainer)|Usher]], [[Chris Brown (entertainer)|Chris Brown]], [[Beyonce]], [[Rihanna]], [[Kanye West]], and many others. His style has inspired the fashion-forward for two decades and continues to do so. <ref>fashionbombdaily.com: [http://fashionbombdaily.com/2009/06/26/fashion-tribute-michael-jackson/''Fashion Tribute: Michael Jackson,] 29. November 2009</ref>

On November 24, 2009, his trademark white glove was auctioned off for $350,000, plus tax, to Hoffman Ma of Hong Kong, a Chinese businessman.<ref>comcast.com:[http://www.comcast.net/articles/entertainment/20091121/US.Michael.Jackson.Auction/''Jackson moonwalk glove sells for $350K in NYC,] 29. November 2009</ref>

==Legacy and influence==
{{See also|Records and achievements of Michael Jackson|List of awards received by Michael Jackson}}

[[Image:MJ Star.jpg|thumb|Jackson's star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]], set in 1984]]
Jackson transformed the art of the music video and paved the way for modern pop music in his own country. Jackson's work, distinctive musical sound and vocal style have influenced scores of [[hip hop music|hip hop]], [[rock music|rock]], [[pop music|pop]] and [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]] artists, including [[Beyonce]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Beyoncé, Top Stars Tip Their Hats to Michael Jackson |url=http://www.people.com/people/package/article/0,,20287787_20288067,00.html|work=People |date=June 27, 2009 |accessdate=June 27, 2009}}</ref> [[Mariah Carey]],<ref name = "rollingstone 2">{{cite web |first=Antonio |last=Reid |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/5940053/35_michael_jackson|title=Michael Jackson|accessdate=March 6, 2007 |publisher=''Rolling Stone''}}</ref> [[Usher (entertainer)|Usher]],<ref name=CNN>{{cite news |first=Rosemary |last=Jean-Louis |url=http://www.cnn.com/2004/SHOWBIZ/Music/11/01/usher/|title=Usher, Usher, Usher: The new 'King of Pop'? |publisher=CNN |date= November 1, 2004|accessdate=March 6, 2007}}</ref> [[Chris Brown (entertainer)|Chris Brown]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Michael Jackson Is The Reason|url=http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b131330_chris_brown_michael_jackson_was_reason.html|work=''E! Online'' |date=June 26, 2009 |accessdate=June 26, 2009}}</ref> [[Britney Spears]],<ref name = "rollingstone 2"/> [[Madonna (entertainer)|Madonna]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Michael Jackson Is The Reason|url=http://www.azcentral.com/ent/celeb/articles/2009/07/04/20090704madonna-inspired-by-jackson.html|work=AZcentral |date=July 4, 2009 |accessdate=July 4, 2009}}</ref> [[Justin Timberlake]],<ref name = "tara 614–617"/> [[Ludacris]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Ludacris Says Michael Jackson Inspired Him to 'Shoot for the Sky'|url=http://www.spinner.com/2009/06/27/ludacris-says-michael-jackson-inspired-him-to-shoot-for-the-sky/|work=MTV |date=June 27, 2009 |accessdate=June 27, 2009}}</ref> [[50 Cent]], [[The Game (rapper)|The Game]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Michael Jackson Tried To End 50 Cent/ Game Beef|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1614974/20090630/jackson_michael.jhtml|work=MTV |date=September 31, 2009 |accessdate=June 30, 2009}}</ref> [[Fall Out Boy]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Fall Out Boy Say Their 'Beat It' Clip Is Like All Of Michael Jackson's Videos 'But On A Fall Out Boy Budget'|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1585892/20080418/fall_out_boy.jhtml|work=MTV |date=April 21, 2008 |accessdate=June 30, 2009}}</ref> [[Green Day]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Green Day Look Forward To Janet Jackson's VMA Tribute To Michael|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1621362/20090913/green_day.jhtml|work=MTV |date=September 13, 2009 |accessdate=September 13, 2009}}</ref> [[Miley Cyrus]], [[John Mayer]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Michael Jackson Remembered By Miley Cyrus, Ludacris, More|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1614749/20090625/jackson_michael.jhtml|work=MTV |date=June 26, 2009 |accessdate=June 26, 2009}}</ref> [[Lenny Kravitz]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Lenny Kravitz|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/2002/jul/05/artsfeatures2 |work=''The Guardian'' |date=July 5, 2002 |accessdate=September 31, 2009}}</ref> and [[R. Kelly]].<ref name = "Nelson George overview 24"/> For much of his career, he had an "unparalleled" level of worldwide influence over the younger generation through his musical and humanitarian contributions.<ref name="ADL">{{cite web |url=http://www.adl.org/PresRele/ASUS_12/2471_12.asp |title=ADL happy with Michael Jackson decision |publisher=[[Anti-Defamation League]] |date=(June 22, 1995) |accessdate=July 1, 2008}}</ref> Jackson's music and videos, such as ''Thriller'', helped [[MTV#Breaking the color barrier|break down racial barriers]] when first shown on [[MTV]], putting the relatively new channel on the map, changing its focus from [[rock music|rock]] to [[pop music]] and [[R&B]], and therefore shaping it to what it is today. Jackson remained a staple on MTV through the '90s. Brazilian journalist Sergio Martins, in his article about the artist and his death in ''[[Veja (magazine)|Veja]]'' magazine, wrote that after Jackson's work being a versatile [[dancer]] became a must for subsequent male stars of [[pop music]]. Michael Jackson, along with his musical style and videos, have gone onto become pop culture phenomenons.

Michael Jackson was inducted onto the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]] in 1984. Throughout his career he received numerous honors and awards, including the [[World Music Awards]]' Best-Selling Pop Male Artist of the Millennium, the [[American Music Award]]'s Artist of the Century Award and the [[Bambi (prize)|Bambi]] Pop Artist of the Millennium Award.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 50-53">George, pp. 50–53</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/2002/11/22/michaeljackson/ |title=Michael Jackson and Halle Berry Pick Up Bambi Awards in Berlin |accessdate=November 11, 2006 |work=[[Hello!]] |date= (November 22, 2002) |accessdate=July 23, 2008}}</ref> He was a double-inductee of the [[Inductees of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame#2001|Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]], once as a member of The Jackson&nbsp;5 in 1997 and later as a solo artist in 2001. Jackson was also an inductee of the [[Inductees of the Songwriters Hall of Fame#J|Songwriters Hall of Fame]] in 2002.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 50-53"/> His awards include multiple ''[[Guinness World Records]]'' (eight in 2006 alone), 15 [[Grammy Award]]s (including the "Living Legend Award" and the "Lifetime Achievement Award"), 26 [[American Music Awards]] (24 only as a solo artist, including one for "artist of the century")—more than any artist—, 13 [[List of artists who reached number one on the Hot 100 (U.S.)#J|number one singles in the US]] in his solo career—more than any other male artist in the Hot 100 era—and estimated sales between 350 and 750&nbsp;million records worldwide, making him the [[List of best-selling music artists|world's best selling male solo pop artist]].<ref name = "MJ Grammy's"/><ref name="Living Legend">{{cite web |url=http://www.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/Awards/Legends/ |title=Grammy Living Legend Award |publisher=[[Grammy]] |accessdate=December 11, 2009}}</ref><ref name="Lifetime Achievement">{{cite web |url=http://www.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/Awards/Lifetime_Awards/ |title=Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award |publisher=[[Grammy]] |accessdate=December 11, 2009}}</ref><ref name="World Records">{{cite web |url=http://uk.news.launch.yahoo.com/dyna/article.html?a=/14112006/344/jackson-receives-world-records.html&e=l_news_dm |title=Jackson receives his World Records |publisher=[[Yahoo!]] |date= (November 14, 2006) |accessdate=November 16, 2006}}</ref><ref name="KOP achievements">{{cite web |url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15529981/ |title=The return of the King of Pop |publisher=[[MSNBC]] |date=(November 2, 2006) |accessdate=June 8, 2008}}</ref><ref name="AMAs MJ">{{cite web |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2009/10/taylor-swift-michael-jackson-dominate-american-music-awards-nominations.html |title=Taylor Swift, Michael Jackson dominate American Music Awards nominations [UPDATED] |publisher=''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' |date= (October 13, 2009) |accessdate=October 14, 2009}}</ref><ref name="AMAs 2 MJ">{{cite web |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2009/11/2009-american-music-awards-scorecard.html |title=2009 American Music Awards: Scorecard |publisher=''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' |date= (November 22, 2009) |accessdate=November 23, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/specials/hot100/charts/most-no1s-overall.shtml |title=Most No. 1s By Artist (All-Time) |publisher=''Billboard'' |accessdate=September 8, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/11/06/entertainment/main3461884.shtml |title=Pop Icon Looks Back At A "Thriller" Of A Career In New Interview |publisher=CBS |date=(November 6, 2007)| accessdate=February 14, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Chris |last=Lee |url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-michael-jackson31-2009may31,0,1441957.story|title=To this financier, Michael Jackson is an undervalued asset |publisher=''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' |date=May 31, 2009| accessdate=May 31, 2009}}</ref>
[[Image:Bundesarchiv B 145 Bild-F079012-0026, Berlin, Michael Jackson-Konzert, Wartende.jpg|thumb|Queues for a Michael Jackson concert in [[West Berlin]] in June 1988]]
He was characterized as "an unstoppable juggernaut, possessed of all the tools to dominate the charts seemingly at will: an instantly identifiable voice, eye-popping dance moves, stunning musical versatility and loads of sheer star power".<ref name=allmusic /> In the mid-1980s, ''Time'' noted "Jackson is the biggest thing since [[The Beatles]]. He is the hottest single phenomenon since [[Elvis Presley]]. He just may be the most popular black singer ever".<ref name=TIME/> By 1990, ''[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]]'' had already cited Jackson as the most popular artist in the history of show business.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 43-44"/> ''[[Daily Telegraph]]'' writer [[Tom Utley]] called him an "extremely important figure in the history of popular culture" and a "genius".<ref name=telegraph>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/main.jhtml?xml=/opinion/2003/02/08/do0801.xml&sSheet=/opinion/2003/02/08/ixopinion.html |author=[[Tom Utley|Utley, Tom]] |title=Of course Jackson's odd&nbsp;— but his genius is what matters |publisher=''The Daily Telegraph'' |date=March 8, 2003 |accessdate=July 23, 2008}}</ref> In late 2007, Jackson said the following of his work and future influence, "Music has been my outlet, my gift to all of the lovers in this world. Through it, my music, I know I will live forever."<ref>{{cite news |first=Bryan |last=Monroe |title=Michael Jackson in His Own Words |format=Print/Magazine |publisher=''[[Ebony]]'' |date=December 2007}}</ref>

His total lifetime earnings from [[royalties]] on his solo recordings and music videos, revenue from concerts and endorsements have been estimated at $500&nbsp;million; some analysts have speculated that his music catalog holdings could be worth billions of dollars.<ref name="usatoday finances"/><ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,155356,00.html | title = Witness: Jacko Lived Way Above Means | publisher = Fox News Channel| date = (May 3, 2005) | accessdate = May 30, 2007}}</ref> This speculation however is contradicted by financial documents obtained by the Associated Press, which showed that as of March 31, 2007, Jackson's 50 percent stake in the Sony/ATV Music Publishing catalog (his most prized asset) was worth $390.6 million and Michael Jackson’s net worth was $236 million.<ref name="cbsnews1">[http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/06/30/entertainment/main5125862.shtml "Family: Michael Jackson Had A Will"] CBS News (June 30, 2009). Retrieved on July 12, 2009.</ref> As one of the world's most famous men, Jackson's highly publicized personal life, coupled with his [[Records and achievements by Michael Jackson|successful career]], made him a part of [[popular culture]] for the last four decades.<ref name="KOP achievements"/><ref name="BBC Tom sneddon">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/music/4216779.stm |title=Tom Sneddon: Dogged prosecutor |publisher=BBC |date=(January 31, 2005) |accessdate=August 14, 2008}}</ref>

Shortly after his death on June 25, 2009, MTV briefly returned to its original music video format to celebrate and pay tribute to his work.<ref>{{cite news|last=Barnes|first=Brokes|title=A Star Idolized and Haunted, Michael Jackson Dies at 50 |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/26/arts/music/26jackson.html?ref=obituaries|work=New York Times|date=June 25, 2009|accessdate=July 12, 2009}}</ref> The channel aired many hours of Jackson's music videos, accompanied by live news specials featuring reactions from MTV personalities and other celebrities. The temporary shift in MTV's programming culminated the following week with the channel's live coverage of Jackson's memorial service.<ref>{{cite web|title=More adds, loose ends, and lament|url=http://altmusictv.blogspot.com/2009/07/more-adds-loose-ends-and-lament.html|work=The 120 Minutes Archive|date=July 25, 2009|accessdate=July 26, 2009}}</ref> At the memorial service on July 7, 2009, founder of [[Motown Records]] Berry Gordy proclaimed Jackson as "the greatest entertainer that ever lived."<ref>{{cite web |title=Farewell to a King|url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20292614,00.htmll|work=''People'' |date=July 20, 2009 |accessdate=November 26, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=BERRY GORDY - GORDY BRINGS MOURNERS TO THEIR FEET WITH JACKSON TRIBUTE|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/story/gordy-brings-mourners-to-their-feet-with-jackson-tribute_1108973|work=''Contact Music'' |date=July 7, 2009 |accessdate=November 26, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Michael Jackson hailed as greatest entertainer, best dad|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE5615KN20090708|work=''Reuters UK'' |date=July 8, 2009 |accessdate=November 26, 2009}}</ref> In November 2009 some of Michael Jackson's memorabilia was auctioned in New York, including the Rhinstone Glove used during his first moonwalk performance, which sold for $350,000 at nine times its expected price. Among other items were a 1989 "Bad" tour jacket which sold for $225,000 and a fedora hat which sold for $22,000<ref>{{cite web |title=Michael Jackson Moonwalk glove auctioned for $350,000|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8372773.stm|work=''BBC'' |date=November 22, 2009 |accessdate=December 25, 2009}}</ref>

==Discography==
{{Main|Michael Jackson album discography|Michael Jackson singles discography|Michael Jackson videography}}
{{See also|Jackson 5 discography}}
* ''[[Got to Be There]]'' (1972)
* ''[[Ben (album)|Ben]]'' (1972)
* ''[[Music & Me]]'' (1973)
* ''[[Forever, Michael]]'' (1975)
* ''[[Off the Wall (album)|Off the Wall]]'' (1979)
* ''[[Thriller (album)|Thriller]]'' (1982)
* ''[[Bad (album)|Bad]]'' (1987)
* ''[[Dangerous (album)|Dangerous]]'' (1991)
* ''[[HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I]]'' (1995)
* ''[[Invincible (Michael Jackson album)|Invincible]]'' (2001)

==Filmography==
{{Main|Michael Jackson videography}}
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Year!!Film!!Role!!Director!!class="unsortable"|Ref
|- style="text-align:center;"
||1978||''[[The Wiz (film)|The Wiz]]''||[[Scarecrow (Oz)|Scarecrow]]||{{sortname|Sidney|Lumet}}|| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name = "quincy">Jones, pp. 229, 259</ref>
|- style="text-align:center;"
||1986||''[[Captain EO]]''||Captain EO||{{sortname|Francis Ford|Coppola}}|| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name = "tara 355-356">Taraborrelli, pp. 355–356</ref>
|- style="text-align:center;"
||1988||''[[Moonwalker]]''||Himself||{{sortname|Jerry|Kramer}}|| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name = "tara 413-414">Taraborrelli, pp. 413–414</ref>
|- style="text-align:center;"
||1997||''[[Ghosts (1997 film)|Ghosts]]''||Maestro/Mayor/Ghoul/Skeleton||{{sortname|Stan|Winston}}|| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name = "tara 610">Taraborrelli, p. 610</ref>
|- style="text-align:center;"
||2002||''[[Men in Black II]]''||Agent M (cameo)||{{sortname|Barry|Sonnenfeld}}|| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name="Defending Earth, With Worms and a Talking Pug">{{cite news|first=A. O|last=Scott|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/03/movies/03BLAC.html?ex=1234155600&en=1e9c4a5a1eafc54f&ei=5070|title=Defending Earth, With Worms and a Talking Pug|publisher=''The New York Times''|accessdate=February 7, 2009}}</ref>
|- style="text-align:center;"
||2004||''[[Miss Cast Away and the Island Girls]]''||Agent MJ (cameo)||{{sortname|Bryan Michael|Stoller}}|| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name="'Miss Cast Away': You Know It's Bad">{{cite web|first=Jen|last=Chaney|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/18/AR2005071800641_pf.html|title='Miss Cast Away': You Know It's Bad|publisher=''The Washington Post''|date=July 19, 2005|accessdate=February 7, 2009}}</ref>
|- style="text-align:center;"
||2009||''[[Michael Jackson's This Is It]]''||Himself||[[Kenny Ortega]]|| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name="Michael Jackson's "This Is It," to be Presented In Theaters Around The World">{{cite web|first=Danny|last=Le|url=http://www.michaeljackson.com/us/news/michael-jacksons-it-be-presented-theaters-around-world|title='Michael Jackson's "This Is It," to be Presented In Theaters Around The World|publisher=MichaelJackson.com|date=August 11, 2009|accessdate=August 11, 2009}}</ref>
|}

==Tours==
{{main|List of Michael Jackson tours}}
* [[Bad World Tour]] (1987–89)
* [[Dangerous World Tour]] (1992–93)
* [[HIStory World Tour]] (1996–97)
* [[This Is It (Michael Jackson concerts)|This Is It]] (2009)

==See also==
* [[List of awards received by Michael Jackson]]
* [[List of best-selling music artists]]
* [[List of best-selling music artists in the United States]]
* [[List of honorific titles in popular music]]
* [[Records and achievements of Michael Jackson]]
* [[Peter Pan syndrome]]

==References==
{{refs|2}}<!-- Please leave in 2-column mode for readability at all screen resolutions -->

===Other references===
* {{cite book|last=Brackett|first=Nathan|authorlink=Nathan Brackett|coauthors=Christian Hoard|title=[[Rolling Stone Album Guide]]|publisher=Fireside|year=2004|isbn=0-7432-0169-8}}
* {{cite book|last=Campbell|first=Lisa|title=Michael Jackson: The King of Pop|publisher=Branden|year=1993|isbn=082831957X}}
* {{cite book|last=Campbell|first=Lisa|title=Michael Jackson: The King of Pop's Darkest Hour|publisher=Branden|year=1995|isbn=0828320039}}
* [[Nelson George|George, Nelson]] (2004). ''[[Michael Jackson: The Ultimate Collection]]'' booklet. [[Sony BMG]].
* {{cite book |last=Guinness World Records |title=Guinness World Records 2004 |year=2003 |publisher=Guinness |isbn=1892051206}}
* {{cite book |last=Guinness World Records |title=Guinness World Records 2006 |year=2005 |publisher=Guinness |isbn=1-904994-02-4}}
* {{cite book |last=Jackson |first=Michael |title=[[Moon Walk (autobiography)|Moon Walk]] |year=1988 |publisher=Doubleday |isbn=0385247125}}
* {{cite book |last=Lewis |first=Jel |title=Michael Jackson, the King of Pop: The Big Picture : the Music! the Man! the Legend! the Interviews! |year = 2005 |publisher=Amber Books Publishing|isbn=0-974977-90-X}}
*{{cite book |last1=Ramage |first1=John D. |last2=Bean |first2=John C. |last3=Johnson |first3=June | title=Writing arguments: a rhetoric with readings| publisher=Allyn and Bacon| year=2001| isbn=0205317456}}
*{{cite book |last=Taraborrelli |first=J. Randy |authorlink=J. Randy Taraborrelli |title=Michael Jackson: The Magic, The Madness, The Whole Story, 1958-2009 |year=2009 |publisher=Grand Central Publishing, 2009 |location=Terra Alta, WV |id=ISBN 0446564745, 9780446564748}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite book|last=Dineen|first=Catherine|title=Michael Jackson: In His Own Words|publisher=[[Omnibus Press]]|year=1993|isbn=0711932166}}
* {{cite book |last=Grant |first=Adrian |title=Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary |year=1994, 1997, 2002 and 2005 |publisher=[[Omnibus Press]] |isbn=1-84449-432-2}}
* {{cite book |last=Jackson |first=Michael |title=Moonwalk |year= 1988|publisher=Doubleday |pages=143–144 |isbn=0-434-37042-8}}
* {{cite book |last=Jackson |first=Michael |title=Dancing the Dream |year=1992 |publisher=Doubleday |isbn=0-385-40368-2}}
* {{cite book |last=Jackson |first=Michael |title=My World, The Official Photobook, Vol. 1 |year=2006 |publisher=Triumph International |isbn=0-9768891-1-0}}
*{{cite book |last=Taraborrelli |first=J. Randy |authorlink=J. Randy Taraborrelli |title=Michael Jackson: The Magic, The Madness, The Whole Story, 1958-2009 |year=2009 |publisher=Grand Central Publishing, 2009 |location=Terra Alta, WV |id=ISBN 0446564745, 9780446564748}}
* {{cite book|last=Jones|first=Bob|title=Michael Jackson: The Man Behind the Mask|publisher=Select Books Inc|year=2005|isbn=1590790723}}
* {{cite book |last=Noonan |first=Damien |title=Michael Jackson |format= Audio book |year= 1994|publisher=Carlton Books |isbn=1-85797-587-1}}

==External links==
{{sisterlinks|n=Category:Michael Jackson|commons=Category:Michael Jackson|wikt=no|v=no|b=no|s=no}}
* Official Michael Jackson Sites: [http://www.michaeljackson.com Professional]· [http://www.youtube.com/michaeljackson YouTube] · [http://www.twitter.com/michaeljackson Twitter] · [http://www.myspace.com/michaeljackson MySpace] · [http://www.facebook.com/michaeljackson Facebook]
* {{dmoz|Arts/Music/Bands_and_Artists/J/Jackson,_Michael/|Michael Jackson}}
* {{Discogs artist|artist=Michael+Jackson}}
* {{imdb name|name=Michael Jackson|id=0001391}}
* {{amg|label=Michael Jackson|id=11:m7uvad8kv8w5}}

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<!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]] -->
{{Persondata
|NAME=Jackson, Michael Joseph
|ALTERNATIVE NAMES=Jackson, Michael Joe; Jackson, Michael J.
|SHORT DESCRIPTION=Singer
|DATE OF BIRTH= August 29, 1958
|PLACE OF BIRTH= [[Gary, Indiana|Gary]], [[Indiana]], United States
|DATE OF DEATH= June 25, 2009
|PLACE OF DEATH= Los Angeles, [[California]], United States
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Jackson, Michael}}
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[[Category:Cause of death disputed]]
[[Category:English-language singers]]
[[Category:Epic Records artists]]
[[Category:Former Jehovah's Witnesses]]
[[Category:Grammy Award winners]]
[[Category:Jackson family|Michael Jackson]]
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[[Category:Musicians from Indiana]]
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[[Category:The Jackson 5 members|Michael Jackson]]
[[Category:World record holders]]
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Revision as of 18:18, 29 December 2009

HE's A CRAZY PEDO!

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