Michael Jackson

The 7th of the 9 children -Sigmund "Jackie", Toriano "Tito", Jermaine, Marlon, Steven "Randy"and sisters Rebbie, Janet and La-Toya Jackson; Michael had his first tryst with music as a lead singer of the Jackson 5 in 1964. The Jackson 5 played at local nightclubs and also participated in competitions. Despite his young age, he soon carved a niche for himself as a singer and dancer of exceptional ability. The Jackson 5 ruled the charts in the late ’60s and the early ’70s. After signing a contract for Motown, the Jackson 5 had to shift their base to California. This was followed by chartbusters like ‘I Want You Back,’, ‘Dancing Machine’, ‘The Love You Save’ and ‘I'll Be There’ in 1970. The Jackson 5 remained with Motown till 1976.

Michael first met Quincy Jones in 1977 when he starred in the hit musical ‘The Wiz’. Michael played Scarecrow and this film also had Diana Ross in the lead. Quincy Jones became Michael’s long time friend and was also the producer of this soundtrack album.

Michael’s first taste to success:
The album ‘Off The Wall’ achieved a stupendous response from people all over the world in the year 1979. This was the first album to spawn a record breaking four No1 singles in the US. Michael Jackson had arrived! ‘Rock With You’ and ‘Don’t’ Stop Till You Get Enough’ clung to the number 1 spots. This album also saw Michael bagging his first award at the American Music Awards and also the Billboard Awards.

‘Thriller’ moments:
Dancing around with a bunch of ghouls and mummies, Michael Jackson became a musical phenomenon with his chartbusting track ‘Thriller’. He wooed the PYT against an eerie backdrop. This was Michael’s second epic album, ‘Thriller’ (1982) and it saw stupendous success (37 weeks at the number 1 slot). The video inspired many more remakes along the way. It also produced 7 hit singles. ‘Billie Jean’ received regular airplays and also became the first music video by a black artist to bag these slots. Michael’s signature moonwalk... [continues]

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