Remembering the King of Pop - A decade and two on.

 Michael Joseph Jackson popularly known in the music fraternity as Michael Jackson contributed immensely to culture, singing, philanthropy and fashion. Arguably the best songster of all time, Michael Jacksons’ career spun over four decades. 

From being a member of the Jackson Five to going solo, Michael Jackson solidified himself as one of the most prominent singers and dancers of the 20th Century. 

Today, we delve into the life of Michael Jackson, his contribution to the music world as we mark exactly 12 years of his departure from this world. 

Michael Jackson, the eight of ten children of the Jackson family was born in Gary, Indiana, near Chicago on August 29th 1958. Michael was born into a musical family as his dad Joseph Walter Jackson played guitar for a local rhythm and blue band and his mother Katherine Esther Jackson who aspired to be a country-and-western performer played the clarinet. 

Michael Jackson made his professional debut in 1964 with his four brothers, Marlon Jackson, Tito Jackson, Jackie Jackson and Jermaine Jackson called the Jackson 5. During his time with the Jackson 5, Michael Jackson shared lead vocalist roles with Jermaine Jackson. 

Michael Jackson will however go solo to become the most iconic figure in the world of music today. 

In 1971, Michael Jackson begun his solo music career after being signed to Motown Records. He later became a solo star with his 1979 album “Off the Wall”. 

Musical pundits have said that Michael Jacksons’ music videos such as, “Thriller”, “Billie Jean” and “Beat it” from his 1982 album Thriller are credited with breaking racial barriers and transforming the medium into an art form and promotional tool. 

Michael Jackson in the late 1980’s faced a series of serious speculations and controversies due to his changing appearance, relationships, behavior and lifestyle. Jackson who was born Black suddenly turned white and this troubled many of his fans. However his hit song “Black or White” which was released on November 11th 1991 explained why he decided to change his skin tone. 

During the early stages of his music, although Michael Jackson was making hits upon hits, racism in Europe and America was at a very high level. Michael Jackson was not appreciated for his works due to his skin tone. A case which triggered him to go the extra mile to get the layers of his skin removed in order to make him look like a White person. 

After the layers of his skin got removed, Michael Jackson couldn’t stand the conditions of the sun and was always seen under an umbrella. 

Michael Jackson brought about the Moon Walk, a dance move which you move backwards. He was also an iconic dance figure with dancers such as, Usher, Ne-Yo among others learning from him. 

Michael Jacksons’ Billy Jean also featured in Grand Theft Auto Vice City, an adventure game developed by Rockstar North and released by Rockstar Games in 2002.

In 1993, Michael Jackson was accused of sexually abusing the child of a family friend. The case however was settled out of civil court due to lack of evidence and Michael Jackson was not indicted.  

As at the time of his death, Michael Jackson was worth 236 million dollars with his real estate at 1.3 billion dollars after his death. Today, Jackson is worth an whooping 500 million dollars, two decades after his death. 

Michael Jackson two decades after his death holds the record of most awards won by an artist totaling 105 awards with 24 American Music Awards, 13 Grammy awards, 5 Billboard Music Awards among others. Jackson currently holds 16 Guinness World Records and also a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His music video for Billy Jean hit one billion views earlier this month. 

On June 25th 2009, less than three weeks to his “This is It” concert, Michael Jackson passed on due to a cardiac arrest. The whole world was thrown into a state of shock with many saying the news was not credible. Jacksons’ personal physician, Conrad Murray came under serious scrutiny and it was later found out that he administered Jackson various medications to help him sleep. Jackson was administered propofol, lorazepam, and midazolam and his death was caused by a propofol overdose. Conrad was later sentenced to four years in prison in late 2011 after being charged with manslaughter. 

Jacksons memorial service also holds the record till date as one of the most watched events in streaming history with an estimated US audience of 31.1 million. 

A great icon left us in the 20th century, a global icon who brought hope to the black race and changed the era of music, dance, fashion and philanthropy. A decade and two on after his death, Michael Jackson helped shape the generation of music and dance with out of this world dance moves. An icon who helped the white world give opportunities to black entertainers. Keep resting in Power Michael Jackson. 

The King of Pop forever lives on…