Michael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson was born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, and was the eighth of ten children in the Jackson family. His parents, Joseph and Katherine Jackson, played significant roles in his childhood. Joseph was a crane operator, while Katherine was a homemaker. Michael's early exposure to music came from his family's musical background, and he began performing with his brothers in the Jackson 5 when he was just a child.
The Jackson 5 gained national attention in the late 1960s, becoming one of the first African American musical groups to achieve widespread success. The group secured a record deal with Motown Records and released numerous hits, including "I Want You Back" and "ABC." Michael's talent as a singer and performer quickly set him apart, and he became the lead singer of the group.
In the 1970s, Michael Jackson transitioned to a solo career while still performing with the Jackson 5. His 1979 album "Off the Wall" marked a significant turning point, showcasing his unique style and musical innovation. The album produced hits such as "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" and "Rock with You."
Jackson's subsequent album, "Thriller," released in 1982, became the best-selling album of all time, featuring iconic tracks like "Billie Jean," "Beat It," and the title track "Thriller." His innovative music videos and groundbreaking performances revolutionized the music industry and established him as the "King of Pop".
Throughout his career, Michael Jackson received numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards. He was known for his signature dance moves, including the moonwalk, and for his philanthropic efforts, supporting various charities and humanitarian causes. His influence on music and popular culture remains profound, as he continues to inspire artists across generations.
Jackson's life was marked by personal struggles and controversies, including legal battles and challenges related to his health. He passed away on June 25, 2009, in Los Angeles, California, due to acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication. His death was a significant moment in music history, leading to an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow artists worldwide.
Michael Jackson's legacy as an artist, performer, and cultural icon endures, and he remains a pivotal figure in the history of music.
<div hidden>The Jackson Five The Jackson 5 The Jacksons</div>
Forever Michael
Arranged By – James Carmichael
Producer – Brian Holland
Written-By – B. Holland, E. Holland
3:41
A2 Take Me Back
Arranged By – James Carmichael
Producer – Brian Holland
Written-By – B. Holland, E. Holland
3:29
A3 One Day In Your Life
Arranged By – Sam Brown
Producer – Sam Brown
Written-By – R. Armand, S. Brown III
4:15
A4 Cinderella Stay Awhile
Arranged By – David Blumberg
Producer – Hal Davis
Written-By – M. David, M. B. Sutton
3:11
A5 We've Got Forever
Arranged By – James Carmichael
Producer – Hal Davis
Written-By – E. Willensky, M. David
3:12
B1 Just A Little Bit Of You
Arranged By – James Carmichael
Producer – Brian Holland
Written-By – B. Holland, E. Holland
3:14
B2 You Are There
Arranged By – James Carmichael
Producer – Brian Holland
Written-By – C. Yarian, R. Meitzenheimer, S. Brown III
3:23
B3 Dapper-Dan
Arranged By – Art Wright
Producer – Hal Davis
Written-By – D. Fletcher, H. Davis, R. Esters
3:08
B4 Dear Michael
Arranged By – James Carmichael
Producer – Hal Davis
Written-By – E. Willensky, H. Davis
2:37
B5 I'll Come Home To You
Arranged By – Eddy Manson, Freddie Perren
Producer – Fonce Mizell, Freddie Perren
Written-By – C. Yarian, F. Perren
3:05
Label: Motown – M6-825S1
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1975
Genre: R&B Soul, Pop
Style: Seventies Soul, Ballad
Forever, Michael (1975) is Michael Jackson's fourth solo album, released by Motown, marking his final release with the label before his solo superstardom, showcasing a smoother soul sound and his transition from boy soprano to tenor with hits like "One Day in Your Life," "We're Almost There," and "Just a Little Bit of You," bridging his child-star era with his future global icon status.
It captures Michael at age 16, moving from his child-star image to a more mature artist, with his voice developing into a tenor. Blends soul, funk, and pop, featuring heartfelt ballads and more upbeat tracks. It produced several hit singles: "One Day in Your Life" (a UK #1), "We're Almost There," and "Just a Little Bit of You".
The album served as a crucial bridge before his massive breakthrough with Off the Wall (1979) and his collaboration with Quincy Jones. The production of the album included contributions from Motown legends like Brian Holland and Hal Davis, alongside Sam Brown III and Freddie Perren.
In essence, Forever, Michael offered fans a soulful, emotional glimpse of the evolving artist, solidifying his vocal talent and paving the way for the global phenomenon he would soon become.
The album was a moderate success in the U.S., reaching number 10 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and number 101 on the Billboard 200. Critics generally praised Jackson's maturing voice and performance, though some retrospective reviews noted that the standard Motown arrangements didn't yet hint at the massive "sonic revelations" of his later breakthrough, Off the Wall.
Off the Wall
Written-By – M. Jackson
6:02
A2 Rock With You
Written-By – R. Temperton
3:38
A3 Working Day And Night
Written-By – M. Jackson
5:12
A4 Get On The Floor
Written-By – L. Johnson, M. Jackson
4:44
B1 Off The Wall
Written-By – R. Temperton
4:04
B2 Girlfriend
Written-By – McCartney
3:04
B3 She's Out Of My Life
Written-By – T. Bahler
3:36
B4 I Can't Help It
Written-By – S. Wonder, S. Greene
4:27
B5 It's The Falling In Love
Written-By – C. B. Sager, D. Foster
3:46
B6 Burn This Disco Out
Written-By – R. Temperton
3:38
Label: Epic – FE 35745
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1979
Genre: R&B Soul, Pop
Style: Seventies Soul, Disco
Michael Jackson's fifth studio album, Off the Wall (1979), is widely hailed as a landmark of 20th-century music, frequently cited by critics as one of the greatest pop albums of all time. Released on August 10, 1979, it marked Jackson's first project with producer Quincy Jones and served as his definitive transition from child star to adult solo artist.
Critics praise the album's seamless blend of disco, funk, soul, R&B, and pop. It is often described as "discofied post-Motown glamour at its classiest".
Jackson's "extraordinarily beautiful" feathery tenor and daring use of falsetto are highlights. His emotional delivery in "She's Out of My Life," where he is heard crying at the end, is frequently noted for its raw vulnerability.
Quincy Jones's "masterful" and "polished" production is credited with creating a "fresh" and "vibrant" sound that remains a benchmark for pop excellence.
Many music journalists and fans argue that Off the Wall is superior to Thriller (1982), citing its consistency, youthful energy, and lack of "overly processed" sound compared to later work.
Track Highlights:-
"Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough": An "aural extravaganza" and Jackson's first self-penned #1 hit, praised for its infectious disco-funk groove.
"Rock with You": Often called the "perfect pop song," lauded for its "masterful" melody and "gentle, seductive sexiness".
"I Can't Help It": A jazz-infused deep cut co-written by Stevie Wonder, frequently highlighted as a "hidden gem".
"She's Out of My Life": A stark, emotional ballad that showcases Jackson's maturity as an interpreter of song.
It was the first album by a solo artist to spawn four Billboard Top 10 hits. As of 2026, the album's influence remains vast, with modern artists like The Weeknd, Beyoncé, and Pharrell Williams citing it as a primary blueprint for their own work.
Though famously snubbed for "Album of the Year" at the 1980 Grammys, it won "Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male" for its lead single and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2008.
While some critics noted a slight dip in quality on the second side of the album, it is overwhelmingly viewed as a classic that established the musical, vocal, and artistic, foundation for Jackson's future "King of Pop" status.