M. JACKSON

progressive rock // progressive rock // progressive rock //

1960 // 1970

Black History Month Project:
Michael Jackson

His life and music + influence/impact on the

music industry

By Ana Gonzalez

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progressive rock // progressive rock // progressive rock //

Table of contents

01

music

How he shaped the music

industry

Influence and impact

03

How he is remembered

today

Legacy

04

His prime in the 80s and his

music

02

Jackson 5 and the

beginning of his career

Introduction

Introduction

Michael Jackson, born August 29, 1959 in Gary, Indiana,
was an American singer, dancer, and songwriter who
specialized in pop, R&B, and soul music primarily during
the 80s. He passed away on June 25th, 2009 at age 50 in
Los Angeles, California due to a cardiac arrest.

In 1969, His father organized a rock group called “Jackson
5” consisting of MJ (who was the youngest), along with his
four older brothers. They were very successful due to
their ’new’ and ‘refreshing’ style of music and
performances. They disbanded in 1975.

In 1979, Michael Jackson’s first solo, “Off the Wall”, became
the best-selling album of that year with singles like “Rock
with You” becoming international hits. This would be the
beginning of his well-known career.

01

1960 // 1970

02Music

In 1982, MJ released his most successful,
best-selling album, “Thriller”, selling over 70 million
copies, granting him eight Grammys and
popularity/recognition around the world..

His music quickly became known for the unique use
of beats, rhythms, and lyrics, which were different
from other music in the 80s.

Music videos for songs like “Thriller”, “BillieJean”,
and “Beat it” helped break racial barriers primarily
in the music industry by including diversity.

He became known as the “King of Pop” and his
performances were known for being flashy and
energetic, as his attire would be shiny, colorful, and
even sophisticated. He also adapted iconic dance
moves such as the “Moonwalk” into his
performances.

progressive rock // progressive rock // progressive rock //

03Influence and impact

Michael shaped the music industry primarily during
the 80s, but his influence is so significant it's still
apparent almost 4 decades later due to how he
experimented with a wide variety of different music
genres and styles, along with his unique
performances and fashion style. He paved the way
for both pop and R&B artists in the late 80s-mid
90s.

Michael Jackson also spoke out against racism by
using his music as a way to symbolically express
activism. The music video for “Thriller” also helped
African-American artists and their music videos to
gain more recognition both in the nation and
around the world as well as being featured more
often in MTV, as artists such as Prince and Whitney
Houston were finally able to be featured in MTV.

1960 // 1970

Michael Jackson is best remembered
today as the “King of Pop”. He is best

remembered for permanently changing
the music industry and influencing pop
culture. His music is known all over the

world.

He is also best remembered for

accomplishments such as winning 13

awards (8 for ‘Thriller’ ) and getting

inducted in the Hall of Rock twice in his

lifetime. While he is known for many

things, both good and bad, he has

contributed to many positive things, one

being towards the African-American

community.

04Legacy

1960 // 1970

-He had two llamas as pets in his ranch
called Lola and Louis

-He was badly burned while filming a Pepsi
commercial

-He had a skin condition called vitiligo

-He is the seventh of nine children

-He is the most awarded music artist in
history

-He once tried attempted to play the role
of Spiderman

-He has children from his two former wives

-He broke his nose once during a dance
rehearsal

Fun facts

Works cited

●“The King of Pop: How Michael Jackson Revolutionized the Music Industry.” Medium,

https://medium.com/@aly.wilburn/the-king-of-pop-how-michael-jackson-revolutionized-the-music-industry-f9008

7dd2928. Accessed 25 February 2023.

●Mandal, Bryonie. “Michael Jackson: King of Pop – The Vision.” The Vision — MSMS,

https://thevisionmsms.org/11542/entertainment/michael-jackson-king-of-pop/. Accessed 25 February 2023.

●Vincent, Rickey, and Michael Ray. “Michael Jackson | Biography, Albums, Songs, Thriller, Beat It, & Facts.”

Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 February 2023, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Michael-Jackson. Accessed 25

February 2023.