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{{Short description|American singer (1958–2009)}}
{{Other persons|Michael Jackson}}
{{Other uses}}
{{pp-semi-indef}}{{pp-move-indef}}
{{Redirect|King of Pop|other uses}}
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- For individuals; see Misplaced Pages:WikiProject_Musicians -->
{{Featured article}}
| Img = Michael Jackson 1984.jpg
{{pp-extended|small=yes}}
| Img_capt = At ] in 1984
{{Use American English|date=September 2024}}
| Img_size = 220
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2024}}
| Img_alt = A mid-twenties African American man wearing a sequined military jacket and dark sunglasses. He is walking while waving his right hand, which is adorned with a white glove. His left hand is bare.
{{Infobox person
| Landscape = no
| Background = solo_singer | name = Michael Jackson
| Birth_name = Michael Joseph Jackson | image = Michael Jackson in 1988.jpg<!--DO NOT CHANGE THE IMAGE WITHOUT CONSENSUS ON THE TALK PAGE.-->
| Born = {{Birth date|1958|08|29|mf=yes}}<br />], ], ] | alt = Black-and-white photo of Jackson singing into a stand-up microphone
| caption = Jackson in 1988
| Died = {{Death date and age|2009|06|25|1958|08|29|mf=yes}}<br />], ], U.S.
| Instrument = Vocals | birth_name = Michael Joseph Jackson
| birth_date = {{birth date|1958|8|29}}
| Genre = ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ]
| birth_place = ], US<!-- Per ], "the use or non-use of periods (full stops) should also be consistent with other country abbreviations in the same article (thus 'the US, UK, and USSR', not 'the U.S., UK, and USSR')." -->
| Occupation = Singer, songwriter, record producer, composer, dancer, choreographer, actor, businessman, philanthropist
| death_date = {{death date and age|2009|6|25|1958|8|29}}
| Years_active = 1964–2009
| death_place = Los Angeles, California,<!--Links not needed per MOS:OVERLINK--> US
| Label = ], ], ]
| death_cause = ] caused by acute propofol intoxication
| Associated_acts = ]
| burial_place = ], US
| URL =
| alias = Michael Joe Jackson<!--Legal aliases only. This is not a field for nicknames.-->
| occupation = {{hlist|Singer|songwriter|dancer|record producer}}<!--Please do not add anymore occupations to the list, it is long enough already-->
| spouse = {{ubl|{{marriage|]|1994|1996|end=divorced}}|{{marriage|]|1996|2000|end=divorced}}}}
| children = 3, including ]
| parents = {{ubl|]|]}}
| family = ]
| awards = ]
| website = {{URL|michaeljackson.com}}
| signature = Michael Jackson signature.svg
| signature_size = 100px
| module = {{Infobox musical artist|embed=yes
| instrument = Vocals<!--If you think an instrument should be listed, a discussion to reach consensus is needed first-->
| genre = <!--Sourced under the section #Musical themes and genres-->{{hlist|]|]|]|]|]|]|]|]|]}}
| discography = {{hlist|]|]|]}}
| years_active = 1964–2009
| label = {{hlist|]|]|]|]|]|MJJ Productions}}
| past_member_of = ]
}} }}
}}
<!--Paragraph 1/4: Introduction to Jackson and summary of his notability:-->
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'''Michael Joseph Jackson''' (August 29, 1958&nbsp;– June 25, 2009) was an American recording artist, entertainer, and philanthropist. Referred to by many as the ],<!-- It has been stated that "This is not a legal alias nor an official stage name", and so should not be set in boldface. If you disagree, please discuss on the talk page before making any change. --> His contribution to music, dance and fashion, along with a much-publicized personal life, made him a global figure in ] for over four decades. The eighth child of the ], he debuted on the professional music scene alongside his brothers as a member of ] in the mid-1960s, and began his solo career in 1971.
<!-- Please do not make changes to the lead without discussing them on the article's talk page.-->


'''Michael Joseph Jackson''' (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist.<!--DO NOT add more occupations per ].--> Dubbed the "'''King of Pop'''", he is regarded as ]. Over a four-decade career, ] and publicized personal life made him a global figure. His innovations in the 1980s creatively elevated the music video medium and broke ]. Through songs, stages, and fashion, he proliferated visual performance for singers in pop music, and popularized street dance moves including the ], to which he named, the ], and the ].
<!--Paragraph 2/4: General/qualitative accomplishments:-->
In the early 1980s, Jackson became a dominant figure in ] and the first ] entertainer to amass a strong ] following on ]. The ] for his songs, such as "]", "]" and "]", were credited with transforming the medium into an art form and a promotional tool, and the popularity of these videos helped to bring the relatively new television channel to fame. Videos such as "]" and "]" made him a staple on MTV in the 1990s. Through stage performances and music videos, Jackson popularized a number of dance techniques, such as the ] and the ]. His distinctive musical sound and vocal style have influenced ], ], ] and ] artists.
<!-- Please do not make changes to the lead without discussing them on the article's talk page.-->


As part of the ], Michael at age six made his public debut in 1964 with his older brothers ], ], ], and ] as a member of ] (later known as the Jacksons). The Jackson 5 signed with ] in 1968 and achieved worldwide success with Michael as lead singer. Jackson began his solo career in 1971 while at Motown and recorded multiple successful singles. He became a global solo star with his 1979 album '']''. ], including those for "]", "]", and "]" from his 1982 album '']'', are credited with breaking ] and transforming the medium into an art form and promotional tool. He helped popularize ] and continued to innovate with videos for his albums '']'' (1987), '']'' (1991), '']'' (1995), and ] (2001). ''Thriller'' is the ], and ''Bad'' was the first album to produce five US ] number-one singles.{{refn|group=nb|"]", "]", "]", "]", and "]"}}
<!--Paragraph 3/4: Specific/quantitative accomplishments:-->
Jackson's album ''Thriller'' is the ]. His other records, including '']'' (1979), '']'' (1987), '']'' (1991) and '']'' (1995), also rank among the world's best-selling. Jackson is one of the few artists to have been inducted into the ] twice. His other ] include multiple ]; 13 ]s (as well as the ] and the ]); 26 ] (more than any other artist, including the "Artist of the Century", but not the poll of "Artist of the '80s"); 13 ] in his solo career (more than any other male artist in the ] era); and the estimated sale of over 750&nbsp;million records worldwide. Jackson won ], which have made him the most-awarded recording artist in the history of music. He was also a notable humanitarian and philanthropist, donating and raising hundreds of millions of dollars for beneficial causes and supporting over 39 charities.
<!-- Please do not make changes to the lead without discussing them on the article's talk page.-->


From the late 1980s, Jackson became a figure of controversy and speculation due to ], ], behavior, and lifestyle. In 1993, he ] the child of a family friend. The lawsuit was settled out of civil court; Jackson was not indicted due to lack of evidence. In 2005, he ] of further child sexual abuse allegations and several other charges. The ] found ] by Jackson. In 2009, while he was preparing for a series of comeback concerts, ], Jackson ] from an overdose of ] administered by his personal physician, ], who was ] of ] for his involvement in Jackson's death. His death triggered reactions around the world, creating unprecedented surges of internet traffic and a spike in sales of his music. ], held at the ] in Los Angeles, was estimated to have been viewed by more than 2.5&nbsp;billion people.
<!--Paragraph 4/4: Controversy and death:-->

Aspects of Jackson's personal life, including his changing ], ] and behavior, generated controversy. In 1993, he was ], but the case was settled and no formal charges were brought. In 2005, he was ] of further sexual abuse allegations and several other charges after the jury ruled him not guilty on all counts. Admist the preperations for the concert series ], Jackson ] on June 25, 2009, after suffering from ]. Before his death, Jackson had reportedly been administered drugs such as ] and ]. The ] declared his death a ], and his personal physician ]ded not guilty to charges of ]. Jackson's death triggered a global outpouring of grief, and as many as a billion people around the world may have watched his ] on live television. In March 2010, ] signed a ]250 million deal with Jackson's estate to retain distribution rights to his recordings until 2017, and to release seven posthumous albums over the decade following his death.
Jackson is one of the ], with estimated sales of over 500 million records worldwide.{{refn|group=nb|The estimates of Michael Jackson's record sales vary up to 1{{nbsp}}billion records worldwide.<ref>{{cite news |title=Billboard Music Awards 2014: Michael Jackson hologram steals the show |newspaper=] |date=May 19, 2014 |access-date=June 30, 2024 |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/michael-jackson/10840106/Billboard-Music-Awards-2014-Michael-Jackson-hologram-steals-the-show.html |archive-date=June 6, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606193639/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/michael-jackson/10840106/Billboard-Music-Awards-2014-Michael-Jackson-hologram-steals-the-show.html |url-status=dead }} {{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/new-michael-jackson-song_n_5250500 |title=New Michael Jackson Song, 'Love Never Felt So Good,' Features Justin Timberlake |newspaper=] |agency=Reuters |date=May 1, 2014 |access-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-date=September 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915165131/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/new-michael-jackson-song_n_5250500 |url-status=live }}</ref>}} He had 13 ] (]) and was the first artist to have a top-ten single on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 in five different decades. Jackson's inductions include the ] (twice), the ], the ], the ] and the ] (making him the only recording artist to be inducted). His honors include 15 ] including the ], six ], 24 ], a ] and 39 ], including "]", "Longest span of number ones for a male act", and the "Most Successful Entertainer of All Time", among ].<!-- PER WP:LEADCITE, INFO IN THE LEAD IS CITED IN THE BODY. -->
<!-- Please do not make changes to the lead without discussing them on the article's talk page.-->


== Life and career == == Life and career ==
=== Early life and The Jackson 5 (1958–1975) === === Early life and the Jackson 5 (1958–1975) ===
], showing floral tributes after his death.]] ], pictured in March 2010]]
Michael Joseph Jackson<ref name="certificate">] (2009). ].</ref><ref name="allmusic">{{cite web |first=Steve |last=Huey |title=Michael Jackson – Artist Biography |publisher=] |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/michael-jackson-mn0000467203/biography |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150507080746/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/michael-jackson-mn0000467203/biography |archive-date= May 7, 2015}}</ref> was born in ], on August 29, 1958.<ref name="Barnes">{{cite news |first=Brokes |last=Barnes |title=A Star Idolized and Haunted, Michael Jackson Dies at 50 |newspaper=The New York Times |date=June 25, 2009 |access-date=July 12, 2009 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/26/arts/music/26jackson.html?ref=obituaries&_r=0 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=December 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208194246/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/26/arts/music/26jackson.html?ref=obituaries&_r=0 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Michael Jackson: 10 Achievements That Made Him The King of Pop |publisher=National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences |date=June 24, 2014 |access-date=October 20, 2016 |url=https://www.grammy.com/blogs/michael-jackson-10-achievements-that-made-him-the-king-of-pop |archive-date=February 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215072653/https://www.grammy.com/blogs/michael-jackson-10-achievements-that-made-him-the-king-of-pop |url-status=live }}</ref> He was the eighth of ten children in the ], a working-class ] family living in a two-bedroom house on Jackson Street.{{sfn|Jackson|2009|p=26}}{{sfn|Young|2009|p=18}} His mother, ] (''née'' Scruse), played clarinet and piano, had aspired to be a ] performer, and worked part-time at ].{{sfn|Young|2009|pp=17, 19}} She was a ].<ref name="monstrous">{{cite news |first=Alexis |last=Petridis |title=Joe Jackson was one of the most monstrous fathers in pop |newspaper=The Guardian |date=June 27, 2018 |access-date=April 18, 2019 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/jun/27/joe-jackson-one-of-the-most-monstrous-fathers-in-pop |archive-date=December 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208194300/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/jun/27/joe-jackson-one-of-the-most-monstrous-fathers-in-pop |url-status=live }}</ref> His father, ], a former boxer, was a crane operator at ] and played guitar with a local ] band, the Falcons, to supplement the family's income.<ref name="Obit Guardian">{{cite news |first=Adam |last=Sweeting |title=Joe Jackson obituary |newspaper=The Guardian |date=June 27, 2018 |access-date=April 14, 2019 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/jun/27/joe-jackson-obituary |archive-date=December 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208194246/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/jun/27/joe-jackson-obituary |url-status=live }}</ref>{{sfn|Young|2009|pp=18–19}} Joe's great-grandfather, July "Jack" Gale, was a US Army ]; family lore held that he was also a Native American ].{{sfn|Knopper|2016|p=6. Note: No tribal affiliation named in source}} Michael grew up with three sisters (], ], and ]) and five brothers (], ], ], ], and ]).<ref name="Obit Guardian" /> A sixth brother, Marlon's twin Brandon, died shortly after birth.<ref>{{cite web |first=Chris |last=Morris |title=Joe Jackson, Jackson Family Patriarch, Dies at 89 |magazine=Variety |date=June 27, 2018 |access-date=April 27, 2019 |url=https://variety.com/2018/music/news/joe-jackson-dead-dies-89-1202859242/ |archive-date=November 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108051352/https://variety.com/2018/music/news/joe-jackson-dead-dies-89-1202859242/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Michael Jackson was born on August 29, 1958, the eighth of ten children to an African American working-class family, in ], an industrial suburb of Chicago. His mother, ], was a devout ], and his father, ], a steel mill worker who performed with an R&B band called The Falcons. Jackson had three sisters: ], ], and ], and five brothers: ], ], ], ], and ].<ref name = "Nelson George overview 20">George, p. 20</ref> A sixth brother, Brandon, died shortly after birth.<ref>Taraborrelli, p. 14</ref>

In 1964, Michael and Marlon joined the Jackson Brothers—a band formed by their father which included Jackie, Tito and Jermaine—as backup musicians playing ]s and ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Michael Jackson: a life of highs and lows |newspaper=] |date=June 26, 2009 |access-date= November 28, 2019 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/michael-jackson/5642588/Michael-Jackson-a-life-of-highs-and-lows.html |archive-url= https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/michael-jackson/5642588/Michael-Jackson-a-life-of-highs-and-lows.html |archive-date= January 10, 2022 |url-status= live}} {{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |first=Jermaine |last=Jackson |year=2011 |title=You Are Not Alone: Michael: Through a Brother's Eyes |publisher=] |page=41 |isbn=978-1-4516-5156-0 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tk0zQIaFrccC&pg=PA41 |access-date=November 28, 2019 |archive-date=July 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230728015107/https://books.google.com/books?id=tk0zQIaFrccC&pg=PA41 |url-status=live }}</ref> Michael said his father told him he had a "fat nose",<ref name="bbcnews">{{cite news |title=Jackson interview seen by 14&nbsp;m |agency=BBC News |date=February 4, 2003 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/2719763.stm |archive-date=December 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208194247/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/2719763.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> and physically and emotionally abused him during rehearsals. He recalled that Joe often sat in a chair with a belt in his hand as he and his siblings rehearsed, ready to punish any mistakes.<ref name="monstrous" />{{sfn|Lewis Jones|2005|pp=165–168}} Joe acknowledged that he regularly whipped Michael.<ref>{{cite news |title=Can Michael Jackson's demons be explained? |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/8121599.stm |agency=] |date=June 27, 2009 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |archive-date=September 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928143342/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/8121599.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Katherine said that although whipping came to be considered abuse, it was a common way to discipline children when Michael was growing up.<ref>{{cite AV media |title=Katherine Jackson: Michael's strict upbringing not abuse |publisher=CNN |format=video |date=May 15, 2012 |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldyRUqGN3XA |archive-url= https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211114/ldyRUqGN3XA |archive-date= November 14, 2021 |url-status= live}} {{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Alan |last=Duke |title=Joe Jackson denies abusing Michael |publisher=CNN |date=July 21, 2009 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/07/21/joe.jackson/index.html?iref=24hours |archive-date=June 12, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150612222819/http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/07/21/joe.jackson/index.html?iref=24hours |url-status=live }}</ref> Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Marlon denied that their father was abusive and said that the whippings, which had a deeper impact on Michael because he was younger, kept them disciplined and out of trouble.<ref>{{cite web |title=Jackson Brothers: Was Joe Jackson Abusive? |url=https://celebrity.yahoo.com/video/jackson-brothers-joe-jackson-abusive-170000051.html |publisher=] |access-date=May 31, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150522073344/https://celebrity.yahoo.com/video/jackson-brothers-joe-jackson-abusive-170000051.html |archive-date=May 22, 2015}}</ref> Michael said that during his youth he was lonely and isolated.{{sfn|Young|2009|p=24}}


Later in 1965, Michael began sharing lead vocals with Jermaine, and the group's name was changed to ].<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Charlie |last=Burton |title=Inside the Jackson machine |magazine=] |date=February 7, 2018 |access-date=April 14, 2019 |url=https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/jacksons-legacy-jackson-5 |archive-date=October 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007005527/https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/jacksons-legacy-jackson-5 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1965, the group won a talent show; Michael performed the dance to ]'s 1965 song "]" and sang ]' "]".{{sfn|Taraborrelli|2009|pp=13–14}} From 1966 to 1968, the Jacksons 5 toured the ]; they frequently played at a string of black clubs known as the ] as the opening act for artists such as ], ], ] and ]. The Jackson 5 also performed at clubs and cocktail lounges, where ] shows were featured, and at local auditoriums and high school dances.{{sfn|Young|2009|pp=21–22}}<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Triumph & Tragedy: The Life of Michael Jackson |magazine=Rolling Stone India |date=August 25, 2009 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://rollingstoneindia.com/triumph-tragedy-the-life-of-michael-jackson/ |archive-date=December 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208201712/https://rollingstoneindia.com/triumph-tragedy-the-life-of-michael-jackson/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In August 1967, while touring the ], they won a weekly amateur night concert at the ] in ].{{sfn|Young|2009|p=22}}
Jackson had a troubled relationship with his father, Joe.<ref name="MJ's secret childhood"/><ref name = "tara 20-22">Taraborrelli, pp. 20–22</ref><ref name="news.bbc.co.uk"/> Joseph acknowledged in 2003 that he regularly whipped Jackson as a child.<ref name="news.bbc.co.uk">, BBC, June 27, 2009.</ref> Michael stated that he was physically and emotionally abused during incessant rehearsals, though also credited his father's strict discipline with playing a large role in his success.<ref name="MJ's secret childhood">, ], June 20, 2008.</ref> Jackson first spoke openly about his childhood abuse in an interview with ], broadcast in February 1993. He admitted that he had often cried from loneliness and he would vomit on the sight of his father. Jackson's father was also said to have verbally abused Jackson, saying that he had a fat nose on numerous occasions.<ref>, BBC News, (February 4, 2003)</ref> In fact, Michael Jackson's deep dissatisfaction with his appearance, his nightmares and chronic sleep problems, his tendency to remain hyper-compliant especially with his father, and to remain child-like throughout his adult life are in many ways consistent with the effects of this chronic maltreatment he endured as a young child.<ref>], Erica Willheim (2009). The Effects of Violent Experience and Maltreatment on Infants and Young Children. In ] (Ed.). Handbook of Infant Mental Health—3rd Edition. New York: Guilford Press, Inc. pp. 197–214.</ref>


] performers to attain a crossover following.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Vince |last=Aletti |title=Jackson Five: The Biggest Thing Since the Stones |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=November 26, 1970 |access-date=March 27, 2020 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/jackson-five-the-biggest-thing-since-the-stones-233775/ |archive-date=November 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105171204/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/jackson-five-the-biggest-thing-since-the-stones-233775/ |url-status=live }}</ref>]]
In an interview with ], later included in the 2003 broadcast of '']'', Jackson acknowledged that his father hurt him when he was a child, but was nonetheless a "genius", as he admitted his father's strict discipline played a huge role in his success. 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>
The Jackson 5 recorded several songs for a Gary record label, ]; their first single, "]", was released in 1968.{{sfn|Young|2009|p=21}} Bobby Taylor of ] brought the Jackson 5 to ] after they opened for Taylor at Chicago's ] in 1968. Taylor produced some of their early Motown recordings, including a version of "]".<ref>{{Cite magazine |first=Steve |last=Knopper |title=Bobby Taylor, Motown Singer Who Discovered Jackson 5, Dead at 83 |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=July 23, 2017 |access-date=July 1, 2019 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/bobby-taylor-motown-singer-who-discovered-jackson-5-dead-at-83-202100/ |archive-date=December 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208202025/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/bobby-taylor-motown-singer-who-discovered-jackson-5-dead-at-83-202100/ |url-status=live }}</ref> After signing with Motown, the Jackson family relocated to Los Angeles.{{sfn|Taraborrelli|2009|pp=59–69}} In 1969, Motown executives decided ] should introduce the Jackson 5 to the public — partly to bolster her career in television — sending off what was considered Motown's last product of its "production line".<ref>{{cite journal |first=Phillip Brian |last=Harper |date=Winter 1989 |title=Synesthesia, "Crossover," and Blacks in Popular Music |journal=] |issue=23 |page=110 |doi=10.2307/466423 |jstor=466423| issn = 0164-2472 }}</ref> The Jackson 5 made their first television appearance in 1969 in the ] pageant, performing a cover of "]".<ref>{{cite book |first=Daryl |last=Easlea |year=2016 |title=Michael Jackson: Rewind: The Life and Legacy of Pop Music's King |publisher=Race Point Publishing |page=178 |isbn=978-1-63106-253-7}}</ref> '']'' later described the young Michael as "a prodigy" with "overwhelming musical gifts" who "quickly emerged as the main draw and lead singer".<ref name="Bio">{{cite magazine |title=Michael Jackson – Biography |magazine=Rolling Stone |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/michaeljackson/biography |archive-date= April 2, 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080402062429/https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/michaeljackson/biography}}</ref>


In January 1970, "]" became the first Jackson 5 song to reach number one on the US ]; it stayed there for four weeks. Three more singles with Motown topped the chart: "]", "]", and "]".<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Fred |last=Bronson |title=48 Years Ago Today, 'I Want You Back' Kicked It All Off for the Jackson 5 |magazine=Billboard |date=November 15, 2017 |access-date=April 6, 2019 |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8038339/48-years-ago-today-i-want-you-back-debut-jackson-5 |archive-date=April 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410223332/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8038339/48-years-ago-today-i-want-you-back-debut-jackson-5 |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 1971, the Jackson family moved into a large house at ], a {{convert|2|acre|adj=on}} estate in ].{{sfn|Taraborrelli|2009|pp=81–82}} During this period, Michael developed from a child performer into a ].{{sfn|Young|2009|p=25}} Between 1972 and 1975, he released four solo studio albums with Motown: '']'' (1972), '']'' (1972), '']'' (1973) and '']'' (1975).<ref name="McNulty">{{cite news |first=Bernadette |last=McNulty |date=June 26, 2009 |title=Michael Jackson's music: the solo albums |newspaper=] |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/michael-jackson/5652389/Michael-Jacksons-music-the-solo-albums.html |archive-url= https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/michael-jackson/5652389/Michael-Jacksons-music-the-solo-albums.html |archive-date= January 10, 2022 |url-status= live}} {{cbignore}}</ref> "]" and "]", the title tracks from his first two solo albums, sold well as singles, as did a cover of ]'s "]".{{sfn|Taraborrelli|2009|pp=98–99}}
In 1964, Michael and Marlon joined the Jackson Brothers—a band formed by brothers Jackie, Tito, and Jermaine—as backup musicians playing ]s and ]. Jackson later began performing backup vocals and dancing. When he was eight, Jackson began sharing the lead vocals with his older brother Jermaine, and the group's name was changed to ].<ref name = "Nelson George overview 20"/> The band toured ] extensively from 1966 to 1968, frequently performing at a string of black clubs known as the "]", where they often opened ]s and other adult acts. In 1966, they won a major local talent show with renditions of ] hits and ]'s "]", led by Michael.<ref name=RRHF>, ], accessed May 29, 2007.</ref>


Michael maintained ties to the Jackson 5.<ref name="McNulty" /> The Jackson 5 were later described as "a cutting-edge example of black ]".<ref>{{cite press release |first=Debra |last=Alban |title=Michael Jackson broke down racial barriers |publisher=CNN |date=June 28, 2009 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/06/28/michael.jackson.black.community/ |archive-date=December 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221075015/http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/06/28/michael.jackson.black.community/ |url-status=live }}</ref> They were frustrated by Motown's refusal to allow them creative input.<ref>{{cite news |first=Helen |last=Brown |title=Michael Jackson and Motown: the boy behind the marketing |newspaper=] |date=June 26, 2009 |access-date= April 14, 2019 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/michael-jackson/5651468/Michael-Jackson-and-Motown-the-man-behind-the-marketing.html |archive-url= https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/michael-jackson/5651468/Michael-Jackson-and-Motown-the-man-behind-the-marketing.html |archive-date= January 10, 2022 |url-status= live}} {{cbignore}}</ref> Jackson's performance of their top five single "]" on '']'' popularized the ].{{sfn|St John|2004|p=51}}{{sfn|Mansour|2005|p=403|ps=: 'The Robot was a mimelike dance, popularized by The Jackson 5 and their Top Ten hit "Dancing Machine"'}}
The Jackson 5 recorded several songs, including "]", for the local record label ] in 1967, before signing 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">, Rolling Stone. Retrieved February 14, 2008.</ref> The group set a chart record when its first four singles ("]", "]", "]", and "]") peaked at number one on the ].<ref name = "Nelson George overview 20"/> Between 1972 and 1975, Jackson released four solo studio albums with Motown, among them '']'' and '']'', released as part of the Jackson&nbsp;5 franchise, and producing successful singles such as "]", "]", and a remake of ]'s "]". 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 ] single "]" and the top&nbsp;20 hit "]", 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'' (1975–1981) === === Move to Epic and ''Off the Wall'' (1975–1981) ===
], Michael, ], ]. Middle row: ], ], ]. Front row: ]]]
In June 1975, the Jackson 5 signed with ], a subsidiary of ]<ref name = "Nelson George overview 22"/> and renamed themselves the Jacksons. Younger brother Randy formally joined the band around this time, while Jermaine left to pursue a solo career.<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 "]", "]," and "]".<ref name="RRHF" /> In 1978, he starred as the ] in the musical, '']'', a box-office disaster. It was here that he teamed up with ], who was arranging the film's musical score. Jones agreed to produce Jackson's next solo album, '']''.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 23">George, p. 23</ref> In 1979, Jackson broke his nose during a complex dance routine. His subsequent ] was not a complete success; he complained of breathing difficulties that would affect his career. He was referred to ], who performed Jackson's second rhinoplasty<!--when?--> and subsequent operations.<ref name = "tara 205–210">Taraborrelli, pp. 205–210</ref>
The Jackson 5 left Motown in 1975, signing with ] and renaming themselves the Jacksons.<ref>{{cite web |first=Steve |last=Huey |title=The Jackson 5 – Artist Biography |work=AllMusic |access-date=April 8, 2019 |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-jackson-5-mn0000083013/biography |archive-date=June 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614154543/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-jackson-5-mn0000083013/biography |url-status=live }}</ref> Their younger brother Randy joined the band around this time; Jermaine stayed with Motown and pursued a solo career.{{sfn|Taraborrelli|2009|pp=138–144}} The Jacksons continued to tour internationally, and released six more albums between 1976 and 1984. Michael, the group's main songwriter during this time, wrote songs such as "]" (1978), "]" (1980), and "]" (1980).<ref>{{cite web |title=The Jackson 5 Biography |publisher=] |access-date= May 31, 2015 |archive-date= March 31, 2019 |url=https://www.rockhall.com/inductees/the-jackson-five/bio/ |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190331180213/https://www.rockhall.com/inductees/the-jackson-five/bio}}</ref>


In 1977, Jackson moved to New York City to star as the ] in '']'', a musical film directed by ], alongside ], ], and Ted Ross.<ref>{{cite web |first=Bill |last=Gibron |title=You Can't Win Michael Jackson and 'The Wiz' |website=] |date=July 7, 2009 |access-date=May 10, 2017 |url=https://www.popmatters.com/feature/107586-you-cant-win-michael-jackson-and-the-wiz/ |archive-date=July 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730230644/http://www.popmatters.com/feature/107586-you-cant-win-michael-jackson-and-the-wiz/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The film was a box-office failure.{{sfn|Taraborrelli|2009|pp=178–179}} Its score was arranged by ],{{sfn|Bronson|2003|p=207}} who later produced three of Jackson's solo albums.<ref name="Who's Bad">{{cite news |title=Who's bad? Michael Jackson's estate owes Quincy Jones $9.4m in royalties, jury decides |newspaper=The Guardian |agency=Associated Press |date=July 27, 2017 |access-date=April 14, 2019 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/jul/27/michael-jacksons-estate-owes-quincy-jones-9m-royalties-jury-decides |archive-date=April 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414001040/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/jul/27/michael-jacksons-estate-owes-quincy-jones-9m-royalties-jury-decides |url-status=live }}</ref> During his time in New York, Jackson frequented the ] nightclub, where he heard early ]; this influenced his ] on future tracks such as "]".<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Elias |last=Leight |title=10 Things We Learned from Spike Lee's Michael Jackson Doc |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=February 5, 2015 |access-date=January 27, 2017 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/10-things-we-learned-from-spike-lees-new-michael-jackson-doc-20160205 |archive-date=February 5, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205203736/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/10-things-we-learned-from-spike-lees-new-michael-jackson-doc-20160205 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1978, Jackson unsatisfied with his nose, decided to have a ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Michael Jackson 'was addicted to surgery', mother claims |website=Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/michael-jackson/8117889/Michael-Jackson-was-addicted-to-surgery-mother-claims.html |date=November 8, 2010 |access-date=June 18, 2024}}</ref> He was referred to ], who performed Jackson's operations.{{sfn|Taraborrelli|2009|pp=205–210}}
Jones and Jackson produced the ''Off the Wall'' album together. <!--Out of context: "At the album's pre-release party, Michael stated that ] 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, ], ], and ]. Released in 1979, it was the first album to generate four U.S. top&nbsp;10 hits, including the chart-topping singles "]" and "]".<ref name = "Nelson George overview 37-38"/> It reached number three on the ] and eventually sold over 20 million copies worldwide.<ref name="Off the Wall 20 million">, ]. Retrieved December 12, 2008.</ref> In 1980, Jackson won three awards at the ] for his solo efforts: Favorite Soul/R&B Album, Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist, and Favorite Soul/R&B Single for "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough".<ref name="AMAs 1980">{{cite web |url=http://news.google.co.uk/newspapers?id=wYEsAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0_oDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6776,1201107&dq=american+music+awards&hl=en |title=Donna Summer and Michael Jackson sweep Annual American Music Awards |publisher=''Lakeland Ledger'' |date= (January 20, 1980) |accessdate=June 16, 2010}}</ref><ref name="AMAs 1980 2">{{cite web |url=http://news.google.co.uk/newspapers?id=EaMkAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Zf4FAAAAIBAJ&pg=3100,419518&dq=american+music+awards&hl=en |title=Donna No. 1, Pop and Soul; Michael Jackson King of Soul |publisher=''The Afro American'' |date= (February 2, 1980) |accessdate=June 16, 2010}}</ref> That year, he also won ] 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> Jackson re-won at the American Music Awards in 1981 for Favorite Soul/R&B Album and Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist.<ref name="AMAs 1981">{{cite web |url=http://news.google.co.uk/newspapers?id=sPIcAAAAIBAJ&sjid=3GcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6226,95260&dq=american+music+awards&hl=en |title=Few Surprises In Music Awards |publisher=''Sarasota Herald'' |date= (February 1, 1981) |accessdate=June 16, 2010}}</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 ] rate in the music industry: 37 percent of wholesale album profit.<ref>Taraborrelli, p. 191</ref>


Jackson's fifth solo album, '']'' (1979), established him as a solo performer and helped him move from the ] pop of his youth to more complex sounds.{{sfn|Young|2009|p=25}} It produced four top 10 entries in the US: "]", "]", and the chart-topping singles "]" and "]".<ref name="FourUSTop10s">{{cite magazine |first=Gary |last=Trust |title=Ask Billboard: Remembering the Time When Michael Jackson Kept Hitting the Hot 100's Top 10, From 'Thriller' to 'Dangerous' |magazine=Billboard |date=January 21, 2018 |access-date=April 7, 2019 |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8095269/michael-jackson-bruno-mars-ed-sheeran-ask-billboard |archive-date=May 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180510101751/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8095269/michael-jackson-bruno-mars-ed-sheeran-ask-billboard |url-status=live }}</ref> The album reached number three on the US ] and sold over 20{{nbsp}}million copies worldwide.<ref>{{cite web |title=Michael Jackson: Off The Wall |publisher=] |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.virginmedia.com/music/classicalbums/michaeljackson-offthewall.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701200501/https://www.virginmedia.com/music/classicalbums/michaeljackson-offthewall.php |archive-date=July 1, 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In 1980, Jackson won three ]s for his solo work: Favorite Soul/R&B Album, Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist, and Favorite Soul/R&B Single for "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough".<ref>{{cite news |title=Donna Summer and Michael Jackson sweep Annual American Music Awards |date=January 20, 1980 |newspaper=] |agency=] |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=wYEsAAAAIBAJ&pg=6776,1201107 |archive-date=June 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613061154/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=wYEsAAAAIBAJ&pg=6776,1201107 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Ida |last=Peters |title=Donna No. 1, Pop and Soul; Michael Jackson King of Soul |newspaper=] |date=February 2, 1980 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=EaMkAAAAIBAJ&pg=3100,419518 |archive-date=June 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613061153/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=EaMkAAAAIBAJ&pg=3100,419518 |url-status=live }}</ref> He also won a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for 1979 with "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough".<ref name="grammy mj">{{cite web |title=Michael Jackson |publisher=National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences |date=February 15, 2019 |access-date=April 7, 2019 |url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/michael-jackson |archive-date=November 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117085231/https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/michael-jackson |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1981, Jackson was the American Music Awards winner for Favorite Soul/R&B Album and Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist.<ref>{{cite news |title=Few Surprises in Music Awards |newspaper=] |agency=Associated Press |date=February 1, 1981 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=sPIcAAAAIBAJ&pg=6226,95260 |archive-date=June 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613061150/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=sPIcAAAAIBAJ&pg=6226,95260 |url-status=live }}</ref> Jackson felt ''Off the Wall'' should have made a bigger impact, and was determined to exceed expectations with his next release.{{sfn|Taraborrelli|2009|p=188}} In 1980, he secured the highest ] rate in the music industry: 37 percent of wholesale album profit.{{sfn|Taraborrelli|2009|p=191}}
=== ''Thriller'' and Motown 25 (1982–83) ===
In 1982, Jackson contributed the song "Someone In the Dark" to the storybook for the film '']''; the record won a Grammy for Best Recording for Children in 1984. In the same year won other seven Grammys and eight American Music Awards (including the Award of Merit, the youngest artist to win it), making him the most awarded in one night in both awards.<ref name = "MJ Grammy's">, ]. Retrieved February 14, 2008.</ref><ref name="AMAs 1984">{{cite web |url=http://news.google.co.uk/newspapers?id=eQUbAAAAIBAJ&sjid=E0gEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5127,2841948&dq=american+music+awards&hl=en |title=Michael Jackson sweeps American Music Awards |publisher=''Daily News'' |date= (January 17, 1984) |accessdate=June 16, 2010}}</ref> It was happened thanks to '']'' album, released at the late-1982, which became the best-selling album of all time in the United States,<ref name="RIAA certification">, ]. Retrieved October 28, 2009.</ref> as well as the ], selling an estimated 110 million copies.<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=] |accessdate=July 16, 2009 }}</ref> The album topped the ] chart for 37 weeks and was in the top&nbsp;10 of the 200 for 80 consecutive weeks. It was the first album to have seven ''Billboard'' Hot&nbsp;100 top&nbsp;10 singles, including "]", "]," and "]."<ref>Lewis, p. 47</ref> ''Thriller'' was certified for 29&nbsp;million shipments by the ], giving it ] status in the United States. The album won also another Grammy for Best Engineered Recording - Non Classical in 1984, awarding ] for his work.<ref name = "Bruce Grammy's">, ]. Retrieved February 14, 2008.</ref>
Jackson's attorney ] 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 his recordings. The videocassette of the documentary ''The Making of Michael Jackson's Thriller'' 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>{{cite news |url= |last=Cocks |first=Jay |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,950053-1,00.html |title=Why He's a Thriller |work=] |date=March 19, 1984 |accessdate=April, 25 2010}}</ref> Biographer ] writes that, "''Thriller'' stopped selling like a leisure item&nbsp;— like a magazine, a toy, tickets to a hit movie&nbsp;— and started selling like a household staple."<ref name="tara 226">Taraborrelli, p. 226</ref> In 1985, ''The Making of Michael Jackson's Thriller'' won a Grammy for Best Music Video, Longform.<ref name = "MJ Grammy's"/> In December 2009, the music video for "Thriller" was selected for the ] by the ], "Thriller" is the first music video ever to be inducted.<ref name="Michael Jackson Thriller Induction">{{cite news |title=Michael Jackson|url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Movies/12/30/national.film.registry/index.html|work=CNN |date=December 30, 2009 |accessdate=April 17, 2010}}</ref><ref name="Reuters: U.S. registry 2009-12-30">{{cite web |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5BT43W20091230?type=musicNews |title=Jackson "Thriller" film picked for U.S. registry |author=Alex Dobuzinskis |date=December 30, 2009|work=] |publisher=Thomas Reuters |accessdate=April 28, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/31/arts/music/31arts-THRILLERVIDE_BRF.html |title=‘Thriller’ Video Added to U.S. Film Registry |author=Dave Itzkoff |work=] |publisher=] |date=2009-12-30 |accessdate=April 28, 2010}}</ref>


=== ''Thriller'' and ''Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever'' (1982–1983) ===
] during his performance of Billie Jean on ''Motown 25'']]
]''. '']'' called Jackson "a fashion pioneer who gave new meaning to ], immortalised solitary, sparkly gloves".<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Julia |last=Neel |title=Michael Jackson – A Tribute |magazine=] |date=June 26, 2009 |access-date=March 27, 2020 |url=https://www.vogue.co.uk/gallery/michael-jacksons-style-26062009 |archive-date=September 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930212703/https://www.vogue.co.uk/gallery/michael-jacksons-style-26062009 |url-status=live }}</ref>]]
''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. , ''The New York Times'', January 14, 1984.</ref>
Jackson recorded with ]'s lead singer ] from 1981 to 1983, recording demos of "]", "Victory" and "]". The recordings were intended for an album of duets but, according to Queen's manager ], the relationship soured when Jackson brought a ] into the recording studio,<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Melissa |last=Locker |title=Michael Jackson and Freddie Mercury: Three Duets Coming Out This Fall |magazine=Time |date=July 29, 2013 |access-date=June 26, 2015 |url=https://entertainment.time.com/2013/07/29/michael-jackson-and-freddie-mercury-three-duets-coming-out-this-fall/ |archive-date=June 27, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627002534/http://entertainment.time.com/2013/07/29/michael-jackson-and-freddie-mercury-three-duets-coming-out-this-fall/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and Jackson was upset by Mercury's drug use.<ref>{{cite news |title=The real Freddie Mercury: why the Queen biopic only tells part of the story |newspaper=] |date=October 19, 2018 |access-date=October 30, 2018 |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-real-freddie-mercury-why-the-queen-biopic-only-tells-part-of-the-story-5ql37vgll |archive-date=August 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807011534/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-real-freddie-mercury-why-the-queen-biopic-only-tells-part-of-the-story-5ql37vgll |url-status=live }}</ref> "There Must Be More to Life Than This" was released in 2014.<ref name="Greene">{{cite magazine |first=Andy |last=Greene |title=Hear Michael Jackson and Freddie Mercury's Long-Lost Duet |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=September 19, 2014 |access-date= April 26, 2016 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/michael-jackson-freddie-mercury-duet-20140919 |archive-date= March 16, 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180316175142/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/michael-jackson-freddie-mercury-duet-20140919 |url-status= dead}}</ref> Jackson went on to record "State of Shock" with ] for the Jacksons' album '']'' (1984).<ref>{{cite web |first=John |last=Earls |title=Producer of new Queen album featuring Freddie Mercury and Michael Jackson vocals is revealed |magazine=NME |date=August 2, 2014 |access-date=April 14, 2019 |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/queen-32-1228446 |archive-date=January 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115192047/http://www.nme.com/news/music/queen-32-1228446 |url-status=live }}</ref>


In 1982, Jackson contributed "Someone in the Dark" to the ]. Jackson's sixth album, '']'', was released in late 1982. It was the bestselling album worldwide in 1983,<ref>{{cite web |title=Michael: He's Not Just the Rock Star of the Year, He's the Rock Star of the '80s |date=December 20, 1983 |newspaper=] |access-date=July 5, 2010 |url=https://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=PI&s_site=philly&p_multi=PI&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB296D5B072064E&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |archive-date=September 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110904180807/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=PI&s_site=philly&p_multi=PI&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB296D5B072064E&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Cash register's ring sweet music to record industry |newspaper=] |agency=Associated Press |date=March 26, 1984 |access-date=July 5, 2010 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=d9EfAAAAIBAJ&pg=1419,4981079 |archive-date=June 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613061150/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=d9EfAAAAIBAJ&pg=1419,4981079 |url-status=live }}</ref> and became the bestselling album of all time in the US<ref>{{cite web |title=Diamond Awards |publisher=] |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=top_tallies&ttt=T1A#search_section |archive-date=February 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216154105/https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=top_tallies&ttt=DA#search_section |url-status=live }}</ref> and the ], selling an estimated {{Nowrap|70 million}} copies.<ref>{{cite web |first=Del |last=Crookes |title=Adele's 21 overtakes sales of Thriller in UK album list |website=] |date=May 4, 2012 |access-date=July 2, 2021 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-17935650 |archive-date=June 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611174537/https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-17935650 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=] (ANI) |title=MJ nearly scrapped 'Thriller' release |publisher=] |date=September 27, 2009 |access-date= July 2, 2021 |url=https://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/musicworld/mj-nearly-scrapped-thriller-release_42076.html |archive-date= September 26, 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200926073042/https://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/musicworld/mj-nearly-scrapped-thriller-release_42076.html}}</ref> It topped the ''Billboard'' 200 chart for 37 weeks and was in the top 10 of the 200 for 80 consecutive weeks. It was the first album to produce seven ''Billboard'' Hot 100 top-10 singles, including "]", "]", and "]".{{sfn|Lewis Jones|2005|p=47}}
In March 1983, Jackson reunited with his brothers for a legendary live performance which was taped for a '']'' television special. The show aired on May 16, 1983, to an audience of 47 million viewers, and featured the Jacksons and a number of other Motown stars. It is best remembered for Jackson's solo performance of "Billie Jean". Wearing a distinctive black ] jacket and golf glove decorated with rhinestones, he debuted his signature dance move, the ], which former ] dancer and ] member, ] had taught him 3 years before. The Jacksons' performance drew comparisons to ]'s and ]' appearances on '']''.<ref>Taraborrelli, pp. 238–241</ref> Anna Kisselgoff of ''The New York Times'' later wrote, "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. , ''The New York Times'', March 6, 1988.</ref>


On March 25, 1983, Jackson reunited with his brothers for '']'', an NBC television special. The show aired on May 16 to an estimated audience of {{Nowrap|47 million}}, and featured the Jacksons and other Motown stars.<ref>{{cite news |first=Janette |last=Williams |title=Michael Jackson left indelible mark on Pasadena |newspaper=] |date=June 24, 2009 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.whittierdailynews.com/general-news/20090625/michael-jackson-left-indelible-mark-on-pasadena |archive-date=July 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701174937/http://www.whittierdailynews.com/general-news/20090625/michael-jackson-left-indelible-mark-on-pasadena |url-status=live }}</ref> Jackson's solo performance of "Billie Jean" earned him his first ] nomination.<ref name="emmys.tv">{{cite news |title=Fatal Cardiac Arrest Strikes Michael Jackson |publisher=] |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://m.emmys.com/news/fatal-cardiac-arrest-strikes-michael-jackson |archive-date=February 27, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150227174948/http://m.emmys.com/news/fatal-cardiac-arrest-strikes-michael-jackson |url-status=live }}</ref> Wearing a glove decorated with ]s,<ref>{{cite news |title=Jackson glove sells for $350,000 |agency=BBC News |date=November 22, 2009 |access-date=April 19, 2019 |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8372773.stm |archive-date=March 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240305111949/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8372773.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> he debuted his ], which ] had taught him three years earlier, and it became his signature dance in his repertoire.<ref name="Daniel">{{cite magazine |first=Jeffrey |last=Daniel |title=Michael Jackson 1958–2009 |magazine=Time |date=June 26, 2009 |access-date=April 19, 2019 |url=https://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1907409_1907413_1907560,00.html |archive-date=April 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419141659/http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1907409_1907413_1907560,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Jackson had originally turned down the invitation to the show, believing he had been doing too much television. But at the request of Motown founder ], he performed in exchange for an opportunity to do a solo performance.{{sfn|Taraborrelli|2009|pp=234–237}} ''Rolling Stone'' reporter Mikal Gilmore called the performance "extraordinary".{{sfn|Young|2009|p=25}} Jackson's performance drew comparisons to ]'s and ]' appearances on '']''.{{sfn|Taraborrelli|2009|pp=238–241}} ] of ''The New York Times'' praised the perfect timing and technique involved in the dance.<ref>{{cite news |first=Anna |last=Kisselgoff |author-link=Anna Kisselgoff |title=Stage: The Dancing Feet of Michael Jackson |date=March 6, 1988 |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/03/06/arts/stage-the-dancing-feet-of-michael-jackson.html |archive-date=May 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525082206/http://www.nytimes.com/1988/03/06/arts/stage-the-dancing-feet-of-michael-jackson.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Gordy described being "mesmerized" by the performance.<ref>{{cite web |title=Berry Gordy Addresses Michael Jackson Memorial Service |publisher=Hark |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.hark.com/clips/lxbvwzgnms-berry-gordy-addresses-michael-jackson-memorial-service |archive-date= May 9, 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130509134117/https://www.hark.com/clips/lxbvwzgnms-berry-gordy-addresses-michael-jackson-memorial-service}}</ref>
=== Pepsi, "We Are the World" and business career (1984–85) ===
] and first lady ], 1984]]


At the ], ''Thriller'' won eight awards, and Jackson won an award for the ''E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial'' storybook. Winning eight Grammys in one ceremony is a record he holds with the band ].<ref name="grammy mj" /> Jackson and Quincy Jones won the award for Producer of the Year (Non-Classical). ''Thriller'' won Album of the Year (with Jackson as the album's artist and Jones as its co-producer), and the single won Best Pop Vocal Performance (Male) award for Jackson. "Beat It" won Record of the Year and Best Rock Vocal Performance (Male). "Billie Jean" won two Grammy awards: Best R&B Song and Best R&B Vocal Performance (Male), with Jackson as songwriter and singer respectively.<ref name="grammy mj" />
On January 27, 1984, Michael and other members of the Jacksons filmed a Pepsi Cola commercial, overseen by executive ],<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 ] 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 ] 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 ], California, which now has a "Michael Jackson Burn Center" in honor of his donation.<ref name = "tara 279–287">Taraborrelli, pp. 279–287</ref>


''Thriller'' won the Grammy for Best Engineered Recording (Non Classical), acknowledging ] for his work on the album.<ref name="Bruce">{{cite web |title=Past Winners Search: Bruce Swedien |publisher=The Recording Academy |access-date=February 14, 2008 |url=https://www.grammy.com/nominees/search?artist=Bruce+Swedien&title=&year=All&genre=All |archive-date=July 18, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718113434/http://www.grammy.com/nominees/search?artist=Bruce+Swedien&title=&year=All&genre=All |url-status=live }}</ref> At the ], Jackson won another eight awards and became the youngest artist to win the Award of Merit.<ref name="Awards 1984">{{cite news |title=Michael Jackson sweeps American Music Awards |newspaper=] |agency=Associated Press |date=January 17, 1984 |access-date=June 16, 2010 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=eQUbAAAAIBAJ&pg=5127,2841948 |archive-date=June 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613061150/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=eQUbAAAAIBAJ&pg=5127,2841948 |url-status=live }}</ref> He also won Favorite Male Artist, Favorite Soul/R&B Artist, and Favorite Pop/Rock Artist. "Beat It" won Favorite Soul/R&B Video, Favorite Pop/Rock Video and Favorite Pop/Rock Single. The album won Favorite Soul/R&B Album and Favorite Pop/Rock Album.<ref name="Awards 1984" /><ref>{{cite news |title=Winners Database: Search Results for "Michael Jackson" |newspaper=American Music Awards |publisher=] |access-date=July 18, 2018 |url=https://www.theamas.com/winners-database/?winnerKeyword=Michael+Jackson&winnerYear=&winnerCategory= |archive-date=November 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116095030/https://www.theamas.com/winners-database/?winnerKeyword=michael+jackson&winnerYear=&winnerCategory= |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Thriller''{{'}}s sales doubled after the release of an extended music video, ], which sees Jackson dancing with a horde of zombies.<ref>{{cite news |first=Phil |last=Hebblethwaite |title=How Michael Jackson's Thriller changed music videos for ever |newspaper=] |date=November 21, 2013 |access-date=November 28, 2019 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/nov/21/michael-jackson-thriller-changed-music-videos |archive-date=December 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218125357/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/nov/21/michael-jackson-thriller-changed-music-videos |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Griffin">{{cite magazine |first=Nancy |last=Griffin |title=The "Thriller" Diaries |magazine=] |date=June 24, 2010 |access-date=November 28, 2019 |url=http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/features/2010/07/michael-jackson-thriller-201007?printable=true&currentPage=2 |archive-date=October 30, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030215556/http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/features/2010/07/michael-jackson-thriller-201007?printable=true&currentPage=2 |url-status=live }}</ref>
On May 14, 1984, Jackson was invited to the White House to receive an award from President ] 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 ], headlined by The Jacksons, showcased much of Jackson's new solo material to more than two million Americans. He donated all the funds (around $8 million) raised from the Victory Tour to charity.<ref>Taraborrelli, pp. 315–320</ref> He also co-wrote the charity single "]" in 1985 with ], 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 30&nbsp;million copies sold and millions of dollars donated to famine relief. In 1986, We Are The World won four Grammys (one for Jackson for Song of the Year), American Music Award directors removed the charity song from the competition because they felt it would be inappropriate, but recognised it two special honors (one for the creation of the song and one for the USA for Africa idea. They are the only AMAs that Jackson won as non-solo artist).<ref name = "USA for Africa Grammy's">, ]. Retrieved February 14, 2008.</ref><ref name="AMAs 1986">{{cite web |url=http://news.google.co.uk/newspapers?id=MRgiAAAAIBAJ&sjid=7aUFAAAAIBAJ&pg=1658,3425033&dq=american+music+awards&hl=en |title=Bruce shows who's Boss |publisher=''The Montreal Gazette'' |date= (January 28, 1986) |accessdate=June 16, 2010}}</ref><ref name="AMAs 1986 2">{{cite book |url=http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=BVC9zltjf-EC&pg=PA114&lpg=PA114&dq=Michael+Jackson+won+American+Music+Awards+Appreciation&source=bl&ots=mnMCdALhLr&sig=l3VZCNDafgB38SUZ2hRmf0F3_QQ&hl=en&ei=LegYTNecNdGHOO3L7ecK&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=8&ved=0CCoQ6AEwBzge#v=onepage&q=Michael%20Jackson%20won%20American%20Music%20Awards%20Appreciation&f=false |title=Michael Jackson: the King of Pop |author=''Lisa D. Campbell'' |page=114 |accessdate=June 16, 2010}}</ref><ref>Taraborrelli, pp. 340–344</ref>


The success transformed Jackson into a dominant force in global pop culture.<ref name="Griffin" /> Jackson had the highest royalty rate in the music industry at that point, with about $2 for every album sold ({{Inflation|US|2|1984|r=0|fmt=eq|cursign=$}}), and was making record-breaking profits. Dolls modeled after Jackson appeared in stores in May 1984 for $12 each.<ref name="Time">{{cite magazine |first=Jay |last=Cocks |title=Why He's a Thriller |magazine=] |date=March 19, 1984 |access-date=April 25, 2010 |url=https://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,950053,00.html |archive-date=November 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103064912/http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,950053,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In the same year, ''The Making of Michael Jackson's Thriller'', a documentary about the music video, won a Grammy for Best Music Video (Longform).<ref name="grammy mj" /> ''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 "in the world of pop music, there is Michael Jackson and there is everybody else".<ref>{{cite news |first=Jon |last=Pareles |author-link=Jon Pareles |title=Michael Jackson at 25: A Musical Phenomenon |newspaper=The New York Times |date=January 14, 1984 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/01/14/arts/michael-jackson-at-25-a-musical-phenomenon.html |archive-date=May 25, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525140015/http://www.nytimes.com/1984/01/14/arts/michael-jackson-at-25-a-musical-phenomenon.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
In 1985, ATV Music, a music publishing company owning thousands of music copyrights, including the ] catalogue that contained the majority of the ] compositions recorded by ], was put up for sale.<ref name = "tara 333-337">Taraborrelli, pp. 333–337</ref><ref name = "1995 music deal">, ''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 ] 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">, ], June 15, 2005.</ref>


=== Appearance, tabloids, ''Bad'', autobiography and films (1986–87) === === Pepsi incident, "We Are the World" and other commercial activities (1984–1985) ===
In November 1983, Jackson and his brothers partnered with ] in a $5{{nbsp}}million promotional deal that broke records for a celebrity endorsement (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|5000000|1983|r=-5}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}). The first Pepsi campaign, which ran in the US from 1983 to 1984 and launched its "New Generation" theme, included tour sponsorship, public relations events, and in-store displays. Jackson helped to create the advertisement, and suggested using his song "Billie Jean", with revised lyrics, as its ].<ref name="Herrera2">{{cite magazine |first=Monica |last=Herrera |title=Michael Jackson, Pepsi Made Marketing History |magazine=Billboard |date=July 3, 2009 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/268213/michael-jackson-pepsi-made-marketing-history |archive-date=October 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191011095514/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/268213/michael-jackson-pepsi-made-marketing-history |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{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 ]'s biography, in 1986, Jackson was diagnosed with ] and ]; the vitiligo partially lightened his skin, and the lupus was in ]; both illnesses made him sensitive to sunlight. 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 various nasal surgeries, a forehead lift, thinned lips, and cheekbone surgery&nbsp;— although Jackson denied this and insisted that he only had surgery on his nose.<ref>, ], February 8, 2003.</ref> 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> 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 ]; periods of weight loss would become a recurring problem later in life.<ref name = "tara 312–313">Taraborrelli, pp. 312–313</ref>


On January 27, 1984, Michael and other members of the Jacksons filmed a Pepsi commercial overseen by ],<ref>{{cite news |first=Louise |last=Story |title=Philip B. Dusenberry, 71, Adman, Dies |newspaper=The New York Times |date=December 31, 2007 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/31/business/media/31dusenberry.html |archive-date=June 5, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605105452/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/31/business/media/31dusenberry.html |url-status=live }}</ref> a ] ad agency executive, and ], Pepsi's Worldwide Creative Director, at the ] in Los Angeles. During a simulated concert before a full house of fans, pyrotechnics accidentally set Jackson's hair on fire, causing ] to his scalp. Jackson underwent treatment to hide the scars and had his third rhinoplasty shortly thereafter.<ref>{{cite press release |first=Sindhu |last=Shivaprasad |title=Reliving the icon who defined music history: The eternal moonwalker, King of Pop – Michael Jackson |work=Big News Network |date=August 30, 2016 |access-date=December 1, 2021 |url=https://www.bignewsnetwork.com/news/247179399/reliving-the-icon-who-defined-music-history-the-eternal-moonwalker-king-of-pop---michael-jackson |archive-date=November 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107111421/https://www.bignewsnetwork.com/news/247179399/reliving-the-icon-who-defined-music-history-the-eternal-moonwalker-king-of-pop---michael-jackson |url-status=live }}</ref>
During the course of his treatment, Jackson made two close friends: his dermatologist, Dr. ], and Klein's nurse ]. Rowe eventually became Jackson's second wife and the mother of his two eldest children. Long before becoming romantically involved with her, Jackson relied heavily on Rowe for emotional support. He also relied heavily on Klein, for medical and business advice. Recent claims by a male dermatology assistant that he and Jackson were sexually involved have noteably drawn fury from those close to Jackson.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.nationalledger.com/ledgerpop/article_272631676.shtml
|title=Michael Jackson Secret Boyfriend Claims Draw Fury
|work=National Ledger
|date=May 8, 2010
|accessdate=May 12, 2010}}</ref>


Pepsi settled out of court, and Jackson donated the $1.5{{nbsp}}million (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|1500000|1984|r=-5}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}) settlement to the ] in ]; its now-closed Michael Jackson Burn Center was named in his honor.{{sfn|Taraborrelli|2009|pp=279–287}}<ref>{{cite press release |title=Michael Jackson Burn Center Closes |work=Associated Press News |date=August 28, 1987 |url=https://apnews.com/article/07fd5f477d6551db862e18a0e27eed37 |url-status= live |archive-date= February 28, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210228044639/https://apnews.com/article/07fd5f477d6551db862e18a0e27eed37}}</ref> Jackson signed a second agreement with Pepsi in the late 1980s for $10{{nbsp}}million (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|10000000|1987|r=-5}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}). The second campaign covered 20 countries and provided financial support for Jackson's ''Bad'' album and 1987–88 world tour. Jackson had endorsements and advertising deals with other companies, such as ], ], and ], but none were as significant as his deals with Pepsi.<ref name="Herrera2" />
], here in the early stages of the disease]]
], 1984]]
He became the subject of increasingly sensational reports. In 1986, the tabloids ran a story claiming that Jackson slept in a ] 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 ] from a laboratory, he was reported to be increasingly detached from reality.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Goldberg |first=1Michael |last2=Handelman |first2=David |title=Is Michael Jackson for Real? |work=Rolling Stone |publisher=Wenner Media LLC |date=September 24, 1987 |accessdate=May 25, 2010}}</ref> It was reported that Jackson had offered to buy the bones of ] (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 opportunities for publicity, he stopped leaking untruths to the press as they became more sensational. Consequently 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&nbsp;– The Man, His Weird Ways |publisher=Newswatchngr.com |date=July 5, 2009 |accessdate=October 24, 2009}}</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 Taraborrelli:
The ] of 1984 headlined the Jacksons and showcased Jackson's new solo material to more than two million Americans. It was the last tour he did with his brothers.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=1984 Michael Jackson Tour |magazine=] |date=July 15, 1984 |access-date=December 1, 2021 |url=https://www.newsweek.com/1984-michael-jackson-tour-207028 |archive-date=December 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211205230250/https://www.newsweek.com/1984-michael-jackson-tour-207028 |url-status=live }}</ref> Following ], Jackson donated his share of the proceeds, an estimated {{Nowrap|$3 to 5 million}}, to charity.<ref>{{cite web |first=Joseph |last=Vogel |author-link=Joseph Vogel (author) |title=Michael Jackson's Forgotten Humanitarian Legacy |website=] |date=September 24, 2017 |access-date=December 1, 2021 |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/michael-jacksons-forgotten-humanitarian-legacy_b_59c7c8d3e4b08d661550436a |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108075919/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/michael-jacksons-forgotten-humanitarian-legacy_b_59c7c8d3e4b08d661550436a |url-status=live }}</ref> During the last concert of the Victory Tour at the ] in Los Angeles, Jackson announced his split from the Jacksons during "Shake Your Body".<ref>{{cite book |first1=Richard |last1=Lecocq |first2=François |last2=Allard |year=2018 |title=Michael Jackson All the Songs: The Story Behind Every Track |location=London, England |publisher=] |isbn=978-1-78840-057-2 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4qJfDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT384 |access-date=December 1, 2021 |archive-date=March 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240305111942/https://books.google.com/books?id=4qJfDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT384 |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{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>}}
]


With ], Jackson co-wrote the charity single "]" (1985), which raised money for the poor in the US and Africa.<ref name="WATW">{{cite web |title=Past Winners Search: "We Are the World" |url=https://www.grammy.com/nominees/search?artist=&field_nominee_work_value=%22We+Are+The+World%22&year=All&genre=All |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416205907/http://www.grammy.com/nominees/search?artist=&field_nominee_work_value=%22We+Are+The+World%22&year=All&genre=All |archive-date=April 16, 2014 |access-date=January 29, 2014 |publisher=The Recording Academy}}</ref><ref name="jdoyle">{{cite web |first=Jack |last=Doyle |title="Michael & McCartney": 1980s–2009 |work=The Pop History Dig |date=July 7, 2009 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.pophistorydig.com/topics/michael-mccartney-1980s-2009/ |archive-date=June 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150613002206/http://www.pophistorydig.com/topics/michael-mccartney-1980s-2009/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It earned $63{{nbsp}}million (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|63000000|1985|r=-6}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}),<ref name="jdoyle" /> and became one of the ], with 20{{nbsp}}million copies sold.<ref>{{cite news |first=Anthony |last=Breznican |date=June 30, 2009 |newspaper=] |access-date=June 11, 2015 |url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2009-06-26-jackson-faces_N.htm |title=The many faces of Michael Jackson |archive-date=December 5, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111205223244/http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2009-06-26-jackson-faces_N.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> It won four Grammy Awards in 1985, including Song of the Year for Jackson and Richie.<ref name="WATW" /> Jackson, Jones, and the promoter Ken Kragen received special awards for their roles in the song's creation.<ref name="WATW" /><ref name="AMAs 1986">{{cite news |title=Bruce shows who's Boss |newspaper=] |agency=Associated Press |date=January 28, 1986 |access-date=June 16, 2010 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=MRgiAAAAIBAJ&pg=1658,3425033 |archive-date=June 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613061151/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=MRgiAAAAIBAJ&pg=1658,3425033 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{sfn|Campbell|1993|p=114}}{{sfn|Young|2009|pp=340–344}}
Jackson collaborated with ] on the 17-minute ] '']'', which debuted in September 1986 at both the original ] and at ] in Florida, and in March 1987 at ]. The $30,000,000 movie was the centerpiece of popular attractions at all three parks. A Captain EO attraction was later featured at ] after that park opened in 1992. All four parks' Captain Eo installations stayed open well into the 1990s: Tokyo's was the last one to close, in 1998.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 41">George, p. 41</ref>


]" poster in 1985]]
In 1987, Jackson disassociated himself from the Jehovah's Witnesses, in response to their disapproval of the ''Thriller'' video.<ref name=ebony1>''Ebony'', Vol. 42, No. 11, September 1987, and Vol. 45, No. 12, October 1990.</ref> With the industry expecting another major hit, Jackson's first album in five years, '']'' (1987), was highly anticipated.<ref name="TIME2">Cocks, Jay. , ''Time'', September 14, 1987.</ref> It did not top ''Thriller'' as a commercial or artistic triumph— and, probably nothing could have topped the earlier album— but ''Bad'' was still a substantial success in its own right.
Jackson collaborated with ] in the early 1980s, and learned that McCartney was making $40{{nbsp}}million a year from owning the rights to other artists' songs.<ref name="jdoyle" /> By 1983, Jackson had begun buying publishing rights to others' songs, but he was careful with his acquisitions, only bidding on a few of the dozens that were offered to him. Jackson's early acquisitions of ]s and song copyrights such as the ] collection included "Everyday People" (1968), ]'s "]" (1965), and ]'s "]" (1961) and "]" (1961).


In 1984, ] announced he was selling the ] catalog comprising the publishing rights to nearly 4,000 songs, including most of the Beatles' material.<ref name="hilburn">{{cite news |first=Robert |last=Hilburn |title=The long and winding road |newspaper=] |date=September 22, 1985 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.latimes.com/la-et-hilburn-michael-jackson-sep22-story.html |archive-date=April 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407043521/https://www.latimes.com/la-et-hilburn-michael-jackson-sep22-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1981, McCartney had been offered the catalog for £20{{nbsp}}million ($40{{nbsp}}million) (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|40000000|1981|r=-5}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}).<ref name="jdoyle" /><ref name="mcca atv">{{cite web |title=Paul McCartney refused an offer to buy the ATV Catalog for £20 million ($40 million) |website=Mjjinfo.blogspot.fr |date=November 13, 2010 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://mjjinfo.blogspot.fr/2010/11/paul-mccartney-refused-to-buy-atv.html |archive-date=May 29, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150529221446/http://mjjinfo.blogspot.fr/2010/11/paul-mccartney-refused-to-buy-atv.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Jackson submitted a bid of $46{{nbsp}}million (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|46000000|1984|r=-5}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}) on November 20, 1984.<ref name="hilburn" /> When Jackson and McCartney were unable to make a joint purchase, McCartney did not want to be the sole owner of the Beatles' songs, and did not pursue an offer on his own.{{sfn|Taraborrelli|2009|pp=333–338}}<ref name="mcca atv" /> Jackson's agents were unable to come to a deal, and in May 1985 left talks after having spent more than $1{{nbsp}}million and four months of ] work on the negotiations.<ref name="hilburn" />
The '']'' album spawned seven hit singles in the U.S., five of which ("]", "]", "]", "]" and "]") reached number one on the ''Billboard'' Hot&nbsp;100 charts. This was a record for most number one Hot 100 singles from any one album, including ''Thriller.'' <ref name="A life in the spotlight&nbsp;— cnn">{{cite news |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> Although the title track's video was arguably derivative of the video for the earlier single "]", the ] still proved to be one of Jackson's iconic moments. It was a gritty but colorful epic set against the backdrop of the ] system, with costuming and choreography inspired by ''].'' As of 2008, the album had sold 30&nbsp;million copies worldwide.<ref name="Bad 30 million copies">Savage, Mark. , BBC, August 29, 2008.</ref> Thanks to ''Bad'' album, Bruce Swedien and ] won one Grammy in 1988 for Best Engineered Recording - Non Classical and Michael Jackson won one Grammy for Best Music Video, Short Form for '']'' in 1989. In the same year, Jackson won an Award of Achievement at the American Music Awards because ''Bad'' is the first album ever to generate five number one singles in the US and for its international impact in becoming 1988's best-selling album in the world. In the same award in 1988 won an award for the Favorite Soul/R&B Single for "Bad".<ref name = "MJ Grammy's"/><ref name = "Bruce Grammy's"/><ref name="AMAs 1988">{{cite web |url=http://news.google.co.uk/newspapers?id=pqxAAAAAIBAJ&sjid=sDIHAAAAIBAJ&pg=4496,2784310&dq=american+music+awards&hl=en |title=Winners of American Music Awards |publisher=''Lodi News-Sentinel'' |date= (January 26, 1988) |accessdate=June 16, 2010}}</ref><ref name="AMAs 1989">{{cite web |url=http://news.google.co.uk/newspapers?id=lZozAAAAIBAJ&sjid=lTIHAAAAIBAJ&pg=4477,3617735&dq=american+music+awards&hl=en |title=Michael, Travis top Music Award winners |publisher=''Lodi News-Sentinel'' |date= (January 30, 1989) |accessdate=June 16, 2010}}</ref><ref name="AMAs 1989 2">{{cite web |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=mfIqAAAAIBAJ&sjid=39cFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3513,3619658&dq=michael+jackson+american+music+awards&hl=en |title=American Music Awards Monday |publisher=''The Modesto Bee'' |date= (January 27, 1989) |accessdate=June 18, 2010}}</ref>


In June 1985, Jackson and Branca learned that ]'s and ]'s The Entertainment Company had made a tentative offer to buy ATV Music for $50{{nbsp}}million; in early August, Holmes à Court contacted Jackson and talks resumed. Jackson's increased bid of $47.5{{nbsp}}million (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|47500000|1985|r=-6}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}) was accepted because he could close the deal more quickly, having already completed due diligence.<ref name="hilburn" /> Jackson agreed to visit Holmes à Court in Australia, where he would appear on the ].<ref name="ch7news">{{cite episode |title=Michael Jackson 1958–2009 |series=] |minutes=Coverage of the sale of ATV Music at 2:36 |date=June 25, 2009 |access-date= January 12, 2011 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3htpIVyUtec |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120531223849/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3htpIVyUtec |archive-date= May 31, 2012}}</ref> His purchase of ATV Music was finalized on August 10, 1985.<ref name="jdoyle" /><ref name="hilburn" />
The ] 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., 'The Washington Post'', January 12, 1988.</ref> He broke a ''Guinness World Record'' {{citation}} when 504,000 people attended seven sold-out shows at ]. He performed a total of 123 concerts to an audience of 4.4&nbsp;million people. The Bad Tour turned out to be the last of Jackson's concert tours to include shows in the continental United States, although later tours did make it to ] and ].


=== Increased tabloid speculation (1986–1987) ===
=== Autobiography, changing appearance and Neverland (1988–1990) ===
{{See also|Health and appearance of Michael Jackson}}
]."]]
Jackson's skin had been medium-brown during his youth, but from the mid-1980s gradually grew paler. The change drew widespread media coverage, including speculation that he had been ].{{sfn|Campbell|1995|pp=14–16}}{{sfn|Parameswaran|2011|pp=75–77}}{{sfn|DeMello|2012|p=152}} His dermatologist, ], said he observed in 1983 that Jackson had ],<!-- NOTE: With respect to the RfC on using Taraborrelli (check the archives), the "Jackson was diagnosed with vitiligo in 1984" aspect is only supported by Taraborrelli. Other sources cite Taraborrelli when stating this with regard to 1984. So we either leave the Taraborrelli/"1984" piece out and instead cite an Arnold Klein aspect in its place, like the text currently does, or we retain the Taraborrelli piece. --><ref name="Rosenberg">{{cite news |first=Alyssa |last=Rosenberg |title=To understand Michael Jackson and his skin, you have to go beyond race |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=February 2, 2016 |access-date=September 17, 2019 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/act-four/wp/2016/02/02/to-understand-michael-jackson-and-his-skin-you-have-to-go-beyond-race |archive-date=June 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613065219/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/act-four/wp/2016/02/02/to-understand-michael-jackson-and-his-skin-you-have-to-go-beyond-race/ |url-status=live }}</ref> a condition characterized by patches of the skin losing their pigment. He also identified ] in Jackson. He diagnosed Jackson with lupus that year,<ref name="Rosenberg" /> and with vitiligo in 1986.<ref>{{cite press release |first=Jeff |last=Wilson |title=The Aftermath of Michael Jackson and Oprah: What About His Face? |work=Associated Press News |date=February 12, 1993 |access-date=September 17, 2019 |url=https://www.apnews.com/420d71be3ec15171644bfbceb41da62f |archive-date=August 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803223252/https://apnews.com/420d71be3ec15171644bfbceb41da62f |url-status=dead }}</ref> Vitiligo's drastic effects on the body can cause psychological distress. Jackson used fair-colored makeup,<ref>{{cite news |first=Gina |last=Kolata |title=Doctor Says Michael Jackson Has a Skin Disease |newspaper=The New York Times |date=February 13, 1993 |access-date=September 17, 2019 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/02/13/us/doctor-says-michael-jackson-has-a-skin-disease.html |archive-date=May 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200508142233/https://www.nytimes.com/1993/02/13/us/doctor-says-michael-jackson-has-a-skin-disease.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and possibly skin-bleaching prescription creams,<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Daniel |last=Kreps |title=Search of Michael Jackson's Home Revealed Skin-Whitening Creams |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=March 29, 2010 |access-date=September 17, 2019 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/search-of-michael-jacksons-home-revealed-skin-whitening-creams-65450/ |archive-date=July 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726181245/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/search-of-michael-jacksons-home-revealed-skin-whitening-creams-65450/ |url-status=live }}</ref> to cover up the uneven blotches of color caused by the illness. The creams would depigment the blotches, and, with the application of makeup, he could appear very pale.{{sfn|Taraborrelli|2009|pp=434–436}} Jackson said he had not purposely bleached his skin and could not control his vitiligo, adding, "When people make up stories that I don't want to be who I am, it hurts me."<ref name="Oprah-Jackson">{{cite news |title=The Michael Jackson Interview: Oprah Reflects |newspaper=Oprah.com |publisher=] |page=3 |date=September 16, 2009 |access-date=April 24, 2017 |url=https://www.oprah.com/entertainment/oprah-reflects-on-her-interview-with-michael-jackson/3 |archive-date=April 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427103353/https://www.oprah.com/entertainment/oprah-reflects-on-her-interview-with-michael-jackson/3 |url-status=live }}</ref> He became friends with Klein and Klein's assistant, ]. Rowe later became Jackson's second wife and the mother of his first two children.<ref>{{cite news |title=Arnold Klein, Dermatologist Who Smoothed Stars' Wrinkles, Dies at 70 |newspaper=The New York Times |agency=Associated Press |date=October 10, 2015 |access-date=July 18, 2019 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/24/us/arnold-klein-dermatologist-who-smoothed-stars-wrinkles-dies-at-70.html |archive-date=July 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718195246/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/24/us/arnold-klein-dermatologist-who-smoothed-stars-wrinkles-dies-at-70.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
In 1988, Jackson released his first autobiography, '']'', which took four years to complete and sold 200,000 copies.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boston.com/ae/celebrity/articles/2009/06/27/writer_stephen_davis_remembers_michael_jackson |title=Remembering Michael |work=The Boston Globe |author=Shanahan, Mark and Golstein, Meredith |date=June 27, 2009 |accessdate=March 14, 2010}}</ref> Jackson wrote about his childhood, ], 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 ] created in his chin.<ref name = "jackson 229-230"/> He attributed much of the change in the structure of his face to ], weight loss, a strict vegetarian diet, a change in hair style, and stage lighting.<ref name = "jackson 229-230"/> ''Moonwalk'' 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 '']'', which featured live footage and short films that starred Jackson and ]. The film was originally intended to be released to theaters but due to financial issues, the film was released ]. 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 his 1988 autobiography and a 1993 interview, Jackson said he had had two ] surgeries and a ] surgery but no more than that. He said he lost weight in the early 1980s because of a change in diet to achieve a dancer's body.{{sfn|Jackson|2009|pp=229–230}} Witnesses reported that he was often dizzy, and speculated he was suffering from ]. Periods of weight loss became a recurring problem later in his life.{{sfn|Taraborrelli|2009|pp=312–313}} After his death, Jackson's mother said that he first turned to ]s to remedy his vitiligo, because he did not want to look like a "spotted cow". She said he had received more than the two cosmetic surgeries he claimed and speculated that he had become addicted to them.<ref>{{cite news |title=Michael Jackson was addicted to plastic surgery, his mother says |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=November 10, 2010 |access-date=July 21, 2019 |url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/celebrity/michael-jackson-was-addicted-to-plastic-surgery-his-mother-says-20101110-17mg1.html |archive-date=July 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718195246/https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/celebrity/michael-jackson-was-addicted-to-plastic-surgery-his-mother-says-20101110-17mg1.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
In March 1988, Jackson purchased land near ] to build ] at a cost of $17&nbsp;million. He installed ]s, a ], and a ] 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">{{cite news |url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/2003-11-24-jackson-finances_x.htm |title=For Jackson, scandal could spell financial ruin |last=Gunderson, |first=Edna |work=] |publisher=Gannett Co. Inc |date=February 19, 2007 |accessdate=March 14, 2010}}</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 ].<ref name = "Nelson George overview 43-44"/>


In 1986, it was reported that Jackson slept in a ] to slow aging. He denied the story,<ref name="Image">{{cite news |title=Music's misunderstood superstar |agency=] |date=June 13, 2005 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4584367.stm |archive-date=July 16, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716021655/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4584367.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> although it was alleged that Jackson leaked an image of him sleeping in a glass chamber (according to Jackson, this was a promotional shot from an ]) to '']''.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Taylor |first1=Trey |title=Hollyweird: Michael Jackson and the Making of Disney's 'Captain EO' |url=https://www.papermag.com/hollyweird-captain-eo |access-date=October 1, 2023 |magazine=] |date=September 27, 2018 |archive-date=October 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007022441/https://www.papermag.com/hollyweird-captain-eo |url-status=live }}</ref> It was also reported that Jackson took female hormone shots to keep his voice high and facial hair wispy, proposed to ] and possibly had a shrine of her, and had cosmetic surgery on his eyes. Jackson's manager ] denied all of them, except for Jackson having a chamber. DiLeo added "I don't know if he sleeps in it. I'm not for it. But Michael thinks it's something that's probably healthy for him. He's a bit of a health fanatic."<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Cutler |last=Durkee |title=Unlike Anyone, Even Himself |magazine=People |volume=28 |issue=11 |date=September 14, 1987 |access-date=June 29, 2019 |url=https://people.com/archive/cover-story-unlike-anyone-even-himself-vol-28-no-11/ |archive-date=June 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629202953/https://people.com/archive/cover-story-unlike-anyone-even-himself-vol-28-no-11/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
His success resulted in his being dubbed the "]".<ref>Press references to Jackson as a music "king" appeared as early as 1984 after he swept the ]s, and "king of pop" appeared as early as 1987. MTV and ] used the title in joint press releases and ads for the "]" 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 ] 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 ] designated him the White House's "Artist of the Decade".<ref name=georgebush>, April 5, 1990.</ref> From 1985 to 1990, he donated $500,000 to the ], and all of the profits from his single "Man in the Mirror" went to charity.<ref name="Blacks who give back">{{cite web |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1077/is_n5_v45/ai_8540117 |title=Blacks who give back' |work=] |month=March |year=1990 |accessdate=March 14, 2010}}</ref><ref>Taraborrelli, p. 382</ref> Jackson's live rendition of "You Were There" at ] 60th birthday celebration received an Emmy nomination.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 43-44"/>


When Jackson took his pet chimpanzee ] to tour in Japan, the media portrayed Jackson as an aspiring ] cartoon character who befriended animals.<ref>{{cite magazine |first1=Michael |last1=Goldberg |first2=David |last2=Handelman |title=Is Michael Jackson for Real? |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=September 24, 1987 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/is-michael-jackson-for-real-19870924 |access-date= September 4, 2017 |archive-date= May 9, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160509044804/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/is-michael-jackson-for-real-19870924 |url-status= dead}}</ref> It was also reported that Jackson had offered to buy the bones of ] (the "Elephant Man").{{sfn|Taraborrelli|2009|pp=355–361}} In June 1987, the '']'' reported Jackson's publicist bidding $1{{nbsp}}million for the skeleton to the ] on his behalf. The college maintained the skeleton was not for sale. DiLeo said Jackson had an "absorbing interest" in Merrick, "purely based on his awareness of the ethical, medical and historical significance."<ref>{{cite news |title=Jackson Ups Bid for Skeleton of 'Elephant Man' |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |agency=United Press International |date=June 17, 1987 |access-date=June 20, 2019 |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1987-06-17-8702140689-story.html |archive-date=June 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621090736/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1987-06-17-8702140689-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== ''Dangerous'', Heal the World Foundation and Super Bowl XXVII (1991–93) ===
In March 1991, Jackson renewed his contract with Sony for $100&nbsp;million, a record-breaking deal at the time, displacing ]'s renewal contract with ].<ref name="Deal record">{{cite news |title=Robbie swings historic record deal with EMI |url=http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/robbie-swings--historic-record-deal-with-emi-613061.html |publisher=] |date=October 3, 2002 |accessdate=March 24, 2010 | location=London | first1=Chris | last1=Gray | first2=Saeed | last2=Shah}}</ref> He released his eighth album '']'' in 1991. As of 2008, ''Dangerous'' had shipped seven million copies in the U.S. and had sold 32&nbsp;million copies worldwide. The ''Dangerous'' album was co-produced by ], one of the pioneers of "]" and it turned out to be the best-selling album associated with that movement.<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=] |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=] |date=August 11, 2008 |accessdate=August 21, 2008}}</ref> In the United States, the album's first single "]" 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 "]" 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 ] in a chair, saying he had suffered an injury in rehearsals.<ref>Taraborrelli, p. 459</ref> In the UK and other parts of Europe, "]" 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"/>


In September 1986, using the oxygen chamber story, the British tabloid ''The Sun'' branded Jackson "Wacko Jacko", a name Jackson came to despise.<ref name="allmusic" /><ref>{{cite interview |last=Jackson |first=Michael |interviewer=Barbara Walters |title=Jackson interview with Barbara Walters |work=20/20 |publisher=ABC |date=September 12, 1997}}</ref> '']'' noted that the name "Jacko" has racist connotations, as it originates from ], a monkey used in ] matches at the ] in the early 1820s, and "Jacko" was used in ] to refer to monkeys in general.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Vogel |first=Joseph |date=September 9, 2012 |title=How Michael Jackson Made 'Bad' |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2012/09/how-michael-jackson-made-bad/262162/ |magazine=] |access-date=July 20, 2019 |ref=none |archive-date=December 18, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161218073140/http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2012/09/how-michael-jackson-made-bad/262162/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Jackson founded the "]" 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. In the same year Jackson published his second book, the bestselling collection of poetry, '']''. While it was a commercial success and revealed a more intimate side to Jackson's nature, the collection was mostly critically unacclaimed at the time of release. In 2009, the book was republished by ] and was more positively received by some critics in the wake of Jackson's untimely death. The ] grossed $100 million. The tour began on June 27, 1992, and finished on November 11, 1993. Jackson performed to 3.5&nbsp;million people in 67 concerts.<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 ] for $20&nbsp;million, a record-breaking deal that still stands.<ref>Taraborrelli, pp. 452–454</ref>


Jackson worked with ] and ] on the 17-minute $30{{nbsp}}million ] '']'', which ran from 1986 at ] and ], and later at ] and ].<ref>{{cite news |first=Dewayne |last=Bevil |title=What's old is new again as 'Captain EO' returns to Epcot |newspaper=] |date=June 30, 2010 |access-date=April 6, 2019 |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/os-xpm-2010-06-30-os-tdd-tips-captain-eo-returns-063010-story.html |archive-date=September 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920142825/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/os-xpm-2010-06-30-os-tdd-tips-captain-eo-returns-063010-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> After having been removed in the late 1990s, it returned to the theme park for several years after Jackson's death.<ref>{{cite web |title=Captain EO is Back to Change the World |publisher=IGN |date=February 23, 2010 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/02/23/captain-eo-is-back-to-change-the-world |archive-date=September 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917171107/https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/02/23/captain-eo-is-back-to-change-the-world |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1987, '']'' reported that Jackson had disassociated himself from the Jehovah's Witnesses.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Robert E. |last=Johnson |title=Michael Jackson Comes Back! |magazine=] |volume=42 |issue=11 |date=September 1987 |pages=143, 148–9 |issn=0012-9011 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4Li0JBWU6E0C&pg=PA143}}</ref> Katherine Jackson said this might have been because some Witnesses strongly opposed the ''Thriller'' video,<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Katherine |last=Jackson |title=Mother of Jackson Family Tells All |magazine=Ebony |volume=45 |issue=12 |date=October 1990 |page=66 |issn=0012-9011 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=v9MDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA66 |quote=In 1987, he left the Jehovah's Witnesses. There was strong opposition to his "Thriller" video on the part of some Witnesses. Perhaps the controversy figured into his decision to leave. But I don't know that for a fact because I didn't talk to him about what he'd done. I couldn't. Witnesses do not discuss spiritual matters with a person who has disassociated himself from the Witnesses, including family members. But I want to stress that, contrary to published reports, I was not required to "shun" my son. Our relationship is as loving today as it was when he was a Witness. I just can't ask him, "Why, Michael?"}}</ref> which Michael denounced in a Witness publication in 1984.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=I Would Never Do It Again! |magazine=Awake |publisher=Jehovah's Witnesses |page=20 |date=May 22, 1984 |access-date=September 11, 2018 |url=https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101984368#h=18-20 |archive-date=September 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911191406/https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101984368#h=18-20 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2001, Jackson told an interviewer he was still a Jehovah's Witness.<ref name="tvg">{{cite magazine |date=November 10–16, 2001 |title=The Man in the Mirror |url= |magazine=] |page=20 |quote=TVG: How did you avoid self-destruction? MJ : I think religion entered in? TVG: Are you still a Jehovah's Witness? MJ: Yeah.}}</ref>
Following the illness and death of ], Jackson helped draw public attention to ]/], something that was still controversial at the time. He publicly pleaded with the ] at ]'s Inaugural Gala to give more money to HIV/AIDS charities and research.<ref>{{Cite news | title = Stars line up for Clinton celebration | work = ] | date = (January 19, 1993)}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | title = Facing the music and the masses at the presidential gala | work = ] | date = January 20, 1992 | author = ]}}</ref> In a high-profile visit to Africa, Jackson visited several countries, among them ] and ].<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 ], 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/>


=== ''Bad'', autobiography, and Neverland (1987–1990) ===
In January 1993, Jackson made a memorable appearance at the halftime show at ]. The performance began with Jackson catapulting 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 a minute and a half while the crowd cheered. He then slowly removed his sunglasses, threw them away and sang four songs: "]", "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 ] 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"/> ''Dangerous'' album won a Grammy for Best Engineered - Non Classical awarding the work of Bruce Swedien and Teddy Riley. In the same year, Michael Jackson won three American Music Awards for Favorite Pop/Rock Album (''Dangerous''), Favorite Soul/R&B Single ("]") and the International Artist Award (first artist to win it) for his global performances and humanitarian concerns. This award will bear his name in the future.<ref name = "MJ Grammy's"/><ref name = "Bruce Grammy's"/><ref name="AMAs 1993">{{cite web |url=http://news.google.co.uk/newspapers?id=mBIVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=TQMEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6811,6756235&dq=american+music+awards&hl=en |title=Cyrus, Bolton please the fans |publisher=''Toledo Blade'' |date= (January 27, 1993) |accessdate=June 16, 2010}}</ref>
] at the White House on April 5, 1990. It was the second time that Jackson had been honored by a president of the United States.]]
{{-}}
Jackson's first album in five years, '']'' (1987), was highly anticipated, with the industry expecting another major success.<ref name="Time2">{{cite magazine |first=Jay |last=Cocks |title=Music: The Badder They Come |magazine=Time |date=September 14, 1987 |access-date=April 25, 2010 |url=https://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,965452,00.html |archive-date=January 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109094122/http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,965452,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> It became the first album to produce five US number-one singles: "]", "]", "]", "]", and "]". Another song, "]", peaked at number seven.<ref name="FourUSTop10s" /> ''Bad'' won the 1988 Grammy for Best Engineered Recording – Non Classical and the 1990 ], Short Form for "]".<ref name="grammy mj" /><ref name="Bruce" /> Jackson won an Award of Achievement at the American Music Awards in 1989 after ''Bad'' generated five number-one singles, became the first album to top the charts in 25 countries and the bestselling album worldwide in 1987 and 1988.<ref>{{cite news |title=Michael, Travis top Music Award winners |newspaper=] |agency=United Press International |date=January 30, 1989 |access-date=June 16, 2010 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=lZozAAAAIBAJ&pg=4477,3617735 |archive-date=June 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613061151/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=lZozAAAAIBAJ&pg=4477,3617735 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Jackson tour on its way to u.s. |newspaper=] |date=January 12, 1988 |access-date=July 5, 2010 |url=https://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SJ&s_site=mercurynews&p_multi=SJ&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB72CE855E5ADB3&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |archive-date=August 12, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812063453/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SJ&s_site=mercurynews&p_multi=SJ&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB72CE855E5ADB3&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |url-status=live }}</ref> By 2012, it had sold between 30 and 45{{nbsp}}million copies worldwide.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=50 fastest selling albums ever |magazine=] |date=April 27, 2011 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.nme.com/photos/50-fastest-selling-albums-ever/213617 |archive-date=October 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011175738/http://www.nme.com/photos/50-fastest-selling-albums-ever/213617 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Piya |last=Sinha-Roy |title=Michael Jackson is still "Bad," 25 years after album |date=May 21, 2012 |publisher=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/entertainment-us-michaeljackson-bad-idUSBRE84K0Z120120521 |access-date=July 5, 2021 |archive-date=December 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222181513/http://www.reuters.com/article/entertainment-us-michaeljackson-bad-idUSBRE84K0Z120120521 |url-status=live }}</ref>


The ] ran from September 12, 1987, to January 27, 1989.{{sfn|Lewis Jones|2005|pp=95–96}} In Japan, the tour had 14 sellouts and drew 570,000 people, nearly tripling the previous record for a single tour.<ref>{{cite news |first=Richard |last=Harrington |title=Jackson to Make First Solo U.S. Tour |newspaper=] |date=January 12, 1988 |access-date= March 16, 2013 |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/306975947 |archive-date= February 23, 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180223110845/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpost/doc/306975947.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jan%2012,%201988&author=Richard%20Harrington&pub=The%20Washington%20Post%20%28pre-1997%20Fulltext%29&edition=&startpage=b.03&desc=Jackson%20to%20Make%20First%20Solo%20U.S.%20Tour |id={{ProQuest|306975947}} |url-status= live}}</ref> The 504,000 people who attended seven sold-out shows at ] set a new ].<ref>{{cite web |title=16 of Michael Jackson's Greatest Non-Musical Achievements |website=Brainz.org |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://brainz.org/16-michael-jacksons-greatest-non-musical-achievements |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150626164913/https://brainz.org/16-michael-jacksons-greatest-non-musical-achievements/ |archive-date= June 26, 2015}}</ref>
=== First child sexual abuse allegations and first marriage (1993-94) ===
{{Main|1993 child sexual abuse accusations against Michael Jackson}}


In 1988, Jackson released his autobiography, '']'', with input from Stephen Davis and ].<ref>{{cite news |first=Alice |last=Vincent |title=When Michael Jackson (almost) told all: the story of his bizarre autobiography Moonwalk |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=March 11, 2019 |access-date= April 8, 2019 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/artists/michael-jackson-almost-told-story-bizarre-autobiography-moonwalk/ |archive-url= https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/artists/michael-jackson-almost-told-story-bizarre-autobiography-moonwalk/ |archive-date= January 10, 2022 |url-status= live}} {{cbignore}}</ref> It sold 200,000 copies,<ref>{{cite news |first1=Mark |last1=Shanahan |first2=Meredith |last2=Golstein |title=Remembering Michael |newspaper=] |date=June 27, 2009 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.boston.com/ae/celebrity/articles/2009/06/27/writer_stephen_davis_remembers_michael_jackson |archive-date=July 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702164216/http://www.boston.com/ae/celebrity/articles/2009/06/27/writer_stephen_davis_remembers_michael_jackson/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and reached the top of the ''New York Times'' bestsellers list.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Best Seller List a Cakewalk for Moonwalk |work=Associated Press News |date=May 6, 1988 |access-date=April 8, 2019 |url=https://apnews.com/0afe7934cb1ac583fe267fb993947a24 |archive-date=August 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818132056/https://apnews.com/0afe7934cb1ac583fe267fb993947a24 |url-status=live }}</ref> Jackson discussed his childhood, the Jackson 5, and the abuse from his father.{{sfn|Jackson|2009|pp=29–31}} He attributed his changing facial appearance to three plastic surgeries, puberty, weight loss, a strict vegetarian diet, a change in hairstyle, and stage lighting.<ref>{{cite web |first=Eric |last=Ditzian |title=Michael Jackson's Memoir, 'Moonwalk': Read Excerpts Here! |publisher=MTV |date=October 12, 2009 |access-date=June 20, 2019 |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/1623608/michael-jacksons-memoir-moonwalk-read-excerpts-here/ |archive-date=June 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621025802/http://www.mtv.com/news/1623608/michael-jacksons-memoir-moonwalk-read-excerpts-here/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>{{sfn|Jackson|2009|pp=229–230}} In June, Jackson was honored with the Grand Vermeil ] by the then Mayor of Paris ] during his stay in the city as part of the ].<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Michael's Last Tour |magazine=Ebony |date=April 1989 |volume=44 |issue=6 |page=148 |issn=0012-9011 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FtUDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA148 |access-date=May 7, 2022 |archive-date=March 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240305111940/https://books.google.com/books?id=FtUDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA148#v=onepage&q&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Michael Jackson et ses amis |magazine=] |date=June 26, 2009 |access-date=May 7, 2022 |url=https://www.premiere.fr/Cinema/Michael-Jackson-et-ses-amis |language=fr |archive-date=May 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220507185226/https://www.premiere.fr/Cinema/Michael-Jackson-et-ses-amis |url-status=live }}</ref> On July 20, he became the first ] in history to enter London's ] through the building's Royal Entrance.<ref name="untouch" /> In October, Jackson released a film, '']'', which featured live footage and short films starring Jackson and ]. In the US it was released ] and became the bestselling video cassette in the country.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Michael Jackson's Moonwalker at 25 |website=] |date=November 7, 2013 |access-date=April 14, 2019 |url=https://www.clashmusic.com/features/michael-jacksons-moonwalker-at-25 |archive-date=April 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407111130/https://www.clashmusic.com/features/michael-jacksons-moonwalker-at-25 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Entertainment Notes: Moonwalker Tops Thriller |newspaper=] |date=February 6, 1989 |access-date= April 14, 2019 |url=https://www.deseretnews.com/article/33490/ENTERTAINMENT-NOTES-MOONWALKER-TOPS-THRILLER.html |archive-date= April 7, 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190407112354/https://www.deseretnews.com/article/33490/ENTERTAINMENT-NOTES-MOONWALKER-TOPS-THRILLER.html |url-status= dead}}</ref> The ] (RIAA) certified it as eight times Platinum in the US.<ref>{{cite web |title=Gold & Platinum |publisher=Recording Industry Association of America |access-date=April 14, 2019 |url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=MICHAEL+JACKSON&ti=MOONWALKER |archive-date=August 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803214618/https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=MICHAEL+JACKSON&ti=MOONWALKER |url-status=live }}</ref>
Jackson gave a 90-minute interview to ] 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 ], slept in a ] oxygen chamber, or bleached his skin, stating for the first time that he had ]. The interview was watched by an American audience of 90&nbsp;million. ''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"/>


In March 1988, Jackson purchased {{convert|2700|acre|km2}} of land near ], to build a new home, ], at a cost of $17{{nbsp}}million (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|17000000|1988|r=-6}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}).<ref name="Malta">{{cite news |title=Michael Jackson's Neverland on sale |newspaper=] |agency=Reuters |date=June 1, 2015 |access-date=June 11, 2015 |url=https://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20150601/world/Michael-Jackson-s-Neverland-on-sale.570574 |archive-date=June 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150613052252/http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20150601/world/Michael-Jackson-s-Neverland-on-sale.570574 |url-status=live }}</ref> He installed a ], a ], a movie theater and a zoo.<ref name="Malta" /><ref name="Bio2">{{cite magazine |title=Michael Jackson – Biography |magazine=Rolling Stone |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/michaeljackson/biography |archive-date= June 20, 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080620063744/https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/michaeljackson/biography}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Hannah |last=Ellis-Petersen |title=Michael Jackson Neverland Ranch expected to fetch up to $85m |newspaper=The Guardian |date=August 1, 2014 |access-date=June 11, 2015 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/aug/01/michael-jackson-neverland-ranch-sell-50-million |archive-date=June 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230614191347/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/aug/01/michael-jackson-neverland-ranch-sell-50-million |url-status=live }}</ref> A security staff of 40 patrolled the grounds.<ref name="Bio2" /> Shortly afterwards, he appeared in the first Western television advertisement in the ].<ref>{{cite news |first=Marison |last=Mull |title=Pepsi Ads to Run on Soviet TV |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=May 6, 1988 |access-date=April 14, 2019 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-05-06-ca-2868-story.html |archive-date=April 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406163419/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-05-06-ca-2868-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
], is a mind altering drug that can plant false memories into one's mind.]]


Jackson became known as the "]", a nickname that Jackson's publicists embraced.{{sfn|Lewis Jones|2005|pp=165–168}}{{sfn|Tannenbaum|Marks|2011|loc=Chapter 41, "I Want to Have a Nickname"}}<ref name="ew1991">{{cite magazine |first=David |last=Browne |title=Michael Jackson's Black or White |magazine=] |date=June 25, 2009 |access-date= April 14, 2019 |url=https://ew.com/article/2009/06/25/michael-jacksons-black-or-white/ |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090425084625/https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,316363,00.html |archive-date= April 25, 2009}}</ref> When ] presented him with the Soul Train Heritage Award in 1989, she called him "the true king of pop, rock and soul."{{sfn|Campbell|1993|pp=260–263}} President ] designated him the White House's "Artist of the Decade".<ref>{{cite web |title=Remarks on the Upcoming Summit with President Mikhail Gorbachev of the Soviet Union |publisher=The American Presidency Project |date=April 5, 1990 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=18331 |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402184921/http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=18331 |url-status=live }}</ref> At the 38th ] in 1990, Jackson was the first person to be honored with an award named after its recipient.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Taylor Swift to receive first-ever Taylor Swift Award|url=https://www.wftv.com/news/trending-now/taylor-swift-to-receive-firstever-taylor-swift-award/198482313/|date=April 5, 2016|access-date=August 11, 2024|work=]|agency=] National Content Desk|archive-date=April 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160421040518/https://www.wftv.com/news/trending-now/taylor-swift-to-receive-firstever-taylor-swift-award/198482313/|url-status=live}}</ref> From 1985 to 1990, Jackson donated $455,000 to the ],<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Blacks Who Give Something Back |magazine=] |date=March 1990 |volume=45 |issue=3 |page=68 |issn=0012-9011 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oswDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA68 |access-date=January 9, 2016 |archive-date=March 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240305111945/https://books.google.com/books?id=oswDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA68#v=onepage&q&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref> and all profits from his single "Man in the Mirror" went to charity.{{sfn|Taraborrelli|2009|p=382}} His rendition of "You Were There" at ]'s 60th birthday celebration won Jackson a second Emmy nomination.<ref name="emmys.tv" /> Jackson was the bestselling artist of the 1980s.<ref name="Brooks">{{cite news |title=Garth Brooks ropes in most Billboard awards |newspaper=] |agency=Associated Press |date=December 10, 1992 |access-date=July 4, 2010 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=w7QiAAAAIBAJ&pg=3124,2012493 |archive-date=June 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613061152/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=w7QiAAAAIBAJ&pg=3124,2012493 |url-status=live }}</ref>
In the summer of 1993, Jackson was accused of ] 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> <ref name = "tara 485-486">Taraborrelli, pp. 485–486</ref><ref name = "tara 477-478">Taraborrelli, pp. 477–478</ref> The Chandler family demanded payment from Jackson, and the singer initially refused. Jordan Chandler eventually told the police that Jackson had sexually abused him.<ref name = "tara 496-498">Taraborrelli, pp. 496–498</ref>
Dr. Chandler was tape-recorded discussing his intention to pursue charges, saying, "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". Jordan's mother was, however, adamant that there had been no wrongdoing on Jackson's part.<ref name = "tara 477-478">Taraborrelli, p. 477–478</ref> Jackson later used the recording to 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"/>


=== ''Dangerous'' and public social work (1991–1993) ===
Later on that year, Jackson's home was raided by the police, and Jackson even submitted to a 25-minute ].<ref name = "tara 534-540"/> His friends said he never recovered from the humiliation. The investigation was inconclusive and no charges were ever filed.<ref></ref><ref></ref> Jackson described the search in an emotional public statement, and proclaimed his innocence.<ref name = "looking back on 1993"/><ref name = "tara 534-540">Taraborrelli, pp. 534–540</ref><ref name = "campbell (1995) 47-50">Campbell (1995), pp. 47–50</ref> On January 1, 1994, Jackson's insurance carrier settled with the Chandlers out of court for $22&nbsp;million, after which time the Chandlers stopped co-operating with the criminal investigation.<ref name="subpoena-objection">{{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><ref name = "tara 540-545">Taraborrelli, pp. 540–545</ref> The out-of-court settlement's documentation specifically stated Jackson admitted no wrongdoing and no liability; the Chandlers and their family lawyer Larry Feldman signed it without contest.<ref></ref> The Chandlers' lawyer Mr. Feldman also explicitly stated "nobody bought anybody's silence".<ref></ref> A decade after the fact, during the second round of child abuse allegations, Jackson's lawyers would file a memo stating that the 1994 settlement was done without his consent. <ref name="subpoena-objection" />
In March 1991, Jackson renewed his contract with Sony for $65{{nbsp}}million (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|65000000|1991|r=-6}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}), a ],<ref>{{cite news |first=James |last=Montgomery |title=Michael Jackson's Life & Legacy: The Eccentric King Of Pop (1986–1999) |publisher=MTV |date=July 6, 2009 |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1615214/michael-jacksons-life-amp-legacy-1986-1999.jhtml |access-date=February 24, 2022 |archive-date=October 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024095208/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1615214/michael-jacksons-life-amp-legacy-1986-1999.jhtml |url-status=dead }}</ref> beating ]'s renewal contract with ].<ref>{{cite news |first1=Chris |last1=Gray |first2=Saeed |last2=Shah |title=Robbie swings historic record deal with EMI |newspaper=] |date=October 3, 2002 |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/robbie-swings--historic-record-deal-with-emi-138739.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220514/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/robbie-swings--historic-record-deal-with-emi-138739.html |archive-date=May 14, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live}}</ref> In 1991, he released his eighth album, '']'', co-produced with ].<ref>{{cite news |first=Chris |last=Willman |title=Michael Jackson's 'Dangerous' |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=November 24, 1991 |access-date=June 11, 2015 |url=https://www.latimes.com/la-archive-dangerous-review-nov24-story.html |archive-date=November 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191116024630/https://www.latimes.com/la-archive-dangerous-review-nov24-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> It was certified eight times platinum in the US, and by 2018 had sold 32{{nbsp}}million copies worldwide.<ref name="Certifications">{{cite web |title=Gold & Platinum Searchable Database – Jackson, Michael |publisher=Recording Industry Association of America |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=michael+jackson#search_section |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304075507/http://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=Michael+Jackson#search_section |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Michael Jackson's best selling studio albums |newspaper=] |date=June 26, 2009 |access-date= September 20, 2021 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/michael-jackson/5648176/Michael-Jacksons-best-selling-studio-albums.html |url-status= live |archive-date= October 17, 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191017165055/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/michael-jackson/5648176/Michael-Jacksons-best-selling-studio-albums.html}}</ref> In the US, the first single, "]", was the album's highest-charting song; it was number one on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 for seven weeks and achieved similar chart performances worldwide.<ref name="Achievements">{{cite web |title=The return of the King of Pop |work=] |date=November 2, 2006 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.today.com/id/15529981 |archive-date=September 27, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927195945/http://www.today.com/id/15529981 |url-status=live }}</ref> The second single, "]" peaked at number three on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 singles chart.<ref name="billboard mj" /> At the end of 1992, ''Dangerous'' was the bestselling album of the year worldwide and "Black or White" the bestselling single of the year worldwide at the ].<ref name="Brooks" /> In 1993, he performed "Remember the Time" at the ] in a chair, saying he twisted his ankle during dance rehearsals.<ref>{{cite news |title=Jackson Shows Up to Gather Awards, Despite Ankle Injury |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=March 11, 1993 |access-date=July 16, 2019 |issn=0458-3035 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-03-11-ca-1327-story.html |archive-date=July 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190716024429/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-03-11-ca-1327-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In the UK, "]" made No. 2 on the charts in 1992.<ref name="OC" />


Jackson founded the ] in 1992. The charity brought underprivileged children to Jackson's ranch to use the theme park rides, and sent millions of dollars around the globe to help children threatened by war, poverty, and disease. That July, Jackson published his second book, ''],'' a collection of poetry. The ] ran between June 1992 and November 1993 and grossed {{Nowrap|$100 million}} (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|100000000|1993|r=-7}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}); Jackson performed for over 3.5 million people in 70 concerts, all of which were outside the US.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MJ's 'Dangerous' World Tour Raised Millions To Aid Children & Environment |url=https://www.michaeljackson.com/en-ca/news/mjs-dangerous-world-tour-raised-millions-to-aid-children-environment/ |access-date=August 14, 2024 |publisher=Michael Jackson Official Site}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Richard |last=Harrington |title=Jackson to Tour Overseas |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=February 5, 1992 |url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-989047.html |archive-date= September 24, 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150924202213/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-989047.html}}</ref> Part of the proceeds went to Heal the World Foundation.<ref>{{cite news |first=Martie |last=Zad |title=Michael Jackson Concert from Bucharest on HBO Saturday |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=October 4, 1992 |access-date=July 21, 2019 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/tv/1992/10/04/michael-jackson-concert-from-bucharest-on-hbo-saturday/24de977e-f8be-4ea1-a7a1-07e766653202/ |archive-date=January 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122083245/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/tv/1992/10/04/michael-jackson-concert-from-bucharest-on-hbo-saturday/24de977e-f8be-4ea1-a7a1-07e766653202/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Jackson sold the broadcast rights of the tour to ] for $20{{nbsp}}million, a record-breaking deal that still stands.{{sfn|Taraborrelli|2009|pp=452–454}}
In May 1994, Jackson married the daughter of ], ]. They had first met in 1975, when a seven-year-old Presley attended one of Jackson's family engagements at the ], 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> She eventually persuaded him to settle the allegations out of court and go into rehabilitation to recover.<ref name = "tara 518–520"/>


Following the death of ] spokesperson and friend ], Jackson pleaded with the Clinton administration at ] to give more money to HIV/AIDS charities and research<ref>{{cite news |title=Stars line up for Clinton celebration |newspaper=] |date=January 19, 1993}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Patricia |last=Smith |author-link= Patricia Smith (poet) |title=Facing the music and the masses at the presidential gala |newspaper=The Boston Globe |date=January 20, 1992}}</ref> and performed "]", a song dedicated to White, and "Heal the World" at the gala.<ref>{{cite magazine |first1=Tessa |last1=Stuart |first2=Brittany |last2=Spanos |first3=Kory |last3=Grow |title=From Dylan to Beyonce: Most Legendary Inauguration Performances |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=January 19, 2017 |access-date=July 21, 2019 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/from-dylan-to-beyonce-most-legendary-inauguration-performances-123294/ |archive-date=January 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120130122/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/from-dylan-to-beyonce-most-legendary-inauguration-performances-123294/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Jackson visited Africa in early 1992; on his first stop in Gabon he was greeted by more than 100,000 people, some of them carrying signs that read "Welcome Home Michael",<ref name="Ebony">{{cite magazine |title=Michael Jackson: Crowned in Africa, Pop Music King Tells Real Story Of Controversial Trip |magazine=Ebony |date=May 1992 |volume=47 |issue=5 |pages=34–43 |issn=0012-9011 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tMwDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA34}}</ref> and was awarded an Officer of the ] from President ].<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Vincent |last=Hugeux |title=Michael Jackson l'Africain |magazine=] |date=September 3, 2009 |access-date= October 19, 2021 |url=https://www.lexpress.fr/culture/musique/michael-jackson-l-africain_783922.html |language=fr |archive-date= October 19, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20211019005121/https://www.lexpress.fr/culture/musique/michael-jackson-l-africain_783922.html |url-status= dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Hommage à Michael Jackson: deux ans déjà |publisher=] |date=June 25, 2011 |access-date=October 19, 2021 |url=https://french.china.org.cn/culture/txt/2011-06/25/content_22858621_26.htm |language=fr |archive-date=October 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019005126/http://french.china.org.cn/culture/txt/2011-06/25/content_22858621_26.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> During his trip to Ivory Coast, Jackson drew larger crowds than ] on his previous visits.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00zfxhf |title=Michael Jackson: The Thrill Of Thriller |access-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-date=February 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218070931/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00zfxhf|publisher=] |url-status=live}}</ref> He was crowned "King Sani" by a tribal chief in the Ivorian village of ], where he thanked the dignitaries in French and English, signed documents formalizing his kingship, and sat on a golden throne while presiding over ceremonial dances.<ref name="Ebony" />
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 ] 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> The marriage lasted less than two years and ended with an amicable divorce settlement.<ref name = "tara 580–581">Taraborrelli, pp. 580–581</ref>


In January 1993, Jackson performed at the ] in Pasadena, California. The ] sought a big-name artist to keep ratings high during halftime following dwindling audience figures.<ref>{{cite news |first=Richard |last=Sandomir |title=How Jackson Redefined the Super Bowl |newspaper=The New York Times |date=June 29, 2009 |access-date=June 8, 2013 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/30/sports/football/30sandomir.html |archive-date=December 29, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121229091203/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/30/sports/football/30sandomir.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Phil |last=Rosenthal |title=Goal of spectacle colors NFL's thinking about Super Bowl halftime show |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |date=February 6, 2011 |access-date=January 20, 2017 |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2011/02/06/goal-of-spectacle-colors-nfls-thinking-about-super-bowl-halftime-show/ |archive-date=March 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312153733/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-02-06/business/ct-biz-0206-rosenthal--20110206_1_super-halftime-party-doritos-zaptime-halftime-show |url-status=live }}</ref> With 133.4 million viewers, it was the first Super Bowl whose halftime show drew greater audience figures than the game.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2018/02/02/from-elvis-presto-to-michael-jackson-how-the-super-bowl-halftime-show-found-its-groove/|title=From Elvis Presto to Michael Jackson: How the Super Bowl halftime show found its groove|first=Travis M.|last=Andrews|date=February 2, 2018|publisher=|access-date=August 15, 2024|newspaper=]}}</ref> Jackson played "]", "Billie Jean", "Black or White", and "Heal the World". ''Dangerous'' rose 90 places in the US albums chart after the performance.{{sfn|Campbell|1995|pp=14–16}}
=== ''HIStory'', second marriage and fatherhood (1995–99) ===
]


Jackson gave ] with ] on February 10, 1993. He spoke of his childhood abuse at the hands of his father; he believed he had missed out on much of his childhood, and said 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, and stated for the first time that he had vitiligo. After the interview, ''Dangerous'' re-entered the US albums chart in the top 10, more than a year after its release.{{sfn|Lewis Jones|2005|pp=165–168}}{{sfn|Campbell|1995|pp=14–16}} The interview itself became ] to date, with more than 90 million viewers.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Margulies |first=Lee |date=February 12, 1993 |title=Jackson Interview Seen by 90 Million, ABC Says |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-02-12-ca-1379-story.html |access-date=August 14, 2024 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times}}</ref>
In 1995, Jackson merged his ATV Music catalog with Sony's music publishing division creating ]. Jackson retained half-ownership of the company, earned $95&nbsp;million upfront as well as ].<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 ] '']''. 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=] |date=August 24, 2001 |accessdate=May 10, 2009}}</ref> ''HIStory'' received a Grammy nomination for ].<ref name = "Ultimate booklet 48–50"/>


In January 1993, Jackson won three ]: Favorite Pop/Rock Album (''Dangerous''), Favorite Soul/R&B Single ("Remember the Time"), and was the first to win the International Artist Award of Excellence.<ref>{{cite news |title=Cyrus, Bolton please the fans |newspaper=] |agency=Associated Press |date=January 27, 1993 |access-date=March 3, 2023 |url=https://news.google.co.uk/newspapers?id=mBIVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=TQMEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6811,6756235 |archive-date=March 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230303210646/https://news.google.co.uk/newspapers?id=mBIVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=TQMEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6811,6756235 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |first=Craig |last=Rosen |title=Michael Jackson Cops 3 Top Prizes |magazine=Billboard |date=February 6, 1993 |volume=105 |issue=6 |page=12 |issn=0006-2510 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jw8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA12}}</ref> In February, he won the "Living Legend Award" at the ] in Los Angeles.<ref name="grammy mj" /> He attended the award ceremony with ].<ref>{{cite news |first=Larry |last=McShane |title=Grammy moments – memorable and forgettable |newspaper=Deseret News |page=C3 |date=February 25, 1983 |access-date=April 14, 2019 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Z04pAAAAIBAJ&pg=3702,4129430 |archive-date=June 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613061151/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Z04pAAAAIBAJ&pg=3702,4129430 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Dangerous'' was nominated for Best Vocal Performance (for "Black or White"), Best R&B Vocal Performance ("Jam") and Best R&B Song ("Jam"), and Bruce Swedien and Teddy Riley won the Grammy for Best Engineered – Non Classical.<ref name="Bruce" />
The first single released from the album was the ] "]". "Scream" was a duet, performed with Jackson's youngest sister ]. The song fights against the media, mainly for what the media made him out to be during his 1993 child abuse allegations. 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> "]" 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 ].<ref>Taraborrelli, pp. 576–577</ref> "]" 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 track "]" became controversial when the ] and other groups criticized its allegedly ] lyrics. Jackson quickly put out a revised version of the song without the offending lyrics.<ref name="ADL">{{cite web |url=http://www.adl.org/PresRele/ASUS_12/2471_12.asp |title=ADL happy with Michael Jackson decision |publisher=] |date=(June 22, 1995) |accessdate=July 1, 2008}}</ref> In 1996, Jackson won a Grammy for Best Music Video, Short Form for "Scream" and an American Music Award for Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist.<ref name = "MJ Grammy's"/><ref name="AMAs 1996">{{cite web |url=http://news.google.co.uk/newspapers?id=LWUwAAAAIBAJ&sjid=YzMDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5552,8128572&dq=american+music+awards&hl=en |title=Brooks turns down award for favorite artist of the year |publisher=''Rome News-Tribune'' |date= (January 30, 1996) |accessdate=June 16, 2010}}</ref>


=== First child sexual abuse accusations and first marriage (1993–1995) ===
The album was promoted with the successful ]. The 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, and grossed up a total of $165 million. 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> During the tour, Jackson married his ] ], a dermatology nurse, in an impromptu ceremony in ]. Rowe was approximately six months pregnant with the couple's first child at the time. Originally, Rowe and Jackson had no plans to marry, but Jackson's mother Katherine persuaded them to do so.<ref>Taraborrelli, p. 570-586</ref> Michael Joseph Jackson Jr (commonly known as Prince) was born on February 13, 1997; his sister Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson was born a year later on April 3, 1998.<ref name = "tara 580–581"/><ref>Taraborrelli, p. 597</ref> The couple divorced in 1999, and Jackson got full custody of the children. The divorce was relatively amicable, but a subsequent custody suit was not settled until 2006.<ref name="tara 599-600"/><ref name="Jackson settles with Ex wife" />
{{Main|1993 Michael Jackson sexual abuse allegations}}


In August 1993, Jackson was accused of ] by a 13-year-old boy, Jordan Chandler, and his father, Evan Chandler.<ref name="Abuse">{{cite news |title=1993: Michael Jackson accused of child abuse |work=BBC News |date=February 8, 2003 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/august/24/newsid_2512000/2512077.stm |archive-date=June 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150601070640/http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/august/24/newsid_2512000/2512077.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Jordan said he and Jackson had engaged in acts of kissing, ] and ].{{sfn|Taraborrelli|2009|pp=496–498}} While Jordan's mother initially told police that she did not believe Jackson had molested him, her position wavered a few days later.<ref name="untouch">{{cite book |first=Randall |last=Sullivan |author-link=Randall Sullivan |year=2012 |title=] |publisher=] |chapter=South |isbn=978-0-8021-4582-6 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LUq1EO5e3S0C |access-date=September 25, 2024 |archive-date=October 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231015101931/https://books.google.com/books?id=LUq1EO5e3S0C |url-status=live }}</ref>{{sfn|Taraborrelli|2009|pp=477–478}} Evan was recorded discussing his intention to pursue charges, which Jackson used to argue that he was the victim of a jealous father trying to extort money.{{sfn|Taraborrelli|2009|pp=477–478}} Jackson's older sister La Toya accused him of being a pedophile;{{sfn|Taraborrelli|2009|pp=534–540}} she later retracted this, saying she had been forced into it by her abusive husband.{{sfn|Campbell|1995|pp=28–29}}
In 1997, Jackson released '']'', which contained remixes of hit singles from ''HIStory'' and five new songs. Worldwide sales stand at 6 million copies as of 2007, it is the ].<ref>{{cite book |last=Rojek |first=Chris |title=Cultural Studies |year=2007 |publisher=Polity |page=74 |id=ISBN 0745636837 }}</ref> It reached number one in the UK, as did the ].<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 ] for a ] in Modena, Italy. The show was in support of the ] ], and raised a million dollars for the ], 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 ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and Luciano Pavarotti. The proceeds went to the "Nelson Mandela Children's Fund", the ] and ].<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>


Police raided Jackson's home in August and found two legal large-format art books featuring young boys playing, running and swimming in various states of undress.<ref>{{cite news |first=John M. |last=Broder |title=Jackson's Books About Boys Are Allowed as Evidence in Trial |newspaper=The New York Times |date=April 30, 2005 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/30/national/30jackson.html |archive-date=July 7, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140707202809/http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/30/national/30jackson.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Jackson denied knowing of the books' content and claimed if they were there, someone had to have sent them to him and he did not open them.<ref>{{cite interview |first=Michael |last=Jackson |first2=Lisa Marie |last2=Presley |subject-link2= Lisa Marie Presley |interviewer=] |title=Interview |work=] |date=June 19, 1995}}</ref> Jordan Chandler gave police a description of Jackson's genitals. A strip search was made, and the jurors felt the description was not a match.<ref>{{cite news |title=Photos May Contradict Michael's Accuser |newspaper=] |date=May 2, 1994 |access-date= April 21, 2019 |url=https://site2.mjeol.com/important-article/jackson-grand-jury-disbanded-1994.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150428133350/https://site2.mjeol.com/important-article/jackson-grand-jury-disbanded-1994.html |archive-date= April 28, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |first=Ian |last=Halperin |year=2009 |title=Unmasked: The Final Years of Michael Jackson |publisher=] |isbn=978-1-4391-7719-8 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wyaFQdNxU7sC&pg=PT84 |access-date=April 27, 2019 |archive-date=March 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240305111949/https://books.google.com/books?id=wyaFQdNxU7sC&pg=PT84#v=onepage&q&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |first=John David |last=Ebert |year=2010 |title=Dead Celebrities, Living Icons: Tragedy and Fame in the Age of the Multimedia Superstar |publisher=Praeger |page=201 |isbn=978-0-313-37764-8 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=g6TitThCzkkC&pg=PA201 |access-date=April 27, 2019 |archive-date=March 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240305111952/https://books.google.com/books?id=g6TitThCzkkC&pg=PA201 |url-status=live }}</ref> In January 1994, Jackson settled with the Chandlers out of court for a reported total sum of $23{{nbsp}}million.<ref>{{cite news |first=Rochelle |last=Steinhaus |title=Jackson settlement from 1993 allegations topped $20{{nbsp}}million |publisher=CNN |date=June 16, 2004 |access-date=April 15, 2021 |url=https://www.cnn.com/2004/LAW/06/16/michael.jackson/ |archive-date=September 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915010118/http://www.cnn.com/2004/LAW/06/16/michael.jackson/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The police never pressed criminal charges.<ref>{{cite news |title=Jackson's 'past' allowed in court |work=BBC News |date=March 29, 2005 |access-date=April 14, 2019 |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/music/4387247.stm |archive-date=February 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224133721/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/music/4387247.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Citing a lack of evidence without Jordan's testimony, the state closed its investigation on September 22, 1994.<ref>{{cite news |first=Seth |last=Mydans |title=No Charges for Now Against Michael Jackson |newspaper=The New York Times |date=September 22, 1994 |access-date=April 14, 2019 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/09/22/us/no-charges-for-now-against-michael-jackson.html |archive-date=May 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507162934/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/09/22/us/no-charges-for-now-against-michael-jackson.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Label dispute, ''Invincible'' and third child (2000–03) ===
At the turn of the century, the 2000 edition of the ] honored Jackson as Artist of the '80s.<ref name="AMAs Poll">{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1425174/20000118/backstreet_boys.jhtml |title=Lauryn Hill, Backstreet Boys, DMX Honored With American Music Awards |publisher=''MTV'' |date= (January 18, 2000) |accessdate=June 16, 2010}}</ref> Throughout 2000 and 2001, Jackson worked in the studio with Teddy Riley and ], as well as other collaborators. These sessions would result in the album '']'', released in October 2001. ''Invincible'' was Jackson's first full-length album in six years, and it would 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, ]. 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.<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"/> Jackson sought an early exit from his contract.<ref name = "tara 610–611"/> Just before the release of '']'', Jackson informed the head of Sony Music Entertainment, ], 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 suspended.


Jackson had been taking ]s for his reconstructive scalp surgeries, administered due to the Pepsi commercial accident in 1984, and became dependent on them to cope with the stress of the sexual abuse allegations.<ref>{{cite news |title=Warrant Allows a Strip Search of Jackson |newspaper=] |agency=Associated Press |date=November 16, 1993 |access-date= July 21, 2019 |url=https://www.deseretnews.com/article/321101/WARRANT-ALLOWS-A-STRIP-SEARCH-OF-JACKSON.html |archive-date= July 16, 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190716033938/https://www.deseretnews.com/article/321101/WARRANT-ALLOWS-A-STRIP-SEARCH-OF-JACKSON.html |url-status= dead}}</ref> On November 12, 1993, Jackson canceled the remainder of the Dangerous World Tour due to health problems, stress from the allegations and painkiller addiction. He thanked his close friend ] for support, encouragement and counsel. The end of the tour concluded his sponsorship deal with Pepsi.<ref>{{cite news |first1=Chuck |last1=Philips |first2=Jim |last2=Newton |title=Jackson Ends World Tour, Cites Painkiller Addiction |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=November 13, 1993 |access-date= July 21, 2019 |url=https://www.latimes.com/la-me-jacksontimeline-jackson-cancels-world-tour-story.html |archive-date= April 18, 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190418234039/https://www.latimes.com/la-me-jacksontimeline-jackson-cancels-world-tour-story.html}}</ref>
In September 2001, two ] were held at Madison Square Garden to mark the singer's 30th year as a solo artist. Jackson appeared onstage alongside his brothers for the first time since 1984. The show also featured performances by ], ], ], ], ], ], Luther Vandross, and Slash, among other artists.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 50-53"/> The second of the two shows took place the night before the ].<ref name="guardian">{{cite news|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 | location=London}}</ref> After 9/11, Jackson helped organize the ] benefit concert at ] in Washington, D.C. The concert took place on October 21, 2001, and included performances from dozens of major artists, including Jackson, who performed his song "]" as the finale.<ref name = "tara 614–617"/> Jackson's solo performances were omitted from the televised version of the benefit concert, although he could still be seen singing background vocals. This somewhat odd omission happened because of contractual issues related to the earlier 30th Anniversary concerts: those concerts were boiled down into a two-hour TV special entitled "]" which debuted in November 2001.


In late 1993, Jackson proposed to ], the daughter of Elvis Presley, over the phone.{{sfn|Taraborrelli|2009|pp=518–520}} They were married in ], in May 1994 by civil judge Hugo Francisco Álvarez Pérez.<ref name="Wed">{{cite magazine |first=Matthew McCann |last=Fenton |title=Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley wed |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=May 30, 2001 |access-date=July 21, 2019 |url=https://ew.com/article/2001/05/30/michael-jackson-and-lisa-marie-presley-wed/ |archive-date=July 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190716033949/https://ew.com//article/2001/05/30/michael-jackson-and-lisa-marie-presley-wed/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The tabloid media speculated that the wedding was a publicity stunt to deflect away from Jackson's sexual abuse allegations and jump-start Presley's career as a singer.<ref name="Divorce">{{cite press release |title=She's out of his life |publisher=CNN |date=January 18, 1996 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.cnn.com/US/9601/jacko_presley/ |archive-date=May 9, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509135242/http://www.cnn.com/US/9601/jacko_presley/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Wed" /> Their marriage ended little more than a year later, and they separated in December 1995.{{sfn|Taraborrelli|2009|pp=580–581}} Presley cited "irreconcilable differences" when filing for divorce the next month and only sought to reclaim her maiden name as her settlement.<ref name="Divorce" /><ref>{{cite news |first=Vincent J. |last=Schodolski |title=After 20 Months, Jackson and Presley Agree to Divorce |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |date=January 19, 1996 |access-date=July 21, 2019 |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1996-01-19-9601190213-story.html |archive-date=July 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190716070505/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1996-01-19-9601190213-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> After the divorce, Judge Pérez said, "They lasted longer than I thought they would. I gave them a year. They lasted a year and a half."<ref name="Wed" /> Presley later said she and Jackson had attempted to reconcile intermittently for four years following their divorce, and that she had traveled the world to be with him.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 20, 2011 |title=Lisa Marie Presley Opens Up About Michael Jackson |url=http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Lisa-Marie-Presley-Opens-Up-About-Michael-Jackson/print/1 |access-date=May 19, 2022 |website=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110120062601/http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Lisa-Marie-Presley-Opens-Up-About-Michael-Jackson/print/1 |archive-date=January 20, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
In spite of the events preceding its release, ''Invincible'' came out in October 2001 to much anticipation. ''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, "]", "]" and "]", 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 ] a "fat ]".<ref>{{cite interview |last=Jackson |first=Jermaine |subjectlink=Jermaine Jackson |interviewer=]| title=Interview with Jermaine Jackson |date=(December 31, 2002) |program='']'' |url=http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0212/31/cct.00.html |accessdate=July 2, 2008 | work=CNN}}</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 news|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 | location=London}}</ref>


Jackson composed music for the ] video game '']'' (1994), but left the project around the time the sexual abuse allegations surfaced and went uncredited.<ref>{{cite web |first=Ken |last=Horowitz |title=Sega Legends: Michael Jackson & Sonic 3 |work=Sega-16 |date=May 19, 2009 |access-date=March 13, 2021 |url=https://www.sega-16.com/2009/05/sega-legends-michael-jackson-sonic-3/ |archive-date=April 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411090027/https://www.sega-16.com/2009/05/sega-legends-michael-jackson-sonic-3/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Nightingale |first1=Ed |date=June 23, 2022 |title=Yuji Naka confirms Michael Jackson wrote music for Sonic 3 |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/yuji-naka-confirms-michael-jackson-wrote-music-for-sonic-3 |access-date=June 23, 2022 |website=] |archive-date=June 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220623131035/https://www.eurogamer.net/yuji-naka-confirms-michael-jackson-wrote-music-for-sonic-3 |url-status=live }}</ref> The ] director Roger Hector and the ''Sonic'' co-creator ] said that Jackson's involvement was terminated and his music reworked following the allegations.<ref name="untoldvol3">{{cite book |last=Szczepaniak |first=John |title=The Untold History of Japanese Game Developers: Volume 3 |publisher=S.M.G Szczepaniak |year=2018 |isbn=978-0-9929260-8-3 |page=292}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Simon |last=Carless |title=Michael Jackson's Secret Sonic 3 Shame |website=] |date=March 27, 2006 |access-date= March 13, 2021 |url=https://www.gamesetwatch.com/2006/03/michael_jacksons_secret_sonic.php |archive-date= May 16, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210516130836/http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2006/03/michael_jacksons_secret_sonic.php |url-status= dead}}</ref> However, Jackson's musical director ] and other members of Jackson's team said Jackson went uncredited because he was unhappy with how the Genesis replicated his music.<ref>{{cite news |first=Todd |last=Van Luling |title=The Michael Jackson Video Game Conspiracy |work=] |date=January 25, 2016 |access-date=March 13, 2021 |url=https://testkitchen.huffingtonpost.com/michaeljacksonsonic/#2/ |archive-date=March 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210314075858/https://testkitchen.huffingtonpost.com/michaeljacksonsonic/#2/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{anchor|Blanket Jackson}}
In 2002, Michael Jackson won his 22th American Music Award for Artist of the Century.<ref name="AMAs 2002">{{cite web |url=http://news.google.co.uk/newspapers?id=Oc40AAAAIBAJ&sjid=GyEGAAAAIBAJ&pg=5669,889435&dq=american+music+awards+michael+jackson&hl=en |title=Keys, Destiny's Child, McGraw win at American Music Awards |publisher=''Lodi-News Sentinel'' |date= (January 10, 2002) |accessdate=June 16, 2010}}</ref> In the same year, Jackson's third child, Prince Michael Jackson II (nicknamed "Blanket") was born.<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 ] from a ] and his own sperm.<ref name="tara 599-600">Taraborrelli, pp. 599–600</ref> On November 20 of that year, Jackson brought his newborn son onto the balcony of his room at the ] 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 ] on CD and DVD. In the US, the album was certified triple platinum by the RIAA; in the UK it was certified 6 times platinum for shipments of at least 1.2 million units.<ref name="RIAA certifications"/><ref name="BPI">{{cite news|title=BPI Searchable database&nbsp;— Gold and Platinum |publisher=] |accessdate=January 25, 2009}}</ref>


=== ''HIStory'', second marriage, fatherhood and ''Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix'' (1995–1997) ===
=== Second child sexual abuse allegations (2003–05) ===
] for the premiere of '']'']]
{{See|Living with Michael Jackson|People v. Jackson}}<!--note: we need to say more about the trial. A word or two about the potential ulterior motives of various parties may be in order, but any such mention would need to be kept in full compliance with ].-->
In June 1995, Jackson released the double album '']''. The first disc, ''HIStory Begins'', is a ] (reissued in 2001 as ''Greatest Hits: HIStory, Volume I''). The second disc, ''HIStory Continues'', contains 13 original songs and two cover versions. The album debuted at number one on the charts and has been certified for eight million shipments in the US.<ref>{{cite web |title=Top 100 Albums |publisher=Recording Industry Association of America |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=top_tallies&ttt=T1A&col=certified_units&ord=desc#search_section |archive-date=September 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913200358/https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=top_tallies&ttt=T1A&col=certified_units&ord=desc#search_section |url-status=live }}</ref> It is the bestselling multi-disc album of all time, with 20{{nbsp}}million copies (40{{nbsp}}million units) sold worldwide.<ref name="Achievements" /><ref>{{cite news |title=Michael Jackson's best selling studio albums |date=June 26, 2009 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=June 11, 2015 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/michael-jackson/5648176/Michael-Jacksons-best-selling-studio-albums.html |archive-date=October 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017165055/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/michael-jackson/5648176/Michael-Jacksons-best-selling-studio-albums.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ''HIStory'' received a Grammy nomination for ].<ref name="grammy mj" /> The ''New York Times'' reviewed it as "the testimony of a musician whose self-pity now equals his talent".<ref>{{cite news |first=Jon |last=Pareles |title=Pop View; Michael Jackson Is Angry, Understand? |newspaper=The New York Times |date=June 18, 1995 |access-date=April 14, 2019 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/06/18/arts/pop-view-michael-jackson-is-angry-understand.html |archive-date=June 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624042053/https://www.nytimes.com/1995/06/18/arts/pop-view-michael-jackson-is-angry-understand.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
In a series of interviews with ], broadcast in 2003 as ''Living with Michael Jackson'', Jackson was seen holding hands and discussing sleeping arrangements with a 13-year-old boy, who later accused Jackson of ].<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 ] in relation to the boy.<ref name = "tara 640"/> Jackson denied the allegations, saying the sleepovers were not sexual in nature.<!--Significance unclear: "During the two years between the charges and the trial, Jackson reportedly became dependent on ] (Demerol), and lost a lot of weight."--> The '']'' trial began on January 31, 2005, in ], 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 | work=The Guardian | location=London}}</ref> After the trial, in a highly publicized relocation he moved to the ] island of ], as a guest of ].<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= ] |date= January 23, 2006}}</ref>


The first single from ''HIStory'' was "]/]". "Scream", a duet with Jackson's youngest sister Janet, protests the media's treatment of Jackson during the 1993 child abuse allegations against him. The single reached number five on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100,<ref name="billboard mj">{{cite magazine |title=Michael Jackson Chart History |magazine=Billboard |date=September 12, 2008 |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/michael-jackson/chart-history/hsi/ |access-date=November 29, 2021 |archive-date=October 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008004113/https://www.billboard.com/music/Michael-Jackson/chart-history/HSI |url-status=live }}</ref> and received a Grammy nomination for "Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals".<ref name="grammy mj" /> The second single, "]", holds the Guinness world record for the first song to debut at number one on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 chart.<ref name="World Records" /> It received a Grammy nomination for "Best Pop Vocal Performance" in 1995.<ref name="grammy mj" />
=== Final years (2006–09) ===
], 2006]]
In March 2006, the main house at the Neverland Ranch was closed as a cost-cutting measure.<ref>{{cite web |last=McNamara |first=Melissa |url=http://www.showbuzz.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/03/17/people/main1414450.shtml |title=Jackson Closes Neverland House |work=CBS News |date=March 17, 2006 |accessdate=April 25, 2010}}</ref> There were numerous reports around that time that Jackson was having financial problems. Jackson had been deliquent on his repayments of a $270&nbsp;million loan secured against his music publishing holdings, even though those holdings were reportedly making him as much as $75 million a year.<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> The ] sold the debt to ]. Sony reportedly proposed a restructuring deal which would give them a 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 in April 2006, although the exact details were not made public.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4909412.stm |title=Jackson strikes deal over loans |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC Online |date=April 14, 2006 |accessdate=April 25, 2010}}</ref> Jackson did not have a recording contract in place with Sony or any other major record label at the time.


In 1995 the ] and other groups complained that "Jew me, sue me, everybody do me/ Kick me, ] me, don't you black or white me", the original lyrics of "]", were ]. Jackson released a revised version of the song.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Harrington |first=Richard |date=June 23, 1995 |title=Michael Jackson changes his tune on lyrics |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1995/06/23/michael-jackson-changes-his-tune-on-lyrics/bd138b88-c73c-4e4d-9bd2-5c1d3bf82952/ |newspaper=] |access-date=January 22, 2023 |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210044819/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1995/06/23/michael-jackson-changes-his-tune-on-lyrics/bd138b88-c73c-4e4d-9bd2-5c1d3bf82952/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
In the spring of 2006, there was an announcement that Jackson had signed a contract with a ]-based startup called Two Seas Records. However, nothing ever came of that deal, and the CEO of Two Seas, ], later stated that the deal had never been finalized.<ref name="2seas-billboard">{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard.com/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002345673#/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002345673 |title=Michael Jackson Sails With Two Seas |work=Billboard |publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc |accessdate=April, 25, 2010}}</ref><ref name="2seas-bbc">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/5380654.stm |title=Jackson parts with Bahrain label |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC Online |date=September 26, 2006 |accessdate=April 25, 2010}}</ref> Throughout 2006, Sony repackaged 20 singles from the 1980s and 1990s as the '']'' series, which subsequently became a ]. Most of those singles returned to the charts as a result. In September 2006, Jackson and his ex-wife Debbie Rowe confirmed reports that they had settled their long-running child custody suit. The terms were never made public. Jackson continued to be the custodial parent of the couple's two children.<ref name="Jackson settles with Ex wife">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5394792.stm |title=Jackson child custody battle ends |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC Online |date=September 30, 2006 |accessdate=April 25, 2010}}</ref> In October 2006, ] entertainment reporter Roger Friedman said that Jackson had been recording at a studio in rural ]. It was not known at the time what Jackson might be working on, or who might be paying for the sessions, since his publicist had recently issued a statement claiming that he had left Two Seas.<ref name="2seas-bbc" /><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? |publisher=FOX News |date=October 21, 2006 |accessdate=September 2, 2009}}</ref>


In late 1995, Jackson was admitted to a hospital after collapsing during rehearsals for a televised performance, caused by a stress-related ].{{sfn|Taraborrelli|2009|pp=576–577}} In November, Jackson merged his ATV Music catalog with Sony's music publishing division, creating ]. He retained ownership of half the company, earning $95{{nbsp}}million up front (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|95000000|1995|r=-6}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}) as well as the ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Company News; Michael Jackson sells rights to Beatles songs to Sony |newspaper=The New York Times |agency=Associated Press |date=November 8, 1995 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/11/08/business/company-news-michael-jackson-sells-rights-to-beatles-songs-to-sony.html |archive-date=May 26, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526142420/http://www.nytimes.com/1995/11/08/business/company-news-michael-jackson-sells-rights-to-beatles-songs-to-sony.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="sonydeal">{{cite news |first1=Jeff |last1=Leeds |first2=Andrew Ross |last2=Sorkin |title=Michael Jackson Bailout Said to Be Close |newspaper=The New York Times |date=April 13, 2006 |access-date=July 23, 2008 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/13/business/media/13music.html?ex=1302580800&en=45bff2f7a4da68fe&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss |archive-date=September 18, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110918161053/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/13/business/media/13music.html?ex=1302580800&en=45bff2f7a4da68fe&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss |url-status=live }}</ref>
In November 2006, Jackson invited an '']'' camera crew into the studio in Westmeath, and ] broke the story that he was working on a new album, produced by ] of the ].<ref name="KOP achievements"/> Jackson performed at the ], in London on November 15, 2006, and accepted a Diamond Award for selling over 100 million records.<ref name="KOP achievements"/><ref name="2006 World Music Awards">{{cite web| title = 2006 World Music Awards | publisher = Chiff | url = http://www.chiff.com/pop-culture/world-music-awards.htm| accessdate =February 13, 2008}}</ref> Jackson returned to the United States after Christmas 2006 to attend ]'s funeral in ]. He gave one of the eulogies, saying that "James Brown is my greatest inspiration."<ref name="jb">Reid, Shaheem. , MTV, December 30, 2006.</ref> In the spring of 2007, Jackson and Sony teamed up to buy yet another music publishing company: ], formerly owned by ]. This deal gave him the rights to songs by ], ] and ], among others.<ref name="2007 music deal">{{cite news |title=Michael Jackson buys rights to Eminem tunes and more, |work=Rolling Stone |publisher=Wenner Media LLC |date=May 31, 2007 |accessdate=May 25, 2010}}</ref> Jackson recorded extensively during this period in New York with songwriter and producer ] and also in Las Vegas with producers ] and ].<ref name="telegraph-june09">{{cite news |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/michael-jackson/5656918/Michael-Jackson-the-unreleased-album.html |title=Michael Jackson: the unreleased album |publisher=The Daily Telegraph|date=June 27, 2009 |accessdate=March 19, 2010 | location=London | first=Murray | last=Wardrop}}</ref><ref name="telegraph-june09"/><ref name="hitquarters.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.hitquarters.com/index.php3?page=intrview/opar/intrview_RedOne_Interview.html |title=Interview With RedOne |publisher=]|date=March 23, 2009 |accessdate=March 19, 2010}}</ref> In March 2007, Jackson gave a brief interview to the ] in ], where he said, "I've been in the entertainment industry since I was six-years-old, and as ] would say, '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. , Associated Press, 2007. Retrieved July 25, 2008.</ref>


"]" was the third single released from ''HIStory'', and topped the ] for six weeks over Christmas 1995.<ref name="OC">{{cite web |title=Michael Jackson |publisher=Official Charts Company |access-date=April 7, 2019 |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/16519/michael-jackson/ |archive-date=June 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617220110/https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/16519/michael-jackson/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It became the 87th-bestselling single in the UK.<ref>{{cite web |first=Justin |last=Myers |title=The best-selling singles of all time on the Official UK Chart |publisher=Official Charts Company |date=December 14, 2018 |access-date=April 7, 2019 |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/the-best-selling-singles-of-all-time-on-the-official-uk-chart__21298/ |archive-date=September 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928044249/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/the-best-selling-singles-of-all-time-on-the-official-uk-chart__21298/ |url-status=live }}</ref> At the ], Jackson's performance of "Earth Song" was disrupted by ] singer ], who was protesting what Cocker saw as Jackson's "Christ-like" persona. Jackson said the stage invasion was "disgusting and cowardly".<ref>{{cite news |first=John |last=McKie |title=Brits brawl as Cocker 'pulps' Jackson chorus |newspaper=The Independent |date=February 21, 1996 |access-date= April 6, 2019 |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/brits-brawl-as-cocker-pulps-jackson-chorus-1320077.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220514/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/brits-brawl-as-cocker-pulps-jackson-chorus-1320077.html |archive-date=May 14, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Brit Awards: Brits behaving badly |work=BBC News |date=March 4, 2000 |access-date=April 6, 2019 |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/entertainment/2000/brit_awards/665776.stm |archive-date=January 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127142947/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/entertainment/2000/brit_awards/665776.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>
In September 2007 Jackson was reportedly working with Will.i.am on a new album; the album was apparently never completed.<ref>{{cite news |title= Will.i.am On Working With Michael Jackson |publisher=Wenner Media LLC |work=Rolling Stone |date=September 24, 2007 |accessdate=March 19, 2010}}</ref> But in 2008, Jackson and Sony released '']'' to mark the 25th anniversary of the original '']''. This album featured the previously unreleased song "For All Time" (an out-take from the original sessions) as well as re-mixes, where Jackson collaborated with younger artists who had been inspired by his work.<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> Two of the remixes were released as singles with only modest success: "]" (with ]) and ]" (with ].) The second single was based on an early demo version, without ]. The album itself was a hit, however.<ref name="National certifications for Thriller 25" /><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><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=] |date=May 16, 2008|accessdate=May 22, 2008}}</ref> In anticipation of Jackson's 50th&nbsp;birthday, Sony BMG released a series of greatest-hits albums called '']''. Slightly different versions were released in various countries, based on polls of local fans.<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> ''King of Pop'' reached the top 10 in most countries where it was issued, and also sold well as an import in other countries (such as the United States.)<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>


In 1996, Jackson won a Grammy for Best Music Video, Short Form, for "Scream" and an American Music Award for Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist.<ref name="grammy mj" /><ref>{{cite news |first=Thor |last=Christensen |title=Brooks turns down award for favorite artist of the year |newspaper=] |date=January 30, 1996 |access-date=June 16, 2010 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=LWUwAAAAIBAJ&pg=5552,8128572 |archive-date=June 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613061154/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=LWUwAAAAIBAJ&pg=5552,8128572 |url-status=live }}</ref> In July 1996, Jackson performed for ]'s fiftieth birthday at ], which was specifically built for that birthday concert.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://apnews.com/article/cb80a6f812829ff0295165fcae707c6c |title=60,000 Attend Free Michael Jackson Concert |work=] |access-date=February 5, 2023 |archive-date=February 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205124418/https://apnews.com/article/cb80a6f812829ff0295165fcae707c6c |url-status=live }}</ref> Jackson was reportedly paid $17&nbsp;million (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|17000000|1996|r=-6}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}).<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/artists/beyonce-michael-jackson-how-much-stars-earn-private-gigs/ |title=Inside the Middle East's private gig gravy train for musicians, from Beyoncé to Michael Jackson |newspaper=The Telegraph |date=January 24, 2023 |last1=Hall |first1=James |access-date=February 5, 2023 |archive-date=February 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205124410/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/artists/beyonce-michael-jackson-how-much-stars-earn-private-gigs/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Jackson promoted ''HIStory'' with the ], from September 7, 1996, to October 15, 1997. He performed 82 concerts in five continents, 35 countries and 58 cities to over 4.5{{nbsp}}million fans, his most attended tour. It grossed {{Nowrap|$165 million}}.{{sfn|Lewis Jones|2005|pp=95–96}} During the tour, in Sydney, Australia, Jackson married ], a dermatology assistant, who was six months pregnant with his first child.{{sfn|Taraborrelli|2009|pp=570–586}}
In the fall of 2008, Fortress Investments threatened to foreclose on ], which Jackson used as collateral for loans running into many tens of millions of dollars. However, Fortress opted to sell Jackson's debts to ]. In November, Jackson transferred Neverland Ranch's title to Sycamore Valley Ranch Company LLC, which was a ] 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=] |date=(November 13, 2008) |accessdate=November 20, 2008}}</ref><ref>"Jacko gives up Neverland ranch deed". '']''. (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, Jackson entered negotiations with ] 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&nbsp;– 2009 |publisher=Juliensauctions.com |date=April 25, 2009 |accessdate=September 2, 2009}}</ref> An exhibition of the lots opened as scheduled on April 14, but the actual 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&nbsp;– Americas, World |publisher=The Independent |date=June 26, 2009 |accessdate=September 2, 2009 | location=London}}</ref>


Michael Joseph Jackson Jr. (commonly known as Prince) was born on February 13, 1997. His sister ] was born on April 3, 1998.{{sfn|Taraborrelli|2009|pp=580–581, 597}} Jackson and Rowe divorced in 2000, Rowe conceded custody of the children, with an $8{{nbsp}}million settlement (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|8000000|1999|r=-5}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}).<ref>{{cite news |title=Debbie Rowe, Michael Jackson's ex-wife and kids' mom, to testify |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=August 14, 2013 |access-date=October 10, 2022 |url=https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-xpm-2013-aug-14-la-me-ln-debbie-rowe-testify-20130814-story.html |archive-date=October 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221010034828/https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-xpm-2013-aug-14-la-me-ln-debbie-rowe-testify-20130814-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2004, after the ], she returned to court to reclaim custody. The suit was settled in 2006.<ref name="Ex wife">{{cite news |title=Jackson child custody fight ends |work=BBC News |date=September 30, 2006 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5394792.stm |archive-date=July 31, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731005315/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5394792.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>
In March 2009, Jackson held a press conference at London's ] and announced a series of comeback concerts titled "]." The shows would be Jackson's first major series of concerts since the HIStory World Tour finished in 1997. Jackson suggested possible retirement after the shows; he said it would be his "final curtain call". The initial plan was for a 10 concerts in London, followed by shows in ], ] and ]. Randy Phillips, president and chief executive of AEG Live, stated that the first 10 dates alone would earn 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 | location=London}}</ref> The London residency was increased to 50 dates after record breaking ticket sales: over one million were sold in less than 2 hours.<ref name="Rolling Stone 50 dates, 1 million tickets">{{cite news |first=Daniel |last=Kreps |title=Michael Jackson’s “This Is It!” Tour Balloons to 50-Show Run Stretching Into 2010 |publisher=Jann Wenner LLC |work=Rolling Stone |date=March 12, 2009 |accessdate=March 24, 2009}}</ref> Jackson rehearsed in Los Angeles in the weeks leading up to the tour under the direction of choreographer ]. Most of these rehearsals took place at the ], which was owned by AEG.<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 after suffering 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>


In 1997, Jackson released '']'', which contained remixes of singles from ''HIStory'' and five new songs. Worldwide sales stand at {{Nowrap|6 million}} copies, making it the ]. It reached number one in the UK, as did the single "]".{{sfn|Rojek|2007|p=74}} In the US, the album reached number 24 and was certified platinum.<ref name="Certifications" />
] made a feature documentary ] from the rehearsal and pre-recorded footage. 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.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32360110 |title=Judge OKs Jackson performance film deal |agency=Associated Press |publisher=] |date=2009-08-10 |accessdate=March 3, 2010}}</ref> A final cut was released 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=TV Guide | date=August 10, 2009 | accessdate=August 10, 2009}}</ref> A promotional single titled "]" was released on October 12, with a new ] released on October 26, to be released with '']'' documentary film, which became the highest grossing documentary or concert movie of all time, with the earnings of more than $260 million worldwide.<ref name="boxofficemojo">{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=michaeljacksonthisisit.htm|title=This is It (2009) |publisher=] |accessdate=January 16, 2010}}</ref> Two versions of the new song appear on the album, which also features original masters of Jackson's hits in the order in which they appear in the movie. It contains a bonus disc with 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 |work=Billboard.com |publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc |accessdate=March 3, 2010}}</ref> At the ] Jackson won four of five posthumous nominations for himself and for his album ''Number Ones'', bringing his total American Music Awards total to 26.<ref name="AMAs MJ"/><ref name="AMAs 2009"/>


== Death and memorial == === Label dispute and ''Invincible'' (1997–2002) ===
From October 1997 to September 2001, Jackson worked on his tenth solo album, '']'', which cost {{Nowrap|$30 million}} (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|30000000|2001|r=-5}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}) to record, making it the ] of all time.<ref name="Burkeman">{{cite news |first=Oliver |last=Burkeman |title=Jacko gets tough: but is he a race crusader or just a falling star? |newspaper=The Guardian |date=July 7, 2002 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/jul/08/oliverburkeman |archive-date=July 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702105224/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/jul/08/oliverburkeman |url-status=live }}</ref> In June 1999, Jackson joined ] for a ] benefit concert in ]. The show raised a million dollars for refugees of the ], and additional funds for the children of ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Ricky Martin, Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson, Others to Join Pavarotti for Benefit |publisher=] |date=May 5, 1999 |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.vh1.com/news/articles/1426933/19990505/carey_mariah.jhtml |archive-date= October 18, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111018125558/https://www.vh1.com/news/articles/1426933/19990505/carey_mariah.jhtml}}</ref> Later that month, Jackson organized a series of "]" benefit concerts in Germany and ]. Other artists involved included ], ], ], ], ], ], ] Sundaram, ], ] and Luciano Pavarotti. The proceeds went to the ], the ] and ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Slash, Scorpions, Others Scheduled for "Michael Jackson & Friends" |publisher=VH1 |date=May 27, 1999 |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.vh1.com/news/articles/1429785/19990527/guns_n_roses.jhtml |archive-date= February 21, 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100221074225/https://www.vh1.com/news/articles/1429785/19990527/guns_n_roses.jhtml}}</ref> In 1999, Jackson was presented with the "Outstanding Humanitarian Award" at ] in New York City where he noted ] to have been an inspiration for him.<ref>{{cite book |last=Fisher |first=Mark |title=The Resistible Demise of Michael Jackson |publisher=] |year=2009 |isbn=978-1-84694-348-5 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mBRjfsqXvbsC&pg=PA154 |page=154 |access-date=March 11, 2023 |archive-date=March 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311050428/https://books.google.com/books?id=mBRjfsqXvbsC&pg=PA154 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Solihun |first=Soleh |title=The King is Dead |publisher=PT Mizan Publika |isbn=978-602-8579-13-1 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=q-IWaOxAFlUC |page=157 |access-date=March 11, 2023 |archive-date=March 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311050424/https://books.google.com/books?id=q-IWaOxAFlUC |url-status=live }}</ref> From August 1999 to 2000, he lived in New York City at 4 ].<ref>{{cite news |first=Tracie |last=Rozhon |title=Big Deal; An Old Chagall Haunt, Repainted |newspaper=The New York Times |date=November 16, 2000 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/11/16/garden/big-deal-an-old-chagall-haunt-repainted.html |archive-date=June 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210604022016/https://www.nytimes.com/2000/11/16/garden/big-deal-an-old-chagall-haunt-repainted.html |url-status=live }}</ref> At the turn of the century, Jackson was awarded with the Artist of the 1980s Decade Award at the ],<ref name="MTV">{{cite news |first=David |last=Basham |date=January 18, 2000 |title=Lauryn Hill, Backstreet Boys, DMX Honored With American Music Awards |publisher=MTV |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1425174/.jhtml |archive-date=September 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110925171014/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1425174/.jhtml |url-status=dead }}</ref> and the Best-Selling Pop Male Artist of the Millennium Award at the 12nd ].<ref name="CIIC">{{cite news |title=Michael Jackson's Thriller 25 to rock the planet |publisher=] |date=February 8, 2008 |access-date=October 19, 2021 |url=https://french.china.org.cn/culture/txt/2011-06/25/content_22858621_26.htm }}</ref> In 2000, '']'' recognized him for supporting 39 charities, more than any other entertainer.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Maureen |last=Orth |title=Losing His Grip |magazine=] |date=April 2003 |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/fame/features/2003/04/orth200304 |archive-date= March 6, 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080306064036/https://www.vanityfair.com/fame/features/2003/04/orth200304}}</ref>
{{Main|Death of Michael Jackson|Michael Jackson memorial service}}
]
On June 25, 2009, Jackson was found unconscious in bed at his rented mansion at 100 North Carolwood Drive in the ] district of Los Angeles. Attempts at resuscitating him by Conrad Murray, his ], 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 | location=London}}</ref> ] paramedics received a ] call at 12:22 (]) (19:22 UTC), 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|title=Transcript of 911 call|publisher=Yahoo! News|date=June 26, 2009|accessdate=June 27, 2009}}</ref> He was reportedly not breathing and ] 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 ], and for an hour after arriving there at 1:13 (20:13&nbsp;UTC). Jackson's death triggered a global outpouring of grief.<ref name="Times6580897"/> He was pronounced dead at 2:26 local time (21:26&nbsp;UTC).<ref>{{cite news|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 | location=London}}</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>


In September 2001, ] were held at Madison Square Garden to mark Jackson's 30th year as a solo artist. Jackson performed with his brothers for the first time since 1984. The show also featured ], ], ], ], ], ] and Slash. The first show was marred by technical lapses, and the crowd booed a speech by ].<ref>{{cite web |first=Eric |last=Aiese |title=Billboard: Michael Jackson Concert Review |publisher=Classic Whitney |access-date= April 7, 2019 |url=https://www.classicwhitney.com/review/music/live/mjconcert_07sep2001.html |archive-date= June 20, 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190620031227/http://www.classicwhitney.com/review/music/live/mjconcert_07sep2001.html |url-status= dead}}</ref> 45{{nbsp}}million people watched the television broadcast of the shows in November according to ].<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=November 15, 2001 |title=Jackson's CBS Special Moonwalks Over Rivals |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/jacksons-cbs-special-moonwalks-over-rivals-77730/ |access-date=August 14, 2024 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref> After the ] (in which Jackson narrowly avoided death by oversleeping and missing a scheduled meeting at the ]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Was Michael Jackson almost in WTC on 9/11? |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/was-michael-jackson-almost-wtc-9-11-2D80555837 |work=] |date=September 14, 2011 |access-date=May 11, 2018 |archive-date=June 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170622183610/http://www.today.com/popculture/was-michael-jackson-almost-wtc-9-11-2D80555837 |url-status=live }}</ref>), Jackson helped organize the ] benefit concert at ] in Washington, D.C., on October 21, 2001. Jackson performed "]" as the finale.{{sfn|Taraborrelli|2009|pp=614–617}}
The news spread quickly online, causing websites to slow down and ] from user overload. Both TMZ and the ''Los Angeles Times'' suffered outages.<ref name=Rawlinson>Rawlinson, Linnie and Nick Hunt. , CNN, June 27, 2009.</ref> ] initially believed that the input from millions of people searching for "Michael Jackson" meant that the search engine was ]. ] reported a crash, as did ] at 3:15 p.m. PDT (6:15 p.m. EST).<ref>Shiels, Maggie. , BBC News, June 26, 2009.</ref> The ] reported nearly a million visitors to Jackson's biography within one hour, probably the most visitors in a one-hour period to any article in Misplaced Pages's history.<ref>Phoebe. ], ''The Misplaced Pages Signpost'', June 29, 2009; see {{Stats.grok.se|Michael Jackson|year=2009|month=6|text = October 2009 stats}}</ref> ] collapsed for 40 minutes. AOL called it a "seminal moment in Internet history", adding, "We've never seen anything like it in terms of scope or depth."<ref name=WoodJune27>Wood, Daniel B. , ''Christian Science Monitor'', June 27, 2009.</ref>


The release of ''Invincible'' 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 in the early 2000s, after which he would be able to promote the material however he pleased and keep the profits, but clauses in the contract set the revert date years into the future. Jackson sought an early exit from his contract.{{sfn|Taraborrelli|2009|pp=610–611}} ''Invincible'' was released on October 30, 2001. It was Jackson's first full-length album in six years, and the last album of original material he released in his lifetime.{{sfn|Taraborrelli|2009|pp=610–611}} It debuted at number one in 13 countries, and went on to sell eight{{nbsp}}million copies worldwide, receiving double-platinum certification in the US.<ref name="Certifications" /><ref>{{cite press release |first=Devin |last=Leonard |title=Michael Jackson Is Worth More Than Ever, and the IRS Wants Its Cut |agency=] |date=January 2, 2017 |access-date=September 20, 2021 |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2017-02-01/michael-jackson-is-worth-more-than-ever-and-the-irs-wants-a-piece-of-it |archive-date=February 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208103025/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2017-02-01/michael-jackson-is-worth-more-than-ever-and-the-irs-wants-a-piece-of-it |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first1=Sheila |last1=Marikar |first2=Emily |last2=Friedman |title=Michael Jackson, King of Pop, Dead at 50 |work=] |date=June 29, 2009 |access-date=September 20, 2021 |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/MichaelJackson/story?id=7932509&page=1 |archive-date=January 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126112748/https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/MichaelJackson/story?id=7932509&page=1 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Around 15% of Twitter posts—or 5,000 ] per minute—reportedly mentioned Jackson after the news broke,<ref name=crash>Skok, David, , ''The Vancouver Sun'', June 26, 2009.</ref><ref name=Wortham>Wortham, Jenna. , ''The New York Times'', June 25, 2009.</ref> compared to the 5% recalled as having mentioned the ] or the ] that had made headlines earlier in the year.<ref name=Wortham/> Overall, ] ranged from 11% to at least 20% higher than normal.<ref name=crash/><ref>Krazit, Tim and McCullagh, Declan. , ''cnet.com'', June 26, 2009.</ref> ] and ] (BET) aired ] of Jackson's music videos.<ref name=mtvjackson>Stelter, Brian. ''The New York Times'', June 26, 2009.</ref> Jackson specials aired on multiple television stations around the world. The British ] '']'' added a last-minute scene, in which one character tells another about the news, to the June 26 episode.<ref>{{cite web |title=Jacko news spreads to Eastenders |work=] |date=June 28, 2009 |accessdate=2010-04-01}}</ref> Jackson was the topic of every front-page headline in the daily British tabloid '']'' for about two weeks following his death.<ref name="SunHeadlines">'']'', July 8, 2009, pp. 10–11.</ref> During the same period, the three major U.S. networks' evening newscasts—], ], and ]—devoted 34 percent of their broadcast time to him.<ref>, ''newsbusters.org'', July 10, 2009.</ref> Magazines including '']'' published commemorative editions.<ref>, ''People'', June 27, 2009.</ref> A scene that had featured Jackson's sister La Toya was cut from the film ] out of respect toward Jackson's family.<ref>Hill, Catey. , ''New York Daily News'', June 26, 2009.</ref>


On January 9, 2002, Jackson won his 22nd American Music Award for Artist of the Century.<ref>{{cite news |title=Keys, Destiny's Child, McGraw win at American Music Awards |newspaper=Lodi News-Sentinel |agency=Associated Press |date=January 10, 2002 |access-date=June 16, 2010 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Oc40AAAAIBAJ&pg=5669,889435 |archive-date=February 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225211311/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Oc40AAAAIBAJ&pg=5669,889435 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Neva |last=Chonin |title=Awards recognize popular success / Keys, Destiny's win as expected |newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle |date=January 11, 2002 |access-date=June 12, 2019 |url=https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Awards-recognize-popular-success-Keys-2885603.php |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308124047/https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Awards-recognize-popular-success-Keys-2885603.php |url-status=live }}</ref> {{Anchor|PrinceII}}Later that year, an anonymous ] gave birth to his third child, Prince Michael Jackson II (nicknamed "Blanket"{{refn|Blanket changed his name to "Bigi" in 2015.|group=nb}}), who had been conceived by ].{{sfn|Taraborrelli|2009|pp=599–600}} On November 20, Jackson briefly held Blanket over the railing of his Berlin hotel room, four stories above ground level, prompting widespread criticism in the media. Jackson apologized for the incident, calling it "a terrible mistake".<ref name="Vineyard" /> On January 22, promoter Marcel Avram filed a breach of contract complaint against Jackson for failing to perform two planned 1999 concerts.<ref>{{cite news |first=Joe |last=D'Angelo |title=Jackson sued by promoter for attempting world tour without him |publisher=MTV |date=February 4, 2002 |access-date=June 12, 2019 |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/1452133/michael-jackson-sued-by-promoter-for-attempting-world-tour-without-him/ |archive-date=June 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626180833/http://www.mtv.com/news/1452133/michael-jackson-sued-by-promoter-for-attempting-world-tour-without-him/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> In March, a Santa Maria jury ordered Jackson to pay Avram $5.3{{nbsp}}million.<ref>{{cite news |first=William |last=Overend |title=Officials Revisit Tax Break for Jackson's Neverland as Cattle Ranch |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=March 21, 2003 |access-date=June 12, 2019 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-mar-21-me-jackson21-story.html |archive-date=April 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414141532/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-mar-21-me-jackson21-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Jackson's Legal Troubles |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |date=June 13, 2005 |access-date=June 12, 2019 |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB111783026976850589 |archive-date=August 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817101829/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB111783026976850589 |url-status=live }}</ref> On December 18, 2003, Jackson's attorneys dropped all appeals on the verdict and settled the lawsuit for an undisclosed amount.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Stephen M. |last=Silverman |title=Jackson Settles Old Lawsuit Against Him |magazine=People |date=May 10, 2004 |access-date=June 12, 2019 |url=https://people.com/celebrity/jackson-settles-old-lawsuit-against-him/ |archive-date=August 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815175041/https://people.com/celebrity/jackson-settles-old-lawsuit-against-him/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Jackson's memorial was held on July 7, 2009, at the ] in Los Angeles, preceded by a private family service at ]. 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.. ''The Vancouver Sun'', July 7, 2009.</ref><ref>Leopold, todd. . ''CNN'', July 6, 2009.</ref><ref>Bucci, Paul and Wood, Graeme. . ''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 ], and the estimated 33.1 million Americans who watched the ].<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&nbsp;– Inside TV Blog |publisher=Television.aol.com |date= |accessdate=September 2, 2009}}</ref>


On April 24, 2002, Jackson performed at ]. The concert was a fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee and former President Bill Clinton.<ref>{{cite news |title=Jackson fans celebrate at Apollo |work=BBC News |date=July 1, 2009 |access-date=May 28, 2020 |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8127971.stm |archive-date=August 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804023733/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8127971.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> The money collected would be used to encourage citizens to vote. It raised $2.5{{nbsp}}million.<ref>{{cite news |first=Christine |last=Haughney |title=For the DNC, It's Showtime at the Apollo |newspaper=] |date=April 25, 2002 |access-date=May 28, 2020 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2002/04/25/for-the-dnc-its-showtime-at-the-apollo/af00ce7a-e0fd-452d-8e58-5bed3cdffd26/ |archive-date=January 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121233944/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2002/04/25/for-the-dnc-its-showtime-at-the-apollo/af00ce7a-e0fd-452d-8e58-5bed3cdffd26/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The concert was called ] and was one of Jackson's final on-stage performances.<ref>{{cite news |first=André |last=Wheeler |title=HBO's The Apollo: 'The story of how black America lifted itself through music' |newspaper=The Guardian |date=November 2, 2019 |access-date=May 28, 2020 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/nov/02/apollo-theater-documentary-hbo-roger-ross-williams |archive-date=March 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321103647/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/nov/02/apollo-theater-documentary-hbo-roger-ross-williams |url-status=live }}</ref>
], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ] performed at the event. ] and ] gave eulogies, while ] read, "We had him," a poem written for the occasion by ].<ref>Allen, Nick. , ''The Daily Telegraph'', July 7, 2009.</ref> The Reverend ] 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>, ''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>, ''The Guardian'', July 7, 2009.</ref> On August 24, several 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 | location=London}}</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 ], ] and ].<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=] | 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 conducted 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> On February 8, 2010, Murray was charged with ] by prosecutors in Los Angeles.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/8499143.stm |title= Michael Jackson's doctor charged with manslaughter |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC Online |accessdate=February 8, 2010 | date=February 9, 2010}}</ref><!--The legal relevance of the following is unclear at this time. In the spirit of ] (and, to an extent, of ]), if this information is to be mentioned at all, it probably should not appear in a spot where it is prone immediately to sway the reader's sentiments regarding Dr. Murray: "An autopsy revealed that Jackson's arms were covered with punctures, his face and neck were scarred and he had tattooed eyebrows and lips.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/michael-jackson/6252204/Michael-Jackson-autopsy-reveals-tattooed-eyes-lips-and-scalp.html |title=Michael Jackson autopsy reveals tattooed eyes, lips and scalp at |publisher=Telegraph.co.uk |date=2009-10-01 |accessdate=2010-06-07}}</ref>"--> Jackson was buried on September 3, 2009, at ] in ].<ref>{{cite news|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 | work=The Daily Telegraph | location=London | date=September 4, 2009 | first=Mark | last=Coleman}}</ref>


In July 2002, at ]'s ] in Harlem, Jackson called the Sony Music chairman ] "a racist, and very, very, very devilish", and accused him of exploiting black artists for his own gain. The accusation prompted Sharpton to form a coalition investigating whether Mottola exploited black artists.<ref name="Mottola">{{cite magazine |title=Michael Jackson Brands Recording Industry as Racist |magazine=Billboard |date=July 8, 2002 |access-date=July 21, 2019 |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/75178/michael-jackson-brands-recording-industry-as-racist |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110131219/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/75178/michael-jackson-brands-recording-industry-as-racist |url-status=live }}</ref> Jackson charged that Mottola had called his colleague ] a "fat ]".<ref>{{cite interview |first=Jermaine |last=Jackson |subject-link=Jermaine Jackson |interviewer=] |title=Interview with Jermaine Jackson |work=] |publisher=CNN |date=December 31, 2002 |access-date=July 2, 2008 |url=https://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0212/31/cct.00.html |archive-date=December 7, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207131359/http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0212/31/cct.00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Sony issued a statement calling the accusations "ludicrous, spiteful, and hurtful" and said Mottola had championed Jackson's career for years.<ref name="Mottola" /> Sony refused to renew Jackson's contract and said that a {{Nowrap|$25 million}} promotional campaign had failed because Jackson refused to tour in the US for ''Invincible''.<ref name="Burkeman" />
=== Posthumous works ===
After his death, Jackson became the best-selling artist of 2009 in the United States selling over 8.2 million albums and 31 million albums worldwide.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard.com/#/news/taylor-swift-edges-susan-boyle-for-2009-1004057203.story|title=Taylor Swift Edges Susan Boyle for 2009's Top-Selling Album| last=Caulfield |first=Keith |date=January 6, 2010 |work=Billboard.com |publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc |accessdate=January 7, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704588404575124023860735864.html?mod=rss_Arts_and_Entertainment#articleTabs_comments|title=Sony Places Big Bet on a Fallen 'King' | last=SMITH |first=Than |date=March 16, 2010 |work=The Wall Street Journal |publisher=Dow Jones & Company, Inc |accessdate=March 16, 2010}}</ref> Following this surge in sales, Sony announced that they had extended their relationship with his material. The distribution rights held by Sony Music were due to expire in 2015.<ref name="wallstreet-sony">{{cite news|url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704588404575124023860735864.html|title=Sony Places Big Bet on a Fallen 'King' |date=March 16, 2010|publisher=The Wall Street Journal|accessdate=17 March 2010}}</ref> On March 16, 2010, Sony Music Entertainment, spearheaded by its ] division, signed a new deal with the Jackson estate to extend their distribution rights to his back catalogue until at least 2017, as well as to obtain permission to release ten new albums with previously unreleased material and new collections of released work. The first new album is reportedly due out in November 2010, and the final album before December 2017. The deal was unprecedented in the music industry as it is the most expensive music contract pertaining to a single artist in history; it reportedly involved Sony Music paying $250 million for the deal, as well as the Jackson estate getting the full sum as well as its share of royalties for all works released.<ref name="wallstreet-sony"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/business/2010/03/100316_jackson_biz_music_deal.shtml |title=Michael Jackson in 'record' $200m music deal |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC Online |date=2009-03-16 |accessdate=2010-03-17}}</ref>


=== Documentary, ''Number Ones'', second child abuse allegations and acquittal (2002–2005) ===
== Artistry ==
{{Further|Trial of Michael Jackson|3=}}
=== Influences ===
]
]
Beginning in May 2002, a documentary film crew led by ] followed Jackson for several months.<ref name="Vineyard">{{cite news |first=Jennifer |last=Vineyard |title=Michael Jackson Calls Baby-Dangling Incident A 'Terrible Mistake' |publisher=MTV |date=November 20, 2002 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1458799/20021120/jackson_michael.jhtml |archive-date=November 20, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101120224336/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1458799/20021120/jackson_michael.jhtml |url-status=dead }}</ref> The documentary, broadcast in February 2003 as '']'', showed Jackson holding hands and discussing sleeping arrangements with a twelve-year-old boy.<ref name="bbcnews" />{{sfn|Taraborrelli|2009|p=640}} He said that he saw nothing wrong with having sleepovers with minors and sharing his bed and bedroom with various people, which aroused controversy. He insisted that the sleepovers were not sexual and that his words had been misunderstood.<ref>{{cite news |first=Hugh |last=Davies |title=Jackson has children in his room for 'sleep-overs' |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=February 4, 2003 |access-date= July 21, 2019 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/1421082/Jackson-has-children-in-his-room-for-sleep-overs.html |archive-url= https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/1421082/Jackson-has-children-in-his-room-for-sleep-overs.html |archive-date= January 10, 2022 |url-status= live}} {{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media |title=Living with Michael Jackson |medium=television |date=February 6, 2003 |time=0:51 |publisher=ITV |quote="Who's the criminal? Who's the jack-the-ripper in the room?... I'm sleeping on a sleeping bag on the floor. I give him the bed, 'cause he has a brother named Star. So him and Star took the bed. And I'm on the floor on the sleeping bag."}}</ref>
Jackson's music took root in ], pop and ]. He had been influenced by the work of contemporary musicians such as ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and the ].<ref>{{cite book|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=LuEPnk7irOMC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_navlinks_s |title=Michael Jackson, the king of pop ...&nbsp;– Google Books |publisher=Books.google.com |year=2005 |accessdate=September 2, 2009}}</ref> While Little Richard had a substantial influence on Jackson,<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> James Brown was Jackson's greatest inspiration. In reference to Brown, Jackson 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&nbsp;– Jackson Attends Brown's Public Funeral&nbsp;– Contactmusic News |publisher=Contactmusic.com |date=January 2, 2007 |accessdate=September 2, 2009}}</ref>


In October 2003, Jackson received the ] of ] from Mayor ].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/michael-jacksons-relationship-with-las-vegas-started-at-young-age/ |newspaper=] |first=Corey |last=Levitan |title=Michael Jackson's relationship with Las Vegas started at young age |date=June 26, 2009 |access-date=August 4, 2022 |archive-date=April 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411045720/https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/michael-jacksons-relationship-with-las-vegas-started-at-young-age/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On November 18, 2003, Sony released '']'', a ]. It was certified five times platinum by the RIAA, and ten times platinum in the UK, for shipments of at least 3{{nbsp}}million units.<ref name="Certifications" /><ref>{{cite news |title=Michael Jackson – Number Ones |publisher=] |access-date=August 29, 2021 |url=https://www.bpi.co.uk/award/4779-168-2 |archive-date=May 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522115839/https://www.bpi.co.uk/award/4779-168-2 |url-status=live }}</ref>
The young Michael Jackson owed his vocal technique in large part to Diana Ross. In October 1969, it was decided{{Why|date=June 2010}}{{By whom|date=June 2010}} that Jackson would live with Ross. Not only a mother figure to him, she was often observed in rehearsal as an accomplished performer. He later expressed: "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&nbsp;– 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 Jackson owed part of his enduring style&mdash;especially his use of the ''oooh'' interjection&mdash;to Ross. From a young age, Jackson often punctuated his verses with a sudden exclamation of ''oooh''. Diana Ross had used this effect on many of the songs recorded with ].<ref>Taraborrelli, p. 64</ref>


On December 18, 2003, Santa Barbara authorities charged Jackson with seven counts of child molestation and two counts of intoxicating a minor with ]s.<ref>{{cite news |first=John M. |last=Broder |title=Jackson Is Formally Charged with Child Molesting |newspaper=The New York Times |date=December 19, 2003 |access-date=July 21, 2019 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/19/us/jackson-is-formally-charged-with-child-molesting.html |archive-date=December 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228193443/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/19/us/jackson-is-formally-charged-with-child-molesting.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Jackson denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty.<ref>{{cite news |first1=Nick |last1=Madigan |first2=Terence |last2=Neilan |title=Michael Jackson Pleads Not Guilty to Molestation Charges |newspaper=The New York Times |date=January 16, 2004 |access-date=July 21, 2019 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/01/16/national/michael-jackson-pleads-not-guilty-to-molestation-charges.html |archive-date=July 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708054810/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/01/16/national/michael-jackson-pleads-not-guilty-to-molestation-charges.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The '']'' trial began on January 31, 2005, in ], and lasted until the end of May. Jackson found the experience stressful and it affected his health. If convicted, he would have faced up to twenty years in prison.<ref name="BBC health">{{cite news |first=Matthews |last=Davis |title=Trial health problems for Jackson |work=BBC News |date=June 6, 2005 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4612897.stm |archive-date=November 5, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105121612/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4612897.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> On June 13, 2005, Jackson was acquitted on all counts.<ref>{{cite news |title=Jackson cleared of child molestation |newspaper=The Guardian |agency=Associated Press |date=June 13, 2005 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/jackson/story/0,15819,1505806,00.html |archive-date=October 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028191053/https://sourcepoint.theguardian.com/mms/get_site_data?requestUUID=dad43829-9532-4e82-9ce0-93c5004d7fc7&account_id=1257&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Fmusic%2F2005%2Fjun%2F13%2Fmichaeljackson.michaeljacksontrial |url-status=live }}</ref> ], released in 2009, revealed the FBI's role in the 2005 trial and the 1993 allegations, and showed that the FBI found no evidence of criminal conduct on Jackson's behalf.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=December 23, 2009 |title=Michael Jackson's FBI Files Released |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/266333/michael-jacksons-fbi-files-released |magazine=] |access-date=December 1, 2021 |publisher=Penske Media Corporation |last1=Associated Press |archive-date=November 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104235149/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/266333/michael-jacksons-fbi-files-released |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Vogel |first=Joe |date=January 29, 2019 |title=What You Should Know About the New Michael Jackson Documentary |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/joevogel/2019/01/29/what-you-should-know-about-the-new-michael-jackson-documentary/ |magazine=Forbes |access-date=December 1, 2021 |archive-date=March 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190315231015/https://www.forbes.com/sites/joevogel/2019/01/29/what-you-should-know-about-the-new-michael-jackson-documentary/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Musical themes and genres ===
Unlike many artists, Jackson did not write his songs on paper. Instead he would dictate into a sound recorder, and when recording he would sing the lyrics from memory.<ref>Taraborrelli, pp. 209–210</ref> In most of his songs, such as "]", "Billie Jean" and "]", he would beatbox and imitate the instruments using his voice instead of playing the actual instruments, along with other sounds. Jackson noted that it's easier to sing a drum line, or sing a bass, instead of playing a drum line or a bass with an instrument. Several critics have said that Jackson's distinct voice is able to replace any instrument convincingly. Steve Huey of ] 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's dance fare and ballads to ] and ]-edged ] to work that incorporates both ] rhythms and ] guitar.<ref name="rollingstone"/>


=== Final years, financial problems, ''Thriller 25'' and This Is It (2005–2009) ===
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 funk pieces "Billie Jean" and "]"; and the disco set "Baby Be Mine" and "]".<ref name=allmusic/><ref name="Slant Thriller">{{cite web |first=Eric |last=Henderson |url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/music_review.asp?ID=358
], 2006]]
|title=Michael Jackson:Thriller |publisher=] |year=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 ] and darker imagery.<ref name="RS Thriller"/> Allmusic's ] 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 |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 '']'', 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 "]" began Jackson's interest with the theme of the ], a topic he revisited in subsequent years.<ref name=allmusic/> In 1985, Jackson co-wrote the charity anthem "]"; humanitarian themes later became a recurring theme in his lyrics and public persona.<ref name=allmusic/>
After the trial, Jackson became reclusive.<ref name="indie-auction">{{cite news |date=June 26, 2009 |title=Michael Jackson: The fantastic possessions revealed |newspaper=The Independent |agency=Reuters |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/michael-jackson-the-fantastic-possessions-revealed-1668969.html |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=May 31, 2015 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220514/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/michael-jackson-the-fantastic-possessions-revealed-1668969.html |archive-date=May 14, 2022}}</ref> In June 2005, he moved to ] as a guest of ].<ref name="Bishara-2021">{{Cite news |last=Bishara |first=Motez |date=October 4, 2021 |title='We wanted to make history': Michael Jackson's bizarre year in Bahrain |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/oct/04/michael-jackson-bizarre-year-in-bahrain |access-date=January 20, 2023 |newspaper=] |archive-date=January 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120143104/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/oct/04/michael-jackson-bizarre-year-in-bahrain |url-status=live }}</ref> In early 2006, it was announced that Jackson had signed a contract with a Bahrain startup, Two Seas Records. Nothing came of the deal, and the Two Seas CEO, ], later said it was never finalized.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=April 18, 2006 |title=Michael Jackson Sails with Two Seas |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/58713/michael-jackson-sails-with-two-seas |magazine=Billboard |access-date=May 31, 2015 |archive-date=June 6, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150606195810/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/58713/michael-jackson-sails-with-two-seas |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Bahrain">{{cite news |date=September 26, 2006 |title=Jackson parts with Bahrain label |work=BBC News |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/5380654.stm |access-date=May 31, 2015 |archive-date=November 5, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105121925/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/5380654.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Holmes also found that Jackson was on the verge of bankruptcy and was involved in 47 ongoing lawsuits.<ref name="Bishara-2021" /> By September 2006, Jackson was no longer affiliated with Two Seas.<ref name="Bahrain" />
{{Listen

|filename = Michael Jackson Thriller.ogg
In April 2006, Jackson agreed to use a piece of his ATV catalog stake, then worth about $1{{nbsp}}billion, as ] against his $270{{nbsp}}million worth of loans from ]. Bank of America had sold the loans to ], an investment company that buys distressed loans, the year before. As part of the agreement, Fortress Investments provided Jackson a new loan of $300{{nbsp}}million with reduced interest payments (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|300000000|2006|r=-7}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}). Sony Music would have the option to buy half of his stake, or about 25% of the catalog, at a set price. Jackson's financial managers had urged him to shed part of his stake to avoid bankruptcy.<ref name="sonydeal" /><ref>{{cite news |title=Jackson strikes deal over loans |work=BBC News |date=April 14, 2006 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4909412.stm |archive-date=November 5, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105121924/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4909412.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> The main house at Neverland Ranch was closed as a cost-cutting measure, while Jackson lived in Bahrain at the hospitality of Abdullah.<ref>{{cite news |title=Jackson Closes Neverland House |publisher=CBS News |date=July 6, 2009 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jackson-closes-neverland-house/ |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924152037/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/jackson-closes-neverland-house/ |url-status=live }}</ref> At least thirty of Jackson's employees had not been paid on time and were owed $306,000 in back wages. Jackson was ordered to pay $100,000 in penalties.<ref name="sonydeal" /> Jackson never returned to Neverland after his acquittal.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/michael-jacksons-neverland-ranch-selling-for-67-million-w469968 |title=Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch Devalued in Real Estate Market |last=Blistein |first=Jon |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=June 29, 2018 |archive-date=June 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630000339/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/michael-jacksons-neverland-ranch-selling-for-67-million-w469968 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|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"/>
In mid-2006, Jackson moved to ], a residential recording studio near ], Ireland. There, he began work on a new album with the American producers ] and ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bainbridge |first=Luke |date=August 14, 2010 |title=Michael Jackson's Irish hideaway |url=http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2010/aug/15/michael-jackson-ireland-secret-retreat |access-date=January 21, 2023 |newspaper=] |archive-date=January 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121135802/https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2010/aug/15/michael-jackson-ireland-secret-retreat |url-status=live }}</ref> That November, Jackson invited an '']'' camera crew into the studio in Westmeath.<ref name="Achievements" /> On November 15, Jackson briefly joined in on a performance of "We Are the World" at the ] in London, his last public performance, and accepted the Diamond Award for sales of {{Nowrap|100 million}} records.<ref name="Achievements" /><ref>{{cite web |title=2006 World Music Awards |work=Chiff |url=https://www.chiff.com/pop-culture/world-music-awards.htm |archive-date= February 4, 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080204051554/https://www.chiff.com/pop-culture/world-music-awards.htm}}</ref> He returned to the US in December, settling in Las Vegas. That month, he attended ]'s funeral in ], where he gave a eulogy calling Brown his greatest inspiration.<ref>{{cite news |first=Shaheem |last=Reid |title=James Brown Saluted by Michael Jackson at Public Funeral Service |publisher=MTV |date=December 30, 2006 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1549061/20061230/brown_james.jhtml |archive-date=April 26, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100426200442/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1549061/20061230/brown_james.jhtml |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|filename2 = Smooth Criminal by Michael Jackson.ogg

|title2 = "Smooth Criminal"
]In 2007, Jackson and Sony bought another music publishing company, ] LLC, formerly owned by ]. The deal gave Jackson the rights to songs by ] and ], among others.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=The Police Plan MTV Unplugged Performance, Michael Jackson Buys Rights to Eminem Tunes, and More |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=May 31, 2007 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2007/05/31/the-police-plan-mtv-unplugged-performance-michael-jackson-buys-rights-to-eminem-tunes-and-more/ |archive-date= June 2, 2007 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070602144131/https://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2007/05/31/the-police-plan-mtv-unplugged-performance-michael-jackson-buys-rights-to-eminem-tunes-and-more/}}</ref><ref>{{cite interview |last=] |interviewer=Jan Blumentrath |title=Interview with RedOne, producer and songwriter for Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, Akon, Kat DeLuna and Darin |publisher=] |date=March 23, 2009 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.hitquarters.com/dev/index.php3?page=intrview/2009/March23_1_12_9.html |archive-date=June 12, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150612201856/http://www.hitquarters.com/dev/index.php3?page=intrview/2009/March23_1_12_9.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In a brief interview, Jackson said he had no regrets about his career despite his problems and "deliberate attempts to hurt ".<ref>{{cite news |first=Eric |last=Talmadge |title=Michael Jackson 'wouldn't change' career |newspaper=USA Today |agency=Associated Press |date=March 8, 2007 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/music/2007-03-08-2208485574_x.htm |archive-date=November 5, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105122059/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/music/2007-03-08-2208485574_x.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> That March, Jackson visited a US Army post in Japan, ], to greet more than 3,000 troops and their families.<ref>{{cite news |title=Michael Jackson Greets Troops in Japan |publisher=CBS News |date=March 10, 2007 |access-date=February 25, 2019 |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/michael-jackson-greets-troops-in-japan/ |archive-date=February 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224173452/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/michael-jackson-greets-troops-in-japan/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Michael Jackson wows US troops during lavish Japan stint |website=] |date=March 11, 2007 |access-date=February 25, 2019 |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2007-03-11/michael-jackson-wows-us-troops-during-lavish-japan/2213766 |archive-date=June 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626180840/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2007-03-11/michael-jackson-wows-us-troops-during-lavish-japan/2213766 |url-status=live }}</ref> As of September, Jackson was still working on his next album, which he never completed.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Elizabeth |last=Goodman |title=Will.i.am on Working with Michael Jackson |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=September 24, 2007 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/will-i-am-on-working-with-michael-jackson-were-taking-it-day-by-day-20070924 |access-date=September 4, 2017 |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107030554/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/will-i-am-on-working-with-michael-jackson-were-taking-it-day-by-day-20070924 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|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"/>

In 2008, for the 25th anniversary of ''Thriller'', Jackson and Sony released '']'', with two remixes released as singles: "]" and "]".<ref>{{cite news |first=Roger |last=Friedman |title=Jacko: Neverland East in Upstate New York |publisher=Fox News |date=May 16, 2008 |access-date= May 22, 2008 |url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,356282,00.html#3 |archive-date= May 19, 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080519112250/https://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,356282,00.html#3}}</ref> For Jackson's 50th birthday, Sony BMG released a series of greatest hits albums, ''],'' with different tracklists for different regions.<ref>{{cite web |title=Choose the Tracks on Michael Jackson's 50th Birthday Album! |publisher=] |date=June 20, 2008 |archive-date= June 28, 2008 |url=https://www.sonybmg.com.au/news/details.do;.tomcat2?newsId=20030829005656 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080628015938/https://www.sonybmg.com.au/news/details.do%3B.tomcat2?newsId=20030829005656}}</ref> That July, Fortress Investments threatened to ] on Neverland Ranch, which Jackson had used as collateral for his loans. Fortress sold Jackson's debts to ] LLC.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Neverland Ranch Note Sold to Colony Capital |agency=] |date=May 11, 2008 |access-date=July 21, 2019 |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20080511005036/en/Neverland-Ranch-Note-Sold-Colony-Capital |archive-date=July 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717035515/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20080511005036/en/Neverland-Ranch-Note-Sold-Colony-Capital |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Neverland escapes foreclosure hook |publisher=] |date=May 12, 2008 |access-date=July 21, 2019 |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/neverland-escapes-foreclosure-hook-1.729307 |archive-date=October 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001120610/https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/neverland-escapes-foreclosure-hook-1.729307 |url-status=live }}</ref> In November, Jackson transferred Neverland Ranch's title to Sycamore Valley Ranch Company LLC, a joint venture between Jackson and Colony Capital LLC. The deal earned him {{Nowrap|$35 million}}.<ref>{{cite news |title=Neverland peters out for pop's Peter Pan |newspaper=] |agency=] |date=November 13, 2008 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.smh.com.au/news/entertainment/people/neverland-peters-out-for-pops-peter-pan/2008/11/13/1226318822205.html |archive-date=June 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630052917/https://www.smh.com.au/news/entertainment/people/neverland-peters-out-for-pops-peter-pan/2008/11/13/1226318822205.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2009, Jackson arranged to sell a collection of his memorabilia of more than 1,000 items through ], but canceled the auction in April.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Topping |first=Alexandra |date=April 15, 2009 |title=Michael Jackson memorabilia sale cancelled |url=http://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/apr/15/michael-jackson-sale-cancelled |access-date=January 20, 2023 |newspaper=] |archive-date=January 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120152436/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/apr/15/michael-jackson-sale-cancelled |url-status=live }}</ref>

In March 2009, amid speculation about his finances and health, Jackson announced a series of comeback concerts, ], at a press conference at ].<ref name="Adams-2009">{{cite news |last=Adams |first=Guy |date=June 26, 2009 |title=Michael Jackson: The final decline of a pop legend |newspaper=] |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/michael-jackson-the-final-decline-of-a-pop-legend-1720267.html |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=April 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220514/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/michael-jackson-the-final-decline-of-a-pop-legend-1720267.html |archive-date=May 14, 2022}}</ref> The shows were to be his first major concerts since the HIStory World Tour in 1997. Jackson suggested he would retire after the shows. The initial plan was for ten concerts in London, followed by shows in Paris, New York City and Mumbai. Randy Phillips, the president and chief executive of ], predicted the first ten dates would earn Jackson £50{{nbsp}}million.<ref>{{cite news |first=Patrick |last=Foster |title=Michael Jackson grand finale curtain-raiser |newspaper=] |date=March 6, 2009 |url=https://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article5854735.ece |archive-date= July 18, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110718131618/https://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article5854735.ece}}</ref>

The London residency was increased to fifty dates after record-breaking ticket sales; more than one million were sold in less than two hours.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Daniel |last=Kreps |title=Michael Jackson's "This Is It!" Tour Balloons to 50-Show Run Stretching Into 2010 |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=March 12, 2009 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/michael-jacksons-this-is-it-tour-balloons-to-50-show-run-stretching-into-2010-20090312 |access-date= September 4, 2017 |archive-date= June 16, 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180616001859/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/michael-jacksons-this-is-it-tour-balloons-to-50-show-run-stretching-into-2010-20090312 |url-status= dead}}</ref> The concerts were to run from July 13, 2009, to March 6, 2010. Jackson moved to Los Angeles, where he rehearsed in the weeks leading up to the tour under the direction of the choreographer ], whom he had worked with during his previous tours. Rehearsals took place at ] and the ] owned by AEG.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Michael Jackson: The Last Rehearsal |magazine=] |date=June 29, 2009 |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.life.com/image/88744450/in-gallery/29532/michael-jackson-the-last-rehearsal |archive-date= July 4, 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090704103521/https://www.life.com/image/88744450/in-gallery/29532/michael-jackson-the-last-rehearsal}}</ref> By this point, Jackson's debt had grown to almost $500 million. By the time of his death, he was three or four months behind payments on his home in San Fernando Valley.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-michael-jackson-debt-20130812-story.html |title=Michael Jackson trial: Pop star was 'tapped out,' millions in debt |last=Gottlieb |first=Jeff |date=August 12, 2013 |website=Los Angeles Times |access-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111032045/https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-michael-jackson-debt-20130812-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/zackomalleygreenburg/2012/11/21/michael-jacksons-personal-debts-paid-off-just-in-time-for-bad-25/ |title=Michael Jackson's Personal Debts Paid Off, Just In Time For Bad 25 |first=Zack O'Malley |last=Greenburg |website=Forbes |access-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111033635/https://www.forbes.com/sites/zackomalleygreenburg/2012/11/21/michael-jacksons-personal-debts-paid-off-just-in-time-for-bad-25/ |url-status=live }}</ref> '']'' reported that Jackson planned a string of further ventures designed to recoup his debts, including a world tour, a new album, films, a museum and a casino.<ref name="Adams-2009" />

== Death ==
{{Main|Death of Michael Jackson}}
]
On June 25, 2009, less than three weeks before his concert residency was due to begin in London, with all concerts sold out, Jackson died from cardiac arrest, caused by a ] and ] overdose.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Michael Jackson dead at 50 after cardiac arrest |publisher=CNN |date=June 25, 2009 |access-date=August 31, 2009 |url=https://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/06/25/michael.jackson/index.html |archive-date=August 27, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090827130840/http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/06/25/michael.jackson/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="CNN">{{cite press release |first=Alan |last=Duke |title=Coroner releases new details about Michael Jackson's death |publisher=CNN |date=February 10, 2010 |access-date=February 23, 2019 |url=https://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/02/09/michael.jackson.autopsy/index.html |archive-date=March 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190315022015/http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/02/09/michael.jackson.autopsy/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ], his personal physician, had given Jackson various medications to help him sleep at his rented mansion in ]. Paramedics received a ] call at 12:21&nbsp;pm ] (19:21 UTC) and arrived at the property four minutes later.<ref name="Rayner">Rayner, Gordon and Singh, Anita. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220710183746/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/michael-jackson/5653140/Michael-Jackson-the-final-days-and-how-TMZ.com-scooped-the-world.html |date=July 10, 2022 }}, ''The Daily Telegraph'', June 26, 2009.</ref> Jackson was not breathing and ] was performed.<ref>{{cite news |title=Michael Jackson's life cut shockingly short |agency=Associated Press |date=June 26, 2009 |url=https://www.today.com/id/31552029 |access-date=February 24, 2022 |archive-date=November 19, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161119030910/http://www.today.com/id/31552029 |url-status=live }}</ref> Resuscitation efforts continued en route to ], and for more than an hour after Jackson's arrival there, but were unsuccessful,<ref>{{cite news |first1=Teri |last1=Whitcraft |first2=Kristin |last2=Pisarcik |first3=Kimberly |last3=Brown |title=Timeline: Michael Jackson's Final Days |work=ABC News |date=June 23, 2010 |access-date=March 19, 2017 |url=https://abcnews.go.com/2020/MichaelJackson/michael-jackson-final-days-timeline-year-death-king/story?id=10974394 |archive-date=November 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123034921/https://abcnews.go.com/2020/MichaelJackson/michael-jackson-final-days-timeline-year-death-king/story?id=10974394 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Times">{{cite news |first=Michael |last=Harvey |date=June 26, 2009 |title=Fans mourn artist for whom it didn't matter if you were black or white |newspaper=The Times |url=https://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article6580897.ece |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110920052143/https://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article6580897.ece |archive-date= September 20, 2011}}</ref> and Jackson was pronounced dead at 2:26&nbsp;pm Pacific time (21:26 UTC).<ref name="Telegraph">{{cite news |first=Matthew |last=Moore |title=Michael Jackson, King of Pop, dies of cardiac arrest in Los Angeles |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=June 26, 2009 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/michael-jackson/5643916/Michael-Jackson-King-of-Pop-dies-of-cardiac-arrest-in-Los-Angeles.html |archive-url= https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/michael-jackson/5643916/Michael-Jackson-King-of-Pop-dies-of-cardiac-arrest-in-Los-Angeles.html |archive-date= January 10, 2022 |url-status= live}} {{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first1=Dan |last1=Whitcomb |first2=Laura |last2=Isensee |title=Michael Jackson death still unsolved after autopsy |publisher=Reuters |date=June 26, 2009 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-jackson-idUSTRE55O6AK20090626 |archive-date=July 7, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707125050/http://www.reuters.com/article/2009/06/26/us-jackson-idUSTRE55O6AK20090626 |url-status=live }}</ref> Murray had administered ], ], and ];<ref>{{cite news |first=Kathleen |last=Doheny |title=Propofol Linked to Michael Jackson's Death |date=August 24, 2009 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |publisher=] |url=https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/news/20090824/propofol-linked-to-michael-jacksons-death |archive-date=August 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824180146/http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/news/20090824/propofol-linked-to-michael-jacksons-death |url-status=live }}</ref> Jackson's death was caused by a propofol overdose.<ref name="CNN" /><ref name="Times" />

News of his death spread quickly online, causing websites to slow down and ] from user overload,<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Linnie |last1=Rawlinson |first2=Nick |last2=Hunt |title=Jackson dies, almost takes Internet with him |publisher=CNN |date=June 26, 2009 |access-date=March 16, 2013 |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2009/TECH/06/26/michael.jackson.internet/ |archive-date=May 20, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130520175409/http://edition.cnn.com/2009/TECH/06/26/michael.jackson.internet/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and it put unprecedented strain<ref name="Wood">{{cite news |first=Daniel B. |last=Wood |title=Outpouring over Michael Jackson unlike anything since Princess Di |newspaper=] |date=June 27, 2009 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0627/p25s09-usgn.html |archive-date=August 13, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090813104839/http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0627/p25s09-usgn.html? |url-status=live }}</ref> on many services and websites including ],<ref name="Shiels" /> ],<ref name="Wood" /> Twitter and Misplaced Pages.<ref name="Shiels">{{cite news |first=Maggie |last=Shiels |title=Web slows after Jackson's death |work=BBC News |date=June 26, 2009 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8120324.stm |archive-date=May 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150511202318/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8120324.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Overall, ] rose by between 11% and 20%.<ref name="crash">{{cite news |first=David |last=Skok |title=Internet stretched to limit as fans flock for Michael Jackson news |newspaper=] |date=June 26, 2009 |url=https://vancouversun.com/Entertainment/Internet+stretched+limit+fans+flock+Michael+Jackson+news/1736311/story.html |archive-date= July 3, 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090703075357/https://www.vancouversun.com/Entertainment/Internet+stretched+limit+fans+flock+Michael+Jackson+news/1736311/story.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first1=Tom |last1=Krazit |first2=Declan |last2=McCullagh |title=Debate: Can the Internet handle big breaking news |publisher=] |date=June 26, 2009 |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10273854-93.html |archive-date= October 29, 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131029195451/http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10273854-93.html |url-status= dead}}</ref> MTV and ] aired ] of Jackson's music videos,<ref>{{cite news |first=Brian |last=Dtelter |title=MTV's Jackson Marathon |newspaper=The New York Times |date=June 26, 2009 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/26/the-michael-jackson-channel/?scp=2&sq=MTV&st=cse |archive-date=November 5, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105122648/http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/26/the-michael-jackson-channel/?scp=2&sq=MTV&st=cse |url-status=live }}</ref> and Jackson specials aired on television stations around the world.<ref>{{cite news |title=Jacko news spreads to Eastenders |newspaper=] |date=June 26, 2009 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://metro.co.uk/2009/06/26/jacko-news-spreads-to-eastenders-228251/ |archive-date=June 30, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630013457/http://metro.co.uk/2009/06/26/jacko-news-spreads-to-eastenders-228251/ |url-status=live }}</ref> MTV briefly returned to its original music video format,<ref name="Barnes" /> and they aired hours of Jackson's music videos, with live news specials featuring reactions from MTV personalities and other celebrities.<ref name="Tylerc">{{cite web |title=More adds, loose ends, and lament |work=The 120 Minutes Archive |date=July 25, 2009 |access-date= February 15, 2014 |url=https://tylerc.com/2009/08/more-adds-loose-ends-lament/ |archive-date= May 14, 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140514003810/http://tylerc.com/2009/08/more-adds-loose-ends-lament/ |url-status= dead}}</ref>

=== Memorial service ===
{{Main|Michael Jackson memorial service}}
{{multiple image
| align = right
| total_width = 220
| image1 = Michael Jackson Grave.jpg
| alt1 = A large pink/cream-colored box in front of a stained glass window.
| caption1 = Jackson's unmarked crypt at the end of the Sanctuary of Ascension in the Holly Terrace of the ]
| image2 = Neverland-ranch-memorial.jpg
| alt2 = A group of people standing outside a gated area. There are trees, bushes, and grassed areas. A majority of the area the people and in are shadowed by the trees by the gate.
| caption2 = Fans visiting the makeshift memorial set up outside the Neverland Ranch entrance shortly after Jackson's death
| direction = vertical
}} }}


Jackson's memorial was held on July 7, 2009, at the ] in Los Angeles, preceded by a private family service at ]. Over 1.6{{nbsp}}million fans applied for tickets to the memorial; the 8,750 recipients were drawn at random, and each received two tickets.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Over 1.6M apply for Jackson memorial tickets |date=July 4, 2009 |agency=Associated Press |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.today.com/id/31710570/ns/today-entertainment/t/over-m-apply-jackson-memorial-tickets |archive-date=April 26, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150426215751/http://www.today.com/id/31710570/ns/today-entertainment/t/over-m-apply-jackson-memorial-tickets |url-status=live }}</ref> The memorial service was one of the most watched events in ] history,<ref>{{cite press release |title=Michael Jackson memorial draws crowds online |publisher=CNN |date=July 8, 2009 |access-date=June 11, 2012 |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2009/TECH/07/07/michael.jackson.web.traffic/ |archive-date=August 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120818192649/http://edition.cnn.com/2009/TECH/07/07/michael.jackson.web.traffic/ |url-status=live }}</ref> with an estimated US audience of 31.1{{nbsp}}million<ref>{{cite news |first=Andrew |last=Scott |title=Michael Jackson Memorial Earns 31 Million Viewers & More TV News |publisher=] |date=July 9, 2009 |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.aoltv.com/insidetv/2009/07/09/michael-jackson-memorial-earns-31-million-viewers/ |archive-date= July 23, 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150723074833/https://www.aoltv.com/insidetv/2009/07/09/michael-jackson-memorial-earns-31-million-viewers/}}</ref> and a worldwide audience of an estimated 2.5 to 3 billion.<ref>{{cite news |date=July 8, 2009 |title=Hazarika'{{'}}s funeral creates world record |publisher=MSN |url=http://news.in.msn.com/national/article.aspx?cp-documentid=5592621 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140807110046/http://news.in.msn.com/national/article.aspx?cp-documentid=5592621 |archive-date=August 7, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |first=Paul |last=Hanley |year=2014 |title=Eleven |publisher=] |page=73 |isbn=978-1-4602-5047-1 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=P9GZBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA73 |access-date=July 23, 2021 |archive-date=March 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240305112925/https://books.google.com/books?id=P9GZBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA73#v=onepage&q&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref>
In ''Bad'', Jackson's concept of the predatory lover can be seen on the rock song "]".<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 "]" is a traditional love ballad, while "]" is an anthemic ballad of confession and resolution.<ref name="TIME2"/> "]" was an evocation of bloody assault, rape and likely murder.<ref name="TIME2"/> Allmusic's ] states that ''Dangerous'' presents Jackson as a very 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 "]".<ref name="ALG Dangerous"/> The first half of the record is dedicated to new jack swing, including songs like "]" and "]".<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, ], 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 such as the multifaceted love song, "]".<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 "]", "Heal the World" and "Keep the Faith"; these songs show Jackson opening up about various personal struggles and worries.<ref name="NYT Dangerous"/> In the ballad "]", Jackson gives tribute to his friend ] 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>


], ], ], ], and ] performed at the memorial, and ] and ] gave eulogies.<ref>{{cite news |first=Nick |last=Allen |title=Michael Jackson memorial service: the biggest celebrity send-off of all time |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=July 7, 2009 |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/michael-jackson/5771156/Michael-Jackson-memorial-service-the-biggest-celebrity-send-off-of-all-time.html |archive-url= https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/michael-jackson/5771156/Michael-Jackson-memorial-service-the-biggest-celebrity-send-off-of-all-time.html |archive-date= January 10, 2022 |url-status= live}} {{cbignore}}</ref> ] 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>{{cite magazine |first=Andrew |last=Potter |title=There was nothing strange about your daddy |magazine=] |date=July 7, 2009 |access-date=March 16, 2013 |url=https://www.macleans.ca/general/there-was-nothing-strange-about-your-daddy/ |archive-date=April 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140409063726/http://www.macleans.ca/general/there-was-nothing-strange-about-your-daddy/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Jackson's 11-year-old daughter ], speaking publicly for the first time, wept as she addressed the crowd.<ref>{{cite news |first=Tania |last=Branigan |title=Jackson spends £20m to be Invincible |newspaper=The Guardian |date=September 8, 2001 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2001/sep/08/taniabranigan |access-date=December 12, 2016 |archive-date=January 16, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116044622/http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2001/sep/08/taniabranigan |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Top Moments: Michael Jackson Memorial |magazine=TV Guide |date=July 7, 2009 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.tvguide.com/News/Jackson-Memorial-Moments-1007748.aspx |archive-date=July 11, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090711071430/https://www.tvguide.com/News/Jackson-Memorial-Moments-1007748.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> Lucious Smith provided a closing prayer.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rev Lucious Smith on conducting the memorial service for Michael Jackson |publisher=] |date=June 28, 2010 |access-date=March 16, 2013 |url=https://www.radiolive.co.nz/Rev-Lucious-Smith-on-conducting-the-memorial-service-for-Michael-Jackson/tabid/506/articleID/14351/Default.aspx |archive-date=October 29, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029190850/http://www.radiolive.co.nz/Rev-Lucious-Smith-on-conducting-the-memorial-service-for-Michael-Jackson/tabid/506/articleID/14351/Default.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> On September 3, 2009, the body of Jackson was entombed at ] in ].<ref>{{cite news |first=Mark |last=Coleman |title=Michael Jackson finally laid to rest in Los Angeles |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=September 4, 2009 |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/michael-jackson/6136376/Michael-Jackson-finally-laid-to-rest-in-Los-Angeles.html |archive-url= https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/michael-jackson/6136376/Michael-Jackson-finally-laid-to-rest-in-Los-Angeles.html |archive-date= January 10, 2022 |url-status= live}} {{cbignore}}</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 "]" and "Tabloid Junkie", along with the R&B ballad "]", 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 |title=Michael Jackson HIStory |work=Rolling Stone |date=August 10, 1995 |accessdate=July 23, 2008}}</ref> In the introspective ballad "]", Jackson laments over his "fall from grace", while songs like "]", "]", "Little Susie" and "Smile" are all operatic pop pieces.<ref name="ALG HIStory"/><ref name="RS HIStory"/> In the track "]", Jackson launched a verbal attack against ]. 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=]|accessdate=November 11, 2006}}</ref> It is a record made up of urban soul like "]" and "The Lost Children", ballads such as "]", "Break of Dawn" and "]" and mixes ], pop and ] 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=] |date=November 30, 2001 |accessdate=July 23, 2008}}</ref>
=== Criminal investigation and prosecution of Conrad Murray ===
{{Main|People v. Murray}}
In August 2009, the ] ruled that Jackson's death was a ].<ref>{{cite news |first=Tim |last=Reid |title=LA coroner to treat Michael Jackson's death as a homicide |newspaper=The Times |date=August 25, 2009 |url=https://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article6808546.ece |access-date= February 24, 2022 |archive-date= September 24, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110924151131/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article6808546.ece |url-status= dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Jackson 'had lethal drug levels' |work=BBC News |date=August 25, 2009 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8219362.stm |archive-date=July 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723063720/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8219362.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Law enforcement officials ] with ] on February 8, 2010.<ref>{{cite news |title=Michael Jackson's doctor denies manslaughter charge |work=] |date=February 9, 2010 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8499143.stm |archive-date=June 12, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150612150646/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8499143.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> In late 2011, he was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter<ref>{{cite web |title=Conrad Murray guilty of Michael Jackson manslaughter |work=BBC News |date=November 8, 2011 |access-date=January 24, 2019 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-15624869 |archive-date=January 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190125082101/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-15624869 |url-status=live }}</ref> and held without bail to await sentencing.<ref>{{cite news |first1=Jack |last1=Leonard |first2=Andrew |last2=Blankstein |first3=Richard |last3=Winton |title=Conrad Murray could face significant prison time |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=November 8, 2011 |access-date=January 24, 2019 |url=https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/11/conrad-murray-sentence-prison-term.html |archive-date=January 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190125073412/https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/11/conrad-murray-sentence-prison-term.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Murray was sentenced to four years in prison, but was released after one year and eleven months.<ref>{{cite news |first=Martin |last=Kasindorf |title=Conrad Murray sentenced to four years in Jackson death |newspaper=] |date=November 29, 2011 |access-date=January 24, 2019 |url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2011-11-29/michael-jackson-doctor-murray-sentencing/51469570/1?csp=34news |archive-date=May 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507142932/http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2011-11-29/michael-jackson-doctor-murray-sentencing/51469570/1?csp=34news |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Posthumous sales ===
At the ], Jackson won four posthumous awards, including two for his compilation album '']'', bringing his total American Music Awards to 26.<ref>{{cite news |first=Todd |last=Martens |title=Taylor Swift, Michael Jackson dominate American Music Awards nominations |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=October 13, 2009 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2009/10/taylor-swift-michael-jackson-dominate-american-music-awards-nominations.html |archive-date=October 15, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091015215823/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2009/10/taylor-swift-michael-jackson-dominate-american-music-awards-nominations.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=2009 American Music Awards: Scorecard |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |agency=Associated Press |date=November 22, 2009 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2009/11/2009-american-music-awards-scorecard.html |archive-date=July 21, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721075648/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2009/11/2009-american-music-awards-scorecard.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In the year after his death, more than 16.1{{nbsp}}million copies of Jackson's albums were sold in the US alone, and 35{{nbsp}}million copies were sold worldwide, more than any other artist in 2009.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Trevor |last=Anderson |title=Michael Jackson's Posthumous Career: 10 Numbers That Tell The Tale |magazine=Billboard |date=June 25, 2019 |access-date=August 22, 2021 |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8517573/michael-jackson-10th-anniversary-death-by-the-numbers |archive-date=August 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818162856/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8517573/michael-jackson-10th-anniversary-death-by-the-numbers |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Jackson sells 35 million albums since death |work=Today |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.today.com/id/37957972/ns/today-entertainment/ |archive-date=April 26, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150426221901/http://www.today.com/id/37957972/ns/today-entertainment/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He became the first artist to sell one million ]s in a week, with 2.6{{nbsp}}million song downloads. ''Thriller'', ''Number Ones'' and '']'' became the first catalog albums to outsell any new album.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Eliot |last=Van Buskirk |title=Michael Jackson First Artist to Sell Over 1 Million Downloads in a Single Week |magazine=] |date=July 1, 2009 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.wired.com/epicenter/2009/07/michael-jackson-first-to-sell-over-1-million-downloads-in-a-single-week/ |archive-date=October 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004214341/http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2009/07/michael-jackson-first-to-sell-over-1-million-downloads-in-a-single-week/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Jackson also became the first artist to have four of the top-20 bestselling albums in a single year in the US.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Keith |last=Caulfield |title=Taylor Swift Edges Susan Boyle for 2009's Top-Selling Album |magazine=Billboard |date=January 6, 2010 |access-date=April 14, 2019 |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/960801/taylor-swift-edges-susan-boyle-for-2009s-top-selling-album |archive-date=April 27, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427000452/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/960801/taylor-swift-edges-susan-boyle-for-2009s-top-selling-album |url-status=live }}</ref> Within the year following his death, Jackson sold over 75 million records worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The late Michael Jackson a billion-dollar man |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/late-michael-jackson-billion-dollar-man-wbna37816847 |work=] |date=June 21, 2010 |access-date=August 15, 2024 |archive-date=September 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921002024/https://www.today.com/popculture/late-michael-jackson-billion-dollar-man-wbna37816847 |url-status=live }}</ref> By the end of 2013, Jackson had sold over 50 million albums worldwide since his death.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Peters |first=Mitchell |date=November 8, 2013 |title=Michael Jackson's Touring Life After Death: The Billboard Cover Story |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/michael-jacksons-touring-life-after-death-the-billboard-cover-story-5785656/ |access-date=August 25, 2024 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US |quote=50 million albums sold worldwide after his death}}</ref>

Following the surge in sales, in March 2010, Sony Music signed a $250{{nbsp}}million deal (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|250000000|2010|r=-7}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}) with the ] to extend their distribution rights to Jackson's back catalog until at least 2017; it had been due to expire in 2015. It was the ] for a single artist in history.<ref name="Sony" /><ref>{{cite news |title=Michael Jackson in 'record' $200m music deal |publisher=] |date=March 16, 2010 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/business/2010/03/100316_jackson_biz_music_deal.shtml |archive-date=November 5, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105123016/http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/business/2010/03/100316_jackson_biz_music_deal.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> They agreed to release ten albums of previously unreleased material and new collections of released work.<ref name="Sony">{{cite news |first=Ethan |last=Smith |date=March 16, 2010 |title=Sony Places Big Bet on a Fallen 'King' |newspaper=] |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704588404575124023860735864 |archive-date=February 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224205802/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704588404575124023860735864 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |first=Daniel |last=Kreps |title=Michael Jackson Estate, Sony Strike Massive $250 Million Deal to Release King of Pop's Music |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=March 16, 2010 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/michael-jackson-estate-sony-strike-massive-250-million-deal-to-release-king-of-pops-music-20100316 |access-date= September 4, 2017 |archive-date= November 7, 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171107025248/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/michael-jackson-estate-sony-strike-massive-250-million-deal-to-release-king-of-pops-music-20100316 |url-status= dead}}</ref> The deal was extended in 2017.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Ed |last=Christman |title=Michael Jackson Estate, Sony Music Extend Partnership for Recordings |magazine=Billboard |date=December 14, 2017 |access-date=February 11, 2019 |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8070535/michael-jackson-sony-music-partnership-future-releases-recordings |archive-date=April 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404084122/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8070535/michael-jackson-sony-music-partnership-future-releases-recordings |url-status=live }}</ref> That July, a Los Angeles court awarded ] $9.4{{nbsp}}million of disputed royalty payments for ''Off the Wall'', ''Thriller'', and ''Bad''.<ref name="Who's Bad" /> In July 2018, Sony/ATV bought the estate's stake in EMI for $287.5{{nbsp}}million.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Ed |last=Christman |title=Sony Completes Acquisition of Michael Jackson Estate's Share of EMI Music Publishing |magazine=Billboard |date=July 31, 2018 |access-date=August 1, 2018 |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8467902/sony-completes-acquisition-michael-jackson-estates-share-emi-music-publishing |archive-date=July 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731193138/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8467902/sony-completes-acquisition-michael-jackson-estates-share-emi-music-publishing |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2014, Jackson became the first artist to have a top-ten single in the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 in five different decades.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Gary |last=Trust |title=Michael Jackson, Coldplay Hit Hot 100's Top 10; John Legend Still No. 1 |magazine=] |date=May 21, 2014 |access-date=May 23, 2014 |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6092276/michael-jackson-coldplay-hot-100-top-10-john-legend-no-1 |archive-date=July 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708170544/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6092276/michael-jackson-coldplay-hot-100-top-10-john-legend-no-1 |url-status=live }}</ref> The following year, ''Thriller'' became the first album to be certified for 30{{nbsp}}million shipments by the ] (RIAA).<ref>{{cite web |title=Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' First Ever 30X Multi-Platinum RIAA Certification |date=December 16, 2015 |access-date=December 17, 2021 |publisher=Recording Industry Association of America |url=https://www.riaa.com/michael-jacksons-thriller-first-ever-30x-multi-platinum-riaa-certification/ |archive-date=January 28, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128023221/http://www.riaa.com/michael-jacksons-thriller-first-ever-30x-multi-platinum-riaa-certification/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A year later, it was certified 33× platinum after ] added streams and audio downloads to album certifications.<ref name="Certified">{{cite magazine |first=Hugh |last=McIntyre |title=Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' Has Now Been Certified 33-Times Platinum |magazine=Forbes |date=February 16, 2017 |access-date=July 9, 2017 |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2017/02/16/michael-jacksons-thriller-has-now-been-certified-33-times-platinum/ |archive-date=February 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217064839/http://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2017/02/16/michael-jacksons-thriller-has-now-been-certified-33-times-platinum/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{refn|In 2018, its US sales record was overtaken by ]' album ''],'' with 38× platinum.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Rhian |last=Daly |title=Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' is no longer the best-selling album of all time in the US |magazine=NME |date=August 20, 2018 |access-date=March 8, 2019 |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/michael-jackson-thriller-best-selling-album-2368877 |archive-date=September 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923201517/https://www.nme.com/news/music/michael-jackson-thriller-best-selling-album-2368877 |url-status=live }}</ref>|group=nb}}

In February 2024, Sony Music acquired half of Jackson's publishing rights and recording masters for an estimated $600{{nbsp}}million. The deal includes assets from Jackson's Mijac publishing catalog, but excludes royalties from several Jackson-related productions, including the ''MJ'' Broadway musical and the ''Michael'' biopic. The deal is possibly the largest transaction ever for a single musician's work.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Christman |first=Ed |date=February 9, 2024 |title=Sony Music Buys Stake in Michael Jackson Catalog, Valuing Rights at Over $1.2B |url=https://www.billboard.com/business/business-news/michael-jackson-estate-sells-music-rights-sony-valuation-1235604155/ |access-date=February 11, 2024 |magazine=] |archive-date=February 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240211042139/https://www.billboard.com/business/business-news/michael-jackson-estate-sells-music-rights-sony-valuation-1235604155/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/09/arts/music/michael-jackson-catalog-sale-sony.html |title=Sony Reaches Blockbuster Deal for Michael Jackson's Catalog |newspaper=] |date=February 9, 2024 |access-date=February 11, 2024 |last=Sisario |first=Ben |archive-date=February 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240211025007/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/09/arts/music/michael-jackson-catalog-sale-sony.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Posthumous releases and productions ===
Jackson's posthumous releases and productions are administered by the ], which owns Jackson's trademarks and rights to his name, image and likeness.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/business/legal/michael-jackson-estate-responds-sale-early-jackson-5-recording-1235546705/ |title=Michael Jackson Estate Says Digital Sale Of Early Jackson Recording Violates Estate Rights |date=December 8, 2023 |access-date=December 18, 2023 |magazine=Billboard |last1=Bain |first1=Katie |last2=Donahue |first2=Bill |archive-date=December 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218135456/https://www.billboard.com/business/legal/michael-jackson-estate-responds-sale-early-jackson-5-recording-1235546705/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The first posthumous Jackson song, "]", co-written in the 1980s with ], was released in October 2009. The surviving Jackson brothers reunited to record backing vocals.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Dean |last=Goodman |title='New' Michael Jackson Single Written in 1983 |magazine=] |date=October 13, 2009 |access-date=March 8, 2019 |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/267087/new-michael-jackson-single-written-in-1983 |archive-date=July 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705011143/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/267087/new-michael-jackson-single-written-in-1983 |url-status=live }}</ref> It was followed by a documentary film about the rehearsals for the canceled This Is It tour, ''],''<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Joyce |last=Eng |title=Judge Approves Michael Jackson Film |magazine=] |date=August 10, 2009 |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/michael-jackson-film-1008827/ |archive-date=October 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002191636/https://www.tvguide.com/news/michael-jackson-film-1008827/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and ].<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Monica |last=Herrera |title=New Michael Jackson Song, Album Due in October |magazine=Billboard |date=September 23, 2009 |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/267308/new-michael-jackson-song-album-due-in-october |archive-date=July 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704080939/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/new-michael-jackson-song-album-due-in-october-267308/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite a limited two-week engagement, the film became the highest-grossing documentary or concert film ever, with earnings of more than {{Nowrap|$260 million}} worldwide.<ref>{{cite web |title=Michael Jackson's This Is It |publisher=] |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=michaeljacksonthisisit.htm}}</ref> Jackson's estate received 90% of the profits.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Judge OKs Jackson performance film deal |agency=Associated Press |date=August 10, 2010 |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.today.com/id/32360110}}</ref> In late 2010, Sony released the first posthumous album, '']'', and the lead single "]", a duet with ]. The Jackson collaborator will.i.am expressed disgust, saying that Jackson would not have approved the release.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Exclusive: Will.i.am Explains His 'Disgust' for New Michael Jackson Album |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=December 13, 2010 |access-date= March 23, 2019 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/exclusive-will-i-am-explains-his-disgust-for-new-michael-jackson-album-20101213 |archive-date= September 19, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110919065010/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/exclusive-will-i-am-explains-his-disgust-for-new-michael-jackson-album-20101213 |url-status= dead}}</ref>

The video game developer ] released a ] featuring Jackson for the 2010 holiday season, '']''. It was among the first games to use ] and ], the motion-detecting camera systems for ] and ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Michael Jackson Fans Will Moonwalk in Motion-Sensing Game |magazine=Billboard |agency=Associated Press |date=June 15, 2010 |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/957768/michael-jackson-fans-will-moonwalk-in-motion-sensing-game}}</ref> In April 2011, ], the chairman of ], unveiled a ] outside the club stadium, ].<ref name="Fulham">{{cite news |title=Michael Jackson Fulham FC statue defended by Al Fayed |work=BBC News |date=April 3, 2011 |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-12950708 |archive-date=December 11, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111211121020/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-12950708 |url-status=live }}</ref> It was moved to the ] in Manchester in May 2014,<ref>{{cite news |title=Michael Jackson statue moves to National Football Museum |work=BBC News |date=May 6, 2014 |access-date= February 13, 2016 |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/27302594 |archive-date=December 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161210074004/http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/27302594 |url-status=live }}</ref> and removed from display in March 2019 following renewed sexual assault allegations.<ref>{{cite news|title=Michael Jackson statue: National Football Museum removes artwork|work=BBC News|date=March 6, 2019|access-date= March 8, 2019|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-47468074|archive-date=May 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507034822/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-47468074|url-status=live}}</ref>

In October 2011, the theater company ] launched ''],'' a $57-million production,<ref>{{cite news |title=Cirque plans $57M touring Jackson show |publisher=CBC News |date=November 3, 2010 |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/cirque-plans-57m-touring-jackson-show-1.881804 |archive-date=May 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200516093722/https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/cirque-plans-57m-touring-jackson-show-1.881804 |url-status=live }}</ref> in Montreal, with a permanent show ] in Las Vegas.<ref>{{cite news |first=Tony |last=Hicks |title=People: Cirque du Soleil mounting Michael Jackson tour |newspaper=Mercury News |date=November 3, 2010 |access-date= November 7, 2010 |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/entertainment-headlines/ci_16517946 |archive-date=October 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006210012/https://www.mercurynews.com/2010/11/03/people-cirque-du-soleil-mounting-michael-jackson-tour/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A larger and more theatrical Cirque show, ''],'' designed for residency at the ] resort in Las Vegas, opened on May 23, 2013, in a renovated theater.<ref>{{cite news |first=Chris |last=Jones |title='Michael Jackson One' in Las Vegas: Cirque du Soleil refinds its way |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |date=July 13, 2013 |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2013/07/13/michael-jackson-one-in-las-vegas-cirque-du-soleil-refinds-its-way/ |archive-date=September 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930082032/http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/ct-xpm-2013-07-13-ct-ae-0714-jones-20130713-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |first=Zack |last=O'Malley Greenburg |title=Michael Jackson's New Vegas Show 'One' Will Double The Fun |magazine=Forbes |date=February 2, 2013 |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/zackomalleygreenburg/2013/02/22/michael-jacksons-new-vegas-show-one-will-double-the-fun/ |archive-date=May 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130528073433/http://www.forbes.com/sites/zackomalleygreenburg/2013/02/22/michael-jacksons-new-vegas-show-one-will-double-the-fun/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2012, in an attempt to end a family dispute, Jackson's brother Jermaine retracted his signature on a public letter criticizing executors of Jackson's estate and his mother's advisors over the legitimacy of his brother's will.<ref>{{cite news|title=Jermaine calls for an end to Jackson family feud|work=BBC News|date=August 2, 2012|access-date=May 31, 2015|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-19091521|archive-date=October 27, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121027094305/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-19091521|url-status=live}}</ref> T.J. Jackson, the son of Tito Jackson, was given co-guardianship of Michael Jackson's children after false reports of Katherine Jackson going missing.<ref>{{cite news|title=Michael Jackson nephew made co-guardian of children|work=BBC News|date=August 23, 2012|access-date=May 31, 2015|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-19353588|archive-date=October 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001100438/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-19353588|url-status=live}}</ref> '']'', an album of unreleased material, was released on May 13, 2014.<ref>{{cite news|title=New Michael Jackson album to be released in May|work=BBC News|date=March 31, 2014|access-date=May 31, 2015|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-26824983|archive-date=July 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140703023317/http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-26824983|url-status=live}}</ref> The lead single, a duet between Jackson and ], "]", reached number 9 on the US ''Billboard'' Hot 100, making Jackson the first artist to have a top-10 single on the chart in five different decades.<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Gary|last=Trust|title=Michael Jackson, Coldplay Hit Hot 100's Top 10; John Legend Still No. 1|magazine=Billboard|date=May 21, 2014|access-date=May 1, 2020|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6092276/michael-jackson-coldplay-hot-100-top-10-john-legend-no-1|archive-date=April 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426134426/https://www.billboard.com/pro/michael-jackson-coldplay-hot-100-top-10-john-legend-no-1/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Later in 2014, ] released a duet recorded with Jackson in the 1980s.<ref name="Greene" /> A compilation album, '']'', was released on September 29, 2017.<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Elias|last=Leight|title=Michael Jackson's Estate Details 'Scream' Compilation|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=September 6, 2017|access-date=September 29, 2017|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/michael-jacksons-estate-details-scream-compilation-w501394|archive-date= September 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906181442/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/michael-jacksons-estate-details-scream-compilation-w501394|url-status=dead}}</ref> A ], '']'', premiered on Broadway in 2022.<ref>{{cite web|author=BWW News Desk|title=MJ the Musical on Broadway Postponed to September 2021|website=]|date=October 9, 2020|access-date=April 4, 2021|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/MJ-THE-MUSICAL-Announces-New-Broadway-Dates-20201009|archive-date=October 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029042306/https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/MJ-THE-MUSICAL-Announces-New-Broadway-Dates-20201009|url-status=live}}</ref> ] won the 2022 ] for his portrayal of Jackson.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2022/jun/13/tony-awards-2022-the-full-list-of-winners|title=Tony awards 2022: the full list of winners |date=June 13, 2022|access-date=June 22, 2022|work=The Guardian|archive-date=July 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220731232626/https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2022/jun/13/tony-awards-2022-the-full-list-of-winners|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 18, 2022, Epic released a ].<ref>{{cite magazine |author=Gail Mitchell |date=May 16, 2022 |title=Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' Celebrates 40th Anniversary With Double-CD Set |url=https://www.billboard.com/business/record-labels/michael-jackson-thriller-40th-anniversary-double-cd-1235071667/ |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222181513/https://www.billboard.com/business/record-labels/michael-jackson-thriller-40th-anniversary-double-cd-1235071667/ |archive-date=December 22, 2022 |access-date=May 16, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 18, 2022 |title=Thriller 40 – A Double CD Set Of Michael Jackson's Original Masterpiece Thriller & Bonus Disc Out Now |url=https://www.legacyrecordings.com/2022/11/18/thriller-40-a-double-cd-set-of-michael-jacksons-original-masterpiece-thriller-bonus-disc-out-now/|access-date=November 19, 2022|publisher=Legacy Recordings|quote=Immersive audio mixes of Thriller are now available at various DSPs, including 360 Reality Audio on Amazon, Spatial Audio on Apple Music, mixed by Serban Ghenea from the original masters for immersive audio, with the immersive mixes by John Hanes.}}</ref> A biographical film based on Jackson's life, '']'', directed by ], is scheduled for April 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Peralta |first=Diego |date=May 31, 2024 |title=Antoine Fuqua's Michael Jackson Biopic Gets a Big Update |url=https://collider.com/michael-jackson-biopic-filming-wrap/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531152919/https://collider.com/michael-jackson-biopic-filming-wrap/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 31, 2024 |access-date=June 20, 2024 |website=Collider}} </ref> Jackson is played by his nephew ]. '']'' reported that the film "will not shy away from the controversies of Jackson's life".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fleming |first=Mike Jr. |date=January 30, 2023 |title=Michael Jackson Nephew Jaafar Jackson To Play King Of Pop In Antoine Fuqua-Directed Biopic |url=https://deadline.com/2023/01/michael-jackson-nephew-jaafar-jackson-portray-king-of-pop-in-antoine-fuqua-directed-movie-lionsgate-1235244128/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324155436/https://deadline.com/2023/01/michael-jackson-nephew-jaafar-jackson-portray-king-of-pop-in-antoine-fuqua-directed-movie-lionsgate-1235244128/ |archive-date=March 24, 2023 |access-date=January 30, 2023 |website=]}}</ref> Since Jackson's death his estate has grossed $2 billion in ticket revenue from '']'', '']'' and two ] productions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Stacy M. |date=September 9, 2024 |title=John Branca's Masterstroke: How Michael Jackson's Estate Surged Passed $2 Billion in Ticket Sales |url=https://thetimesweekly.com/2024/09/john-brancas-masterstroke-how-michael-jacksons-estate-surged-passed-2-billion-in-ticket-sales/ |access-date=October 1, 2024 |website=The Times Weekly}}</ref>

=== Posthumous child sexual abuse allegations ===
], Hawaii in 1988|upright]]
In 2013, choreographer ] filed a lawsuit alleging that Jackson had sexually abused him for seven years, beginning when he was seven years old (1989–1996).<ref>{{cite news |title=Choreographer: Michael Jackson 'sexually abused me' |work=] |date=May 16, 2013 |access-date=October 21, 2017 |url=https://www.today.com/video/choreographer-michael-jackson-sexually-abused-me-30450243877}}</ref> In 2014, a case was filed by James Safechuck, alleging similar sexual abuse over a four-year period starting when Safechuck was ten (1988–1992).<ref>{{cite news |first=Alroy |last=Menezes |title=James Safechuck Alleges Sexual Abuse By Michael Jackson, Sues Singer's Estate |work=] |date=August 6, 2014 |access-date=May 30, 2019 |url=https://www.ibtimes.com/james-safechuck-alleges-sexual-abuse-michael-jackson-sues-singers-estate-1650260}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Ken |last=Stone |title=Sex abuse by long-dead Michael Jackson? Judge rejects lawsuit |website=MyNewsLA.com |date=July 7, 2017 |access-date=March 15, 2019 |url=https://mynewsla.com/crime/2017/07/07/sex-abuse-by-long-dead-michael-jackson-judge-rejects-lawsuit/}}</ref><ref name="indie abuse">{{cite news |first=Jenn |last=Selby |title=Michael Jackson hit with new child sex abuse claims more than five years after his death |newspaper=The Independent |date=August 6, 2014 |access-date=March 15, 2019 |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/michael-jackson-hit-with-new-sex-abuse-claims-five-years-after-his-death-9650832.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220514/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/michael-jackson-hit-with-new-sex-abuse-claims-five-years-after-his-death-9650832.html |archive-date=May 14, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live}}</ref> Both had previously testified in Jackson's defense during the 1993 allegations; Robson did so again in 2005.<ref>{{cite news |first=John M. |last=Broder |title=2 Witnesses Say They Shared Jackson's Bed and Were Never Molested |newspaper=The New York Times |date=May 6, 2005 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/06/us/2-witnesses-say-they-shared-jacksons-bed-and-were-never-molested.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |first=Nicole |last=Sperling |title='Michael Is Everywhere': Two Michael Jackson Accusers Explain Why They're Speaking Out in HBO's ''Leaving Neverland'' |magazine=] |date=February 21, 2019 |access-date=March 15, 2019 |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2019/02/michael-jackson-accusers-explain-speaking-out-hbo-leaving-neverland}}</ref> In 2015, Robson's case against Jackson's estate was dismissed as it had been filed too late. Safechuck's claim was also time-barred.<ref>{{cite web |title=Safechuck Ruling Demurrer Dismissal |via=] |date=June 28, 2017 |access-date=May 28, 2019 |url=https://www.scribd.com/document/353219745/Safechuck-Ruling-Demurrer-Dismissal}}</ref>

In 2017, it was ruled that Jackson's corporations could not be held accountable for his alleged past actions.<ref>{{cite press release |first=Andrew |last=Dalton |title=APNewsBreak: Michael Jackson Sex Abuse Lawsuit Dismissed |agency=Associated Press |date=December 20, 2017 |access-date=December 21, 2017 |url=https://www.usnews.com/news/entertainment/articles/2017-12-19/apnewsbreak-michael-jackson-sex-abuse-lawsuit-dismissed}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Michael Jackson sex abuse lawsuit dismissed |publisher=] |date=December 19, 2017 |access-date=December 21, 2017 |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/michael-jackson-molestation-lawsuit-dismissed-1.4457632}}</ref> The rulings were appealed. On October 20, 2020, Safechuck's lawsuit against Jackson's corporations was again dismissed. The judge ruled that there was no evidence that Safechuck had had a relationship with Jackson's corporation, nor was it proven that there was a special relationship between the two.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2020/10/21/michael-jackson-judge-dismisses-leaving-neverland-accusers-lawsuit/3722576001/ |title='Leaving Neverland' accuser James Safechuck's lawsuit against Michael Jackson's companies dismissed |first=Andrea |last=Mandel |newspaper=USA Today |date=October 21, 2020 |accessdate=January 13, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |title=Lawsuit of Michael Jackson sexual abuse accuser dismissed |work=Associated Press News |date=October 23, 2020 |access-date=October 26, 2020 |url=https://www.apnews.com/article/los-angeles-lawsuits-james-safechuck-michael-jackson-california-4cd85607e8dc1366f09ae51a8af6d1d2 |archive-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912032214/https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-lawsuits-james-safechuck-michael-jackson-california-4cd85607e8dc1366f09ae51a8af6d1d2 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Kate |last=Feldman |title=Michael Jackson estate tries to block documentarian from filming 'Leaving Neverland' sequel: report |newspaper=] |location=New York |date=October 21, 2020 |access-date=October 31, 2020 |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/snyde/ny-finding-neverland-michael-jackson-20201021-7dvxdgtqibbpvgkq2lcbg5srca-story.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Jake |last=Kanter |title='Leaving Neverland' Director Dan Reed Fights Subpoenas as He Shoots Sequel to Channel 4/HBO's Michael Jackson Film |website=] |date=October 21, 2020 |access-date=October 31, 2020 |url=https://deadline.com/2020/10/leaving-neverland-director-dan-reed-shooting-follow-up-film-1234599714/}}</ref> On April 26, 2021, Robson's case was dismissed because of a lack of supporting evidence that the defendants exercised control over Jackson.<ref>{{cite news |first=Andrew |last=Dalton |title=Judge tosses lawsuit of man who alleged Jackson molestation |work=ABC News |agency=Associated Press |date=April 27, 2021 |access-date=April 28, 2021 |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/judge-tosses-lawsuit-man-alleged-jackson-molestation-77329272}}</ref>

Robson and Safechuck's allegations were the subject of the documentary film '']'', released in March 2019.<ref>{{cite news |first=Charlie |last=Haynes |title=Michael Jackson 'abused us hundreds of times' |date=February 28, 2019 |access-date=March 8, 2019 |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-47403951}}</ref> Radio stations in New Zealand, Canada, the UK and the Netherlands removed Jackson's music from their playlists.<ref name="PR blitz">{{cite news |first=Lanre |last=Bakare |title=Michael Jackson estate launches PR blitz as documentary airs in UK |newspaper=The Guardian |date=March 7, 2019 |access-date=March 8, 2019 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/mar/07/michael-jackson-estate-adverts-lawsuits-interviews-leaving-neverland-airs |archive-date=September 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926012746/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/mar/07/michael-jackson-estate-adverts-lawsuits-interviews-leaving-neverland-airs |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Eleanor Ainge |last=Roy |title=Michael Jackson songs pulled from radio stations in New Zealand and Canada |newspaper=The Guardian |date=March 6, 2019 |access-date=March 8, 2019 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/mar/05/michael-jackson-abuse-allegations-canada-radio-stations-ban-music}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Janene |last=Pieters |title=First Dutch radio station boycotts Michael Jackson music |work=NL Times |date=March 6, 2019 |access-date=April 14, 2019 |url=https://nltimes.nl/2019/03/06/first-dutch-radio-station-boycotts-michael-jackson-music}}</ref> Jackson's family condemned the film as a "public lynching",<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Michael Jackson's Family Calls 'Leaving Neverland' Documentary a 'Public Lynching' |magazine=] |date=January 28, 2019 |access-date=January 29, 2019 |url=https://variety.com/2019/music/news/michael-jackson-family-leaving-neverland-public-lynching-1203120387/}}</ref> and the Jackson estate released a statement calling the film a "tabloid character assassination endured in life, and now in death".<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Daniel |last=Kreps |title=Michael Jackson Estate Slams 'Leaving Neverland': 'Tabloid Character Assassination' |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=January 26, 2019 |access-date= July 21, 2019 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/michael-jackson-estate-leaving-neverland-tabloid-character-assassination-784968/}}</ref> Close associates of Jackson, such as ], ], Brett Barnes, and ], defended Jackson in the wake of the documentary's release, saying that Jackson had never molested them.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Corey Feldman Guards Michael Jackson After 'Leaving Neverland' Airs |magazine=Vibe |date=March 4, 2019 |access-date= September 21, 2019 |url=https://www.vibe.com/2019/03/corey-feldman-michael-jackson-leaving-neverland}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Maeve |last=McDermott |title=Aaron Carter defends Michael Jackson after saying the star did one 'inappropriate' thing |newspaper=USA Today |date=May 22, 2019 |access-date= September 21, 2019 |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2019/05/22/aaron-carter-defends-michael-jackson-after-comment-makes-waves/3765213002/}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Leaving Neverland: who is Brett Barnes, Michael Jackson's 'other boy'? |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=March 8, 2019 |access-date= September 21, 2019 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/0/leaving-neverland-brett-barnes-jacksons-boy/ |archive-date= January 10, 2022 |archive-url= https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/0/leaving-neverland-brett-barnes-jacksons-boy/ |url-status= live}} {{cbignore}}</ref>

Documentaries such as '']'', '']'' and '']'', presented information countering the claims suggested by ''Leaving Neverland''.<ref>{{cite news |title='Square One', el documental que "desmonta" las acusaciones de pederastia sobre Michael Jackson |date=October 16, 2019 |url=https://www.abc.es/play/cine/noticias/abci-square-documental-desmonta-acusaciones-pederastia-sobre-michael-jackson-201910161743_noticia_amp.html |language=es}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Adam |last=Wallis |title=Jackson family responds to 'Leaving Neverland' in 30-minute YouTube documentary |publisher=] |date=April 8, 2019 |access-date= October 31, 2020 |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/5141785/neverland-firsthand/}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |first=Andrew |last=Trendell |title=New documentary 'Chase the Truth' defending Michael Jackson is released |magazine=] |date=August 15, 2019 |access-date= October 31, 2020 |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/new-documentary-chase-truth-defending-michael-jackson-released-2538518}}</ref> Jackson's album sales increased following the documentary screenings.<ref>{{cite news |first=Jack |last=Shepherd |title=Michael Jackson albums climb the charts following Leaving Neverland broadcast |newspaper=The Independent |date=March 9, 2019 |access-date= July 21, 2019 |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/michael-jackson-album-charts-leaving-neverland-child-sex-allegations-a8815081.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220514/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/michael-jackson-album-charts-leaving-neverland-child-sex-allegations-a8815081.html |archive-date=May 14, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live}}</ref> ''Billboard'' senior editor Gail Mitchell said she and a colleague interviewed about thirty music executives who believed Jackson's legacy could withstand the controversy.<ref>{{cite news |first=Jonathan Jr. |last=Landrum |title=Michael Jackson's popularity endures, even after new scandal |newspaper=] |date=June 24, 2019 |access-date=July 21, 2019 |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2019/06/24/entertainment-news/michael-jacksons-popularity-endures-even-new-scandal/ |archive-date=July 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721070116/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2019/06/24/entertainment-news/michael-jacksons-popularity-endures-even-new-scandal/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> In late 2019, some New Zealand and Canadian radio stations re-added Jackson's music to their playlists, citing "positive listener survey results".<ref>{{cite web |first=Teresa |last=Ramsey |title=Michael Jackson songs back on New Zealand radio airwaves |website=] |date=November 14, 2019 |access-date= November 29, 2019 |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv-radio/117143093/michael-jackson-songs-back-on-new-zealand-radio-airwaves}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Marc-André |last=Lemieux |title=Fin du boycottage de Michael Jackson |newspaper=] |date=October 29, 2019 |access-date= December 30, 2019 |url=https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2019/10/29/fin-du-boycott-de-michael-jackson |language=fr}}</ref>

On February 21, 2019, the Jackson estate sued HBO for breaching a non-disparagement clause from a 1992 contract. The suit sought to compel HBO to participate in a non-confidential arbitration that could result in $100{{nbsp}}million or more in damages awarded to the estate.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Eriq |last=Gardner |title=Michael Jackson Estate Sues HBO Over 'Leaving Neverland' Documentary |magazine=] |date=February 21, 2019 |access-date= September 21, 2019 |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/michael-jackson-estate-sues-hbo-violating-disparagement-deal-1188759}}</ref> HBO said they did not breach a contract and filed an anti-] motion against the estate. In September 2019, Judge ] denied HBO's motion to dismiss the case, allowing the Jackson estate to arbitrate.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Claudia |last=Rosenbaum |title='Leaving Neverland' Judge Sides with Michael Jackson Estate, Compelling HBO to Arbitration |magazine=Billboard |date=September 20, 2019 |access-date= May 6, 2021 |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/legal-and-management/8530658/leaving-neverland-ruling-michael-jackson-hbo-arbitration/}}</ref> HBO appealed, but in December 2020 the appeals court affirmed Wu's ruling.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Ashley |last=Cullins |title=HBO Loses Appellate Bid to Avoid Arbitration with Michael Jackson Estate in 'Leaving Neverland' Dispute |magazine=] |date=December 14, 2020 |access-date= April 11, 2021 |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/hbo-loses-appellate-bid-to-avoid-arbitration-with-michael-jackson-estate-in-leaving-neverland-dispute}}</ref>

In 2020, a state law passed in California which granted plaintiffs in child sex abuse cases an additional period to file lawsuits. In October 2020 and again in April 2021, the ] ruled that MJJ Productions Inc. and MJJ Ventures Inc. employees were not legally obligated to protect the two men from Jackson. In August 2023, California's Second District Court of Appeal overturned the ruling, and the case was approved to move forward to ].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/18/arts/music/michael-jackson-sexual-abuse-lawsuits.html |title=Sexual Abuse Suits Against Michael Jackson's Companies Are Revived |first1=Christopher |last1=Kuo |date=August 18, 2023 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>

== Legacy ==
{{Main article|Cultural impact of Michael Jackson}}
{{See also|List of Michael Jackson records and achievements}}
Jackson has been referred to as the "]" for having transformed the art of music videos and paving the way for modern pop music. For much of Jackson's career, he had an unparalleled worldwide influence over the younger generation.<ref name="ADL">{{cite web |date=June 22, 1995 |title=ADL Welcomes Michael Jackson's Decision to Remove Anti-Semitic Lyrics from Song |url=https://www.adl.org/PresRele/ASUS_12/2471_12.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001053852/https://www.adl.org/PresRele/ASUS_12/2471_12.asp |archive-date=October 1, 2012 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |publisher=]}}</ref> His influence extended beyond the music industry; he impacted dance, led fashion trends, and raised awareness for global affairs.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Michael Jackson's music had impact around the globe |publisher=] |date=July 4, 2009 |access-date= March 27, 2020 |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-jackson-global-sb-idUSTRE5624OT20090704}}</ref> Jackson's music and videos fostered racial diversity in MTV's roster and steered its focus from rock to pop music and R&B, leading to the discontinuation of the ] format previously dominant on the channel.{{sfn|Young|2009|p=25}}<ref>{{cite press release |first=David |last=Vigilante |title=Commentary: Jackson was the Jackie Robinson of MTV |publisher=CNN |date=June 26, 2009 |access-date= July 4, 2020 |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/06/26/vigilante.jackson/index.html}}</ref>

In songs such as "]", "]", "]" and "]", Jackson's music emphasized ] and environmentalism and protested injustice.<ref>{{cite news |first=Joseph |last=Vogel |title=Black and White: how Dangerous kicked off Michael Jackson's race paradox |newspaper=The Guardian |date=March 17, 2018 |access-date= January 13, 2020 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/mar/17/black-and-white-how-dangerous-kicked-off-michael-jacksons-race-paradox}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Why Michael Jackson's songs on climate change and racial inequality need to be youth anthems now |work=] |date=August 29, 2018 |access-date= January 13, 2020 |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/gk-current-affairs/story/why-michael-jackson-s-songs-on-climate-change-and-racial-inequality-need-to-be-youth-anthems-now-1326217-2018-08-29}}</ref> He is recognized as the Most Successful Entertainer of All Time by '']''.<ref name="CityNews">{{cite news |title=Michael Jackson Named Most Successful Entertainer Of All Time |work=] |date=November 15, 2006 |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://toronto.citynews.ca/2006/11/15/michael-jackson-named-most-successful-entertainer-of-all-time/}}</ref><ref name="Ditzian">{{cite news |first=Eric |last=Ditzian |title=Michael Jackson's Groundbreaking Career, by the Numbers |publisher=MTV |date=June 26, 2009 |access-date= March 2, 2016 |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/1614815/michael-jacksons-groundbreaking-career-by-the-numbers/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140716091850/http://www.mtv.com/news/1614815/michael-jacksons-groundbreaking-career-by-the-numbers/|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 16, 2014}}</ref> Jackson has also appeared on '']''{{'}}s lists of the Greatest Singers of All Time.<ref name="100 Greatest">{{cite magazine |date=December 3, 2010 |title=100 Greatest Singers of All Time |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/100-greatest-singers-of-all-time-147019/michael-jackson-18-223970/ |access-date=April 14, 2019 |magazine=Rolling Stone}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |date=January 1, 2023 |title=The 200 Greatest Singers of All Time |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-singers-all-time-1234642307/michael-jackson-21-1234643068/|access-date=June 23, 2023 |magazine=Rolling Stone}}</ref> He is considered one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century,<ref>{{cite web |first=Howard |last=Dodson |title=Michael Jackson: Icon |publisher=] |date=July 7, 2009 |access-date= November 26, 2018 |url=https://www.nypl.org/blog/2009/07/07/michael-jackson-icon}}</ref> and his contributions to music, dance, and fashion, along with his publicized personal life, made him a global figure in popular culture for over four decades.<ref>{{cite news |first=Kasmin |last=Fernandes |title=Why Michael Jackson was a style icon |newspaper=] |date=June 25, 2014 |access-date= March 11, 2016 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/fashion/style-guide/Why-Michael-Jackson-was-a-style-icon/articleshow/37175580.cms?from=mdr}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |first=Don |last=Lemon |title=Michael Jackson's style influence lives on |publisher=] |date=June 23, 2010 |access-date= March 11, 2016 |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/06/23/michael.jackson.fashion/}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Jocelyn |last=Vena |title=Michael Jackson's Style Legacy, From Military Jackets to One Glove |publisher=MTV News |date=June 26, 2009 |access-date= March 11, 2016 |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/1614819/michael-jacksons-style-legacy-from-military-jackets-to-one-glove/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021085825/http://www.mtv.com/news/1614819/michael-jacksons-style-legacy-from-military-jackets-to-one-glove/|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 21, 2014}}</ref>{{blockquote|Trying to trace Michael Jackson's influence on the pop stars that followed him is like trying to trace the influence of oxygen and gravity. So vast, far-reaching and was his impact—particularly in the wake of '']''{{'}}s colossal and heretofore unmatched commercial success—that there weren't a whole lot of artists who ''weren't'' trying to mimic some of the Jackson formula.|J. Edward Keyes of '']''<ref>{{cite magazine |first=J. Edward |last=Keyes |title=Michael Jackson's, Indelible Pop Legacy |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=July 7, 2009 |access-date= July 5, 2020 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/michael-jacksons-indelible-pop-legacy-105243/}}</ref>}} ], chief content officer of Vibe Media Group and the editor-in-chief of ''],'' described Jackson as "the greatest star".<ref>{{cite press release |first=Danyel |last=Smith |title=Commentary: Michael Jackson, the greatest star |publisher=CNN |date=June 26, 2009 |access-date= July 4, 2020 |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/06/26/smith.jackson.appreciation/}}</ref> Steve Huey of AllMusic called him "an unstoppable juggernaut, possessed of all the skills 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" /> BET said Jackson was "quite simply the greatest entertainer of all time" whose "sound, style, movement and legacy continues to inspire artists of all genres".<ref>{{cite web |title=Michael Jackson |publisher=] |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.bet.com/tag/omffdm/michael-jackson}}</ref>

], London in 1992]]
In 1984, '']'' pop critic ] wrote that "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." He described Jackson as a "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" /> In 2003, '']'' writer ] described Jackson as "extremely important" and a "genius".<ref>{{cite news |first=Tom |last=Utley |author-link= Tom Utley |title=Of course Jackson's odd—but his genius is what matters |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=February 7, 2003 |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/3587259/Of-course-Jackson%27s-odd---but-his-genius-is-what-matters.html |archive-date= January 26, 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090126081344/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/3587259/Of-course-Jackson%27s-odd---but-his-genius-is-what-matters.html}}</ref> At Jackson's memorial service on July 7, 2009, Motown founder Berry Gordy called Jackson "the greatest entertainer that ever lived".<ref>{{cite web |title=Gordy Brings Mourners to Their Feet with Jackson Tribute |date=July 7, 2009 |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.contactmusic.com/news/gordy-brings-mourners-to-their-feet-with-jackson-tribute_1108973}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |first=Bob |last=Tourtellotte |title=Michael Jackson hailed as greatest entertainer, best dad |agency=Reuters UK |date=July 8, 2009 |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-jackson-idUKTRE5615KN20090708|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122182734/http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-jackson-idUKTRE5615KN20090708|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 22, 2016}}</ref> In a June 28, 2009 '']'' article, Jill Rosen wrote that Jackson's legacy influenced fields including sound, dance, fashion, music videos and celebrity.<ref>{{cite news |first=Jill |last=Rosen |title=7 Ways Michael Jackson Changed the World |date=June 28, 2009 |access-date= April 24, 2016 |newspaper=] |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2009/06/28/7-ways-michael-jackson-changed-the-world/ |archive-date= May 2, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160502182350/http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2009-06-28/news/0906260178_1_michael-jackson-jackson-changed-jackson-five |url-status= live}}</ref>

In 2018, the ] named Michael Jackson the most depicted cultural figure of the century,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Haider |first=Arwa |date=2018-06-29 |title=The Complex and Celebrated Image of Michael Jackson |url=https://elephant.art/on-the-wall-michael-jackson/ |access-date=2024-11-08 |website=ELEPHANT |language=en-US}}</ref> later stating that Jackson's influence on art rivaled that of ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stansfield |first=Ted |date=2018-06-28 |title=How Michael Jackson Impacted the World of Art |url=https://www.anothermanmag.com/life-culture/10396/how-michael-jackson-impacted-the-world-of-art |access-date=2024-11-08 |website=AnotherMan |language=en |quote=Few have permeated the realm of art like Michael Jackson. Aside from Jesus Christ, there aren’t many people who have inspired creative practitioners to the degree that the MJ has.}}</ref> ], director of the National Portrait Gallery and curator of the ], described Jackson's impact on art as unprecedented and claimed that Jackson was the most depicted figure in the history of ]. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Finch |first=Mariko |date=2018-07-23 |title=Celebrating Michael Jackson at the National Portrait Gallery |url=https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/celebrating-michael-jackson-at-the-national-portrait-gallery |access-date=2024-11-08 |website=Sothebys.com |language=en}}</ref>

], the Editor-in-Chief of ] called Jackson the most famous person in the world in 2006. Following Jackson's passing, Glenday wrote in an obituary that Jackson had maintained this status up until his death,<ref>{{Cite book |last=Glenday |first=Craig |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GJ-Lts1QgrkC&dq=guinness+world+records+2011+jackson&pg=PA350 |title=Before his death, Michael Jackson was the most famous living human being in the world. Guinness World Records 2011 |date=2011 |publisher=Sterling Pub. |isbn=978-0-440-42310-2 |language=en}}</ref> later remarking that his fame had exceeded that of Confucius.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Glenday |first=Craig |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=N2ExOXxw6cAC&dq=guinness+world+records+most+famous+person+jackson+2006&pg=PA408 |title=Guinness World Records 2013 |date=2013 |publisher=Random House |isbn=978-0-345-54711-8 |language=en |quote="The Five leading names are Jesus, Muhammad, Isaac Newton, Buddha and Confucius, clearly significant figures. However who among us could quote more lines from Confucius than a Michael Jackson song, the man Guinness named the most famous person on earth in 2006" |quote-page=408}}</ref>

In 2014, a comprehensive study conducted by researcher Young-Ho Eom at the ] identified Michael Jackson as one of the most influential people of all time.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Rose |date=2014-06-10 |title=Misplaced Pages's most influential people: Carl Linnaeus, Jesus, Hitler, Michael Jackson |url=https://www.smh.com.au/technology/wikipedias-most-influential-people-carl-linnaeus-jesus-hitler-michael-jackson-20140611-zs39r.html |access-date=2024-11-08 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref> The study utilized advanced ranking methods, including 2D Rank and PageRank algorithms, to analyze the impact of historical figures. Jackson was prominently placed on the list of top influencers, alongside Swedish botanist ], ], and ]. An additional study conducted in 2013 also identified Michael Jackson as one of the most influential people of all time. This study ranked Jackson at the top of the list, alongside Napoleon Bonaparte, highlighting the extraordinary influence and global recognition that Jackson achieved throughout his career. <ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Eom |first1=Young-Ho |last2=Shepelyansky |first2=Dima L. |date=2013 |title=Highlighting entanglement of cultures via ranking of multilingual Misplaced Pages articles |journal=PLOS ONE |volume=8 |issue=10 |pages=e74554 |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0074554 |doi-access=free |issn=1932-6203 |pmc=3789750 |pmid=24098338|arxiv=1306.6259 |bibcode=2013PLoSO...874554E }}</ref>

Following Jackson's death, ] wrote that he was in a league of his own in terms of fame, noting that Jackson had become so famous that the number of people who might not know who he was had become statistically insignificant. <ref>{{Cite news |last=Sparber |first=Max |date=2009-06-26 |title=Meeting a supernova |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/cifamerica/2009/jun/26/michael-jackson-fame-death |access-date=2024-12-07 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Due to his unprecedented influence, Michael Jackson is recognized today as one of the most globally renowned figures in history. Reports of his fame extend from the Middle East <ref>{{Cite web |last=Ghazal |first=Rym |title='He meant so much to Arabs' |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/mena/he-meant-so-much-to-arabs-1.541703 |access-date=2024-12-07 |website=The National News |language=en |quote=I don't think MJ knew just how much his music shaped a whole generation of Arabs, just how many fans he had here and just how devoted they remained throughout his ordeals. We might not have heard of the Beatles or Elvis Presley, but we sure knew Michael Jackson. There were fears among the religious police about his "influence" on the young mind, he was a symbol of America as a land of opportunity, especially for a generation of Arabs that had grown up in conflict. People named their cars after him, not to mention their pets - my own white-and-black cat is called MJ, I cannot think of another foreign artist who has infiltrated our culture so much as him.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Grundey |first=Adam |date=2019-06-29 |title=Wanted dead or alive: Despite 'Leaving Neverland,' Michael Jackson's star seems undiminished in the Middle East |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1517811/lifestyle |access-date=2024-12-07 |website=Arab News |language=en |quote=As a performer and musician, Jackson was idolized around the world. He became an enormous part of people’s lives — and arguably the most recognizable person in history, despite the surgery.}}</ref>, Africa <ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-10-07 |title=Michael Jackson's music had impact around the globe - Reuters |website=] |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-jackson-global-sb/michael-jacksons-music-had-impact-around-the-globe-idUSTRE5624OT20090704 |access-date=2024-12-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191007063232/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-jackson-global-sb/michael-jacksons-music-had-impact-around-the-globe-idUSTRE5624OT20090704 |archive-date=October 7, 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Irish |first=John |date=September 21, 2016 |title=Ghana leader tells U.N. to dance to tune of Michael Jackson |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-un-assembly-ghana-idUSKCN11R2X6 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191003233058/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-un-assembly-ghana-idUSKCN11R2X6 |archive-date=October 3, 2019 |access-date=October 3, 2019 |work=Reuters}}</ref>, India <ref name="web.archive.org">{{Cite web |date=2016-11-29 |title=Michael Jackson's music had impact around the globe |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-jackson-global-sb-idUSTRE5624OT20090704/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129082809/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-jackson-global-sb-idUSTRE5624OT20090704/ |archive-date=November 29, 2016 |access-date=2024-05-23 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2009-08-20 |title=We live in Michael Jackson's world: SRK |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/we-live-in-michael-jacksons-world-srk/articleshow/4913517.cms |access-date=2024-05-23 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>, and China <ref>{{Cite web |last=Gardner |first=Dinah |date=2009-10-28 |title=Why the Chinese are obsessed with the late Michael Jackson |url=https://www.minnpost.com/global-post/2009/10/why-chinese-are-obsessed-late-michael-jackson/ |access-date=2024-12-07 |website=MinnPost |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-18 |title=Ethiopian envoy confers with UNESCO Peace Medal winner "MJ Resurrector" of China |url=https://www.fanabc.com/english/ethiopian-envoy-confers-with-unesco-peace-medal-winner-mj-resurrector-of-china/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=] |language=en-US |quote=The world’s most Michael Jackson-like Chinese “MJ Resurrector”, winner of the UNESCO Peace Medal}}</ref> to tribes in the Amazon <ref>{{Cite web |last=Montenegro |first=Manuel |date=2016-12-07 |title=See The Reaction Of An Amazon Tribe To Modern War Footage, The Moon Landing And More |url=https://kami.com.ph/59550-see-the-reaction-of-an-amazon-tribe-to-modern-war-footage-the-moon-landing-a.html |access-date=2024-12-07 |website=Kami.com.ph - Philippines news. |language=en |quote=A French movie crew visited a remote tribe in the Amazon rainforest to show them video clips encasing modern society}}</ref>. His influence even reaches remote corners of the world such as ],or ], where tribute artists keep his legacy alive by celebrating his music. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Michael Jackson continua vivo em São Tomé e Príncipe |url=https://www.uol.com.br/carnaval/videos/?id=michael-jackson-continua-vivo-em-sao-tome-e-principe-0402CC1C3764C8892326 |access-date=2024-07-25 |website=www.uol.com.br |language=pt-br |quote=The 'King of Pop' is still alive in a remote and unknown location on the planet: on the small African islands of São Tomé and Príncipe. Damião Mendes Marques is known only as 'Michael' and became a local celebrity. Always dressed as his idol, he attracts crowds with his performance and dreams one day of being able to meet the Jackson family.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Kerr |first1=Jim |last2=Squibb |first2=Shirley |title=Tristen De Cunha Performing Arts Show |url=https://www.tristandc.com/newsschool2014artsshow.php |access-date=2024-12-07 |website=www.tristandc.com |publisher=Tristan da Cunha Government |language=en-GB |quote=The show started with a dance to Thriller, zombies appeared from all directions and danced with Nathan Swain, the island's Michael Jackson lookalike.}}</ref>

== Philanthropy and humanitarian work ==
{{Main|Philanthropy of Michael Jackson}}
] rewarding Jackson in 1984 for his support of alcohol and drug abuse charities]]
Jackson is widely regarded as having been a prolific philanthropist and humanitarian.<ref name="Daunt">Tina Daunt, "", '']'' (July 8, 2009), p. D6.</ref><ref name="Jackson Lee">{{cite web |url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/house-resolution/600/text |title=H. RES. 600: Honoring an American legend and musical icon |first=Sheila |last=Jackson-Lee |date=June 26, 2009}}</ref><ref name="Cafarelli">Brad Cafarelli, "Superstar's musical career had the classic humble start", '']'' (November 7, 1988), Section VIII, p. 1, 5.</ref><ref>Joseph Vogel, , ''HuffPost'' (September 24, 2017).</ref> Jackson's early charitable work has been described by '']'' as having "paved the way for the current surge in celebrity philanthropy",<ref name="Philanthropy">{{cite web |url=https://www.philanthropy.com/article/Michael-Jackson-and/193257 |title=Michael Jackson and Philanthropy |first=Ian |last=Wilhelm |publisher=] |date=June 26, 2009}}</ref> and by the '']'' as having "set the standard for generosity for other entertainers".<ref name="Daunt" />

By some estimates, he donated over $500&nbsp;million, not accounting for inflation, to various charities over the course of his life.<ref name="Daunt" /> In 1992, Jackson established his ], to which he donated several million dollars in revenue from his ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/jacksons-foundation-now-virtually-defunct-wbna4601265 |title=Jackson's foundation now virtually defunct |work=] |date=March 25, 2004 |access-date=November 10, 2023}}</ref>

Jackson's philanthropic activities went beyond just monetary donations. He also performed at ]s, some of which he arranged. He gifted tickets for his regular concert performances to groups that assist underprivileged children. He visited sick children in hospitals around the world. He opened his own home for visits by underprivileged or sick children and provided special facilities and nurses if the children needed that level of care.

Jackson donated valuable, personal and professional paraphernalia for numerous charity auctions. He received various awards and accolades for his philanthropic work, including two bestowed by ]. The vast breadth of Jackson's philanthropic work has earned recognition in the ].<ref name="Daunt" /><ref name="Telegraph-2001">{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1399932/He-wont-stop-til-they-get-enough.html |title=He won't stop 'til they get enough |work=] |date=January 1, 2001}}</ref><ref name="Guinness">{{cite web |url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/105188-most-charities-supported-by-a-pop-star/ |title=Most charities supported by a pop star |publisher=Guinness World Records |year=2000}}</ref>

On May 14, 1984, President ] gave Jackson an award recognizing his support of alcohol and drug abuse charities,{{sfn|Taraborrelli|2009|pp=304–307}} and in recognition of his support for the ]'s and the ]'s Drunk Driving Prevention campaign. Jackson allowed the campaign to use "Beat It" for its public service announcements.<ref>{{cite web |year=2003 |title=Drunk Driving Prevention (1983–Present) |url=https://www.aef.com/exhibits/social_responsibility/ad_council/2399/:pf_printable |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509144426/https://www.aef.com/exhibits/social_responsibility/ad_council/2399/%3Apf_printable |archive-date=May 9, 2015 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |publisher=Advertising Education Foundation}}</ref>

== Artistry ==


=== Vocal style === === Vocal style ===
Jackson was known as an expressive vocalist with ].<ref name="classicfm.com2">{{Cite web |title=What actually is perfect pitch – and how do I get it? |url=https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/music-theory/what-is-perfect-pitch-which-singers/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108002330/https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/music-theory/what-is-perfect-pitch-which-singers/ |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |access-date=November 28, 2020 |website=Classic FM |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Brown |first=Geoff |title=The complete guide to the music of Michael Jackson and The Jackson family |date=1996 |publisher=Omnibus Press |isbn=978-0-7119-5303-1 |location=London |pages=164}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Lucy |date=2018-08-29 |title=The Incredible Way Michael Jackson Wrote Music |url=https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/the-incredible-way-michael-jackson-wrote-music-16799 |access-date=2024-11-30 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}</ref> Critics describe his vocal theatricality having a range from clear and soft to harsh and aggressive,<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Hoffman |first=Claire |date=2009-08-06 |title=The Last Days of Michael Jackson |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/the-last-days-of-michael-jackson-68590/ |access-date=2024-11-30 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Light |first=Alan |date=1992-01-01 |title=Michael Jackson's 'Dangerous' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/dangerous-251372/ |access-date=2024-11-30 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Stone |first=Rolling |date=2014-06-23 |title=50 Best Michael Jackson Songs |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/50-best-michael-jackson-songs-22188/ |access-date=2024-11-30 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Stegner-Petitjean |first=Isabelle |date=2011-12-15 |title='The Voice in the Mirror'. Michael Jackson: From a Vocal Identity to its Double in Sound |url=https://journals.openedition.org/volume/3851 |journal=Volume! La revue des musiques populaires |volume=8 : 2 |language=en |issue=8 : 2 |pages=222–253 |doi=10.4000/volume.3851 |issn=1634-5495}}</ref> depending on the genre sung. Principally in history, Michael Jackson is the sole recipient to receive ] for three different genres of vocal performance (as a soloist), winning ] for ], ] for ], and ] with both ] and ]. ], his long-time sound engineer, emphasized that a critical element of their vocal recordings are of him and Jackson trying numerous approaches to rhythmic, emotional and technical distinctions to consummate a "sonic character".<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Swedien |first1=Bruce |url=https://www.worldcat.org/title/316825874 |title=In the studio with Michael Jackson |last2=Jackson |first2=Michael |date=2009 |publisher=Hal Leonard Books |isbn=978-1-4234-6495-2 |location=New York |pages=8-10, 119-126 |oclc=316825874}}</ref> His stylings, such as common use of ], ], ] as well as ],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lopez |first=Rich |date=2023-11-26 |title=Review: Simply said, 'MJ' was a thriller |url=https://dallasvoice.com/review-simply-said-mj-was-a-thriller/ |access-date=2024-11-30 |website=Dallas Voice |language=en-US}}</ref> adlibs, wailings and growls are all signature to his sound.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ewing |first=Tom |date=2011-06-10 |title=Michael Jackson starts work on Off the Wall |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/jun/11/michael-jackson-off-the-wall |access-date=2024-11-30 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Apple Music: Michael Jackson Love Songs |url=https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/michael-jackson-love-songs/pl.8058d87c60b647a7bc81185b9f59e4c2 |access-date=2024-11-30 |website=Apple Music Web Player |language=en-US}}</ref>
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 ]'s '']'' 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 '']'': it can be seen in full force in the "]" 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 ] that's used very daringly".<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 |title=Off the Wall : Michael Jackson |work=Rolling Stone |date=November 1, 1979 |accessdate=July 23, 2008}}</ref> 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"/>


Jackson sang from childhood, and over time his voice and vocal style changed. Between 1971 and 1975, his voice descended from boy ] to lyric ].{{sfn|Brackett|Hoard|2004|p=414}} He was known for his intonation and vocal range.<ref name="100 Greatest" /> Through each music release, his vocal development and changes were positively narrated by music journalists. With the arrival of ''Off the Wall'' in the late 1970s, Jackson's abilities in his ] period had ''Rolling Stone'' comparing his vocals to the "breathless, dreamy stutter" of Stevie Wonder, and wrote that "Jackson's feathery-timbred tenor is extraordinarily beautiful. It slides smoothly into a startling ] that's used very daringly."<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Holden |first=Stephen |author-link=Stephen Holden |date=November 1, 1979 |title=Michael Jackson: Off The Wall |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/off-the-wall-19791101 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107042734/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/off-the-wall-19791101 |archive-date=January 7, 2016 |access-date=September 4, 2017 |magazine=Rolling Stone}}</ref> By the time of 1982's ''Thriller'', ''Rolling Stone'' wrote that Jackson was singing in a "fully adult voice" that was "tinged by sadness".<ref name="Thriller" /> 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". When singing of brotherhood or self-esteem the musician would return to "smooth" vocals.<ref name="NYT Dangerous" /> Of ''Invincible'', ''Rolling Stone'' wrote that, at 43, Jackson still performed "exquisitely voiced rhythm tracks and vibrating vocal harmonies".<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Hunter |first=James |date=December 6, 2001 |title=Michael Jackson: Invincible |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/invincible-20011206 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001125527/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/invincible-20011206 |archive-date=October 1, 2017 |access-date=September 4, 2017 |magazine=Rolling Stone}}</ref> ] notes Jackson's ability to use non-verbal sounds to express emotion.{{sfn|Vogel|2012|p=9}} ] wrote that Jackson's unorthodox singing style "was original and utterly distinctive".<ref>{{cite news |last=McCormick |first=Neil |author-link=Neil McCormick |date=June 30, 2009 |title=Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen & Bono |url=https://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/culture/neilmccormick/100000966/michael-jackson-bruce-springsteen-bono-great-singing-is-about-more-than-the-notes/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090703051404/https://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/culture/neilmccormick/100000966/michael-jackson-bruce-springsteen-bono-great-singing-is-about-more-than-the-notes/ |archive-date=July 3, 2009 |access-date=February 16, 2016 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph}}</ref>
{{Listen |help = no |filename = Michael Jackson - Black Or White.ogg |title = "Black or White" |description = The lead single from ''Dangerous'', the danceable ] 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=December 4, 2005 |title=Michael Jackson Dangerous Review |publisher=Sony Music Entertainment |year=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.}}


=== Influences ===
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 news |first=James |last=Hunter |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">George, p.24</ref>
Jackson was influenced by musicians including ], ], ], ], ], ]., ],<ref name="Tucker">{{cite news |first=Ken |last=Tucker |title=Summer Reading; Firing Your Father Isn't Easy |newspaper=] |page=751 |date=June 5, 1988 |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/06/05/books/summer-reading-firing-your-father-isn-t-easy.html}}</ref> and ].<ref>{{cite magazine |title=100 Greatest Singers: 65 – David Ruffin |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=November 27, 2008 |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-greatest-singers-of-all-time-19691231/david-ruffin-20101202}}</ref> Little Richard had a substantial influence on Jackson,<ref>{{cite news |first=Martin |last=Herron |title=Michael Jackson saved my life |newspaper=] |date=June 27, 2009 |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.scarborougheveningnews.co.uk/news/39Michael-Jackson-saved-my-life39.5407768.jp |archive-date= June 28, 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090628193111/https://www.scarborougheveningnews.co.uk/news/39Michael-Jackson-saved-my-life39.5407768.jp}}</ref> but Brown was his greatest inspiration. When Jackson was a small child, his mother would wake him whenever Brown appeared on television. Jackson described being "mesmerized".<ref>{{cite web |title=Jackson Attends Brown's Public Funeral |publisher=] |date=January 2, 2007 |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.contactmusic.com/james-brown/news/jackson-attends-browns-public-funeral_1017673}}</ref>


Jackson's vocal technique was influenced by Diana Ross; his use of the ''oooh'' interjection from a young age was something Ross had used on many of her songs with ].{{sfn|Taraborrelli|2009|p=64}} She was a mother figure to him, and he often watched her rehearse.<ref>{{cite press release |first=Mallory |last=Simon |title=Jackson shared bond with 'very dear friend Diana Ross' |publisher=CNN |date=July 3, 2009 |access-date= December 1, 2016 |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/07/03/michael.jackson.diana.ross/index.html?iref=nextin}}</ref> He said he had learned a lot from watching how she moved and sang, and that she had encouraged him to have confidence in himself.{{sfn|Taraborrelli|2009|p=60}}
=== 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 ] 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=] |accessdate=November 11, 2006}}</ref> Before ''Thriller'', Jackson struggled to receive coverage on MTV, allegedly because he was African American.<ref name=blender>{{cite news |title=Michael Jackson, "Billie Jean," directed by Steve Barron, produced by Simon Fields & Paul Flattery, |date=October 2005 |accessdate=April 11, 2007 |work=]}}</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=October 9, 2006|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">{{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> Short films like '']'' 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 ] to ].<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"/>


Choreographer ], who met Jackson while choreographing the 1971 Diana Ross TV special '']'', said that Jackson watched the musical '']'' almost every week, and it was his favorite film; he paid tribute to it in "Beat It" and the "Bad" video.{{sfn|Lewis Jones|2005|pages=6, 54}}<ref>{{cite web |first=David |last=Winters |date=June 26, 2009 |title=David Winters remembers Michael Jackson |website=Magick Papers |url=https://www.magickpapers.com/blog/?p=400 |archive-date= July 2, 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150702033511/https://www.magickpapers.com/blog/?p=400}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Eugene |last=Hernandez |title=Remembering Michael Jackson, on Screen |publisher=] |date=June 27, 2009 |url=https://www.indiewire.com/article/michael_jackson_on_screen |archive-date= June 27, 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090627205050/https://www.indiewire.com/article/michael_jackson_on_screen}}</ref>
In the 19-minute music video for "]"—directed by ]—Jackson began using sexual imagery and choreography not previously seen in his work. He occasionally grabbed or touched his chest, torso and crotch. When asked by Oprah in the 1993 interview about why he grabbed his crotch, he replied, "I think it happens subliminally" and he described it as something that was not planned, but rather, as something that was compelled by the music. "Bad" garnered a mixed reception from both fans and critics; ''Time'' magazine described it as "infamous". The video also featured ]; 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 "]", 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 "]" 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 ].<ref name = "Nelson George overview 43-44">George, pp. 43–44</ref>


=== Musicianship ===
The ] 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> "]" 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 ], ] and ]. It helped usher in ] as an important technology in music videos.<ref>Campbell (1993), p. 303</ref>
Jackson had no formal music training and could not read or write ]. He is credited for playing guitar, keyboard, and drums, but was not proficient in them.<ref name="NME">{{cite magazine |first=Lucy |last=Jones |title=The Incredible Way Michael Jackson Wrote Music |magazine=] |date=April 2, 2014 |access-date= April 26, 2016 |url=https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/the-incredible-way-michael-jackson-wrote-music/}}</ref> When composing, he recorded ideas by ] and imitating instruments vocally.<ref name="NME" /> Describing the process, he said: "I'll just sing the bass part into the ]. I'll take that bass lick and put the chords of the melody over the bass lick and that's what inspires the melody." These were shown in his demos for Beat It and Billie Jean where he vocalized the melody, bass instrumentals as well as lead and backing vocals by overlaying each component. The engineer Robert Hoffman recalled that after Jackson came in with a song he had written overnight, Jackson sang every note of every chord to a guitar player. Hoffman also remembered Jackson singing string arrangements part by part into a cassette recorder.<ref name="NME" />
]" was shot primarily in black and white, and at a cost of $7 million.<ref name="Guinness World Records 2006">''Guinness World Records 2006''</ref>]]


{{anchor|Crotch grab}}
"]" was an elaborate production, and became one of his longest videos at over nine minutes. Set in ], it featured groundbreaking ] and appearances by ], ] and ], along with a distinct complex dance routine.<ref>Campbell (1993), pp. 313–314</ref> The video for "]" was Jackson's most sexually provocative piece. It featured supermodel ] in a courtship dance with Jackson. The video was banned in South Africa because of its imagery.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 45-46"/>


=== Dance ===
The music video for "]", directed by ] and production designer Tom Foden, is one of Jackson's most critically acclaimed. In 1995, it gained 11 ]—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 = ] | 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 ] at a cost of $7&nbsp;million.<ref name = "Ultimate booklet 48–50"/><ref name="Guinness World Records 2006"/>
Jackson danced from a young age as part of the Jackson 5,<ref name="Sanjoy">{{cite news |first=Sanjoy |last=Roy |title=What Michael Jackson did for dance |newspaper=The Guardian |date=June 26, 2009 |access-date= February 18, 2020 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/jun/26/dancing-michael-jackson-moves}}</ref> and incorporated dance extensively in his performances and music videos.<ref name="Sanjoy" /> According to Sanjoy Roy of '']'', Jackson would "flick and retract his limbs like switchblades, or snap out of a tornado spin into a perfectly poised toe-stand".<ref name="Sanjoy" /> The ], taught to him by ],<ref name="Daniel" /> was Jackson's signature dance move and one of the most famous of the 20th century.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Rolling Stone Readers Pick Their 10 Favorite Dancing Musicians |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=July 14, 2011 |access-date= January 7, 2020 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/rolling-stone-readers-pick-their-10-favorite-dancing-musicians-18885/}}</ref> Jackson is credited for coining the name "moonwalk" for this street dance move, previously known as the "backslide".<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Claire |last=Suddath |title=How to Moonwalk like Michael |magazine=] |date=June 25, 2009 |url=https://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1907320,00.html |archive-date= May 15, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110515094558/https://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1907320,00.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Pia |last=Catton |title=How Michael Jackson Changed Dance History |work=] |date=June 20, 2018 |access-date= February 18, 2020 |url=https://www.biography.com/news/how-michael-jackson-changed-dance-history}}</ref> His other moves included the ],{{sfn|Mansour|2005|p=403|ps=: 'The Robot was a mimelike dance, popularized by The Jackson 5 and their Top Ten hit "Dancing Machine"'}}{{sfn|Lehman|2008|p=84}} crotch grab, and the "anti-gravity" lean of the "Smooth Criminal" video.<ref name="Sanjoy" />


=== Themes and genres ===
"]" 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 end, 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 ], '']'' was a short film written by Jackson and ] and directed by ]. 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>
] in Vienna, June 1988]]
Jackson explored genres including pop,<ref name="allmusic" /><ref name="Jet">{{cite magazine |title=Michael Jackson Turns 30! |magazine=Jet |volume=74 |issue=35 |date=August 29, 1988 |page=58 |issn=0021-5996 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=L70DAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA58}}</ref> ],<ref name="allmusic" /><ref name="Bio2" /> ],<ref name="Jet" /> ],<ref name="Help">{{cite web |first=M. |last=Heyliger |title=A State-of-the-Art Pop Album: Thriller by Michael |website=Consumerhelpweb.com |quote=Not many artists could pull off such a variety of styles (funk, post-disco, rock, easy listening, ballads)... |url=https://music.consumerhelpweb.com/artists/jackson/thriller.htm |archive-date= December 4, 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081204150926/https://music.consumerhelpweb.com/artists/jackson/thriller.htm}}</ref> rock,<ref name="Jet" /><ref name="Help" /> ],<ref name="AMOFW">{{cite web |first=Stephen Thomas |last=Erlewine |title=Michael Jackson – Off the Wall – Overview |work=AllMusic |access-date= June 15, 2008 |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/off-the-wall-mw0000190332}}</ref> ],<ref name="Help" /> ]{{sfn|Palmer|1995|p=285}} and ].<ref name="allmusic" /> Steve Huey of ] wrote that ''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" /> Its tracks included the ballads "The Lady in My Life", "]", and "]",<ref name="AMThriller">{{cite web |first=Stephen Thomas |last=Erlewine |author-link= Stephen Thomas Erlewine |title=Michael Jackson – Thriller – Overview |work=AllMusic |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/thriller-mw0000056882}}</ref><ref name="Thriller">{{cite magazine |first=Christopher |last=Connelly |title=Michael Jackson: Thriller |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=January 28, 1983 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/thriller-19830128 |access-date= September 4, 2017 |archive-date= July 2, 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150702093257/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/thriller-19830128 |url-status= dead}}</ref><ref name="Slant">{{cite web |first=Eric |last=Henderson |title=Michael Jackson – Thriller |work=] |date=October 18, 2003 |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/michael-jackson-thriller}}</ref> the funk pieces "Billie Jean" and "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'",<ref name="AMThriller" /><ref name="Thriller" /> and the disco set "]" and "]".<ref name="Slant" />


With ''Off the Wall'', Jackson's "vocabulary of grunts, squeals, hiccups, moans, and asides" vividly showed his maturation into an adult, ] wrote in '']'' (1981). The album's title track suggested to the critic a parallel between Jackson and ]'s "oddball" music personas: "Since childhood his main contact with the real world has been on stage and in bed."{{sfn|Christgau|1981|loc=Consumer Guide '70s: J}} With ''Thriller'', Christopher Connelly of ''Rolling Stone'' commented that Jackson developed his long association with the subliminal theme of ] and darker imagery.<ref name="Thriller" /> AllMusic's ] noted this on the songs "Billie Jean" and "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'".<ref name="AMThriller" /> In "Billie Jean", Jackson depicts an obsessive fan who alleges he has fathered her child,<ref name="allmusic" /> and in "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" he argues against gossip and the media.<ref name="Thriller" /> "Beat It" decried gang violence in a homage to '']'', and was Jackson's first successful rock cross-over piece, according to Huey.<ref name="allmusic" /><ref name="Bio" /> He observed that "]" began Jackson's interest with the theme of the ], a topic he revisited in subsequent years. 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" />] ]|193x193px]]In ''Bad'', Jackson's concept of the predatory lover is seen on the rock song "Dirty Diana".<ref>{{cite news |first=Jon |last=Pareles |title=Critic's Notebook; How Good Is Jackson's 'Bad'? |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date= May 31, 2015 |date=September 3, 1987 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/09/03/arts/critic-s-notebook-how-good-is-jackson-s-bad.html}}</ref> The lead single "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" is a traditional love ballad, and "Man in the Mirror" is a ballad of confession and resolution. "]" is an evocation of bloody assault, rape and likely murder.<ref name="Time2" /> AllMusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine states that ''Dangerous'' presents Jackson as a paradoxical person.<ref name="Dangerous">{{cite web |first=Stephen Thomas |last=Erlewine |title=Michael Jackson – Dangerous – Overview |work=AllMusic |access-date= June 15, 2008 |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/dangerous-mw0000674875}}</ref> The first half of the record is dedicated to new jack swing, including songs like "Jam" and "Remember the Time". It was the first Jackson album in which social ills became a primary theme; "Why You Wanna Trip on Me", for example, protests world hunger, AIDS, homelessness and drugs. ''Dangerous'' contains sexually charged songs such as "]". The title track continues the theme of the predatory lover and compulsive desire. The second half includes introspective, pop-gospel anthems such as "]", "Heal the World" and "Keep the Faith".<ref name="NYT Dangerous">{{cite news |first=Jon |last=Pareles |title=Recordings View; Michael Jackson in the Electronic Wilderness |newspaper=The New York Times |date=November 24, 1991 |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/11/24/arts/recordings-view-michael-jackson-in-the-electronic-wilderness.html}}</ref> In the ballad "]", Jackson gives tribute to Ryan White and the plight of those with AIDS.<ref>{{cite news |first=Richard |last=Harrington |title=Jackson's 'Dangerous' Departures; Stylistic Shifts Mar His First Album in 4 Years |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=November 24, 1991 |url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-1096962.html |archive-date= November 3, 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121103024117/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-1096962.html}}</ref>
== Legacy and influence ==
{{See also|Records and achievements of Michael Jackson}}
], set in 1984]]
Jackson throughout his career transformed the art of the music video and paved the way for modern pop music. '']'' writer ] described Jackson in 2003 as "extremely important" 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=] |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 | location=London}}</ref> 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"/> Jackson's music and videos, such as ''Thriller'', ] in MTV's roster; helped to put the relatively new channel into public awareness; and steered the channel's focus from ] to pop music and ], therefore shaping the channel into a form that proved enduring. Jackson's work continues to influence numerous ], ], ] and ] artists, including ],<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> ],<ref name = "rollingstone 2">{{cite news |first=Antonio |last=Reid |title=Michael Jackson|accessdate=March 6, 2007 |publisher=Jann Wenner LLC |work=Rolling Stone}}</ref> ],<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> ],<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> ],<ref name = "rollingstone 2"/> ],<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> ],<ref name = "tara 614–617"/> ].<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>


''HIStory'' creates an atmosphere of paranoia.<ref name="AMHIStory">{{cite web |first=Stephen Thomas |last=Erlewine |title=Michael Jackson – HIStory – Overview |work=AllMusic |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/history-past-present-and-future-book-i-mw0000123992}}</ref> In the new jack swing-funk rock tracks "Scream" and "Tabloid Junkie", and the R&B ballad "]", Jackson retaliates against the injustice and isolation he feels, and directs his anger at the media.<ref name="RSHIStory">{{cite magazine |first=James |last=Hunter |title=Michael Jackson: HIStory: Past, Present, Future, Book I |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=August 10, 1995 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/history-past-present-future-book-i-19950810 |access-date= September 4, 2017 |archive-date= August 18, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160818143623/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/history-past-present-future-book-i-19950810 |url-status= dead}}</ref> In the introspective ballad "]", Jackson laments his "fall from grace"; "Earth Song", "Childhood", "Little Susie" and "Smile" are operatic pop songs.<ref name="AMHIStory" /><ref name="RSHIStory" /> In "]", Jackson attacks lawyer ], who had prosecuted him in both child sexual abuse cases; he describes Sneddon as a white supremacist who wanted to "get my ass, dead or alive".<ref>{{cite web |title=Thomas W. (Tom) Sneddon Jr. |publisher=] |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.ndaa.org/ndaa/profile/tom_sneddon_jan_feb_2003.html |archive-date= June 27, 2006 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060627020903/https://www.ndaa.org/ndaa/profile/tom_sneddon_jan_feb_2003.html}}</ref> ''Invincible'' includes urban soul tracks such as "]" and "The Lost Children", ballads such as "]", "Break of Dawn", and "Butterflies", and mixes hip hop, pop, and R&B in "2000 Watts", "Heartbreaker" and "Invincible".<ref>{{cite web |first=Stephen Thomas |last=Erlewine |title=Michael Jackson – Invincible – Overview |publisher=AllMusic |access-date= September 9, 2007 |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/invincible-mw0000011263}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |first=Mark |last=Beaumont |title=Michael Jackson: Invincible |magazine=] |date=November 30, 2001 |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/michael-jackson/5780}}</ref>
Allmusic's Steve Huey describes Jackson as "an unstoppable juggernaut, possessed of all the skills 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'' magazine's pop music critic, ], noted "Jackson is the biggest thing since ]. He is the hottest single phenomenon since ]. He just may be the most popular black singer ever".<ref name=TIME/> In 1990, '']'' cited Jackson as the most popular artist in the history of show business.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 43-44"/> In 2007, Jackson said, "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='']'' |date=December 2007}}</ref>


=== Music videos and choreography ===
Shortly after Jackson's 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 in 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 ] Berry Gordy proclaimed Jackson as "the greatest entertainer that ever lived."<ref>{{cite news |title=Farewell to a King|work=People |date=July 20, 2009 |accessdate=November 26, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Berry 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>
]" at the Bad World Tour in 1988]]
Jackson released "]", a 14-minute music video directed by ], in 1983.<ref name="Registry">{{cite press release |first=Alex |last=Dobuzinskis |title=Jackson "Thriller" film picked for U.S. registry |publisher=] |date=December 30, 2009 |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-thriller-idUSTRE5BT43W20091230?type=musicNews}}</ref> The ]-themed video "defined music videos and broke racial barriers" on ], which had launched two years earlier.{{sfn|Young|2009|p=25}} Before ''Thriller'', Jackson struggled to receive coverage on MTV, allegedly because he was African American.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Michael Jackson, "Billie Jean," directed by Steve Barron, produced by Simon Fields & Paul Flattery |date=October 2005 |magazine=]}}</ref> Pressure from CBS Records persuaded MTV to start showing "Billie Jean" and later "Beat It", which led to a lengthy partnership with Jackson, and helped other black music artists gain recognition.<ref name="Video">{{cite news |first=Edna |last=Gundersen |title=Music videos changing places |newspaper=USA Today |date=August 25, 2005 |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2005-08-25-mtv_x.htm}}</ref> The popularity of his videos on MTV helped the relatively new channel's viewing figures, and MTV's focus shifted toward pop and R&B.<ref name="Video" /><ref>{{cite news |first=Bryan |last=Robinson |title=Why Are Michael Jackson's Fans So Devoted? |agency=ABC News |date=February 23, 2005 |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/LegalCenter/story?id=464753&page=1}}</ref> His performance on ''Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever'' changed the scope of live stage shows, making it acceptable for artists to lip-sync to music video on stage.{{sfn|Inglis|2006|pp=119, 127|ps=: "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."}} The choreography in ''Thriller'' has been copied in ] and ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Philippine jailhouse rocks to Thriller |agency=BBC News |date=July 26, 2007 |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6917318.stm}}</ref> ''Thriller'' marked an increase in scale for music videos, and was named the most successful music video ever by the ''Guinness World Records''.<ref name="World Records" />


In "Bad"'s 19-minute video—directed by ]—Jackson used sexual imagery and choreography, and touched his chest, torso and crotch. When asked by Winfrey in the 1993 interview about why he grabbed his crotch, he said it was spontaneously compelled by the music. ''Time'' magazine described the "Bad" video as "infamous". It featured ]; Jackson's later videos often featured famous cameo roles.{{sfn|Taraborrelli|2009|pp=370–373}}<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Richard |last=Corliss |author-link= Richard Corliss |title=Michael Jackson: Who's Bad? |magazine=Time |date=September 6, 1993 |access-date= April 23, 2008 |url=https://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,979177,00.html}}</ref> For the "Smooth Criminal" video, Jackson experimented with leaning forward at a 45-degree angle, beyond the performer's center of gravity. To accomplish this live, Jackson and designers developed a special shoe to lock the performer's feet to the stage, allowing them to lean forward. They were granted {{US patent|src=uspto|5255452}} for the device.<ref>{{cite patent |country=US |number=5255452 |invent1=Michael J. Jackson |invent2=Michael L. Bush |invent3=Dennis Tompkins |title=Method and means for creating anti-gravity illusion |fdate=June 29, 1992 |gdate=October 26, 1993}}</ref> The video for "Leave Me Alone" was not officially released in the US, but in 1989 was nominated for three ''Billboard'' Music Video Awards{{sfn|Campbell|1993|p=273}} and won a Golden Lion Award for its special effects. It won a Grammy for ].<ref name="grammy mj" />
In 2010, two university ]s found that Jackson's influence extended into ], and was detectable in scholarly literature pertaining to a range of subject matter.<ref name="Chandler"/><ref name="Hidalgo">{{cite journal |author=Hidalgo, Susan and Weiner, Robert G. |title=Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’: MJ in the Scholarly Literature: A Selected Bibliographic Guide |year=2010 |journal=The Journal of Pan African Studies |volume=3 |issue=7 |pages=14–28 |url=http://www.jpanafrican.com/docs/vol3no7/3.7MJ-Wanna-3.pdf}}</ref> The two researchers combed through various scholars' writings, and compiled an ] of those writings that appeared to meet at least one of several criteria. Among these criteria were appearance in a ], and the provision of insight into the nature of "popular icons including Jackson".<ref name="Hidalgo_15">Hidalgo and Weiner (2010), p. 15.</ref> The bibliography located references to Jackson in research reports concerning music, popular culture, and an array of other topics. The bibliographers identified as their most peculiar finding an argument that certain aspects of ] can be effectively taught by altering and imitating elements of Jackson's singing.<ref name="Hidalgo_25">Hidalgo and Weiner (2010), p. 25.</ref> One of the research librarians later reflected that "the fact that someone would take a Michael Jackson song and co-opt it as a means to convey chemistry concepts just shows the pervasiveness of Jackson’s influence".<ref name="Chandler">{{cite web |author=Chandler, Cory |title=Librarians Prove Michael Jackson Was a Rock Star in Academic Literature |publisher=] |url=http://today.ttu.edu/2010/05/librarians-prove-michael-jackson-was-a-rock-star-in-academic-literature/ |accessdate=June 6, 2010}}</ref>

He received the ] in 1988; in 2001 the award was renamed in his honor.<ref name="MTV2">{{cite news |first=Kyle |last=Anderson |title=Michael Jackson's Video Vanguard Award, in MJ's Top MTV Moments |publisher=MTV News |date=June 26, 2009 |access-date= April 14, 2019 |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/1614838/michael-jacksons-video-vanguard-award-in-mjs-top-mtv-moments/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140429133450/http://www.mtv.com/news/1614838/michael-jacksons-video-vanguard-award-in-mjs-top-mtv-moments/|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 29, 2014}}</ref> The "Black or White" video simultaneously premiered on November 14, 1991, in 27 countries with an estimated audience of 500{{nbsp}}million people, the largest audience ever for a music video at the time.<ref name="Achievements" /> Along with Jackson, it featured ], ], and ]. It helped introduce ] to music videos.{{sfn|Campbell|1993|p=303}} It was controversial for scenes in which Jackson rubs his crotch, vandalizes cars, and throws a garbage can through a storefront. He apologized and removed the final scene of the video.<ref name="ew1991" />

"In the Closet" featured ] in a courtship dance with Jackson.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Michael Jackson Co-Directs Music Film, 'In the Closet' |magazine=Jet |page=56 |date=April 27, 1992 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wbkDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA56}}</ref> "Remember the Time" was set in ], and featured ], ], and ].{{sfn|Campbell|1993|pp=313–314}} The video for "Scream", directed by ] and production designer Tom Foden, gained a record 11 ] Nominations, and won "Best Dance Video", "Best Choreography", and "Best Art Direction".{{sfn|Boepple|1995|p=52}} The song and its video are Jackson's response to being accused of child molestation in 1993.<ref>{{cite news |first=Ed |last=Bark |title=Michael Jackson Interview Raises Questions, Answers |newspaper=] |page=06E |date=June 26, 1995}}</ref> A year later, it won a Grammy for Best Music Video, Short Form. It has been reported as the ], at $7{{nbsp}}million;<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Hugh |last=McIntyre |title=The 5 Most Expensive Music Videos of All Time |magazine=Forbes |date=August 24, 2014 |access-date= March 23, 2019 |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2014/08/24/the-top-5-most-expensive-music-videos-of-all-time/}}</ref> Romanek has contradicted this.<ref>{{cite web |first=Steven |last=Gottlieb |title="Scream" Gets Named Most Expensive Video Ever; Director Mark Romanek Disagrees |website=VideoStatic |date=August 28, 2014 |access-date= March 23, 2019 |url=https://www.videostatic.com/blog/2014/08/28/scream-gets-named-most-expensive-video-ever-director-mark-romanek-disagrees}}</ref> The "Earth Song" video was nominated for the 1997 Grammy for Best Music Video, Short Form.<ref>{{cite news |first=Greg |last=Kot |title=Pumpkins a Smash Hit with 7 Grammy Nominations |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |date=January 8, 1997 |access-date= April 14, 2019 |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1997-01-08-9701080229-story.html}}</ref>

''],'' a short film written by Jackson and ] and directed by ], premiered at the 1996 ]. At over 38 minutes long, it held the Guinness world record for the longest music video until 2013, when it was eclipsed by the video for the ] song "]".<ref>{{cite web |title=Longest music video |work=] |date=November 21, 2013 |access-date= March 23, 2019 |url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/71833-longest-music-video}}</ref> The 2001 video for "]" lasts over 13 minutes, was directed by ], and features ] and ].<ref>{{cite news |first=James |last=Montgomery |title=Michael Jackson's Video Co-Stars: From Eddie Murphy to Marlon Brando |publisher=MTV |date=June 26, 2009 |access-date= March 22, 2010 |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1614795/20090626/jackson_michael.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090628084330/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1614795/20090626/jackson_michael.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 28, 2009}}</ref> It won an ] for Outstanding Music Video in 2002.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=NAACP Image Award Spotlight Black' Achievements |magazine=Jet |volume=101 |issue=13 |date=March 18, 2002 |page=36 |issn=0021-5996 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=L70DAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA58}}</ref>

In December 2009, the ] selected "Thriller" as the only music video to be preserved in the ], as a work of "enduring importance to American culture".<ref>{{cite web |title=Zorro, Nemo, Muppets & More: Wide Variety Tapped for 2009 Film Registry |publisher=] |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.loc.gov/loc/lcib/10012/films.html}}</ref><ref name="NYT">{{cite news |first=Dave |last=Itzkoff |title='Thriller' Video Added to U.S. Film Registry |newspaper=] |date=December 30, 2009 |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/31/arts/music/31arts-THRILLERVIDE_BRF.html}}</ref> Huey wrote that Jackson transformed the music video into an artform and a promotional tool through complex story lines, dance routines, special effects and famous cameos, while breaking down racial barriers.<ref name="allmusic" />


== Honors and awards == == Honors and awards ==
{{See also|List of awards received by Michael Jackson}} {{See also|List of awards and nominations received by Michael Jackson}}
Jackson is one of the ] in history,<ref>{{cite news |first=David |last=Hinckley |title=Michael Jackson remembered 5 years later: How the Daily News covered the tragic story of icon's death |newspaper=] |date=June 25, 2014 |access-date= September 9, 2015 |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/daily-news-covered-michael-jackson-tragic-death-article-1.1842401}}</ref> with sales estimated around 500 million records worldwide.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Gold |first1=Scott |last2=Lee |first2=Chris |last3=Harriet |first3=Ryan |date=June 26, 2009 |title=King of Pop is dead at 50 |url=https://www.latimes.com/la-me-michael-jackson-dead26-2009jun26-story.html |access-date=November 4, 2024 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |quote=Sold more than half a billion copies.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Frazza |first=Luke |date=June 25, 2024 |title=Il y a 15 ans, Michael Jackson nous quittait |url=https://ici.radio-canada.ca/info/breve/9861/michael-jackson-anniversaire-mort-roi-pop |access-date=November 1, 2024 |publisher=Radio-Canada |language=fr-ca |quote=500 millions - C’est le nombre de disques vendus dans le monde par Michael Jackson, qui se classe parmi les trois plus gros vendeurs |trans-quote=500 million - This is the number of records sold worldwide by Michael Jackson who ranks among the three best selling artists of all time}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Wyman |first=Bill |date=January 4, 2013 |title=Did "Thriller" Really Sell a Hundred Million Copies |url=https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/did-thriller-really-sell-a-hundred-million-copies |magazine=] |access-date=March 19, 2024}}</ref>{{ref label|Note 2|Note 2}} He had 13 ] in his solo career—more than any other male artist in the Hot 100 era until Drake tied with Jackson with ].<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Hot 100 Anniversary: Most No. 1s by Artist |magazine=Billboard |date=August 6, 2008 |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1044523/hot-100-anniversary-most-no-1s-by-artist}}</ref> He was invited and honored by a president of the United States at the ] three times. In 1984, he was honored with a "Presidential Public Safety Commendation" award by ] for his humanitarian endeavors.<ref>{{cite web |title=Remarks at a White House Ceremony Marking Progress Made in the Campaign Against Drunk Driving |publisher=]. ] |date=May 14, 1984 |access-date= May 28, 2020 |url=https://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/speeches/1984/51484a.htm |archive-date= May 24, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110524122929/https://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/speeches/1984/51484a.htm}}</ref> In 1990, he was honored as the "Artist of the Decade" by ].{{sfn|George|2004|pp=44–45}} In 1992, he was honored as a "Point of Light Ambassador" by Bush for inviting disadvantaged children to his ].{{sfn|Campbell|1993|p=321}}
] in June 1988.]]

Jackson won ], making him one of the most-awarded artists in popular music.<ref>{{cite news |first=Monica |last=Lewis |title=20 People Who Changed Black Music: Michael Jackson, the Child Star-Turned-Adult Enigma |newspaper=] |date=June 14, 2007 |access-date= March 16, 2013 |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/2007/06/14/139458/20-people-who-changed-black-music.html}}</ref> His awards include 39 Guinness World Records, including the Most Successful Entertainer of All Time,<ref name="CityNews" /><ref name="Ditzian" /> 13 ]s,<ref>{{cite news |first=Mike |last=Collett-White |title=Michael Jackson to add concerts after sellout |publisher=Reuters |date=March 11, 2009 |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE52A44W20090311}}</ref> as well as the ]<ref>{{cite web |title=Grammy Legend Award |publisher=Grammy Awards |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.grammy.org/recording-academy/awards/legends |archive-date= January 22, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110122042621/https://www.grammy.org/recording-academy/awards/legends}}</ref> and the ],<ref>{{cite web |title=Lifetime Achievement Award |publisher=Grammy Awards |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.grammy.org/recording-academy/awards/lifetime-awards |archive-date= July 2, 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150702064838/http://www.grammy.org/recording-academy/awards/lifetime-awards |url-status= dead}}</ref> and 26 American Music Awards, including the Artist of the Century and Artist of the 1980s.<ref name="MTV" /> He also received the ]' Best-Selling Pop Male Artist of the Millennium and the ] Pop Artist of the Millennium Award.<ref name="CIIC" /><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Michael Jackson and Halle Berry Pick Up Bambi Awards in Berlin |magazine=] |date=November 22, 2002 |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/2002/11/22/michaeljackson/}}</ref> Jackson was inducted onto the ] in 1980 as a member of the Jacksons, and in 1984 as a solo artist. He was ] and ] as a member of the Jackson 5 in 1997 and 1999,<ref>{{cite web |title=The Vocal Group Hall of Fame: Album Categories 1999 Inductee |publisher=The Vocal Group Hall of Fame Foundation |url=https://vocalgroup.org/album_category/1999-inductee/?events=next |archive-date= October 15, 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171015150126/https://vocalgroup.org/album_category/1999-inductee/?events=next}}</ref> respectively, and again as a solo artist in 2001.<ref>{{cite news |first=Ed |last=Masley |title=Stevie Nicks is about to join these 22 men as a two-time Rock and Rock Hall of Fame inductee |newspaper=] |date=March 28, 2019 |access-date= April 7, 2019 |url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/music/2019/03/28/stevie-nicks-musicians-in-rock-roll-hall-fame-twice/3279589002/}}</ref> In 2002, he was added to the ].<ref>{{cite news |first=Kelefa |last=Sanneh |title=Hall of Fame Inducts Songwriters |newspaper=The New York Times |date=June 15, 2002 |access-date= April 11, 2019 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/15/arts/hall-of-fame-inducts-songwriters.html}}</ref> In 2010, he was the first recording artist to be inducted into the ],<ref>{{cite news |first=Tom |last=Keiser |title=Photos: Michael Jackson induction ceremony |newspaper=] |date=August 15, 2010 |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.newstimes.com/local/article/Photos-Michael-Jackson-induction-ceremony-617034.php}}</ref> and in 2014, he was posthumously inducted into the ].<ref>{{cite news |first=Chuck |last=Yarborough |title=R&B Music Hall of Fame sets big weekend to induct sophomore class featuring Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Marvin Gaye, Norm N. Nite and more |newspaper=] |date=August 19, 2014 |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/08/rb_hall_of_fame_sets_big_weeke.html}}</ref> In 2021, he was among the inaugural inductees into the ].<ref>{{cite news |first=Melissa |last=Ruggieri |title=Black Music Walk of Fame to honor James Brown, OutKast, Usher and others in Atlanta |newspaper=] |date=May 5, 2021 |access-date= October 22, 2021 |url=https://www.ajc.com/life/music-blog/black-music-walk-of-fame-to-honor-james-brown-outkast-usher-and-others-in-atlanta/WREMMPXURZBXZI2VUM4P4NWOHA/}}</ref>

In 1988, ] honored him with an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Doctorates of Rock |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=July 19, 2011 |access-date= April 12, 2019 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-lists/doctorates-of-rock-21401/michael-jackson-19-240445/}}</ref> In 1992, he was invested as a ] of ], a traditional kingdom located in the south-east of ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Sanwi kingdom mourns passing of a prince |publisher=] |date=June 29, 2009 |access-date= November 28, 2019 |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20090629-sanwi-kingdom-mourns-passing-prince-}}</ref> In July 2009, the Lunar Republic Society named a crater on the Moon after Jackson.<ref>{{cite news |first=Ben |last=Leach |title=Moon crater named after Michael Jackson |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=July 9, 2009 |access-date= June 26, 2016 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/michael-jackson/5784734/Moon-crater-named-after-Michael-Jackson.html |archive-date= January 10, 2022 |archive-url= https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/michael-jackson/5784734/Moon-crater-named-after-Michael-Jackson.html |url-status= live}} {{cbignore}}</ref> In August, for what would have been Jackson's 51st birthday, Google dedicated their ] to him.<ref>{{cite news |first=Tom |last=Chivers |title=Google's Doodles: 10 of the best including UFOs and Google |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=September 28, 2009 |access-date= June 26, 2016 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/google/6239929/Googles-Doodles-10-of-the-best-including-UFOs-and-Googlle.html |archive-url= https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/google/6239929/Googles-Doodles-10-of-the-best-including-UFOs-and-Googlle.html |archive-date= January 10, 2022 |url-status= live}} {{cbignore}}</ref> In 2012, the extinct hermit crab '']'' was named in his honor.<ref>{{cite news |author=Kent State University |title=Mesoparapylocheles michaeljacksoni: Fossil hermit crab named after Michael Jackson |url=https://phys.org/news/2012-01-mesoparapylocheles-michaeljacksoni-fossil-hermit-crab.html |date=January 19, 2012 |work=]|access-date=August 4, 2022|author-link=Kent State University}}</ref> In 2014, the ] of Cultural Relations deemed Jackson's life one of the 80 most important cultural moments of the 20th century.<ref>{{cite web |title=80 Moments That Shaped the World |publisher=] |year=2014 |access-date= November 26, 2017 |url=https://www.britishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/80-moments-report.pdf}}</ref> ] has been celebrated on June 25, the anniversary of Jackson's death, to raise awareness of the auto-immune disorder that Jackson suffered from.<ref>{{cite web |first=John E. |last=Harris |title=Speaking of Vitiligo... |publisher=Vitiligo Clinic & Research Center |date=June 24, 2014 |access-date= November 24, 2019 |url=https://www.umassmed.edu/vitiligo/blog/blog-posts1/2014/06/world-vitiligo-day/}}</ref>

== Earnings ==
{{Main|Estate of Michael Jackson}}
In 1989, Jackson's annual earnings from album sales, endorsements, and concerts were estimated at $125{{nbsp}}million.<ref name="World Records">{{cite news |title=News – Jackson receives his World Records |publisher=Yahoo! News |date=November 14, 2006 |url=https://uk.news.launch.yahoo.com/dyna/article.html?a=/14112006/344/jackson-receives-world-records.html&e=l_news_dm |archive-date= September 27, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110927165143/https://uk.news.launch.yahoo.com/dyna/article.html?a=%2F14112006%2F344%2Fjackson-receives-world-records.html&e=l_news_dm}}</ref> '']'' placed Jackson's annual income at $35{{nbsp}}million in 1996 and $20{{nbsp}}million in 1997.<ref name="Finances">{{cite news |first=Edna |last=Gundersen |title=For Jackson, scandal could spell financial ruin |newspaper=USA Today |date=November 24, 2003 |access-date= March 14, 2010 |url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/2003-11-24-jackson-finances_x.htm}}</ref> Jackson has been one of the ]; estimates of Jackson's net worth during his life range from negative $285{{nbsp}}million to positive $350{{nbsp}}million for 2002, 2003 and 2007.<ref>{{cite news |first=Linda |last=Deutsch |author-link=Linda Deutsch |title=Forensic accountant tells court Jackson is in financial straits |newspaper=] |date=May 4, 2005 |access-date= March 25, 2017 |url=https://legacy.sandiegouniontribune.com/uniontrib/20050504/news_1n4jackson.html |archive-date= March 26, 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170326051412/https://legacy.sandiegouniontribune.com/uniontrib/20050504/news_1n4jackson.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |first=Brett |last=Pulley |title=Michael Jackson's Ups And Downs |magazine=Forbes |date=November 21, 2003 |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.forbes.com/2003/11/21/cz_1121jackson.html}}</ref> ''Forbes'' reported in August 2018 that Jackson's total career pretax earnings in life and death were $4.2{{nbsp}}billion.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Zack O'Malley |last=Greenburg |title=Michael Jackson at 60: The King of Pop by the Numbers |magazine=Forbes |date=August 29, 2018 |access-date= November 14, 2018 |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/zackomalleygreenburg/2018/08/29/michael-jackson-at-60-the-king-of-pop-by-the-numbers/}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Stress killed MJ, says ex-publicist |newspaper=] |date=June 27, 2009 |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-interviews/Stress-killed-MJ-says-ex-publicist/articleshow/4709371.cms?referral=PM}}</ref> Sales of his recordings through Sony's music unit earned him an estimated $300{{nbsp}}million in royalties. He may have earned another $400{{nbsp}}million from concerts, music publishing (including his share of the Beatles catalog), endorsements, merchandising and music videos.<ref>{{cite news |first=Timothy L |last=O'Brien |title=What Happened to the Fortune Michael Jackson Made? |newspaper=The New York Times |page=1 |date=May 14, 2006 |access-date= March 16, 2013 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/14/business/yourmoney/14michael.html}}</ref>


In 2013, the executors of Jackson's estate filed a petition in the ] as a result of a dispute with the ] (IRS) over ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Estate of Michael J. Jackson, Deceased, John G. Branca, Co-Executor and John McClain, Co-Executor |date=August 19, 2016 |url=https://www.ustaxcourt.gov/UstcDockInq/DocketDisplay.aspx?DocketNo=13017152 |access-date= August 19, 2016 |archive-date= November 6, 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181106143242/https://www.ustaxcourt.gov/UstcDockInq/DocketDisplay.aspx?DocketNo=13017152 |url-status= dead}}</ref> The executors claimed that it was worth about $7{{nbsp}}million, while the IRS that it was worth over $1.1{{nbsp}}billion. In February 2014, the IRS reported that Jackson's estate owed $702{{nbsp}}million; $505{{nbsp}}million in taxes, and $197{{nbsp}}million in penalties.<ref name="Gottlieb">{{cite news |first=Jeff |last=Gottlieb |title=Michael Jackson estate embroiled in tax fight with IRS |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=February 7, 2014 |access-date= May 31, 2015 |url=https://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-jackson-taxes-20140208,0,3089248.story}}</ref> A trial was held from February 6 to 24, 2017.<ref>{{cite web |title=United States Tax Court: Washington, DC 20217 |date=February 2, 2016 |url=https://www.ustaxcourt.gov/UstcDockInq/DocumentViewer.aspx?IndexID=6774879 |access-date= August 8, 2016 |archive-date= October 11, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161011161455/https://www.ustaxcourt.gov/UstcDockInq/DocumentViewer.aspx?IndexID=6774879}}</ref> In 2021, the Tax Court issued a ruling in favor of the estate, ruling that the estate's total combined value of the estate was $111.5 million and that the value of Jackson's name and likeness was $4 million (not the $61 million estimated by the IRS's outside expert witness).<ref>{{cite news |first=Ben |last=Sisario |author-link= Ben Sisario |title=Michael Jackson's Estate Is Winner in Tax Judge's Ruling |newspaper=The New York Times |date=May 3, 2021 |access-date= November 11, 2021 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/03/arts/music/michael-jacksons-estate.html |archive-date= December 28, 2021 |archive-url= https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/03/arts/music/michael-jacksons-estate.html |url-access= limited}} {{cbignore}}</ref>
Michael Jackson was inducted onto the ] in 1984. Throughout his career he received numerous honors and awards, including the ]' Best-Selling Pop Male Artist of the Millennium, the ]'s Artist of the Century Award and the ] 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 |publisher=] |date=(November 22, 2002) |accessdate=July 23, 2008}}</ref> He was a double-inductee of the ], 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 ] in 2002.<ref name = "Nelson George overview 50-53"/> His awards include many '']'' (eight in 2006 alone),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.citytv.com/toronto/citynews/entertainment/music/article/24523--michael-jackson-named-most-successful-entertainer-of-all-time |title=Michael Jackson Named Most Successful Entertainer Of All Time |work=] |publisher=Rogers Broadcasting Limited |date=November 15, 2006 |accessdate=2010-03-19}}</ref> 13 ]s (as well as the ] and the ]), 26 ] (24 only as a solo artist, including the "Artist of the Century", but not the poll of "Artist of the '80s")—more than any artist—, 13 ] in his solo career—more than any other male artist in the Hot 100 era<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard.com/specials/hot100/charts/most-no1s-overall.shtml |title=Most No. 1s By Artist (All-Time) |work=Billboard.com |publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc |accessdate=March 3, 2010}}</ref>—and estimated sales of up to 750&nbsp;million records worldwide, making him the ].<ref name = "MJ Grammy's"/><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=] |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=] |date=(November 2, 2006) |accessdate=June 8, 2008}}</ref><ref name="Living Legend">{{cite web |url=http://www.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/Awards/Legends/ |title=Grammy Living Legend Award |publisher=] |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="AMAs MJ">{{cite news |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=Tribune Company |work=Los Angeles Times |date= October 13, 2009 |accessdate=October 14, 2009}}</ref><ref name="AMAs 2009">{{cite news |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2009/11/2009-american-music-awards-scorecard.html |title=2009 American Music Awards: Scorecard |publisher=Tribune Company |work=Los Angeles Times |date=November 22, 2009 |accessdate=November 23, 2009}}</ref><ref name="AMAs Poll"/><ref name="AMAs Poll2">{{cite web |url=http://news.google.co.uk/newspapers?id=ZMwgAAAAIBAJ&sjid=tmoFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3529,2860414&dq=american+music+awards&hl=en |title=List of American Music Awards winners |publisher=''Sun Journal'' |date= (January 18, 2000) |accessdate=June 16, 2010}}</ref><ref name="AMAs Poll3">{{cite web |url=http://news.google.co.uk/newspapers?id=essyAAAAIBAJ&sjid=bskEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3817,2301247&dq=american+music+awards&hl=en |title=Santana wins top album honors at American Music Awards |publisher=''Times Daily'' |date= (January 18, 2000) |accessdate=June 16, 2010}}</ref> On December 29, 2009 the American Film Institute recognized Jackson's passing as a "moment of significance" saying, "Michael Jackson's sudden death in June at age 50 was notable for the worldwide outpouring of grief and the unprecedented global eulogy of his posthumous concert rehearsal movie ''This is It''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Michael Jackson's Death Among 2009's Major Moments |first=Jill |last=Serjeant |work=ABC News |publisher=The Walt Disney Company |date=December 29, 2009 |accessdate=March 3, 2010}}</ref> Jackson will be inducted into the Dance Hall of Fame in 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=927172&category=REGION |first=Joseph |last=Dalton |title=Jackson Dance hall of fame |publisher=Times union |date=May , 2010|accessdate=January 1, 2010}}</ref>


In 2016, ''Forbes'' estimated annual gross earnings by the Jackson Estate at $825{{nbsp}}million, the largest ever recorded for a celebrity, mostly due to the sale of the Sony/ATV catalog.<ref name="Forbes2016">{{cite magazine |first=Zack O'Malley |last=Greenburg |title=Michael Jackson's Earnings: $825 Million In 2016 |magazine=Forbes |date=October 14, 2016 |access-date= December 11, 2016 |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/zackomalleygreenburg/2016/10/14/michael-jacksons-earnings-825-million-in-2016/}}</ref> In 2018, the figure was $400{{nbsp}}million.<ref name="Forbes2018">{{cite magazine |first1=Zack O'Malley |last1=Greenburg |first2=Natalie |last2=Robehmed |title=The Highest-Paid Dead Celebrities of 2018 |magazine=Forbes |date=October 31, 2017 |access-date= October 31, 2018 |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/zackomalleygreenburg/2018/10/31/the-highest-paid-dead-celebrities-of-2018/}}</ref> It was the eighth year since his death that Jackson's annual earnings were reported to be over $100{{nbsp}}million, thus bringing Jackson's postmortem total to $2.4{{nbsp}}billion.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Zack O'Malley |last=Greenburg |title=The Real Reason Behind Michael Jackson's Earnings Drop |magazine=Forbes |date=October 30, 2019 |access-date= November 28, 2019 |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/zackomalleygreenburg/2019/10/30/the-real-reason-behind-michael-jacksons-earnings-drop/}}</ref> ''Forbes'' has consistently recognized Jackson as one of the ] since his death, and placed him at the top spot from 2013 to 2023.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Freeman |first1=Abigail |title=The Highest-Paid Dead Celebrities 2021 |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/abigailfreeman/2021/10/30/the-highest-paid-dead-celebrities-2021/?sh=36478cab3839 |magazine=Forbes |access-date=October 17, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/marisadellatto/2023/10/30/highest-paid-dead-celebrities-2023-michael-jackson-elvis-presley-whitney-houston/ |title=The Highest-Paid Dead Celebrities of 2023 |magazine=]}}</ref>
== Lifetime earnings ==
His total lifetime earnings from ] 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"> CBS News (June 30, 2009). Retrieved on July 12, 2009.</ref>


== Discography == == Discography ==
{{Main|Michael Jackson albums discography|Michael Jackson singles discography|Michael Jackson videography}} {{Main|Michael Jackson albums discography|Michael Jackson singles discography|List of songs recorded by Michael Jackson}}
{{See also|Jackson 5 discography}} {{See also|The Jackson 5 discography}}
* '']'' (1972) *'']'' (1972)
* '']'' (1972) *'']'' (1972)
* '']'' (1973) *'']'' (1973)
* '']'' (1975) *'']'' (1975)
* '']'' (1979) *'']'' (1979)
* '']'' (1982) *'']'' (1982)
* '']'' (1987) *'']'' (1987)
* '']'' (1991) *'']'' (1991)
* '']'' (1995) *'']'' (1995)
* '']'' (2001) *'']'' (2001)
<!--Please do not add anymore albums to this section. "Invincible" was Jackson's final studio album. Per ], only add STUDIO ALBUMS to this section. No EP's, live albums, compilation albums, etc. "Michael" and "Xscape" are NOT studio albums per consensus on their talk pages and should be excluded from this list.-->


== Filmography == == Filmography ==
{{Main|Michael Jackson videography}} {{See also|Michael Jackson videography}}
*'']'' (1978)
{| class="wikitable sortable"
*'']'' (1983)
|-
*'']'' (1986)
!Year!!Film!!Role!!Director!!class="unsortable"|Ref
*'']'' (1988)
|- style="text-align:center;"
*'']'' (1997)
||1978||'']''||]||{{Sortname|Sidney|Lumet}}|| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name = "quincy">Jones, pp. 229, 259</ref>
*'']'' (2002)
|- style="text-align:center;"
*'']'' (2004)
||1986||'']''||Captain EO||{{Sortname|Francis Ford|Coppola}}|| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name = "tara 355-356">Taraborrelli, pp. 355–356</ref>
*'']'' (2009)
|- style="text-align:center;"
*'']'' (2012)
||1988||'']''||Himself||{{Sortname|Jerry|Kramer}}|| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name = "tara 413-414">Taraborrelli, pp. 413–414</ref>
*'']'' (2016)
|- style="text-align:center;"
*'']'' (2023)
||1997||'']''||Maestro/Mayor/Ghoul/Skeleton||{{Sortname|Stan|Winston}}|| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name = "tara 610">Taraborrelli, p. 610</ref>
|- style="text-align:center;"
||2002||'']''||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 | date=July 3, 2002}}</ref>
|- style="text-align:center;"
||2004||'']''||Agent MJ (cameo)||{{Sortname|Bryan Michael|Stoller}}|| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name="'Miss Cast Away': You Know It's Bad">{{cite news|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||'']''||Himself||]|| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name="Michael Jackson's ">{{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 == == Tours ==
{{Main|List of Michael Jackson tours}} {{Main|List of Michael Jackson concerts}}
* ] (1987–89) *] (1987–1989)
* ] (1992–93) *] (1992–1993)
* ] (1996–97) *] (1996–1997)
*] (1999)


== See also == == See also ==
* ]
{{Portal box|Michael Jackson|The Jackson Family}}
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]


== Citations == == Notes ==
{{reflist|group=nb}}
=== Footnotes ===
{{notelist}}
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}


=== Bibliography === == References ==

<div style="font-size:90%;-moz-column-count:3; column-count:3;">
=== Citations ===
* {{cite book|last=Brackett|first=Nathan|authorlink=Nathan Brackett|coauthors=Christian Hoard|title=]|publisher=Fireside|year=2004|isbn=0-7432-0169-8}}
{{reflist}}
* {{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}}
=== Print sources ===
* ] (2004). '']'' booklet. ].
{{div col}}
* {{cite book |last=Guinness World Records |title=Guinness World Records 2004 |year=2003 |publisher=Guinness |isbn=1892051206}}
*{{cite journal |first=Leanne |last=Boepple |year=1995 |title=Scream: Space Odyssey, Jackson-Style. (video production; Michael and Janet Jackson video) |journal=TCI: Theatre Crafts International |volume=29 |publisher=Theatre Crafts International |issn=1063-9497}}
* {{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 |year=1988 |publisher=Doubleday |isbn=0385247125}} *{{cite book |first1=Nathan |last1=Brackett |first2=Christian |last2=Hoard |year=2004 |title=The Rolling Stone Album Guide|title-link=The Rolling Stone Album Guide |publisher=] |isbn=978-0-7432-0169-8}}
* {{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 |first=Fred |last=Bronson |year=2003 |title=Billboard's Hottest Hot 100 Hits |edition=3rd |publisher=Billboard Books |isbn=978-0-8230-7738-0}}
*{{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 |first=Lisa D |last=Campbell |year=1993 |title=Michael Jackson: The King of Pop |publisher=Branden |isbn=978-0-8283-1957-7}}
*{{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 0-446-56474-5, 9780446564748}} *{{cite book |first=Lisa D |last=Campbell |year=1995 |title=Michael Jackson: The King of Pop's Darkest Hour |publisher=Branden |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BVC9zltjf-EC&pg=PP1 |isbn=978-0-8283-2003-0}}
*{{cite book |first=Robert |last=Christgau|author-link=Robert Christgau |year=1981 |title=Christgau's Record Guide: Rock Albums of the Seventies|title-link=Christgau's Record Guide: Rock Albums of the Seventies |publisher=] |isbn=0-89919-026-X |chapter=Consumer Guide '70s: J|chapter-url=https://www.robertchristgau.com/get_chap.php?k=J&bk=70|access-date=February 27, 2019}}
</div>
*{{cite book |first=Margo |last=DeMello |year=2012 |title=Faces Around the World: A Cultural Encyclopedia of the Human Face |publisher=] |isbn=978-1-59884-618-8 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=39B8fpdg_NwC&pg=PA152}}
*{{cite AV media notes |first=Nelson |last=George|author-link=Nelson George |year=2004 |title=] |type=booklet |publisher=]}}
*{{cite book |first=Ian |last=Inglis |year=2006 |title=Performance and Popular Music: History, Place and Time |publisher=] |isbn=978-0-7546-4057-8}}
*{{cite book |first=Michael |last=Jackson |year=2009 |title=Moonwalk|title-link=Moonwalk (book)|orig-year=First published 1988 |publisher=Random House |isbn=978-0-307-71698-9}}
*{{cite book |first=Steve |last=Knopper |year=2016 |title=MJ: The Genius of Michael Jackson |publisher=] |isbn=978-1-4767-3037-0 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=60p5DAAAQBAJ&pg=PA6}}
*{{cite book |first=Christopher P. |last=Lehman |year=2008 |title= A Critical History of Soul Train on Television |publisher=McFarland |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=XlWQBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA84 |isbn=978-0-7864-3669-9}}
*{{cite book |first=Jel D. |last=Lewis Jones |year=2005 |title=Michael Jackson, the King of Pop: The Big Picture: the Music! the Man! the Legend! the Interviews: an Anthology |publisher=Amber Books Publishing |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LuEPnk7irOMC |isbn=978-0-9749779-0-4}}
*{{cite book |first=David |last=Mansour |year=2005 |title=From Abba to Zoom: A Pop Culture Encyclopedia of the Late 20th Century |publisher=] |isbn=0-7407-5118-2 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hK0rPUF85loC&pg=PA403}}
*{{cite book |first=Robert |last=Palmer|author-link=Robert Palmer (American writer) |year=1995 |title=Rock & Roll: An Unruly History |publisher=] |isbn=978-0-517-70050-1 |url=https://archive.org/details/rockrollunrulyh00palm}}
*{{cite book |first=Radhika |last=Parameswaran |year=2011 |title=Circuits of Visibility: Gender and Transnational Media Cultures |chapter=E-Race-ing Color: Gender and Transnational Visual Economies of Beauty in India|editor-last=Sarma Hegde|editor-first=Radha |publisher=] |isbn=978-0-8147-9060-1|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dXaPIHee5GkC&pg=PA75}}
*{{cite book |first1=John D. |last1=Ramage |first2=John C. |last2=Bean |first3=June |last3=Johnson |year=2001 |title=Writing arguments: a rhetoric with readings |publisher=Allyn and Bacon |isbn=978-0-205-31745-5 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nDnUQkn28lUC}}
*{{cite book |first=Chris |last=Rojek |year=2007 |title=Cultural Studies |publisher=] |isbn=978-0-7456-3683-2}}
*{{cite book |first=Graham |last=St John |year=2004 |title=Rave Culture and Religion |publisher=] |isbn=978-0-415-31449-7 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ze2MCltwfigC&pg=PA51}}
*{{cite book |first1=Rob |last1=Tannenbaum |first2=Craig |last2=Marks |year=2011 |title=I Want My MTV: The Uncensored Story of the Music Video Revolution |publisher=] |isbn=978-1-101-52641-5 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zrBolXPYq40C&pg=RA4-PT175}}
*{{cite book |first=J. Randy |last=Taraborrelli|author-link=J. Randy Taraborrelli |year=2009 |title=Michael Jackson: The Magic, The Madness, The Whole Story, 1958–2009 |publisher=Grand Central Publishing, 2009 |isbn=978-0-446-56474-8 |url=https://archive.org/details/michaeljacksonma0000tara}}
*{{cite book |first=Joseph |last=Vogel|author-link=Joseph Vogel (author) |year=2012 |title=Man in the Music: The Creative Life and Work of Michael Jackson |url=https://archive.org/details/maninmusiccreati0000voge|url-access=registration |location=New York |publisher=] |isbn=978-1-4027-7938-1}}
*{{cite journal |first=Julie |last=Young |date=Fall 2009 |title=A Hoosier Thriller: Gary, Indiana's Michael Jackson |journal=Traces of Indiana and Midwestern History |volume=21 |issue=4 |publisher=Indiana Historical Society |location=Indianapolis|access-date=April 14, 2014 |url=https://www.indianahistory.org/our-services/books-publications/magazines/michaeljackson|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140415035650/https://www.indianahistory.org/our-services/books-publications/magazines/michaeljackson}}
{{div col end}}


== Further reading == == Further reading ==
*{{cite journal |first1=Susan |last1=Hidalgo |first2=Robert G. |last2=Weiner |year=2010 |title=Wanna Be Startin' Somethin': MJ in the Scholarly Literature: A Selected Bibliographic Guide |journal=] |volume=3 |issue=7 |url=https://www.jpanafrican.org/docs/vol3no7/3.7MJ-Wanna-3.pdf |ref=none}}
<div style="font-size:90%;-moz-column-count:3; column-count:3;">
* – ''biography.com''
* {{cite book|last=Dineen|first=Catherine|title=Michael Jackson: In His Own Words|publisher=]|year=1993|isbn=0711932166}}
* {{cite book |last=Grant |first=Adrian |title=Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary |year=1994, 1997, 2002 and 2005 |publisher=] |isbn=1-84449-432-2}}
* {{cite book |last=Jackson |first=Michael |title=Moonwalk |year= 1988|publisher=Doubleday |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 0-446-56474-5, 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}}
</div>


==External links== == External links ==
{{Spoken Misplaced Pages|En-Michael Jackson-article.ogg|date=February 22, 2019}}
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{{Sister project links|d=Q2831|n=Category:Michael Jackson|commons=Category:Michael Jackson|wikt=no|v=no|b=no|s=no|voy=no|collapsible=collapsed}}
* {{Official|http://www.michaeljackson.com}}
*{{Official website}}
* {{dmoz|Arts/Music/Bands_and_Artists/J/Jackson,_Michael/|Michael Jackson}}
* {{Discogs artist|artist=Michael+Jackson}} *{{Amazon Music artist|B000QJK2YE}}
* at the ]'s website
* {{imdb name|name=Michael Jackson|id=0001391}}
*{{IMDb name|0001391}}
* {{amg|label=Michael Jackson|id=11:m7uvad8kv8w5}}
* , depicting the influence Jackson's work has had on other users.


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|SHORT DESCRIPTION=Singer
|DATE OF BIRTH= August 29, 1958
|PLACE OF BIRTH= ], ], United States
|DATE OF DEATH= June 25, 2009
|PLACE OF DEATH= Los Angeles, California, United States
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Latest revision as of 02:09, 24 December 2024

American singer (1958–2009) For other uses, see Michael Jackson (disambiguation). "King of Pop" redirects here. For other uses, see King of Pop (disambiguation).

Michael Jackson
Black-and-white photo of Jackson singing into a stand-up microphoneJackson in 1988
BornMichael Joseph Jackson
(1958-08-29)August 29, 1958
Gary, Indiana, US
DiedJune 25, 2009(2009-06-25) (aged 50)
Los Angeles, California, US
Cause of deathCardiac arrest caused by acute propofol intoxication
Burial placeForest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, California, US
Other namesMichael Joe Jackson
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • dancer
  • record producer
Spouses
Children3, including Paris
Parents
FamilyJackson family
AwardsFull list
Musical career
Genres
InstrumentVocals
Discography
Years active1964–2009
Labels
Formerly ofThe Jackson 5
Musical artist
Websitemichaeljackson.com
Signature

Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist. Dubbed the "King of Pop", he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century. Over a four-decade career, his world record music achievements and publicized personal life made him a global figure. His innovations in the 1980s creatively elevated the music video medium and broke racial barriers. Through songs, stages, and fashion, he proliferated visual performance for singers in pop music, and popularized street dance moves including the moonwalk, to which he named, the robot, and the anti-gravity lean.

As part of the Jackson family, Michael at age six made his public debut in 1964 with his older brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon as a member of the Jackson 5 (later known as the Jacksons). The Jackson 5 signed with Motown in 1968 and achieved worldwide success with Michael as lead singer. Jackson began his solo career in 1971 while at Motown and recorded multiple successful singles. He became a global solo star with his 1979 album Off the Wall. His music videos, including those for "Beat It", "Billie Jean", and "Thriller" from his 1982 album Thriller, are credited with breaking racial barriers and transforming the medium into an art form and promotional tool. He helped popularize MTV and continued to innovate with videos for his albums Bad (1987), Dangerous (1991), HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I (1995), and Invincible (2001). Thriller is the best-selling album of all time, and Bad was the first album to produce five US Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles.

From the late 1980s, Jackson became a figure of controversy and speculation due to his changing appearance, relationships, behavior, and lifestyle. In 1993, he was accused of sexually abusing the child of a family friend. The lawsuit was settled out of civil court; Jackson was not indicted due to lack of evidence. In 2005, he was tried and acquitted of further child sexual abuse allegations and several other charges. The Federal Bureau of Investigation found no evidence of criminal conduct by Jackson. In 2009, while he was preparing for a series of comeback concerts, This Is It, Jackson died from an overdose of propofol administered by his personal physician, Conrad Murray, who was convicted in 2011 of involuntary manslaughter for his involvement in Jackson's death. His death triggered reactions around the world, creating unprecedented surges of internet traffic and a spike in sales of his music. Jackson's televised memorial service, held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, was estimated to have been viewed by more than 2.5 billion people.

Jackson is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with estimated sales of over 500 million records worldwide. He had 13 Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles (the chart's fourth-highest of any artist) and was the first artist to have a top-ten single on the Billboard Hot 100 in five different decades. Jackson's inductions include the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (twice), the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Dance Hall of Fame (making him the only recording artist to be inducted). His honors include 15 Grammy Awards including the Grammy Legend Award, six Brit Awards, 24 American Music Awards, a Golden Globe Award and 39 Guinness World Records, including "Youngest artist to top the Hot 100", "Longest span of number ones for a male act", and the "Most Successful Entertainer of All Time", among other awards.

Life and career

Early life and the Jackson 5 (1958–1975)

The single-story house has white walls, two windows, a central white door with a black door frame, and a black roof. In front of the house there is a walkway and multiple colored flowers and memorabilia.
Jackson's childhood home in Gary, Indiana, pictured in March 2010

Michael Joseph Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana, on August 29, 1958. He was the eighth of ten children in the Jackson family, a working-class African-American family living in a two-bedroom house on Jackson Street. His mother, Katherine Esther Jackson (née Scruse), played clarinet and piano, had aspired to be a country-and-western performer, and worked part-time at Sears. She was a Jehovah's Witness. His father, Joseph Walter "Joe" Jackson, a former boxer, was a crane operator at US Steel and played guitar with a local rhythm and blues band, the Falcons, to supplement the family's income. Joe's great-grandfather, July "Jack" Gale, was a US Army scout; family lore held that he was also a Native American medicine man. Michael grew up with three sisters (Rebbie, La Toya, and Janet) and five brothers (Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Randy). A sixth brother, Marlon's twin Brandon, died shortly after birth.

In 1964, Michael and Marlon joined the Jackson Brothers—a band formed by their father which included Jackie, Tito and Jermaine—as backup musicians playing congas and tambourine. Michael said his father told him he had a "fat nose", and physically and emotionally abused him during rehearsals. He recalled that Joe often sat in a chair with a belt in his hand as he and his siblings rehearsed, ready to punish any mistakes. Joe acknowledged that he regularly whipped Michael. Katherine said that although whipping came to be considered abuse, it was a common way to discipline children when Michael was growing up. Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Marlon denied that their father was abusive and said that the whippings, which had a deeper impact on Michael because he was younger, kept them disciplined and out of trouble. Michael said that during his youth he was lonely and isolated.

Later in 1965, Michael began sharing lead vocals with Jermaine, and the group's name was changed to the Jackson 5. In 1965, the group won a talent show; Michael performed the dance to Robert Parker's 1965 song "Barefootin'" and sang the Temptations' "My Girl". From 1966 to 1968, the Jacksons 5 toured the Midwest; they frequently played at a string of black clubs known as the Chitlin' Circuit as the opening act for artists such as Sam & Dave, the O'Jays, Gladys Knight and Etta James. The Jackson 5 also performed at clubs and cocktail lounges, where striptease shows were featured, and at local auditoriums and high school dances. In August 1967, while touring the East Coast, they won a weekly amateur night concert at the Apollo Theater in Harlem.

Michael Jackson (center) as a member of the Jackson 5 in 1972. The group were among the first African American performers to attain a crossover following.

The Jackson 5 recorded several songs for a Gary record label, Steeltown Records; their first single, "Big Boy", was released in 1968. Bobby Taylor of Bobby Taylor & the Vancouvers brought the Jackson 5 to Motown after they opened for Taylor at Chicago's Regal Theater in 1968. Taylor produced some of their early Motown recordings, including a version of "Who's Lovin' You". After signing with Motown, the Jackson family relocated to Los Angeles. In 1969, Motown executives decided Diana Ross should introduce the Jackson 5 to the public — partly to bolster her career in television — sending off what was considered Motown's last product of its "production line". The Jackson 5 made their first television appearance in 1969 in the Miss Black America pageant, performing a cover of "It's Your Thing". Rolling Stone later described the young Michael as "a prodigy" with "overwhelming musical gifts" who "quickly emerged as the main draw and lead singer".

In January 1970, "I Want You Back" became the first Jackson 5 song to reach number one on the US Billboard Hot 100; it stayed there for four weeks. Three more singles with Motown topped the chart: "ABC", "The Love You Save", and "I'll Be There". In May 1971, the Jackson family moved into a large house at Hayvenhurst, a 2-acre (0.81 ha) estate in Encino, California. During this period, Michael developed from a child performer into a teen idol. Between 1972 and 1975, he released four solo studio albums with Motown: Got to Be There (1972), Ben (1972), Music & Me (1973) and Forever, Michael (1975). "Got to Be There" and "Ben", the title tracks from his first two solo albums, sold well as singles, as did a cover of Bobby Day's "Rockin' Robin".

Michael maintained ties to the Jackson 5. The Jackson 5 were later described as "a cutting-edge example of black crossover artists". They were frustrated by Motown's refusal to allow them creative input. Jackson's performance of their top five single "Dancing Machine" on Soul Train popularized the robot dance.

Move to Epic and Off the Wall (1975–1981)

The Jackson siblings in 1977, without Jermaine. From left, back row: Jackie, Michael, Tito, Marlon. Middle row: Randy, La Toya, Rebbie. Front row: Janet

The Jackson 5 left Motown in 1975, signing with Epic Records and renaming themselves the Jacksons. Their younger brother Randy joined the band around this time; Jermaine stayed with Motown and pursued a solo career. The Jacksons continued to tour internationally, and released six more albums between 1976 and 1984. Michael, the group's main songwriter during this time, wrote songs such as "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)" (1978), "This Place Hotel" (1980), and "Can You Feel It" (1980).

In 1977, Jackson moved to New York City to star as the Scarecrow in The Wiz, a musical film directed by Sidney Lumet, alongside Diana Ross, Nipsey Russell, and Ted Ross. The film was a box-office failure. Its score was arranged by Quincy Jones, who later produced three of Jackson's solo albums. During his time in New York, Jackson frequented the Studio 54 nightclub, where he heard early hip hop; this influenced his beatboxing on future tracks such as "Working Day and Night". In 1978, Jackson unsatisfied with his nose, decided to have a rhinoplasty. He was referred to Steven Hoefflin, who performed Jackson's operations.

Jackson's fifth solo album, Off the Wall (1979), established him as a solo performer and helped him move from the bubblegum pop of his youth to more complex sounds. It produced four top 10 entries in the US: "Off the Wall", "She's Out of My Life", and the chart-topping singles "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" and "Rock with You". The album reached number three on the US Billboard 200 and sold over 20 million copies worldwide. In 1980, Jackson won three American Music Awards for his solo work: Favorite Soul/R&B Album, Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist, and Favorite Soul/R&B Single for "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough". He also won a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for 1979 with "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough". In 1981, Jackson was the American Music Awards winner for Favorite Soul/R&B Album and Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist. Jackson felt Off the Wall should have made a bigger impact, and was determined to exceed expectations with his next release. In 1980, he secured the highest royalty rate in the music industry: 37 percent of wholesale album profit.

Thriller and Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever (1982–1983)

A sparkly jacket and gloves, displayed inside a transparent vertical tube.
The sequined jacket and white glove worn by Jackson at Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever. British Vogue called Jackson "a fashion pioneer who gave new meaning to moonwalking, immortalised solitary, sparkly gloves".

Jackson recorded with Queen's lead singer Freddie Mercury from 1981 to 1983, recording demos of "State of Shock", "Victory" and "There Must Be More to Life Than This". The recordings were intended for an album of duets but, according to Queen's manager Jim Beach, the relationship soured when Jackson brought a llama into the recording studio, and Jackson was upset by Mercury's drug use. "There Must Be More to Life Than This" was released in 2014. Jackson went on to record "State of Shock" with Mick Jagger for the Jacksons' album Victory (1984).

In 1982, Jackson contributed "Someone in the Dark" to the audiobook for the film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Jackson's sixth album, Thriller, was released in late 1982. It was the bestselling album worldwide in 1983, and became the bestselling album of all time in the US and the best-selling album of all time worldwide, selling an estimated 70 million copies. It topped the Billboard 200 chart for 37 weeks and was in the top 10 of the 200 for 80 consecutive weeks. It was the first album to produce seven Billboard Hot 100 top-10 singles, including "Billie Jean", "Beat It", and "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'".

On March 25, 1983, Jackson reunited with his brothers for Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever, an NBC television special. The show aired on May 16 to an estimated audience of 47 million, and featured the Jacksons and other Motown stars. Jackson's solo performance of "Billie Jean" earned him his first Emmy Award nomination. Wearing a glove decorated with rhinestones, he debuted his moonwalk dance, which Jeffrey Daniel had taught him three years earlier, and it became his signature dance in his repertoire. Jackson had originally turned down the invitation to the show, believing he had been doing too much television. But at the request of Motown founder Berry Gordy, he performed in exchange for an opportunity to do a solo performance. Rolling Stone reporter Mikal Gilmore called the performance "extraordinary". Jackson's performance drew comparisons to Elvis Presley's and the Beatles' appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show. Anna Kisselgoff of The New York Times praised the perfect timing and technique involved in the dance. Gordy described being "mesmerized" by the performance.

At the 26th Annual Grammy Awards, Thriller won eight awards, and Jackson won an award for the E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial storybook. Winning eight Grammys in one ceremony is a record he holds with the band Santana. Jackson and Quincy Jones won the award for Producer of the Year (Non-Classical). Thriller won Album of the Year (with Jackson as the album's artist and Jones as its co-producer), and the single won Best Pop Vocal Performance (Male) award for Jackson. "Beat It" won Record of the Year and Best Rock Vocal Performance (Male). "Billie Jean" won two Grammy awards: Best R&B Song and Best R&B Vocal Performance (Male), with Jackson as songwriter and singer respectively.

Thriller won the Grammy for Best Engineered Recording (Non Classical), acknowledging Bruce Swedien for his work on the album. At the 11th Annual American Music Awards, Jackson won another eight awards and became the youngest artist to win the Award of Merit. He also won Favorite Male Artist, Favorite Soul/R&B Artist, and Favorite Pop/Rock Artist. "Beat It" won Favorite Soul/R&B Video, Favorite Pop/Rock Video and Favorite Pop/Rock Single. The album won Favorite Soul/R&B Album and Favorite Pop/Rock Album. Thriller's sales doubled after the release of an extended music video, Michael Jackson's Thriller, which sees Jackson dancing with a horde of zombies.

The success transformed Jackson into a dominant force in global pop culture. Jackson had the highest royalty rate in the music industry at that point, with about $2 for every album sold (equivalent to $6 in 2023), and was making record-breaking profits. Dolls modeled after Jackson appeared in stores in May 1984 for $12 each. In the same year, The Making of Michael Jackson's Thriller, a documentary about the music video, won a Grammy for Best Music Video (Longform). 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." The New York Times wrote "in the world of pop music, there is Michael Jackson and there is everybody else".

Pepsi incident, "We Are the World" and other commercial activities (1984–1985)

In November 1983, Jackson and his brothers partnered with PepsiCo in a $5 million promotional deal that broke records for a celebrity endorsement (equivalent to $15.3 million in 2023). The first Pepsi campaign, which ran in the US from 1983 to 1984 and launched its "New Generation" theme, included tour sponsorship, public relations events, and in-store displays. Jackson helped to create the advertisement, and suggested using his song "Billie Jean", with revised lyrics, as its jingle.

On January 27, 1984, Michael and other members of the Jacksons filmed a Pepsi commercial overseen by Phil Dusenberry, a BBDO ad agency executive, and Alan Pottasch, Pepsi's Worldwide Creative Director, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. During a simulated concert before a full house of fans, pyrotechnics accidentally set Jackson's hair on fire, causing second-degree burns to his scalp. Jackson underwent treatment to hide the scars and had his third rhinoplasty shortly thereafter.

Pepsi settled out of court, and Jackson donated the $1.5 million (equivalent to $4.4 million in 2023) settlement to the Brotman Medical Center in Culver City, California; its now-closed Michael Jackson Burn Center was named in his honor. Jackson signed a second agreement with Pepsi in the late 1980s for $10 million (equivalent to $26.8 million in 2023). The second campaign covered 20 countries and provided financial support for Jackson's Bad album and 1987–88 world tour. Jackson had endorsements and advertising deals with other companies, such as LA Gear, Suzuki, and Sony, but none were as significant as his deals with Pepsi.

The Jacksons performing during their Victory Tour at the Arrowhead Stadium, 1984

The Victory Tour of 1984 headlined the Jacksons and showcased Jackson's new solo material to more than two million Americans. It was the last tour he did with his brothers. Following controversy over the concert's ticket sales, Jackson donated his share of the proceeds, an estimated $3 to 5 million, to charity. During the last concert of the Victory Tour at the Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Jackson announced his split from the Jacksons during "Shake Your Body".

With Lionel Richie, Jackson co-wrote the charity single "We Are the World" (1985), which raised money for the poor in the US and Africa. It earned $63 million (equivalent to $178 million in 2023), and became one of the best-selling singles of all time, with 20 million copies sold. It won four Grammy Awards in 1985, including Song of the Year for Jackson and Richie. Jackson, Jones, and the promoter Ken Kragen received special awards for their roles in the song's creation.

Jackson signing a "We Are the World" poster in 1985

Jackson collaborated with Paul McCartney in the early 1980s, and learned that McCartney was making $40 million a year from owning the rights to other artists' songs. By 1983, Jackson had begun buying publishing rights to others' songs, but he was careful with his acquisitions, only bidding on a few of the dozens that were offered to him. Jackson's early acquisitions of music catalogs and song copyrights such as the Sly Stone collection included "Everyday People" (1968), Len Barry's "1-2-3" (1965), and Dion DiMucci's "The Wanderer" (1961) and "Runaround Sue" (1961).

In 1984, Robert Holmes à Court announced he was selling the ATV Music Publishing catalog comprising the publishing rights to nearly 4,000 songs, including most of the Beatles' material. In 1981, McCartney had been offered the catalog for £20 million ($40 million) (equivalent to $134 million in 2023). Jackson submitted a bid of $46 million (equivalent to $135 million in 2023) on November 20, 1984. When Jackson and McCartney were unable to make a joint purchase, McCartney did not want to be the sole owner of the Beatles' songs, and did not pursue an offer on his own. Jackson's agents were unable to come to a deal, and in May 1985 left talks after having spent more than $1 million and four months of due diligence work on the negotiations.

In June 1985, Jackson and Branca learned that Charles Koppelman's and Marty Bandier's The Entertainment Company had made a tentative offer to buy ATV Music for $50 million; in early August, Holmes à Court contacted Jackson and talks resumed. Jackson's increased bid of $47.5 million (equivalent to $135 million in 2023) was accepted because he could close the deal more quickly, having already completed due diligence. Jackson agreed to visit Holmes à Court in Australia, where he would appear on the Channel Seven Perth Telethon. His purchase of ATV Music was finalized on August 10, 1985.

Increased tabloid speculation (1986–1987)

See also: Health and appearance of Michael Jackson

Jackson's skin had been medium-brown during his youth, but from the mid-1980s gradually grew paler. The change drew widespread media coverage, including speculation that he had been bleaching his skin. His dermatologist, Arnold Klein, said he observed in 1983 that Jackson had vitiligo, a condition characterized by patches of the skin losing their pigment. He also identified discoid lupus erythematosus in Jackson. He diagnosed Jackson with lupus that year, and with vitiligo in 1986. Vitiligo's drastic effects on the body can cause psychological distress. Jackson used fair-colored makeup, and possibly skin-bleaching prescription creams, to cover up the uneven blotches of color caused by the illness. The creams would depigment the blotches, and, with the application of makeup, he could appear very pale. Jackson said he had not purposely bleached his skin and could not control his vitiligo, adding, "When people make up stories that I don't want to be who I am, it hurts me." He became friends with Klein and Klein's assistant, Debbie Rowe. Rowe later became Jackson's second wife and the mother of his first two children.

In his 1988 autobiography and a 1993 interview, Jackson said he had had two rhinoplasty surgeries and a cleft chin surgery but no more than that. He said he lost weight in the early 1980s because of a change in diet to achieve a dancer's body. Witnesses reported that he was often dizzy, and speculated he was suffering from anorexia nervosa. Periods of weight loss became a recurring problem later in his life. After his death, Jackson's mother said that he first turned to cosmetic procedures to remedy his vitiligo, because he did not want to look like a "spotted cow". She said he had received more than the two cosmetic surgeries he claimed and speculated that he had become addicted to them.

In 1986, it was reported that Jackson slept in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber to slow aging. He denied the story, although it was alleged that Jackson leaked an image of him sleeping in a glass chamber (according to Jackson, this was a promotional shot from an upcoming space opera featuring himself) to The National Enquirer. It was also reported that Jackson took female hormone shots to keep his voice high and facial hair wispy, proposed to Elizabeth Taylor and possibly had a shrine of her, and had cosmetic surgery on his eyes. Jackson's manager Frank DiLeo denied all of them, except for Jackson having a chamber. DiLeo added "I don't know if he sleeps in it. I'm not for it. But Michael thinks it's something that's probably healthy for him. He's a bit of a health fanatic."

When Jackson took his pet chimpanzee Bubbles to tour in Japan, the media portrayed Jackson as an aspiring Disney cartoon character who befriended animals. It was also reported that Jackson had offered to buy the bones of Joseph Merrick (the "Elephant Man"). In June 1987, the Chicago Tribune reported Jackson's publicist bidding $1 million for the skeleton to the London Hospital Medical College on his behalf. The college maintained the skeleton was not for sale. DiLeo said Jackson had an "absorbing interest" in Merrick, "purely based on his awareness of the ethical, medical and historical significance."

In September 1986, using the oxygen chamber story, the British tabloid The Sun branded Jackson "Wacko Jacko", a name Jackson came to despise. The Atlantic noted that the name "Jacko" has racist connotations, as it originates from Jacko Macacco, a monkey used in monkey-baiting matches at the Westminster Pit in the early 1820s, and "Jacko" was used in Cockney slang to refer to monkeys in general.

Jackson worked with George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola on the 17-minute $30 million 3D film Captain EO, which ran from 1986 at Disneyland and Epcot, and later at Tokyo Disneyland and Euro Disneyland. After having been removed in the late 1990s, it returned to the theme park for several years after Jackson's death. In 1987, Ebony reported that Jackson had disassociated himself from the Jehovah's Witnesses. Katherine Jackson said this might have been because some Witnesses strongly opposed the Thriller video, which Michael denounced in a Witness publication in 1984. In 2001, Jackson told an interviewer he was still a Jehovah's Witness.

Bad, autobiography, and Neverland (1987–1990)

Jackson and President George H. W. Bush at the White House on April 5, 1990. It was the second time that Jackson had been honored by a president of the United States.

Jackson's first album in five years, Bad (1987), was highly anticipated, with the industry expecting another major success. It became the first album to produce five US number-one singles: "I Just Can't Stop Loving You", "Bad", "The Way You Make Me Feel", "Man in the Mirror", and "Dirty Diana". Another song, "Smooth Criminal", peaked at number seven. Bad won the 1988 Grammy for Best Engineered Recording – Non Classical and the 1990 Grammy Award for Best Music Video, Short Form for "Leave Me Alone". Jackson won an Award of Achievement at the American Music Awards in 1989 after Bad generated five number-one singles, became the first album to top the charts in 25 countries and the bestselling album worldwide in 1987 and 1988. By 2012, it had sold between 30 and 45 million copies worldwide.

The Bad World Tour ran from September 12, 1987, to January 27, 1989. In Japan, the tour had 14 sellouts and drew 570,000 people, nearly tripling the previous record for a single tour. The 504,000 people who attended seven sold-out shows at Wembley Stadium set a new Guinness World Record.

In 1988, Jackson released his autobiography, Moonwalk, with input from Stephen Davis and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. It sold 200,000 copies, and reached the top of the New York Times bestsellers list. Jackson discussed his childhood, the Jackson 5, and the abuse from his father. He attributed his changing facial appearance to three plastic surgeries, puberty, weight loss, a strict vegetarian diet, a change in hairstyle, and stage lighting. In June, Jackson was honored with the Grand Vermeil Medal of the City of Paris by the then Mayor of Paris Jacques Chirac during his stay in the city as part of the Bad World Tour. On July 20, he became the first commoner in history to enter London's Guildhall through the building's Royal Entrance. In October, Jackson released a film, Moonwalker, which featured live footage and short films starring Jackson and Joe Pesci. In the US it was released direct-to-video and became the bestselling video cassette in the country. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified it as eight times Platinum in the US.

In March 1988, Jackson purchased 2,700 acres (11 km) of land near Santa Ynez, California, to build a new home, Neverland Ranch, at a cost of $17 million (equivalent to $44 million in 2023). He installed a Ferris wheel, a carousel, a movie theater and a zoo. A security staff of 40 patrolled the grounds. Shortly afterwards, he appeared in the first Western television advertisement in the Soviet Union.

Jackson became known as the "King of Pop", a nickname that Jackson's publicists embraced. When Elizabeth Taylor presented him with the Soul Train Heritage Award in 1989, she called him "the true king of pop, rock and soul." President George H. W. Bush designated him the White House's "Artist of the Decade". At the 38th BMI Awards in 1990, Jackson was the first person to be honored with an award named after its recipient. From 1985 to 1990, Jackson donated $455,000 to the United Negro College Fund, and all profits from his single "Man in the Mirror" went to charity. His rendition of "You Were There" at Sammy Davis Jr.'s 60th birthday celebration won Jackson a second Emmy nomination. Jackson was the bestselling artist of the 1980s.

Dangerous and public social work (1991–1993)

In March 1991, Jackson renewed his contract with Sony for $65 million (equivalent to $145 million in 2023), a record-breaking deal, beating Neil Diamond's renewal contract with Columbia Records. In 1991, he released his eighth album, Dangerous, co-produced with Teddy Riley. It was certified eight times platinum in the US, and by 2018 had sold 32 million copies worldwide. In the US, the first single, "Black or White", was the album's highest-charting song; it was number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks and achieved similar chart performances worldwide. The second single, "Remember the Time" peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. At the end of 1992, Dangerous was the bestselling album of the year worldwide and "Black or White" the bestselling single of the year worldwide at the Billboard Music Awards. In 1993, he performed "Remember the Time" at the Soul Train Music Awards in a chair, saying he twisted his ankle during dance rehearsals. In the UK, "Heal the World" made No. 2 on the charts in 1992.

Jackson founded the Heal the World Foundation in 1992. The charity brought underprivileged children to Jackson's ranch to use the theme park rides, and sent millions of dollars around the globe to help children threatened by war, poverty, and disease. That July, Jackson published his second book, Dancing the Dream, a collection of poetry. The Dangerous World Tour ran between June 1992 and November 1993 and grossed $100 million (equivalent to $210 million in 2023); Jackson performed for over 3.5 million people in 70 concerts, all of which were outside the US. Part of the proceeds went to Heal the World Foundation. Jackson sold the broadcast rights of the tour to HBO for $20 million, a record-breaking deal that still stands.

Following the death of HIV/AIDS spokesperson and friend Ryan White, Jackson pleaded with the Clinton administration at Bill Clinton's inaugural gala to give more money to HIV/AIDS charities and research and performed "Gone Too Soon", a song dedicated to White, and "Heal the World" at the gala. Jackson visited Africa in early 1992; on his first stop in Gabon he was greeted by more than 100,000 people, some of them carrying signs that read "Welcome Home Michael", and was awarded an Officer of the National Order of Merit from President Omar Bongo. During his trip to Ivory Coast, Jackson drew larger crowds than Pope John Paul II on his previous visits. He was crowned "King Sani" by a tribal chief in the Ivorian village of Krindjabo, where he thanked the dignitaries in French and English, signed documents formalizing his kingship, and sat on a golden throne while presiding over ceremonial dances.

In January 1993, Jackson performed at the Super Bowl XXVII halftime show in Pasadena, California. The NFL sought a big-name artist to keep ratings high during halftime following dwindling audience figures. With 133.4 million viewers, it was the first Super Bowl whose halftime show drew greater audience figures than the game. Jackson played "Jam", "Billie Jean", "Black or White", and "Heal the World". Dangerous rose 90 places in the US albums chart after the performance.

Jackson gave a 90-minute interview with Oprah Winfrey on February 10, 1993. He spoke of his childhood abuse at the hands of his father; he believed he had missed out on much of his childhood, and said 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, and stated for the first time that he had vitiligo. After the interview, Dangerous re-entered the US albums chart in the top 10, more than a year after its release. The interview itself became the most-watched television interview in United States history to date, with more than 90 million viewers.

In January 1993, Jackson won three American Music Awards: Favorite Pop/Rock Album (Dangerous), Favorite Soul/R&B Single ("Remember the Time"), and was the first to win the International Artist Award of Excellence. In February, he won the "Living Legend Award" at the 35th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. He attended the award ceremony with Brooke Shields. Dangerous was nominated for Best Vocal Performance (for "Black or White"), Best R&B Vocal Performance ("Jam") and Best R&B Song ("Jam"), and Bruce Swedien and Teddy Riley won the Grammy for Best Engineered – Non Classical.

First child sexual abuse accusations and first marriage (1993–1995)

Main article: 1993 Michael Jackson sexual abuse allegations

In August 1993, Jackson was accused of child sexual abuse by a 13-year-old boy, Jordan Chandler, and his father, Evan Chandler. Jordan said he and Jackson had engaged in acts of kissing, masturbation and oral sex. While Jordan's mother initially told police that she did not believe Jackson had molested him, her position wavered a few days later. Evan was recorded discussing his intention to pursue charges, which Jackson used to argue that he was the victim of a jealous father trying to extort money. Jackson's older sister La Toya accused him of being a pedophile; she later retracted this, saying she had been forced into it by her abusive husband.

Police raided Jackson's home in August and found two legal large-format art books featuring young boys playing, running and swimming in various states of undress. Jackson denied knowing of the books' content and claimed if they were there, someone had to have sent them to him and he did not open them. Jordan Chandler gave police a description of Jackson's genitals. A strip search was made, and the jurors felt the description was not a match. In January 1994, Jackson settled with the Chandlers out of court for a reported total sum of $23 million. The police never pressed criminal charges. Citing a lack of evidence without Jordan's testimony, the state closed its investigation on September 22, 1994.

Jackson had been taking painkillers for his reconstructive scalp surgeries, administered due to the Pepsi commercial accident in 1984, and became dependent on them to cope with the stress of the sexual abuse allegations. On November 12, 1993, Jackson canceled the remainder of the Dangerous World Tour due to health problems, stress from the allegations and painkiller addiction. He thanked his close friend Elizabeth Taylor for support, encouragement and counsel. The end of the tour concluded his sponsorship deal with Pepsi.

In late 1993, Jackson proposed to Lisa Marie Presley, the daughter of Elvis Presley, over the phone. They were married in La Vega, Dominican Republic, in May 1994 by civil judge Hugo Francisco Álvarez Pérez. The tabloid media speculated that the wedding was a publicity stunt to deflect away from Jackson's sexual abuse allegations and jump-start Presley's career as a singer. Their marriage ended little more than a year later, and they separated in December 1995. Presley cited "irreconcilable differences" when filing for divorce the next month and only sought to reclaim her maiden name as her settlement. After the divorce, Judge Pérez said, "They lasted longer than I thought they would. I gave them a year. They lasted a year and a half." Presley later said she and Jackson had attempted to reconcile intermittently for four years following their divorce, and that she had traveled the world to be with him.

Jackson composed music for the Sega Genesis video game Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (1994), but left the project around the time the sexual abuse allegations surfaced and went uncredited. The Sega Technical Institute director Roger Hector and the Sonic co-creator Naoto Ohshima said that Jackson's involvement was terminated and his music reworked following the allegations. However, Jackson's musical director Brad Buxer and other members of Jackson's team said Jackson went uncredited because he was unhappy with how the Genesis replicated his music.

HIStory, second marriage, fatherhood and Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix (1995–1997)

Close-up of a pale skinned Jackson with black hair. He is wearing a black jacket with white designs on it.
Jackson at the 1997 Cannes Film Festival for the premiere of Michael Jackson's Ghosts

In June 1995, Jackson released the double album HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I. The first disc, HIStory Begins, is a greatest hits album (reissued in 2001 as Greatest Hits: HIStory, Volume I). The second disc, HIStory Continues, contains 13 original songs and two cover versions. The album debuted at number one on the charts and has been certified for eight million shipments in the US. It is the bestselling multi-disc album of all time, with 20 million copies (40 million units) sold worldwide. HIStory received a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year. The New York Times reviewed it as "the testimony of a musician whose self-pity now equals his talent".

The first single from HIStory was "Scream/Childhood". "Scream", a duet with Jackson's youngest sister Janet, protests the media's treatment of Jackson during the 1993 child abuse allegations against him. The single reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100, and received a Grammy nomination for "Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals". The second single, "You Are Not Alone", holds the Guinness world record for the first song to debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It received a Grammy nomination for "Best Pop Vocal Performance" in 1995.

In 1995 the Anti-Defamation League and other groups complained that "Jew me, sue me, everybody do me/ Kick me, kike me, don't you black or white me", the original lyrics of "They Don't Care About Us", were antisemitic. Jackson released a revised version of the song.

In late 1995, Jackson was admitted to a hospital after collapsing during rehearsals for a televised performance, caused by a stress-related panic attack. In November, Jackson merged his ATV Music catalog with Sony's music publishing division, creating Sony/ATV Music Publishing. He retained ownership of half the company, earning $95 million up front (equivalent to $190 million in 2023) as well as the rights to more songs.

"Earth Song" was the third single released from HIStory, and topped the UK Singles Chart for six weeks over Christmas 1995. It became the 87th-bestselling single in the UK. At the 1996 Brit Awards, Jackson's performance of "Earth Song" was disrupted by Pulp singer Jarvis Cocker, who was protesting what Cocker saw as Jackson's "Christ-like" persona. Jackson said the stage invasion was "disgusting and cowardly".

In 1996, Jackson won a Grammy for Best Music Video, Short Form, for "Scream" and an American Music Award for Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist. In July 1996, Jackson performed for Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's fiftieth birthday at Jerudong Park Amphitheater, which was specifically built for that birthday concert. Jackson was reportedly paid $17 million (equivalent to $33 million in 2023). Jackson promoted HIStory with the HIStory World Tour, from September 7, 1996, to October 15, 1997. He performed 82 concerts in five continents, 35 countries and 58 cities to over 4.5 million fans, his most attended tour. It grossed $165 million. During the tour, in Sydney, Australia, Jackson married Debbie Rowe, a dermatology assistant, who was six months pregnant with his first child.

Michael Joseph Jackson Jr. (commonly known as Prince) was born on February 13, 1997. His sister Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson was born on April 3, 1998. Jackson and Rowe divorced in 2000, Rowe conceded custody of the children, with an $8 million settlement (equivalent to $14.6 million in 2023). In 2004, after the second child abuse allegations against Jackson, she returned to court to reclaim custody. The suit was settled in 2006.

In 1997, Jackson released Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix, which contained remixes of singles from HIStory and five new songs. Worldwide sales stand at 6 million copies, making it the best-selling remix album. It reached number one in the UK, as did the single "Blood on the Dance Floor". In the US, the album reached number 24 and was certified platinum.

Label dispute and Invincible (1997–2002)

From October 1997 to September 2001, Jackson worked on his tenth solo album, Invincible, which cost $30 million (equivalent to $51.6 million in 2023) to record, making it the most expensive album of all time. In June 1999, Jackson joined Luciano Pavarotti for a War Child benefit concert in Modena, Italy. The show raised a million dollars for refugees of the Kosovo War, and additional funds for the children of Guatemala. Later that month, Jackson organized a series of "Michael Jackson & Friends" benefit concerts in Germany and Korea. Other artists involved included Slash, The Scorpions, Boyz II Men, Luther Vandross, Mariah Carey, A. R. Rahman, Prabhu Deva Sundaram, Shobana, Andrea Bocelli and Luciano Pavarotti. The proceeds went to the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund, the Red Cross and UNESCO. In 1999, Jackson was presented with the "Outstanding Humanitarian Award" at Bollywood Movie Awards in New York City where he noted Mahatma Gandhi to have been an inspiration for him. From August 1999 to 2000, he lived in New York City at 4 East 74th Street. At the turn of the century, Jackson was awarded with the Artist of the 1980s Decade Award at the 27th American Music Awards, and the Best-Selling Pop Male Artist of the Millennium Award at the 12nd World Music Awards. In 2000, Guinness World Records recognized him for supporting 39 charities, more than any other entertainer.

In September 2001, two concerts were held at Madison Square Garden to mark Jackson's 30th year as a solo artist. Jackson performed with his brothers for the first time since 1984. The show also featured Mýa, Usher, Whitney Houston, Destiny's Child, Monica, Liza Minnelli and Slash. The first show was marred by technical lapses, and the crowd booed a speech by Marlon Brando. 45 million people watched the television broadcast of the shows in November according to Nielsen Media Research. After the September 11 attacks (in which Jackson narrowly avoided death by oversleeping and missing a scheduled meeting at the World Trade Center), Jackson helped organize the United We Stand: What More Can I Give benefit concert at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, D.C., on October 21, 2001. Jackson performed "What More Can I Give" as the finale.

The release of Invincible 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 in the early 2000s, after which he would be able to promote the material however he pleased and keep the profits, but clauses in the contract set the revert date years into the future. Jackson sought an early exit from his contract. Invincible was released on October 30, 2001. It was Jackson's first full-length album in six years, and the last album of original material he released in his lifetime. It debuted at number one in 13 countries, and went on to sell eight million copies worldwide, receiving double-platinum certification in the US.

On January 9, 2002, Jackson won his 22nd American Music Award for Artist of the Century. Later that year, an anonymous surrogate mother gave birth to his third child, Prince Michael Jackson II (nicknamed "Blanket"), who had been conceived by artificial insemination. On November 20, Jackson briefly held Blanket over the railing of his Berlin hotel room, four stories above ground level, prompting widespread criticism in the media. Jackson apologized for the incident, calling it "a terrible mistake". On January 22, promoter Marcel Avram filed a breach of contract complaint against Jackson for failing to perform two planned 1999 concerts. In March, a Santa Maria jury ordered Jackson to pay Avram $5.3 million. On December 18, 2003, Jackson's attorneys dropped all appeals on the verdict and settled the lawsuit for an undisclosed amount.

On April 24, 2002, Jackson performed at Apollo Theater. The concert was a fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee and former President Bill Clinton. The money collected would be used to encourage citizens to vote. It raised $2.5 million. The concert was called Michael Jackson: Live at the Apollo and was one of Jackson's final on-stage performances.

In July 2002, at Al Sharpton's National Action Network in Harlem, Jackson called the Sony Music chairman Tommy Mottola "a racist, and very, very, very devilish", and accused him of exploiting black artists for his own gain. The accusation prompted Sharpton to form a coalition investigating whether Mottola exploited black artists. Jackson charged that Mottola had called his colleague Irv Gotti a "fat nigger". Sony issued a statement calling the accusations "ludicrous, spiteful, and hurtful" and said Mottola had championed Jackson's career for years. Sony refused to renew Jackson's contract and said that a $25 million promotional campaign had failed because Jackson refused to tour in the US for Invincible.

Documentary, Number Ones, second child abuse allegations and acquittal (2002–2005)

Further information: Trial of Michael Jackson
Jackson in Las Vegas, 2003

Beginning in May 2002, a documentary film crew led by Martin Bashir followed Jackson for several months. The documentary, broadcast in February 2003 as Living with Michael Jackson, showed Jackson holding hands and discussing sleeping arrangements with a twelve-year-old boy. He said that he saw nothing wrong with having sleepovers with minors and sharing his bed and bedroom with various people, which aroused controversy. He insisted that the sleepovers were not sexual and that his words had been misunderstood.

In October 2003, Jackson received the Key to the City of Las Vegas from Mayor Oscar Goodman. On November 18, 2003, Sony released Number Ones, a greatest hits compilation. It was certified five times platinum by the RIAA, and ten times platinum in the UK, for shipments of at least 3 million units.

On December 18, 2003, Santa Barbara authorities charged Jackson with seven counts of child molestation and two counts of intoxicating a minor with alcoholic drinks. Jackson denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty. The People v. Jackson trial began on January 31, 2005, in Santa Maria, California, and lasted until the end of May. Jackson found the experience stressful and it affected his health. If convicted, he would have faced up to twenty years in prison. On June 13, 2005, Jackson was acquitted on all counts. FBI files on Jackson, released in 2009, revealed the FBI's role in the 2005 trial and the 1993 allegations, and showed that the FBI found no evidence of criminal conduct on Jackson's behalf.

Final years, financial problems, Thriller 25 and This Is It (2005–2009)

Jackson is wearing an overcoat and walking from left to right. His face is obscured by his hair. His son is wearing a mask and a baseball cap. Two men are with them; a third person is holding an umbrella over the Jacksons.
Jackson and his son Blanket in Disneyland Paris, 2006

After the trial, Jackson became reclusive. In June 2005, he moved to Bahrain as a guest of Sheikh Abdullah. In early 2006, it was announced that Jackson had signed a contract with a Bahrain startup, Two Seas Records. Nothing came of the deal, and the Two Seas CEO, Guy Holmes, later said it was never finalized. Holmes also found that Jackson was on the verge of bankruptcy and was involved in 47 ongoing lawsuits. By September 2006, Jackson was no longer affiliated with Two Seas.

In April 2006, Jackson agreed to use a piece of his ATV catalog stake, then worth about $1 billion, as collateral against his $270 million worth of loans from Bank of America. Bank of America had sold the loans to Fortress Investments, an investment company that buys distressed loans, the year before. As part of the agreement, Fortress Investments provided Jackson a new loan of $300 million with reduced interest payments (equivalent to $450 million in 2023). Sony Music would have the option to buy half of his stake, or about 25% of the catalog, at a set price. Jackson's financial managers had urged him to shed part of his stake to avoid bankruptcy. The main house at Neverland Ranch was closed as a cost-cutting measure, while Jackson lived in Bahrain at the hospitality of Abdullah. At least thirty of Jackson's employees had not been paid on time and were owed $306,000 in back wages. Jackson was ordered to pay $100,000 in penalties. Jackson never returned to Neverland after his acquittal.

In mid-2006, Jackson moved to Grouse Lodge, a residential recording studio near Rosemount, County Westmeath, Ireland. There, he began work on a new album with the American producers will.i.am and Rodney Jenkins. That November, Jackson invited an Access Hollywood camera crew into the studio in Westmeath. On November 15, Jackson briefly joined in on a performance of "We Are the World" at the World Music Awards in London, his last public performance, and accepted the Diamond Award for sales of 100 million records. He returned to the US in December, settling in Las Vegas. That month, he attended James Brown's funeral in Augusta, Georgia, where he gave a eulogy calling Brown his greatest inspiration.

A view from above of a large property in a semi-desert. The landscape is pale with clumps of vegetation. The property shows circular structures between the buildings.
An aerial view of part of Jackson's 2,800-acre (11 km) Neverland Valley Ranch near Los Olivos, California, showing the rides

In 2007, Jackson and Sony bought another music publishing company, Famous Music LLC, formerly owned by Viacom. The deal gave Jackson the rights to songs by Eminem and Beck, among others. In a brief interview, Jackson said he had no regrets about his career despite his problems and "deliberate attempts to hurt ". That March, Jackson visited a US Army post in Japan, Camp Zama, to greet more than 3,000 troops and their families. As of September, Jackson was still working on his next album, which he never completed.

In 2008, for the 25th anniversary of Thriller, Jackson and Sony released Thriller 25, with two remixes released as singles: "The Girl Is Mine 2008" and "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' 2008". For Jackson's 50th birthday, Sony BMG released a series of greatest hits albums, King of Pop, with different tracklists for different regions. That July, Fortress Investments threatened to foreclose on Neverland Ranch, which Jackson had used as collateral for his loans. Fortress sold Jackson's debts to Colony Capital LLC. In November, Jackson transferred Neverland Ranch's title to Sycamore Valley Ranch Company LLC, a joint venture between Jackson and Colony Capital LLC. The deal earned him $35 million. In 2009, Jackson arranged to sell a collection of his memorabilia of more than 1,000 items through Julien's Auction House, but canceled the auction in April.

In March 2009, amid speculation about his finances and health, Jackson announced a series of comeback concerts, This Is It, at a press conference at the O2 Arena. The shows were to be his first major concerts since the HIStory World Tour in 1997. Jackson suggested he would retire after the shows. The initial plan was for ten concerts in London, followed by shows in Paris, New York City and Mumbai. Randy Phillips, the president and chief executive of AEG Live, predicted the first ten dates would earn Jackson £50 million.

The London residency was increased to fifty dates after record-breaking ticket sales; more than one million were sold in less than two hours. The concerts were to run from July 13, 2009, to March 6, 2010. Jackson moved to Los Angeles, where he rehearsed in the weeks leading up to the tour under the direction of the choreographer Kenny Ortega, whom he had worked with during his previous tours. Rehearsals took place at the Forum and the Staples Center owned by AEG. By this point, Jackson's debt had grown to almost $500 million. By the time of his death, he was three or four months behind payments on his home in San Fernando Valley. The Independent reported that Jackson planned a string of further ventures designed to recoup his debts, including a world tour, a new album, films, a museum and a casino.

Death

Main article: Death of Michael Jackson
Jackson's Star with flowers and notes on it
Fans placed flowers and notes on Jackson's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on the day of his death

On June 25, 2009, less than three weeks before his concert residency was due to begin in London, with all concerts sold out, Jackson died from cardiac arrest, caused by a propofol and benzodiazepine overdose. Conrad Murray, his personal physician, had given Jackson various medications to help him sleep at his rented mansion in Holmby Hills, Los Angeles. Paramedics received a 911 call at 12:21 pm Pacific time (19:21 UTC) and arrived at the property four minutes later. Jackson was not breathing and CPR was performed. Resuscitation efforts continued en route to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, and for more than an hour after Jackson's arrival there, but were unsuccessful, and Jackson was pronounced dead at 2:26 pm Pacific time (21:26 UTC). Murray had administered propofol, lorazepam, and midazolam; Jackson's death was caused by a propofol overdose.

News of his death spread quickly online, causing websites to slow down and crash from user overload, and it put unprecedented strain on many services and websites including Google, AOL Instant Messenger, Twitter and Misplaced Pages. Overall, web traffic rose by between 11% and 20%. MTV and BET aired marathons of Jackson's music videos, and Jackson specials aired on television stations around the world. MTV briefly returned to its original music video format, and they aired hours of Jackson's music videos, with live news specials featuring reactions from MTV personalities and other celebrities.

Memorial service

Main article: Michael Jackson memorial service A large pink/cream-colored box in front of a stained glass window.Jackson's unmarked crypt at the end of the Sanctuary of Ascension in the Holly Terrace of the Great Mausoleum, Forest Lawn GlendaleA group of people standing outside a gated area. There are trees, bushes, and grassed areas. A majority of the area the people and in are shadowed by the trees by the gate.Fans visiting the makeshift memorial set up outside the Neverland Ranch entrance shortly after Jackson's death

Jackson's 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's Hall of Liberty. Over 1.6 million fans applied for tickets to the memorial; the 8,750 recipients were drawn at random, and each received two tickets. The memorial service was one of the most watched events in streaming history, with an estimated US audience of 31.1 million and a worldwide audience of an estimated 2.5 to 3 billion.

Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, Jennifer Hudson, and Shaheen Jafargholi performed at the memorial, and Smokey Robinson and Queen Latifah gave eulogies. 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." Jackson's 11-year-old daughter Paris Katherine, speaking publicly for the first time, wept as she addressed the crowd. Lucious Smith provided a closing prayer. On September 3, 2009, the body of Jackson was entombed at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California.

Criminal investigation and prosecution of Conrad Murray

Main article: People v. Murray

In August 2009, the Los Angeles County Coroner ruled that Jackson's death was a homicide. Law enforcement officials charged Murray with involuntary manslaughter on February 8, 2010. In late 2011, he was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and held without bail to await sentencing. Murray was sentenced to four years in prison, but was released after one year and eleven months.

Posthumous sales

At the 2009 American Music Awards, Jackson won four posthumous awards, including two for his compilation album Number Ones, bringing his total American Music Awards to 26. In the year after his death, more than 16.1 million copies of Jackson's albums were sold in the US alone, and 35 million copies were sold worldwide, more than any other artist in 2009. He became the first artist to sell one million music downloads in a week, with 2.6 million song downloads. Thriller, Number Ones and The Essential Michael Jackson became the first catalog albums to outsell any new album. Jackson also became the first artist to have four of the top-20 bestselling albums in a single year in the US. Within the year following his death, Jackson sold over 75 million records worldwide. By the end of 2013, Jackson had sold over 50 million albums worldwide since his death.

Following the surge in sales, in March 2010, Sony Music signed a $250 million deal (equivalent to $350 million in 2023) with the Jackson estate to extend their distribution rights to Jackson's back catalog until at least 2017; it had been due to expire in 2015. It was the most expensive music contract for a single artist in history. They agreed to release ten albums of previously unreleased material and new collections of released work. The deal was extended in 2017. That July, a Los Angeles court awarded Quincy Jones $9.4 million of disputed royalty payments for Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad. In July 2018, Sony/ATV bought the estate's stake in EMI for $287.5 million.

In 2014, Jackson became the first artist to have a top-ten single in the Billboard Hot 100 in five different decades. The following year, Thriller became the first album to be certified for 30 million shipments by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). A year later, it was certified 33× platinum after Soundscan added streams and audio downloads to album certifications.

In February 2024, Sony Music acquired half of Jackson's publishing rights and recording masters for an estimated $600 million. The deal includes assets from Jackson's Mijac publishing catalog, but excludes royalties from several Jackson-related productions, including the MJ Broadway musical and the Michael biopic. The deal is possibly the largest transaction ever for a single musician's work.

Posthumous releases and productions

Jackson's posthumous releases and productions are administered by the estate of Michael Jackson, which owns Jackson's trademarks and rights to his name, image and likeness. The first posthumous Jackson song, "This Is It", co-written in the 1980s with Paul Anka, was released in October 2009. The surviving Jackson brothers reunited to record backing vocals. It was followed by a documentary film about the rehearsals for the canceled This Is It tour, Michael Jackson's This Is It, and a compilation album. Despite a limited two-week engagement, the film became the highest-grossing documentary or concert film ever, with earnings of more than $260 million worldwide. Jackson's estate received 90% of the profits. In late 2010, Sony released the first posthumous album, Michael, and the lead single "Hold My Hand", a duet with Akon. The Jackson collaborator will.i.am expressed disgust, saying that Jackson would not have approved the release.

The video game developer Ubisoft released a music game featuring Jackson for the 2010 holiday season, Michael Jackson: The Experience. It was among the first games to use Kinect and PlayStation Move, the motion-detecting camera systems for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. In April 2011, Mohamed Al-Fayed, the chairman of Fulham Football Club, unveiled a statue of Jackson outside the club stadium, Craven Cottage. It was moved to the National Football Museum in Manchester in May 2014, and removed from display in March 2019 following renewed sexual assault allegations.

In October 2011, the theater company Cirque du Soleil launched Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour, a $57-million production, in Montreal, with a permanent show resident in Las Vegas. A larger and more theatrical Cirque show, Michael Jackson: One, designed for residency at the Mandalay Bay resort in Las Vegas, opened on May 23, 2013, in a renovated theater.

In 2012, in an attempt to end a family dispute, Jackson's brother Jermaine retracted his signature on a public letter criticizing executors of Jackson's estate and his mother's advisors over the legitimacy of his brother's will. T.J. Jackson, the son of Tito Jackson, was given co-guardianship of Michael Jackson's children after false reports of Katherine Jackson going missing. Xscape, an album of unreleased material, was released on May 13, 2014. The lead single, a duet between Jackson and Justin Timberlake, "Love Never Felt So Good", reached number 9 on the US Billboard Hot 100, making Jackson the first artist to have a top-10 single on the chart in five different decades.

Later in 2014, Queen released a duet recorded with Jackson in the 1980s. A compilation album, Scream, was released on September 29, 2017. A jukebox musical, MJ the Musical, premiered on Broadway in 2022. Myles Frost won the 2022 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Jackson. On November 18, 2022, Epic released a 40th-anniversary edition reissue of Thriller. A biographical film based on Jackson's life, Michael, directed by Antoine Fuqua, is scheduled for April 2025. Jackson is played by his nephew Jaafar Jackson. Deadline Hollywood reported that the film "will not shy away from the controversies of Jackson's life". Since Jackson's death his estate has grossed $2 billion in ticket revenue from MJ the Musical, Michael Jackson's This Is It and two Cirque du Soleil productions.

Posthumous child sexual abuse allegations

A smiling Jackson wears a blue baseball cap and a red shirt. On his left, a young boy smiles. He is dressed in a red shirt, too.
Jackson and Safechuck in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1988

In 2013, choreographer Wade Robson filed a lawsuit alleging that Jackson had sexually abused him for seven years, beginning when he was seven years old (1989–1996). In 2014, a case was filed by James Safechuck, alleging similar sexual abuse over a four-year period starting when Safechuck was ten (1988–1992). Both had previously testified in Jackson's defense during the 1993 allegations; Robson did so again in 2005. In 2015, Robson's case against Jackson's estate was dismissed as it had been filed too late. Safechuck's claim was also time-barred.

In 2017, it was ruled that Jackson's corporations could not be held accountable for his alleged past actions. The rulings were appealed. On October 20, 2020, Safechuck's lawsuit against Jackson's corporations was again dismissed. The judge ruled that there was no evidence that Safechuck had had a relationship with Jackson's corporation, nor was it proven that there was a special relationship between the two. On April 26, 2021, Robson's case was dismissed because of a lack of supporting evidence that the defendants exercised control over Jackson.

Robson and Safechuck's allegations were the subject of the documentary film Leaving Neverland, released in March 2019. Radio stations in New Zealand, Canada, the UK and the Netherlands removed Jackson's music from their playlists. Jackson's family condemned the film as a "public lynching", and the Jackson estate released a statement calling the film a "tabloid character assassination endured in life, and now in death". Close associates of Jackson, such as Corey Feldman, Aaron Carter, Brett Barnes, and Macaulay Culkin, defended Jackson in the wake of the documentary's release, saying that Jackson had never molested them.

Documentaries such as Square One: Michael Jackson, Neverland Firsthand: Investigating the Michael Jackson Documentary and Michael Jackson: Chase the Truth, presented information countering the claims suggested by Leaving Neverland. Jackson's album sales increased following the documentary screenings. Billboard senior editor Gail Mitchell said she and a colleague interviewed about thirty music executives who believed Jackson's legacy could withstand the controversy. In late 2019, some New Zealand and Canadian radio stations re-added Jackson's music to their playlists, citing "positive listener survey results".

On February 21, 2019, the Jackson estate sued HBO for breaching a non-disparagement clause from a 1992 contract. The suit sought to compel HBO to participate in a non-confidential arbitration that could result in $100 million or more in damages awarded to the estate. HBO said they did not breach a contract and filed an anti-SLAPP motion against the estate. In September 2019, Judge George H. Wu denied HBO's motion to dismiss the case, allowing the Jackson estate to arbitrate. HBO appealed, but in December 2020 the appeals court affirmed Wu's ruling.

In 2020, a state law passed in California which granted plaintiffs in child sex abuse cases an additional period to file lawsuits. In October 2020 and again in April 2021, the Los Angeles County Superior Court ruled that MJJ Productions Inc. and MJJ Ventures Inc. employees were not legally obligated to protect the two men from Jackson. In August 2023, California's Second District Court of Appeal overturned the ruling, and the case was approved to move forward to trial court.

Legacy

Main article: Cultural impact of Michael Jackson See also: List of Michael Jackson records and achievements

Jackson has been referred to as the "King of Pop" for having transformed the art of music videos and paving the way for modern pop music. For much of Jackson's career, he had an unparalleled worldwide influence over the younger generation. His influence extended beyond the music industry; he impacted dance, led fashion trends, and raised awareness for global affairs. Jackson's music and videos fostered racial diversity in MTV's roster and steered its focus from rock to pop music and R&B, leading to the discontinuation of the album-oriented rock format previously dominant on the channel.

In songs such as "Black or White", "Heal the World", "Earth Song" and "They Don't Care About Us", Jackson's music emphasized racial integration and environmentalism and protested injustice. He is recognized as the Most Successful Entertainer of All Time by Guinness World Records. Jackson has also appeared on Rolling Stone's lists of the Greatest Singers of All Time. He is considered one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century, and his contributions to music, dance, and fashion, along with his publicized personal life, made him a global figure in popular culture for over four decades.

Trying to trace Michael Jackson's influence on the pop stars that followed him is like trying to trace the influence of oxygen and gravity. So vast, far-reaching and was his impact—particularly in the wake of Thriller's colossal and heretofore unmatched commercial success—that there weren't a whole lot of artists who weren't trying to mimic some of the Jackson formula.

— J. Edward Keyes of Rolling Stone

Danyel Smith, chief content officer of Vibe Media Group and the editor-in-chief of Vibe, described Jackson as "the greatest star". Steve Huey of AllMusic called him "an unstoppable juggernaut, possessed of all the skills to dominate the charts seemingly at will: an instantly identifiable voice, eye-popping dance moves, stunning musical versatility and loads of sheer star power". BET said Jackson was "quite simply the greatest entertainer of all time" whose "sound, style, movement and legacy continues to inspire artists of all genres".

Jackson's Bad era wax figure at Madame Tussauds, London in 1992

In 1984, Time pop critic Jay Cocks wrote that "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." He described Jackson as a "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." In 2003, The Daily Telegraph writer Tom Utley described Jackson as "extremely important" and a "genius". At Jackson's memorial service on July 7, 2009, Motown founder Berry Gordy called Jackson "the greatest entertainer that ever lived". In a June 28, 2009 Baltimore Sun article, Jill Rosen wrote that Jackson's legacy influenced fields including sound, dance, fashion, music videos and celebrity.

In 2018, the National Portrait Gallery named Michael Jackson the most depicted cultural figure of the century, later stating that Jackson's influence on art rivaled that of Jesus Christ. Nicholas Cullinan, director of the National Portrait Gallery and curator of the Michael Jackson: On the Wall exhibition, described Jackson's impact on art as unprecedented and claimed that Jackson was the most depicted figure in the history of contemporary art.

Craig Glenday, the Editor-in-Chief of Guinness World Records called Jackson the most famous person in the world in 2006. Following Jackson's passing, Glenday wrote in an obituary that Jackson had maintained this status up until his death, later remarking that his fame had exceeded that of Confucius.

In 2014, a comprehensive study conducted by researcher Young-Ho Eom at the University of Toulouse identified Michael Jackson as one of the most influential people of all time. The study utilized advanced ranking methods, including 2D Rank and PageRank algorithms, to analyze the impact of historical figures. Jackson was prominently placed on the list of top influencers, alongside Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus, Adolf Hitler, and Jesus Christ. An additional study conducted in 2013 also identified Michael Jackson as one of the most influential people of all time. This study ranked Jackson at the top of the list, alongside Napoleon Bonaparte, highlighting the extraordinary influence and global recognition that Jackson achieved throughout his career.

Following Jackson's death, The Guardian wrote that he was in a league of his own in terms of fame, noting that Jackson had become so famous that the number of people who might not know who he was had become statistically insignificant. Due to his unprecedented influence, Michael Jackson is recognized today as one of the most globally renowned figures in history. Reports of his fame extend from the Middle East , Africa , India , and China to tribes in the Amazon . His influence even reaches remote corners of the world such as São Tomé and Príncipe,or Tristan da Cunha, where tribute artists keep his legacy alive by celebrating his music.

Philanthropy and humanitarian work

Main article: Philanthropy of Michael Jackson
President Ronald Reagan rewarding Jackson in 1984 for his support of alcohol and drug abuse charities

Jackson is widely regarded as having been a prolific philanthropist and humanitarian. Jackson's early charitable work has been described by The Chronicle of Philanthropy as having "paved the way for the current surge in celebrity philanthropy", and by the Los Angeles Times as having "set the standard for generosity for other entertainers".

By some estimates, he donated over $500 million, not accounting for inflation, to various charities over the course of his life. In 1992, Jackson established his Heal the World Foundation, to which he donated several million dollars in revenue from his Dangerous World Tour.

Jackson's philanthropic activities went beyond just monetary donations. He also performed at benefit concerts, some of which he arranged. He gifted tickets for his regular concert performances to groups that assist underprivileged children. He visited sick children in hospitals around the world. He opened his own home for visits by underprivileged or sick children and provided special facilities and nurses if the children needed that level of care.

Jackson donated valuable, personal and professional paraphernalia for numerous charity auctions. He received various awards and accolades for his philanthropic work, including two bestowed by presidents of the United States. The vast breadth of Jackson's philanthropic work has earned recognition in the Guinness World Records.

On May 14, 1984, President Ronald Reagan gave Jackson an award recognizing his support of alcohol and drug abuse charities, and in recognition of his support for the Ad Council's and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Drunk Driving Prevention campaign. Jackson allowed the campaign to use "Beat It" for its public service announcements.

Artistry

Vocal style

Jackson was known as an expressive vocalist with absolute pitch. Critics describe his vocal theatricality having a range from clear and soft to harsh and aggressive, depending on the genre sung. Principally in history, Michael Jackson is the sole recipient to receive Grammy Awards for three different genres of vocal performance (as a soloist), winning Pop Vocal for Thriller, Rock Vocal for Beat It, and Rhythm and Blues Vocal with both Billie Jean and Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough. Bruce Swedien, his long-time sound engineer, emphasized that a critical element of their vocal recordings are of him and Jackson trying numerous approaches to rhythmic, emotional and technical distinctions to consummate a "sonic character". His stylings, such as common use of staccato, legato, falsetto as well as vocal hiccups, adlibs, wailings and growls are all signature to his sound.

Jackson sang from childhood, and over time his voice and vocal style changed. Between 1971 and 1975, his voice descended from boy soprano to lyric tenor. He was known for his intonation and vocal range. Through each music release, his vocal development and changes were positively narrated by music journalists. With the arrival of Off the Wall in the late 1970s, Jackson's abilities in his coming-of-age period had Rolling Stone comparing his vocals to the "breathless, dreamy stutter" of Stevie Wonder, and wrote that "Jackson's feathery-timbred tenor is extraordinarily beautiful. It slides smoothly into a startling falsetto that's used very daringly." By the time of 1982's Thriller, Rolling Stone wrote that Jackson was singing in a "fully adult voice" that was "tinged by sadness". 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". When singing of brotherhood or self-esteem the musician would return to "smooth" vocals. Of Invincible, Rolling Stone wrote that, at 43, Jackson still performed "exquisitely voiced rhythm tracks and vibrating vocal harmonies". Joseph Vogel notes Jackson's ability to use non-verbal sounds to express emotion. Neil McCormick wrote that Jackson's unorthodox singing style "was original and utterly distinctive".

Influences

Jackson was influenced by musicians including James Brown, Little Richard, Jackie Wilson, Diana Ross, Fred Astaire, Sammy Davis Jr., Gene Kelly, and David Ruffin. Little Richard had a substantial influence on Jackson, but Brown was his greatest inspiration. When Jackson was a small child, his mother would wake him whenever Brown appeared on television. Jackson described being "mesmerized".

Jackson's vocal technique was influenced by Diana Ross; his use of the oooh interjection from a young age was something Ross had used on many of her songs with the Supremes. She was a mother figure to him, and he often watched her rehearse. He said he had learned a lot from watching how she moved and sang, and that she had encouraged him to have confidence in himself.

Choreographer David Winters, who met Jackson while choreographing the 1971 Diana Ross TV special Diana!, said that Jackson watched the musical West Side Story almost every week, and it was his favorite film; he paid tribute to it in "Beat It" and the "Bad" video.

Musicianship

Jackson had no formal music training and could not read or write music notation. He is credited for playing guitar, keyboard, and drums, but was not proficient in them. When composing, he recorded ideas by beatboxing and imitating instruments vocally. Describing the process, he said: "I'll just sing the bass part into the tape recorder. I'll take that bass lick and put the chords of the melody over the bass lick and that's what inspires the melody." These were shown in his demos for Beat It and Billie Jean where he vocalized the melody, bass instrumentals as well as lead and backing vocals by overlaying each component. The engineer Robert Hoffman recalled that after Jackson came in with a song he had written overnight, Jackson sang every note of every chord to a guitar player. Hoffman also remembered Jackson singing string arrangements part by part into a cassette recorder.

Dance

Jackson danced from a young age as part of the Jackson 5, and incorporated dance extensively in his performances and music videos. According to Sanjoy Roy of The Guardian, Jackson would "flick and retract his limbs like switchblades, or snap out of a tornado spin into a perfectly poised toe-stand". The moonwalk, taught to him by Jeffrey Daniel, was Jackson's signature dance move and one of the most famous of the 20th century. Jackson is credited for coining the name "moonwalk" for this street dance move, previously known as the "backslide". His other moves included the robot, crotch grab, and the "anti-gravity" lean of the "Smooth Criminal" video.

Themes and genres

Black and white photo of Jackson holding a microphone and singing.
Jackson during his Bad World Tour in Vienna, June 1988

Jackson explored genres including pop, soul, rhythm and blues, funk, rock, disco, post-disco, dance-pop and new jack swing. Steve Huey of AllMusic wrote that 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. Its 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)".

With Off the Wall, Jackson's "vocabulary of grunts, squeals, hiccups, moans, and asides" vividly showed his maturation into an adult, Robert Christgau wrote in Christgau's Record Guide: Rock Albums of the Seventies (1981). The album's title track suggested to the critic a parallel between Jackson and Stevie Wonder's "oddball" music personas: "Since childhood his main contact with the real world has been on stage and in bed." With Thriller, Christopher Connelly of Rolling Stone commented that Jackson developed his long association with the subliminal theme of paranoia and darker imagery. AllMusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine noted this on the songs "Billie Jean" and "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'". In "Billie Jean", Jackson depicts an obsessive fan who alleges he has fathered her child, and in "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" he argues against gossip and the media. "Beat It" decried gang violence in a homage to West Side Story, and was Jackson's first successful rock cross-over piece, according to Huey. He observed that "Thriller" began Jackson's interest with the theme of the supernatural, a topic he revisited in subsequent years. 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.

A black jacket with five round golden medals on its left and right shoulders, a gold band on its left arm sleeve, and two belt straps on the right bottom sleeve. Underneath the jacket is a golden belt, with a round ornament in its center.
Jackson's Bad era jacket on display at the Hollywood Guinness World Records Museum

In Bad, Jackson's concept of the predatory lover is seen on the rock song "Dirty Diana". The lead single "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" is a traditional love ballad, and "Man in the Mirror" is a ballad of confession and resolution. "Smooth Criminal" is an evocation of bloody assault, rape and likely murder. AllMusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine states that Dangerous presents Jackson as a paradoxical person. The first half of the record is dedicated to new jack swing, including songs like "Jam" and "Remember the Time". It was the first Jackson album in which social ills became a primary theme; "Why You Wanna Trip on Me", for example, protests world hunger, AIDS, homelessness and drugs. Dangerous contains sexually charged songs such as "In the Closet". The title track continues the theme of the predatory lover and compulsive desire. The second half includes introspective, pop-gospel anthems such as "Will You Be There", "Heal the World" and "Keep the Faith". In the ballad "Gone Too Soon", Jackson gives tribute to Ryan White and the plight of those with AIDS.

HIStory creates an atmosphere of paranoia. In the new jack swing-funk rock tracks "Scream" and "Tabloid Junkie", and the R&B ballad "You Are Not Alone", Jackson retaliates against the injustice and isolation he feels, and directs his anger at the media. In the introspective ballad "Stranger in Moscow", Jackson laments his "fall from grace"; "Earth Song", "Childhood", "Little Susie" and "Smile" are operatic pop songs. In "D.S.", Jackson attacks lawyer Thomas W. Sneddon Jr., who had prosecuted him in both child sexual abuse cases; he describes Sneddon as a white supremacist who wanted to "get my ass, dead or alive". Invincible includes urban soul tracks such as "Cry" and "The Lost Children", ballads such as "Speechless", "Break of Dawn", and "Butterflies", and mixes hip hop, pop, and R&B in "2000 Watts", "Heartbreaker" and "Invincible".

Music videos and choreography

A man is singing into a microphone under a spotlight. He wears a blue open-neck shirt over a white T-shirt, and dark pants. There are two colorfully-dressed men on either side of him.
Jackson (center) performing a dance sequence of "The Way You Make Me Feel" at the Bad World Tour in 1988

Jackson released "Thriller", a 14-minute music video directed by John Landis, in 1983. The zombie-themed video "defined music videos and broke racial barriers" on MTV, which had launched two years earlier. Before Thriller, Jackson struggled to receive coverage on MTV, allegedly because he was African American. Pressure from CBS Records persuaded MTV to start showing "Billie Jean" and later "Beat It", which led to a lengthy partnership with Jackson, and helped other black music artists gain recognition. The popularity of his videos on MTV helped the relatively new channel's viewing figures, and MTV's focus shifted toward pop and R&B. His performance on Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever changed the scope of live stage shows, making it acceptable for artists to lip-sync to music video on stage. The choreography in Thriller has been copied in Indian films and prisons in the Philippines. Thriller marked an increase in scale for music videos, and was named the most successful music video ever by the Guinness World Records.

In "Bad"'s 19-minute video—directed by Martin Scorsese—Jackson used sexual imagery and choreography, and touched his chest, torso and crotch. When asked by Winfrey in the 1993 interview about why he grabbed his crotch, he said it was spontaneously compelled by the music. Time magazine described the "Bad" video as "infamous". It featured Wesley Snipes; Jackson's later videos often featured famous cameo roles. For the "Smooth Criminal" video, Jackson experimented with leaning forward at a 45-degree angle, beyond the performer's center of gravity. To accomplish this live, Jackson and designers developed a special shoe to lock the performer's feet to the stage, allowing them to lean forward. They were granted U.S. patent 5,255,452 for the device. The video for "Leave Me Alone" was not officially released in the US, but in 1989 was nominated for three Billboard Music Video Awards and won a Golden Lion Award for its special effects. It won a Grammy for Best Music Video, Short Form.

He received the MTV Video Vanguard Award in 1988; in 2001 the award was renamed in his honor. The "Black or White" video simultaneously premiered on November 14, 1991, in 27 countries with an estimated audience of 500 million people, the largest audience ever for a music video at the time. Along with Jackson, it featured Macaulay Culkin, Peggy Lipton, and George Wendt. It helped introduce morphing to music videos. It was controversial for scenes in which Jackson rubs his crotch, vandalizes cars, and throws a garbage can through a storefront. He apologized and removed the final scene of the video.

"In the Closet" featured Naomi Campbell in a courtship dance with Jackson. "Remember the Time" was set in ancient Egypt, and featured Eddie Murphy, Iman, and Magic Johnson. The video for "Scream", directed by Mark Romanek and production designer Tom Foden, gained a record 11 MTV Video Music Award Nominations, and won "Best Dance Video", "Best Choreography", and "Best Art Direction". The song and its video are Jackson's response to being accused of child molestation in 1993. A year later, it won a Grammy for Best Music Video, Short Form. It has been reported as the most expensive music video ever made, at $7 million; Romanek has contradicted this. The "Earth Song" video was nominated for the 1997 Grammy for Best Music Video, Short Form.

Michael Jackson's Ghosts, a short film written by Jackson and Stephen King and directed by Stan Winston, premiered at the 1996 Cannes Film Festival. At over 38 minutes long, it held the Guinness world record for the longest music video until 2013, when it was eclipsed by the video for the Pharrell Williams song "Happy". The 2001 video for "You Rock My World" lasts over 13 minutes, was directed by Paul Hunter, and features Chris Tucker and Marlon Brando. It won an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Music Video in 2002.

In December 2009, the Library of Congress selected "Thriller" as the only music video to be preserved in the National Film Registry, as a work of "enduring importance to American culture". Huey wrote that Jackson transformed the music video into an artform and a promotional tool through complex story lines, dance routines, special effects and famous cameos, while breaking down racial barriers.

Honors and awards

See also: List of awards and nominations received by Michael Jackson

Jackson is one of the best-selling music artists in history, with sales estimated around 500 million records worldwide. He had 13 number-one singles in the US in his solo career—more than any other male artist in the Hot 100 era until Drake tied with Jackson with First Person Shooter. He was invited and honored by a president of the United States at the White House three times. In 1984, he was honored with a "Presidential Public Safety Commendation" award by Ronald Reagan for his humanitarian endeavors. In 1990, he was honored as the "Artist of the Decade" by George H. W. Bush. In 1992, he was honored as a "Point of Light Ambassador" by Bush for inviting disadvantaged children to his Neverland Ranch.

Jackson won hundreds of awards, making him one of the most-awarded artists in popular music. His awards include 39 Guinness World Records, including the Most Successful Entertainer of All Time, 13 Grammy Awards, as well as the Grammy Legend Award and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and 26 American Music Awards, including the Artist of the Century and Artist of the 1980s. He also received the World Music Awards' Best-Selling Pop Male Artist of the Millennium and the Bambi Pop Artist of the Millennium Award. Jackson was inducted onto the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1980 as a member of the Jacksons, and in 1984 as a solo artist. He was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Vocal Group Hall of Fame as a member of the Jackson 5 in 1997 and 1999, respectively, and again as a solo artist in 2001. In 2002, he was added to the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In 2010, he was the first recording artist to be inducted into the Dance Hall of Fame, and in 2014, he was posthumously inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame. In 2021, he was among the inaugural inductees into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame.

In 1988, Fisk University honored him with an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. In 1992, he was invested as a titular king of Sanwi, a traditional kingdom located in the south-east of Ivory Coast. In July 2009, the Lunar Republic Society named a crater on the Moon after Jackson. In August, for what would have been Jackson's 51st birthday, Google dedicated their Google Doodle to him. In 2012, the extinct hermit crab Mesoparapylocheles michaeljacksoni was named in his honor. In 2014, the British Council of Cultural Relations deemed Jackson's life one of the 80 most important cultural moments of the 20th century. World Vitiligo Day has been celebrated on June 25, the anniversary of Jackson's death, to raise awareness of the auto-immune disorder that Jackson suffered from.

Earnings

Main article: Estate of Michael Jackson

In 1989, Jackson's annual earnings from album sales, endorsements, and concerts were estimated at $125 million. Forbes placed Jackson's annual income at $35 million in 1996 and $20 million in 1997. Jackson has been one of the wealthiest musical artists; estimates of Jackson's net worth during his life range from negative $285 million to positive $350 million for 2002, 2003 and 2007. Forbes reported in August 2018 that Jackson's total career pretax earnings in life and death were $4.2 billion. Sales of his recordings through Sony's music unit earned him an estimated $300 million in royalties. He may have earned another $400 million from concerts, music publishing (including his share of the Beatles catalog), endorsements, merchandising and music videos.

In 2013, the executors of Jackson's estate filed a petition in the United States Tax Court as a result of a dispute with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) over US federal estate taxes. The executors claimed that it was worth about $7 million, while the IRS that it was worth over $1.1 billion. In February 2014, the IRS reported that Jackson's estate owed $702 million; $505 million in taxes, and $197 million in penalties. A trial was held from February 6 to 24, 2017. In 2021, the Tax Court issued a ruling in favor of the estate, ruling that the estate's total combined value of the estate was $111.5 million and that the value of Jackson's name and likeness was $4 million (not the $61 million estimated by the IRS's outside expert witness).

In 2016, Forbes estimated annual gross earnings by the Jackson Estate at $825 million, the largest ever recorded for a celebrity, mostly due to the sale of the Sony/ATV catalog. In 2018, the figure was $400 million. It was the eighth year since his death that Jackson's annual earnings were reported to be over $100 million, thus bringing Jackson's postmortem total to $2.4 billion. Forbes has consistently recognized Jackson as one of the top-earning dead celebrities since his death, and placed him at the top spot from 2013 to 2023.

Discography

Main articles: Michael Jackson albums discography, Michael Jackson singles discography, and List of songs recorded by Michael Jackson See also: The Jackson 5 discography

Filmography

See also: Michael Jackson videography

Tours

Main article: List of Michael Jackson concerts

See also

Notes

  1. "I Just Can't Stop Loving You", "Bad", "The Way You Make Me Feel", "Man in the Mirror", and "Dirty Diana"
  2. The estimates of Michael Jackson's record sales vary up to 1 billion records worldwide.
  3. Blanket changed his name to "Bigi" in 2015.
  4. In 2018, its US sales record was overtaken by the Eagles' album Greatest Hits 1971–75, with 38× platinum.

References

Citations

  1. "Billboard Music Awards 2014: Michael Jackson hologram steals the show". The Daily Telegraph. May 19, 2014. Archived from the original on June 6, 2017. Retrieved June 30, 2024.
  2. "New Michael Jackson Song, 'Love Never Felt So Good,' Features Justin Timberlake". HuffPost. Reuters. May 1, 2014. Archived from the original on September 15, 2021. Retrieved June 30, 2024.
  3. County of Los Angeles Department of Health Services (2009). Michael Jackson death certificate.
  4. ^ Huey, Steve. "Michael Jackson – Artist Biography". AllMusic. Archived from the original on May 7, 2015. Retrieved May 31, 2015.
  5. ^ Barnes, Brokes (June 25, 2009). "A Star Idolized and Haunted, Michael Jackson Dies at 50". The New York Times. Archived from the original on December 8, 2022. Retrieved July 12, 2009.
  6. "Michael Jackson: 10 Achievements That Made Him The King of Pop". National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. June 24, 2014. Archived from the original on February 15, 2017. Retrieved October 20, 2016.
  7. Jackson 2009, p. 26.
  8. Young 2009, p. 18.
  9. Young 2009, pp. 17, 19.
  10. ^ Petridis, Alexis (June 27, 2018). "Joe Jackson was one of the most monstrous fathers in pop". The Guardian. Archived from the original on December 8, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2019.
  11. ^ Sweeting, Adam (June 27, 2018). "Joe Jackson obituary". The Guardian. Archived from the original on December 8, 2022. Retrieved April 14, 2019.
  12. Young 2009, pp. 18–19.
  13. Knopper 2016, p. 6. Note: No tribal affiliation named in source.
  14. Morris, Chris (June 27, 2018). "Joe Jackson, Jackson Family Patriarch, Dies at 89". Variety. Archived from the original on November 8, 2022. Retrieved April 27, 2019.
  15. "Michael Jackson: a life of highs and lows". The Daily Telegraph. June 26, 2009. Archived from the original on January 10, 2022. Retrieved November 28, 2019.
  16. Jackson, Jermaine (2011). You Are Not Alone: Michael: Through a Brother's Eyes. Simon & Schuster. p. 41. ISBN 978-1-4516-5156-0. Archived from the original on July 28, 2023. Retrieved November 28, 2019.
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Michael Jackson
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