Michael Jackson: The Biggest Star Of The 80's

Before he became the “King of Pop”, before he moonwalked his way to becoming the biggest star of the 80’s, before releasing the best selling album in history, Thriller, back in 1982. Michael Jackson grew up in a Jehovah Witness family; he was the eighth of 10 children. His father was relentless pushing his children to preform and would often whip Michael. Michael Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana on August 29, 1958. His mother, Katherine Esther Scruse, was a devout Jehovah's Witness who worked at Sears. His father, Joseph Walter or Joe Jackson, was a former boxer who also worked as a steel worker at U.S. Steel. Both his Parents had musical aspirations but failed ambitions. He grew up with three sisters Rebbie, LaToya, and Janet and five brothers
In august of 1967 while touring the east coast, the group went a weekly amateur night concert at the Apollo Theater in Harlem. In 1969 the Jackson 5 signed with Motown Records and the family relocated to Los Angeles. Around this time Rolling Stone magazine described the young Michael as a prodigy with overwhelming musical gifts, writing that he quickly emerged as the main draw and lead singer. The group set a chart record with their four singles, I want you back, ABC, The love you save, and I'll be there. They all peaked at number one on the billboard hot 100. Michael transformed from child performer to teen heartthrob overnight. The Jackson 5 would remain together for the next seven or eight years, but the brothers began to work on their own individual aspirations. Michael pursued his solo career as well as a career in film. Starring in a film titled The Wiz, in which he played a scarecrow. He sparked up a long-term work relationship with musician and producer Quincy Joe. The two would work together on Michaels first two solo albums Off the Wall and Thriller which went on to break every record. It became the best-selling album of all time worldwide, selling an estimated 65 million