Michael Jackson, the renowned King of Pop, is a name that resonates with music lovers across the globe. Born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, United States, and tragically passing away at the age of fifty on June 25, 2009, in Los Angeles, United States, his impact on the music industry remains unparalleled.
Emerging as the seventh child in the Jackson family, Michael began his musical journey at a tender age. At just eleven years old, he became a member of the Jackson 5, a vocal group formed by his family. Throughout his life, Michael Jackson displayed exceptional talent as a singer and songwriter, creating timeless works that captivated audiences worldwide.
Affectionately known as the “King of Pop,” Michael Jackson possessed a distinctiveness that made him truly iconic, garnering recognition from fans of all generations. His trademark moonwalk dance, in particular, has been emulated by countless musicians, becoming a symbol of his artistry.
The 1980s marked the pinnacle of Michael Jackson’s global success as the King of Pop. His star rose meteorically after his performances started airing on MTV. With his immense talent, he transformed music videos into artistic masterpieces that revolutionized the medium and propelled the popularity of television channels. Whether on stage or in music videos, Michael Jackson consistently pushed boundaries, introducing innovative moves and unique dances that would go on to captivate audiences worldwide.
Michael Jackson’s singing style inspired not only music enthusiasts, but also artists from various genres such as hip-hop, pop, R&B, and dance. With his captivating performances, he garnered numerous awards and accolades. His achievements included multiple entries in the Guinness World Records, such as best-selling album, best male musician in a solo career, and global sales of seven hundred and fifty million units.
Even after his passing, Michael Jackson continues to be cherished by millions. Through his remarkable accomplishments, he solidified his status as one of the most renowned figures in the world.
Michael Jackson’s music delved into meaningful themes, addressing topics such as race, children, and poverty in different countries. One of his notable songs, “We Are the World,” gained renewed attention recently amidst the ongoing global pandemic. Actress and activist Gal Gadot took the initiative to create a video featuring various public figures singing the song as a symbol of unity during these challenging times. The viral video prompted Lionel Richie, the original singer, and co-writer of the song with Michael Jackson, to consider releasing a new version to raise funds for pandemic-related causes.
Richie never anticipated that the song would carry such profound significance in the midst of the pandemic. The charity song, initially recorded by the USA for Africa in 1985, had to be reconsidered well before Gadot’s rendition, where she was joined by Jamie Dornan, Natalie Portman, Norah Jones, Sia, Mark Ruffalo, Jimmy Fallon, and others.
“We said two weeks ago that we didn’t want to do anything with the song (We Are the World) because this isn’t a time for celebration. But the message still holds true,” expressed the 70-year-old singer in an interview with NME on March 24.
He reminisced about the songwriting process with Michael Jackson, recalling their contemplation of lyrics like “I’m saving my life” or “We’re saving our lives.”
“What’s happening in China, in Europe, and here? If we don’t save our brothers and sisters there, it’ll come right back to our front door. It’s us. We are in this together,” Richie emphasized.
Through the charitable efforts accompanying the song, they managed to raise an impressive $63 million. Moreover, the song’s sales surpassed $20 million. “We Are the World” featured Richie and Jackson alongside renowned artists like Stevie Wonder, Jackson 5, Norah Jones, and Daryl Hall, among others.
“We Are the World” was also performed during Michael Jackson’s funeral in June 2009, catapulting the song back onto the charts since its original release in 1985. Currently, Richie finds himself in self-isolation with his family, determined to combat the pandemic. The United States has reported a total of 46,332 cases of the virus, with New York accounting for 21,689 cases and 157 deaths.
As we reflect on the musical legacy of Michael Jackson, we are reminded of his extraordinary talent and lasting impact. His songs continue to resonate with audiences worldwide, serving as a testament to his status as the King of Pop.