Michael Jackson, famously known as the King of Pop, was a monumental figure in the 20th century’s music scene. He revolutionized music videos, heavily influenced modern pop music, and impacted dance, fashion, and global issues. Jackson sold approximately 500 million records, had 13 Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles, and was the first artist to have top 10 singles across five decades.

His accolades include 15 Grammy Awards, six Brit Awards, a Golden Globe, and 39 Guinness World Records. However, recent revelations by his 22-year-old son have confirmed long-standing rumors about the pop icon.

Michael Joseph Jackson was born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, as the eighth of ten children in a working-class African-American family. His mother, Katherine, was musically inclined and worked part-time at Sears, while his father, Joe, was a crane operator and guitarist in a local band. Michael had three sisters and five brothers, with a sixth brother, Marlon’s twin, Brandon, dying shortly after birth. In 1964, Michael and Marlon joined their father’s band, The Jackson Brothers, initially playing congas and tambourine. Michael later revealed that his father was physically and emotionally abusive during rehearsals, a claim that some siblings disputed.

By 1965, Michael shared lead vocals with Jermaine, and the band was renamed The Jackson 5. They gained fame after winning a talent show and touring the Midwest. Their first single, “Big Boy,” was released in 1968, and they signed with Motown, eventually moving to Los Angeles. Their debut hit, “I Want You Back,” became a number one hit in 1970, followed by other hits like “ABC” and “I’ll Be There.” Michael also launched a solo career, releasing four albums with Motown from 1972 to 1975.

In 1975, The Jackson 5 left Motown, signed with Epic Records, and renamed themselves The Jacksons. Michael continued to write songs, and the band released six more albums from 1976 to 1984. His role in the 1977 musical film “The Wiz” introduced him to Quincy Jones, who produced three of his solo albums. Michael’s 1979 album “Off the Wall” established him as a solo superstar, featuring hits like “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” and “Rock with You.” The album sold over 20 million copies and earned Michael three American Music Awards and a Grammy.

Michael’s next album, “Thriller,” released in 1982, became the best-selling album of all time, with over 70 million copies sold worldwide. It stayed at the top of the Billboard 200 chart for 37 weeks and produced seven top 10 singles, including “Billie Jean” and “Beat It.” His iconic performance of “Billie Jean” during the Motown 25 TV special introduced the moonwalk dance, earning him an Emmy nomination.

“Thriller” won eight Grammy Awards in 1984, including Album of the Year. Michael’s collaboration with Paul McCartney and his contributions to the “We Are the World” charity single in 1985 further solidified his global impact. His strategic acquisition of the ATV music publishing catalog, which included many Beatles songs, demonstrated his business acumen.

Throughout the mid-1980s, Michael’s changing skin color sparked media speculation. He was diagnosed with vitiligo and lupus, which he managed with makeup and treatments. Despite these challenges, Michael’s influence continued to grow. His collaborations, tours, and innovative music videos made him a global pop culture icon, forever changing the music industry.

In conclusion, the recent confirmation by Michael Jackson’s son of long-feared rumors adds a new dimension to the legacy of the King of Pop. Michael’s remarkable career, marked by groundbreaking achievements and personal struggles, continues to influence and inspire artists worldwide.