-
Use Cases
-
Resources
-
Pricing
Michael Jackson Timeline
(August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009)Michael Jackson (1958–2009), known as the King of Pop, was an American singer, songwriter, and dancer who became one of the most influential entertainers in history. From his early years with the Jackson 5 to his record-breaking solo albums like Thriller and Bad, his career transformed popular music, dance, and music videos worldwide. More Less
Early Life and Jackson 5
Michael Jackson is born in Gary, Indiana
Aug 29, 1958
Michael Joseph Jackson was born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, the eighth of ten children in a working-class African American family. His father, Joseph Jackson, was a steelworker and aspiring musician who would later manage his sons' musical careers with strict discipline.
Image source: Michael Jackson
Joins the Jackson Brothers band
1964
At age five or six, Michael began performing with his older brothers Jackie, Tito, and Jermaine in their father's group, the Jackson Brothers. He soon became co-lead singer alongside Jermaine, impressing audiences with his remarkable voice and dance moves.
Image source: The Jackson 5
Wins Amateur Night contest at the Apollo Theater
Aug 1967
The Jackson 5 won the famous Amateur Night talent competition at Harlem's Apollo Theater in August 1967, a pivotal victory that boosted their reputation and helped them secure a recording contract.
Signs with Motown Records as the Jackson 5
Mar 1969
In March 1969, the Jackson 5 signed with Motown Records after an audition arranged through Gladys Knight and Bobby Taylor. The group relocated to California and was groomed by Motown's hit-making machine for national stardom.
'I Want You Back' becomes first number-one hit
Jan 31, 1970
The Jackson 5's debut Motown single 'I Want You Back' reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 1970. It launched a string of four consecutive chart-toppers that made the group teen sensations across America.
Image source: I Want You Back
Releases first solo album 'Got to Be There'
Jan 24, 1972
Motown released Michael's first solo album, 'Got to Be There,' in January 1972 while he was still performing with the Jackson 5. The title track became a top-five hit, establishing him as a successful solo artist in his own right.
Image source: Got to Be There
Stars in 'The Wiz' film adaptation
Oct 19, 1978
Jackson played the Scarecrow in the 1978 film musical 'The Wiz,' opposite Diana Ross as Dorothy. The experience connected him with producer Quincy Jones, who would become his key creative partner.
Image source: The Wiz (film)
Solo Career and Thriller Era
Suffers nose injury during dance rehearsal
Feb 1979
In early 1979, Jackson broke his nose during a complex dance routine, leading to his first rhinoplasty. Complications from the surgery prompted further procedures and contributed to changes in his appearance over the following years.
Releases breakthrough solo album 'Off the Wall'
Aug 10, 1979
Produced by Quincy Jones, 'Off the Wall' marked Jackson's emergence as an adult solo superstar. Blending disco, funk, and pop, it sold over 20 million copies worldwide and produced hits including 'Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough,' which won him his first Grammy.
Image source: Off the Wall
Releases 'Thriller', the best-selling album of all time
Nov 30, 1982
'Thriller' shattered every sales record, eventually selling more than 66 million copies worldwide. With seven top-ten singles including 'Billie Jean' and 'Beat It,' it spent 37 weeks at number one and won a record eight Grammy Awards in 1984.
Image source: Thriller (album)
Key Facts
- Michael Jackson was born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, and began performing with his brothers in the Jackson 5 as a child.
- His 1982 album 'Thriller' remains the best-selling album of all time, with estimated sales of over 66 million copies worldwide.
- He popularized iconic dance moves such as the moonwalk, which he first performed publicly in 1983 during a Motown television special.
- Jackson won 13 Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, both as a solo artist and as a member of the Jackson 5.
- He died on June 25, 2009, in Los Angeles from acute propofol intoxication while preparing for his comeback concert series, 'This Is It.'
Source
This Michael Jackson timeline was generated with the help of AI, using information found on the internet.
We work hard to keep these timelines accurate, but mistakes do get through. If you spot one, email us at [email protected] and we'll fix it for future visitors.
Want a timeline like this one?
Generate yours with AI or build it from scratch, for free.