Bradly McCallum

Michael Joseph Jackson, August 29, 1958, this pop star to be was nearly destined for the big time from an early age. Michael Jackson’s talent for singing was first discovered by his mother while Michael was the young age of three. From there Michael’s father, a struggling musician himself, gathered young Michael and his brothers to form a music group known as the Jackson Five.

The group played almost anywhere they could get a gig including strip clubs. This made a lasting impression on Michael most believe. Jackson’s father was tough and strict on him and his brothers to practice and stay focused on their musical careers. This toughness paid off when Gladys Knight discovered them and pleaded with Berry Gordy to meet with the talented Jackson Five.

The Jackson Five signed to Berry Gordy’s Motown imprint in the early 1960s and from there Michael’s star and career began to shine. Gordy immediately singled the young lead singer out to be his next big solo act giving him hits to perform alone such as “Ben”.

Eventually Michael broke off from his brothers to pursue a solo career. His debut solo effort was Off the Wall. Off the Wall was a breakthrough album for Michael and his new label, so much so, that his record label believed it was impossible for Michael to top, or even repeat, his success on his follow-up album.

Michael Jackson

As the history books would show Jackson did just that with his 1982 release named Thriller was the work between Michael and super-producer Quincy Jones. The video for the titled track shattered MTV’s color barriers and was the first of its kind in that it actually had a storyline to it.

The eighties for the most part, especially the early part, was amazing for Michael as he released several big hits and was named the ‘King of Pop’. He even introduced the world to the moonwalk, a dance he had created and perfected, at Motown’s 25th Anniversary televised show. The years ahead wouldn’t be so bright for Michael’s personal life and career however.

Marriage, Children

Jackson married the daughter of music king Elvis Presley, Lisa Marie Presley, in 1994. Many believed the marriage to be a show or put on by Jackson to end accusations that lingered that he was gay. Accusations of child molestation would soon around this time forever tarnish the King of Pop’s image, as well as several instances of bizarre behavior on Michael’s part. I love