Michael Jackson, born Michael Joseph Jackson on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist. Known as the "King of Pop," he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century.

He began his career at a young age as the lead singer of the Jackson 5, a group formed with his brothers. The Jackson 5 signed with Motown Records in 1969 and quickly rose to fame with hits like "I Want You Back," "ABC," and "I'll Be There."

His solo career took off in the early 1970s, and he became a global superstar with the release of his 1979 album "Off the Wall." His 1982 album "Thriller" remains the best-selling album of all time, featuring iconic tracks such as "Billie Jean," "Beat It," and the title track "Thriller." His innovative music videos and dance moves, including the moonwalk, revolutionized the music industry and set new standards for performance and production.

Throughout his career, Michael Jackson continued to release successful albums, including "Bad" in 1987, "Dangerous" in 1991, and "HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I" in 1995. His influence extended beyond music to fashion and dance, making him a global icon. He was acquitted of all charges in a highly publicized trial in 2005.

His personal life was often in the spotlight. He was married twice, first to Lisa Marie Presley in 1994 and then to Debbie Rowe in 1996, with whom he had two children, Prince and Paris. He also had a third child, Prince Michael II, known as Blanket, through a surrogate. His changing appearance and eccentric behavior often attracted media attention, but his talent and contributions to music remained undeniable.

His lifestyle reflected his status as a global superstar. He lived in the famous Neverland Ranch, a sprawling estate complete with amusement park rides and a zoo.

Throughout his illustrious career, he received numerous awards, including 13 Grammy Awards, the Grammy Legend Award, and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Some of his best songs include "Thriller," "Billie Jean," "Beat It," "Smooth Criminal," and "Black or White."