Michael Jackson was born on August 29th, 1958. He was an African American singer, songwriter and dancer who was known as the King of Pop around the world. He is one of the most regarded significant cultural figures of the 20th century. Over his four-decade career he was a prime figure in public. On a personal note, I loved him because he was a talented black figure in a time in which racism was very prevalent across society. Despite his challenges, he was still an icon to young black children like me. People often forget that celebrities are humans as well. Because of this stereotypical view, we expect so much from these individuals since they are prominent figures in society. Jackson has influenced many artists across every genre, on the stage and through video performances. Jackson was gifted with dancing and popularized complicated dance moves. One of his most known ones is the Moonwalk and the Robot. He is also the most awarded music artist in history.

Michael Jackson is the eighth child in the Jackson family. He made his first debut in 1964 with his eldest brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon as the Jackson 5. Jackson began his solo career in 1971 while at the Motown records and became a solo artist with his 1979 album “Off the Walls”. His music videos include the songs “Beat it”, “Billie Jean”, and “Thriller” from his 1982 album “Thriller.”

Since the late 1980s, Jackson has been a figure of controversy. There have been multiple speculations regarding his changed appearance, behavior, relashtips and lifestyle. In 1993, he was accused of sexually abusing the child of a family friend. He was not indicted despite the lawsuit being settled in a civil court. There was a lack of evidence that he didn’t go to jail. The same thing happened in 2005 when he was tried and acquitted of sexual abuse child allegations, among other charges. In 2009 he was preparing for a series of comeback concerts when tragedy struck. Jackson died due to an overdose and his doctor was later convicted of involuntary manslaughter. 

Jackson is one of the best selling solo artists in his history. He and his family, specifically his brothers, made history by being the first African Americans to attain crossover in 1972. In 1986 to 1987 he got world wide coverage of his skin color. He had always been medium brown. However, it slowly became paler in the mid 1980s. There was even speculation that he had been bleaching his skin. Jackson’s dermatologist observed in 1983 that he had Vitiligo. He was also diagnosed with Lupus that year. He also had some plastic surgery done on his cleft chin and said he lost weight in the early 1980s. Witnesses reported that he often felt dizzy and speculated he was suffering from anorexia Nervosa.

Michael Jackson’s life was extremely sad. Fame may sound fun and cool to some people. However, it is not. Everyone wants to take pictures of you. Everyone wants to be you. You always have to watch your back because things can be taken out of contact without the true meaning. Always be yourself and remember that celebrities are humans like us too. 

“But I will never stop helping and loving people the way Jesus said to.”

—-Michael Jackson