Last Updated:

2024-03-19 00:46:29

Michael Jackson

American King of Pop

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American King of Pop

Michael Joseph Jackson, known as the 'King of Pop', was a significant cultural figure of the 20th century. His music, dance moves, and videos broke racial barriers and influenced artists across genres. With over 500 million records sold worldwide, he is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, earning numerous awards and Guinness World Records.

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1958

Michael Jackson's Birth

Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, was born on August 29, 1958.

1958-08-29

Birth of Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson, the 'King of Pop,' was born on August 29, 1958, and became one of the most iconic and influential figures in the history of popular music.

1962-08

Singing Debut with The Jackson Five

In August 1962, Michael Jackson made his singing debut with his brothers in The Jackson Five.

1964-08-01

Formation of The Jackson Five

The Jackson Five was formed on August 1, 1964.

1964-08-16

Debut with The Jackson 5

Michael Jackson made his first appearance as one of the singers of The Jackson 5, alongside his brothers, marking the beginning of his group career.

1968-08-07

First Jackson Five Album Release

"Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5" was the name of the album released by the Jackson Five.

1969-08-01

Ascension of The Jackson Five

The Jackson Five achieved a significant milestone on August 1, 1969.

1969-10-07

The Rise of the Jackson 5

The Jackson 5 released their first single, “I Want You Back,” from their debut album, Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5. This marked the beginning of an incredible run for the group.

1970

Success of Jackson 5 Hits

The Jackson 5 hits “ABC, “The Love You Save” and “I’ll Be There” all reach No. 1 on Billboard charts.

1971-08-01

Release of 'Got to Be There'

The album 'Got to Be There' was released on August 1, 1971.

1971-09-01

Commencement of Tours

Many tours commenced in September 1971.

1971-11-06

Album Success in EU Top 40 Singles

From November 6, 1971, until the beginning of 2011, Michael Jackson's albums consistently held top positions in the EU top 40 singles chart, showcasing his high level of success and influence in the music industry.

1972-01-24

Release of 'Got to Be There'

Michael Jackson released 'Got to Be There' during his time working with his brothers in The Jackson 5.

1972-07-12

Michael Jackson’s First Solo Hit

Michael Jackson released “Ben,” which became his first solo hit. The song was released for the Motown label and spent 7 days at number one on the US pop chart.

1972-10-08

Release of Ben Album

Michael Jackson's second studio album 'Ben' with 'The Jackson 5' received mixed reviews from critics but was more successful on music charts than his previous studio album. It charted within the top ten on the Billboard 200.

1973-04-13

Music & Me Album Release

Michael Jackson released his third solo album, 'Music & Me,' on the Motown label, which sold 4 million copies worldwide. The album was reissued in 2009 as part of a 3-disc compilation.

1974-01-02

Michael Jackson Premieres “The Robot”

Michael Jackson introduced “The Robot,” an illusionary dance style similar to popping, imitating the movements of a dancing robot.

1975-01-01

Broken Ties

Significant ties were broken on January 1, 1975.

1978-10-25

Michael Jackson plays “The Scarecrow” in The Wiz

Michael Jackson played the role of “The Scarecrow” in The Wiz, an urbanized version of L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

1979-08-10

Release of Michael Jackson's 'Off the Wall' album

Michael Jackson released his solo album 'Off the Wall', which impressed the public with its music. The track 'Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough' from the album earned him a Grammy Award.

1980-10-18

Michael Jackson continues singing with The Jacksons

Despite his successful solo career, Michael Jackson continued to sing with The Jacksons even after winning a Grammy Award for his solo work.

1981-03-25

One Day in Your Life

The album 'One Day in Your Life' was released by Motown Records in 1981 and sold two million copies worldwide.

1982-11-12

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

The audiobook and soundtrack album 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial' was narrated by Michael Jackson for the 1982 Steven Spielberg-directed film. It was produced by Quincy Jones and distributed under MCA Records.

1982-11-30

Release of Thriller

On November 30, 1982, Michael Jackson's iconic album 'Thriller' was released, featuring hit tracks like 'Billie Jean' and 'The Girl Is Mine'. 'Thriller' went on to become the best-selling album of all time, with a global impact.

1982-11-30

Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' album release

On November 30, 1982, Michael Jackson released his iconic album 'Thriller', which became the best-selling album of all time and had a significant impact on pop music.

1982-12-01

“Thriller” Shakes the World

Michael Jackson’s sixth studio album, “Thriller,” showed a much different side to the musician, featuring much darker themes than his previous work.

1983-01-03

“Billie Jean” is released by Michael Jackson

“Billie Jean” was written by Quincy Jones for Michael Jackson’s sixth solo album, Thriller, and was based on a real-life experience of the singer.

1983-02-15

Michael Jackson Rocks the World with “Beat It”

The track “Beat It” was written by Michael Jackson and co-produced by Quincy Jones, featuring an overdriven guitar solo by Eddie Van Halen.

1983-02-25

Jane Fonda presents record awards to Michael Jackson

On February 25, 1983, Jane Fonda presented record awards to Michael Jackson in Los Angeles. This event marked a significant recognition of Michael Jackson's musical achievements.

1983-03-25

Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever

The TV special airs on NBC, featuring a memorable performance by "The Jacksons" and Michael Jackson's iconic rendition of "Billie Jean" including the jaw-dropping moonwalk.

1983-03-26

Jackson Makes the Moonwalk Popular

Michael Jackson executed the moonwalk during his performance of “Billie Jean” on Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever, making it his signature dance move.

1984-01-27

Michael Jackson suffers burns filming Pepsi commercial

On January 27, 1984, Michael Jackson arrived at Brotman Memorial Hospital in Culver City after suffering second-degree burns on his scalp while filming a Pepsi commercial. The incident was confirmed by officials.

1984-01-28

Michael Jackson Hair gets Burned During Pepsi Commercial

Pyrotechnics accidentally set Michael Jackson’s hair on fire at the filming of a Pepsi Cola commercial, resulting in a $1.5 million settlement from PepsiCo.

1984-05-14

Fireworks Accident on Pepsi Cola Commercial

He suffered burns to his scalp and face due to a fireworks accident that occurred during a Pepsi Cola commercial. After his recovery, Pepsi awarded him 1.5 million dollars.

1985-01-01

The MoonWalk

Michael Jackson performs the first 'MoonWalk' dance move during a TV show while singing 'Beat It', one of his highly successful songs.

1986-03-19

Humanitarian Work Award at the White House

He was invited to the White House to receive a special award for his humanitarian work.

1987-08-31

Bad Album Release

Michael Jackson's seventh studio album, 'Bad', was released on August 31, 1987. It has sold over 30 million copies worldwide.

1987-09-24

Release of 'Bad' Album

Michael Jackson's album 'Bad' was released in 1987, showcasing his musical versatility and contributing to his status as the 'King of Pop'.

1988-02-01

The Release of Jackson’s Autobiography, “Moonwalk”

Michael Jackson released his autobiography, “Moonwalk,” which became number one on the New York Times Best Seller list.

1988-02-24

Michael Jackson U.S. Tour Opening Performance

Michael Jackson performs the opening show of his 13-city U.S. tour in Kansas City, Missouri, showcasing his iconic dance moves and musical talent.

1990

Thriller certified as best-selling album

Thriller is certified as the best-selling album ever by the Guinness Book of World Records, having sold 65 million copies to date.

1991-11-26

Dangerous Album Release

Michael Jackson's eighth studio album, 'Dangerous', was released on November 26, 1991. It debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart and has sold over 32 million copies worldwide. The album also won a Grammy for Best Engineered Album.

1992

Revelation of vitiligo and emotional abuse

Michael Jackson reveals to Oprah Winfrey that he has vitiligo and discloses that his father emotionally abused him as a child.

1993-01-31

Release of Dangerous

The album 'Dangerous' is released, featuring the highly successful song 'Black or White' which reaches number one.

1993-02-01

Superbowl XXVII

Michael Jackson performed at the Superbowl XXVII, making it a great decision for North American football. The event showcased his talent and attracted a large audience.

1993-02-10

Michael Jackson is Interviewed by Oprah Winfrey

In a 90-minute interview with Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jackson shared about the abuse he experienced as a child and dismissed several allegations and rumors.

1993-05-24

First Child Abuse Allegation

Michael Jackson was accused of abusing Jordan Chandler, with allegations of masturbation and forced oral sex. The father of the child made the accusations.

1993-08-07

Accusation of Child Molestation

Michael Jackson faced accusations of molesting a 13-year-old child. The case was eventually archived due to lack of evidence, but it significantly impacted his public image and personal life.

1993-08-18

Jackson Accused of Sexual Abuse

Michael Jackson faced an accusation in 1993 of having sexually abused a 13-year-old child, leading to the distress that caused him to cancel the Dangerous World Tour.

1993-12-07

Michael Jackson Releases “Dangerous – The Short Films”

Michael Jackson released Dangerous – The Short Films, originally on VHS and later on DVD, showcasing his artistry.

1994-05-24

First Wedding to Lisa Marie Presley

Michael Jackson married Lisa Marie Presley, whom he had known since 1975, marking his first marriage.

1994-05-26

Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley Gets Married

Michael Jackson married the daughter of Elvis Presley, Lisa Marie Presley, after meeting again in 1993 with the help of a mutual friend.

1994-08-01

Marriage to Lisa Marie Presley

On August 1, 1994, Michael Jackson married Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of the legendary musician Elvis Presley.

1995-01-01

Career Decline

On January 1, 1995, critics commented on Michael Jackson's declining career and eccentric personality.

1995-06-16

Release of HIStory Album

Michael Jackson's ninth studio album, HIStory, was released on June 16, 1995 by Epic Records. The majority of the album's tracks were written and produced by Jackson.

1996-01-18

Lisa Marie Presley and Michael Jackson get Divorced

Lisa Marie Presley and Michael Jackson got divorced during the child sexual abuse scandal, leading to speculation about the nature of their marriage.

1996-05-27

Separation from Lisa Marie Presley

On May 27, 1996, Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley decided to separate.

1996-08-06

Divorce from Lisa Marie Presley

On August 6, 1996, Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley divorced after a two-year relationship.

1996-09-25

Second Wedding with Debbie Rowe

On September 25, 1996, Michael Jackson announced his second wedding with Debbie Rowe, who was the nurse of his dermatologist.

1996-11-13

Second Marriage to Lisa Marie Presley

On November 13, 1996, Michael Jackson remarried Lisa Marie Presley.

1996-11-16

Michael Jackson and Debbie Row Gets Married

Michael Jackson married Debbie Jeanne Rowe during the Australian leg of the HIStory World Tour, and she bore two children for the pop singer.

1997-02-13

Birth of Michael Jr.

Michael Joseph 'Prince' Jackson Jr. was born through artificial insemination to Michael Jackson and Debbie Rowe.

1997-05-20

Blood on the Dance Floor

Blood on the Dance Floor is a remix album with worldwide sales of six million copies as of 2009, making it the best selling remix album ever released.

1998-02-12

White complexion

Michael Jackson's appearance change led to serious degenerative skin cancer and other skin problems.

1998-04-03

Birth of Paris Michael Katherine Jackson

Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, the second child of Michael Jackson and Debbie Rowe, was also born through artificial insemination.

1999-01-01

Michael Jackson's Divorce from Debbie Rowe

In 1999, Michael Jackson divorced Debbie Rowe. Despite the divorce, Michael retained custody of their children. It was during this time that Michael reportedly had a third child through an unknown surrogate, whom he named Prince Michael 'Blanket' Jackson II.

1999-05-22

Rhinoplasty, Mentoplasty, and Vitiligo Treatment

In 1999, he underwent rhinoplasty and mentoplasty, and changed his complexion to white to treat his vitiligo.

2000-01-01

Decline in Michael Jackson's Career

In 2000, Michael Jackson's career saw a decline.

2001-01-01

Release of 'HIStory: Past, Present, and Future, Book I'

At the beginning of the millennium, Michael Jackson's album 'HIStory: Past, Present, and Future, Book I' received a bad reception due to the exploration of old and new songs, including the song 'Scream' featuring Janet Jackson.

2001-08-25

Release of Invincible Album

In August 25, 2001, Michael Jackson released his tenth studio album 'Invincible', which sold 7.5 million copies.

2001-10-30

Release of Invincible Album

Michael Jackson released his tenth studio album, Invincible, which was well-received by the public and sold well. However, his eccentric behavior as an artist overshadowed the success of the album.

2002-02-21

Birth of Michael Jackson II (Blanket)

Michael Jackson's third child, Blanket, was born in La Mesa, California. The identity of the child's biological mother, a surrogate, remains unknown.

2003-09-28

Second Accusation of Child Violation

Michael Jackson faced his second accusation of child abuse, this time involving Gavin Arvizo.

2003-11-01

Michael Jackson Documentary Appearance

Michael Jackson appeared on a documentary discussing his interactions with children and addressing the topic of sleepovers.

2003-11-20

Michael Jackson booked on child molestation charges

On November 20, 2003, Michael Jackson was booked on child molestation charges in Santa Barbara County Jail. He left the jail holding up a peace sign, accompanied by his attorney Mark Geragos.

2004-01

Plea of not guilty

In January 2004, Michael Jackson pleaded not guilty to child molestation charges.

2005-01-31

Judgement on Child Violation Accusation

Michael Jackson was accused of violating a child, but he was later declared innocent of all charges after a trial from January 31, 2005, to June 13, 2005.

2005-06-01

Arrest of Michael Jackson

Following the screening of the documentary, allegations of pedophilia led to the arrest of Michael Jackson. He was later released on bail after being indicted.

2005-06-13

Acquittal on All Charges

On June 13, 2005, Michael Jackson was acquitted on all charges against him.

2005-06-14

Testimony of Macauley Culkin

Actor Macauley Culkin testified in support of Michael Jackson during the trial.

2006-03-16

Closure of Neverland Ranch House

In March 2006, Michael Jackson closed the house on his Neverland Ranch and dismissed some of the staff, although the estate was not entirely shut down.

2008-08-29

King of Pop album released

The King of Pop album was released as a tribute to Michael Jackson's 50th birthday. The album's content varied by country due to fan voting, and its title was inspired by a title Jackson had acquired two decades earlier.

2009-01-01

Acquittal of Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson was acquitted of all accusations, but his career, fame, and finances were severely impacted.

2009-03-05

Announcement of London concerts

Michael Jackson announces a series of concerts in London, which were considered to be one of his most significant shows of the decade.

2009-05-20

Concerts postponed

The scheduled concerts are postponed, with organizers stating that the singer's health is in excellent condition.

2009-06-25

Death of Michael Jackson

Michael Joseph Jackson tragically passed away at the age of 50.

2009-06-29

The Collection Release

The Collection is a compilation box set by Michael Jackson, released four days after his death, although its release was already scheduled before Jackson's passing.

2009-07-07

Public Memorial

A public memorial was held for Michael Jackson on July 7, 2009.

2009-08-07

Michael Jackson's Funeral

Michael Jackson's funeral took place in the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Artists like Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, Mariah Carey, John Mayer, Jennifer Hudson, Usher, Jermaine Jackson, and Shaheen Jafargholi participated in the funeral.

2009-09-03

Michael Jackson's Cardiac Arrest

Michael Jackson suffered a cardiac arrest at his home in Los Angeles, leading to his untimely death.

2009-09-24

Release of 'Michael Jackson's This Is It' film tickets

Fans of Michael Jackson lined up at L.A. Live in Los Angeles on September 24, 2009, to purchase tickets for the 'Michael Jackson's This Is It' film. The film was created from extensive behind-the-scenes footage of rehearsals.

2009-10-28

Release of 'Michael Jackson's This Is It' documentary

Sony releases 'Michael Jackson's This Is It,' a documentary featuring rehearsal footage from Jackson's tour that was supposed to begin in July 2019. Jackson's family was publicly against the release of the film.

2010-02-03

Living with Michael Jackson Documentary

In the documentary 'Living with Michael Jackson', he denies abusing a child but admits to sharing a bed with a child.

2010-12-10

Michael Album Release

The album 'Michael' containing previously unreleased tracks of Michael Jackson was released on December 10, 2010 by Epic Records and Sony Music Entertainment, featuring guest performances by Akon, 50 Cent, Lenny Kravitz, and Dave Grohl.

2011-11-07

Dr. Conrad Murray's Conviction

Dr. Conrad Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in Michael Jackson's death and was later sentenced to a maximum of four years in prison.

2012-08-12

Temporary Suspension of Guardianship

The judge temporarily suspended the guardianship of Paris Katherine Jackson, Michael Joseph Jr. and Prince Michael II, during which TJ Jackson, son of Tito, received temporary custody of the children.

2013-08-07

Restoration of Guardianship

A judge restored Katherine Jackson as the main guardian of Paris, Prince and Blanket.

2017

Continued Album Production Announcement

Michael Jackson's label announced that they would continue to produce albums until 2017, the year of his death.

2019-02-26

Impact of 'Leaving Neverland' on Michael Jackson's Family

The brothers of the late singer Michael Jackson, along with their father's death in 2018, were already facing challenges in managing his memory and legacy. The news of the documentary 'Leaving Neverland' added to their difficulties.

2021

Dispute Over Michael Jackson's Estate

Michael Jackson's son is involved in a dispute over the $600 million catalog deal and believes that the estate should not pay his grandmother's legal bills.

2022

Michael Jackson Estate Claims $55M Received Since His Death

The estate of Michael Jackson asserts that his mother has received $55 million since the passing of the legendary pop star. This claim sheds light on the financial aspects of Jackson's posthumous legacy.

End of the Timeline
Michael Jackson