American singer, songwriter, and dancer (1958-2009). Born in Gary, Indiana. One of the most commercially successful and influential entertainers in popular music history. Began his career as the youngest member of the Jackson 5 in 1964; launched his adult solo career with Off the Wall (1979).
Ten solo studio albums between Got to Be There (1972) and the posthumous Michael (2010). Commercial peak: Thriller (1982), which has sold over 70 million copies worldwide — the best-selling album in history by most counts. Subsequent peaks: Bad (1987), Dangerous (1991), and HIStory (1995). Thirteen Grammy Awards. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice — with the Jackson 5 (1997) and as a solo artist (2001).
