Michael Jackson
Drilled in a Gary living room by a steelworker father; Thriller remains the best-selling album ever.
Michael Jackson was born in 1958 in Gary, Indiana, US. Michael Jackson's background is described as Black American. Growing up, the family was working class — a crane operator's nine children in a two-bedroom house; their father's rehearsal discipline, Michael later said, crossed into abuse. Drilled in a Gary living room by a steelworker father; Thriller remains the best-selling album ever.
- Born
- 1958 · Gary, Indiana, US
- Roots
- Black American
- Family
- Working class
- A crane operator's nine children in a two-bedroom house; their father's rehearsal discipline, Michael later said, crossed into abuse.
- Education
- Schooling gave way to touring from childhood
- Started with
- A living-room rehearsal
- Joined his brothers' group at six under their father's regime.
- Affiliations & societies
- Jehovah's WitnessesDocumented
- Raised in the faith and went door-to-door even at the height of fame; disassociated in 1987.
- Information only — claims like these are often unverifiable and may be wrong.
The pathway
- 1968 · age 10Motown signs the Jackson 5
Their first four singles all reach number one — a first.
- 1979 · age 21Off the Wall
The Quincy Jones partnership begins.
- 1982 · age 24Thriller70M+ copies
Cited as the best-selling album in history; seven of its nine tracks become top-ten singles.
- 1983 · age 24The moonwalk
On the Motown 25 broadcast, before 47 million viewers.
- 1985 · age 26Buys the Beatles catalog$47.5M
Acquires ATV Music, having learned the value of publishing from Paul McCartney himself.
- 1993 · age 35Allegations
Child-abuse allegations settle out of court; a 2005 criminal trial on later, separate charges ends in acquittal on all counts.
- 2009 · age 50Dies of propofol intoxication
Weeks before a comeback tour; his physician is convicted of involuntary manslaughter.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Michael Jackson from?
Michael Jackson was born in 1958 in Gary, Indiana, US. Their background is described as Black American.
When was Michael Jackson born?
Michael Jackson was born in 1958, in Gary, Indiana, US.
What is Michael Jackson's background or ethnicity?
Michael Jackson's roots are described as Black American. These are broad categories drawn from public sources, not statements about how the person identifies.
Where did Michael Jackson go to school?
Michael Jackson's education: Schooling gave way to touring from childhood.
What was Michael Jackson's family background growing up?
At birth the family was working class. A crane operator's nine children in a two-bedroom house; their father's rehearsal discipline, Michael later said, crossed into abuse.
How did Michael Jackson get started?
Michael Jackson started with a living-room rehearsal. Joined his brothers' group at six under their father's regime.
Sources
Compiled from these references and contemporaneous press reporting. Figures are approximate; verify before relying on them.