1958
BEGINNINGS
Born in Gary, Indiana
Michael Joseph Jackson was born on August 29, 1958, beginning a journey that would eventually transform music, dance, film, and popular culture around the world.
1969
MOTOWN
The Jackson 5
Signing with Motown Records launched Michael into international stardom alongside his brothers with hits such as "I Want You Back" and "ABC."
1972
SOLO DEBUT
Got to Be There
Michael's first solo album introduced him as an artist beyond the Jackson 5. While continuing to perform with his brothers, he began building the solo career that would eventually redefine popular music.
1979
ALBUM
Off the Wall
Produced by Quincy Jones, Off the Wall established Michael Jackson as a mature solo artist and introduced a new era of pop, funk, disco, and R&B.
1982
THE PHENOMENON
Thriller
Released in 1982, Thriller became the best-selling album of all time while redefining what a music video could become.
1983
ICONIC MOMENT
The Moonwalk
Michael debuted the moonwalk during Motown 25, creating one of the most recognizable moments in television and entertainment history.
1984
WORLD TOUR
Victory Tour
Reuniting with his brothers for the final time on tour, Michael performed to record-breaking crowds across North America while donating millions of dollars in ticket proceeds to charity.
1985
HUMANITARIAN
We Are the World
Co-written with Lionel Richie, "We Are the World" brought together dozens of artists to raise millions for famine relief, becoming one of history's most successful charity singles.
1987
A NEW ERA
Bad
With five consecutive Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles, Bad showcased Michael's creative independence and expanded his cinematic storytelling.
1988
THE FILM
Moonwalker
Blending music videos, fantasy, visual effects, and live performance, Moonwalker became one of Michael's most ambitious cinematic projects.
1991
NEW SOUND
Dangerous
Collaborating with Teddy Riley, Michael embraced new jack swing while continuing to push music videos to unprecedented levels.
1992
FOUNDATION
Heal the World
Michael established the Heal the World Foundation, supporting children through humanitarian programs while continuing to promote peace, education, and global charitable efforts.
1993
LIVE PERFORMANCE
Super Bowl XXVII
Michael's halftime performance transformed the Super Bowl into a global entertainment spectacle and remains one of the most influential halftime shows ever staged.
1995
REFLECTION
HIStory
Combining greatest hits with new material, HIStory addressed fame, humanity, injustice, and hope on a global scale.
1996
SHORT FILM
Ghosts
Co-written with Stephen King, Ghosts blended horror, dance, groundbreaking visual effects, and storytelling into what remains Michael's longest and most ambitious short film.
1997
REMIX ALBUM
Blood on the Dance Floor
Released in 1997, Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix combined five new songs with eight remixes from HIStory. It became the best-selling remix album of all time, showcasing Michael's continued experimentation with contemporary dance music.
2001
THE FINAL STUDIO ALBUM
Invincible
Michael's final studio album showcased his continued desire to innovate while embracing contemporary sounds.
2001
CELEBRATION
30th Anniversary Celebration
Held at Madison Square Garden, the concerts celebrated Michael's three decades as a solo artist and featured his first performance with the Jackson 5 in nearly twenty years.
2009
COMEBACK
This Is It
Although never performed publicly, the rehearsals captured in This Is It revealed an artist whose passion, creativity, and perfectionism remained as strong as ever.
Today
LEGACY
An Enduring Influence
More than six decades after his birth, Michael Jackson's music, dance, films, and humanitarian work continue to inspire artists and audiences around the world. His legacy remains one of the most influential in the history of entertainment.