Billie Jean Song

Michael Jackson

Jackson performing in June 1988

Born Michael Joseph Jackson

August 29, 1958

Gary, Indiana, U.S.

Died June 25, 2009 (aged 50)

Los Angeles, California, U.S.

Cause of death Cardiac arrest induced by acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication

Burial place Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, California, U.S.

Other names Michael Joe Jackson

Occupation

Singersongwriterdancer

Spouse(s) Lisa Marie Presley

(m. 1994; div. 1996)

Debbie Rowe

(m. 1996; div. 1999)

Children 3

Parents

Joe Jackson (father)

Katherine Jackson (mother)

Family Jackson family

Musical career

Genres

Popsoulfunkrhythm and bluesrockdiscopost-discodance-popnew jack swing

Instruments Vocals

Years active 1964–2009

Labels

SteeltownMotownEpicLegacySonyMJJ Productions

Associated acts

The Jackson 5

Website michaeljackson.com

Signature

Michael Jackson signature.svg

Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American singer, songwriter, and dancer. Dubbed the "King of Pop", he was one of the most popular entertainers in the world and one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

Jackson's contributions to music, dance, and fashion along with his publicized personal life made him a global figure in popular culture for over four decades.

The eighth child of the Jackson family, Michael made his professional debut in 1964 with his elder brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon as a member of the Jackson 5. He began his solo career in 1971 while at Motown Records. In the early 1980s, Jackson became a dominant figure in popular music. His music videos, including those of "Beat It", "Billie Jean", and "Thriller" from his 1982 album Thriller, are credited with breaking racial barriers and transforming the medium into an art form and promotional tool. The popularity of these videos helped bring the television channel MTV to fame. Jackson's 1987 album Bad spawned the U.S