Michael Jackson: 5 important dates in his career
"We Are The World", "This Is It", "Thriller" or "Bad" are all highlights of the career of the star Michael Jackson. Look back at five of them.
From his early childhood days with his brothers in The Jackson 5, to his collaboration with Quincy Jones, to his famous dance step, close-up on the key elements of Michael Jackson's career.
Michael Jackson: his debut with the Jackson 5, in 1963
The Jackson 5 made their debut in 1963. It is made up of five siblings: Jackie, Jermaine, Toriano nicknamed "Tito", Marlon and Michael. The Jackson 5 quickly signed their first contract in Motown and success continued. Their first single, "I Want You Back" (1969) is a huge hit, as are the following: "ABC" (1970), "I'll Be There" (1970) and "Never Can Say Goodbye" (1971) . But it’s the young Michael above all who catches the eye. The producers seduced by the youn g artist push him to pursue a solo career.
Michael Jackson: his solo debut in 1979
While continuing with the Jackson 5, Michael Jackson released his first solo records in 1972. "Got to Be There" (1972), "Ben" (1972) and "Music and Me" (1973) are hits. But it was not until 1979 and his collaboration with Quincy Jones, that Michael Jackson's career exploded. Together, the two artists will produce three of the greatest albums of all time: "Off The Wall" in 1979, "Thriller" in 1982 and "Bad" in 1987. These opuses make Michael Jackson a star and a worldwide phenomenon, notably thanks to the hits "Billie Jean" and "Beat it" (1983), "Rock With You" and "Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough" (1979), or even "Smooth Criminal" in 1988.
Michael Jackson: the king of the moonwalk, in 1983
Michael Jackson is a complete artist, known for his talents as a singer but also as a dancer. On May 26, 1983, on NBC, he performed for the first time the famous moonwalk step, which he popularized and which made him an icon. He performed it on the hit "Billie Jean".
Michael Jackson: the “USA for Africa” collective, in 1985
In 1985, under the leadership of Harry Belafonte and Ken Kragen, the USA for Africa collective (United Support of Artists for Africa) was created. It brings together more than 40 artists to fight against famine in Ethiopia by raising funds. They decide to call on Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson to compose a hymn for the collective. It’s done with "We Are The World". It’s a real success, the song has raised over $ 75 million.
Michael Jackson: "This Is It", in 2009
In 2009, precisely on March 5, Michael Jackson announced at a press conference that he would be doing the last tour of his career, "This it It". Initially, only 12 dates are scheduled in London, but given the success of the sales, the artist is planning a total of 50 performances. The concerts scheduled to start on July 8, 2009 are postponed until July 13, 2009. But on June 25, 2009, Michael Jackson passed away at the age of 50, without being able to complete his huge project.
