Super hits, awards, controversies, Michael Jackson had it all

The world celebrates late Michael Jackson’s birthday today.  The ‘King of Pop’, as he was popularly known as, had a remarkable career, arguably one of the best when it comes to the music industry. Although he started off from humble beginnings, he tasted success from a very young age and went on to become a global icon. His illustrious career had everything, from chart toppers and multiple awards to never-ending controversies and lawsuits.

 Michael began his career at the age of six when he started performing along with his brothers in the ‘Jackson Five’. They were soon signed by the Motown records. the group produced hit singles such as ‘I Want You Back’ and ‘The Lover You Save’.

Also read: What made Michael Jackson the ‘King of Pop’? A peek at his record-breaking hits

By the second half of the 70s, Michael’s pursuit for a solo career increased and he produced his first solo album, ‘Off The Wall‘ with the help of producer Quincy Jones. The album, which had Grammy Award-winning songs such as ‘Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough’ and ‘Rock with You’, became a huge success and went on to sell more than 20 million copies.

His second album ‘Thriller’ (1982) established his position as the most famous pop singer in the world. The album earned 12 Grammy Award nominations and won eight of those awards. He also debuted his famous dance move called the ‘Moonwalk’ during a television performance of the album’s song, ‘Billie Jean’.

Michael’s talent could be seen from the varied categories of awards he had won. For instance, he has received the Grammy Award for Best Rhythm and Blues Song, Best Pop Vocal Performance and Best Rock Vocal Performance to name a few. He  has won 13 Grammy Awards, including the Grammy Legend Award , Hall of Fame, and Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, 6 Brit Awards, 5 Billboard Music Awards, and 24 American Music Awards. He also holds 12 Guinness World Records.

Also read: Remembering Michael Jackson: Bollywood stars who were inspired by the ‘King of Pop

Despite such a successful career, Michael’s personal life was always full of controversies. He had a difficult childhood under an authoritarian father. Michael married Lisa Marie Presley in 1994 and got divorced two years later. He married long-time friend Deborah Rowe in 1996. They later got divorced in 1999. There were several charges of child abuse against Michael. He also suffered physically due to several nose reconstruction surgeries.

Michael’s last album, ‘Invincibles’ came out in 2001. the pop icon died on June 25, 2009 at a rented mansion in the district of Los Angeles.