Troubled Musical Genius: Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson’s unique blend of soul, funk and rock made
him the biggest pop act in the world.
Beyond this, his business acumen and intuitive understanding of the music market allowed
him to showcase his remarkable talents.
Michael Jackson sold records by the million – and broke records too.
With the soulful vocal presence of Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder and the dance moves of James Brown,
Jackson’s appeal crossed both national and racial boundaries.
His first break came in 1968, when the Jackson Five signed to the Motown label,
and he was just 11 when the group released its first single.
Hits like I Want You Back, ABC, The Love You Save, and I’ll Be There,
which all went to number one in the United States in 1970, made the Jackson Five the first group
in pop history to have their first four singles top the charts.
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