Michael Jackson

A superstar virtually his entire life after being introduced on stage with his elder brothers, taking lead vocals with his fellow Jacksons at the age of five, Michael Jackson quickly became thought of as one of the best and most influential artists of all time. His 1982 album 'Thriller' has sold over 110 million copies - the highest-selling album of all time - and his combined sales top 750 million worldwide. Full of innovative dance routines, Jackson's dramatic stage shows revolutionised live performance and he fully earned the tag King of Pop. His solo career began with 'Got to Be There' in 1972, but it was his fifth studio album 'Off the Wall' in 1979 which revealed the depth and vision of his sound and led to the conceptual classic 'Thriller' which included smash hits 'Billie Jean' and 'Beat It'. Five years after 'Thriller' came 'Bad', from which Jackson released nine singles including the title track, 'I Just Can't Stop Loving You', 'Man in the Mirror', 'Dirty Diana' and 'Smooth Criminal'. The album topped charts around the world and earned numerous awards. There was another four-year break before 'Dangerous' which featured 'Black Or White', 'Remember the Time' and 'Heal the World'. In 1991 Michael Jackson signed one of the most lucrative record deals in history, a reputed $50 million with Sony Music. In 1993 Jackson was accused of child sexual abuse but after a lengthy police investigation he was acquitted. Even though the accusations were unproven, Jackson's career was irreparably damaged and a decade later further accusations were made. In 1995 he released his first album in four year titled 'HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I, a double album of a combination of greatest hits and brand new material. Singles 'You Are Not Alone' and 'Earth Song' came from 'HIStory' and he promoted the album with a world tour in 1996-97. After a legal battle with Sony over his masters, Jackson released his tenth album 'Invincible' in 2001. Debuting at number one around the world, the album was the lift his career needed but the high would be short-lived as further accusations of child sexual came to light, made worse for Jackson by the release of the Martin Bashir documentary 'Living With Michael Jackson'. He was arrested and charged with child molestation but, following a lengthy trial referred to as 'People V. Jackson', he was once again acquitted. Rehearsing for a series of comeback concerts in London in 2009, Jackson died at the age of 50. A trial took place into the care provided to Jackson by his personal physician Conrad Murray, with the court ruling the charge as involuntary manslaughter with a conviction of four year imprisonment.

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