Michael Jackson

Early Life and Career with The Jackson 5 (1958-1971)

Michael Jackson was born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, the eighth of ten children in the Jackson family. His father, Joe Jackson, was a strict disciplinarian and played a crucial role in shaping Michael's early career. Michael showed remarkable musical talent at a young age and joined his brothers in a group called The Jackson 5. They achieved significant success with hits like "I Want You Back," "ABC," and "I'll Be There." Michael quickly became the standout member due to his exceptional singing and dancing abilities.

Solo Career and Breakthrough (1971-1982)

Michael began his solo career in 1971, although he remained a member of The Jackson 5. His solo career took off with the release of "Off the Wall" in 1979, produced by Quincy Jones. The album was a major success, featuring hits like "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" and "Rock with You."

"Thriller" and Unprecedented Fame (1982-1993)

In 1982, Michael released "Thriller," which became the best-selling album of all time, with iconic tracks such as "Billie Jean," "Beat It," and the title track "Thriller." The album's success was bolstered by groundbreaking music videos and Michael's unique dance moves, including the moonwalk.During the 1980s, Michael Jackson solidified his status as a global superstar. He continued to release successful albums, including "Bad" (1987), which featured hits like "Bad," "Man in the Mirror," and "Smooth Criminal." His innovative music videos and elaborate live performances set new standards in the music industry.

Challenges and Controversies (1993-2003)

Despite his professional success, Michael's life was increasingly marred by personal challenges and controversies. In 1993, he faced allegations of child sexual abuse, which he settled out of court without admitting guilt. This period marked the beginning of a decline in his public image.In 1994, Michael married Lisa Marie Presley, the daughter of Elvis Presley. Their marriage was highly publicized but ended in divorce in 1996. Later that year, he married Debbie Rowe, with whom he had two children: Prince Michael Jackson (born 1997) and Paris Jackson (born 1998). The couple divorced in 1999, and Michael retained custody of the children.

Later Albums and Continued Success (1995-2003)

In 1995, Michael released the double album "HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I," which included both greatest hits and new material. The album featured hits like "Scream" (a duet with his sister Janet Jackson) and "You Are Not Alone." Despite mixed critical reviews, it sold well globally.Michael's final studio album before turning 45 was "Invincible" (2001), which received mixed reviews and did not achieve the commercial success of his earlier works.By the time he turned 45 in 2003, Michael Jackson was both celebrated for his immense contributions to music and dance and scrutinized for his eccentric lifestyle and the allegations against him. His legacy was already secure, but his personal life continued to draw significant media attention.

Appearance

Michael Jackson's appearance was characterized by noticeable changes from his earlier years, which were the result of multiple plastic surgeries and a skin condition called vitiligo. He had a very light skin tone due to the depigmentation caused by vitiligo and possibly skin treatments to even out his skin tone. His nose appeared very narrow and refined, a result of several rhinoplasties. Jackson's facial features were also more angular, and he often wore heavy makeup, wigs, and sometimes surgical masks in public. His hairstyle typically included long, straight, black hair. This year was also marked by Jackson facing legal and media scrutiny, which brought further attention to his appearance.

Personality

Publicly, he was known for his eccentric and reclusive behavior. He maintained an air of mystery and was often seen as shy and soft-spoken in interviews. Despite his reclusiveness, he was also known for his generosity, philanthropy, and deep love for children and humanitarian causes.Jackson was facing significant stress and scrutiny during this period due to legal issues and allegations, which undoubtedly affected his demeanor. Those close to him described him as kind-hearted, childlike, and sensitive, yet he also exhibited signs of being deeply troubled by the controversies and pressures surrounding him. His interactions with the public and media were often guarded, aiming to protect his privacy and personal life.

Mental state

In 2003, Michael Jackson's mental state was likely under considerable strain due to a combination of legal battles, public scrutiny, and personal challenges. This was the year he faced serious allegations of child molestation, which culminated in a widely publicized arrest in November. The intense media attention and legal pressures would have been extraordinarily stressful. Friends and family reported that Jackson was deeply affected by the accusations and the negative press. He reportedly experienced significant anxiety, stress, and feelings of betrayal. The constant invasion of privacy and the pressure to maintain his public persona despite ongoing legal troubles likely exacerbated his stress levels. Additionally, Jackson's history of dealing with fame from a very young age and the physical and emotional impacts of his changing appearance contributed to a complex and likely fragile mental state during this period.

Mike's children

In 2003, Michael Jackson had three children: 1. **Michael Joseph Jackson Jr. (commonly known as Prince)**, born on February 13, 1997. He would have been 6 years old in 2003. 2. **Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson**, born on April 3, 1998. She would have been 5 years old in 2003. 3. **Prince Michael Jackson II (commonly known as Blanket, now known as Bigi)**, born on February 21, 2002. He would have been 1 year old in 2003.