Nichita Stanescu National College Ploiesti

Michael Jackson , dead or alive?

Coordinating Teacher

Student

Contents
What is a legend?.......................................................................................3 Foreword..4 Introduction5 Chapter I : Life and career..6

Early life and The Jackson 5 (19581975).6 Move to Epic and Off the Wall (19751981)6 Thriller and Motown 25 (198283)..7 Pepsi, "We Are the World" and business career (198485)8 Appearance, tabloids, Bad, autobiography and films (198687)..8 Changing appearance and Neverland (19881990)9 Dangerous, Heal the World Foundation and Super Bowl XXVII(1991 93).10

First marriage (1994).10 HIStory, second marriage and fatherhood (199599)..11 Label dispute, Invincible and third child (200003)..12 Final years (200609)13

Chapter II : Death and memorial..14 Chapter III : Artistry..15

Influences..15 Musical themes and genres..15 Vocal style..16

Music videos and choreography..17

Bibliography19

What is a legend?

What is a legend? was once asked Elizabeth Taylor , MJs best friend , herself an icon of Hollywood. Michael Jackson , obviously she answered. Nobody overtakes him. Nobody can dance like him , nobody can write such songs and nobody has excited people like him. Michael is the real king of pop , and also the king of souls! Michael was and is the most famous star in the world. He have sold over 750 million albums and people still buy nowadays , setting unprecedented records.

Foreword

In this paper,it is presented the life and spectacular career of pop legend Michael Jackson,well known for his energy at concerts, peerless dance moves and his multiple world records that amazed many generations and inspired them. The first chapter, Life and career, focuses on the first appearance of Michael as a star in the family band Jackon 5,a result of his fathers cruelty and discipline ideas.There are presented important moments of MJs career, his albums that made him the new sensation in world music, the unique and original style ,incredible voice that conquered the music charts, and a true talent that settled world records and influenced many artists. In the second chapter, Death and memorial,it is presented the last moments of a short life;Michael Jacksons death made a 2009 full of good memories about his work, and showed one more time who is the most popular star of all time. His music entered once again the charts, and many fans began buying his albums. The last chapter, Artistry, emphasizes the influence of MJs career on the next generation of artists and shows a description of his remarcable style that turned the 80s and 90s into a stunning period of irreplaceable music videos, concerts and fashion.

Introduction Road to celebrity You may not be part of Michael Jackson generation, and ask yourself what was so special about Michael. Simple, he had an unmistakable voice, when he was dancing he was really fascinating , his scene outfits were incredible, his music videos were spectacular, and his shows turned into real spectacles of sound and light. Michael Joseph Jackson, born on august 29, 1958 in Gary/Indiana, was a standard for other artists and he revolutionized world music with his talent. After Elvis and The Beatles, MJ was (with 750 million sold albums during his life),the artist with the highest influence in pop music. He beat records, he won 400 important awards (Grammys, Otto awards),and became idol for stars like Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Mariah Carey,50 Cent and Beyonce. Michaels career didnt have a promising debut in the town of simple and working people from Gary/Indiana. The Jackson family had no money, but he had music in his blood. Father Joe, whose hobby was music, encouraged the musical talent of his nine sons. At the age of 7,Michael sings at school the famous song Climb Evry Mountain and all the spectators are fascinated. But no one could anticipate the fabulous climb of little Michael. But father Joe has a feeling:from the 2nd grade, he withdraws Michael from school. On that time, MJ was the leader of the band Jackson 5.His father is very cruel with him, having great expectations from him. His childhood was a continuous torment, there was nothing else but work and the fear that his father would beat him.In an interview made in 2002 by a british journalist, Michael declared that he was so afraid by his father that he threw up only when he saw him. At 15,Michael was already a superstar ,triggering hysterical fans wherever he appeared.In 1971,Michael begins a solo career.In 1979 he becomes famous with the album Off The Wall and with the disco song Dont Stop Til You Get Enough.It was only the beginning.In 1982 he started writing songs for the new album Thriller which was sold in more than 104 million copies,beating every selling record. All his creation became a masterpiece in music;he had 13 hits which reached number 1 in charts,more than any other artist.He is also known for his remarcable music videos;

Ghosts is the longest music video ever made (over 38 minutes),and Scream the most expensive (7 million $). In the last years of his life,Michael became father of three children,being divorced two times.He loved his kids so much, and the relation with them made him prepare his comeback, but his health caused his death and the sad event made a bereaved world in 2009,and also made people remember the forgotten good parts of MJ.