Michael Joseph Jackson

Michael Joseph Jackson (born August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana), is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, and philanthropist. He began his career as the lead singer of the Motown act, The Jackson 5, in the 1960s, and made his first solo recordings in 1971 as part of the Jackson 5 franchise. Jackson began a full-fledged solo career in 1979 and formally parted with his siblings in 1987, and has since become the most successful recording artist in black music history, and one of the most successful solo artists in music history. He is widely known as the "King of Pop".
His 1982 album Thriller currently holds the title of being the best selling album in history, it has been said that 60 million copies have been sold worldwide.[1]. In addition to his albums, Jackson has also recorded thirteen number-one hits, including "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough", "Rock With You", "Billie Jean", and "Beat It". In addition to his thirteen number-one singles, he also is credited with a further four number-one singles with his brothers in the group The Jackson 5, giving him a total of seventeen number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. His distinctive dance moves, music videos, and pop appeal have inspired and influenced many of today's singers, such as Janet Jackson, Usher, Beyoncé, and Justin Timberlake.
Despite his career success, he has been dogged by media attention over allegations of child sexual abuse, which resulted in a trial and acquittal in 2005.