...he was great, a star, and he's The King of Pop
Despite Jackson's individual achievements and the group's great success, there was trouble between the Jacksons and their record company. Tensions mounted between Gordy and Joseph over the management of his child's careers, and their level of participation in making their music. Now calling themselves the Jacksons, the group signed a new recording deal with Epic Records. With 1978's Destiny, Michael Jackson and his brothers (which by now included younger brother Randy) emerged as talented songwriters, penning all of the record's tracks. working with producer Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson wowed the music world with his next solo album, 1979's Off the Wall. It featured an infectious blend of pop and funk with such hit tracks as the Grammy Award-winning "Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough,""Rock with You," and the title track. He also found success with the ballad "She's Out of My Life."
Positive response to Michael's latest solo album also helped the Jackson's career as well. Triumph (1980) sold more than one million copies, and the brothers went on an extensive tour to support the recording. Teaming up with rock legend Paul McCartney, Jackson sang on their 1982 duet,"The Girl Is Mine," which nearly reached the top of the pop charts.
The song also appeared on his next solo album, Thriller (1982), which generated seven top 10 hits. On a television special honoring Motown, Jackson performed "Billie Jean"-eventually a number one hit-and debuted his soon to be famous dance move called the Moonwalk. Jackson, a veteran performer by this time, created this step himself and choreographed the dance sequences for the video of his other No.1 hit, "Beat It."
John Landis directed the horror tinged video, which special effects, complex dance scenes, and a voice over done by actor Vincent Price, make the video for "Thriller" became popular and boosting sales for the already successful album. It stayed on the charts for 80 weeks, holding the No.1 spot for 37 weeks. Thriller earned 12 Grammy Award nominations and won eight of those awards.
Jackson's Grammy victories showcased the diverse nature of his work. For his songwriting talents, he received the Grammy Award for the Best Rhythm and Blues song for "Billie Jean." Jackson also won Best Pop Vocal performance, Male for "Thriller" and Best Rock Vocal Performance, Male for "Beat It." With co-producer Quincy Jones, he shared the Grammy Award for Album of the Year.
from : Biography.com
...to be continued
{ 0 comments... Views All / Send Comment! }
Post a Comment