Michael Jackson, often fondly referred to as the King of Pop, was a musical genius whose impact on the world of entertainment is still felt today. Despite his passing in 2009, my love for his music and my admiration for his unique talent has not waned. Today, we will take a closer look at the life of this remarkable man, from his early beginnings to his incredible net worth at the height of his career.
Net Worth: $500 Million
Date of Birth: Aug 29, 1958
Place of Birth: Gary
Gender: Male
Profession: Singer-songwriter, Musician, Choreographer, Actor, Businessman, Film Producer, Dancer
Michael Jackson Early Life
Born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, Michael Joseph Jackson was the eighth of ten children in the Jackson family. His father, Joseph, was a steel mill worker, while his mother, Katherine, was a devout Jehovah’s Witness and a stay-at-home mom. Little did they know that their son would grow up to become one of the most iconic figures in the world of music.
Michael’s talent was evident from a young age, and his father quickly recognized his potential. At just six years old, he joined his older brothers to form the Jackson 5. The group, consisting of Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael, started performing at local venues and talent shows, eventually catching the attention of Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records. In 1968, they signed with the label and began their journey to stardom.
The Jackson 5 scored their first big hit with “I Want You Back,” which reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1970. This was followed by a string of successful singles, including “ABC,” “The Love You Save,” and “I’ll Be There.” Michael’s undeniable charisma and exceptional vocal abilities made him the standout member of the group, and it wasn’t long before he embarked on a solo career.
In 1979, Michael released his first solo album as an adult, “Off the Wall,” which was a massive success and marked the beginning of his unstoppable rise to superstardom. His following album, “Thriller,” released in 1982, became the best-selling album of all time and solidified Michael’s status as the King of Pop. With hits such as “Billie Jean,” “Thriller,” and “Beat It,” Michael captivated audiences around the world with his mesmerizing performances and groundbreaking music videos.
Michael Jackson Personal Life
Michael Jackson’s personal life was a constant subject of fascination and speculation for the media and the public. He was married twice and had three children. In 1994, Michael married Lisa Marie Presley, the daughter of Elvis Presley, but their marriage was short-lived, ending in divorce just two years later. In 1996, he married Debbie Rowe, a nurse, with whom he had two children: Michael Joseph Jackson Jr., nicknamed Prince, and Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson. They divorced in 1999, and Michael later had a third child, Prince Michael Jackson II, also known as Blanket, through a surrogate mother.
Throughout his life, Michael faced numerous controversies and allegations. His eccentric behavior and lifestyle choices often raised eyebrows, and his appearance underwent dramatic changes due to cosmetic surgeries and his battle with vitiligo, a skin condition that causes depigmentation.
In the early 1990s and again in the 2000s, Michael faced accusations of child sexual abuse, which resulted in extensive legal battles and significant damage to his public image. He was acquitted of all charges in a 2005 trial, but the allegations continued to cast a shadow over his personal life and career.
Michael Jackson Career
Michael Jackson’s career spanned over four decades, with an impressive discography that included ten studio albums, one live album, and numerous compilations. After his early success with the Jackson 5, Michael’s solo career reached unprecedented heights. His innovative music videos and electrifying live performances revolutionized the music industry, and his unique style and dance moves, such as the iconic Moonwalk, became instantly recognizable symbols of his artistic genius.
Throughout his career, Michael received numerous awards and accolades for his work, including 13 Grammy Awards, 26 American Music Awards, and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction as a member of the Jackson 5 and as a solo artist. He also holds several Guinness World Records, including the title for the best-selling album of all time with “Thriller.”
Despite the controversies that marred his later years, Michael remained committed to his music and his fans. In 2009, he announced a series of comeback concerts titled “This Is It,” which were scheduled to take place in London. However, just weeks before the concerts were set to begin, Michael tragically passed away on June 25, 2009, due to acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication after suffering from cardiac arrest.
In the years since his passing, Michael’s influence on the music industry has remained undiminished. Numerous artists continue to cite him as an inspiration, and his work continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by fans around the world. The enduring popularity of his music, as well as the release of posthumous albums, documentaries, and tribute concerts, further attest to the lasting impact of Michael Jackson’s extraordinary career.
Michael Jackson Net Worth
Michael Jackson’s immense success and popularity led to an incredible accumulation of wealth during his lifetime. At the peak of his career, it was estimated that his net worth was around $500 million. This fortune came not only from his record-breaking album sales and concert tours but also from various lucrative endorsement deals, merchandise sales, and smart business investments.
One of Michael’s most significant investments was the acquisition of the ATV Music Publishing catalog in 1985, which included the rights to many of the Beatles’ songs. This investment, which initially cost him $47.5 million, would eventually be worth hundreds of millions of dollars and contribute significantly to his net worth.
However, Michael’s spending habits were just as extravagant as his earnings. He purchased the Neverland Ranch in 1988 for around $17 million, transforming it into a lavish amusement park and private residence. Michael also had a penchant for expensive art, antiques, and exotic animals, further depleting his vast fortune.
Towards the end of his life, Michael faced financial troubles as he struggled with debt and legal issues. Nonetheless, his estate has continued to generate substantial revenue since his passing, mainly due to posthumous album sales, licensing deals, and the sale of his share in the Sony/ATV Music Publishing catalog.
