Michael Jackson, known as the “King of Pop”, is one of the most iconic and influential figures in global music. With his unique voice, innovative dance moves, and unmatched stage presence, he captivated fans around the world and left a legacy that transcends generations. From his early days as the talented leader of the Jackson 5 to his brilliant solo career, marked by legendary albums such as “Thriller” and “Bad”, Michael Jackson not only redefined pop music but also broke cultural and racial barriers in the entertainment industry.
In addition to his musical impact, he was an enigma of controversies, philanthropy, and personal transformations. In this text, we will explore some of the most fascinating curiosities about Michael Jackson’s life, revealing surprising details that help us better understand who this extraordinary artist was.
1 – RELIGION
Michael was born in 1958, and in 1963, his mother, Katherine Jackson, converted to a new religion, raising all her children as Jehovah’s Witnesses. Interestingly, despite Michael’s dedication to the religion—including speaking at churches and promoting Jehovah’s Witness teachings—he and his siblings faced prejudice from religious leaders due to his growing fame.
This persisted until 1984, when Michael decided to leave the religion. According to his mother, the reason was the negative reaction to the “Thriller” music video.
Featuring horror elements and depicting Michael as a “monster”, the video unsettled the faithful, leading the singer to distance himself from the religious community.
2 – PASSION FOR ANIMALS
When he was young, Jackson raised German Shepherds and also had a pet rodent named “Ben”, which inspired his first song. The song “Ben” became an important part of many people’s childhoods.
With the substantial profits he earned from Thriller, Jackson decided to expand his involvement with animals, increasing his collection to 11, including the monkey Bubbles.
Later, when building Neverland Ranch, Jackson created his own private zoo, which included orangutans, giraffes, flamingos and many other animals, even an elephant.
3 – THE SUCCESS OF “THRILLER”
Thriller brought Michael Jackson enormous achievements and a considerable fortune.
Among the many awards he received, the album secured eight Grammys and stood out as the only one to achieve 30 platinum records. On the American charts, Thriller stayed on the Billboard Top 100 for 122 weeks, and in its debut week alone, it sold one million copies. Today, the album has surpassed 110 million copies sold.
These numbers may never be surpassed, as the music industry has changed significantly over the years. However, even in the era of digital releases, Thriller remains among the best-selling albums of all time.
4 – BILLIE JEAN
Billie Jean was a real person who even contacted the singer, claiming that he was the father of her twins.
Jackson, in several interviews, stated that the song “Billie Jean” was inspired by various women who claimed that their children were fathered by his brothers, not directly involving Michael himself.
However, the story is much more serious. Billie Jean even sent a gun to Michael with instructions for him to take his own life and even broke into the singer’s house, which eventually led the case to court. Despite this, she was immortalized in the song.
5 – ACQUIRING THE BEATLES’ MUSIC RIGHTS
Just as we admire Michael, he was also a great admirer of the Beatles. However, his fascination with the Fab Four went beyond that of any other fan, as in 1985 he acquired the rights to the Beatles’ music.
The truth is that Jackson had more money than he could spend, so he shelled out US$ 47.5 million for the rights to 251 Beatles songs. Later, he would sell these rights to Sony Music, making an impressive profit.
6 – FALLING OUT WITH PAUL MCCARTNEY
Paul McCartney encouraged Michael Jackson to invest money in the music distribution sector, which was where McCartney was making his biggest profits.
However, the former Beatle would later regret this advice, as just two years later, Jackson purchased the rights to all the Beatles’ music before McCartney could make an offer, acting on his own.
This action ultimately affected their friendship. McCartney later commented, “I think it’s dishonest to do that, to be friends with someone and then pull the rug out from under them”. Michael, however, did not intend to hurt Paul; he knew that the Beatles’ music no longer belonged to them and simply made an offer.
7 – THE CONTROVERSIAL PEPSI COMMERCIAL
After the massive success of Thriller, Jackson signed a record-breaking $5 million contract with Pepsi, an agreement that would cause him problems for the rest of his life. During the filming of the commercial, his hair, which was full of a flammable product, caught fire, resulting in severe burns to his scalp.
This accident left Jackson with burnt skin and several areas of baldness, causing him to wear wigs for the rest of his life.
Additionally, it is known that Jackson’s dependence on medications, which eventually contributed to his death, began around this time.
8 – THE CREATION OF THE MOONWALK
When Michael Jackson first showcased the move he called the “Moonwalk”, it was during the 25th-anniversary Motown special, broadcast live on TV in 1983. The move generated so much buzz that it quickly became one of the singer’s trademarks.
What you might not know is that, although Jackson popularized the move, he was neither the creator nor the first to present it.
Jackson was inspired by artist and choreographer Jeffrey Daniel, who had been using the move in his jazz performances since the 1970s.
Additionally, there are records of singer Cab Calloway performing the “Moonwalk” as early as 1932.
9 – MICHAEL HAD VITILIGO
Michael Jackson’s skin color transformation sparked curiosity among both fans and non-fans during his life. The question of why the most famous Black person in the world seemed to be becoming white over his career was widely debated.
In a 1993 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Jackson revealed that he had suffered from vitiligo since 1979, a condition that causes the loss of pigmentation in patches on the skin.
However, this explanation was not enough to convince everyone. Many continued to accuse Michael of trying to deny his African heritage. It was only in 2009, after his death, that the coroner confirmed he did indeed have vitiligo.
10 – CONTROVERSIAL DEATH
Michael Jackson, the “King of Pop”, passed away on June 25, 2009. The singer and dancer, known for his global influence on music and pop culture, died at his home in Los Angeles, California, due to acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication.
His death was ruled a homicide, and Jackson’s personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, was held responsible for administering the drugs improperly and without proper supervision. Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011 and served a two-year prison sentence.
Michael Jackson’s death had a profound impact on fans and artists around the world, and his legacy continues to be celebrated through his innovative music, iconic performances, and enduring contributions to the entertainment industry.
Michael Jackson, with his remarkable career and cultural impact, continues to fascinate and inspire new generations. His unparalleled ability to innovate in music and dance, coupled with his visionary style in music videos and live performances, left a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.
From his beginnings as a child prodigy in the Jackson 5 to becoming a global superstar, Jackson reinvented the concept of showbiz. His contributions extended beyond music to philanthropy and fashion, making him a multifaceted icon. Despite controversies and personal challenges, his cultural impact remains steadfast.
Michael Jackson is remembered not only for his unforgettable music and revolutionary dance moves but also for the way he shaped the landscape of pop culture. His legacy continues to captivate and influence, proving that his magic transcends time.