Who was Michael Jackson and why is he considered king of pop?

Michael Jackson (born August 29, 1958, Gary, Indiana, U.S.—died June 25, 2009, Los Angeles,
California) American singer, songwriter, and dancer who was the most popular entertainer in the
world in the early and mid-1980s. Reared in Gary, Indiana, in one of the most acclaimed musical
families of the rock era, Michael Jackson was the youngest and most talented of five brothers whom
his father, Joseph, shaped into a dazzling group of child stars known as the Jackson 5. Motown
Records president Berry Gordy, Jr., was impressed with the group and signed them in
1969. Sporting the loudest fashions, the largest Afros, the snappiest choreography, and a
youthful, soulful exuberance, the Jackson 5 became an immediate success. They scored
four consecutive number one pop hits with “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” “The Love You
Save,” and “I’ll Be There” in 1970. With Michael topping the pop charts as a solo
performer with “Ben” and reaching number two with “Rockin’ Robin,” and with the
Jackson 5 producing trendsetting dance tracks such as “Dancing Machine,” the family’s
string of hits for Motown lasted through 1975.
Jackson’s first solo effort for Epic, Off the Wall (1979), exceeded all expectations and was the best-
selling album of the year (it eventually sold more than 20 million copies). Thriller captured a slew of
awards, including a record-setting eight Grammys; remained on the charts for more than two years;
and sold more than 40 million copies, long holding the distinction of being the best-selling album in
history. By 1984 Jackson was renowned worldwide as the “King of Pop.” His much anticipated
Victory reunion tour with his brothers was one of the most popular concert events of 1984.