Music · 1958–2009
Michael Jackson Life & Career Timeline
From Motown prodigy to a global pop phenomenon.
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19581966197419821990199820062009
MJMichael JacksonMusic
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About this timeline
About Michael Jackson
A life in performance spanning the Jackson 5, landmark solo albums, transformative short films and unmatched global reach.
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Michael Jackson biography
Michael Jackson timeline: key events
Explore 20 documented Moments in chronological order. Read the dates, locations and source references below. Where available, additional context explains why a milestone matters.
Born in Gary
Michael Joseph Jackson was the eighth of ten children in the Jackson family.
Source: www.britannica.comJoins the family group
The young singer joined the group that became the Jackson 5.
Source: www.britannica.comSigns with Motown
The Jackson 5 joined Motown and prepared for a national breakthrough.
Source: www.britannica.comThe Jackson 5 on Ed Sullivan
Their television appearance introduced the group to millions of viewers.
Source: www.britannica.comI Want You Back reaches number one
The group’s first Motown single began a run of four consecutive number-one hits.
Source: www.britannica.comBen
The title song from his second solo album became his first solo number-one single.
Source: www.britannica.comMoves from Motown to Epic
The family group changed labels and became The Jacksons.
Source: www.britannica.comThe Wiz
Jackson played the Scarecrow and met producer Quincy Jones during the film.
Source: www.britannica.comOff the Wall
His first Quincy Jones-produced adult solo album established him as a major independent star.
Source: www.britannica.comThriller
Thriller grew into the best-selling album in history.
Source: www.britannica.comThe moonwalk reaches television
During Motown 25, Jackson’s Billie Jean performance introduced the moonwalk to a vast audience.
Source: www.britannica.comThriller short film
The cinematic music video turned a pop single into a global visual event.
Source: www.britannica.comHonoured at the White House
President Ronald Reagan recognised Jackson’s support for a campaign against drunk driving.
Source: www.britannica.comWe Are the World
Jackson and Lionel Richie wrote the charity single recorded by USA for Africa.
Source: www.britannica.comBad
Bad launched another worldwide album and tour era.
Source: www.britannica.comDangerous
The album introduced a harder new-jack-swing sound with producer Teddy Riley.
Source: www.britannica.comSuper Bowl halftime show
Jackson’s performance helped transform halftime into a global headline spectacle.
Source: www.britannica.comHIStory
The double album paired a retrospective with a full set of new material.
Source: www.britannica.comInvincible
His final studio album of newly recorded material was released.
Source: www.britannica.comDeath and worldwide remembrance
Jackson died at age 50 while preparing the This Is It concert series.
Source: www.britannica.comExplore related timelines
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This educational timeline is not endorsed by or affiliated with Michael Jackson or their representatives. Event text is original editorial copy based on the linked sources.
Photo: White House Photo Office / Wikimedia Commons · Public domain in the United States
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About the Michael Jackson timeline
Who is Michael Jackson?
A life in performance spanning the Jackson 5, landmark solo albums, transformative short films and unmatched global reach.
How many moments are included?
This public timeline currently contains 20 sourced moments spanning 1958–2009.
Who maintains this timeline?
This public timeline is created and maintained by Memmie Editorial Team. Schools, clubs and cultural organisations can apply to become timeline partners.
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