Michael Jackson (1958 – 2009)

Michael Joseph Jackson was born August 29, 1958. Over a career spanning five decades, Jackson would bend all emerging cultural forces to his will. Through his innovative music videos, Jackson established his musical mastery and a quirky fashion sense that incorporated multi zippered jackets and a single sequined glove; he was an artist that changed the music industry. His releases of “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and “Thriller” not only created unprecedented consumer demand for MTV, but they also demonstrated the universal appeal of black music, opening a mainstream entry point for rap. Jackson shattered so many industry norms and sales records that he justifiably proclaimed himself the “King of Pop.” Today, Jackson haunts the charts in The Weeknd, Bruno Mars, Justin Timberlake, and countless other artists he influenced.