| After thirty years, Michael Jackson has reached amazing commercial and creative heights, the most successful in the all history for sales of albums, musical video clips on television and in general recognition for his musical genius. In many respects, however, the king of pop became a victim of own success. Speaking professionally the multi-million sales of the recent albums by Jackson, in comparison with the impressive achievements at the beginning of his career, look unconvincing. According to down-to-earth Jackson, it seems that his childhood is after him.
Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana as the seventh child in a family of nine children. Jackson entered into show business at the age of five years when his father organized the family ensemble the “Jackson 5”, which consisted of his four elder brothers and himself. In the beginning, Joseph included Michael in the group as an exotic element but it was soon clear that the kid had outstanding musical abilities. The young talent took the group from a local category to its first serious contract. Between 1969 and 1971, the group released six singles which have become hits, among them the well-known compositions “I Want You Back” and “ABC”. During the 1970s the group remained a sound vehicle for creating hits.
The lyrical composition “It don't matter if you're black or white” called for some irony as after plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures, Jackson resembled a Caucasian. The enthusiasm of the audience slowed down not only because of the often changing appearance of singer. If the public also accepted the excusable eccentricity of appearance and behavior of the singer, then his whims (preserving a coffin or the erection of an altar in the honor of Elizabeth Taylor in house) and weaknesses (it was possible to see him exclusively amidst children) began to cause unprejudiced talks.
In 1993, Jackson gave an extensive interview to Oprah Winfrey. The singer briefed the huge audience about his change in appearance (he referred to defects in his skin pigmentation and that he only had “plastic surgery” twice), about his personal life (he named Brook Shields as his girlfriend) and his fairy-tale life (he compared this to Peter Pan's life) on the ranch Neverland in an amusement park in the vicinities of Los Angeles. The interview slightly opened Jackson's life but only to some extent. In the end of 1993, Michael Jackson once again drew great attention from the public. A 13 year old boy accused Jackson for sexual abuse while spending the night in Neverland. This accusation was categorically rejected by the singer and Jackson was crushed as he was always proud about his relationship towards children. The singer discontinued his tour and lost an advertising contract with the company “Pepsi” and incurred an irreparable loss of reputation. Jackson agreed to pay 20 million dollars to the family of the boy and the accusation case was closed in 1994.
His personal life took a dramatic turn in May 1994, when he married Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of Elvis Presley in a secret ceremony in the Dominican Republic. A few people viewed this step as an attempt to resurrect his fading reputation and others found this association of two outstanding musical families touching. Soon, Jackson released the double album “HIStory” (1995), in which he introduced old songs along with his new compositions. The album evoked mixed opinions - an enthusiastic acceptance of old songs and the rather restrained assessment regarding new songs. According to Jackson's standards, sales of the album were bad despite the songs entering the top 10. The campaign in the press included an interview with Diane Sawyer on channel ABC News, where Jackson and Presley stated that they are actually married and actively love each other. The ardent love slowly faded and the union of Jackson and Presley only lasted for 18 months.
However, another marriage was on the cards. In November 1996, Jackson stated that his girlfriend Deborah Rowe (the assistant of his dermatologist) is pregnant by him. The pair denied numerous charges of Jackson simply using Deborah so that she can give birth to his child. As a proof of their love, the two got married shortly after the pregnancy was publicized. The wedding took place in Australia. After three months, Rowe gave birth to Michael Jackson Jr.
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This Saturday, August 29, the "King of Pop" - Michael Jackson will celebrate his 50th birthday. Jackson entered show business at the age of 5 and became a star when most kids of his age could not even tie their shoelaces. He's been in show business for 45 years by now, and became one of the biggest stars in music history. Sadly, Jacko's scandals and lawsuits made more buzz in the last years than his music genius. At the age of 50, he's becoming pretty quiet, hardly releasing anything new. His Neverland Ranch was sold for debts in May this year. For Jackson's 50th birthday, Sony is releasing the double compilation album called "King of Pop", made of his old hits. It's too early to retire, Michael, look at the "Stones" or Madonna - you can still "thrill" the world!
