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| | Blowing kisses like a beauty queen to his screaming fans, Michael Jackson walked out of court a free man on Monday. He went back to Neverland Ranch, his bizarre home, to try and put his life back together after being cleared of charges that he molested male children. Jackson, 46, heard not guilty fourteen times in a positively stony silent courtroom. The self styled Peter Pan of Pop Music could have received a twenty year sentence if he ended up convicted on charges that he molested a thirteen year old boy, who was a cancer patient. Jackson dabbed his eyes with a tiny tissue as the verdicts were presented. He ultimately gave his lawyer a festive hug. Another member of his defense team burst into tears upon the news of the not guilty verdict against the alleged child molester.
Michael Jackson (born August 29, 1958) is an American singer, dancer and music composer, who rose to international popularity for the first time at the age of 12 as soloist of children's group “The Jackson 5” and subsequently became one of the most commercially successful solo artists in the history and has been referred to as the “King of pop”. Three albums, which have been written under the guidance of producer Quincy Jones — “Off the Wall” (1979), “Thriller” (1982) and “Bad” (1987) achieved huge recognition and “Thriller” is included in Guinness World Records as the most marketed disc of all times and nations. Jackson received thirteen “Grammy” awards, which are his assets; and as many times he occupied first place in American sale charts with his singles. His name was included twice in the Hall of Fame of rock'n'roll — as solo performer and as participant of “The Jackson 5”.
The Jacksons
Michael Jackson was born to Joseph & Katherine in Gary (State of Indiana). He was seventh of nine children. Joseph has organized family group Jackson 5. First the group performed in local bars and clubs and then in 1969, with assistance of singer Diana Ross (during warm-up, they were allowed to perform), they signed contract with sound recording giant Motown Records.
Soon, Jacksons have reached to national audience and in 1970, their first four singles occupied top slot on American Billboard Chart Hot 100. Gradually, Michael was promoted as main draw of children's quintet and important solos went particularly his way. He attracted attention of audience with amazing dances as well as with behavioural pattern on stage, which he copied from his idol “King of Funk” James Brown.
Beginning of solo career
In 1973, success of family project started to decline and recording company limited their financial resources and in 1976, they signed contract with other firm as a result of which they had to rename the group “The Jacksons”. From 1976 to 1984, the group released 6 more albums touring the country. Meanwhile, Jackson released four solo albums and number of successful solo singles, among which “Got to Be There”, “Rockin ' Robin” and “Ben” (ballad, devoted to its house rat), which occupied top place on charts in 1972.
In 1978, Michael acted in the film together with Diana Ross in screen version of Broadway musical “The Wiz” (“Surprising Wizard from Oz”). During shootings, he met arranger Quincy Jones, who later on went onto become the producer of Michael’s most popular albums. First of them “Off the Wall” (1979) presented Michael Jackson to the world as bright, talented young man and stylish dancer. Disco hits “Don't Stop Til You Get Enough” and much slower composition “Rock With You” topped the charts and the more than 20 million copies of albums was sold.
Grown-up Jackson was not any more satisfied with popularity in group and soon, he made his first independent recordings with the help of same studio (Motown). In 1971, when his first individual composition “I” ll Be There” topped the charts reaching 4th spot, it became clear, that a new super star is appearing on musical horizon. Continuing to work with brothers, Jackson did some more recordings, which have become hits –“Rockin “Robin” and “Ben” and releases his first album. In 1976, Michael Jackson and the group “Jackson 5” sign contract with studio Epic. In the late 1970s, Jackson makes a short foray into cinema, acting in film together with Diana Ross in Afro-American version of an old film “The Wizard of Oz”. Film did not do good at box-office but meeting of Jackson with the legendary producer Quincy Jones took place. |
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