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Michael Jackson was an American singer, songwriter, record producer and dancer. He was known as the "King of Pop" and is widely regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century.[1]
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Michael Joseph Jackson was born on August 29th, 1958 in Gary, Indiana. He was the son of Joseph Walter Jackson (1928-2018) and Katherine Scruse.[2][3] He grew up with five brothers and three sisters, all of whom became singers and entertainers.[3]
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The oldest five Jackson brothers first gained a following as the pop band The Jackson 5, with youngest brother Randy later replacing Jermaine. Their first hit was "I Want You Back" in 1969. Michael began a solo career in 1971 and became one of the most successful artists of all time, earning the moniker "The King of Pop", best known for his album "Thriller", which was certified platinum 28 times. Some of his accomplishments include:[3][4]
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He later faced accusations of child molestation (although he was never convicted) and speculation about plastic surgery and an expensive, eccentric lifestyle.[3]
Michael married twice. He first married Lisa Marie Presley, the daughter of Elvis Presley, on May 26th, 1994 in La Vega in the Dominican Republic. They divorced in 1996.[5] Michael's second wife was Debbie Rowe. They had two children. Michael also had a third child via a surrogate mother.[3]
Michael died on June 25th, 2009 in Los Angeles at the age of 50.[3][2] He was interred in the Great Mausoleum at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California.[6] His death was later ruled a homicide, and his doctor was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for his role in using an anesthetic in "a reckless, obscene manner," to help Michael sleep, which led to his death.[7]
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