Michael Jackson 1958-2009: Child prodigy who became King of Pop
MICHAEL JACKSONÂ was the child prodigy who became the King of Pop.
But his bizarre and controversial private life eclipsed even his legendary musical achievements.
Born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, he was the seventh of nine children. It was far from a conventional childhood for any of them.
From an early age, Jackson sang with his brothers as the Jackson 5 in local bars and clubs round Gary, where they were often the opening act for strippers and other adult acts.
When the group were spotted by Motown’s Berry Gordy and signed to the legendary record label, Jackson quickly emerged as the main draw.
Their first four singles, I Want You Back, ABC, The Love You Save and I’ll Be There all made US No1 hits.