Michael Joseph Jackson was born August 29th, 1958 in Gary, Indiana. He was the seventh of nine children born to Joseph and Katherine Jackson, who immediately knew that Michael would own up to something great in life. He began his career in music around the age of five, as the lead singer of the Jackson 5. About 5 years later, the group was "discovered" by Bobby Taylor, and was soon signed onto Motown Records. The group became immediately popular, and spawned 14 albums, until 1976, when the Jackson 5 left Motown records. The group went on performing until the 1980's. In 1982, Michael created the world's largest selling album of all time, 'Thriller'. At the end of the 80's Michael was named 'Artist of the Decade' for the success of his two solo albums. The 90's saw Michael release a fifth solo album entitled 'HIStory' that contained 15 of his most popular songs in addition to 15 new songs, which Michael wrote and composed. He also continued his humanitarian organization the 'Heal the World Foundation' which is dedicated to improving the lives of children around the world. By virtue of Michael's success as a singer, dancer, lyricist, composer, humanitarian, and actor, it is evident that Michael Jackson is the artist of the century.
             As a singer, Michael has accomplished more than any other entertainer in the same field. His pop music has inspired many of today's best pop artists. Michael has made over 30 albums, about half of which have received gold or platinum honours. When Michael's music career with the Jackson 5 in the 60's and 70's cooled down a bit, Michael made history when his album, "Off the Wall" spawned four #1 hits. This was the first time this feat had been accomplished by any single album in history. Jackson again recorded and toured with the Jacksons, but his next album, Thriller, became a musical phenomenon. It ...