Michael Jackson “The King of Pop”

n  Born on August 29, 1958 in Gary, Indiana, Michael was one of nine children.

n  His father Joe Jackson started the band called Jackson 5, Michael joined at the age of five years old, when his talent was discoveredcame a pop group sensation around the world. After signing with Motown records, the group made hit singles

n    Michael began recording many hit singles with the help of producer Quincy Jones.

n   Off the wall was his first album that hit the stores in 1979.

n   Hit song like “ Rock with you”, “Don’t stop ‘til you get enough” and “Off the wall”, which are songs that are still popular today.

                                    The downfall

n  Eventually Michael became a world wide success, recording with many other famous singers gaining tons of recognition as a solo artist.

n  Gaining a $5 million dollar contract with Pepsi-cola in 1984, Michael was unable to finish the commercial because his hair caught on fire.

n  Sadly this was that start of the many trials Michael faced in his later life.

n  He went on recoding other hit records like Thriller and Victory.

     The end of Michael’s career

n  After two unsuccessful marriages Michael was left with 3 children and a bunch of charges on molestation.

n  Michael created a huge amusement park in his backyard, where he allowed many young kids play.

n  Facing a massive amount of negative media attention was the least of Michael's worries because he soon filled for bankruptcy loosing many of his expensive possessions.

         This Is It

n  On July 8, 2009 what would be known as Michael’s comeback tour ironically was his last. In a matter of hours tickets sold like crazy, but he never got to inherit the funds from his concert, because on June 25, 2009 Michael passed away.

           The King of Pop

n   As a tribute to Michael Jackson’s death a documentary was made recording the process of the This is it Tour.

n   The documentary hit theatres and received about $2.3 million its opening weekend.

n   The film went on making a total of $206.8 million world wide. 

 

                  Billie Jean

n  This was Michael’s first hit song which catapulted him into stardom. Released in 1982 Billie Jean was produced by Michael along side with producer Quincy Jones. Being one of the first to create a music video that was like a movie, Michael was able to break many racial barriers appearing on MTV.

               Black or White

n   Black or white was released on October 11, 1991 off of MJ’s Dangerous album.

n   This song was named to be one of the most controversial music video of all time. 

n   It was featured in over 27 countries and viewed by more than 500 million people world wide.

n   MJ ferociously expressed his feelings on racism!

           You Rock my world

n   This song was released in 2001 and was MJ’s first hit single in over six whole years.

n   You rock my world was nominated for a Grammy Award and the music video won the NAACP image award for best music video.

n   The song also featured comedian Chris Tucker.

 

                   Billie Jean

n   Billie Jean starts out with piano chords F# playing in a six count beat, and then the drums start in with symbols to back the beat up.

n   The song is upbeat and has a disco feel the entire time using the same background beat throughout the song. The song picks up with the same beat but faster during the bridge and Michael’s voice falls into tenor.

n  In the coda there are two lines of words the repeat and descend until the end of the song.

              Black or White

n  This unique collaboration was something that was rarely done during the 90’s.

n   The many different elements to Black or White set the song apart from the typical mainstream music.

n  The main rift features Bill Bottrell’s rap.

n   And the heavy metal parts throughout the song are credited to guitarist Tim Pierce.

http://youtu.be/0SNuo_Wybog

          You Rock My World

n  The song is a pop song and has a disco feel to it.

n  Complete in Harmonic texture You Rock my World is a great example of a popular song created in the major mode of harmony.

n  Michael Jackson performed this song at many concerts during his time and the song was NO.10 on billboards hot 100.

n  This song has no meaning behind it, Michael wrote it for mainstream pop culture music publicity.

http://youtu.be/C1kHeeEMe-s

Michael Jackson will forever be a legend in music's pop culture!

   They did it to try and belittle me, to try and to take away my pride. But I went through the whole system with them. And at the end, I - I wanted the public to know that I was okay, even though I was hurting

Michael Joseph Jackson was an American pop star sensation in the 90’s, who possessed many talents such as dancing, singing, performing, acting, playing instruments and writing songs. He is well known internationally as being the King of Pop and one of the first performers to mix main steam pop and R&B successfully.1 Because of Michael’s amazing voice and awesome dance moves he quickly charmed the crowd at an early age. At the age of five Michael became the lead singer of his family group called Jackson 5. Later he went on to become a world famous award winning solo icon. Although he had an immensely successful career, Michael’s past ultimately affected his future in many ways.

     Michael Jackson was born on August 29, 1958 in Gary, Indiana. He was one of nine children total. Michael’s father Joseph Jackson was a guitarist for a band but had to quit making more money as a crane operator for his wife and children. Joseph started the family group and when Michael turned five he became the lead singer. The group started out performing in bars and clubs to showcase their talent. All of their hard work paid of and Jackson 5 scored a contract with Motown records. Between 1979 and 1984 Jackson 5 had a total of six hit records. They created major hits like “I want you back”, which was No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in January, 1970. More chart-topping singles followed rapidly, such as, “ABC”, “The Love You Save”, and “I’ll Be There”. Many of these songs are still popular today. 

Although Jackson 5 seemed to be basking in fame and glory, there was a lot of adversity they faced at home, which reportedly was directly linked to their father Joseph Jackson. He was constantly pushing the group towards perfection and was even known to be violent verbally and physically. By the time Michael reached thirteen he started his solo career while maintaining his position in Jackson 5. Soon after tension built up between Joseph Jackson and Motown’s recording management, which ultimately led to the two parting ways with. 

 The group signed a new deal with Epic Records and they were renamed as The Jackson’s. Among the many changes Michael continued his solo career recording songs with producer Quincy Jones. His first solo album Off The Wall emerged in 1979. It featured hit tracks such as, “Don’t stop ‘til you get enough”, “Rock with You”, and “Off the wall”. Needless to say Michael Jackson took the music industry by storm with his talent and charisma he possessed on stage. His popularity as a solo artist helped The Jackson’s reach their peak selling over a million copies of their album Triumph in 1980.    

     Michael began branching out on his own recording duets with rock legends like Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger. His next solo album was Thriller. It was released 1982 and [1]had seven top hits including, “Billy Jean”, “The girl is mine”, “Thriller”, and “Beat it”. [2]  Michael was also known for his dance moves that he created, one that we all know well is “the moon walk”. Besides performing, Michael created the concept of having a horror film as a music video for his hit song “Thriller”. The video was directed by John Landis.  It was such a popular video that “Thriller” stayed on the charts for eighty weeks and was No.1 for thirty-seven straight weeks. The song and video also earned twelve Grammy nominations, which eight were won. This was the start of the music video era. 

     At the top of his game Michael signed major endorsement deals including one with Pepsi-cola for $5 million dollars in 1984. During the filming of the commercial tragedy struck altering his appearance. Michael’s hair caught fire and he suffered burns to his face and scalp. This was the start of cosmetic surgery for Michael. That same year The Jackson’s went on their final tour to support their album Victory. Then after, Michael released his follow up album to Thriller in 1987, which includes hits, “Man in the mirror”, “The way you make me feel” and “Bad”.

     Although Michael was a big hit on stage with a powerful presence his demeanor off stage was the total opposite. He was quiet and was never comfortable in front of the media. Above all of Michael’s luxuries, he created his own fantasy land called Neverland in his backyard. It was an amusement park where he featured rides and lots of exotic animals. He reportedly shared Neverland with many children which started allegations of child molestation in 1993. Rumors or fact Michael definitely experienced the brunt of the media’s negative side and his career spiraled down. 

1ww.guardian.co.uk

2www.en.michaeljackson.com

At the top of his game Michael signed major endorsement deals including one with Pepsi-cola for $5 million dollars in 1984. During the filming of the commercial tragedy struck altering his appearance. Michael’s hair caught fire and he suffered burns to his face and scalp. This was the start of cosmetic surgery for Michael. That same year The Jackson’s went on their final tour to support their album Victory. Then after, Michael released his follow up album to Thriller in 1987, which includes hits, “Man in the mirror”, “The way you make me feel” and “Bad”.

     Although Michael was a big hit on stage with a powerful presence his demeanor off stage was the total opposite. He was quiet and was never comfortable in front of the media. Above all of Michael’s luxuries, he created his own fantasy land called Neverland in his backyard. It was an amusement park where he featured rides and lots of exotic animals. He reportedly shared Neverland with many children which started allegations of child molestation in 1993. Rumors or fact Michael definitely experienced the brunt of the media’s negative side and his career spiraled down. 

1ww.guardian.co.uk

2www.en.michaeljackson.com

 Despite all of the negativity Michael seemed to find some happiness in his relationship with Lisa Marie Presley, the daughter of rock legend Elvis Presley. The two announced their marriage in 1994, which only lasted until 1996 and later rumors were started that it was just a publicity stunt for the two. Michael married again to a nurse name Debbie Rowe and they had two children through artificial insemination. In 1999 the couple divorced and Michael was granted custody of the children.  In addition to a third child from an unknown surrogate, Michael’s personal life continued to spiral down as well as his music career. In 2001 his album Invincible was released, although album sold well Michael’s odd behavior began to overshadow his talent. He often wore masks in public covering his mouth and covered his children in veils so their faces were hidden. Eyebrows were also raised when Michael was caught dangling his youngest child over the balcony in Germany for fans to see. Everyone criticized his actions and called him a bad father. By 2004 Michael was charged with over ten accounts of lewd conduct and molestation. He was acquitted of all charges in 2005, but his reputation was badly damaged and he soon faced bankruptcy. 2

By July 8, 2009 Michael announced his comeback tour called This is it, which all tickets were sold in a matter of hours. But he never got to see the out come of his tour because Michael passed away on June 25, 2009. He was only 50 years old when he suffered from a cardiac arrest. Michael’s death shocked the nation and resulted in an out pouring of grief and sympathy. Soon after his death a documentary he was recording during his tour hit theatres around the world, and made $2.3 million its opening weekend. The film went on making over $260.8 million world wide, and was named the highest grossing documentary of all time. Michael Jackson experienced the height of success as a pop star and unfortunately the very lows. One thing that remains in his legacy and because of his impact of the world he will forever be known as the king of Pop. 

By July 8, 2009 Michael announced his comeback tour called This is it, which all tickets were sold in a matter of hours. But he never got to see the out come of his tour because Michael passed away on June 25, 2009. He was only 50 years old when he suffered from a cardiac arrest. Michael’s death shocked the nation and resulted in an out pouring of grief and sympathy. Soon after his death a documentary he was recording during his tour hit theatres around the world, and made $2.3 million its opening weekend. The film went on making over $260.8 million world wide, and was named the highest grossing documentary of all time. Michael Jackson experienced the height of success as a pop star and unfortunately the very lows. One thing that remains in his legacy and because of his impact of the world he will forever be known as the king of Pop. 

 Billie Jean was released in 1982 from Epic Records. Michael Jackson wrote the song and co-produced it along side Quincy Jones. This was Michael’s first big hit which helped pave the way to his successful future while breaking other barriers racially. He was the first person of color to have his music video appear on MTV. The music video for Billie Jean was different because it told a story, much like a short film. This Video launched the “MJ era”; the whole world effortlessly watched his smooth dance moves and charming charisma as they made him into a star.

     As there was much speculation about this song being a true story, Michael spoke about the meaning of the song in his autobiography, Moon-walk, saying “There was never a real Billie Jean. The girl in the song is a composite of people my brothers have been plagued with over the years. I could never understand how these girls could say they were carrying someone’s child when it wasn’t true.” Michael wrote the song with his female fans in mind and he also said that he knew it would be a hit! 

Written and composed by Michael Jackson, Black or White was released on October 11th, 1991 from his hit album Dangerous. Black and White stayed at No.1 for seven weeks in the US. The hit single sold over one million copies in the US forcing it to go platinum. Named the most controversial music video of all time, Michael strongly expressed his feelings about racism in the song. His influential words and morphing faces in the video caught the attention of many people. Because of the song’s popularity Black or White was said to be the most aired video on MTV to date. 3

     The film cost an estimated $4 million to create and included amazing dancing and special effects. The debut of the short film was shown in 27 countries simultaneously and was viewed by approximately 500 million people, the largest audience to ever view a video. Within 24 hours of the songs release, it had been added to over 97% of play lists of American radio stations. In 1992 Black or White was re-mixed by Clivilles & Cole. 5

 Recorded on Michael Jackson’s tenth and final album Invincible, You Rock My World was released in 2001 from Epic Records. The hit single went No.10 on billboard Hot 100 and was Michael’s first hit song that was produced in over six years. He performed this catchy tune twice during the 30th anniversary concepts in 2001. You Rock My World was nominated for a Grammy Award, and the music video won the NAACP image award for best music video. 

     Michael Jackson reclaimed himself on this track. “This song is great from beginning to end and it exemplifies what his music is all about.” say’s music reviewers. It has a strong rhythm, great bass, a great hook and a catchy chorus. You can find four different versions of the song radio edit, the album version, the instrumental and in a cappella. There is also an introduction to the song in which, comedian, Chris Tucker is speaking. You Rock My World received mixed reviews among the public, but was generally praised for Michael’s vocal performance. Although You Rock my World was not as big as Michael’s other songs, it still resonates with fans as one of his last great hits.

Billie Jean: 4:54

Composed and performed by: Michael Jackson

 Billie Jean starts out with piano chords F# playing in a six count, and then the drums start in with symbols to back the beat up. The song is upbeat and has a disco feel the entire time using the same background beat throughout the song. The song picks up with the same beat but faster during the bridge and Michael’s voice falls into tenor. The chorus repeats three times and there are three verses with a coda at the end. In the coda there are two lines of words the repeat and descend until the end of the song. Billie Jean is about a woman who was supposedly stalking Michael Jackson. 

0:00 The song opens into a simple beat using the piano playing two F# chords in mf.

0:20 The tempo picks up with the drums and symbols supporting the rhythm. 

0:29 Form stays consistent.

0:30 The lyrics start in mf and the rhythm stays the same. 

0:40 This is the start of the first verse going for four lines before the dynamic of the song             changes into the second verse right after. 

1:10 The bridge starts in a upbeat with repeating two segments of lyrics in ascending tenor.  

1:42 Michaels voice is doubled over making the chorus sound richer. 

1:56 The third verse starts and the pitch of Michaels voice lowers. 

2:20 Voices echo and repeat in the back round “don’t think twice” in alto forcefully. 

2:30 The main theme of the song picks up and the chorus is repeated for the second time. 

3:12 The saxophone comes in distinctively carrying the melody and which creates and old school jazz tone in the song. 

3:30 The guitar picks up the rhythm and plays solo for a few bars and is repeated. 

4:21 There is talking lyrically while the fast tempo and rhythm stays ff.

4:41 The rhythm descends.

4:55 The song ends. 

Black or White: 4:14

Composed and performed by: Michael Jackson

 Peaking at No.1 in over fourteen international top 100 billboards in 1991, Black or White was a groundbreaking song in its era. Michael Jackson and co-producer Bill Bottrell included elements of dance, rap and hard rock into the song. This unique collaboration was something that was rarely done during the 90’s. The many different elements to Black or White set the song apart from the typical mainstream music. The main rift features Bill Bottrell’s rap. And the heavy metal parts throughout the song are credited to guitarist Tim Pierce.  

0:00 Intro begins

0:02 Rhythmic 16 count beat starts using drums and guitar to back the melody up. 

0:12 Beat plays with the same tempo four times.

0:16 High pitch vocals "owh" repeats 2x

0:21 Same form is kept and the first verse starts.

0:36 Chorus starts, and are four lines. Vocals are in tenor carrying the chorus.

0:51 Second verse starts vocals are forced creating a raspy tone.

1:04 Chorus is played again, and at the end of the chorus the vocals double creating a harmony sound. 

1:29 Bridge begins. Vocals are played in pp in the background with an over shadowing intricate guitar solo playing in forte. Set up for the main rift.  

1:46 Rap verse begins and continues for eight lines with the electric guitar playing in the background. 

2:04 the third verse starts.

2:10 chorus starts and plays 3x with the electric guitar in the same 16 count beat and    melody for support. 

2:30 Melody continues with background voices and improvising harmonies. 

2:54 Two lines of lyrics repeat x2. Guitar, drums and keyboard carries the melody. 

3:15 Vocals stop and melody starts to fade.

3.21 Song ends.

You Rock My World: 4:27

Composed and performed by: Michael Jackson

 You Rock my World is written and produced by Michael Jackson. The song is a pop song and has a disco feel to it. Complete in Harmonic texture You Rock my World is a great example of a popular song created in the major mode of harmony. Michael Jackson performed this song at many concerts during his time and the song was NO.10 on billboards hot 100.This song has no meaning behind it, Michael wrote it for mainstream pop culture music publicity. You Rock My World is about a man and a women that are engaged in a relationship. 

 

0:00 Intro starts with 5 strong bass drum beats.

0:03 Rhythmic beat picks up with a simple motif.

0:08 The keyboard comes into the melody and helps carry the beat before the first verse     making the rhythm sound fuller.

0:22 The keyboard stops and the first verse starts with a faster tempo. The main rhythm of the song stays the same. 

0:44 Motif picks up after the first verse into a harmony of Michael’s voice recorded over. 

1:03 The first chorus starts and the tempo picks up again. 

1:23 The second verse starts with Michael’s voice in a p tenor.  

1:44 The same motif comes in again right before the chorus. 

2:03 The chorus comes in again and is repeats x2. The melody of the chorus is the exact same as the first. 

2:43 There’s and interlude that plays. 

3:05 Chorus comes in again with background adlibs, “Yeah” and “Come on girl”. 

3:27 After the chorus ends there a pause with the rhythmic beat still playing in the background, with a computerized melody. 

4:09 The coda is ad-libbed with almost forceful shouting of small phrases “Woah”, “You rock my world”, “The way you talk to me”, “The way you love me”. The chorus slows downs into these phrases. 

4:27 The song ends. 

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/michael_jackson_3.html