Photography from "Michael" official movie cover
The King of Pop is back – through film! This weekend, from Lionsgate production, “Michael,” a biographical telling of Michael Jackson’s career and upbringing, hits theaters.
Michael Jackson was one of (if not the most) popular pop singers from the 70s to the 2000s, creating some of the most popular songs of our generation. With iconic songs like “Billie Jean,” “Thriller,” “Smooth Criminal,” and “Bad,” Jackson would go on to win 13 Grammys throughout his career. But his career as Michael Jackson was not the only one he had.
Michael Jackson was born on August 29, 1958 in Gary, Indiana. When he was just six years old, he and his other brothers started the Jackson 5. The Jackson 5 consisted of all five Jackson brothers: Jackie, Tito, Marlon, Jermaine, and, of course, Michael. The musical team eventually disbanded in 1989, and while they never won a grammy, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 by Diana Ross, who worked closely with the band. The Jackson 5 created largely popular songs such as “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” and “The Love You Save.” Though they disbanded, their musical careers didn't end there. All five brothers went on to pursue solo careers, though we know who would become the most popular and influential.
While Michael Jackson had a hugely impactful career, it was cut short in 2009 when he sadly passed away due to overdose. Despite his passing, his influence on the world was never halted – many songs today sample MJ’s music and reference his legendary status. In 2010, he was posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for his mark on the music industry.
Today, his children, Prince, Paris, and Blanket Jackson, and other family members live on and carry his legacy – for the film “Michael,” nephew of the late King of Pop, Jaafar Jackson, will be portraying MJ.
For such an influential figure in pop, music, and our culture in general, I am very excited for this movie. Without even seeing it yet, I highly recommend going out and seeing this film!