Michael Jackson — 1980s Music, Albums & Concerts
The decade's biggest pop star — and the maker of the best-selling album in history.
Origin: Gary, Indiana · Years active: 1964–2009
Biography
Michael Jackson defined what global pop stardom could be. Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982) and Bad (1987) form one of the most successful runs in popular music, and his music videos and live performance redefined the medium.
Building on his solo successes of the late 1970s, his collaboration with producer Quincy Jones reached its first peak with Off the Wall in 1979.
Thriller (1982) has sold over 70 million copies, making it the best-selling album of all time. Bad (1987) generated five number-one singles in the United States — a feat no album had ever achieved.
Jackson's combination of song, dance, video and global ambition is the template every modern pop superstar still works from.
Key 1980s albums
- Thriller (1982)
- Bad (1987)
Essential songs
- Billie Jean (1982)
- Beat It (1982)
- Thriller (1982)
- Bad (1987)
- Smooth Criminal (1987)