#26. He Was Born In Gary
Michael Jackson was born in 1958 in a small industrial city called Gary, located in Indiana. It’s located just 40 km away from Chicago, and it always had a reputation for providing job opportunities for lower-class African-American families.
However, the decline of the steel industry in the late 50s had a deep impact on the economies of Indiana’s suburban areas, yet especially on Gary. Hundreds of families left the city after being fired from their companies. As a result, Gary is now one of the poorest areas in the state and it is estimated that a third of its houses are vacant.
#25. Working-Class Family
We’ve just mentioned that Gary was a working-class town famous for its steel companies, so it comes as no surprise that Michael Jackson’s father, Joe, worked for U.S. Steel.
But apart from being a blue-collar worker, Joe was also passionate about music. That’s right, it happens to be that Michael’s father loved jazz and blues and even had his own blues band, The Falcons.
#24. He Had 9 Siblings
Did you know that Michael Jackson was the 8th of 10 siblings? The fact that they were so many and that their parents were such avid music fans worked out for the best. If it weren’t for that, the famous blues band Jackson 5 would never have existed!
He had 3 sisters, Rebbie, Janet, and La Toya. The latter 2 probably ring a bell, as they pursued a career of their own in the music world. He also had 5 brothers, Jermaine, Tito, Jackie, Marlon, and Randy. Marlon had a twin who tragically passed away a few days after being born. Except for Randy, all the boys were part of Jackson 5.
#23. The Family Lived In A 2-Bedroom House
The Jackson family was always cut short on cash and they didn’t live a life of luxuries. On the contrary, the family of 11 lived in a 2-bedroom house. However, Joe Jackson was lucky enough to have a stable job in the mentioned steel company.
In case you were wondering, the house stands to this day, and here’s a picture. It’s hard to imagine 11 people living there, right? Also, it’s crazy to think that so many legendary music stars once shared the same roof!
#22. The Jacksons Were Jehova’s Witnesses
While Michael’s mother, Katherine Jackson, came from a Baptist family, she decided to convert to become a Jehovah’s Witness somewhere around 1963. It was only a matter of time before Joe and the 9 children followed her steps.
The Jehova’s Witness faith is famous worldwide and has sparked countless controversies, mainly due to the fact that they are against blood transfusions and military service. They also frown upon celebrating birthdays or special festivities such as Christmas or Easter.
#21. Music Ran In Their Veins
Without a doubt, music ran in the Jacksons’ veins. As we’ve mentioned, Michale’s father, Joe Jackson, was a talented guitar player and performed in the blues band The Falcons. Every now and then, he would earn a few extra bucks after playing in bars.
Photo: Courtesy of Wikipedia
As regards his mother, Katherine, she was a talented piano and clarinet player and had always dreamed about becoming a country singer. She was left with no choice but to abandon her dreams of musical stardom after becoming the mother of 10 children.
#20. The Jackson 5’s First Steps
Wondering how the famous boy-band Jackson 5 took their first steps in the music world? The Jackson 5 played their first concerts along the famous Chitlin’ Circuit with the company of their father. Have you ever heard of this unusual name?
The Chitlin’ Circuit was the name of a series of bars, strip clubs, and music venues scattered throughout the South and Midwest that were known for welcoming black artists. Back in the segregation era, African-American performers really struggled to find black-friendly clubs, so the Chitlin’ Circuit was their only chance of stardom.
#19. The Jackson 5’s Rise To Fame
While the Jackson 5 landed their first gigs in the Chitlin’ Circuit, it was not until their show at the Apollo Theater in Harlem that they set forth their path to fame. The Apollo Theater has always been somewhat of an icon among black culture, and countless actors, comedians, and artists got their start on its stage.
One day in 1970, Joe Jackson decided to enter his children’s band to the weekly amateur contest held at Apollo Theater, and guess what? The Jackson five won the contest! This definitely paved the way for later achievements.
#18. The Jackson 5, Live On Soul Train
Ever heard of Soul Train? Once one of the most famous musical shows on TV, Soul Train featured live music shows, especially from soul, jazz, and R&B artists. In 1972, the Jackson 5 performed Dancing Machine on the show.
While playing this song, Michael Jackson performed his signature robot dance onscreen, and his classic move sure left a mark in the history of American music. In no time, thousands of kids were trying to imitate his amazing moves. It’s safe to say that his robot dance foreshadowed his iconic choreography from Thriller.
#17. Michael Frequented Studio 54
Ever heard of Studio 54? This was once one of the most famous nightclubs in the world, widely known for its arbitrary entrance policies and its open drug abuse. When Michael Jackson moved to New York to star in The Wiz, he began to frequent Studio 54.
Even though Studio 54 was mostly famous for its disco dancing scene, it was also frequented by countless hip-hop artists, many of whom exerted a great influence on Jackson’s musical style.
#16. Michael Broke His Nose In 1979
Many rumors have been spread regarding Michael Jackson’s nose and the reason why he had so many operations, but here’s the truth. In 1979, he broke his nose after slipping during a dance routine.
As a result, he went through a rhinoplasty, which proved to be unsuccessful, as he suffered from breathing problems. Therefore, he had to go through a few more medical rhinoplasties to correct the damage made. Many of these surgeries were performed by Dr. Steven Hoefflin, famous for having worked for many other A-list stars.
#15. The Wiz Helped Michael’s Musical Career
Remember I told you Michael Jackson traveled to New York to star in the comedy film The Wiz? Even though the film was a total box office bomb, it actually proved to be of great help for his music career, and here’s why.
The legendary producer Quincy Jones helped arrange the film’s score, and so he met Jackson on the film set. After chatting with him, he agreed to produce Jackson’s fifth solo album, Off the Wall. You know what they say, life works in mysterious ways!
#14. Jackson Had The Highest Royalty Rates In The 80s
After the release of his hit songs Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough and Rock With You. As crazy as it sounds, he ensured a 37% royalty on his albums’ profits. But this was just the beginning.
Shortly after the release of Thriller, Jackson managed to settle on an even better deal. In 1984, he received 2 dollars per album sold. Therefore, Jackson became the artist with the highest royalty rates in the music world in the 80s
#13. Thriller‘s Music Video Is Preserved By The Library Of Congress
Without a doubt, the music video of Thriller left a mark in world history. Directed by no other than John Landis, it became one of the most-watched short films of all time and it also helped put MTV in the spotlight.
The cultural impact of Jackson’s otherworldly moves was such, that it became the only music video to ever be preserved by the Library of Congress. Beat that, rest of the world!
#12. Jackson Suffered Second-Degree Burns Shooting A Pepsi Add
In 1984, Michael Jackson starred in a Pepsi commercial that featured the pop legend walking alongside a little kid against a backdrop of fireworks. However, due to a technical malfunction, a flaming projectile was shot at Jackson.
Since Jackson was wearing so much makeup, his head caught fire, causing second-degree burns in his scalp. The pains he suffered were such that he began to take painkillers, an addiction that would eventually trigger fateful consequences.
#11. President Reagan Gave Him A Humanitarian Award
Other than a multi-talented artist, Michael Jackson was also a philanthropist. So much so, that in 1992, U.S. President Ronald Reagan gave Michael Jackson a Humanitarian Award. Can you guess why?
He was given the award in honor of his endorsement of HIV/AIDS causes. Jackson visited African countries devastated by the AIDS pandemic and also founded the Heal the World Foundation, which aimed at aiding vulnerable kids.
#10. Jackson Allowed The Media To Make Up Rumors
As crazy as it sounds, Michael Jackson allowed the press to make up rumors about him, believing that this would boost his popularity. For instance, this one time, a journalist said he slept in an oxygen tent to prevent aging. Why would anyone even fall for that?
However, this strategy soon proved to be a double-edged sword. While he always avoided confronting the media in spite of the false rumors, he did fight back after the first sexual abuse scandal came to light.
#9. He Denied Allegations Of Skin Bleaching
Many rumors have been spread regarding Michael Jackson’s change in skin color and the reasons behind it. Many people claimed that he had his skin bleached, though he always denied it. Others, however, claimed he used tons of makeup in order to even out the patches of white skin caused by his rare medical condition.
Jackson’s dermatologist, Arnold Klein, publicly announced in 1983 that the pop singer suffered from vitiligo, a rare condition that causes patches of the skin to lose color. It’s also worth mentioning that his autopsy confirmed he suffered from vitiligo.
#8. He Was The First American To Appear In A Soviet Add
Remember we talked about Jackson starring in a fateful Pepsi add? Well, this commercial wasn’t famous only for causing him second-degree burns in his scalp. It was also the first Pepsi commercial to ever be broadcasted in the Soviet Union.
But this doesn’t end here! Jackson was also the first Western star to ever appear in a commercial in the USSR. The lyrics of his song were even allowed to be aired in English without subtitles.
#7. Elizabeth Taylor Popularized His Nickname Of “King Of Pop”
I’m pretty sure you all knew that Michael Jackson is commonly known as the King of Pop. But ever wondered when people started picking that up? Apparently, it was all thanks to Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor.
In 1989, Jackson won a Soul Train Heritage Award, and Taylor was the one chosen to present him. The actress referred to him as “the true king of pop, rock and soul“, and ever since then, the moniker stuck around.
#6. He Married Elvis Presley’s Only Child, Lisa Marie
It is safe to say that 1993 was one of the most difficult years in the life of our favorite pop legend. As you probably know, this was the year he received the first accusations of sexual assault and child abuse.
Elvis Presley’s daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, had always been one of his closest friends and she was there for him through sick and thin. In 1994, the two decided to get married. Many journalists said the marriage was absolutely fake and that it only sought to improve Jackson’s image. I guess we’ll never know the truth, but what we do know is that they filed for divorce two years later.
#5. Michael’s Father Humiliated Him For His “Fat Nose”
Michael Jackson and his siblings were victims of physical and emotional abuse by his father, Joe, throughout their childhood. Joe would always make fun of Michael because of his nose, constantly telling him it was fat and ugly.
At first sight, this may not seem like such a bad insult; however, we shouldn’t overlook the fact that African Americans have historically been insulted because of their facial features, including their noses. According to Jackson, the main reason why he always felt insecure with his body and appearance was his father’s constant mockery.
#4. Witnesses Saw Joe Physically Abuse Michael
Michael’s father physically abused his children, and that’s a fact. If you don’t believe me, you should know that several witnesses have proven this to be true. This one witness saw Joe push Michael, causing him to fall to the ground and hit his head against a drum set.
Other people witnessed how Joe would beat Michael with a belt whenever he’d sing off tune. Apparently, many people in the music industry knew about Joe’s tormenting behavior but chose to keep it as a secret.
#3. Michael Would Panic Each Time He Saw His Father
As we’ve said, Michael was a victim of child abuse and his father Joe would systematically beat him up. According to Jackson, his father traumatized him for life, to the point in which he often vomits or passes out if he is forced to see him.
Ever wondered what Michael’s parents commented on the subject? His mother, Katherine, admitted having beaten up her children but said it was an acceptable behavior back in those times. Joe also took the blame but said he didn’t consider it a form of abuse but of discipline. It seems they’re unfamiliar with the concept of children’s rights, I guess.
#2. Jackson Began Building The Neverland Ranch In 1988
Regardless of whether or not you enjoy Michael Jackson’s music, I’m sure you’ve heard about the Neverland Ranch. Jackson built this unusual theme park to recreate the childhood he never had.
Jackson had several theme park rides and games installed at Neverland Ranch. It features other curious facilities, such as a petting zoo. He lived here during the early 90s, but the park closed after allegations of child abuse within its premises leaked out.
#1. Michael Claimed He Had No Childhood
Jackson had such a troubled life and started working at such a young age, that he claimed he never really had a childhood. He began singing in his family band and touring across the country at age 6 and he never actually had any friends his age.
Since he felt he had his childhood away from him, as an adult he became an advocate for children’s rights. This drove him not only to establish the Neverland Ranch, but also to launch the Heal the World Foundation.