Michael Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) 
Michael Jackson was an American singer, songwriter, record producer, dancer, and actor. Called the King of Pop, his contributions to music and dance, along with his publicized personal life, made him a global figure in popular culture for over four decades.
Michael Jackson debuted on the professional music scene along with his elder brothers Jackie, Tito,Jermaine, and Marlon as a member of the Jackson 5 in 1964. He began his solo career in 1971. In the early 1980s, Jackson became a dominant figure in popular music. The music videos for his songs, including those of "Beat It", "Billie Jean", and "Thriller" from his 1982 album Thriller, were credited with breaking down racial barriers and with transforming the medium into an art form and promotional tool.
