Why Do People Love Michael Jackson?
Michael Jackson was one of the most influential and iconic musicians of the 20th century. Even over a decade after his tragic death in 2009, Michael Jackson remains immensely popular among fans of all ages around the world. What is it about the ‘King of Pop’ that makes him so beloved even today? This article explores the many reasons behind Michael Jackson’s enduring popularity and appeal.
His Music
One of the biggest reasons for Michael Jackson’s popularity is his music itself. He released hit after hit over his 40+ year career, reinventing his musical style and aesthetics with each new era. Some of his most iconic songs that are still widely loved today include:
- “Billie Jean”
- “Beat It”
- “Thriller”
- “Bad”
- “Black or White”
- “Smooth Criminal”
- “Man in the Mirror”
Michael explored various genres like pop, rock, R&B, funk, disco, soul, and set trends that influenced generations of artists thereafter. His unique vocal style and impressive dance moves made his performances unforgettable.
His Albums
Michael Jackson has released 11 solo studio albums in his lifetime, many of which went on to become some of the world’s best-selling records of all time:
| Album | Year | Sales |
|---|---|---|
| Thriller | 1982 | 66 million+ |
| Bad | 1987 | 35 million+ |
| Dangerous | 1991 | 32 million+ |
| HIStory | 1995 | 20 million+ |
| Invincible | 2001 | 13 million+ |
Thriller still retains its fame as the world’s best-selling album ever with estimated sales of 66 million copies worldwide. Along with the great music, Michael’s short films and elaborate music videos played a big role in boosting the popularity of his albums and songs.
His Tours
Michael Jackson was a phenomenal live performer and his concert tours often broke records in terms of attendance and revenue. Some of his most iconic tours include:
- Bad World Tour (1987-1989) – Played 123 shows for 4.4 million fans across 15 countries and earned $125 million, which was a record.
- Dangerous World Tour (1992-1993) – Played 69 shows for 3.5 million fans across 11 countries and earned $100 million.
- HIStory World Tour (1996-1997) – Played 82 shows for 4.5 million fans across 58 cities and earned $165 million, which was the highest grossing solo tour then.
Michael’s live performances featured stunning choreography, signature dance moves like the moonwalk, and high production values – setting new standards for what a pop concert could achieve.
His Influence on Pop Culture
Michael Jackson was one of the first black artists to break racial barriers and achieve immense crossover pop success. His music, fashion sense and persona influenced pop culture significantly in various ways:
- His distinctive style and fashion (single sequined glove, white socks, fedora hat) inspired major trends.
- His pioneering music videos raised the standards for the medium and shape MTV culture even today.
- His dance moves (moonwalk) became iconic pop culture references imitated across the world.
- He helped break racial barriers on radio stations, TV and culture.
- He shaped the pop scene with his best-selling records and grand live shows.
Michael’s influence resonates heavily on artists and performers across all genres even today. From pop and R&B artists like Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars, The Weeknd to K-Pop groups like BTS – all have credited Michael as a major inspiration.
His Humanitarian Work
Apart from music, Michael was also well known for his philanthropic and humanitarian work, especially for children. Some of his notable efforts include:
- Co-writing and performing “We Are The World” in 1985 to raise funds for famine relief in Africa. The song raised $60 million.
- Establishing the “Heal the World” foundation in 1992 to provide medicine, gifts and relief to children worldwide.
- Personally inviting underprivileged children to his Neverland Ranch to enjoy fun-filled experiences.
- Donating all profits from his Dangerous World Tour, around $100 million, to children’s charities.
Michael’s empathy for children and urge to help the underprivileged and vulnerable resonated with fans worldwide, earning him respect as a humanitarian.
His Barrier-Breaking Career
Throughout his solo career, Michael Jackson achieved numerous milestones and broke barriers that were unimaginable then:
- With Thriller (1982), he became the first black artist to find major success on MTV which was dominated by white artists back then.
- He was the first artist in history to have four consecutive #1 debuts on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with “Off the Wall”, “Thriller”, “Bad” and “Dangerous”.
- With the 13-minute Thriller short film, he pioneered the music video format into a genre of its own.
- With Thriller, he gained recognition from the music industry and critics as a serious artist and broke racial barriers.
- He was the first artist to popularize intelligent and meaningful lyrics in pop music with songs like “Man in The Mirror” and “Heal the World”
By breaking numerous records and barriers related to race, success, artistry and more – Michael Jackson paved the path for greater integration and progress.
His Eccentric Persona & Mystique
While famous for his music, Michael was also a subject of fascination for his changing appearance and eccentric personal life, especially in his later years. Some aspects that contributed to the public’s curiosity about him include:
- His changing appearance with multiple plastic surgeries over the years that altered his skin tone and facial features significantly.
- His unusual habits like traveling with his pet chimpanzee Bubbles and hyperbaric chamber.
- His Neverland Ranch that contained amusement park rides, zoo animals and a movie theatre.
- Allegations of sexual abuse and legal controversies that painted him as an oddball.
- His reported excessive spending and financial problems despite immense fame.
While his unusual lifestyle and controversies contributed negatively at times, most fans focused on his music legacy and remained loyal admirers. His early death in 2009, just before his comeback tour, further added to the legend and intrigue.
His Legacy as the ‘King of Pop’
Given Michael Jackson’s immense contributions musically and culturally, he earned various honorific nicknames like ‘King of Pop’, ‘Lord of Pop’ and ‘Greatest Entertainer of All Time’. Some key achievements that made him worthy of these titles include:
- Dominating pop music and culture throughout the 80s and 90s at his peak.
- Setting numerous records through his critically and commercially successful albums and tours.
- Pioneering music videos as an art form and using elaborate choreography in concerts.
- Influencing multiple generations of musicians across genres with his singing and dancing talent.
- Breaking racial barriers and paving the way for black music and culture into the mainstream.
- Donating millions to humanitarian causes and using his fame for social good.
Though his legacy became mired in controversies later on, as a global pop icon in the 20th century, Michael Jackson undoubtedly raised the bar for artistic standards and achievements to new levels.
Why Do Fans Still Love Michael Jackson?
Even today, Michael Jackson remains one of the most beloved pop icons in the world. Here are 5 key reasons why fans still love him more than a decade after his death:
His Music Remains Timeless
Michael recorded some of the best pop songs ever – from “Billie Jean” to “Beat It” to “Man in the Mirror”. These tracks remain radio staples and pop classics that have endured across generations. His music still sounds fresh, accessible and danceable – appealing to all ages.
He Was a Pioneering Artist
MJ was a trailblazer who broke racial barriers, transformed music videos into an art form, and infused meaningful lyrics and messages into pop. He set the gold standard for live concerts with his flashy choreography. His influence is visible in today’s pop scene.
He Was a Flamboyant Performer
Michael was an extraordinarily gifted dancer and performer. His signature moves like the moonwalk and flashy outfits created an electrifying stage presence that is yet to be matched.
He Connected on a Human Level
Despite his fame, Michael came across as a humble, sensitive soul who related to common people, especially children. His humanitarian work enhanced his image as someone who sincerely cared.
His Life and Death Created an Enigma
Michael lived a tumultuous life full of professional highs and controversial lows. His unexpected death just before a major comeback tour sparked grief and intrigue. The mysteries surrounding his life and death have kept his legend alive.
Conclusion
Michael Jackson was undoubtedly one of the greatest entertainers of the 20th century who won the love and admiration of millions worldwide with his phenomenal talent and music. Though hounded by media controversies later on, his artistic genius and human qualities have cemented his status as the ‘King of Pop’ whose cultural impact will continue influencing generations to come. Michael’s enduring legacy and popularity prove that authentic artistry, meaningful music and humanitarianism never go out of fashion. Despite his flaws and eccentricities, Michael Jackson remains loved because his soul shone through his music, making the world dance, cry and heal together.
Frequently Asked Questions about Michael Jackson
Here are 5 common FAQs about Michael Jackson answered briefly:
What made Michael Jackson such a great dancer?
Michael was gifted with innate rhythm, timing, control and flair. He was deeply influenced by the smooth moves of James Brown and seamless perfection of Fred Astaire. His dedication to practice refined his skill further.
How many albums did Michael Jackson sell worldwide?
Michael Jackson sold over 350 million albums worldwide during his 40+year career, making him one of the world’s best-selling music artists.
Why did Michael Jackson’s appearance change so much?
Michael faced multiple plastic surgeries and skin procedures including skin bleaching to treat vitiligo. His changing looks remain a subject of speculation though he attributed it to puberty and diet.
What was Michael Jackson’s favorite food?
Michael loved soul food & comfort food. His favorites included chicken, mac & cheese, sweet potato pie, fried chicken, lemon meringue pie and chocolate chip cookies.
How much is Michael Jackson’s estate worth today?
Michael Jackson’s estate has earned over $2.1 billion since his death in 2009. In 2016, Forbes estimated his estate’s net worth to be around $750 million. The earnings come from album sales, licensing deals and the Cirque du Soleil shows.
