Happy Birthday Michael Jackson! (August 29, 1958)
(Title image by DALLE-3)
Hi WA Friends!
Please help me celebrate the birthday of the late, great Michael Jackson!
A Little History
(With a little help from ChatGPT)
Michael Jackson, also known as the "King of Pop," was a revolutionary figure in the music industry, known for his groundbreaking work in pop, soul, and R&B. He was born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, Michael began his career at the age of six as the lead singer of The Jackson 5, a family band that achieved immense success with hits like "I Want You Back," "ABC," and "I'll Be There." His early exposure to music set the foundation for what would become one of the most influential careers in the history of modern music!
In 1979, Michael released his first solo album under Epic Records, Off the Wall, produced by Quincy Jones. This album marked a turning point in his career, with chart-topping singles like "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" and "Rock with You," showcasing his ability to blend disco, funk, and pop in a way that was unique and infectious. However, it was his 1982 album, Thriller, that catapulted him to global superstardom. Thriller remains one of the best-selling albums of all time, with iconic tracks like "Billie Jean," "Beat It," and "Thriller," each accompanied by groundbreaking music videos that redefined the medium.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Michael continued to push artistic boundaries with albums like Bad (1987), Dangerous (1991), and HIStory (1995). He was known for his electrifying dance moves, such as the Moonwalk, and his distinctive vocal style. His concerts were elaborate spectacles that combined music, dance, and theatricality, establishing a new standard for live performances.
Michael continued to release music up until his untimely death on June 25, 2009, leaving behind a legacy that forever changed the music industry!
Honors and Awards
(Courtesy of ChatGPT)
Michael's career was decorated with numerous awards and honors, reflecting his unparalleled impact on music, dance, and pop culture. Here are some of the most notable accolades he received:
- Grammy Awards: Michael Jackson won 13 Grammy Awards throughout his career, including a record-breaking eight in a single year for Thriller at the 1984 Grammy Awards. His awards include Album of the Year (Thriller), Record of the Year ("Beat It"), and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance ("Thriller").
- American Music Awards: Jackson received 26 American Music Awards, including the Artist of the Century Award in 2002 and the International Artist Award in 1993.
- MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs): Jackson won 16 VMAs, including the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, which was later renamed in his honor. He was recognized for pioneering the music video format with groundbreaking videos like "Thriller," "Bad," and "Black or White."
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Jackson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice—first with The Jackson 5 in 1997 and then as a solo artist in 2001.
- Guinness World Records: Michael Jackson holds several Guinness World Records, including "Most Successful Entertainer of All Time." His album Thriller is recognized as the best-selling album globally, with sales exceeding 66 million copies.
- Presidential Awards: In 1984, President Ronald Reagan presented Jackson with the Presidential Public Safety Commendation Award for his work in campaigning against drunk driving.
- Hollywood Walk of Fame: Michael Jackson has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, one as a member of The Jackson 5 (1980) and another as a solo artist (1984).
Discography
(Courtesy of ChatGPT)
Michael's discography is a testament to his versatility and artistry as a musician. Below is a list of his major albums, including those with The Jackson 5, solo recordings, and notable collaborations.
If you have to listen to just one, check out the album Thriller (1982)!
With The Jackson 5/The Jacksons
- Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5 (1969)
- ABC (1970)
- Third Album (1970)
- Maybe Tomorrow (1971)
- Lookin' Through the Windows (1972)
- Get It Together (1973)
- Dancing Machine (1974)
- Destiny (1978)
- Triumph (1980)
- Victory (1984)
Solo Albums
- Got to Be There (1972)
- Ben (1972)
- Music & Me (1973)
- Forever, Michael (1975)
- Off the Wall (1979) - Breakout solo success with hits like "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough."
- Thriller (1982) - His most popular and best-selling album with over 66 million copies sold.
- Bad (1987) - Features hits like "Bad," "Smooth Criminal," and "Man in the Mirror."
- Dangerous (1991) - Notable for tracks like "Black or White" and "Remember the Time."
- HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I (1995) - A double album with new material and greatest hits.
- Invincible (2001) - His final studio album with tracks like "You Rock My World."
Collaborations and Other Notable Releases
- "We Are the World" (1985) - Co-written with Lionel Richie for the charity single.
- Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix (1997) - Features remixes and five new songs.
Michael Jackson's Guitar Players
(Courtesy of me and ChatGPT)
You knew I couldn't resist, right? Lol 🤣
While Michael is known for his vocals and dance skills, he was not a guitar player. However, he collaborated with some of the most talented guitarists in the music industry to create his unique sound. Here are some of the notable guitarists who worked with Jackson:
- Eddie Van Halen: One of the most famous collaborations in music history was Jackson's partnership with Eddie Van Halen for the song "Beat It." Eddie's blistering guitar solo became one of the defining features of the track and contributed significantly to its crossover appeal. Eddie reportedly completed the solo in just a few takes and famously did not charge Michael for his work.
- Steve Lukather: The Toto guitarist and session musician played rhythm guitar on many of Jackson's tracks, including "Beat It" and "Human Nature." His clean, melodic style helped shape Jackson's sound on the Thriller album.
- Jennifer Batten: Known for her technical proficiency and flamboyant stage presence, Jennifer was Jackson's lead guitarist during his Bad, Dangerous, and HIStory world tours. Her powerful solos and visual flair added another layer of excitement to Jackson's live shows.
- Slash: The iconic Guns N' Roses guitarist collaborated with Jackson on multiple tracks, including "Give In to Me" from the Dangerous album and "D.S." from HIStory. Slash's gritty, hard rock style contrasted with Jackson's pop sensibilities, creating a unique sonic blend.
- David Williams: A lesser-known but crucial contributor to Jackson's music, David was a session guitarist known for his funky rhythm guitar work. He played on several tracks, including "Billie Jean" and "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'."
Be sure to check out this video of Jennifer Batten playing the "Beat It" guitar solo onstage with Michael!:
https://youtu.be/1EvYlxOQ6vQ?si=liRweyQLqTOHXeQZ
What Happened with Orianthi and Michael Jackson?
Orianthi Panagaris, known simply as Orianthi, is an Australian guitarist who was slated to perform with Michael Jackson during his planned "This Is It" concert series in London. She was chosen as the lead guitarist for what would have been Michael's comeback tour. Unfortunately, these concerts never happened due to Michael Jackson's sudden death on June 25, 2009, just weeks before the tour was set to begin.
Here is a video of Orianthi playing the "Beat It" guitar solo with Michael during a practice session for the "This Is It" tour:
https://youtu.be/m3C-xpkyK_o?si=A-iZ5NhPJ0U_HSwb
A Sonic "Eruption" From Darth Vader in "Back to the Future"
An Eddie Van Halen guitar solo made an appearance in the 1985 classic film Back to the Future, the film, starring Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly. Marty uses a cassette player to blast the solo into his father's ears while pretending to be an alien named Darth Vader from the planet Vulcan.
You can check out the YouTube clip here:
https://youtu.be/hHZctSnNrsw?si=xQWXQZnUUTOxS2nt
What We're Doing To Celebrate Michael
To celebrate Michael's birthday I've been streaming his music most of the day. Tonight, we're having some family and friends over for a cookout and drinks.
We'll also be watching Michael's concert on DVD: "Live in Bucharest: The Dangerous Tour." It's an excellent concert! The stage took three days to build and twenty trucks of equipment!
You can stream the full concert here:
https://youtu.be/ArnMxZUplxo?si=uVD8RFHjvuANoJJO
Tell Me What You Think!
Are you a big Michael Jackson fan? What's your favorite album and song? Have you attended any of Michael's concerts?
Tell me in the comments! 😎
Happy Birthday, Michael 🎂 ... AND
Keep On Rockin' It! 🤘
Frank 🎸
~65% Human written content
Recent Comments
99
I was a huge Michael Jackson fan prior to Thriller and then even more so after Thriller. My liking of his music continues today. As I was reading your post I could "hear" the songs you listed playing in my mind. I think Bad was another of my favorites with Smooth Criminal being one of my favorites from that album.
I also really enjoy his sister's music although I haven't heard much from here since Rhythm Nation.
What a nice tribute to a stellar performer.
Karin
Hi Karin
Yeah, Bad was another excellent album! Talent like that doesn't really come around too often.
Janet is a great performer, too. 😎
Frank 🤘🎸
That’s an awesome tribute Frank! I was fortunate to see MJ in concert at Wembley in 88 and 92. I don’t think they’ll ever be another artist with that level of celebrity and god-given talent ♥️😎 🎤 🎸🎶
Wow, Kevin! The Wembley concerts must have been amazing! 😃
I agree; Michael was an amazing talent!
Rock On! 🤘
Frank 🎸
Hi Frank! That’s a great tribute. He certainly had quite a career and influence. Enjoy your celebrations tonight!
Rock On,
Susan 🎸😎👍🏻
Thanks, Susan! 😎
We had a great night and got to spend some time with our new neighbors across the street. It's amazing the way music can bring people together to have fun!
Now we have the Labor Day long weekend. My cousin always has a big pool party on Monday, which is forecasted to be sunny and warm.
My 90-year-old aunt is flying in from Chicago with her daughter's family. She is my godmother and last remaining sibling from my mother's side. She always tells the story of how, when I was born, the delivery nurse told everyone that I was going to be a senator. What?? I'm not political at all. Lol 🤣
You guys have Fete du Travail, right?
Keep On Rockin'! 🤘
Frank 🎸
Pretty fab, thanks! I am trying the Bulk Writer for the first time.
I have added ten posts (a whole category); I am doing it as we speak!
Abie
That's great, Abie! 👍👍 😎
It should provide an excellent workflow for informational posts.
Keep on Rockin' it! 🤘
Frank 🎸
That sounds like fun, Frank! Music is the universal language. That's great to hear about your relatives coming in for the weekend. That'll be lively I'm sure! A senator - now that's quite the fun tale.
We have Labor Day as well...so it's always nice to have those long weekends. Enjoy yours!
Susan 🎸😎👍
Hey Frank
Awesome Happy Birthday/tribute to an extremely talented man!
Believe it or not, I am an MJ fan. His voice at 11 years old was fantastic and I have admired him and all that he has accomplished over the years. Not to mention, he had pretty good taste in Rock guitar players!
Happy Birthday MJ!! 🌒 🚶♂️ (that is supposed to be a moon walk, best I could do) 🤣🤣
(Way to give Eddie an extra plug, Frank!) 🎸🎸
Keep Rockin!! 🤘😎🎸
Tim 🎼
Hi Tim
I knew you would enjoy the post! I could have written a lot more on such an amazing performer, but I try to keep it more appropriate for a WA audience, although I often get a little carried away. Lol 😝
Yeah, that's one of my favorite parts in Back To The Future, with the Eddie solo! Hahaha 🤣
Keep On Rockin' It! 🤘
Frank 🎸
I actually had the Thriller album and cassette, Frank - wore the cassette tape out and had to buy a new one - cassette tapes don't last long if you play them too much.
But I do remember his videos and performances.
I remember watching the Motown 25th anniversary on TV where he performed "Billie Jean" and unleashed his version of the 'moonwalk'.
I also, remember seeing the "Beat it" video on MTV. But for his iconic "Thriller" video, I was over at my friend's house and waited till like 1 A.M. in the morning for NBC's Friday Night Videos to come on just to watch it. I don't know why that show came on so late at night - but it was worth the wait of staying up past bedtime!
Appreciate the post! 🎸🤘
Isaiah 😁
Hi Isaiah
Yeah, I remember accidentally destroying lots of 8-track tapes in my car before I got an Alpine cassette player. I used to record all my music from albums to high-quality cassette tapes like TDK and Maxell, which lasted longer and made the music sound better.
Very little noise got transferred to my tapes. I kept my albums in top shape, in special anti-static liners, and even treated them with Radio Shack anti-noise spray - remember that? Lol
Michael was an amazing talent! 😎
Rock On! 🤘
Frank 🎸
Happy birthday to the late great singer in the world - Michael "TKOP" Jackson!
He is still forever missed. ;)
Thank you, Frank, for making such a wonderful tribute. :)
Myra ♥️😎 🎸 🎶
Happy birthday Michael!
Certainly a legend Frank, but... his music just wasn't for me!
Have a Rocking day my friend!
👍🎸😎🍹🍻
Hi Nick
Yeah, I’m not too into Pop, but Michael was the best at what he did and always had killer musicians in his band! 😎
I’m more of an instrumental guy in all genres.
Keep on Rockin’ It! 🤘
Frank 🎸
Your welcome. I was intrigued as well by the way it was written. Certainly encouraging me to investigate further for myself
Yeah, AI is great for doing the factual research, but you need to check all the output for inaccuracies! 😎
Had to cut the last message short, a bit of an emergency out the door. Sorted.
Yes, he defined music for the good, so talented. I can remember watching him back in the early 70s when he was a little kid, who would have thought it. We owe him a lot.
Hope y'all well.
Bux
Hi Bux
Glad you got your issue sorted ok! 😎
Yeah, Michael did so much for music, dance, choreography, and showmanship that the industry owes him an incredible debt of gratitude!
Keep On Rockin'! 🤘
Frank 🎸
Yes Frank, sorted. A child was screaming hideously, I was concerned for her safety. Turns out she was having a temper tantrum over something. All ok.
Showmanship, that is a great word to descibe his legacy.
Still Rockin after all these years.
Bux
I'm so glad you looked into that, Bux! 👍👍
We have to protect our children at all costs. They are our future! 😎
Happy FriSatSu! 🥳 🍻
Frank 🎸
Enjoy the weekend my friend.
Sunshine forecast for us. I intend sitting in the Abbey Park all day Saturday.
Bux
That’s great, Bux! 👍👍😎
We have a long (Labor Day) holiday weekend and I fully expect to make the most of it.
I kicked it off by playing five hours of guitar this morning and we have lots of fun activities planned for the next three days!
Rock On! 🤘
Frank 🎸
Make the most of every minute Frank. It sounds like a fun household. Do any of yourfamily play instruments.
My wife plays a little guitar and sings. I made her two electric guitars, a beginner's guitar in Olympic white and a higher-end guitar with a female devil on it in sonic blue. She never played the white guitar, so I turned it into a vampire guitar! Lol
You can see photos of the vampire guitar here: Happy Halloween WA, 2023! My mother, father, brother, sister, and most of my uncles, aunts, and cousins played/play various instruments. We're a very musical Italian family. Lol 😎
Frank 🤘🎸
that's a great looking guitar Frank. If you made that, you have a true skill. And I love the pumpkin carvings. i know what I will be doing for Halloween this year, and no its not Stevoi's dress.
Bux
Thanks, Bux!
I did a three-year luthier apprenticeship back in the 1990s when I was working as a medical director for the state of Connecticut. I mostly learned how to design, build, and repair/modify electric guitars, but we made acoustic guitars, too.
Acoustic guitars are more challenging to build. Electric guitars are essentially a slab of wood connected to a neck. Lol 😎
Frank 🎸
Haha, thanks, Bux! 🙏
I’ve spent quite a bit of time with guitars over the past 55 years. 😎
Rock On! 🤘
Frank 🎸
It shows Frank.
I was just thinking, in all these years of sketching, I have never drawn or painted a guitar - something is missing from my life.
A great Queen Tribute concert in our town on Saturday just gone. Brilliant, and the weather held fine for us too.
Bux
Hi Bux
Wow, that had be an awesome concert! 😃
It seems to me that you guys are constantly hosting musical events. Sounds like a great place to live!
Get working on that guitar painting and please send me a snapshot! 😎
Keep on Rockin’ it! 🤘
Frank 🎸
I'll see what I can come up with for a painting or sketch. It will be good practice for perspective, getting all those curves looking good.
Yes, a very musical place. Weekends especially there is always someone playing some good music and some great singers too. I love a good female vocalist, something mystical and magic about it that just holds my attention.
Oh well, Frank, its that awful time of day when I must drag myself up the High Street and be forced to eat cakes and drink coffee. It's a dog's life.
Look after yourself.
Bux
Hi Bux
Yeah, the guitar or variations of it appear in many famous paintings, probably because of its curvaceous nature. 😎
Haha, that sounds like a great idea! We’ll be having a bit of brunch, shortly.
Frank 🎸
See more comments
Good morning Frank,
I must admit I wasn't a fan of Michael Jackson, but on the other hand, I didn't dislike his music.
I think the biggest shock to me, Frank, is that Slash played guitar for Michael Jackson! That's hard to believe, I couldn't imagine them having huge amounts in common! We never stop learning!
Have a fantastic day.
Roy
They both liked "blow". But a bit different...lol.
Hi Roy
Michael was the "King of Pop," but one of the best in his genre. I typically gravitate toward more instrumental music. However, that's one of the greatest things about music; there's something for everybody!
Yeah, that was a bit of a crossover for Slash, but music is a universal language, so therein lies the commonality. 😎
Thanks for commenting, and enjoy the weekend! 🥳
Frank 🎸
They were definitely very different, Stephen! But I guess that's what made it interesting!
I trust that you're doing well.
Roy
Good morning Frank
That's so true; there is something for everyone when it comes to music! Michael Jackson was certainly very gifted and unique.
Maybe the totally different types of musicians worked when it came to Slash playing the guitar.
Another guitar player that I like is Steve Stevens, he does a great acoustic set with Billy Idol, which is on YouTube. He does need to learn to smile a bit more, though! But even so, he is a very talented guitarist!
Have a great week, Frank.
Roy
Hi Roy
Yeah, Michael’s music was so varied that it gave him the opportunity to work with many musicians across multiple genres.
I totally agree that Stevie Stevens is an excellent guitar player.
That’s one of the things I enjoy most about rock music; it’s so full of energy!
Have a great day! 😎
Frank 🤘🎸
Good morning Frank,
I probably underestimated the gifts that Michael Jackson had, Frank, so many people have so many talents that are unseen by many.
I've always liked Steve Stevens unique guitar playing, I guess it goes well with Billy Idol's style, which is very unique.
The energy is unbelievable with some rock bands, especially when I look at bands like AC/DC! Where does that energy come from?
Have a fantastic Wednesday.
Roy
Hi Roy
Yeah, AC⚡️DC is one of the most Rockin' bands ever, and they're currently on tour again to promote their "Power Up" album.
I've seen them a number of times in concert and have some albums signed by the band in my music studio.
I also have the Gibson Custom Shop Angus Young SG guitar with the lightning bolt fret markers. That guitar was a limited run, so it's very collectible. It has the custom-wound "Angus" humbucker pickup in the bridge position that is not available on any other model.
Check out the screenshots below; please ignore the light reflections on the album.
Keep On Rockin' It! 🤘
Frank 🎸
Good morning Frank,
I didn't know that, Frank; I just carried out a Google search and saw a clip of them playing at Wembley! It's good to see Brian Johnson singing, as I believe he had a problem a few years ago, I think it may have been an ear problem, but I can't remember fully.
I saw them many years ago, Frank, I've never seen anything like it! Not only are they brilliant musicians, it's almost kind of funny with all that energy behind them! That's quite something to have assigned album by them, Frank!
How nice to have the custom Gibson SG guitar! Can you make it sound like Angus, Frank?
Thank you, Frank, great pictures and nice treasures!
Have a fantastic day and keep on rocking.
Roy
Hi Roy
Yeah, Brain was having a problem with tinnitus from the high-volume music.
The guitar does have the Angus sound in it when plugged into an overdrived Marshall amp with EL-34’s.
Most people don’t realize how clean the Angus sound really is. They go for way too much overdrive or distortion, and that’s not it.
He uses the preamp in his wireless to drive his amps, along with the double-coil pickups in his guitar. 😎
Frank 🎸
Good morning Frank,
Yes, I thought it was something to do with his ears, Frank. It's great that Brian is back playing; it's something that I thought might not happen!
How wonderful to hear that unique sound of Angus Young!
I have been told this, Frank; I think I watched an interview years ago and Angus was saying that he uses very little overdrive or distortion. It's just such a unique sound.
It amazes me how many different techniques musicians use to get that unique sound!
Have a fantastic day.
Roy
Hi Roy
Yeah, Angus spikes the front-end of his amps, but gets most of his overdrive from the Marshalls.
If you watch his concert videos carefully, you will see that he only has to turn the volume knobs on his guitar down a small amount to get a very clean sound. 😎
Frank 🎸
Good morning Frank,
I really find it fascinating how people get the various sounds out of their guitars. Especially for someone like Angus Young, I don't know if different venues bring a different sound, but there must be a lot to know when it comes to setting up for a concert, etc.
I will have another look next time I see an AC/DC video, if Angus will keep still for long enough!
I hope everything is good at your end, Frank and that you had a good weekend.
Wishing you all the best.
Roy
Hi Roy
Yeah, the venue acoustics can be a critical component in getting the right sound. That's one of the reasons that bands do sound checks, which allows them to dial in the volume and sound they require to put on a great show.
Now that Angus is getting older, he does not run around quite as much on stage, but he still plays great. 😎
Frank 🎸
Good morning Frank,
I hope you're doing well.
It never fails to amaze me how technical and deep we can go with things. I recently purchased a Yeti microphone but was actually quite disappointed. I believe you commented on my blog post.
I'm sure setting up for a concert must be absolutely huge, there must be all sorts of trials and tribulations to go through to get that sound just right!
I'm not surprised about Angus; they do extremely well for their age. How can Brian Johnson keep those vocals up for so long? It's amazing!
Have a great day, Frank, it's good to chat.
Roy
Hi Roy
Yes, creating a proper soundstage is both an art and a science. There are acoustic formulas that can predict things that can't be directly measured, like how the number of people in a particular three-dimensional space can affect specific sound parameters like reverb, echo, and sound delay.
I remember when The Rolling Stones played an outdoor concert in Brazil that required delay towers to synch up the sound from the stage to the sound people were hearing from much farther away.
Yeah, AC/DC is all about high energy! 😎
Frank 🎸
Good morning Frank,
I can believe that, Frank! I'm guessing there must be a huge difference between an empty room or stadium to a full one! There was a lot to know!
Amazing, Frank! I'm sure we underestimate the skills of a soundman; I know I probably have.
Amazing energy, Frank!
Have a great day and a good weekend.
Roy
Have a great weekend, Roy! 🥳
We have a few parties to attend, so it should be fun.
Frank 🎸
Good morning Frank,
I somehow missed your comment, I have just seen it!
Thank you, the weekend goes so quickly!
I had a jolly with some good friends, we spent the day in London. The weather was good and the company was excellent. It was actually a friend's 65th birthday, so it's nice to celebrate that together. We normally have 2 or 3 jollies a year; it's always good fun!
I hope your weekend went well, Frank, it sounds like you should have had some fun.
Have a great week.
Roy