Known as the “King of Pop,” Michael Jackson sold more than seven hundred fifty million albums over his career. He redefined(重新定义) popular culture with his energetic music, dance moves and revolutionary music videos.

　　 Michael Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana in 1958. He was the seventh of nine children. He was five years old when he began singing with his brothers in a group called the Jackson 5. In 1968 the group signed a recording deal with Motown Records. Michael was eleven years old when they released their first album a year later.

　　 The Jackson 5 became an immediate success. Their music set sales records. Their first four songs were “ I Want You Back,” “ABC,” “The Love You Save” and “ I’ll Be There.” They all reached the number one position in pop music record sales in 1970. Michael’s first album performing alone was “ Off the Wall ” released in 1979.

　　 Three years later, Jackson released “ Thriller.” The album was not just the best-selling album of all time. It also won eight Grammy Awards and seven American Music Awards.

　　 In 1985, Michael Jackson helped write the song “ We Are the World.” He recorded it with many other famous performers. The aim of the record was to raise money for starving people in Africa. The project raised millions of dollars with this best-selling song.

　　 Michael Jackson’s next album, “ Bad,” produced five number one hits, including “ The Way You Make Me Feel.” Michael Jackson was a huge success, but was also a very troubled man. His behavior and appearance became increasingly strange. He had many operations to change his face.

　　 Michael Jackson died on June 25^th, 2009 of heart failure. He was just days away from launching a series of fifty concerts in London.

　　 Fans around the world mourned his death. Famous performers around the world told about the effect he had on their work. Michael Jackson left a huge mark on popular culture. His memory will live on in his unforgettable music.