'They became so successful, so quickly, that none of us were prepared for it.' - Suzanne de Passe, Motown Records What can be said about Michael Jackson, that hasn't already been said? Yes so much of what is written about Michael is either inaccurate or negative. The aim of this book is to tell Michael's incredible story as accurately, honestly and comprehensively as possible by focusing on hi music. The book includes a complete, chronological listing of every album (including track listings), one-off singles and collaborations Michael released in the USA and/or UK: In the pre-Motown era For Motown, solo and with the Jackson 5 With the Jacksons The book also features a complete USA and UK chartography, discographies from both the USA and the UK, a videography and a fascinating listing of Jackson rarities from around the world.

Biography of the life of entertainer Michael Jackson.

The definitive biography of Michael Jackson, a “vivid…gripping...authoritative account of a world-changing force of nature” (Rolling Stone), celebrating the King of Pop’s legendary contributions to music, dance, and popular culture. From the moment in 1965 when he first stepped on stage—at age seven—in Gary, Indiana, Michael Jackson was destined to become the undisputed King of Pop. In a career spanning four decades, Jackson became a global icon, selling over four hundred million albums, earning thirteen Grammy awards, and spinning dance moves that captivated the world. Songs like “Billie Jean” and “Black and White” altered our national discussion of race and equality, and Jackson’s signature aesthetic, from the single white glove to the moonwalk, defined a generation. Despite publicized scandals and controversy, Jackson’s ultimate legacy will always be his music. In an account that “reminds us why Michael Jackson was, indeed, a ‘genius’ entertainer” (New York Newsday), Rolling Stone contributing editor Steve Knopper delves deeply into Jackson’s music and talent. From the artist’s early days with the Jackson 5, to his stratospheric success as a solo artist, to “Beat It” and “Thriller,” “Bad” and “The Man in the Mirror,” to his volatile final years, his attempted comeback, and untimely death, Knopper draws on his “critical and reportorial savvy in assessing Jackson’s creative peaks and valleys,” (USA TODAY) exploring the beguiling and often contradictory forces that fueled Michael Jackson’s genius. Drawing on an amazing four hundred interviews—ranging from Jackson’s relatives, friends, and key record executives to celebrities like will.i.am and Weird Al Yankovic—this critical biography puts his career into perspective and celebrates his triumph in art and music. This is “a thoughtful look at an artist who grew up in a segregated mill town and who, for the rest of his life, made music to bring down walls” (Chicago Tribune).

For half a century, Michael Jackson’s music has been an indelible part of our cultural consciousness. Landmark albums such as Off the Wall and Thriller shattered records, broke racial barriers, amassed awards, and set a new standard for popular music. While his songs continue to be played in nearly every corner of the world, however, they have rarely been given serious critical attention. The first book dedicated solely to exploring his creative work, Man in the Music guides us through an unparalleled analysis of Jackson’s recordings, album by album, from his trailblazing work with Quincy Jones to his later collaborations with Teddy Riley, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, and Rodney Jerkins. Drawing on rare archival material and on dozens of original interviews with the collaborators, engineers, producers, and songwriters who helped bring the artist’s music into the world, Jackson expert and acclaimed cultural critic Joseph Vogel reveals the inspirations, demos, studio sessions, technological advances, setbacks and breakthroughs, failures and triumphs, that gave rise to an immortal body of work.

Recounts the author's career as an award-winning recording engineer and highlights his work with Michael Jackson on his most influential albums.

The main focus of this book is on Michael's career from the late 1970s onwards. It features a complete, chronological listing of every album, one-off single and collaboration Michael recorded during this period. Throughout the book, albums are printed in CAPITALS, to distinguish them from singles and other songs. Each entry features American and UK catalog numbers and release dates, artist credits (as per the actual release), album track listings, and chart positions achieved in the States (Hot 100 and R & B charts), the UK and numerous other countries. Other significant aspects of Michael's life are included as well, and the book concludes with a comprehensive chartography (USA and UK), top singles and albums, awards, movies and videography, discographies (USA and UK), and a fascinating listing of rarities from around the world.