Michael Joseph Jackson Born August 29,1958.

Michael's Singing Debut with Jackson Five 1963.

The Jackson 5 win a talent show at Roosevelt High singing My Girl 1965.

- Playing in nightclubs in cities such a New York, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Chicago and Phoenix. 1965-1968.

- Bobby Taylor of the Vancouvers discover them at a show 1968.

- The J5 are showcased for the Motown family at a party hosted by Motown founder, Berry Gordy at his home 1968.

- The Jackson family relocate to Los Angeles 1968.

- In October, I Want You Back, produced and written by The Corporation (Freddy Perrin,Fonze Mizell, Deke Richards, and Berry Gordy) is released 1969.

- I Want You Back hits #1 on the charts in early 1970. ABC single is released in February. It hits the #1 spot on the charts. The Love You Save is released n May. It hits the #1 spot on the charts. I'll Be There is released in August. It hits the #1 spot giving the group the most successful debut in pop music history 1970.

- Mama's Pearl is released in January. It reaches to the #2 spot on the charts. Never Can Say Goodbye is released in March. It reaches to the #2 spot on the charts 1971.

- The group goes on a national tour selling out major arenas like the Los Angeles Forum, Philadelphia Spectrum, and New York's Madison Square Garden. Michael releases his first solo hit with Got To Be There in October. The J5 get a Saturday cartoon series based on their personalities. The group headlines a primetime television special called Goin' Back To Indiana. A soundrack accompanies the special. Walk On written by their road manager Suzanne DePasse, was included on the soundrack, which was there first J5 song ever recorded 1971.

- Ben, one of Michael's solo projects, reaches #1. It is the title song from the motion picture bearing the same name 1972.

- The J5 visit Africa and do three concerts in Senegal and visit slave quarters on Goree Island. Joseph assumes management of the J5 from Motown. The J5 perform at MGM Grand Hotel with a successful "family show" that displays the talents of all the Jacksons. The show is designed by Michael and mother Katherine. Dancing Machine is released and reaches #2 on the charts. The J5 begin to desire more input on the writing of their songs. Motown rejects the idea 1974.

- Joseph begins negotiations with Epic Records 1975.

- The now known Jacksons, sign with Epic in March. Motown get to keep the name of Jackson Five and sues the family netting them $600,000. The Jacksons produced by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff becomes gold. Enjoy Yourself is released and sells a million copies. Blues Away is the first Jacksons' song copyrighted by their own publishing company, Peacock Music. The Jacksons hos a summer variety series on CBS (USA). Motown releases Joyful Jukebox Music. It contains unreleased J5 tracks. The album sales are at a minimum 1976.

- The Jacksons release their second Epic album called Goin' Places produced by Gamble and Huff. The album's sales were poor, causing Michael to meet with Epic executives for the opportunity to produce their next album. Michael moves to New York to begin production on The Wiz costarring Diana Ross, Al Jarreau, and Richard Pryor. The movie is an urban version of Wizard of Oz co-starring Judy Garland. On the set of The Wiz, Michael meets legendary music producer, Quincy Jones. Joseph hires Freddy Demann, and Ron Weisner to co-manage the group to "give them more clout with Epic" 1977.

Destiny is released, which was written and produced most of the songs 1978.

Off The Wall, album is released. This is the beginning of Quincy Jones working with Michael on his solo albums. Don't Stop Til You Get Enough and Rock With You hit #1 on the charts. The album includes such classics as Off The Wall and She's Out of My Life. The album sells a combined 7 million + worldwide 1979.

Triumph album is released and goes platinum. The brothers again write and produce the songs on the album. The album contans such hits as Heartbreak Hotel 1980.

The Jacksons' begin a 36 city tour on July 9th. The tour grosses almost $5.5 million. The group raises $100,000 for the Atlanta Children's Foundation o their stop to Atlanta. The Jacksons' Live album is released of the tour. Michael co-writes Midnight Love for La Toya's self-titled album on Polygram 1981.

Michael records the E.T. Songbook with Quincy Jones and E.T. director Steven Spieldberg, which is released in November. The album doesn't survive due to a "misunderstanding" between MCA and Epic, which ensues a lawsuit, therefore haulting the distribution of the album. Michael collaborates with Beatles' Paul McCartney for The Girl Is Mine. The single reaches #1 on the charts. Michael produces Muscles for Diana Ross' album Silk Electric. The record enters he Top Ten. Thriller is released on December 1st. Michael once again teams up with Quincy Jones. Five Top Ten singles are released from the album (The Girl Is Mine, Billie Jean, Beat It, Wanna Be Startin' Something, and Human Nature 1982.

Billie Jean and Beat It videos are released and are claimed "state of the art" therefore opening the door wide-open for other black acts to appear on Music Television (MTV). Michael also breaks racial barriers with Beat It due to Van Halen's guitarist Eddie Van Halen playing on the song. Freddy Demann and Ron Weisner are relieved of their duties as co-managers of the Jacksons. Joe resumes all responsibility as manager of the group 1983.

Thriller becomes the biggest selling album of all time. At the Grammys and American Music Awards, Michael sets a record by winning 8 awards at each ceremony. The Jacksons' sign an agreement with Pepsi Cola for $5 million to sponsor the Victory Tour. Michael's hair catches fire while he and his brothers film a Pepsi commercial. His scalp suffers second and third degree burns. The Jacksons release their new album Victory. This is the first time that Jermaine rejoins the group after he had left to resign with Motown. All six brothers begin to rehearse for their upcoming summer tour 1984.

Michael releases "Bad" the last collaboration with Quincy Jones 1987.

Michael releases "Dangerous" 1991.

Michael marries Lisa Marie Presley 1994. The would later divorce after less than two years of marriage.

Michael releases "History", which includes the hit "Scream" featuring his sister Janet Jackson 1995.

Michael marries Debbie Rowe, the mother of his first two children; Prince Michael Jackson and Paris Katherine Jackson 1996.

Michael becomes a father to his third child named Prince Michael Jackson II and releases his last cd entitled, "Invincible" 2001.

On June 25, 2009 Michael Joseph Jackson dies of a heart attack at the age of 50. He was rehearsing for a world tour entitled, "This Is It" which was to be his final performances on stage.

Credits: The Michael Jackson Trivia Book: Every Little Thing You Wanted To Know, written by Mark Rowland, Published by Dell Publishing Co. Inc., and various internet resources.

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