The Best of Funk Music: Michael Jackson
Looking for some great funk music to add to your collection? Look no further than the king of pop himself, Michael Jackson. From classics like “Billie Jean” to more obscure tracks like “Can You Feel It,” Jackson’s got the perfect funk sound for any occasion.
Introduction
Funk music is a genre of popular music that originated in the 1970s. It is characterized by a strong bassline and often contains elements of soul, R&B, and jazz. Michael Jackson was a prominent figure in the funk music scene, and his contributions helped to shape the genre. Jackson’s unique style and charisma made him one of the most successful artists of all time, and his influence can still be felt in funk music today.
The Jackson 5
The Jackson 5, often shortened to The J5, or simply The Jacksons, was an American pop band composed of members of the Jackson family. The group was founded in 1965 in Gary, Indiana, by brothers Jackie, Tito and Jermaine, with younger brothers Marlon and Michael joining soon after. They were distinguished for their youthful look, their dancing abilities and their lead singer’s powerful voice.
The Jackson 5’s first four singles—\”I Want You Back\”, \”ABC\”, \”The Love You Save\” and \”I’ll Be There\”—were all number-one hits on the Hot 100 chart. Altogether the group had thirteen number-one hits on the Hot 100 chart between 1970 and 1975; they also released four number-one R&B albums between 1969 and 1974. The band broke up in 1984; Michael and Marlon went on to have solo careers while Jermaine remained a member of The Jacksons until 1989 when he left to pursue a solo career. Tito remained a member of The Jacksons until his death in 1994.
The Jackson 5 has sold an estimated 100 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling bands of all time. They were inducted into the Rhythmic/Dance category of the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2006.
Michael Jackson’s Solo Career
Michael Jackson’s first solo album, “Off the Wall,” was released in August of 1979. The album was a critical and commercial success, spawning four top ten singles. “Off the Wall” was followed by “Thriller,” which is often cited as the best-selling album of all time. “Thriller” includes the singles “Billie Jean” and “Beat It,” which are two of Jackson’s most iconic songs.
In 1984, Jackson released his third studio album, “Purple Rain.” The album’s title track is one of Jackson’s most famous songs, and it won an Academy Award for Best Original Song. “Purple Rain” also won a Grammy Award for Album of the Year, making Jackson the first artist to win that award with an album that was not primarily composed of traditional pop music.
Jackson’s fourth studio album, “Bad,” was released in 1987. The album includes the singles “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You,” “Bad,” and “The Way You Make Me Feel.” “Bad” was another critical and commercial success, selling over eight million copies in the United States alone.
In 1991, Jackson released his fifth studio album, “Dangerous.” The album includes the singles “Black or White,” “Remember the Time,” and “In the Closet.” Dangerous was another massive success, selling over 32 million copies worldwide.
Jackson’s sixth studio album, HIStory: Past, Present and Future—Book I, was released in 1995. The double album included both greatest hits and new material. The lead single from HIStory, “Scream/Childhood,” became one of Jackson’s most successful singles, reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Jackson released his seventh and final studio album, Invincible, in 2001. The album is notable for including the single “You Are Not Alone,” which became Jackson’s second number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100 chart after his death.
The Legacy of Michael Jackson
No other artist in the history of pop music has been as influential, success, or controversial as Michael Jackson. Referred to as the “King of Pop”, Jackson’s impact on music, fashion, and dance is still felt today, more than a decade after his untimely death.
Born in 1958, Jackson began his career as a member of The Jackson 5, a family band that rocketed to stardom in the late 1960s and early 1970s. As a solo artist, Jackson achieved even greater success with a string of hits including “Off the Wall”, “Thriller”, and “Bad”.
Jackson’s eccentric lifestyle and controversial behavior off-stage often overshadowed his prodigious talent. In 2005, he was acquitted of child molestation charges after a highly publicized trial. In the years following his acquittal, Jackson’s health deteriorated due to drug addiction and he died of an overdose of propofol in 2009.
Despite the controversies surrounding his life, Jackson’s legacy as one of the greatest entertainers of all time is secure. His contributions to music and dance have influenced artists across genres and generations and his iconic status is unlikely to ever be eclipsed.
