From an early age, Michael Jackson showed remarkable musical talent. Born the seventh of nine children into a performing family, his electrifying voice set him apart from his brothers. By age eleven, Michael was a Motown child star, both with his brothers and as a solo act. Then in the 1980s, he rose to megastardom, thanks to a series of hits: "Beat It," "Billie Jean," and "Thriller." Michael sold records in the millions, and his groundbreaking music and dance moves earned him the nickname the "King of Pop." Known for his signature moonwalk, red jacket, and single glove, he pioneered music videos, broke down racial barriers in the pop world, and bridged the gap between rhythm and blues and popular music. Yet, his private life often overshadowed his musical appeal. A series of legal proceedings, plastic surgeries, and questionable relationships tarnished his image. Despite it all, Michael Jackson remains one of the world's most successful musicians, winning thirteen Grammy Awards and selling millions of albums worldwide. Both in the way that he lived and in the way that he died, the story of Michael Jackson is complicated and compelling. Book jacket.