Michael Joseph Jackson was born August 29, 1958 in Gary, Indiana. The son of Joe and Katherine Jackson made his public singing debut as part of the Jackson 5 in 1964, joining his brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Marlon. By 1968 the group was signed to Motown and achieved worldwide success with Michael as the lead singer.
In 1971 Michael began his solo career with Motown and achieved instant success with hits like “Got to Be There,” “Rockin’ Robin” and “Ben.” By 1973, the success was dwindling and Michael’s songs weren’t charting like they used to. After taking some time to grow into a man (and an artist), Michael was signed to Epic Records and released the “Off the Wall” album in 1979. With five singles including the chart-toppers “Don’t Stop Til’ You Get Enough” and “Rock With You,” Michael had catapulted himself into a certified multi-platinum superstar.
From that point on, everything Michael touched seemed to turn to gold, platinum or diamond. His next two albums, “Thriller” and “Bad,” became two of the biggest-selling albums of all time and combined for 13 Top 10 hits from 1982 to 1989. The worldwide superstar known for his unparalleled voice, dance moves and mysterious persona was officially the “King of Pop.”
Michael’s career began to slow down in the 1990s. His albums “Dangerous” and “HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I” were still highly successful, multi-platinum chart-toppers with #1 singles like “Black or White” and “You Are Not Alone,” but his public image became tarnished with rumors and ongoing legal battles. He released what would become his final studio album, “Invincible,” in 2001 along with his last Top 10 single, “You Rock My World.”
Throughout Michael’s career he was known not only as a musical trailblazer, but an artist who transformed the visual medium of music videos as we know it. For his contributions, MTV now calls its equivalent of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Video Music Awards the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. Jackson received 13 Grammys in his career and was honored with the Grammy Legend Award, The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and Grammy Hall of Fame Honors for his albums “Thriller” and “Off the Wall.”
On June 25, 2009, Michael Jackson died at the age of 50 in Los Angeles, California. Fans around the world still celebrate him as one of the most iconic entertainers of all time and his music continues to live on. Scroll through our gallery of Michael Jackson’s 25 best songs below. This list is comprised of his work as a solo artist, not as part of The Jackson 5. It also excludes the worldwide smash hit “We Are the World,” which Michael co-wrote with Lionel Richie and recorded with various artists.
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25. Ben
Image Credit: Motown This Oscar-nominated and Golden Globe-winning song was released July 12, 1972. “Ben” was produced by Motown staff and written by Don Black and Walter Scharf. It became Michael’s first solo #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 despite the corresponding film being somewhat of a dud at the box office. Michael sings with deep emotion and a vocal control that won audiences over. “Ben” is a platinum-selling single from his second studio album, also titled “Ben.”
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24. Got to Be There
Image Credit: Motown Often confused as a Jackson 5 single, “Got To Be There” is one of Michael Jackson’s most covered solo hits from his early years: Chaka Khan, Boyz II Men, George Benson, Diana Ross and Smokey Robinson each have their own versions. This was Michael’s solo debut and reached #4 on the Hot 100 and R&B charts, released in October 1971 from his first solo album of the same name. “Got To Be There” went gold and was written by Elliot Willensky and produced by Hal Davis.
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23. Heal the World
Image Credit: Epic Opening with a young voice stating we all should think about the future generations, and how we can all make the world a better pace for them, Michael Jackson and longtime collaborator Bruce Swedien wrote and produced one of Michael’s most well-known and touching ballads about taking care of the world. From the album “Dangerous,” “Heal The World” was released November 23, 1992, and was a smash hit overseas, where it peaked at #1 on UK Radio, and #27 on the Hot 100, going gold in 10 countries. All proceeds were donated to the James Bulger Center for children who were victims of crimes or bullying.
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22. Earth Song
Image Credit: Epic Through the years, Michael made sure to speak very candidly about how Earth had been suffering from the continuous damage humans have put on it, and decided to compose another focus on mother nature itself. Written by Michael, David Foster and Bill Bottrell, “Earth Song” comprises a grand operatic gospel, pleading on his knees for us to treat the Earth with respect, asking us, “What about the animals, the trees, and the seas, do we give a damn?” Released November 7, 1995, from the album “HIStory, Past Present Future Book 1,” “Earth Song” achieved international success, going #1 in the UK and 5 other countries, selling double platinum in the UK and Gold in the US, respectively.
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21. Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’
Image Credit: Epic Originally written for his sister Latoya who was embarking on her own musical career, Michael and Quincy Jones produced a worldly funk and afropop opus as the opening track to his sixth studio release, “Thriller.” “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin'” went to #5 on the Hot 100 following its release on May 9, 1983. Popular for its thumping production and climactic chant at the end composed by Manu Dibango, WBSS interjects lyrics about paranoia, phobias and being used as a “vegetable” for people to point fingers and laugh at. The song was also famously sampled by Rihanna on her hit single “Don’t Stop The Music”.
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20. She’s Out of My Life
Image Credit: Michael Jackson/YouTube Produced by Quincy Jones and written by Tom Bahler, this sentimental ballad features Michael reflecting on the reasons a woman has left him. The platinum-selling single from “Off The Wall” reached #10 on the Hot 100, and #3 in the UK. Quincy noted this song was originally written with legendary crooner Frank Sinatra in mind, and he hesitated to give it to Michael.
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19. You Rock My World
Image Credit: Epic One of his last hits, “You Rock My World” is a fun mid-tempo jam featuring a catchy chorus upon a rich piano line played by producer and co-writer Rodney Jenkins. It was co-written by Michael, LaShawn Daniels, Fred Jerkins III and Nora Payne. This was his last top 10 single, going gold at #10 on the Hot 100, and even higher in the UK at #2. The music video hilariously features Chris Tucker, and it was the lead single of his final studio album “Invincible” on August 22, 2001.
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18. P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)
Image Credit: Epic A standout amongst the bevy of singles from “Thriller,” “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)” was written by James Ingram and Quincy Jones and makes its mark as a post-disco workout. The call-to-response hooks, squiggly synths and robotic vocals are perfectly matched. “P.Y.T.” went to #10 on the Hot 100 following its release on September 19, 1983. This song was also famously sampled by Kanye West for his hit single “The Good Life.”
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17. Leave Me Alone
Image Credit: Epic An advernterous music video from his seventh studio release, “Bad,” Michael Jackson can be seen on a roller coaster ride having some fun with tabloid headlines about his personal life. The playful and whimsical pop song was written and composed by Michael Jackson himself, and was a bonus track on CD only. While not an official single in the US, it topped the charts overseas in several countries, and won a Grammy for Best Music Video.
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16. Will You Be There
Image Credit: Epic There was tremendous anticipation for the release “Will You Be There” from the film “Free Willy.” The gospel ballad written by Michael and Bruce Swedien is an emotional confessional asking God for inner strength, and to” walk when not able, and fight to the end” despite only being human. Another successful single from “Dangerous,” “Will You Be There” reached #7 on the Hot 100 after its release date of June 28, 1993.
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15. You Are Not Alone
Image Credit: Epic “You Are Not Alone” was released on August 15, 1995 from the “HIStory” album and became the first song in history to debut at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Written by R. Kelly and co-produced with Michael, this touching ballad was an instant hit, receiving #1 status in 15 countries. The music video features then wife Lisa Marie Presley and was filmed at the Pantages Theater in Los Angeles. It was inspired by artist Maxfield Parrish.
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14. Scream
Image Credit: Michael Jackson/YouTube A Michael Jackson music video was always a world event, and undoubtedly there was much anticipation for a duet with sister Janet Jackson who co-wrote “Scream” with Michael, and her longtime collaborators Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Released May 29, 1995, “Scream” is an electronic dance-pop and funk tune with Michael and Janet’s soaring vocals fighting back against social injustices. “Scream” went to #1 on the US Dance charts, #2 R&B and #5 Hot 100 as well as going #1 in 9 different countries. Michael and Janet won Best Music Video for “Scream” at the 1996 Grammys.
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13. Dirty Diana
Image Credit: Epic This cold and dramatic rocker is one of Michael Jackon’s most beloved songs from the “Bad” album. Produced by Quincy Jones, Michael and a soaring guitar solo by Steve Stevens, “Dirty Diana” is a captivating story about a woman who traps her lover. The song became another #1 on the Hot 100 and was memorably covered by The Weeknd before he gained international fame.
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12. Human Nature
Image Credit: Epic Released July 4, 1983, Michael’s subdued and vulnerable vocals will calm any listener’s mood. Another incredible release from “Thriller,” “Human Nature” was written by Steve Pocaro from Toto and John Bettis. Discovered by accident by Quincy Jones on a cassette tape from Pocaro (who wrote it about his daughter), this platinum-selling ballad became one of his best-known songs, topping out at #7 on the Hot 100. “Human Nature” has been sampled by SWV, Chris Brown and even covered by Miles Davis and Toto live.
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11. Man in the Mirror
Image Credit: Epic Written and composed by Siedah Garret and Glen Ballard, “Man In The Mirror” from the album “Bad” is classic Michael, capturing the true essence of who he is as an artist. The gospel pop anthem pulls on the heartstrings of any listener, pleading for them to look in the mirror and make the change they want to see in the world. This majestic production won Michael Jackson 3x platinum plaques and hit #1 on the Hot 100 after its release in January of 1988.
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10. Black or White
Image Credit: Epic Another pop rocker, Michael Jackson comes face to face with racism, bringing forth a united message of harmony. Released December 7, 1991, “Black or White” was produced by Michael and Bill Bottrell. This catchy release from his eighth studio album “Dangerous” became a global hit, going #1 in up to 20 different countries including the US Hot 100. The “Black Or White” video famously used new CGI technology showing different races and genders of people morphing into one another, something unseen in music videos before this.
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9. Remember the Time
Image Credit: Michael Jackson/YouTube Released a month after “Black Or White,” “Remember The Time’s” music video sees Michael in ancient Egypt as a peasant that practices magic, remembering a time of love and passion that was lost, yet unforgettable with the Queen. With a classic New Jack Swing production handled by Teddy Riley, Michael and Bernard Belle, this song hit the airwaves and served as another smash hit for Michael, and one of his most incredibly produced music videos. “Remember The Time” went to #1 on the R&B and Dance charts, only stalling at #3 on the Hot 100.
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8. Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough
Image Credit: Michael Jackson/YouTube When MJ asks if you can keep on, because the force…has a lot of power, you better know it six minutes in, because Michael takes you on a riveting disco-funk ride. Written and produced by Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones, “Don’t Stop Until You Get Enough” is a relentless production filled with a six-piece horn section, and several elements of percussion by Paulinho de Costa (and some uncredited fills from the not-yet-famous Sheila E). Jackson wanted to make this first single from “Off The Wall” a sure-fire hit and it went #1 on the Hot 100 and R&B charts, selling five million copies in the US alone. Michael won Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” at the 1980 Grammys.
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7. Bad
Image Credit: Epic “Bad” was inspired by a young man named Edmund Perry who lost his life trying to do better for himself, but unfortunately fell victim to gun violence. Michael uses this tragedy to create a positive message in the music video heavily inspired by “West Side Story.” An outstanding short film that sees gang violence being eliminated by influencing the protagonist to do the right thing, or else. Produced by Michael and Quincy Jones, “Bad” hit #1 on the Hot 100 after its September 7, 1987 release.
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6. The Way You Make Me Feel
Image Credit: Epic This high energy mid-tempo hit single received rave reviews upon its release on November 9, 1987. Lyrically flirtatious, the message is clear — the love interest knocks him off of his feet. With a studious blues groove and hypnotic chorus, “The Way You Make Me Feel” was sure to win. Hitting #1 on the Hot 100, Dance and R&B charts, with a sexy music video featuring model Tatiana Thumbten walking through the smoky alleys of New York City at night; this instantly memorable track won the hearts of many for years to come.
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5. Rock With You
Image Credit: Michael Jackson/YouTube Michael wants to “rock with you all night,” and dance with you into the day he pleads… until the sunlight. It must have worked with audiences across the world, because “Rock With You” received a 5x Platinum certification in the USA alone. Produced by Quincy Jones and written by Rod Temperton (Heatwave), this sultry R&B/Disco number moves like silk through any genre of music – and still sounds fresh over 40 years after its release in October of 1979.
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4. Smooth Criminal
Image Credit: Michael Jackson/YouTube “Smooth Criminal’s” buoyant and imaginative production; signature bass line and Jackson’s breathy and endearing vocal, takes you through a crime that has been committed. We go along for the ride as we all try to find out what happened to the victim, Annie, who survived an attack. The mystery is gorgeously turned into a 1920s gangster-inspired short film, which was part of Michael’s first movie release “Moonwalker.” The video left audiences gobsmacked by his spectacular new moves for years to come. “Smooth Criminal,” produced by Quincy Jones and Michael, went double platinum in the US, peaking at #7 on the Hot 100 and #2 on the R&B chart.
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3. Thriller
Image Credit: Michael Jackson/YouTube A global Halloween event within itself, Michael Jackon’s “Thriller” was an international success taking MTV by storm. Written by Rod Temperton and produced by Quincy Jones, “Thriller” eventually went on to become a diamond-selling single despite peaking at #7 on the Hot 100. “Thriller’s” short film directed by Jon Landis has become an international phenomenon with countless tributes to its iconic choreography. This fun disco-funk tune also features Vincent Price letting the listener know if they can’t “get down” they shall face the hounds of hell, and rot inside a corpse’s shell. “Thriller” went on to become part of the Library Of Congress for its cultural and historical significance. Michael won Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for “Thriller” at the 1984 Grammys.
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2. Beat It
Image Credit: Michael Jackson/YouTube Released Feburary 14th 1983, “Beat It” is one of the most popular songs in music to this day. Produced by Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson, with several instruments played by Toto, this rock/pop infusion was inspired by gang activity from Jackson’s upbringing in Gary, Indiana. Eddie Van Halen was brought in by Michael to contribute a soaring guitar solo which actually caused a speaker to catch fire in the studio. The rocker went on to be one of Michael’s most iconic singles globally, hitting #1 on the Hot 100 and R&B charts. The music video features 80 actual rival gang members and outstanding dance choreography that’s been replicated by fans for decades. Michael won Record of the Year and Best Male Rock Vocal Performance for “Beat It” at the 1984 Grammys.
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1. Billie Jean
Image Credit: Michael Jackson/YouTube “Billie Jean” has become one of the most invigorating singles/events in music history. Released Janurary 3, 1983, the song has become Michael Jackson’s crowning cultural achievement. Another smash single inspired by true life events, Michael claimed “Billie Jean” was the name he and his brothers assigned to women who falsely accused them of fathering their children. The single is one of the most outrageous, lyrically bizarre and refreshing tunes ever recorded in popular music history. “Billie Jean” was produced by Quincy Jones and engineered by Bruce Swedien. Jackson made this song even more iconic by introducing the “moonwalk” during his Motown 25th Anniversary performance. “Billie Jean” went #1 in 12 countries including the USA and is certified Diamond by the RIAA. Michael won Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song for “Billie Jean” at the 1984 Grammys.
Michael Jackson was my role model since I was child. I never knew how to dance like he did but the he is that artist that made me believe that I can be anything that I have ever dreamed of. R.I.P M.J
The top s & best singer & dancer it will take another’ 100 years . To replace the king of pop. You can publish this .?