Popular Music Paper FINAL TII Mastery Assessment
Michael Jackson was an American musician, songwriter, and dancer who was born on August 29, 1958 and went on to become one of the world’s most famous performers. He was born and raised in Gary, Indiana, in one of the most renowned musical communities. He was the youngest and most talented of five brothers molded by their father, Joseph Jackson, into the band known as the Jackson Five. In 1970, the Jackson Five was a major sensation since being signed by Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, producing hit songs like “I’ll Be There,” “The Love You Save,” and “I Want You Back (Taraborrelli, 2009). Their prosperity continued until 1975, when family disputes erupted, resulting in a contractual deadlock. Michael, who had grown and his voice had improved, and the majority of the group ended their partnership with Motown Records and signed with Epic Records as the Jacksons. The band grew to be successful until 1984, and then Michael’s solo albums became much more successful. Michael’s first solo release, Off the Wall, was a big success and earned the album of the year, inspiring him to pursue a solo career. On June 25, 2009, he passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack.
Michael Jackson was influential throughout his career as a musician, especially in terms of his fashion sense. The majority of the musicians have evidently transitioned to Michael’s style of dressing, based on observations made before and after Michael began singing (Stevens, 2010). This has had an effect not just on the artists, but on society in general. This can be seen in the way people dress in their families.
Michael Jackson, as a singer, also attempted to combat environmental degradation. He wanted to demonstrate how the environment is being ruined in order to make way for industrial development in his song “Earthly.” Furthermore, he depicted how the environment had been damaged by fire to make way for human occupation and agricultural production. He attempted to depict the consequences of environmental destruction in his music (Jessie-quinn, 2018). When the song begins, he depicts the beauty of the world as well as its destruction; animals are lost, and famine is on the rise. Many young people, as well as the government, have formed organizations like UNEP to combat environmental degradation.
Additionally, Michael Jackson attempted to advocate for civil rights as a singer. He wanted to illustrate the significance of neighborhood in humanity in his popular hit, “You’re not alone,” which has stuck in the mind of the individual going through difficult moments in life (Stevens, 2010). He urged the community to care for the children who live on the streets through the song. Many people have banded together today to combat the deprivation of human and civil rights. The government will use it to punish individuals who violate human rights. The song has been performed at several events, such as burials and even break-ups, to inspire people not to lose hope in life. It also serves as a reminder to them to never give up in life, notwithstanding the difficulties they can face.
Despite being a star, Jackson also had people he looked up to. James Brown, the Godfather of Soul, is one of his influences. Jackson was fascinated by James’s stage presence; the charm and enthusiasm he displayed on stage. This motivated Michael Jackson to become a performer. Michael Jackson was also influenced by Marcel Marceau. Marcel seemed to transcend gravity in his performances, which piqued Michael’s confidence, so Michael picked up a few tips from Marcel to improve his own performances. In an interview, he also confirmed that Marcel was the inspiration for the moonwalk.
Michael Jackson’s music continues to fascinate listeners, as shown by his effect on musicians even after his death. As David Guetta-branded pop dominated the world a few years ago, it seemed that there was no space for Jackson’s funk – but the popularity of Bruno Mars, Daft Punk, Robin Thicke, Pharrell, and revived Justin Timberlake (along with recent imitator Ed Sheeran) demonstrates that the music Jackson popularized is still important (Wilburn, 2018). They are most clearly raising the soft-focus sparkle of Rock With You, but there are other borrowings as well: his usage of ridiculously overdriven rock guitar to signify roiling erotic desire or divine bliss has been nabbed by R&B artists like Miguel. More broadly, he is undoubtedly a source of inspiration for artists such as Katy Perry, who admire his ability to switch between universal ballads and personal tunes, both accentuated with pleasurable confectionery – a talent that only a few pop stars, led by Jackson, have mastered.
Conclusively, Michael Jackson has had a significant impact on many people parti