Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, record producer, musician, and businessperson, born in Gary, Indiana, as the eighth of ten children to Joseph (Joe) Jackson, a steel mill crane operator, and Katherine Jackson, a Sears department store employee. He began his career performing with his brothers in the Jackson 5, a Motown group that achieved massive success in the late 1960s and early 1970s with hits like 'I Want You Back' and 'ABC'. Transitioning to a solo career, he released groundbreaking albums including Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982)—the best-selling album of all time—and Bad (1987), revolutionizing pop music through innovative music videos, dance moves like the moonwalk, and visual performance artistry. Dubbed the 'King of Pop,' he broke racial barriers and became one of the most influential entertainers of the 20th century, with a career spanning four decades. Jackson was also a philanthropist supporting causes like AIDS research and children's welfare. However, his life was overshadowed by controversies, including 1993 allegations of child sexual abuse leading to a settlement, and a 2005 criminal trial where he was acquitted on all charges. Criticized for his changing appearance and eccentric behavior, he faced financial troubles and legal battles over his estate. He died from acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication, ruled a homicide due to administration by his personal physician, Conrad Murray, who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter.