| Years |
Age |
Events |
| 1958 |
0 |
Born on August 29 in Gary, Indiana, eighth child of Katherine and Joe Jackson, raised as a Jehovah’s Witness. |
| 1964 |
6 |
Joins the Jackson 5 at age 6, performing locally with brothers, setting the stage for fame. |
| 1968 |
10 |
Signs with Motown Records, marking the beginning of global success with the Jackson 5. |
| 1969 |
11 |
“I Want You Back” hits No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, launching their chart dominance. |
| 1970 |
12 |
Hits “ABC”, “The Love You Save”, and “I’ll Be There” all reach No. 1, solidifying fame. |
| 1972 |
14 |
Releases first solo album “Got to Be There” on January 24, with “Ben” becoming a hit, marking his solo career start. |
| 1975 |
17 |
Jackson 5 leaves Motown for Epic Records in June, becomes The Jacksons, seeking artistic freedom. |
| 1978 |
20 |
Stars as Scarecrow in “The Wiz” on October 24, meets Quincy Jones, begins producing “Off the Wall.” |
| 1979 |
21 |
Releases “Off the Wall” on August 10, co-produced with Quincy Jones, critical and commercial success, wins multiple AMA and Billboard awards. |
| 1980 |
22 |
Wins first Grammys for “Off the Wall,” including Best R&B Performance, cementing solo status. |
| 1982 |
24 |
Releases “Thriller” on November 30, becomes best-selling album worldwide, selling over 70 million copies. |
| 1983 |
25 |
Performs “Billie Jean” on Motown 25 special on March 25, debuts moonwalk, aired to 47 million viewers on May 16. Releases 14-minute “Thriller” video on December 2, revolutionizing music videos. |
| 1984 |
26 |
Hair catches fire during Pepsi commercial shoot on January 27, settles for $1.5 million. Victory Tour with brothers from July to December, last tour with them, donates $3-5 million to charity. Wins multiple Grammys for “Thriller” in February. |
| 1985 |
27 |
Co-releases “We Are the World” on March 8 with Lionel Richie for African famine relief, hit single, raises $63 million. Buys ATV Music publishing rights on August 10 for $47.5 million, including Beatles songs. |
| 1987 |
29 |
Releases “Bad” on August 31, first album with five US number-one singles, tours globally. |
| 1988 |
30 |
Builds Neverland Ranch near Santa Ynez, California, in March, with amusement park features, becomes personal retreat. |
| 1991 |
33 |
Releases “Dangerous” on November 26, certified eight times platinum, sells 32 million copies by 2018. |
| 1992 |
34 |
Marries Lisa Marie Presley on May 26, childhood friends, performs at Super Bowl XXVII halftime show on January 31, viewed by 133.4 million. |
| 1993 |
35 |
Accused of child molestation in August by 13-year-old Jordan Chandler, police raid Neverland Ranch in November, finds incriminating photos (not illegal), strip-searched, not indicted, settles for $23 million in January 1994. |
| 1994 |
36 |
Settles child molestation case in January, divorces Lisa Marie Presley on August 20, marries Debbie Rowe in November, during HIStory World Tour. |
| 1995 |
37 |
Releases “HIStory” on June 20, double album, sells 20 million copies (40 million units), includes hits like “Earth Song.” |
| 1997 |
39 |
Son Prince Michael Jackson Jr. born on February 13 to Debbie Rowe, during Blood on the Dance Floor era. |
| 1998 |
40 |
Daughter Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson born on April 3 to Debbie Rowe, expands family. |
| 2001 |
43 |
Releases “Invincible” on October 30, costs $30 million, sells 8 million copies, last album of original material. |
| 2002 |
44 |
Son Prince Michael Jackson II (Blanket) born on February 21 via surrogate, public unveiling sparks controversy. |
| 2003 |
45 |
Accused again of child molestation on November 18 by Gavin Arvizo, arrested on December 18, charged with seven counts, media frenzy ensues. |
| 2005 |
47 |
Acquitted of all charges on June 13 after five-month trial, leaves country, moves to Bahrain. |
| 2009 |
51 |
Dies on June 25 from cardiac arrest at 2:26 pm Pacific time, due to propofol overdose, memorial service on July 7 at Staples Center, viewed by 2.5-3 billion worldwide, estate grosses $2 billion posthumously. |
