How old was Michael Jackson? – A Look Back at the King of Pop’s Age

1. Michael Jackson’s Early Years: Age at the Start of his Career

Michael Jackson began his career as a child star, performing with his siblings in the group The Jackson 5. He was born on August 29, 1958, which means that he was just 6 years old when he made his debut with the group. By the time he was 10, Michael had become the lead vocalist of The Jackson 5 and was already a seasoned performer.

In 1971, at the age of 13, Michael launched his solo career with the album “Got to Be There,” which included the hit single of the same name. He continued to release successful solo albums throughout the 1970s and 1980s, becoming one of the biggest stars in the world. However, it was his landmark album “Thriller,” released in 1982 when he was 24 years old, that solidified his status as the King of Pop.

2. The Height of His Fame: Michael Jackson’s Age during Thriller Era

Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” era was arguably the pinnacle of his career. The album, released in 1982 when Jackson was 24 years old, became the best-selling album of all time and made him a global superstar. The music videos for songs like “Thriller,” “Beat It,” and “Billie Jean” showcased Jackson’s impressive dancing skills and unique style, further cementing his status as an icon.

During this time, Jackson was also known for his extravagant fashion choices, including his famous single sequined glove, military jackets, and fedoras. He was often in the media for his personal life, including his friendship with Elizabeth Taylor and his pet chimpanzee, Bubbles.

Jackson continued to release successful albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s, but the “Thriller” era remains a defining moment in his career and a cultural touchstone for generations.

3. Personal Life and Controversies: Michael Jackson’s Age during Scandals

Throughout his life, Michael Jackson faced numerous controversies and scandals that were widely publicized by the media. One of the most significant was the accusations of child sexual abuse against him in 1993, when he was 35 years old. Although he was never convicted of any crimes, the allegations had a profound impact on his career and personal life.

In 2003, a documentary called “Living with Michael Jackson” aired, in which Jackson was seen holding hands with a 12-year-old boy and discussing sharing a bed with children. This led to renewed accusations of inappropriate behavior with children and an eventual trial in 2005, when Jackson was 46 years old. He was acquitted of all charges, but the trial took a toll on his health and reputation.

Jackson’s personal life was also marked by his marriages, including his highly publicized union with Lisa Marie Presley and his later marriage to nurse Debbie Rowe, with whom he had two children. He also struggled with addiction to prescription drugs and underwent multiple plastic surgeries, leading to speculation and criticism from the media.

Despite the controversies surrounding his personal life, Michael Jackson’s contributions to music and pop culture remain significant, and his legacy as a performer continues to influence generations of artists.

4. Jackson’s Later Years: Age during Comeback Attempts and Health Struggles

In the later years of his life, Michael Jackson continued to make music and perform, but also faced health struggles and financial difficulties. In 2009, when he was 50 years old, Jackson announced a series of comeback concerts in London, which sold out within hours of going on sale.

However, just weeks before the concerts were scheduled to begin, Jackson died of acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication, leading to an outpouring of grief from fans around the world. His death was ruled a homicide, and his personal physician was convicted of involuntary manslaughter.

In the years leading up to his death, Jackson had struggled with chronic pain and insomnia, and was reportedly heavily medicated. He also faced financial troubles, including mounting debt and the loss of ownership of his famous Neverland Ranch.

Despite the challenges he faced, Jackson’s impact on music and culture remains significant, and his influence continues to be felt in the entertainment industry today.

5. Michael Jackson’s Legacy: Age at the Time of his Death and Beyond

Michael Jackson’s legacy as a performer, artist, and cultural icon continues to be celebrated today, more than a decade after his death. Jackson was 50 years old at the time of his death on June 25, 2009, but his music and influence continue to resonate with fans around the world.

Jackson’s contributions to pop music and dance have had a lasting impact on the industry, and his distinctive style and sound continue to be emulated by artists today. His music videos, including those for “Thriller,” “Billie Jean,” and “Smooth Criminal,” are considered some of the most influential in music history.

Jackson’s humanitarian work, including his support of various charities and causes, also continues to be remembered and celebrated. The Michael Jackson Estate has continued to release posthumous albums and merchandise, keeping his music and legacy alive for new generations of fans.

Despite the controversies and challenges he faced in his life, Michael Jackson’s impact on music and culture is undeniable, and his contributions to the industry continue to be felt today.