American singer, songwriter, record producer, and dancer (1958–2009)
Michael Joseph Jackson (29 August 1958 – 25 June 2009) was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, businessman, and philanthropist. Often referred to by the honorific nickname "King of Pop", Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records. His contributions to music, dance, and fashion for over four decades, along with his publicized personal life, made him a global figure in popular culture.
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The industry, It's at a crossroad, There's a transformation going on. People are confused, what's going on, how to distribute and sell music. The internet kinda threw everybody for a real loop. 'Cause it's so powerful, kids love it so much. The whole world is at their fingertips, on their lap. Anything they want to know, anyone they want to communicate with, any music, any movies... The thing is it just took everybody for a loop. Right now, all these Starbucks deals and Wal-Mart deals, direct to artists, I don't know if that's the answer. I think the answer is just phenomenal, great music. Just reaching the masses. I think people are still searching. There's not a real music revolution going on right now, either. But when it's there, people will break down a wall to get to it. I mean, 'cause before Thriller, it was the same kind of thing. People were not buying music. It helped to bring everybody back into the stores, so when it happens, it happens.
When I step out on stage in front of thousands of people, I don't feel that I'm being brave. It can take much more courage to express true feelings to one person. [...] In spite of the risks, the courage to be honest and intimate opens the way to self-discovery. It offers what we all want, the promise of love.