Moonwalk

1. Music as an Escape and a Birthright

'we always wanted to be able to tell stories, you know, stories that came from my soul.

Early musical immersion. Michael Jackson's life was steeped in music from the beginning. His father, Joe Jackson, used music as an escape from his tough job at the steel mill, and his mother, Katherine, had a deep love for music, filling their home with various genres. The Falcons, Joe's R&B band, practiced in their living room, exposing young Michael and his siblings to the sounds of Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Otis Redding.

Family entertainment. With nine children in their family and eight in his uncle's, music became a central form of entertainment, fostering a strong family bond. This tradition led to the formation of the Jackson 5, providing a foundation for Michael's future solo career. The constant exposure and participation in music were as natural to him as breathing, driven by an inner compulsion rather than external pressure.

Tradition and innovation. This musical upbringing instilled in Michael a deep appreciation for storytelling through song. He aspired to move people emotionally with his music, much like the great writers he admired. This desire to connect with audiences on a profound level fueled his artistic ambition and shaped his unique sound, blending R&B roots with innovative pop sensibilities.

2. The Price of Early Fame and Lost Childhood

I remember singing at the top of my voice and dancing with real joy and working too hard for a child.

Sacrifices of a child star. Michael's childhood was marked by intense dedication to his craft, often at the expense of a normal upbringing. He recalls coming home from school, barely having time to drop off his books before heading to the studio to sing late into the night. He would often stare longingly at kids playing in the park across from the Motown studio, yearning for the carefree freedom they possessed.

Longing for normalcy. This lack of freedom and the constant demands of his career created moments of sadness and a sense of unfairness. He identified with other child stars like Elizabeth Taylor, who shared similar experiences of sacrifice and struggle. Despite his love for singing and performing, the hard work and sacrifices took a toll on his childhood.

Early maturity. The years of dedication and hard work made Michael feel older than his actual age. By twenty-nine, he felt like an old soul, having seen and experienced more than most people twice his age. This accelerated maturity came from the unique pressures and responsibilities of being a child star in the entertainment industry.

3. Mother's Love and Faith as Anchors

Never forget where your talent came from, that your talent is a gift from God.

Katherine's influence. Michael's mother, Katherine Jackson, played a pivotal role in shaping his values and spiritual beliefs. She instilled in him a deep love for God and taught him that his talent for singing and dancing was a divine gift. Her own experiences with overcoming polio gave her a unique perspective on faith and perseverance.

Spiritual guidance. Despite the demands of rehearsals and travel, Katherine made time to take Michael and his siblings to the Kingdom Hall of the Jehovah's Witnesses. This spiritual foundation provided a sense of stability and purpose amidst the chaos of their burgeoning careers. She ensured that they never forgot the source of their talent and the importance of humility.

Moral compass. Katherine's lessons extended beyond religious teachings, emphasizing kindness, love, and consideration for others. She instilled in her children the values of generosity, hard work, and self-reliance. These principles served as a moral compass, guiding Michael through the temptations and challenges of fame.

4. Father's Discipline and Drive for Perfection

You could have all the talent in the world, but if you didn't prepare and plan, it wouldn't do you any good.

Joe's training regimen. Joe Jackson, Michael's father, was a strict and demanding manager who pushed his sons to achieve perfection. He instilled in them a strong work ethic and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Rehearsals were rigorous, and mistakes were met with harsh discipline, sometimes involving physical punishment.

Preparation and planning. Joe emphasized the importance of preparation and planning, believing that talent alone was not enough to succeed. He constantly sought opportunities for his sons to perform and improve, driving them to talent shows and nightclubs. This relentless drive and attention to detail were instrumental in their early success.

Ambition and protection. While his methods were often controversial, Joe's intentions were to protect his children and ensure their success in a cutthroat industry. He shielded them from exploitation and made sure they retained a substantial portion of their earnings. His ambition and protectiveness, though sometimes overbearing, played a crucial role in shaping the Jackson 5's trajectory.

5. The Steeltown and Motown Beginnings

When that record with its killer bass line began to get radio play in Gary, we became a big deal in our neighborhood.

Early recordings. The Jackson 5's journey began with Steeltown Records, a small local label in Gary, Indiana. Their first single, "Big Boy," gained local radio play and made them celebrities in their neighborhood. This early success fueled their ambition and set their sights on bigger opportunities.

Apollo victory. The group's win at the Apollo Theater in New York City was a pivotal moment, attracting the attention of Motown Records. This victory validated their talent and opened doors to a world of possibilities. It was a crucial step in their journey from local talent to national stars.

Motown audition. The audition for Motown was a nerve-wracking experience. Despite their extensive experience, the Jackson 5 faced a silent and seemingly unimpressed audience. However, their talent shone through, leading to a life-changing phone call and the cancellation of their appearance on "The David Frost Show."

6. Diana Ross: Mentor, Mother, and Muse

She was my mother, my lover, and my sister all combined in one amazing person.

Diana's influence. Diana Ross played a significant role in the Jackson 5's early success at Motown. She presented them at a big-name Hollywood discotheque, providing them with invaluable exposure. She also hosted "The Hollywood Palace," showcasing the group to a national audience.

Living with Diana. After moving to Southern California, the Jackson family lived with Diana Ross for over a year. She mothered them, making them feel at home and providing a sense of stability. This close relationship fostered a deep bond and allowed Michael to learn from her experiences and insights.

Artistic education. Diana nurtured Michael's artistic interests, introducing him to painting, drawing, and museums. She educated him about artists like Michelangelo and Degas, sparking a lifelong passion for art. This exposure broadened his creative horizons and influenced his artistic vision.

7. Creative Control and Artistic Evolution

I was furious with our producers and very upset. So I called Berry Gordy and complained.

Frustration with Motown. As the Jackson 5 matured, they grew increasingly frustrated with Motown's control over their music. They yearned to write and produce their own songs, but their requests were consistently denied. This lack of creative freedom stifled their artistic growth and led to a growing sense of dissatisfaction.

Berry's intervention. Michael's frustration reached a boiling point, leading him to call Berry Gordy and voice his complaints. Gordy's intervention allowed Michael more freedom in the studio, leading to the incorporation of vocal twists and ad-libbing that became a signature part of his style. This marked a turning point in his artistic development.

Leaving Motown. The desire for creative control ultimately led the Jackson 5 to leave Motown and sign with Epic Records. This decision was driven by their ambition to evolve musically and establish themselves as independent artists. It was a difficult choice, but one that was necessary for their artistic growth.

8. The Thriller Era: Dreams Realized and New Challenges

I wanted this album to be the biggest-selling album of all time.

Ambitious goals. Michael approached the creation of Thriller with a clear vision: to create the biggest-selling album of all time. This ambitious goal fueled his relentless work ethic and pushed him to explore new creative boundaries. He wanted to create an album that would transcend genres and appeal to a global audience.

Collaboration with Quincy Jones. The collaboration with Quincy Jones was instrumental in achieving this vision. Jones's expertise and guidance helped Michael refine his songwriting and create a groundbreaking sound. Together, they assembled a team of talented musicians and pushed the boundaries of pop music.

Success and scrutiny. Thriller's unprecedented success transformed Michael into a global icon. However, it also brought increased scrutiny and pressure. He faced criticism about his changing appearance and was forced to navigate the complexities of fame and public perception.

9. The Burden of Perfection and Public Scrutiny

I'm one of the hardest people to satisfy, but at the same time, I'm aware of how much I have to be thankful for and I am truly appreciative that I have my health and the love of my family and friends.

Perfectionism's toll. Michael's relentless pursuit of perfection often took a toll on his well-being. He was never fully satisfied with his work and constantly strived to improve. This drive for excellence, while contributing to his success, also created immense pressure and anxiety.

Appearance scrutiny. Michael faced constant scrutiny about his changing appearance, with accusations of surgically altering his features to look more white. He defended his choices, explaining that his changing diet and weight loss had naturally altered his face. He also admitted to having had two nose jobs and a cleft added to his chin.

Loneliness and isolation. Despite his fame and success, Michael often felt lonely and isolated. He longed for genuine connections and struggled to find people who saw him for who he was, rather than for his celebrity. This sense of isolation fueled his desire to connect with audiences on a deeper level through his music.

10. Giving Back and Finding Meaning Beyond Fame

It's important for artists always to maintain control of their lives and work.

Charitable contributions. Michael used his platform to give back to the community, donating millions of dollars to various charities. He was particularly moved by the plight of burn patients and established the Michael Jackson Burn Center to provide care and support. This commitment to philanthropy reflected his desire to make a positive impact on the world.

Creative control. Michael emphasized the importance of artists maintaining control over their work and lives. He had learned from his experiences at Motown the value of creative freedom and the need to stand up for one's artistic vision. This belief guided his decisions and shaped his career trajectory.

Legacy of music and love. Ultimately, Michael sought to unite people through love and music. He believed in the power of music to transcend boundaries and bring people together. His legacy extends beyond his record sales and accolades, encompassing his message of love, unity, and compassion.

Last updated: April 24, 2025