Michael Jackson The Leader In Pop Music
Many people around the world remember vividly where there were the day the King of Pop passed away. The legacy he left the music world can not be emphasized enough. In addition to his radical re-vamping of music videos, Michael Jackson introduced the world to his famous moonwalk and robot dance moves.
But the biggest effect Michael Jackson had was on the music industry it’s self. The records he set, the number of albums he sold and the concerts he sold out make him truly the pop music icon he was proclaimed to be. While he produced ten different albums in the studio, Thriller was his biggest seller. It is, in fact, the best selling record of all time, selling more than 110 million copies worldwide. But that’s not all. With his albums Off The Wall, Bad, Dangerous and HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I all ranking among the world’s best selling list, Michael Jackson is considered the best selling artist of all time.
How does one measure the success of a man? Perhaps, in this case, it can be measured based on the number of artists he influenced. From Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Usher and Chris Brown to recent teen star Justin Bieber, the influence of trailblazer Michael Jackson is apparent. He molded and expanded the videos for all future generations. His dance moves revolutionized pop culture and his legacy continues to influence future generations. While he may have started in the years of vinyl records, the MP3 Downloads generations still continue to flock to his music.
Was the man controversial? Yes, he was. However his controversy is part of what made the man a genius. Magazines and rock journalists hail him as the best thing since Elvis and the greatest inspiration on the future of pop music. Barry Gordy, founder of the the famed Motown even declares him the greatest entertainer that ever lived. Michael Jackson did it all. He was a modern Renaissance man, dancing, singing, composing and acting his way into the consciousness of America and the rest of the world. What is sure is that his influence has not ended. Scores of future musicians will sing his songs, dance his moves and remember him for the trendsetter he was.
