Celebrating Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'
MJ was born on August 29, 1958
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CELEBRITY Retrospective
The King of Pop ruled over radios, song charts, award shows, and the media for years, having started his career as a young boy in the Jackson Five. But he soon evolved into a mega, multi-talented star, moonwalking his way into everyone’s hearts. The world was hardly ready.
To the dismay of millions, Michael Jackson passed away on June 25, 2009, which officials later declared a homicide. His personal physician was charged with involuntary manslaughter, and fans everywhere grieved for the loss of an immense creative force.
To perhaps an even greater dismay, the singer has long been embroiled in unsettling controversies, largely surrounding sexual misconduct with children. The well-known documentary 'Leaving Neverland' divided audiences, completely infuriated MJ’s family and estate, but also revealed an extremely disturbing side to the pop star’s life that shook everyone’s perception of him.
Perhaps the reason why it’s so hard to believe the accusations is because of how deeply he influenced the world of music, dance, and artistry.
Despite whether he should be “canceled” or not, it’s impossible to write his greatest work out of history.
'Thriller,' the world's best-selling album, won a record-breaking eight Grammys, including Album of the Year, and produced seven top 10 singles. But it's that video–Michael Jackson dancing with the living dead–that the album is especially remembered for: a 14-minute hair-raising horror musical that mesmerized audiences with its zombie ensemble and frighteningly brilliant choreography.
Browse this gallery, if you dare, for a ghoulish look back at the facts behind the making of this astonishing album and groundbreaking video.
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