The 1970s | Michael Jackson’s Decade In Review 1969-79

In the late 1960s, a young boy from Gary, Indiana, began to capture the hearts of music lovers across America. Michael Jackson, the youngest member of the Jackson 5, was born into a family that would become one of the most famous musical dynasties in history. The 1970s would prove to be a transformative decade for Michael, as he transitioned from a child star to a global icon. This story chronicles his journey through the 1970s, highlighting the pivotal moments that shaped his career and the music industry.

The Jackson family moved to a small house on Jackson Street in Gary, Indiana, in January 1949. It was here that Michael and his siblings were raised, surrounded by music and the love of their parents, Joseph and Katherine Jackson. Joseph, a steel mill worker, recognized the musical talent in his children and began to mold them into a performing group. By the time Michael was just six years old, he was already singing lead vocals for the Jackson 5, showcasing a talent that would soon captivate audiences.

In 1969, the Jackson 5 signed with Motown Records, and their first single, “I Want You Back,” skyrocketed to the top of the charts. The song’s infectious melody and Michael’s soulful voice marked the beginning of a new era in pop music. The Jackson 5 quickly became a household name, and their performances were characterized by energetic dance moves and harmonious vocals. Michael, with his undeniable charisma, stood out as the star of the group.

As the 1970s unfolded, the Jackson 5 released a string of hits, including “ABC,” “The Love You Save,” and “I’ll Be There.” Each song showcased Michael’s vocal prowess and the group’s ability to blend pop, soul, and R&B. The Jackson 5’s success was unprecedented for a black group at the time, breaking down racial barriers and paving the way for future artists.

In 1971, Michael Jackson was just 13 years old when he performed on the television special “Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5.” The show was a significant moment for the group, as it introduced them to a wider audience and solidified their status as superstars. Michael’s performance was electrifying, and his stage presence left a lasting impression on viewers.

The Jackson 5’s popularity continued to soar, and they embarked on numerous tours, performing in front of sold-out crowds. However, the pressures of fame began to take a toll on Michael. Despite his success, he struggled with the demands of being a child star and the expectations placed upon him by his father and the music industry.

By the mid-1970s, Michael Jackson began to seek creative control over his music. He wanted to explore his artistic vision and break free from the constraints of being part of a group. In 1975, the Jackson 5 left Motown Records and signed with Epic Records, marking a significant turning point in Michael’s career. This move allowed him to take charge of his music and image, setting the stage for his solo career.

In 1979, Michael released his first solo album under Epic, titled “Off the Wall.” The album was a departure from the bubblegum pop sound of the Jackson 5, showcasing Michael’s growth as an artist. With hits like “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” and “Rock with You,” the album received critical acclaim and commercial success, solidifying Michael’s status as a solo artist.

The late 1970s marked the emergence of Michael Jackson as a cultural icon. His unique style, characterized by his signature fedora, sequined gloves, and dazzling dance moves, set him apart from other artists. He became known for his innovative music videos, which combined storytelling with choreography, elevating the art form to new heights.

Michael’s influence extended beyond music; he became a fashion trendsetter and a symbol of empowerment for young people around the world. His ability to connect with audiences through his music and performances resonated deeply, and he became a role model for aspiring artists.

In 1978, Michael starred in the film “The Wiz,” a reimagining of “The Wizard of Oz.” His performance as the Scarecrow showcased his acting abilities and further expanded his reach in the entertainment industry. The film, although not a commercial success, allowed Michael to collaborate with legendary artists like Diana Ross and Quincy Jones, who would play a crucial role in his future projects.

As the 1970s came to a close, Michael Jackson had firmly established himself as a force in the music industry. His transition from a child star to a solo artist was marked by determination and a desire to push creative boundaries. The release of “Off the Wall” set the stage for what would become one of the most successful careers in music history.

Michael’s journey through the 1970s was not without challenges. He faced the pressures of fame, the complexities of family dynamics, and the struggle for artistic independence. However, his resilience and passion for music propelled him forward, laying the foundation for his future successes.

The 1970s were a defining decade for Michael Jackson, a time of growth, transformation, and the beginning of a legacy that would endure for generations. From his early days with the Jackson 5 to his emergence as a solo artist, Michael’s journey was marked by talent, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to his craft. As he stepped into the 1980s, the world would soon witness the full extent of his artistry and the impact he would have on the music industry and popular culture.

Michael Jackson’s story is a testament to the power of music to inspire, uplift, and connect people across the globe. His legacy continues to influence artists today, reminding us of the magic that can happen when talent meets determination. The 1970s were just the beginning of an extraordinary journey that would change the face of music forever.

Auction of paintings by “King of Pop” Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson, full name Michael Joseph Jackson, is one of the most famous and influential music artists in the history of the music industry. Born on August 29, 1958 and passed away on June 25, 2009, he was known as the “King of Pop” and had an extremely successful music career.

In addition to his music fame, Michael Jackson was also a versatile artist with a love for painting and created many works. 78 of the signed paintings will be auctioned, 26 of which are double-sided. Each work of art also comes with a certificate of authenticity from autograph expert Roger Epperson.

“We offer a 100% lifetime money back guarantee if the item is not authentic,” said a Kings Auctions representative, according to Roger Epperson.

Each is said to have been created by the music icon in his spare time while touring the world. Michael Jackson did them mainly in crayons, pastels, as well as watercolors to depict chairs, Michelangelo’s David, the US president, pop art icons Andy Warhol, Walt Disney, Marilyn Monroe and Queen Elizabeth II…

“Get ready to own some of the most coveted artworks by one of the world’s biggest music icons,” says the description from Kings Auctions. “These unique works of art are more than just an investment, they are your chance to own a piece of music history.”

“Michael Jackson was influenced by many art genres, from classical art and architecture to pop art and even portraiture. He also loved the customs of London and England,” the auction house added about the drawings.

“Jackson’s love for painting began at a young age. As he grew older, he sought guidance from world-renowned artists to refine his talent, creating these rare works of art. Although known for his talents in music and dance, it was clear that he also had a natural gift for the visual arts.”

Some of Michael Jackson’s artwork has been featured in previous exhibitions. He even illustrated books, such as Dancing The Dream, published in 1992 – his second book after his 1988 autobiography Moonwalk .

Since being announced for auction, this series of drawings has received much attention from fans, and has sparked controversy over whether they were actually painted by Michael Jackson.

A statement sent to The Hollywood Reporter just days before the auction from the Estate of Michael Jackson — a legal entity set up to manage his assets and oversee his income after his death — said the paintings were not what was being offered for sale.

“The Michael Jackson Estate does not accept that this work of art was created by Michael Jackson,” said Jonathan Steinsapir, counsel to the Michael Jackson Estate. “Our representatives examined the artwork several years ago while it was stored in a hangar at the Santa Monica Airport, and the examination only raised further concerns. We have made this clear to the auction house and others many times since then. We have asked for evidence that these works were actually created by Michael, and no sufficient evidence has been provided.”

On its website, Kings Auctions issued a statement saying the auction is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Estate of Michael Jackson and that the auction is authorized by the Santa Monica Municipal Court.

According to the documents, these paintings were the property of Australian artist Brett-Livingstone Strong, who was a friend of Jackson in his later years. Evidence supports the fact that Michael Jackson gifted some of the artwork to Brett-Livingstone Strong.

“We can’t say for sure,” said Jonathan Steinsapir. “We’re not saying they’re fake. We’re just saying we have concerns.”

Kings Auctions later added: “It is unclear why the Estate of Michael Jackson would continue to issue a dissenting opinion to this auction, which could easily be misinterpreted by the public as a statement about the authenticity of the works.”

The entire collection is estimated to fetch between $12 million and $30 million before the sale. The auction house said it hopes to sell to an investor or group of investors who plan to eventually display the collection publicly. “The standout piece will likely be a drawing of civil rights activist Martin Luther King. It’s museum worthy,” the auction house added.