Michael Jackson, the “King of Pop,” is one of the most influential artists in the history of music. Despite his fame and outgoing stage persona, Jackson was actually a very shy person in private. He was known to be kind and generous to his fans, but he also valued his privacy. There are many interesting and lesser-known facts about him that many people may not be aware of.
Here Are 20 Such Interesting Facts
1. Forced into Music: Michael Jackson’s father, Joe Jackson, was determined to make his children musical stars. He pushed them to practice tirelessly from a very young age. This strict upbringing in music played a significant role in shaping Michael’s incredible talent.
2. Living in a Theme Park: Neverland Ranch, Michael’s famous estate, was not your typical home. It was a place of wonder with its own amusement park. It featured everything from thrilling roller coasters to a delightful petting zoo, reflecting Michael’s childlike spirit.
3. Llamas in the Studio: Michael’s love for animals was extraordinary. He even had llamas named Lola and Louis accompany him to the recording studio, making for a unique and lively work environment.
4. First Western Ad in USSR: Michael Jackson’s influence was so immense that he starred in the first-ever Western advertisement commercial in the Soviet Union in 1988. This marked a historic moment in global pop culture.
5. Record Sales: Michael Jackson’s unparalleled success in the music industry is evident in his record sales. He remains the only artist to have sold over 500 million copies of his records worldwide, a testament to his widespread appeal.
6. Moonwalk Origin: The iconic moonwalk, a dance move that became synonymous with Michael Jackson, was first unveiled during the 25th Motown Anniversary show in 1983. It instantly became a sensation.
7. Unique Pets: Michael’s choice of pets was as unique as his personality. From Bubbles the Chimp to Crusher the Python, his love for exotic animals was well-known.
8. Library Fines: Despite his fame, Michael faced a surprising situation in 1984 when it was revealed that he owed a library over $1 million in overdue book fines. It’s a quirky fact that highlights the unexpected side of his life.
9. First Date: Michael’s first date was with Tatum Beatrice O’Neal, an Oscar-winning actress, adding a touch of glamour to his personal life.
10. Distinct Laugh: His infectious laugh was one of his trademark characteristics. When he found something amusing, his laughter was known to be contagious.
11. Weight Loss During Performances: The energy and effort he put into his performances were so intense that he could lose up to 10 pounds of water weight each time he took the stage.
12. Voice Care Routine: Michael’s dedication to his craft extended to his voice care. His pre-performance routine, involving Ricola and hot water, was a testament to his commitment to delivering flawless vocals.
13. Patented Shoe Device: To execute his gravity-defying lean in the music video for “Smooth Criminal,” he patented a special shoe device that would grip the stage, allowing him to lean forward without falling.
14. Royal Crown: The royal crown bestowed upon him by the people of Gabon in West Africa in 1992 symbolized the global impact of his music and his ability to transcend borders.
15. Most Famous Person: Winning the title of the most famous person in the world in 1997 speaks volumes about his unmatched popularity and influence, making him a true global icon.
16. Signature Glove: Michael Jackson’s single white glove became an iconic part of his image. He wore it to draw attention to his intricate hand movements while dancing.
17. Elephants at Neverland: Neverland Ranch also housed elephants, further adding to its unique charm. These majestic animals were part of the ranch’s enchanting atmosphere.
18. First African-American to Star in a Pepsi Commercial: Michael Jackson made history by becoming the first African-American to star in a Pepsi commercial, signifying his influence in breaking racial barriers.
19. Guinness World Records: Michael Jackson holds multiple Guinness World Records, including “Most Successful Entertainer of All Time” and “First Entertainer to Earn More Than $1 Billion in a Year.”
20. Humanitarian Awards: In addition to his musical achievements, Michael received numerous humanitarian awards for his philanthropic efforts, showing his commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
These elaborations shed light on the remarkable life and career of Michael Jackson, a legendary figure in the world of music and entertainment.
