First published 2009
Michael Jackson commands the stage as a child, leading the Jackson 5 with moves that dazzle audiences and vocals that soar effortlessly to high C. His talent seems almost supernatural, captivating children and adults alike. But this early success serves as mere preparation for what comes next. When Thriller catapults him into unprecedented celebrity territory, Jackson enters a realm of media scrutiny and public attention that surpasses anything Elvis or the Beatles ever faced. The intensity of this fame becomes both his greatest asset and his most dangerous enemy. Jackson must navigate the impossible pressures of being the world's most watched entertainer while the very celebrity that elevates him threatens to consume him entirely. This becomes the central struggle that defines his later years, as he attempts to harness his fame while fighting against its overwhelming power.
Genres: biography, 20th-century, african-american, music, 21st-century
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: celebrity, fame
Period: 1958-2009
96 pages · Hardcover · TIME