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Michael Jackson was one of the biggest music stars of all-time. Here we collect pictures from the whole of his music career, all the way from his 1969 debut with the Jackson 5 to his final album in 2010.
46 years ago Michael Jackson makes his album debut at 11-years-old on the Jackson 5’s Motown released ’Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5’
Just 3 years after the Jackson 5's debut album, Michael releases his second solo album, 'Ben', while at Motown. He won't have a more successful solo album in the next 7 years.
Michael experiences great success with his brothers, making numerous TV appearances - this one from the ‘Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour’
As Michael’s star rises he starts to branch out. Here he appears as the scarecrow (right) in ‘The Wiz’, a musical version of ‘The Wizard of Oz’, with Diana Ross playing Dorothy.
Michael leaves Motown for Epic Records, where he records his seminal solo album ‘Off The Wall’ with producer Quincy Jones. The start of a legendary partnership.
By the start of the 80s Michael’s fame has eclipsed that of The Jacksons as his solo career goes from strength to strength. He continues to perform with his brothers until 1984.
Jackson moves a long way from his Jackson 5 roots with the release of ‘Thriller’. 7 of the 9 songs on the album are released as singles and it goes on to be the biggest selling album in history. 65m copies sold so far…
‘Thriller’ receives huge critical acclaim and scoops a record breaking 8 Grammy awards, including Album of the Year. The video for the single 'Thriller' becomes a landmark music video.
Michael releases ‘Bad’, which features the singles ‘Bad’, ‘Man In The Mirror’ and ‘Smooth Criminal’. The album also inspires his film ‘Moonwalker’. He embarks on his first solo worldwide tour.
The King of Pop is named “Entertainer of the Decade” as he meets the American president at the time, George H. W. Bush
Michael releases his first album of the 90s, 'Dangerous'. It sees him adopt a more in-your-face, socially concious attitude. He donates all the profits from his epic world tour to charity.
A 30ft status of Michael floats down the river Thames to promote his greatest hits album 'HIStory Vol.1'.
Michael is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and releases the last studio album during his lifetime, ‘Invincible’. Two albums of unreleased songs have come out since he passed away in June 2009 aged 50.