Michael Jackson - Facts for Kids

Early Life & Background

Michael Jackson was born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, making him the eighth of ten children in his family.

Michael Jackson's full name was Michael Joseph Jackson, but fans lovingly called him "MJ" and "The King of Pop."

Michael Jackson grew up in a tiny two-bedroom house in Gary, Indiana with his nine brothers and sisters — a humble start that shows big talent can come from small places.

Michael Jackson began singing when he was just 5, joining his brothers to form the Jackson 5 — his natural talent shone through even as a little kid!

Michael Jackson's father, Joseph Jackson, worked at a steel mill while training his children to become musicians.

Michael Jackson's mother, Katherine Jackson, played a crucial role in supporting his musical dreams while making sure he maintained his kind heart.

Michael Jackson and his brothers practiced singing and dancing every day after school, often for around four hours.

Michael Jackson performed his first public show at the tender age of 5 at his kindergarten school.

Michael Jackson grew up listening to the music of James Brown and Jackie Wilson, who later influenced his own dancing style.

Michael Jackson joined his older brothers in their family band, which was first called the Jackson Brothers before they became the famous Jackson 5.

Education & Development

Michael Jackson attended Garnett Elementary School in Gary, Indiana.

Michael Jackson loved watching his brothers practice — but he also learned moves from his mom and from people he admired like James Brown.

Michael Jackson was heavily inspired by Sammy Davis Jr., who he idolized for his singing and dancing.

Michael Jackson watched legends like Fred Astaire to learn how to move with style. He mixed that old Hollywood grace with his own pop energy to create his magical dance performances.

Michael Jackson’s first real singing teacher was Anita Hill, a music teacher at his school.

Michael Jackson practiced his famous dance moves for hours in front of mirrors to perfect them.

Career & Achievements

Michael Jackson recorded his first song with The Jackson 5 when he was just 9 years old.

Michael Jackson's first number-one hit with The Jackson 5 was "I Want You Back" in 1969.

Michael Jackson released "Thriller" in 1982, which became the best-selling album of all time.

Michael Jackson didn’t invent the moonwalk — but he made it famous. He first wowed the world with it during his 1983 “Billie Jean” performance on the Motown 25 TV special!

Michael Jackson won 13 Grammy Awards throughout his career, showing his incredible musical talent.

Michael Jackson's "Thriller" music video was so popular that it was added to the National Film Registry.

Michael Jackson earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1984.

Michael Jackson's album "Bad" produced five number-one hit songs, a record that stood for many years.

Michael Jackson performed the Super Bowl XXVII halftime show in 1993, watched by about 133 million people in the U.S.

Michael Jackson’s music videos — like Billie Jean, Beat It, and Thriller — helped make MTV super popular in the 1980s by turning music videos into big, creative stories, not just songs on TV.

Personal Life

Michael Jackson loved animals and had a pet chimpanzee named Bubbles.

Michael Jackson made his home, Neverland Ranch, into a magical fantasy land — he built rides like a Ferris wheel, a roller coaster, a train, and even a zoo right on his property.

Michael Jackson loved reading — he built a huge library at Neverland Ranch with about 10,000 books on all kinds of subjects!

Michael Jackson liked to climb trees to write songs, saying it helped him think creatively.

Michael Jackson loved children and donated millions of dollars to children's charities.

Michael Jackson loved video games, and he often invited sick children to his Neverland Ranch so they could play games together in his private arcade.

Michael Jackson loved Halloween — he said he enjoyed “trick‑or‑treating,” dressing up like monsters, and putting on costumes because he liked becoming a character.

Impact & Legacy

Michael Jackson helped write “We Are the World,” and the song raised more than $63 million to help people in Africa who were suffering from famine — and over the years, it raised even more.

Michael Jackson's dancing influenced countless performers who came after him.

Michael Jackson's music videos changed how music videos were made forever.

Michael Jackson helped break down color lines on MTV — his “Billie Jean” video was the first by a Black artist to play a lot on the channel, and after that, MTV started showing a lot more Black musicians.

Michael Jackson's humanitarian work earned him the Presidential Humanitarian Award.

Michael Jackson supported 39 different charities during his lifetime.

Michael Jackson's dance moves are studied in dance schools around the world.

Michael Jackson's "Thriller" album influenced how music albums are marketed.

Michael Jackson's fashion choices, like his single glove, started worldwide trends.

Fun Facts & Trivia

Michael Jackson invented and patented special shoes that allowed him to lean forward at impossible angles.

Michael Jackson wrote songs by beatboxing the melody into a tape recorder.

Michael Jackson said his favorite colors included red, along with black and other shades.

Michael Jackson loved playing practical jokes and often had water balloon fights with his friends.

Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" lean was so special that he got a patent for the special shoes that made it possible.

Michael Jackson's first solo performance was singing "Climb Every Mountain" at his school.

Michael Jackson's famous sequined glove sold at auction for $350,000 in 2009.

Michael Jackson often gave surprise gifts to children in hospitals.