Few artists have been as universally renowned as Michael Jackson. For over four decades, Jackson ruled the music world not only as a recording artist, but also as a global icon of pop culture. The future "King of Pop" began his career with his brothers as a member of the Jackson 5 in the 1960s, before he pursued a solo career. His debut solo album Got to Be There, was released in 1972 by the same label that spawned several Top 40 hits for the Jackson 5, Motown Records. Michael and his brothers left the label when it continued to refuse them any creative control, prompting the brothers to sign with Epic Records. With the production help of Quincy Jones, Jackson released his 1979 solo album Off The Wall, which became the first album to feature four Top 10 hits in the US. His legendary album Thriller, was released in 1982 and became the worldwide best-selling album of all time. Jackson's impact on music, dance and fashion generated massive amounts of attention that set him on a pedestal above other high-profile celebrities, and the affects of fame began taking a toll on his health. With a final world tour planned for 2009, Jackson was discovered dead in his Los Angeles mansion less than a month before the tour was supposed to kick off. Jackson's memorial was aired on national television and had an estimated audience of over 31 billion people, confirming how important his multifaceted talent was to music and the world.
