Even before reaching fame, his house was always filled with music. The Jackson boys formed a family band which became a success at talent contests. From this infamous boy band, we saw the forever talented Michael Jackson. But, how did his career really begin and what are his key highlights?

In 1964, Michael Jackson and his brothers formed a famous pop group. Michael Jackson played the bongos and tambourine before taking the centre stage singing lead vocals. Five years later, the Jackson Five released their first record, I Want You Back which went straight to number one in the U.S. For the next six years, they had a string of hits which became popular all around the world.

In 1978, Michael Jackson met with a music producer who encouraged him to release single music. This started with Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Another and sold over 10 million copies. In 1982, Michael Jackson released Thriller which became the biggest-selling album of all time. It’s said that his accompanying music video revolutionized how pop music was marketed forever. The video exemplified his dance moves even more, but one year later, his trademark moonwalk dance was aired for the first time.

Nine years later, rumours began to circulate that Jackson had undergone plastic surgery and skin bleaching after his skin looked noticeably lighter. This caused controversy around the globe. In 1988, Jackson bought Sycamore Valley Ranch in California and renamed it to Neverland. He transformed this into a funfair and zoo.

In 1994, Jackson married Lisa Marie Presley for just short of two years. Many speculated that their marriage was an attempt to adjust his public image following child abuse allegations. One year later, he performed his single Earth Song at the Brit Awards, with frontman Jarvis Cocker to storm to the stage in protest.

2003 showed a different side of Michael Jackson from a documentary about him. The singer admitted sharing a bedroom with children, saying “it’s loving. What’s wrong with sharing love?” He was soon arrested and charged with committing a lewd act upon a child. Two years later, he moved to Dubai, following a five-month trial for the whole world to see.

Jackson was recognized as a music icon in the 80’s and 90’s because of his incredible vocal range, dance moves and passion for music. Here are our favourite quotes which will live on forever.

"Just doing as well as you did last time is not good enough."

"Let us dream of tomorrow where we can truly love from the soul, and know love as the ultimate truth at the heart of all creation."

"Lies run sprints, but the truth runs marathons. The truth will win this marathon in court."

"If you enter this world knowing you are loved and you leave this world knowing the same, then everything that happens in between can be dealt with."

"A star can never die. It just turns into a smile and melts back into the cosmic music, the dance of life."