by Michael Jackson is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and influential musicians in history. Over his 40-year career, the “King of Pop” transformed the music industry and popular culture through his unparalleled artistry, innovative vision, and global impact. Jackson fundamentally changed the way music videos, stage performances, and recordings were made, setting new standards for exhilarating showmanship and sonic perfection. His enormous commercial success broke records and opened doors for other black artists. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key ways Michael Jackson revolutionized the music landscape and left an indelible mark on entertainment.
Music Videos
One of Michael Jackson’s most groundbreaking contributions was elevating the music video format into a powerful art form. While MTV was initially reluctant to feature black artists, the release of “Billie Jean” and its pioneering music video forced the channel to play Jackson’s videos in heavy rotation. The short film format of “Billie Jean” established Jackson as a consummate visual storyteller, bringing his songs to life in mini-movies set to music.
He worked with directors like John Landis and Martin Scorsese to create unforgettable video spectacles for “Thriller,” “Bad,” and “Smooth Criminal.” Jackson instinctively understood the promotional power of music videos and the impact of visual stimulation paired with songs. His cinematic videos featured intricate narratives, special effects, and lavish production values that enthralled global audiences. MTV and the entire music industry took notice, and videos became central to an artist’s commercial success. Jackson’s videography raised the bar, and stars like Madonna understood videos’ potential, helping make MTV a cultural force. But no one before or since has matched Jackson’s mastery of the medium.
Live Performances
Michael Jackson was simply electrifying on stage, mesmerizing audiences with his boundless energy, slick moves, and theatricality. His talents as a dancer and singer were unmatched; he had the grace of Fred Astaire and the raw showmanship of James Brown. Jackson’s choreography was perfectly synergized to his music and left crowds awestruck. His moves like the Moonwalk and robot dance spawned imitators around the world.
Jackson’s live shows broke new ground in scale and spectacle. His Bad World Tour entered Guinness World Records for the largest grossing tour in history to that point. He was the first artist to regularly use enormous video screens, pyrotechnics, and hydraulics on stage. His perfectionism led to rigorous rehearsals to create flawless concerts. Fans could expect costume changes, special guest appearances, dance troupes, even Jackson bursting through screens as he did on the Dangerous Tour. Seeing Michael Jackson live was an unparalleled theatrical experience that raised the bar for all pop concerts to follow.
Sonic Innovation
As a vocalist, Jackson had astonishing range, control, and emotional depth. But he was also constantly innovating musically. Alongside producer Quincy Jones, Jackson seamlessly blended pop, rock, disco, soul, and hip-hop influences across his albums. On Off the Wall and Thriller, he helped popularize dance music and the use of synthesizers. The hard-edged beats on Bad presaged new jack swing’s emergence, while Dangerous had an edgier rock-infused new sound. Jackson remained contemporary yet unique, working with the latest technology while giving even his electro-infused music human warmth through his voice.
As a recording artist, Jackson was a perfectionist obsessed with sound. He layered vocals to create unique harmonies and textures. Every ad lib, beat, and sample was meticulously crafted. His rich production and arrangements resulted in music that sounded almost three-dimensional. The heavily produced style of Off the Wall, Thriller, and his later albums set new standards in creating lush, polished recordings. Jackson’s soundscapes were enveloping and dynamic, making listeners feel they were inside the music. Even today, the production on albums like Thriller sounds almost futuristic. His relentless pursuit of sonic perfection produced timeless music that has inspired artists across genres.
Global Impact
Michael Jackson was one of the first black artists to find huge success on MTV and commercial radio, helping break color barriers on those platforms. His massive worldwide popularity on an unprecedented scale showed the music industry that black artists could be just as commercially viable as white stars. Jackson’s influence as an artist of color opened doors for those that followed.
He was also one of the first American artists to recognize the potential for international stardom. From the start of his solo career, Jackson had his eyes set on global domination. His 1987 Bad World Tour blazed new trails by playing 15 countries across five continents. Jackson understood the power of visual media to transcend languages and cultures. His short films and live concert footage made him a familiar face across the globe and created international superstardom. Jackson proved that pop music could be a unifying force that brought people of all backgrounds together. To this day, Jackson has remarkably devoted followings from Brazil to Japan to Nigeria. He demonstrated that pop culture could be America’s most influential export.
Business Acumen
Michael Jackson sought not just artistic but business control over his career. After Off the Wall, he insisted on owning his master recordings. His purchase of ATV Music Publishing in 1985 for $47.5 million gave him control of over 200 Beatles songs. Jackson’s business moves were prescient at a time when few artists saw the financial importance of masters and publishing rights. He amassed a substantial fortune not just from record sales but through assets like his catalog. The publishing rights to the Beatles catalog alone earned Jackson tens of millions annually.
Jackson pioneered new revenue streams by pursuing merchandising and endorsements. His famous red jacket designed by Christian Lacroix was licensed to Levi’s for a record $5 million. Jackson-themed memorabilia like posters, t-shirts, dolls, video games, and more generated over $100 million in sales during the peak of his fame. His business savvy about maximizing revenue and controlling his financial destiny changed how artists handled their careers. Jackson proved an artist could be a huge moneymaker while still maintaining integrity and quality artistic standards.
Enduring Legacy
In every aspect of his career, Michael Jackson broke boundaries and set new standards that changed pop music forever. He made the music video an essential art form, delivered legendary live performances that redefined concerts, pioneered sound innovations in the studio, earned unprecedented international success, and took control of his financial destiny as an artist. Jackson proved that pop music could be critically acclaimed art. His Grammy Awards, including 8 in a single night for Thriller, demonstrated that commercial success and artistic excellence could go hand in hand.
Above all, Jackson’s music remains timeless. Songs like “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and “Man in the Mirror” retain relevance decades later because of their messages and Jackson’s ability to touch people’s lives through music. His influence is apparent in artists ranging from Justin Timberlake and Usher to Bruno Mars and The Weeknd. Often imitated but never duplicated, Jackson’s impact on music and culture is permanent. The “King of Pop” opened doors for those that followed while creating an unmatched body of work that will continue inspiring new generations of artists and fans forever.
