"The meaning of life is contained in every single expression of life."

• Born Michael Joseph Jackson on Aug. 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana. Died June 25, 2009

• While Michael Jackson had a Top 5 album and No. 1 hit on his hands with his second solo album, 1972's Ben and its title track, it was 1979's chart-topper "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" from his third album, Off The Wall, that cemented Jackson in the pop stratosphere. Released in 1982, Thriller marked his first No. 1 album, and it stayed there for an unprecedented 37 weeks. 

• Jackson earned his first career GRAMMY at the 22nd GRAMMY Awards when "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" won for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male. Jackson graced the GRAMMY stage once in 1988 at the 38th GRAMMYs, performing "The Way You Make Me Feel" and "Man In The Mirror."

• At the 26th GRAMMY Awards in 1984, Jackson became the first artist to win eight GRAMMYs in one night, a feat that has only been tied one other time when Santana won eight GRAMMYs for 2000.

• Jackson was honored with The Recording Academy's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010, and the prestigious GRAMMY Legend Award in 1993. 

• Michael Jackson is best remembered for his 1985 African famine relief efforts through the song "We Are The World" and the charity USA For Africa. He also introduced millions to the missions of the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.