MJ: The Genius of Michael Jackson

Steve Knopper

Oct 2015 · Sold by Simon and Schuster

About this ebook

The definitive biography of Michael Jackson, a “vivid…gripping...authoritative account of a world-changing force of nature” (Rolling Stone), celebrating the King of Pop’s legendary contributions to music, dance, and popular culture.

From the moment in 1965 when he first stepped on stage—at age seven—in Gary, Indiana, Michael Jackson was destined to become the undisputed King of Pop. In a career spanning four decades, Jackson became a global icon, selling over four hundred million albums, earning thirteen Grammy awards, and spinning dance moves that captivated the world. Songs like “Billie Jean” and “Black and White” altered our national discussion of race and equality, and Jackson’s signature aesthetic, from the single white glove to the moonwalk, defined a generation. Despite publicized scandals and controversy, Jackson’s ultimate legacy will always be his music.

In an account that “reminds us why Michael Jackson was, indeed, a ‘genius’ entertainer” (New York Newsday), Rolling Stone contributing editor Steve Knopper delves deeply into Jackson’s music and talent. From the artist’s early days with the Jackson 5, to his stratospheric success as a solo artist, to “Beat It” and “Thriller,” “Bad” and “The Man in the Mirror,” to his volatile final years, his attempted comeback, and untimely death, Knopper draws on his “critical and reportorial savvy in assessing Jackson’s creative peaks and valleys,” (USA TODAY) exploring the beguiling and often contradictory forces that fueled Michael Jackson’s genius. Drawing on an amazing four hundred interviews—ranging from Jackson’s relatives, friends, and key record executives to celebrities like will.i.am and Weird Al Yankovic—this critical biography puts his career into perspective and celebrates his triumph in art and music. This is “a thoughtful look at an artist who grew up in a segregated mill town and who, for the rest of his life, made music to bring down walls” (Chicago Tribune).

Ratings and reviews

I suggest people not waste their time or money on this book. There are other really really good books out there about Michael Jackson. This book is just a rehash of what most people have written who never met Michael and don't especially like him. The books does NOT focus on Michael Jackson's genius. So the title is very misleading. In fact the author spends most of his time diminishing Michael's talent and focusing on Michael's "weirdness". All kinds of irrelevant and biased "tidbits" about Michael's so-called eccentricities. There are also many out and out LIES in the book. I say lies because I totally believe the author knew he was being dishonest. If not he didn't do one bit of real research. One of the biggest lies is that Michael Jackson himself demanded that he be called "King of Pop". Elizabeth Taylor first called him the "King of Pop, Rock and Soul" at an awards ceremony and the fans shortened it to "King of Pop" and it stuck. I wanted so much to read about Michael Jackson's untouchable talent, wonderful humanitarian gestures and great humility. Very little of any of this in the book. Again don't waste your time or money.

Michael Jackson was a person who's heart like a sea..😇😇😃💖

Genius perhaps one of its kind

About the author

Steve Knopper is a contributing editor to Rolling Stone and veteran music reporter who has written for The New York Times Magazine, GQ, The Wall Street Journal, National Geographic Traveler, Wired, Details, and many other publications. His book, Appetite for Self-Destruction: The Spectacular Crash of the Record Industry in the Digital Age, was prominently featured on NPR’s Fresh Air and dozens of other prominent radio and TV shows; Tom Hanks called it “amazing.” He has been a featured expert source on NBC Nightly News, CNBC, NPR’s Marketplace, among others. He lives in Denver with his wife, Melissa, and daughter Rose.