Musician
Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson was born on August 29, 1958 in Gary, Indiana. He released 'Off the Wall' at age 21 and released 'Thriller' album at 24.
Michael Jackson was born in 1958 and lived to age 51. Anyone born before 1958 is older than Michael. Anyone over 51 is older than Michael ever was.
Born
August 29, 1958
Gary, Indiana
World pop: ~2.9B
Died
June 25, 2009
World pop: ~6.8B
Michael's age at death
51
Your age
20
Are you older than Michael Jackson?
No — Michael Jackson was born in 1958. You were born in 2006, making you 48 years younger. Michael lived to age 51. You are currently 20, so you are not yet older than Michael was when he died.
At your age (20), Michael had already became a member of The Jackson 5 (at age 11), but hadn't yet released 'Off the Wall' (at age 21).
Michael's Life Timeline
Michael Jackson was born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, to a working-class family. He was the eighth of ten children in the Jackson family, who would later become a famous musical dynasty. Michael showed an early interest in music and began performing with his brothers in a group called The Jackson 5, which gained national attention in the late 1960s.
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Throughout his career, Michael Jackson achieved unprecedented success as a solo artist. He was 21 years old when he released his first solo album, 'Off the Wall,' in 1979, which included hits like 'Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough.' At age 25, he released 'Thriller' in 1982, which became the best-selling album of all time, solidifying his status as the 'King of Pop.' He continued to break records with subsequent albums, including 'Bad' in 1987 and 'Dangerous' in 1991, and he was known for his innovative music videos and iconic dance moves.
Michael Jackson's legacy continues to influence artists across genres. He passed away on June 25, 2009, at the age of 51, leaving behind a profound impact on the music industry and popular culture. His contributions to music, dance, and fashion have made him a global icon, and he is remembered for his philanthropic efforts and humanitarian work, which further cemented his status as a cultural legend.
Became a member of The Jackson 5
Michael Jackson was 11 years old when he became a member of The Jackson 5, a Motown group formed with his brothers. The group quickly rose to fame with hits like 'I Want You Back' and became one of the first African American musical groups to gain widespread popularity.
Michael Jackson was 11 years old when he became a member of The Jackson 5 in 1969. Are you older than Michael was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Released 'Off the Wall'
Michael Jackson was 21 years old when he released his first solo album, 'Off the Wall.' This album marked a significant turning point in his career, showcasing his ability to blend pop, rock, and funk, and included hits such as 'Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough.'
Michael Jackson was 21 years old when he released 'Off the Wall' in 1979. Are you older than Michael was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Released 'Thriller' album
Michael Jackson was 24 years old when he released 'Thriller,' which became the best-selling album of all time with over 70 million copies sold worldwide.
Michael Jackson was 24 years old when he released 'Thriller' album in 1982. Are you older than Michael was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Released 'Thriller'
Michael Jackson was 25 years old when he released 'Thriller' in 1982. This album became the best-selling album of all time and included iconic tracks like 'Billie Jean' and 'Beat It,' revolutionizing the music industry and music videos.
Michael Jackson was 25 years old when he released 'Thriller' in 1983. Are you older than Michael was? Enter your birth year to compare.
'Billie Jean' Motown 25 performance
Michael Jackson was 25 years old when he performed 'Billie Jean' at the Motown 25 television special, debuting his iconic moonwalk dance move to a massive audience.
Michael Jackson was 25 years old when he 'Billie Jean' Motown 25 performance in 1983. Are you older than Michael was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Won the American Music Award for Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist
Michael Jackson was 27 years old when he won the American Music Award for Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist in 1985. This award recognized his immense popularity and influence in the music industry during the peak of his career.
Michael Jackson was 27 years old when he won the American Music Award for Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist in 1985. Are you older than Michael was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Released 'Bad'
Michael Jackson was 29 years old when he released 'Bad' in 1987. This album further solidified his status as a pop icon, featuring hits like 'Smooth Criminal' and 'The Way You Make Me Feel,' and it showcased his evolution as an artist.
Michael Jackson was 29 years old when he released 'Bad' in 1987. Are you older than Michael was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Released 'Dangerous'
Michael Jackson was 33 years old when he released 'Dangerous' in 1991. This album introduced a new sound and style, featuring groundbreaking music videos and themes that addressed social issues, further establishing his legacy.
Michael Jackson was 33 years old when he released 'Dangerous' in 1991. Are you older than Michael was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Released 'HIStory' album
Michael Jackson was 37 years old when he released 'HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I,' a double album that became the best-selling multiple-disc album of all time.
Michael Jackson was 37 years old when he released 'HIStory' album in 1995. Are you older than Michael was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Released 'Thriller 25'
Michael Jackson was 50 years old when he released 'Thriller 25' in 2008, a special anniversary edition of his iconic album. This release included remastered tracks and new collaborations, celebrating the lasting impact of 'Thriller' on music history.
Michael Jackson was 50 years old when he released 'Thriller 25' in 2008. Are you older than Michael was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Announced 'This Is It' concerts
Michael Jackson was 50 years old when he announced the 'This Is It' concert series at London's O2 Arena. The 50-show residency sold out in hours but was never performed due to his death weeks later.
Michael Jackson was 51 years old when he announced 'This Is It' concerts in 2009. Are you older than Michael was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Age by Year
| Year | Age | Notable Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1958 | 0 | |
| 1959 | 1 | |
| 1960 | 2 | |
| 1961 | 3 | |
| 1962 | 4 | |
| 1963 | 5 | |
| 1964 | 6 | |
| 1965 | 7 | |
| 1966 | 8 | |
| 1967 | 9 | |
| 1968 | 10 | |
| 1969 | 11 | became a member of The Jackson 5 |
| 1970 | 12 | |
| 1971 | 13 | |
| 1972 | 14 | |
| 1973 | 15 | |
| 1974 | 16 | |
| 1975 | 17 | |
| 1976 | 18 | |
| 1977 | 19 | |
| 1978 | 20 | |
| 1979 | 21 | released 'Off the Wall' |
| 1980 | 22 | |
| 1981 | 23 | |
| 1982 | 24 | released 'Thriller' album |
| 1983 | 25 | released 'Thriller' |
| 1984 | 26 | |
| 1985 | 27 | won the American Music Award for Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist |
| 1986 | 28 | |
| 1987 | 29 | released 'Bad' |
| 1988 | 30 | |
| 1989 | 31 | |
| 1990 | 32 | |
| 1991 | 33 | released 'Dangerous' |
| 1992 | 34 | |
| 1993 | 35 | |
| 1994 | 36 | |
| 1995 | 37 | released 'HIStory' album |
| 1996 | 38 | |
| 1997 | 39 | |
| 1998 | 40 | |
| 1999 | 41 | |
| 2000 | 42 | |
| 2001 | 43 | |
| 2002 | 44 | |
| 2003 | 45 | |
| 2004 | 46 | |
| 2005 | 47 | |
| 2006 | 48 | |
| 2007 | 49 | |
| 2008 | 50 | released 'Thriller 25' |
| 2009 | 51 | announced 'This Is It' concerts |
