Michael Jackson (1958–2009) was an American singer. He debuted on the professional music scene at the age of 5, as a member of The Jackson 5, and began a solo career in 1971 while still a member of the group in subsequent years. Referred to as the "King of Pop", Michael Jackson is considered to be the greatest entertainer of all time and one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. Jackson's career was rewarded with 13 Grammy Awards, as well as the Grammy Legend Award and Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award; 6 Brit Awards, 5 Billboard Music Awards and 24 American Music Awards. He currently holds 28 Guinness World Records. The organization also recognized Jackson as the world's most successful entertainer in 2006. He's a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, becoming one of only a few artists to be inducted twice (he was inducted in 1997 as a member of The Jackson 5 and again as a solo artist in 2001). Jackson was also inducted into the National Museum of Dance and Hall of Fame, making him the first and currently, only recording artist to be inducted. He was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Jackson was also inducted in 2014 into the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame along with his father Joe Jackson. In 1984, Jackson was approached to donate "Beat It" as backing music for a commercial on drunk driving. Jackson agreed and it was arranged for the singer to be awarded with an honor from the President of the United States, Ronald Reagan. In April 1990, Jackson returned to the White House to be recognized as "Artist of the Decade" by President George H. W. Bush. Two years later, on May 1, 1992, President Bush presented Jackson with an award acknowledging him as "a point of light ambassador". Jackson received the award in recognition for his efforts in inviting disadvantaged children to his Neverland Ranch. Jackson was the only entertainer to receive the award. He has two Primetime Emmy Award nominations in 1983 and 1990. In 2000, Jackson was honored as the Artist of the Millennium at the world music awards and credited as the best selling solo artist of all time.

Awards and nominations

Guinness World Records

The Guinness World Records is a reference book published annually, containing a collection of world records, both human achievements and the extremes of the natural world. The Guinness World Records, originally known as the Guinness Book of World Records, are not referred to as "awards" but as records that a person holds until it is broken by another person. Jackson currently holds 26 Guinness World Records out of a total of 34 records set in his lifetime, including best-selling album of all time and most expensive music video.

Listicles

{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="margin-right: 0;" ! scope="col" | Publisher ! scope="col" | Listicle ! scope="col" | Year(s) ! scope="col" |Nominee / work ! scope="col" | Result ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Ref. ! scope="row" rowspan="1" |TheTopTens ! scope="row" rowspan="1" |Billboard ! scope="row" rowspan="1" |Billboard ! scope="row" rowspan="1" |Billboard ! scope="row" rowspan="1" |Billboard ! scope="row" rowspan="1" |Billboard ! scope="row" rowspan="1" |WIBG-FM ! scope="row" rowspan="1" |Smooth Radio ! scope="row" rowspan="1" |Smooth Radio ! scope="row" rowspan="1" |Smooth Radio ! scope="row" rowspan="1" |Smooth Radio ! scope="row" rowspan="1" |Smooth Radio ! scope="row" rowspan="1" |Sydney Morning Herald ! scope="row" rowspan="1" |Biography.com ! scope="row" rowspan="1" |National Institute of Health ! scope="row" rowspan="1" |TalkTalk Group ! scope="row" rowspan="9" |NME Magazine ! scope="row" rowspan="29" | VH1

Decorations

From Gabon

Officer of the National Order of Merit In 1992, during a visit to Gabon, Michael became the first (and only) entertainer to receive the National Order of Merit from President Omar Bongo.

Keys to the City

Royal titles and styles

Africa

In a high-profile visit to Africa, in 1992 Jackson visited several countries, among them Gabon and Egypt. In his trip to Côte d'Ivoire, Jackson was crowned "King Sani" by the king of the Sanwi, a kingdom of the Agni people. He then signed official documents formalizing his chieftaincy, sat on a golden throne under the sacred Krindja tree, and presided over ceremonial dances. He held the title up until his death. Jesse Jackson was later created the High Prince of the Agni people of Côte d'Ivoire following Michael Jackson's passing away.

Other honors

Sources