Michael Jackson Death Anniversary Special: How King Of Pop Reshaped Music Industry With Trailblazing Songs On Climate Change, Racism

Michael Jackson Death Anniversary Special: On June 25, 2009, we bid farewell to an icon who achieved remarkable milestones, pushed the limits of racial barriers, and brought about a revolution in the music industry. This remarkable figure was none other than Michael Jackson, widely known as the King of Pop.

Throughout his illustrious career, Michael Jackson consistently established and surpassed numerous records and by 2009, he had amassed an astounding 372 recognised awards, making him the most decorated living being in terms of accolades received. This was excluding his Diamond, Platinum, and Gold certifications.

In 2000, he achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the top-selling artist of all time, with an impressive 380 million records sold. One of his iconic songs, 'Thriller,' held the record for the highest number of copies sold as a single, with an impressive 110 million sales, for a long time.

Additionally, during his Super Bowl halftime show in 1993, he captivated the largest TV audience in history, drawing a staggering 133.4 million viewers. His impact on various records is seemingly limitless. However, his true influence transcended these achievements, as he played a pivotal role in driving cultural changes within our society.

Highlighting Social Issues Through Songs:

Michael Jackson's lyrical content confronted and pushed against societal expectations for the behaviour and perception of African-American men. The song 'Billie Jean' portrayed Jackson as a figure of widespread adoration, while 'Bad' presented him as a rebellious person who defied conventional rules. Additionally, 'Human Nature' revealed a more sensual aspect of his artistry. These themes broached taboo subjects within the cultural landscape of the time. Nevertheless, Michael Jackson fearlessly challenged these established norms.

In his iconic music video, 'Thriller,' he symbolically addressed the prevailing racism and the complex emotions surrounding himself and African Americans in the country during that era. The video portrayed Jackson's transformation from an attractive young man to a beast, symbolising the conflicting emotions experienced by white people who were simultaneously attracted to him and grappling with racial tensions in a divided society.

(Image credit: Reuters)

Following the release of 'Thriller,' African-American artists began to receive greater visibility on MTV. 'Billie Jean' and 'Thriller' were among the first music videos by an African-American artist to be showcased on MTV. Despite facing initial resistance from the network, Jackson persevered and ultimately opened doors for other African-American artists such as Prince and Whitney Houston to also receive airtime on MTV.

Racial inequality is a topic that unfortunately still remains relevant in today's society. He encountered criticism regarding the transformation of his skin colour, with many questioning why he appeared to change from black to white, while the singer was actually dealing with a skin disorder called vitiligo that affected his pigmentation. Therefore, in 1991, he released the song 'Black or White,' with the following lyrics:

And I told about equality and it's true

Either you're wrong or you're right, ooh!

But if you're thinking about my baby

It don't matter if you're Black or White, ooh!

 

Protection for gangs, clubs, and nations

Causing grief in human relations

It's a turf war on a global scale

I'd rather hear both sides of the tale

See, it's not about races, just places, faces

Where your blood comes from is where your space is

I've seen the bright get duller

I'm not going to spend my life being a colour

Addressing Environmental Issues Through Songs:

Shortly before his passing, Jackson was busy working on a song centred around climate change, as revealed by Deepak Chopra, an Indian-born American author, in a report by Telegraph UK in 2009. According to the article, Chopra, who had a 20-year acquaintance with the singer, disclosed that Jackson had already recorded a demo of the song and was in the process of crafting its lyrics.

Throughout his lifetime, Jackson has consistently demonstrated his concern for various issues by incorporating impactful lyrics into his songs. He was remarkably ahead of his time, especially during the height of pop music when his words shed light on the Earth's environmental challenges and the urgency of addressing climate conditions.

In 1995, he released a song 'Earth Song ' with the following lyrics:

Did you ever stop to notice

All the blood we've shed before

Did you ever stop to notice

This crying Earth, these weeping shores

(Image credit: Twitter)

Thus, the influence that Michael Jackson wielded on the world is both vast and indisputable. He not only established and shattered numerous records but also pushed the boundaries of racial barriers and spearheaded a revolution in the music industry. Through his songs and groundbreaking artistry, Jackson fundamentally transformed the landscape of music production and promotion. He has etched his name in history as a legendary figure, forever recognised as the 'King of Pop'.