I’m never pleased with anything, I’m a perfectionist, it’s part of who I am.
Two years ago on June 25, 2009 we tragically lost Michael Jackson, one of the top pop artists of all time. His death was instantly surrounded by controversy as well as a focus on questions raised by tabloids during his life. Two years later I suggest that we turn from the attention to controversy to a focus on remembering the amazing musical performance legacy of this man. From age eight when he began sharing Jackson 5 lead vocals with brother Jermaine, Michael Jackson demonstrated that he was a type of performer the world had never seen.
As Michael Jackson grew into adulthood, he took R&B, pop, and dance music in directions it had never gone. He broke down the MTV color line and had the audacity to include rock guitar solos in his top pop hits. Michael Jackson released Thriller, the biggest selling album of all time. He was the first person, and for now the only, to ever generate five #1 pop hit singles in the US from one album, Bad. Michael Jackson has sold an estimated 750 million records worldwide. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, along with his brothers as the Jackson 5, and as a solo artist.
It’s not only the music that leaves an indelible stamp on pop culture, but Michael Jackson’s stage performances were just as innovative. The single glove is a distinctive trademark completely unique to Michael Jackson. His introduction of the “moonwalk” at the Motown 25th anniversary celebration in 1983 was stunning and riveted the audience like very performers can. He went on to cause jaws to drop again introducing the “anti-gravity lean” in the music video for “Smooth Criminal.” Michael Jackson’s world concert tours were worldwide celebratory events.
Michael Jackson’s music video legacy is truly like no other. Whether it’s the dance moves of “Billie Jean,” the dance “rumble” of “Beat It,” the horror short film achievements of “Thriller,” the still stunning choreography for “Smooth Criminal,” or the giant amusement park of “Leave Me Alone,” each Michael Jackson music video functions as a mini work of art. If you only listen to the music, you are missing tremendous riches that reside in the video.
Ultimately, Michael Jackson left this world like a true star. His plans for a massive concert comeback had fans and detractors alike watching and waiting eager to see what would take place when Michael Jackson stepped on the stage once again for an audience that would have ultimately numbered in the millions. The rehearsal footage proves that he maintained much of the magic of his earlier years. We will never see what would have transpired, but there is a tremendous legacy of music, video, and live performances left behind as we all remember one of the most talented men in pop music history.
Michael Jackson continues to inspire people in every corner of the world as someone who chose to use the extraordinary gifts and talents he was blessed with to deliver messages of hope, love and peace. Michael’s legacy is more than his remarkable artistic accomplishments. It also includes an indescribably unique spirit that still connects Michael today with countless fans in a way that knows no borders, no cultural barriers and which speaks a common language of unity and compassion. Our thoughts and prayers are especially with his children as we fondly remember the Michael Jackson whose friendship, humor and kindness joyously touched so many lives.
While it’s been two years since Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009, his solo catalog of music continues to post solid numbers in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
From his passing through the week ending June 19, 2011, Jackson’s tracks have sold 16.3 million downloads while his albums have shifted 10.6 million copies.
The King of Pop’s post-death album sales account for 33% of his cumulative SoundScan-era (1991 through present) album tally (32.3 million).
“Number Ones” is the artist’s biggest-selling album since his passing, as it has moved 2.74 million. Jackson’s 2009 “This Is It” soundtrack companion album of the same name is in second place with 1.67 million. Next in line are “Thriller” (1.49), “The Essential Michael Jackson” (1.38) and “Bad” (550,000).
In terms of track sales since Jackson died, his top five best selling tracks are “Billie Jean” (1.26 million), “Man in the Mirror” (1.23), “Beat It” (1.11), “Thriller” (1.04) and “Smooth Criminal” (872,000). That lineup is similar to his overall best-sellers (including sales generated pre-death): “Thriller” (2.28 million), “Billie Jean” (2.18), “Beat It” (1.84), “Man in the Mirror” (1.54) and “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” (1.43).
While certainly the bulk of Jackson’s post-death sales came in 2009, interest in his work has continued to post solid numbers. From his death until the end of 2009, he sold 11 million tracks and 8 million albums. In 2010: 3.7 million tracks and 2.1 million albums.
Jackson’s 2010 album sales were bolstered by the release of his posthumous studio set “Michael,” in December. So far, that album has sold a total of 503,000. (“Michael” finished 2010 as the year’s 74th biggest seller, four slots above “Number Ones,” which moved 388,000 in 2010 vs. “Michael’s” 405,000.)
Now, in 2011, his sales stand — year-to-date — at 1.6 million tracks and 500,000 albums. At this rate, with all things being equal, Jackson could manage a total of 3 million tracks and 1 million albums for the full year.