Behind the Magic: The Best Books to Read on Michael Jackson
Although he died over fifteen years ago, Michael Jackson still sits as one of music's most influential and gifted individuals, as well as one of the most polarising figures in the history of pop culture. The “King of Pop” led an incredibly diverse life filled with groundbreaking artistry coupled with constant scrutiny due to the media's intrusive nature as it pertained to his private life. In order to be able to look past the sensationalised headlines about him, to actually understand the man behind the music through a great biography will be a must. Fortunately, there are several definitive Michael Jackson biographies that present extraordinary insight into his life, from an in-depth analysis of his creative genius within a recording studio to more personal memoirs from those who looked after him during his last days. Whether you are a lifelong devotee of all things Jackson or merely interested in learning more about the history of music, the following curated collection of the best books about or by Michael Jackson is an excellent guide for adding these definitive coordinating works to your reading list. Check out the top 5 picks below.
Moonwalk: Michael Jackson's Only Official Autobiography
Moonwalk: Michael Jackson’s Only Official Autobiography - Perfect for fans of the hit film Michael
If you are a true MJ fan, this is a must-read book for all, that explore his life in the easiest way. In this singularly authored book by the King of Pop himself, the definitive account of his life as experienced by Michael Jackson through first-person reflection is made available. The first such book ever produced by a person as successful as Michael Jackson has broken the barrier of silence, offering an in-depth, intimate view of who he is from birth through his first solo outbreak of stardom via Billie Jean. No other artist has ever provided insights into his creative process as he has through the chapters of this book, detailing his development as a songwriter and composer of iconic songs like Billie Jean and Beat It as well as his groundbreaking dance styles such as the moonwalk. He goes beyond just the public persona to provide insight into his relationships with family and friends, as well as to discuss the loneliness that accompanies fame and the unfair treatment that he has suffered from the media. With the unique addition of pictures and drawings from his childhood, Moonwalk is truly a tribute to a phenomenal musician and artist.
Michael Jackson: The Magic, the Madness, the Whole Story
Michael Jackson: The Magic, the Madness, the Whole Story
The next hit is this book that provides readers with a no-nonsense view of Michael Jackson beyond what has been reported by tabloids and others who have distorted the truth for years. Through interviews with members of the Jackson family and his own personal experiences as a youth, Taraborrelli offers readers a unique and honest perspective on an icon. With over 200 interviews and more than 1 million words written thus far, Taraborrelli gives readers a complete and thorough account of the man behind the music and the myth that is Michael Jackson. From his abusive upbringing through the Jackson 5 to the explosive rise of his solo career; from the various transformations of his physique to his multiple marriages and addictions; from his obsessive love for his own children to the struggles of being at such a high level for so long, the author's perspective provides readers with an entertaining read while also educates them on what motivated MJ to be one of the best entertainers ever. Combined with well-developed storytelling and an excellent understanding of the many different forces that had an impact on Michael's life and unexpected passing, the thorough research done by the author provides fans of the biopic film Michael with a complete and well-balanced portrayal of one of the greatest performers of all time.
On Michael Jackson by Margo Jefferson
MJ: THE GENIUS OF MICHAEL JACKSON
Michael Jackson is one of the biggest mysteries of recent times: he was an icon, a child-star turned adult and a person of immeasurable complexity. Margo Jefferson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning art reviewer, has written an astonishing and comprehensive critique of Michael Jackson's remarkable rise to success and tragic descent from fame and fortune. Through her astute observations about Michael's story, Jefferson seeks to examine Jackson's life throughout the context of the larger culture that made and broke him. Jefferson's critique of Michael is a detailed, thoughtful analysis of an artist regarded by most to be the most talented musician of our day; an artist who exhibited such charisma, style, performance ability and stage presence that he deserves universal adulation, yet was scorned for his skin colour, erratic behaviours, complicated and diverse adult relationships with minors and many other aspects of his life. If you want to know more about the sam, this can be a must have book to explore.
MJ: The Genius of Michael Jackson by Steve Knopper
MJ: THE GENIUS OF MICHAEL JACKSON
Rolling Stone contributing editor Steve Knopper delivers a vivid, gripping biography that celebrates the King of Pop's legendary, world-changing contributions to popular culture. This book explores his stage debut right from the age of seven in Gary, Indiana, to his solo success of Thriller and Bad, thus letting the reader know all about his success. Drawing on an astonishing 400 interviews with family, friends, industry executives, and fellow celebrities, Knopper utilises sharp reportorial savvy to explore the creative peaks and volatile valleys of Jackson's four-decade career. This book also talks about MJ's iconic tracks like Billie Jean that broke every record in the history of music ever. Despite the surrounding public scandals, this thoughtful, comprehensive biography reminds us exactly why Michael Jackson was a boundary-breaking musical genius who ultimately used his art to bring down walls.
Remember the Time: Protecting Michael Jackson in His Final Days
Remember the Time - protecting Michael Jackson in his final days
Michael Jackson's humanity has been erased due to tabloid myths, and this much-needed pop-culture account presents a definitive 1st person narrative about the star's final years by his 2 head bodyguards, Bill Whitfield and Javon Beard. Together, these men were with Michael virtually 24 hours a day and 7days-a-week during his final years; they were privy to all of the extreme measures that had to be taken to safely protect this family, Michael's hidden financial crisis, and the frantic preparations that were undertaken for the upcoming This Is It tour. Also, through their account, Whitfield and Beard wish to show the true Michael and how, despite all of their challenges to provide Michael and his children with a normal life, there were still simple times of joy and happiness shared by Michael and his children. Thus, the finished product created by the authors is an extremely compelling and emotional story about an extraordinary man and devoted father who was trying to provide a normal life for his children amidst unbelievable odds, which makes this one of the best books to read about his later days.
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Beyond the Headlines: The Definitive Reads on the King of Pop's True Legacy
For decades, the press surrounding Michael Jackson's life has been a confused miasma of sensationalism, tabloid speculation, and extreme polarisation. It is incredibly easy to become lost in the chaos of contradictory opinions and superficial gossip.
However, if you want to understand how a shy boy from Gary, Indiana, grew up to be the most important performer in human history, you must look beyond the chaos of headlines. The definitive books on our list do just that: they strip away the myths and controversy associated with Michael Jackson and focus primarily on his incredible work ethic as well as his amazing creativity in the recording studio and the very complicated private life that he fought hard to maintain.
Thus, whether you are looking for a responsible musical evaluation of the performance of Michael Jackson or an up-close-and-personal account from people close to him, the books listed below will provide you with a fair, unbiased viewpoint which cannot be obtained from conventional media coverage.
Behind the Magic: The Best Books to Read on Michael Jackson
| Product | Price in India |
|---|---|
| Moonwalk: Michael Jackson’s Only Official Autobiography - Perfect for fans of the hit film Michael | ₹ 250 |
| Michael Jackson: The Magic, the Madness, the Whole Story | ₹ 253 |
| MJ: THE GENIUS OF MICHAEL JACKSON | ₹ 799 |
| Remember the Time - protecting Michael Jackson in his final days | ₹ 687 |
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