Michael Jackson: The origin of the King of Pop’s career-defining title revealed

Michael Jackson fans may not know exactly how the King of Pop got his all-encompassing title in the music industry. The truth of how the Thriller superstar got his informal name was revealed by the star himself in an interview with American chat show host Oprah Winfrey. It all came down to a specific celebrity – Elizabeth Taylor.

Michael Jackson first shot to fame during his musical career with his brothers in The Jackson 5, starting from 1965.

The group became famous singing pop, rhythm and blues, soul and funk, and were all individually incredibly talented.

But it was clear there was one shining star from the beginning – youngest sibling Michael.

And while he incorporated a number of different musical influences throughout his glittering career, the Bad hitmaker became known as being the King of one specific genre – pop.

READ MORE: Michael Jackson: King of Pop shared how his ‘childhood was lost’

READ MORE

  • Michael Jackson son: How did Blanket Jackson get his name?

During a televised interview with Oprah Winfrey in 1993, Jackson shared the story of how he became known in the industry.

Asked where the notion came from, Jackson revealed it certainly wasn’t his idea.

“I didn’t proclaim myself to be anything,” he said.

“I’m happy to be alive, I’m happy to be anything. King of Pop was once said by Elizabeth Taylor on one of the awards shows.

A clip then showed the world-famous actress announcing Jackson to the audience.

“In my estimation, he’s the true king of pop, rock, and soul. Mr Michael Jackson.”

Nodding emphatically that that’s where his title originated, the entertainer continued: “Yes!

“And then fans in all the stadiums we play would brings banners and jackets [to every show].

DON’T MISS…

Michael Jackson family: How many siblings did Michael Jackson have? [FAMILY]

Michael Jackson daughter: Is Paris Jackson Michael’s daughter? [DETAILS]

Lisa Marie Presley children: How many children does Lisa Marie have? [WIFE]

“They cheered it outside my hotel [too], so it just became something that you know, happens all over the world.”

What’s more, Jackson went on to share how he came up with his music videos, as many will know he was one of the pioneers for full-length short films accompanying songs.

“Yeah the idea was that there was a story,” he said. “So it had a beginning, a middle and an ending like a mini movie.

“And that’s what I wanted to do.”

Speaking about his popularity and what he believed his purpose to be in the world, Jackson was much more focused on his humanitarian work.

“I think my purpose is to give in the best way I can,” he mused. “Through song and dance and music, I am committed to my art.

“I believe that all art has this ultimate goal – the union between the material and the spiritual. The human and the divine.

“I believe that to be the reason for the very existence of art. I feel I was chosen as an instrument, to just give music, to give love and harmony to the world. To children of all ages and adults and teenagers,” the late star added.

Source: Read Full Article