A brand new biography on the King of Pop, MJ: The Genius of Michael Jackson (Scribner/Simon & Schuster), is set for release in October 2015.
Written by Rolling Stone contributing editor Steve Knopper, the book is being billed by its publisher as “the ultimate critical biography of the King of Pop: a panoramic, vivid, and incisive portrait of Michael Jackson that explores and celebrates his influence in music, dance, and popular culture.”
“From the moment in 1965 when he first stepped on stage with his brothers at a local talent show in Gary, Indiana, Michael Jackson was destined to become the undisputed King of Pop,” reads the book’s blurb in its online listings. “In a career spanning four decades, Jackson became a global icon, selling over 400 million albums, earning thirteen Grammy awards, and spinning dance moves that captivated the world. Songs like “Billie Jean” and “Black and White” altered our national discussion of race and equality, and Jackson’s signature aesthetic, from the single white glove to the moonwalk, defined a generation. Despite years of scandal and controversy, Jackson’s ultimate legacy will always be his music.
Knopper delves deeply into Michael Jackson’s music and talent. From the artist’s early days with the Jackson 5, to his stratospheric success as a solo artist, to “Beat It” and “Thriller,” “Bad” and “The Man in the Mirror,” to his volatile final years, his attempted comeback, and untimely death, Knopper explores the beguiling and often contradictory forces that fueled Michael Jackson’s genius. Drawing on an amazing 400 interviews—ranging from Jackson’s relatives, friends, and key record executives to celebrities like will.i.am and Weird Al Yankovic—this critical biography puts all the elements of his career into perspective, and celebrates his triumph in art and music. This is a rare and panoramic view into the genius and influence of an incomparable talent.”
MJ: The Genius of Michael Jackson is available for pre-order now via Amazon.com.
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Damien Shields is the author of the book Xscape Origins: The Songs & Stories Michael Jackson Left Behind about The King of Pop’s artistry, genius, and creative process in the recording studio. Click here to order your copy today – also available via Amazon, Kindle, iBooks, and Google Play. Follow Damien on Facebook and Twitter to stay up-to-date with Michael Jackson-related news.
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Interesting. Rolling Stone though. May be good, probably won’t, but who knows?
Whatever, I have pre-ordered it from Am. I like reading about MJ, but it won’t change my opinion of this beautiful human being.
Good that the focus is on his music and career and that he interviewed people who actually worked with /knew Michael . Michaels last album was released almost 15 years ago, his last tour was in the 90s. There will be a time when not many who worked with him are left.
With Neverland now for sale it seems that little by little what he built with hard work is tore down and replaced by substitutes . But Michaels own music they can never take away and books like this are needed for the coming generations to know what was.
This is interesting. I think I should read it…