Michael Jackson's Hit Songs!

Michael Jackson's transition from a child star with the Jackson 5 to a globally recognized solo artist was marked by a series of impactful singles. His solo debut, 'Got to Be There' (1971), immediately established his presence on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching number four. This was swiftly followed by his first number-one single, 'Ben' (1972), a poignant ballad that showcased his vocal versatility.

Throughout the 1970s, Jackson honed his craft, but it was the release of 'Off the Wall' in 1979 that signaled a seismic shift. The album's singles, including the disco-infused 'Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough' and the smooth R&B track 'Rock with You,' not only dominated the charts but also achieved multi-platinum status, selling over 6 million copies in the US. The album's remarkable achievement of four top-ten singles on the Billboard Hot 100 set a precedent for his future successes, demonstrating his ability to consistently produce commercially viable and critically acclaimed music.

The release of 'Thriller' in 1982 was not merely an album launch; it was a cultural event that propelled Michael Jackson to unprecedented levels of fame. The album's singles became global anthems. 'The Girl Is Mine,' a duet with Paul McCartney, offered a gentler introduction, peaking at number two. However, 'Billie Jean' became the album's defining track, topping charts in 13 countries and selling over 10 million copies in the US alone, a staggering figure that underscored its immense popularity. 'Beat It,' with its iconic guitar riff and groundbreaking music video, followed suit, reaching number one in nine countries.

The title track, 'Thriller,' released in November 1983, became Jackson's best-selling single with 10 million US sales. The sheer scale of 'Thriller's' success, both commercially and culturally, cemented Jackson's status as the 'King of Pop' and redefined the potential reach of a musical artist.

Michael Jackson's ability to consistently produce chart-topping hits extended well into the late 1980s and 1990s. His 1987 album 'Bad' was a masterclass in sustained success, yielding seven number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100: 'I Just Can't Stop Loving You,' 'Bad,' 'The Way You Make Me Feel,' 'Man in the Mirror,' and 'Dirty Diana.' This accomplishment set a new record for the most number-one Hot 100 singles from a single album, showcasing his enduring appeal. Further collaborations, like 'Say Say Say' with Paul McCartney, also reached number one.

His 1991 album 'Dangerous' continued this trend, producing four top-ten singles, including the number-one hit 'Black or White.' The 1995 double album 'HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I' featured significant new material, with 'You Are Not Alone' achieving a Guinness World Record for its debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, and 'Earth Song' becoming a massive success in the UK.

Michael Jackson's influence on music sales and digital consumption is undeniable, even after his passing in 2009. His death triggered an unprecedented surge in his music's popularity, with him becoming the first artist to achieve over 1 million song downloads in a single week. This remarkable resurgence led to significant financial agreements, such as Sony Music's $250 million deal with the Jackson estate to extend distribution rights.

This deal facilitated the release of posthumous albums like 'Michael' (2010) and 'Xscape' (2014), which contained previously unreleased material. The continued commercial success and the renewal of Sony's deal for another $250 million in 2017, effective in 2018, underscore the timeless appeal and commercial viability of Michael Jackson's extensive catalog, solidifying his position as one of the best-selling artists of all time.