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What Genre Is Michael Jackson?

Published on December 14, 2022in Music Genres

Michael Jackson was one of the biggest names in music.

His music has been praised for its innovation and originality.

And he pushed the boundaries of what was possible with music production and created a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire artists for generations to come.

Now, are you ready to learn more about the music genre of Michael Jackson? Here's your chance to take a closer look at the creative genius that defined generations!

Michael Jackson's general music genres

Pop

Widely considered to be the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, throughout his career primarily was a pop artist.

In the late 1970s, Michael began to pursue solo projects and it was then that he became known really as one of the main pop performers.

Ultimately, Michael Jackson helped define pop music and cemented its place in modern culture - He helped to shape this genre into a new sound.

Soul

Next, Michael Jackson was indeed a soul artist, as he began his illustrious music career as part of the Jackson 5.

As a child star, Michael was heavily involved in the arrangement of the group, and his sound and style were deeply rooted in classic soul.

The Jackson 5's albums such as 'ABC' were widely popular and featured Michael's signature soulful vocals.

Michael also took inspiration from other soul singers such as James Brown, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder.

Other influences

Finally, Michael Jackson had a wide range of musical influences, including genres outside of pop and soul.

He was heavily influenced by the sounds of rock, funk, disco, gospel, hip-hop, and jazz music.

Being a masterful innovator, blending pop, soul, and funk in groundbreaking ways.

Jackson was also particularly inspired by classic rock 'n' roll artists. In fact, he referred to Little Richard as "one of my biggest musical influences."

Jackson also sang covers of the Beatles' classic hits like "Come Together" and "I Want You".

Michael Jackson music genre

How did Michael Jackson's music style evolve?

Michael Jackson's musical style evolved significantly and dramatically throughout his career, starting out with a distinct soul feel which was heavily influenced by funk and disco.

His early albums such as Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982), and Bad (1987) are characterized by funk-driven beats and soulful catchy vocals.

Jackson also began to explore different music genres, such as pop and even rock music.

This is best demonstrated in his albums Dangerous (1991) and HIStory: Past, Present and Future Book 1 (1995), which incorporated elements of a variety of musical styles.

He even experimented with hip-hop on some tracks from the latter album.

In addition, Jackson made use of classical influences in his music.

For example, his hit single "Earth Song" features a chorus of operatic vocals backed by an orchestral arrangement.

Michael Jackson was also known for incorporating spiritual themes into his music, most notably in songs like "Heal The World" or "Will You Be There".

He was always pioneering new sounds and pushing boundaries musically.

Conclusion

Michael Jackson was a musical genius whose music spanned multiple genres.

His influence on pop, soul, and funk music is undeniable and his songs will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.

What are your favorite Michael Jackson songs? Let us know!