Inducted:
2001
Category:
Performer
Inducted By:
N*SYNC
Creative visionary, genius performer, genre-bending icon. Michael Jackson redefined both the sound and look of pop, worldwide. Evolving from child star with the Jackson 5, he took R&B into the mainstream, monopolizing the charts, radio, and MTV in the ‘80s and ‘90s. With astonishing choreography, he set new standards for live performance. Transcending cultural and racial boundaries, his blend of rock, funk and electropop continues to influence generations.
Induction
Impact
Signature Sound
Michael Jackson redefined pop music. 1979’s Off the Wall seamlessly fused funk, disco, and soul, while ‘82’s Thriller – the best-selling album ever – mixed pop, rock, and R&B with groundbreaking, longform videos. Bad and Dangerous pushed sonic and visual boundaries. Jackson’s evolving sound, emotional range, and unmatched showmanship made him the King of Pop, and a global icon.
MJ’s first U.S. No. 1 as a solo artist, this song about a beloved rat was the theme to the hit movie of the same name.
From the Museum
King of Pop’sGangster Garb
Michael Jackson wore this ensemble, which he designed with Dennis Tompkins and Michael Bush, in the gangster-themed short film for “Smooth Criminal,” the 7th single from MJ’s 7th solo album, Bad.
One of the best-selling albums in history, Bad yielded 5 No. 1 singles – then a first. “Smooth Criminal” reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
From the Museum
King of Pop’sGangster Garb
Michael Jackson wore this ensemble, which he designed with Dennis Tompkins and Michael Bush, in the gangster-themed short film for “Smooth Criminal,” the 7th single from MJ’s 7th solo album, Bad.
One of the best-selling albums in history, Bad yielded 5 No. 1 singles – then a first. “Smooth Criminal” reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Michael was a genius. He was the best at what he did. His music and his dance moves — those were parts of my youth. He changed the world.
Madonna
2001 hall of fame essay
"Nothing could prepare us for that moment… it was startlingly clear not only that he was one of the most thrilling live performers in pop music but also that he was perhaps more capable of inspiring an audience’s physical and emotional imagination than any single pop artist since Elvis."
– Mikal Gilmore
Check It OutInfluence
Influences
Diana Ross
Michael Jackson
sealed with a signature
This is the signature that appears on the inductee’s plaque at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to officially commemorate their induction.
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