Michael Jackson’s impact on the music industry is undeniable. His contributions not only transformed pop music but also set a remarkable series of world records that continue to impress. From his earliest days as a member of the Jackson 5 to his groundbreaking solo career, Jackson’s achievements remain unparalleled in the music world.

One of his first major milestones came at just 11 years and 155 days old when he became the youngest vocalist ever to top the Hot 100. This achievement was with the Jackson 5’s hit “I Want You Back,” which soared to number one on January 31, 1970. His solo career also began with massive success. Michael’s 1979 album Off the Wall sold over 20 million copies worldwide, earning him his first Grammy for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.

However, it was his 1982 album Thriller that truly solidified his place in history. Thriller dominated the Billboard 200 album chart for an astonishing 37 weeks, setting a record for the longest run at number one by a studio album. It is also the bestselling album of all time, with over 100 million copies sold globally, a feat that only a few albums have achieved. Thriller was not just a commercial success; it was a cultural phenomenon, selling more copies in 1983 and 1984 than any other album in those years.

Michael’s reign didn’t stop with Thriller. His 1987 album Bad made history with seven top-10 singles off one album, a first in music history. Furthermore, Bad became one of only two albums where five singles reached the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100. By the 1990s, Michael continued to break records, including becoming the first artist to achieve number-one singles across three decades, with “Black or White” topping the charts in 1991.

Another landmark moment in Michael’s career came in 1995 when his song “You Are Not Alone” debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making him the first artist to achieve such a feat. He also holds the record for the longest span of number-one hits, with 13 chart-topping singles over a span of 25 years and 7 months.

In addition to his chart success, Michael Jackson was a record-setter at the Grammys. In 1984, he won seven Grammy Awards, a record for most Grammy wins in a single year by an artist. He also earned an eighth Grammy for his contribution to the E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial soundtrack.

But Michael’s records were not limited to music alone. He became the first American artist to sell over 100 million records both as a solo artist and as part of a group. His record-breaking achievements include five solo albums selling over 20 million copies each worldwide, a feat that only he has accomplished. His albums Off the Wall, Thriller, Bad, Dangerous, and HIStory all reached this milestone.

Jackson’s influence extended beyond the music industry. He holds the record for the highest-paid commercial spokesperson, earning $12 million from Pepsi for four TV commercials in 1988. In 1999, he also made headlines by purchasing the Oscar for Gone With the Wind, a purchase that set the record for the most expensive Oscar ever sold.

Not only was Michael Jackson an iconic musician, but his music videos also broke records. His video for “Black or White,” which aired in 27 countries, captivated 500 million viewers, setting a record for the largest audience in television history for a music video premiere. His music video Scream, co-starring his sister Janet Jackson, became the most expensive music video ever made, with a budget of $7 million.

On the live performance front, Michael Jackson’s Bad World Tour (1987–1989) was the second-highest-grossing tour of the 1980s, bringing in an astounding $125 million. His 1996–1997 HIStory World Tour grossed $165 million, making it one of the highest-grossing tours of the 1990s and his highest-grossing concert tour ever.

Even after his passing, Michael Jackson’s legacy continued to break records. His posthumous concert film This Is It became the highest-grossing concert documentary of all time, earning $260 million worldwide. It also set a record for the fastest ticket sales for a concert film, grossing $3.9 million in its first five days of release.

Michael Jackson’s influence on music, dance, and popular culture is unparalleled. His record-breaking career, his philanthropic efforts, and his continued success in posthumous projects all cement his place as one of the most successful and influential entertainers in history. With over 1 billion records sold worldwide, Michael Jackson’s name remains etched in history as the King of Pop, a title he will hold forever.