The 1980s saw Michael become crowned as The King Of Pop. From his first moonwalk during his performance of Billie Jean on Mowtown 25 to his amazing Bad tour, he set the music world on fire. Below are some photos chronicling this era in Michael's life.
Michael performing Billie Jean on Motown 25 Michael in Smooth Criminal.
Michael onstage in the 1980s. Michael onstage during Bad tour.
Michael in 1984. Michael wearing his trademark sequined glove and jacket.
Michael in a still from Bad. Michael onstage during Bad Tour.
It's also worth noting that during this decade, Michael visited many terminally ill children in hospitals while on tour. He also donated all the money got from a settlement with Pepsi, following his having had severe burns on his scalp after his hair caught fire during a Pepsi commercial shoot, to the Michael Jackson Burn Center. There are numerous charitable things that Michael did during this decade. For more on Michael's humanitarian efforts, see here
Michael received many awards during the 1980s as well. Here is a list:
1980 Hollywood Walk Of Fame:
The Jacksons receive a Star on the Hollywood Blvd.
1980 RIAA:
Gold Certification for "Rock With You"
1983 RIAA:
Gold and Platinum Certification for Thriller
Gold Certification for Beat It
Gold Certification for Billie Jean
1983 Rolling Stone:
#1 Artist of the Year
1984 Canadian Black Music Awards:
Entertainer Of The Year
1984 Guinness Book Of Worlds Records:
1984 Hollywood Walk Of Fame:
Michael Jackson receive a Star on the Hollywood Blvd.
Best Selling Album Of All Time "Thriller"
1984 People's Choice Awards:
All Around Entertainer Of The Year
1984 RIAA:
Platinum 20x Certification for Thriller
1986 RIAA:
Gold, Platinum, and Platinum 3x Certification for Bad
Platinum 4x Certification for Bad
Gold Certification for I Just Can't Stop Loving You
1988 Forbes:
# 1 Entertainer Of The Year
1988 RIAA:
Platinum 5x Certification for Bad
Platinum 6x Certification for Bad
1988 United Negro College Fund
Doctor of Humane Letters Degree
Frederick Patterson Award
1989 British TV Industry Awards:
Artist Of The Decade
1989 Friday Night Videos:
Greatest Artist Of The Decade
Number One Artist
1989 Forbes:
#1 Entertainer Of The Year
1989 Gardner Street Elementary School:
Most Famous Alumnus Renamed School Auditorium to "The Michael
Jackson Auditorium"
1989 MTV Video Vanguard Awards:
Greatest Video In The History of the World - "Thriller"
1989 RIAA:
Gold Certification for "She's Out of My Life"
Platinum Certification for "Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough"
Platinum Certification for "Rock With You"
Platinum Certification for "Beat It"
Platinum Certification for "Billie Jean"
Gold and Platinum Certification for "Thriller"
1989 Rolling Stone:
Video of the Decade - "Thriller"
1989 Vanity Fair:
Artist Of The Decade
1989 World Music Awards:
Lifetime Achievement Video
1989 World Music Hall of Fame:
Michael Jackson inducted into the World Music Hall of Fame
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