Michael Jackson Turns 66: 10 Surprising Facts About Him

On what would have been Michael Jackson's 66th birthday, uncover 10 lesser-known facts about the King of Pop's life.

Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, remains one of the most influential figures in music history. Even on what would have been his 66th birthday, his legacy continues to captivate fans worldwide. While his talent and charisma are well-documented, there are still many intriguing aspects of his life that might surprise you. Here are 10 lesser-known facts about Michael Jackson that showcase his unique journey.

10) James Brown Was a Major Influence
Michael Jackson drew significant inspiration from the Godfather of Soul, James Brown. From a young age, Jackson's mother would wake him up to watch Brown perform on television, a ritual that profoundly influenced his future stage presence. Reflecting on Brown's impact during his funeral in 2007, Jackson remarked, "Since I was a small child, around 6 years old, my mother would wake me up, no matter the time or what I was doing, just to watch the master at work on television."

9) He Made His Recording Debut at 9 Years Old
Jackson's first step into the music industry came at just 9 years old, when he recorded "Big Boy" with The Jackson 5 in 1968. Although the song didn't become a major hit, it caught the attention of larger labels, setting the stage for his future stardom.

8) A Love for Practical Jokes
Jackson shared a playful relationship with his sister La Toya, bonding over their love of practical jokes. One of his favorite pranks involved placing fake spiders and tarantulas on her phone, waiting for her inevitable scream when she found them.

7) He Wasn't Fond of His Young Voice
Despite the acclaim Jackson received as a child star, he wasn't a fan of his early recordings with The Jackson 5. He often expressed dissatisfaction, comparing his high-pitched voice to that of Minnie Mouse in later interviews.

6) His Film Debut Led to a Legendary Partnership
Jackson's first film role was as the Scarecrow in The Wiz, an adaptation of The Wizard of Oz. Though the movie was critically panned, it led to a life-changing partnership with Quincy Jones, who would go on to produce Jackson's most iconic albums.

5) The Tears in "She's Out of My Life" Were Real
One of Jackson's most emotional recordings, "She's Out of My Life," features genuine tears. Producer Quincy Jones recalled that Jackson broke down at the end of each take, and the decision was made to leave the raw emotion in the final cut.

4) Thriller Was Born from Frustration
Despite the success of Off The Wall, Jackson was disappointed that the album didn't win the Grammy for Record of the Year. This frustration fueled his determination to create Thriller, which went on to win a record-breaking eight Grammys in 1984.

3) The Birth of the Moonwalk
Jackson's iconic Moonwalk debuted in 1983 during a live performance of "Billie Jean" at the Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever concert special. The move was taught to him by veteran dancer Jeffrey Daniel, who later became one of Jackson's co-choreographers.

2) "Beat It" Lit Up the Studio
During the recording of "Beat It," guitarist Eddie Van Halen's intense solo was so fiery that it caused one of the studio speakers to catch fire. The incident only added to the track's legendary status.

1) He Lived in a Theme Park
Jackson's Neverland Ranch was a fantastical blend of a home and an amusement park, complete with a petting zoo, roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, and a carousel. Spanning 3,000 acres, the property cost Jackson between $17 million and $30 million, embodying his dreamlike persona.

Jackson's life was as extraordinary as his music, filled with stories that continue to fascinate fans and music lovers alike. As we remember him on his birthday, these lesser-known facts offer a glimpse into the man behind the legend.