Michael Jackson's 17th Death Anniversary: Remembering the King of Pop Through 5 Iconic Songs

Michael Jackson's sudden demise on June 25, 2009, at the age of 50, left an indelible void in the entertainment industry, but his musical genius continues to captivate generations. It's 17 years since the world bid farewell to the undisputed King of Pop. A singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist, Michael Jackson's impact transcended music, breaking racial barriers and globalizing pop culture through his innovative sound, mesmerising performances, and iconic fashion. Michael Jackson's biopic, Michael, starring his nephew Jaafar Jackson, was released on April 24, 2026, to a blockbuster reception in theatres worldwide. ‘Michael’ Movie Review: Jaafar Jackson Excels in Michael Jackson Biopic; Juliano Valdi Steals the Show as Little MJ (LatestLY Exclusive).

Born Michael Joseph Jackson on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, MJ began his public career at just six years old as the lead singer of The Jackson 5, a band with his brothers. His solo journey, marked by groundbreaking albums like Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982), and Bad (1987), saw him become one of the best-selling music artistes of all time, with estimated sales of over 500 million records worldwide. On his 17th death anniversary, we celebrate Michael Jackson's extraordinary legacy by looking back at five of his best songs, with some lesser-known gems. Michael Jackson Death Anniversary: From ‘Billie Jean’ to ‘Smooth Criminal’, 5 Timeless Hit Songs of the King of Pop (Watch Videos).

1. 'I Want You Back' (The Jackson 5)

An undeniable classic that launched a phenomenon, "I Want You Back" introduced the world to an eleven-year-old Michael Jackson's precocious talent. Released by Motown on October 7, 1969, as the lead single from Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5, the song quickly soared to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 on January 31, 1970, and topped the Soul singles chart for four weeks. Produced by The Corporation (Berry Gordy, Freddie Perren, Alphonso Mizell, Deke Richards), this pop-soul anthem is lauded for its energetic vocals and remains a testament to Michael's early, electrifying stage presence.

'I Want You Back' (The Jackson 5) - Watch Video:

2. 'Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough'

Marking Jackson's solo creative control and collaboration with legendary producer Quincy Jones, "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" was the electrifying lead single from his fifth studio album, Off the Wall (1979). Released on July 10, 1979, by Epic Records, it became his second solo number-one hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 and first in seven years, and dominated the Billboard Soul Singles chart for six weeks. This disco-funk masterpiece earned Jackson his first solo Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and an American Music Award, signalling his magnificent return as a solo force.

'Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough' - Watch Video:

3. 'Billie Jean'

Perhaps one of the most iconic songs in music history, "Billie Jean" was the second single from the monumental Thriller album (1982), released on January 2, 1983, via Epic Records. Co-produced by Jackson and Quincy Jones, the track spent seven weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped charts worldwide. Its groundbreaking music video, directed by Steve Barron, was one of the first by a Black artist to be aired in heavy rotation on MTV, shattering racial barriers in music television. Jackson's legendary performance of "Billie Jean" at Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever in May 1983, where he debuted the moonwalk, forever changed live performance.

'Billie Jean' - Watch Video:

4. 'Beat It'

"Beat It", another powerhouse single from Thriller, showcased Jackson's versatility by seamlessly blending pop, R&B, and rock, featuring an unforgettable guitar solo by Eddie Van Halen. Released on February 21, 1983, by Epic Records, it quickly ascended to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks and also topped the Billboard Hot Black Singles chart. The Bob Giraldi-directed music video, famous for bringing together rival street gang members in a powerful anti-violence message, further solidified Jackson's status as a global icon and received two Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Best Male Rock Vocal Performance.

'Beat It' - Watch Video:

5. Man in the Mirror

A powerful anthem of self-reflection and social change, "Man in the Mirror" was the fourth single from Jackson's 1987 album, Bad. Released in February 1988 by Epic, the song, written by Siedah Garrett and Glen Ballard and produced by Jackson and Quincy Jones, became his tenth number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100. Unique for its music video which features no appearance from Jackson himself, instead showcasing poignant footage of historical figures and global events, the song's enduring message of personal responsibility for global change continues to resonate deeply.

'Man in the Mirror' - Watch Video:

These five songs represent just a fraction of Michael Jackson’s monumental catalogue, but each stands as a testament to his transformative artistry and enduring impact on music and culture.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 25, 2026 12:49 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).