From moonwalking into history to breaking records beyond imagination, join us as we dive into Michael Jackson’s most incredible Guinness World Records! Michael Jackson holds a staggering 39 Guinness World Records to his name, and we’re sharing some records that will blow your mind. Get ready to witness the King of Pop’s unmatched achievements that redefine greatness in music and entertainment history.
Most Grammy Awards won in a single year by a male artist
The record for the most Grammy Awards won in a year is eight, by Michael Jackson in 1984. At the 26th Annual Grammy Awards, Michael Jackson won as writer for Best New Rhythm and Blues Song for ‘Billie Jean’, as artist for Best Rock Vocal Performance, Male for ‘Beat It’, as artist for Best Recording for Children for ‘E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial’, as artist for Record Of The Year for ‘Beat It’, as artist and producer for Album Of The Year for ‘Thriller’, as artist for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male for ‘Thriller’, jointly with Quincy Jones for Producer Of The Year, and as artist for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male for ‘Billie Jean’.
Highest-earning dead celebrity
Michael Jackson earned $115 million in the 12 months to 1 October 2023, according to Forbes. The figure was substantially boosted by ticket sales of $85 million from the hit Broadway show MJ: The Musical and The Cirque du Soleil show Michael Jackson ONE, staged in Las Vegas, also brings in millions of dollars for his estate. This also makes Jackson the highest-earning dead celebrity overall.
Most charities supported by a pop star
As of 2000, Michael Jackson had supported 39 charity organizations either with monetary donations through sponsorship of their projects or through participating in their silent auctions. The charities involved include AIDS Project LA, American Cancer Society, BMI Foundation, Child help USA, United Negro College Fund, YMCA – 28th Street/Crenshaw, The Sickle Cell Research Foundation and Volunteers of America. he donated over $500 million to charity over the course of his life.
Most viewed Wikipedia page for a musician
Between 1 December 2007 and 30 June 2016, the Wikipedia page for Michael Jackson had been viewed an estimated 85 million times – more than any other article dedicated to a solo musician on the online encyclopaedia. The next most viewed pages for musicians are those of Lady Gaga with 80 million views and Eminem with 78 million views as of the same date.
Largest TV audience for a music video premiere
An estimated 500 million people in 27 countries watched the premiere of Michael Jackson’s “Black or White” music video on 14 November 1991. The 11-minute clip, directed by John Landis, reportedly cost $4 million to make. The video features actors Macaulay Culkin and George Wendt, model Tyra Banks and cartoon characters from Simpsons
Most expensive jacket sold at auction
The most valuable jacket sold at auction was the black and red calf leather jacket with winged shoulders worn by singer Michael Jackson in his renowned 1983 Thriller video, which was sold to Milton Verret of Austin, Texas, USA, for $1.8 million at a sale organised by Julien’s Auction in Beverly Hills, California, on 26 June 2011.
Best-selling album
Released on 30 November 1982, Thriller by Michael Jackson is the world’s best-selling album. Sales figures vary wildly from source to source, but it is estimated that the album – featuring seven US Top 10 singles – has sold in excess of 120 million copies across the globe. On 20 August 2021, Thriller was certified for shipments of 34 million units by the Recording Industry Association of America, extending its lead as the best-selling album by a solo artist in Jackson’s homeland. Only the Eagles’ 1976 compilation, Their Greatest Hits, has higher certification in the USA.
Most lucrative recording contract
In March 2010, nine months after the singer’s death, the estate of Michael Jackson brokered a recording contract with Sony Music Entertainment worth a staggering $250 million. The agreement, the largest ever in the music industry, demanded 10 albums of previously unreleased songs and repackaged existing material over a period of seven years.
Most expensive music video
Directed by Mark Romanek, the video for Michael and Janet Jackson’s hit single “Scream” Winning the MTV Music Video Award for Dance in 1995 and the Grammy for Music Video, Short Form in 1996, it was shot on seven different sound stages and featured flying electric guitars and complex morphing effects. At a cost of $7 million, it listed in the Guinness World Records as the most expensive music video ever made.
Highest-grossing documentary film at the global box office
Michael Jackson’s This Is It, documenting concert rehearsals by the US pop legend, was released on 28 October 2009 and had grossed $252,091,016 worldwide as of 11 January 2018, according to movie financial intelligence service The Numbers. The film opened simultaneously in 25,000 theatres around the world and took $200 million in its first two weeks.
First Beat-‘Em-Up Videogame to Use Dance Tactics
In 1990, SEGA released two games based on the Michael Jackson 1988 movie Moonwalker, and featuring the legendary superstar himself. The Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker games were released in arcades and for the Mega Drive console. Both portrayed the singer defeating enemies including gangsters and their guard dogs by dancing them out of his way. Instead of resorting to the usual repertoire of punches and kicks, Jackson “fires” dance magic from his fingers and toes.
Highest Annual Earnings for a Celebrity Ever
Michael Jackson earned $825 million between 1 October 2015 and 1 October 2016 according to Forbes. The bulk of the earnings came from the sale of Jackson’s half of the Sony/ATV music publishing catalogue, which includes The Beatles’ songs, for £750 million in March 2016. Jackson had purchased the catalogue in 1985 for $47.5 million in a deal that many commentators at the time criticized.
Most Expensive Glove Sold at Auction
The most expensive glove sold at auction was sold for $420,000 and was bought by Ponte 16 Resort in New York on 21 November 2009. The glove belonged to Michael Jackson and is now on display at the MJ Gallery at Ponte 16 in Macau, China. The auction was conducted by Julien’s Auctions at the Hard Rock Cafe at Times Square in Manhattan.
Largest Endorsement for Product Promotion
Michael Jackson’s groundbreaking $15 million endorsement deal with Pepsi in the 1980s not only set a new standard for celebrity endorsements but also marked a significant moment in advertising history. The partnership between Jackson and Pepsi not only boosted the soft drink giant’s global visibility but also solidified Jackson’s status as a cultural icon with unmatched appeal across demographics worldwide.
Lifetime Achievement Award
In 1993, Michael Jackson received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Guinness Book of World Records. This honor recognized Jackson for holding the most world records in the entertainment industry, reflecting his unparalleled achievements across music, dance, and performance. Jackson’s influence transcended genres and generations, making him not only the most successful entertainer of his time but also a symbol of artistic innovation and global impact.
Highest Paid Entertainer of All Time
According to Forbes, Michael Jackson earned an unprecedented $125 million in 1989, making him the highest-paid entertainer of all time up to that point. Jackson’s earnings were a testament to his multifaceted career, which included record-breaking album sales, sold-out world tours, lucrative endorsements, and groundbreaking ventures in music videos and film. His financial success underscored his status as not just a pop star but a savvy entrepreneur and visionary in the entertainment industry.
Most Successful Music Video
The music video for “Thriller,” released in 1983, remains the most successful of all time. Directed by John Landis and featuring elaborate dance sequences and special effects, “Thriller” transformed the medium of music videos into a cinematic art form. Its release marked a cultural milestone, garnering critical acclaim and commercial success. With over 1 million units sold, “Thriller” revolutionized the music industry’s approach to visual storytelling and solidified Michael Jackson’s legacy as a pioneer in music video production.
Most Weeks at the Top of the US Album Charts
Michael Jackson’s album “Thriller” spent an astonishing 37 weeks at the top of the US album charts, setting a record that still stands as a testament to its enduring popularity and cultural impact. Released in 1982, “Thriller” produced seven Top 10 singles, including chart-toppers like “Billie Jean” and “Beat It,” showcasing Jackson’s ability to dominate the charts and redefine the boundaries of popular music.
First Vocalist to Enter the US Single Chart at No.1
Michael Jackson made history in 1995 as the first vocalist to debut at No.1 on the US singles chart with his hit song “You Are Not Alone.” Co-written by R Kelly, the song’s emotional depth and Jackson’s powerful vocals resonated with audiences, catapulting it to the top of the charts upon its release. Jackson’s achievement reaffirmed his status as a trailblazer in the music industry, continuously pushing boundaries and setting new milestones in his illustrious career.
Youngest Vocalist to Top the US Singles Chart
At the age of 11, fronting The Jackson Five, Michael Jackson became the youngest vocalist to top the US singles chart with their debut single “I Want You Back” in 1970. This achievement marked the beginning of Jackson’s extraordinary career, showcasing his prodigious talent and ability to captivate audiences at a young age. Jackson’s early success with The Jackson Five laid the foundation for his unparalleled solo career and solidified his place in music history as a global superstar.
Longest Music Video
In 1996, Michael Jackson released “Ghosts,” a groundbreaking 35-minute music video directed by Stan Winston. Known for its innovative visual effects and storytelling, “Ghosts” pushed the boundaries of music video production, cementing Jackson’s reputation as a visionary artist willing to experiment with the medium.
Most Valuable Sculpture by a Living Artist
Created by artist Jeff Koons in 1988, the porcelain sculpture “Michael Jackson and Bubbles” captured Jackson with his beloved pet chimpanzee. The sculpture sold for an impressive $5,616,750 at Sotheby’s in New York on May 15, 2001. This record-breaking sale not only highlighted Jackson’s enduring influence as a cultural icon but also underscored his impact on contemporary art and popular culture.
Most successful entertainer of all time
Michael Jackson is widely regarded as the most successful entertainer of all time. His impact on music, dance, and popular culture is unparalleled, spanning decades of innovation and achievement. From his record-breaking album sales, iconic music videos, and sold-out world tours to his numerous awards and global influence, Jackson’s legacy continues to inspire artists and entertainers worldwide. His ability to transcend genres and demographics, coupled with his humanitarian efforts and cultural contributions, solidifies his status as a true legend in the entertainment industry.
From groundbreaking music videos to record-breaking sales, the King of Pop’s achievements continue to inspire and amaze us. If you enjoyed this journey through his legendary career, be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more fascinating stories about the greatest icons in music history. Thank you for watching, and remember to keep the spirit of Michael Jackson alive in your hearts and playlists.
