Res. No. 2087

Resolution commemorating Michael Jackson’s contributions to popular music and culture.

By Council Members Eugene, James, Seabrook, Stewart and Weprin

Whereas, Michael Joseph Jackson was born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, the seventh child in a family of nine children; and

 Whereas, Michael Jackson’s extraordinary musical gift was evident at a very early age; and

Whereas, According to a Rolling Stone biography, Michael Jackson was a “singing and dancing soul music prodigy;” and

Whereas, Along with his four older brothers, Michael performed with the group the Jackson 5 and became its lead singer; and

Whereas, In 1967, the Jackson 5 performed at the famed Apollo Theater, with young Michael wowing audiences at the age of 9; and

Whereas, The Jackson 5 signed with Motown Records in 1968 and proceeded to top U.S. pop charts with songs such as “ABC,” “I’ll Be There” and “I Want You Back,” to  name only a few; and

Whereas, The Jackson 5’s music and style influenced not only their fans but future artists; and

Whereas, Michael Jackson continued his groundbreaking career as a solo artist; and 

Whereas, Michael Jackson’s 1979 album “Off the Wall” skyrocketed Michael into superstardom; and

Whereas, Jackson’s 1982 “Thriller” album has sold more copies to date worldwide than any other album in recorded history, and won eight Grammy Awards and seven American Music Awards; and

Whereas, Michael Jackson’s 1983 appearance at the 25^th anniversary celebration  of Motown, where he first performed the now iconic “moon-walk,” solidified his place as the “King of Pop,” dazzling the world with his dance moves; and 

Whereas, Michael Jackson’s innovative music videos changed the face of MTV and helped break barriers for other African American artists; and

Whereas, Michael Jackson co-authored and co-performed “We are the World,” a benefit single for the USA for Africa charity; and

Whereas, Jackson’s career continued with the release of “Bad” and “Dangerous,”  both of which topped the charts; and

Whereas, In honor of his body of work, Michael Jackson received the Living Legend Award at the 35^th Annual Grammy Awards in 1993; and 

Whereas, In 2001, Michael Jackson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; and

Whereas, Michael Jackson died suddenly on June 25, 2009; and

Whereas, On June 30, 2009, hundreds of New Yorkers gathered at the Apollo Theater to remember Jackson’s life and celebrate his music; and

Whereas, Michael Jackson’s music is beloved by millions of fans across the globe and his contributions to music, fashion, dance and pop culture are unmistakable and unforgettable; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York commemorates Michael Jackson’s contributions to popular music and culture.

JP

LS 7625

7/20/09