The Coronation of the King of Pop

Today, the coronation of Charles III and his wife, Camilla, as king and queen of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms is taking place on Saturday at Westminster Abbey.

What a perfect day to talk about the coronation of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

Michael Jackson, born in Gary, Indiana, in 1958, rose to fame in the late 1970s as a member of the Jackson 5, a musical group that also included his older brothers. But it was in the 1980s that Michael truly became a global superstar and earned his moniker as the “King of Pop.”

There were several factors that contributed to Michael’s rise to fame and his ultimate status as one of the most iconic musical figures of all time. Here are some of the key reasons why Michael became the King of Pop:

1. Talent: Michael Jackson was an incredibly gifted musician and performer from a young age. He possessed a powerful voice, impressive dance skills, and a unique sense of style that set him apart from his peers. He was also a prolific songwriter and producer, and was involved in the creation of many of his biggest hits.
2. Innovation: Michael was not content to simply follow the musical trends of his time; he constantly pushed the boundaries and experimented with new sounds and styles. His use of electronic instrumentation and his incorporation of elements from a wide range of musical genres helped to define the sound of pop music in the 1980s.
3. Showmanship: Michael was a consummate performer who knew how to put on a show. His elaborate stage productions, including his famous moonwalk and his use of pyrotechnics and other special effects, helped to make his concerts unforgettable experiences for fans.
4. Iconic music videos (short films): Michael was one of the first artists to recognize the potential of music videos as a medium for promoting his music and enhancing his image. His groundbreaking videos, including “Thriller,” “Beat It,” and “Billie Jean,” not only showcased his incredible dance moves but also told compelling visual stories that captivated audiences.
5. Cultural significance: Michael Jackson’s music and image had a profound impact on popular culture in the 1980s and beyond. He broke down racial barriers in the music industry and helped to bring African American culture to the mainstream. He also used his platform to promote social causes, such as the fight against apartheid in South Africa.

All of these factors contributed to Michael Jackson’s incredible success as a musician and performer, and helped to cement his status as the King of Pop. But perhaps the most important factor was his ability to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level.

Michael’s music was incredibly catchy and danceable, but it also had a depth and sincerity that resonated with fans around the world. His songs tackled themes like love, loss, and social justice, and his lyrics were often deeply personal and reflective of his own experiences.

The term “King of Pop” was first used in reference to Michael Jackson in 1989, during the Soul Train Music Awards. Michael was presented with the award for Entertainer of the Year, and the host of the show, actor and comedian Eddie Murphy, referred to him as the “King of Pop” in his introduction. The term quickly caught on and became synonymous with Michael Jackson’s name, cementing his status as one of the most iconic and influential musical figures of all time.

There is a popular belief that Elizabeth Taylor, a close friend of Michael Jackson, was the one who first referred to him as the “King of Pop.” However, this is not entirely accurate. While Liz was certainly a champion of Michael’s talent and was instrumental in introducing him to a wider audience, she did not actually coin the term “King of Pop.”

As mentioned earlier, the first documented use of the term “King of Pop” in reference to Michael Jackson was at the 1989 Soul Train Music Awards, which was several years after Liz had become close friends with Michael. However, it is possible that Taylor may have used the term in private conversations or interviews, and her support for Michael certainly helped to boost his popularity and solidify his status as a cultural icon.

While it is certainly possible for new pop stars to achieve great success and popularity, it is unlikely that anyone will be able to completely replace or surpass Michael Jackson’s impact on the music industry and popular culture. Michael’s influence can be seen in the work of countless artists who have followed in his footsteps, from Beyoncé to Justin Timberlake to Bruno Mars.

However, it is important to note that the title “King of Pop” is a matter of cultural perception and can only be bestowed by the public and history itself. While Michael Jackson certainly earned the title through his incredible talent, innovation, and cultural significance, it is ultimately up to future generations to decide if anyone else can truly claim the throne.

That being said, there are certainly many talented artists working in the pop genre today who have the potential to make a significant impact and inspire future generations. For example, artists like Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, and Harry Styles have all achieved immense popularity and critical acclaim for their music and performances.

However, it is important to recognize that the music industry and the world at large have changed significantly since the height of Michael’s career in the 1980s and 1990s. The rise of social media and streaming platforms has fundamentally altered the way that music is created, distributed, and consumed, and it remains to be seen how these changes will continue to shape the pop landscape in the years to come.

Ultimately, whether or not a new King of Pop emerges will depend on a variety of factors, including the quality of the music itself, the artist’s ability to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level, and the cultural context in which they operate. While it is unlikely that anyone will ever fully replace Michael Jackson as the original King of Pop, there is certainly room for new artists to make their mark and leave their own unique legacies in the world of pop music. Michael Jackson’s legacy as the King of Pop is a testament to his incredible talent, creativity, and showmanship, as well as his ability to touch the hearts and minds of millions of fans around the world. Even in the years since his tragic death in 2009, his music and his influence continue to live on, inspiring new generations of fans and musicians alike.

And what about the title “King of Pop”?

To the best of my knowledge, Michael Jackson did not trademark the term “King of Pop.” While Michael certainly embraced the title and was widely recognized as the King of Pop by the public and the media, there is no evidence that he ever sought to legally protect or enforce the term.

Despite Michael Jackson’s legal prowess, however, there is no indication that he ever attempted to trademark the term “King of Pop” or prevent others from using it. In fact, the term has been widely adopted by fans, journalists, and other artists as a way of paying tribute to Michael Jackson’s enormous impact on the music industry and popular culture.

The Estate of Michael Jackson has not copyrighted the term “King of Pop.” While the estate certainly has control over the intellectual property associated with Jackson’s music and image, including his name, likeness, and song titles, there is no evidence to suggest that they have attempted to claim exclusive ownership of the term “King of Pop.”

However, the Estate of Michael Jackson did sue a popcorn company over the use of the name “King of Pop.” In 2018, the estate filed a lawsuit against a company called Gourmet Gift Baskets, which was selling a line of popcorn under the brand name “King of Pop.”