The 70s was an era of prolific musical output, with a wide range of genres and styles gaining popularity across the world. However, when it comes to identifying the biggest selling artist of the decade, there is one name that stands out above the rest: The King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
Jackson’s rise to fame began in the late 60s as a member of The Jackson 5, a Motown group consisting of five brothers from Gary, Indiana. The group’s catchy, upbeat tunes quickly caught on with audiences, propelling them to stardom. However, it was Michael’s solo career that truly cemented his place in music history.
In 1971, at the age of just 13, Michael released his debut solo album, “Got to Be There.” The album featured a mix of original songs and covers of popular tunes, and showcased Michael’s incredible vocal range and charisma. The album was a commercial success, reaching number 14 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Michael’s sophomore effort, “Ben,” was released in 1972 and featured the title track, a ballad about a young boy and his pet rat. The song became a number one hit and earned Michael his first Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.
Over the course of the 70s, Michael continued to release hit after hit, including “Rockin’ Robin,” “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” and “Off the Wall.” His 1979 album “Off the Wall” was a critical and commercial smash, selling over 20 million copies worldwide.
However, it was Michael’s 1982 album “Thriller” that truly solidified his place as the biggest selling artist of the 70s. The album featured a mix of pop, rock, and funk, and included hit singles such as “Beat It,” “Billie Jean,” and “Thriller.” The album was a massive success, selling over 66 million copies worldwide and earning Michael eight Grammy Awards.
Michael’s incredible talent and larger-than-life persona captured the hearts and minds of fans across the globe, making him one of the most influential musicians of all time. Despite his untimely death in 2009, his music continues to inspire and captivate new generations of listeners, cementing his legacy as the undisputed biggest selling artist of the 70s.
