Thriller: The Musical Life of Michael Jackson - Softcover

Thrillertakes us back to a time in 1982 when Michael Jackson was king of the charts, breaking the color barrier on MTV, heralding the age of video, and becoming the ultimate representation of the crossover dreams of Motowns Berry Gordy, who helped launch Jacksons career with the Jackson 5. In this incisive and revealing examination of the making and meaning ofThriller, Nelson George illuminates the brilliant creative process (and work ethic) of Jackson and producer Quincy Jones, deftly exploring the larger context of the music, life, and seismic impact of Michael Jackson on three generations. All this from a groundbreaking journalist and cultural critic who was there. George questions whether the phenomenon Jackson became is even possible today. He revisits his early writings on the King of Pop and examines not only the stunning success ofThrillerbut also Jackson as an artist, public figure, and racial enigma - including the details surrounding his death on June 25, 2009.

Nelson Georgeis the award-winning author of a dozen books, including his memoir,City Kid, and the classicHip-Hop America. He is also a two-time recipient of the ASCAP Deems Taylor Award. George was born in Brooklyn, where he still lives.