King of Pop

Moonwalking music legend

King of Pop is a title associated exclusively with Michael Jackson, the American singer, songwriter, and entertainer.

The designation reflects his unprecedented global influence on popular music and music videos from the 1980s onward.

He's called the King of Pop for a reason—no one else sold that many records.

Related

ThrillerRecord-breaking 1982 album
moonwalkBackward-gliding dance step
signature moveDistinctive personal technique
white glovePristine hand garment
gloveFitted hand covering

Michael Jackson · sequin · Billie Jean · Beat It · Neverland · celebrity · icon · dance · MTV · fame · legend · superstar · entertainer · child star · Jackson 5 · fedora · Smooth Criminal · Bad

Categories

Music NicknamesQueen of Soul, Material Girl, Fab Four, Slim Shady, Man in Black

Opposites

musical royalty hierarchy

King of PopQueen of Soul

Honorary title for supreme vocalist

commoner · one-hit wonder · Prince of Darkness

fame and cultural impact

King of Popunknown artist

Unidentified maker of work

garage band · open mic performer · bedroom producer · nobody

authenticity vs. manufactured persona

King of Popindustry plant

Covertly corporate-sponsored newcomer

Milli Vanilli · flash in the pan

Family

king, kings, kingly, kingship, kinghood, kingless, kinglike, kingdom, kingdoms

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Mostly American · Concrete · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G