Michael Jackson Early age's Photo Collections

Jackson was born the seventh of nine children on August 29, 1958 in Gary, Indiana, an industrial suburb of Chicago, to an African American family.

Jackson had a difficult relationship with his father. He stated that he was physically and emotionally abused during incessant rehearsals, whippings, and name-calling, though he credited his father's discipline for his success.

Jackson first spoke openly about his childhood abuse in an interview with Oprah Winfrey broadcast on February 10, 1993. He said that he had often cried from loneliness and would sometimes throw up when he saw his father.

Jackson had three sisters, Rebbie, La Toya, and Janet, and five brothers, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Randy.

He recalled that Joseph sat in a chair with a belt in his hand as he and his siblings rehearsed, and that "if you didn't do it the right way, he would tear you up, really get you".

MOON LANDING

It was the moment that had kids everywhere trying to walk backwards: Jackson, in cropped pants and loafers, debuted the smooth-sliding "moonwalk," one of the most iconic dance moves ever choreographed, during the 1983 primetime special Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever. Singing with his brothers and solo, he performed his hit "Billie Jean" – and left the audience screaming for more. He later reprised the moment at the 1995 MTV Video Music Awards (left).

A BRICK IN THE 'WALL'

After his successful turn in The Wiz, Jackson released his fifth solo album, Off the Wall, on Aug. 10, 1979. Coproduced by friend Quincy Jones, the Grammy-winning album spawned hit singles like "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" and "Rock with You." "He had it all …talent, grace, professionalism and dedication," Jones said in a statement after learning about Jackson's death. "He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever."

GOOD TIMES

Teaming up with longtime pal Diana Ross, Jackson celebrated The Wiz's premiere with a bash on Oct. 24, 1978. The two shared a common history and career trajectory, each getting their start as a part of Motown groups before forging solo careers. While they maintained a professional relationship – Jackson later wrote and produced Ross's 1982 single "Muscles" – the two maintained a personal connection over the years.

BAND OF BROTHERS

After leaving Motown Records in 1975, Jackson and his brothers changed their name from the Jackson 5 to the Jacksons, releasing six albums between 1976 and 1984. At the time, Michael was the group's lead songwriter, and the period produced hits like "Can You Feel It." Simultaneously, the singer was striking out on his own, pursuing solo projects like 1978's film The Wiz and his celebrated solo album Off the Wall.

FUNNY GUY

During a 1972 appearance on The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour, Jackson showed off his funny bone. "I can't make up my mind whether to be a jet pilot, an astronaut or the governor of Georgia," deadpanned Michael when Bono asked what he wanted to be when he grew up. In his teen years, Jackson (who that year earned an Oscar nomination for Best Song for "Ben") struggled with self-esteem issues – especially about his acne and a nose he felt was too big. "I think every child star suffers through this period because you're not the cute and charming child that you were," he told Oprah Winfrey in '93.

LITTLE SIS

Though he and sister Janet (pictured in 1972) were close as siblings, Jackson had his typical big brother moments, like nicknaming her Dunk because of her size. "You look like a donkey, you're so big," he said. Years later, in 2001, the pair teamed up for the edgy song and video "Scream," which earned them a Grammy nomination. "Everyone sees he is different. There's no question about that," she said in 2007. "He's my brother. I love him regardless."

CHILD'S PLAY

Despite his ever-present smile in photos (like this one circa 1970), life at home in the Jackson household was anything but happy. Jackson spoke out about the childhood abuse he endured at the hands of his father during a lengthy 1993 interview with Oprah Winfrey. And in the 2003 documentary Living with Michael Jackson, the singer told interviewer Martin Bashir that during Jackson 5 rehearsals, father Joe "sat in the chair and he had this belt in his hand. If you didn't do it the right way, he would tear you up, really get you."

THE EARLY YEARS: THE 'CUTE ONE'

"Michael was the little cute one," Jermaine told PEOPLE in 1984 about his younger brother, who joined his siblings – (clockwise from left) Tito, Jackie, Jermaine and Marlon – in the group the Jackson 5 at the tender age of 6. Though he started out as a backup musician playing congas and tambourine, it wasn't long before he was the frontman, leading the group to massive success with No. 1 hits including "I Want You Back", "ABC", "The Love You Save" and "I'll Be There."

THE EARLY YEARS: CHILD PRODIGY

Born on Aug. 29, 1958, in Gary, Ind., to Joe and Katherine Jackson, Michael Joseph Jackson – the seventh child in a family of nine kids – showed a gift for singing at an early age, quickly becoming known as the little boy with a big voice. During his days with the Jackson 5, Rolling Stone magazine hailed the young singer as a prodigy with "overwhelming musical gifts."