Michael Jackson’s singles-studded solo album, Off the Wall, was released
August 10, 1979, weeks before the singer’s 21st birthday. GAB Archive/
Redferns/Getty Images
act, the Jacksons enjoyed consistent success through 1984,
and their sister Janet Jackson embarked on her own singing
career in the early 1980s; however, Michael’s solo albums
took on an entirely different status.
Jackson’s fi rst solo effort for Epic, Off the Wall (1979),
exceeded all expectations and was the best-selling album
of the year. Produced by industry veteran Quincy Jones ,
Off the Wall yielded the massive international hit singles
“Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough” and “ Rock with You, ”
both of which showcased Michael’s energetic style and
capitalized on the contemporary disco dance fad. Three
years later he returned with another collaboration with
Jones, Thriller , a tour de force that featured an array of
guest stars and elevated him to a worldwide superstar.
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