Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson earned the title “The King of Pop” with a series of groundbreaking albums, including 1982’s Thriller and 1987’s Bad. While fans debate the late superstar’s legacy in light of serious accusations, there’s no doubt that his greatest hits – including 13 No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 – changed pop music forever.
Jackson had already become the first solo artist to earn four Hot 100 top 10s from an album with Off the Wall, but follow-up Thriller nearly doubled its output. Jackson’s magnum opus landed a groundbreaking seven top 10s during its 1982-84 heyday, including two No. 1 classics.
Top 10s: “The Girl Is Mine” (with Paul McCartney), No. 2; “Billie Jean,” No. 1 (seven weeks); “Beat It,” No. 1 (three weeks); “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’,” No. 5; “Human Nature,” No. 7; “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing),” No. 10; “Thriller,” No. 4
