Title: Michael Jackson - Off the Wall
Year/Genre/Sub-Genre/City: 1979, Pop, Disco Funk R&B, Gary, Indiana 8/26
Condition: New (BC) | Members: Michael J (58' - 09') | Producer: Quincy Jones
Cultural Facts:
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Personal Struggle: Michael later spoke openly about being physically punished and emotionally intimidated by his father, Joe Jackson, during the Jackson 5 years. He said simply seeing his father could make him physically sick with fear, giving painful context to a young man trying to establish an adult identity outside the family group.
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Creative Partnership: Michael met Quincy Jones while filming The Wiz. When Michael later asked Quincy to recommend someone to produce his next solo album, Quincy suggested himself. Off the Wall began a partnership that continued through Thriller and Bad and changed both of their careers.
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Songwriting Lore: Rod Temperton of Heatwave wrote “Rock with You,” “Off the Wall,” and “Burn This Disco Out,” while Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney also contributed songs. Michael was only 20 during much of the album’s creation, but surrounded himself with older writers and musicians whose experience helped him make the leap from child star to independent adult artist.