Which instruments did Michael Jackson play?
Jackson couldn’t read or write music at all. Contrary to received wisdom, he could play instruments a bit – he’s credited as playing keyboard, synthesizer, guitar, drums and percussion on ‘HIStory’ – but none proficiently.
What type of music did Michael Jackson play?
Michael Jackson | |
---|---|
Musical career | |
Genres | Pop soul funk rhythm and blues rock disco post-disco dance-pop new jack swing |
Instruments | Vocals |
Years active | 1964–2009 |
Did Michael Jackson write any songs?
Michael Jackson did indeed write his own music, but not like any ordinary musician. While performers such as Stevie Wonder or Prince are instrumental geniuses, MJ did not play any instrument particularly well, though he was able to play a little bit of a variety of musical instruments such as drums, piano and guitar.
What are some fun facts about Michael Jackson?

Interesting Facts about Michael Jackson
- He was the best selling artist in the United States for 2009, the year of his death.
- He had two pet llamas on his ranch called Lola and Louis.
- The album Thriller was number one on the Billboard Chart for 37 weeks.
Can Prince read notes?
Prince (1958-2016) Despite his incredible feat of playing 27 instruments, Prince could not read sheet music. His guitar and piano skills were self-taught and most fans seem to believe he could only identify chords, scales, and intervals by ear.
Did Michael Jackson invent the moonwalk?
And the dance move has been associated with him ever since – so much so that most people would easily presume it was his invention. Jackson did the moonwalk for the first time in 1983, performing his hit song Billie Jean on a TV special Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever.

Why was Michael Jackson so unique?
He set and broke records, challenged racial boundaries and revolutionized the music industry. Michael Jackson’s music and groundbreaking creativity changed the very infrastructure of the way music is produced and promoted. Michael Jackson has gone down in history as a legend, and he may always be the King of Pop.
Is Michael Jackson the king of R&B?
Michael Jackson claimed the title King of Pop, Howard Stern dubbed himself the King of All Media, and now R. Kelly has apparently seized on the title King of R&B.
Who was more famous Michael Jackson or Elvis Presley?
According to the Recording Industry Association of America, Elvis Presley sold 146.5 million albums, which is 62.5 more than Michael Jackson, who sold 84 million albums.
Who invented the moonwalk?
Dancer and singer Jeffrey Daniel was a member of the R&B group Shalamar and pioneered the dance move the backslide — which, after he taught it to Michael Jackson, became known as the moonwalk. He would religiously work on dances every Sunday.