Off the Wall (Michael Jackson song)
"Off the Wall" is a song by American singer Michael Jackson, from his fifth album of the same name (1979). It was written by English songwriter Rod Temperton and produced by Quincy Jones, and released by Epic Records as the album's second single in the UK on November 16, 1979 and as the third single in the US on January 31, 1980. The song was first offered to Karen Carpenter, while she was working on her first solo album, but she turned it down. Lyrically, the song is about getting over troubles.
Side A of the US vinyl single
Michael Joseph Jackson was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist. Known as the "King of Pop", he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century. During his four-decade career, his contributions to music, dance, and fashion, along with his publicized personal life, made him a global figure in popular culture. Jackson influenced artists across many music genres. Through stage and video performances, he popularized complicated street dance moves such as the moonwalk, which he named, as well as the robot.
Jackson in 1988
Jackson's childhood home in Gary, Indiana, pictured in March 2010
Michael Jackson (center) as a member of the Jackson 5 in 1972. The group were among the first African American performers to attain a crossover following.
The Jackson siblings in 1977, without Jermaine. From left, back row: Jackie, Michael, Tito, Marlon. Middle row: Randy, La Toya, Rebbie. Front row: Janet