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Moonwalk ArchiveIndependent · Est. 2025

The Recording Academy

Grammy Awards

Overview

The Grammy Awards mark Michael Jackson's peak as a studio artist. His breakthrough came at the 1984 ceremony, when Thriller and its singles swept the field and reset expectations for what a pop record could achieve. He earned recognition across pop, rock, and R&B, both as a solo performer and for his work behind the scenes on projects like "We Are the World." The Recording Academy later gave him its Legend Award, placing his catalog alongside the most decorated names in recorded music history.

The Record

  1. 1984

    Record of the YearWon

    for Beat It

  2. 1984

    Album of the YearWon

    for Thriller

  3. 1984

    Best Male Pop Vocal PerformanceWon

    for Thriller

  4. 1984

    Best Male Rock Vocal PerformanceWon

    for Beat It

  5. 1984

    Best Male R&B Vocal PerformanceWon

    for Billie Jean

  6. 1984

    Best R&B SongWon

    for Billie Jean

  7. 1984

    Producer of the Year (Non-Classical)Won

    for Thriller (shared with Quincy Jones)

  8. 1986

    Song of the YearWon

    for We Are the World

    Co-written with Lionel Richie; credited to USA for Africa. Presented at the 28th Annual Grammy Awards (February 1986).

  9. 1993

    Grammy Legend AwardWon

    for Career achievement

    Presented to him by his sister Janet Jackson at the 35th Annual Grammy Awards.

Interesting Facts

  • At the 1984 ceremony, Thriller won a then-record eight Grammy Awards in a single night.