In August 1979, 20-year-old Michael Jackson released the album that changed the direction of his career.
Off the Wall was not Michael’s first solo album overall, but it was his first solo album for Epic Records and his first major project with producer Quincy Jones. The two had met while working on The Wiz, and their partnership would eventually produce Thriller and Bad.
Released on August 10, 1979, Off the Wall presented an adult Michael Jackson with a new mixture of disco, funk, soul and pop.
Michael also became increasingly involved creatively. He wrote songs including “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough” and “Working Day and Night,” while contributors included Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney and songwriter Rod Temperton.
Michael Jackson – “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough”
“Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough” became Michael’s first solo Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 since his childhood hit “Ben,” and it later earned him his first Grammy Award as a solo artist. “Rock With You” also reached No. 1.
Then Off the Wall accomplished something no solo artist had done before.
Four singles from one album reached the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10: “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough,” “Rock With You,” “Off the Wall” and “She’s Out of My Life.” The first two reached No. 1, while the latter two peaked at No. 10.
The album went Gold and Platinum in the United States by December 1979, only months after its release. Its success continued for decades, with Michael Jackson’s official store now crediting it with more than 22 million copies sold worldwide.
Thriller would take Michael to an entirely different level three years later.
But Off the Wall was the breakthrough that came first.
In 1979, Michael Jackson stopped being known mainly as the former child star of the Jackson 5 and proved he could become one of the biggest solo artists in music.