This document compares and contrasts Michael Jackson and Prince as potential candidates for the title of "King of Pop". Both artists achieved great commercial success and critical acclaim as African American musicians during the civil rights era, though they differed in their musical styles and personalities. Jackson focused on dynamic dance moves while Prince was known for his guitar and multi-instrumental skills. Both faced challenges from overbearing fathers and died young, leaving a significant legacy in popular music.

1. Who was the king
of pop?
Comparing and Contrasting Michael Jackson
vs Prince
Danielle Jackson
Prof. Wanda Zimmerman
ENG 102 - W08
28 Nov 2017

2. Who was the king of Pop music?
● For many years there has been the argument of who is truly the king
of pop
● Throughout time there have been several names that have been
talked about, from Madonna, Bono, Bruce Springsteen to the modern
day artists like Usher, Justin Timberlake or Bruno Mars. There are
two big names that have consistently been said to be the TRUE King
of Pop music:
● These two musicians have sold millions upon millions of records and
albums, achieved some of the highest awards created new types of
music and dance moves as well as a whole new clothing style as
well. These are artists are well known around the world, still today
after both of their passing. Prince and Michael Jackson are said to be

3. Everyone seems to have their own opinion about who the true king of pop was or still is. Both artists achieved great things such as
awards and records. They had several similarities in their time such as being from african american backgrounds and also being born
during the civil rights era. Michael Jackson and Prince also had several differences as well. For instance how they wrote their music
and what kinds of style they were going for. Both artists made their solo debut in the early 80s. These artists had several impacts on
the change that was coming during this time era in music and culture. Whereas Prince and Jackson are different in the aspect that
Prince played more instruments on stage and was known for his guitar abilities, while Michael Jackson was known for his dynamic
dance moves, both were African american descent and both had similar father issues that later affected them.

4. Similarities: Pt. 1
● Both of these musicians were of the African American descent.
○ Both musicians were born in the south during the civil rights
era. This was a very difficult time for America. It was hard
for some people to fully accept these two artists during the
changing times (Vogel).
● Both of these musicians were born in the Civil Rights movements
○ The relevance of this is because they both used their music
as an outlet to express their emotions (Vogel).
● Their music was a inspiration, and a voice for many people whose
voice was not being heard during this time frame (Vogel).

5. Similarities:Pt2
● Both musicians had fathers that were very big into music, and strived to push them
both into being the top musician.
○ Both musicians used the music to connect with their fathers, because
although both parents wanted their sons to be great they both children
suffered rejection and abuse except for when they were working on their
music (Vogel).
● Both of their fathers were aspiring musicians, and both in a band of their own
(Vogel). This created more of a passion and appreciation for music. Music also
created an escape.
1. The falcons - Michael Jackson's father (Vogel)
2. Prince Rogers Trio (Vogel)

6. Similarities:Pt 3
● Both musicians ended both of their careers on an
extremely high note, but both died to young in
questionable ways. (Vogel) They both had several
accomplishments, won awards and made history.
● These two artists became so obsessed with their craft
that is affected them negatively and so did the fame.
● Both were said to be reclusive and retreated and spent
most of their time in their private residencies or
extravagant utopias - Neverland ranch and Paisley Park.
They rarely did interviews and both had controversial
actions that made headlines (Vogel).

7. ● One difference that Michael Jackson encountered that Prince did not was that he was pushed into the music
industry at an early age by his father. By age 6 Jackson was performing on stage with his older brothers
(Rosen).
● This was a theory as to why Jackson turned out the way he did. Aside from being a successful artist his
reputation was tested on several accounts by his weirdness. Jackson was never given much of a childhood
and his role models were his famous older brothers (Rosen).
● Price didn’t have this early influence to kick start his career or to have an impact on his personal outlook on
things.
Prince Vs. Michael Jackson:

8. Prince Vs. Michael Jackson:
● Michael Jackson and Prince were both very sexual beings, however Princes sexual conducted were condoned while
Michael Jackson were not due to his allegations of pedophilism
○ Jackson went through an infamous case where he was accused of molesting a 13 year old boy who had cancer.
Even if Jackson was not found guilty it had a extreme impact on his career and reputation (Rosen).
● Due to the different life styles of both these performers one was led to be a superstar in the eyes and had people explore
themselves as sexual beings while all while the other had many look at him in disgust (Rosen).

9. Michael Jackson Vs. Prince
● Michael Jackson based his musical performance off his amazing ability to move and dance.
● Prince based most of his musical performances off of his ability to play multiple musical
instruments like the guitar, bass, piano, and drums (Patriarch).
○ Michael Jackson only played a couple instruments, but only played them in the
comfortability of his home or at the studio, never during a show. (Rosen)
● Prince wrote most of his own music, while Michael Jackson did not.
● Michael Jackson had several hit songs that were written by songwriters that asked him to sing
them. (Rosen)
● One other major difference was that while Jackson was known as more of the “shy guy,”
Prince’s style and music celebrate the libido. Prince was more in to expression his secual desires
and bringing out the same in his fans (Harrington).

10. Conclusion’
● Both of these musicians have been recognized as two of the greatest not only as a musician but as
performers as well. These two were so much alike and also vastly different but both left a legacy
beyond comparison.
● Jackson will forever be known for his dance moves while Prince was known for his skillful guitar
playing but both deserved to be crowned the kings of pop, they will be remembered by millions of
people throughout history

11. Works Cited
Black, Patriarch. “PRINCE VS MICHAEL JACKSON.” Online video clip. YouTube. YouTube,
14 August 2014. Web. 19 November 2017
Harrington, Richard. "PRINCE MICHAEL JACKSON TWO PATHS TO THE TOP OF POP."
The Washington Post, 9 Oct. 1988. Accessed 30 Nov. 2017.
Rosen, Jody. "Finding Neverland." Nation, vol. 280, no. 13, 04 Apr. 2005, p. 25. EBSCOhost,
search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=f5h&AN=16458920&site=ehost-live.
Accessed 28 Nov. 2017.
Vogel, Joseph. "Prince and Michael Jackson: The Rivalry and the Revolution." PopMATTERS,
29 Apr. 2016. Accessed 19 Nov. 2017