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Quizzes > Music

Michael Jackson quiz: How well do you know his music and moves?

Quick, free MJ quiz to test your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Muhammad ThohiroUpdated Aug 23, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art style Michael Jackson dancer silhouette wearing fedora and glove vinyl record and quiz text on teal background

This Michael Jackson quiz helps you test how well you know his songs, videos, dance moves, and career milestones. Get instant results and pick up a few new facts as you play. When you are done, dive deeper with Michael Jackson trivia questions, try a quicker Michael Jackson quiz with answers, or switch gears with a fun rock music quiz.

Where was Michael Jackson born?
Chicago, Illinois
Gary, Indiana
New York City, New York
Los Angeles, California
Michael Jackson was born on August 29, 1958 at St. Mary's Mercy Hospital in Gary, Indiana, where he spent his early childhood before rising to fame. This Midwestern city is often recognized as the birthplace of one of the most influential performers in music history. His upbringing in Gary with his large family shaped his early exposure to music and performance.
What signature dance move is Michael Jackson famous for popularizing?
Cabbage Patch
Running Man
Moonwalk
Robot
Michael Jackson popularized the moonwalk during his performance of 'Billie Jean' on the Motown 25 special in 1983. Although he did not invent the move, his smooth execution brought it into mainstream pop culture. The moonwalk became synonymous with his stage persona and influence on dance.
Which Michael Jackson album became the best-selling solo album of all time?
Off the Wall
Thriller
Bad
Dangerous
Released in 1982, 'Thriller' went on to sell over 66 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling solo album ever. Its groundbreaking production, innovative music videos, and crossover appeal cemented its status in pop culture. The album won a record-breaking eight Grammy Awards and remains a benchmark for commercial success.
How many siblings did Michael Jackson have?
9
8
6
7
Michael Jackson was one of nine children born to the Jackson family, which means he had eight siblings. This talented family included Janet Jackson, Rebbie Jackson, Tito, Jackie, Jermaine, La Toya, Marlon, and Randy. Their series of performances together as the Jackson 5 helped launch Michael's career at an early age.
In which year was the album 'Thriller' released?
1979
1980
1984
1982
Michael Jackson's sixth studio album, 'Thriller,' was released on November 30, 1982. Its release marked a turning point in pop music, combining pop, rock, and R&B influences with cutting-edge production. The album's success was propelled by multiple hit singles and iconic music videos.
Which Michael Jackson music video first broke the color barrier on MTV by featuring a black artist?
Beat It
Thriller
Billie Jean
Black or White
Michael Jackson's 'Billie Jean' music video was the first by a black artist to receive heavy rotation on MTV when it premiered in 1983. This milestone helped shift the network's programming policies and opened doors for other African American artists on the channel. The video's popularity demonstrated Jackson's cross-cultural appeal.
Who co-choreographed the iconic "Smooth Criminal" lean featured in Michael Jackson's performances?
Vincent Patterson
Michael Jackson
Michael Peters
Bob Fosse
The gravity-defying lean in the 'Smooth Criminal' performances was co-choreographed by Michael Jackson and veteran choreographer Michael Peters. Peters had previously worked on Jackson's 'Beat It' and 'Thriller' routines, helping craft many of Jackson's signature moves. Their collaboration resulted in one of pop music's most memorable dance moments.
Which album features the hit single 'Man in the Mirror'?
Dangerous
Off the Wall
Thriller
Bad
'Man in the Mirror' is a track from Michael Jackson's seventh studio album, 'Bad,' released in 1987. The song, co-written by Siedah Garrett and Glen Ballard, emphasizes self-reflection and personal change. It became one of Jackson's most enduring solo hits and reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
At which television special did Michael Jackson first perform the moonwalk live?
American Bandstand
Soul Train
Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever
The Ed Sullivan Show
Michael Jackson first performed the moonwalk live during the 'Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever' television special broadcast in May 1983. His performance of 'Billie Jean' and that move captivated viewers and instantly became a cultural phenomenon. The moonwalk's debut is often cited as a pivotal moment in his career.
Which song includes the lyrics 'The kid is not my son'?
PYT
Dirty Diana
Billie Jean
Smooth Criminal
The lyric 'The kid is not my son' appears in Michael Jackson's hit 'Billie Jean,' which tells the story of a woman claiming Jackson fathered her child. Jackson repeatedly denies paternity throughout the song's narrative. 'Billie Jean' was a chart-topping single from the 'Thriller' album.
In which city did Michael Jackson pass away?
Los Angeles
Las Vegas
New York City
Miami
Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009, in Los Angeles, California at the UCLA Medical Center. His sudden passing at age 50 triggered an outpouring of grief worldwide and widespread media coverage. Los Angeles remains the city most associated with his final years and legacy.
What is the title of the 1985 charity single recorded by Michael Jackson to raise funds for African famine relief?
Heal the World
We Are the World
Earth Song
Man in the Mirror
In 1985, Michael Jackson co-wrote and performed on the charity single 'We Are the World' alongside other top artists to raise money for African famine relief. The song was organized by USA for Africa and became a global phenomenon, raising over $63 million. Jackson's participation highlighted his commitment to humanitarian causes.
According to Guinness World Records, how many Grammy Awards did Michael Jackson win during his lifetime?
15
18
13
12
Michael Jackson won 13 Grammy Awards over the course of his career, earning him one of the highest counts in the award's history. His performances and recordings across multiple genres were frequently recognized by the Recording Academy. This total includes a record-breaking eight Grammys for the 'Thriller' album alone.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Signature Songs -

    By taking this quiz on Michael Jackson, you'll accurately name and recall MJ's most legendary hits, understanding their impact on pop culture.

  2. Recognize Iconic Dance Moves -

    Test your ability to spot and describe signature moves like the moonwalk and toe stand, celebrating Michael Jackson's groundbreaking choreography.

  3. Recall Career Milestones -

    Trace Michael Jackson's journey by recalling key album releases, award achievements, and historic performances throughout his career.

  4. Analyze MJ Trivia Depth -

    Challenge yourself on lesser-known facts and anecdotes in this Michael Jackson trivia quiz, assessing the breadth of your MJ knowledge.

  5. Appreciate Cultural Impact -

    Understand how Michael Jackson shaped music, dance, and entertainment, deepening your appreciation for the King of Pop's lasting legacy.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Motown Roots and Jackson 5 Launch -

    Review how Michael Jackson's career began with the Jackson 5 under Motown Records in 1969, mastering hits like "I Want You Back." Remember the timeline mnemonic "MJJ-69" (Michael Jackson Jr., '69 debut) to quickly place his entry. This foundation is crucial for any michael jackson quiz question on his early influences.

  2. Breakout Solo Albums and Chart Records -

    Focus on key solo albums: Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982) and Bad (1987). A quick trick is "OTB" to recall their order and release years; Thriller remains the best - selling album worldwide with 66 million+ copies. These milestones are frequent topics in a quiz michael jackson round.

  3. Iconic Music Videos and Visual Innovation -

    Study "Thriller," "Beat It" and "Billie Jean" for their groundbreaking narrative and choreography, ushering MTV's golden era. Note that "Thriller" premiered in 1983 with a 13-minute epic format; think "13T" to lock in the premiere year and title. Questions on michael jackson trivia quiz often test these video breakthroughs.

  4. Revolutionary Dance Moves -

    Understand signature steps like the moonwalk, debuted live at Motown 25 (1983), and the anti-gravity lean from "Smooth Criminal." Use the "MML" mnemonic: Moonwalk, Motown 25, Lean to sequence these innovations. Dance trivia is a staple in any quiz on michael jackson, so get these details solid.

  5. Awards, Records, and Philanthropy -

    Memorize that MJ won 13 Grammy Awards and holds 39 Billboard Hot 100 entries, plus dozens of Guinness World Records. Recall the phrase "13 - 39 - GUIN" to tie Grammy wins, Hot 100 hits and Guinness stats together. His charitable legacy - over $500 million donated - often appears in michael jackson quiz questions on influence beyond music.

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