Michael Jackson

Why Michael Jackson Still Matters

In a TIME special edition cover story, the biopic lands in an algorithmic age still chasing the blueprint Michael Jackson built.

Reconciling Michael Jackson

In a TIME special edition cover story, the biopic lands in an algorithmic age still chasing the blueprint Michael Jackson built

Michael Jackson, and the Black Experience

In a TIME special edition cover story, the biopic lands in an algorithmic age still chasing the blueprint Michael Jackson built

Michael Jackson

Why Michael Jackson Still Matters

For TIME’s 2026 Michael Jackson special edition, Steven Gray examines the global reach, cultural infrastructure, and shared pulse that still define the King of Pop’s relevance — and why a biopic arrives with such force in an algorithmic age still chasing the blueprint he created.

What Do We Do With Michael Jackson’s Genius—and Complexity?

Michael Jackson’s genius is undeniable. Steven Gray examines the cultural contradictions and global memory shaping how he is understood — and why his legacy resists a clean verdict or absolution.

Michael Jackson, and the Black Experience

In this 2009 TIME essay, Steven Gray examines Michael Jackson’s complex legacy, particularly for Gen X.

Essays

Michael Jackson

Why the king of pop Still Matters

An examination of the global reach, cultural infrastructure, and shared pulse that continue to define Michael Jackson’s relevance — and why his biopic landed with such force in an algorithmic age still chasing the blueprint he created.

What Do We Do With Michael Jackson’s Genius—and Complexity?

This essay for TIME’s 2026 special edition examines the cultural contradictions and global memory shaping how the King of Pop is understood — and why his legacy resists a clean verdict or absolution.

Click here to read one of the stories as it appeared in TIME’s 2026 special edition.

Michael Jackson, and the Black Experience

This 2009 TIME essay examines Michael Jackson’s complex legacy.