80 MICHAEL JACKSON MOVE TO EPIC AND OFF THE WALL (1975-1981)

The Jackson 5 signed a new contract with CBS Records in June 1975, joining the Philadelphia International Records divison, later Epic Records, and renaming themselves athe Jackson. They contiuned to tour internationally, releasing six more albums between 1976 and 1984, during wich Jackson was lead song writer, writing hits such as "Sjake Your Body (Down to the Ground)", "This Place Hotel," and "Can You Feet it".

In 1978 he started as the scarecrow in the musical, The Wiz, and it was here that he teamed up with Quincy Jones, who was arranging the film's musical score. Jones agreed to produce Jackson's next solo album, Off The Wall . In 1079, Jackson broke his nose during a complex dance routine. His subsequent minoplasty was not a complete success, he complained of breathing dificulties that would affect his career. He was referred to Dr Steven Hoefflin, who performed Jakson's second rhinoplasty and subsequent operations.

Jones and Jackson produced the Off the Wall album together. At the album's pre release party Michael, himself, stated that Little Richard had a Huge influence on him. Songfwriters for the album included Jackson, Heatwavws Rod Temperton, Stevie Wonder. And Paul Mc Cartney Released in 1979, it was the first album to generate four U.S top hits, including the chart topping singles 'Don't Stop 'till You Get Enaugh' and Rock with You. It reached number three on the Billboard 200 and eventually sold over 20 million copies worldwide. In 1980 Jackson won three awards at the American Music Awards for his solo efforts. Favorite Soul/R&B Album, Favorite Male Soul/R&B Artist, and Favorite Soul /R&B Single for "Don't Stop 'TillYou Get Enough" That year, he also won Billboard Music Awards for Top Black Artist and Top Black Album and Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance, also for 'Don't Stop Till You Get Enough'. Despite its commercial success, Jackson felt Off The Wall sholuld have made a much bigger impact, and was determined to exceed expectations his next releasw. In 1980, he secured the highest royalty rate in the music industry: 37 percent of wholesale album profit.