Michael Jackson’s solo career started in 1972 , when he released his first solo album, Got to Be There , while still performing with the Jackson 5. He was 13 years old at the time, since he was born on August 29, 1958.

Age and timeline

  • Born: August 29, 1958
  • Solo debut year: 1972
  • Age then: 13

Quick context

His later adult solo breakthrough came in 1979 with Off the Wall , but his solo recording work began earlier in the early 1970s.