Michael Jackson was a singer.
`` Black or White '' is a single by American singer and songwriter Michael Jackson . Michael Joseph Jackson ( August 29 , 1958 -- June 25 , 2009 ) was an American singer , songwriter , record producer , dancer , actor , and philanthropist . The eighth child of the Jackson family , Michael made his professional debut in 1964 with his elder brothers Jackie , Tito , Jermaine , and Marlon as a member of the Jackson 5 . The Jackson 5 . They were also the first group to debut with four consecutive number one hits on the Hot 100 with the songs I Want You Back , ABC , The Love You Save , and I 'll Be There .