Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, record producer, and philanthropist. Nicknamed the King of Pop, he is considered one of the most important cultural figures of the 20th century. Over a career spanning more than four decades, his contributions to music, dance, and fashion, along with his tumultuous personal life, made him a global figure in popular culture. Jackson influenced artists across many genres; through his stage performances and music videos, he popularized complex dance moves such as the moonwalk, which he named after himself, and the robot.