Michael Jackson: Before He Was King

Book excerpt: Photographer Todd Gray worked with Michael Jackson for several years before Michael requested that he become his personal photographer, a relationship that would encompass Michael's performances with the Jacksons through the release of his smash solo albums Off the Wall and Thriller. This collection of unseen, intimate, and joyful pictures of Michael taken over a span of 10 years reveal him at home, with his family and fans, in career-making live performances, and on the "Beat It" video shoot. A young black man not much older than Jackson at the time they met, Gray brings unique insights to his time with the singer, contributing stories and context to the images, presenting a rare, intimate portrait of Michael at a creative peak as he grew from a brilliantly talented young man into a pop icon.