Release of HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I

In June 1995, Michael Jackson made a monumental return to the music scene with the release of his double album, HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I. This ambitious project was divided into two discs: the first, titled HIStory Begins, served as a greatest hits compilation, showcasing Jackson's most iconic tracks. This disc was later reissued in 2001 as Greatest Hits: HIStory, Volume I. The second disc, HIStory Continues, featured 13 original songs along with two cover versions, highlighting Jackson's continued evolution as an artist. Upon its release, HIStory debuted at number one on the charts and has since been certified for eight million shipments in the United States alone. It stands as the bestselling multi-disc album of all time, with an impressive 20 million copies (40 million units) sold worldwide. The album's impact was further recognized with a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year. Critics, including The New York Times, noted the album as 'the testimony of a musician whose self-pity now equals his talent,' reflecting both the personal and artistic struggles Jackson faced during this period. HIStory not only solidified Jackson's legacy but also marked a significant moment in music history, blending his past successes with new, original content that resonated with fans globally.