MTV did not show black artists, for whatever reason, before Michael Jackson. (Maybe they were putting them on BET or something.) Michael Jackson broke that color barrier. Yes, MTV doesn't really show music videos anymore, but still...
Michael Jackson had the problem that many artists/actors/etc. have when they become successful "too soon." Maybe certain celebrities wouldn't be basket cases if they "hit it big" at a later age or had a better support staff.
It is unlikely we will have a celebrity like that from the music scene ever again.