By #1 hits, I’m going to assume you mean in the Billboard Hot 100 (U.S.) charts. And since you said his career, I’m going to assume you mean as a member of the Jackson 5 as well, and other songs he was featured on. In that case, he had 13 as a solo artist, 4 as a member of the Jackson 5, and another as apart of the U.S.A. for Africa campaign on the single “We are the World”, which he co wrote with Lionel Richie. He holds the record youngest artist ever to top the Billboard Hot 100. He did this at 11 years old as a member of the Jackson 5. He also holds the record for the first song the debut at #1. He also holds the record as the only only artist to have a #1 hit in 4 different decades (all consecutive).

In Chronological Order

1. I Want You Back (1969) – Jackson 5
2. ABC (1970) – Jackson 5
3. The Love You Save (1970) – Jackson 5
4. I’ll Be There (1970) – Jackson 5
5. Ben (1972) – solo
6. Don’t Stop Til’ You Get Enough (1979) – solo
7. Rock With You (1979) – solo
8. Billie Jean (1983) – solo
9. Beat It (1983) – solo
10. Say Say Say (1983) – solo (Duet with Paul McCartney)
11. We Are The World (1985) – USA for Africa
12. I Just Can’t Stop Loving You (1987) – solo (Duet with Siedah Garret)
13. BAD (1987) – solo
14. The Way You Make Me Feel (1987) – solo
15. Man In The Mirror (1987) – solo
16. Dirty Diana (1987) – solo
17. Black or White (1991) – solo
18. You Are Not Alone (1995) – solo

*Michael wrote and co-wrote 11 out of these 18 #1 hits

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