From Off the Wall to Invincible, Michael Jackson’s recordings on Epic Records chronicle the artist’s evolution to become one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Author and Duke University Professor of Black Popular Culture, Mark Anthony Neal, will take the audience behind the music for a look at Jackson’s resounding impact on music, culture and entertainment and his place in a longstanding tradition of Black performance.

The event will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 16. It is free and open to the public but registration is required. Register here.

Those unable to attend can join the discussion on Twitter using the hashtags #ApolloEd #ApolloLiveWire or #MJEpicYears.

Neal is the director of the Center for Arts, Digital Culture, and Entrepreneurship at Duke where he has taught signature courses on hip hop, and Michael Jackson and the Black Performance Tradition.