'Best is yet to come' as Michael Jackson turns 50

Michael Jackson marked a personal milestone Friday: his 50th birthday.

The 13-time Grammy winner, who has sold more than 750 million albums, told ABC News' Good Morning America that he's "looking forward to doing a lot of great things ... I think the best is yet to come, in my true humble opinion."

Jackson talked to ABC by phone on Thursday.

"People see some of the things I do and they say, 'Why don't you show this to the world? People don't know you do these things.' And maybe I will," he said.

Jackson, who hasn't released an album of new material since 2001, has frequently hinted at a comeback.

Jackson said recording the blockbuster albums Thriller and Off the Wall were the happiest times of his life.

"That meant very much to me and seemed to be received so beautifully by the public and the world. You know, I enjoyed it very much," he said.

Nothing special is planned for his 50th, Jackson said, adding that he is listening to James Brown and relaxing at home.

"I'll just have a little cake with my children and we'll probably watch some cartoons," he said.

Jackson, a twice-divorced father of three, said he aims to provide a normal life for his children.

"I am letting them enjoy their childhood as much as possible... I let them go to the arcade and go to the movies and do things. I think that comes naturally. I want them to get to do things I didn't get to do," he said.

"I get pretty emotional when I see them having a wonderful time," he said.

Does turning 50 mean he now has an card from the AARP, a U.S. group that represents those over 50.

"Not that I know of!" Jackson said, laughing.

He said he still can do all his famous dance moves and "more."

"I feel very wise and sage, but at the same time very young," he said.

Jackson's career started when he was 11, as singer for the Jackson Five with his four brothers. He still has a big following, especially in Japan, the Netherlands and Germany.

More recently, his bizarre behaviour and surgically altered face have overshadowed his reputation as the self-declared "King of Pop."