Michael Jackson, RIP | 06/26/2009 8:00 am
Michael Jackson: 1958 - 2009
A tribute to the King of Pop
© WireImage
He has been in our lives since he was six years old as the lead singer for The Jackson 5. His moonwalk amazed us and his vocals soared above his brothers’ — Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Tito. The Jackson 5’s first four singles — "I Want You Back," "ABC" (played below), "The Love You Save" and "I’ll Be There" — all became No. 1 hits.
When Jackson pursued a solo career, he grew into the talent that will forever be associated with his name. His first major solo album, "Off the Wall," included the hits "Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough" and "Rock With You."
In 1982, "Thriller" launched him into international stardom and he went on to sweep the globe through his mix of pop, R&B and soul. During his last two decades of life, Jackson faced intense media scrutiny and child molestation accusations.
On Thursday, paramedics were called at 12:26 PM pacific time to a home in Holby Hills in west Los Angeles, where Jackson has been staying. He was found with no heartbeat, according the reports, and doctors were unable to resuscitate him. Jackson died at the age of 50.
Michael Jackson leaves behind three children: son Michael "Prince" Joseph Jackson Jr., 12; daughter Paris Michael Jackson, 11; and Prince "Blanket" Michael Jackson II, 7. Jackson is twice divorced. He had a short marriage to Lisa Marie Presley and also Deborah Jeanne Rowe, who is the mother of his two older children.
A young Michael Jackson performing "ABC" with The Jackson 5:
Michael Jackson performing "Heal the World" live:
Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, was truly a legend — and a legend never dies. Rest in peace.
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I’m sorry about this in one sense, and that is that MJ, as an African American coming out of a very painful chapter in US history, rose to incredible heights on his own talent.
On the other hand, I suspect that little boys the globe over are sleeping easier tonight…
I never believed that MJ molested those boys, what I think is that MJ was a child mentally himself. Yes, maybe he did do things that were inappropriate for an adult like playing like a child with children and having slumber parties, but I do not think they were sexually motivated. I think he thought of himself as a child. I think the parents read too much into what actually went on and decided to make some money. He was a very immature adult who never had a normal childhood. If anything I feel pity for him and sadness that so much talent is gone. It’s between him and God now. Let him be the judge.
I’m with you Deburca……….
We don’t really know the truth………..He was found Not Guilty by a Court of Law.
I do believe he had problems from the way he was raised and required to live his life on Stage from the age of 5.
I always thought, If he could have just had a few Normal people be his friend he could have been a Happy person.
I think he led a very sad life……………and for that I feel Sad.
He gave so much to the World with his Talent. He changed the World of music and dance forever.
And as others have said. What ever the truth is it’s between him and God………..I won’t sit in judgement.
Heidi, I’ve thought that for years. Good to know somebody else is on the same page. It always sounded like an extortion plot to me. I don’t think Michael had a sexual bone in his body, poor guy. Was he inappropriate? Oh, yeah but I don’t think he ever put a hand on a child in a sexual manner.
I think Michael might have pulled the plug on himself. He had not toured in 12 years. He was 50 years old. He couldn’t move like he once did. I think in his mind he was going to be a huge disappointment to his fans. Instead of being comfortable in himself and giving his fans an evening with him regardless of the age induced limitations, he chose to step out and leave them with the Peter Pan version from their past.
All in all, poor guy.
Kashmir, You may be right about him pulling the plug. I hope not, but what you said does make sense. The only reason I would think he would not do it would be his kids.
Kashmir,
I was listening to KISS this morning. Mr. Jackson had just completed a new album. His dancing was still incredible and he looked forward to touring. He was scheduled to do an international tour. He was booked three years in advance !!!! … Can we all say in unison three years? (smile!) … No pulling the plug here !
The gentlman being interviewed was a business associate who was in the studio with him. He says, M.J. worked until 12:30 AM. He was in excellent spirits . He gave this gentleman a hug and said "I Love You!"
Hi LC,
My sister said the same thing, she lives in LA. :o) Plus he was choreographing all of the dancing for the tour and videos working himself silly, he may have overdone it and not noticed the symptoms of a heart attack or thought it couldn’t happen and ignored the signs? His Lawyer seems to think it was an OD on pain killers. Who knows, it is all so very sad but we have his music which, no doubt, will be popular for generations.
Hi Heidi W,
I was just reading an article in todays New york Times. Michael Jacksons personal physicians car was seized by the police department. Their attention is focused on the medications prescribed for M.J. It’s hoped the medications found in the physicians car will assist the coroner.
His doctor was alone with him when he felt into unconsiousness. The doctor could not revive him thats when the housekeeper called 911. They simply said that a man 50 yrs old is unconscious. Heidi this is reminiscent of the Anna Nicole tragedy.