Michael Jackson, RIP | 06/26/2009 8:00 am

Michael Jackson: 1958 - 2009

A tribute to the King of Pop

By Randi Bernfeld

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.

Read more about: Celebrity, Entertainment, Michael Jackson, Music, News, Obituaries

82 Reader Comments (so far…) Sign In or Register to comment

Hi Irish, Like the name, Irish here too as well as the pup in the pic. :o) Thanks for the correction, I knew it was something like that. lol I know, I would never allow my kid to sleep over alone with a non related adult basically a stranger and no other kids, how stupid is that?

By Heidi W on 06/29/2009 8:58 am

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Heidi, I too, agree with your view. I don’t think MJ would ever hurt a child. I think he loved children. He may have shown it in an inappropriate way. No doubt. But I don’t think he ever hurt a child.

I will remember MJ for the way he moved on stage. No one like him. Just incredible. He moved more sharply than any jazz dancer I’ve ever seen. I’ll never forget him. I’ll remember him as an amazing, gifted performer.

By N P on 06/26/2009 11:05 am

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i have always hoped that was the case as well - that he was just so naive and mentally abused as a child by his parents that he never knew how to grow up - his parents even lied about his ages so he would stay younger and younger on the stage. he and his poor siblings were abused by the only adults in their lives (their parents) and were most likely taken advantage of by countless others.

no wonder michael didn’t want to grow up.

By Amanda C on 06/26/2009 1:14 pm

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Rest In Peace - Michael Jackson you truly were the King of Pop. To this day I can’t resist to not dance when I hear one of yours songs. Last night my daughter and I danced for about an hour to your tribute on MTV. You are now where you can live in peace and be the child you always yearned to be.

By C Hardy on 06/26/2009 8:39 am

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CH, so true - hearing an MJ tune and needing to dance will remain forever. I have ‘Thriller’ and ’Billie Jean’ on my iPod and played them as I walked with my dog early this morning. Whenever I hear ‘Billie Jean’ I think about a party cruise that was one of my early dates with my husband - the song played as the boat left the dock in Boston Harbor. The songs all provide positive memories and hopefullly will make the not so good fade away.

By Green Tears on 06/26/2009 9:28 am

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Yesterday was truly a day of sadness in my heart and soul. Growing up in the 70’s and 80’s tv and music was everything. You couldn’t wait for your favorite song to be played on the radio and there was nothing else to do but wait because there was no automatic access to everything like it is today. I also didn’t have the money to buy every album so when that song came on you stopped everything to listen, sing and dance your heart out. My life also came to a halt when Charlie’s Angels program was on. No talking no phone calls just loving the Angels. My favorite show of the week. If you missed it you missed it! We appreciated the entertainment and really watched or listened to it. My children today are never in THAT kind of moment. So much distraction and watching and listening to 17 things at once. Those days are gone and that is why I was so sad yesterday. Michael’s moves and music Farrah’s smile and charm are only memories now that are burned into mine. I truly respect the work they did here while on this planet and hope that we can somehow keep the memories of those beautiful times alive.

By kathy kaehler on 06/26/2009 8:51 am

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My favorite Michael Jackson songs were "Childhood", "Man in the Mirror", and "I’ll Be There."

By alice ruth on 06/26/2009 8:54 am

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I like his Motown music and everything he did up to/including Thriller. I guess his music / videos got too modern for me after that. I must have passed a generation barrier or something because the pelvic thrusts and crotch grabbing in some of his later videos I didn’t find entertaining, but then I simply don’t understand rock n roll these days. He was such an up beat kid and pictures of him from over the last few years are so hard to look at. He became a caricature of himself. I hope his kids are well provided for and who knows who their guardian(s) will be. Rest in peace.

By B Clark on 06/26/2009 9:04 am

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Such a sad day for the family my heart goes out to them. He was a talented and tortured soul all at the same time. Still, his music will live on as he was adored by millions around the world.

By caj p on 06/26/2009 9:04 am

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May he rest in peace now, he had a tragic life. As for me, I was never a fan, just not my cup of tea.

By Rho on 06/26/2009 9:07 am

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Rho, Could not agree with you more. Really "much ado about nothing". Sick, sick person and no real talent!

By Kris Merrill on 06/26/2009 7:37 pm

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No question he had the boys visiting the ranch share his bed - totally inappropriate. Having been molested myself by my own father when I was growing up, I know what those boys endured. Have always worried about his own children and wondered what kind of a life they had with such a strange, reclusive father.

His troubles are over - 400 million dollars of debt - who could live with that?

By Pdr de on 06/26/2009 9:51 am

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Through his Off the Wall and Thriller albums and his signature moves he captivated the world! The light from his star went out too soon.

A sensitive soul, why are so many threatened by what they don’t understand?

By Tee Zee on 06/26/2009 9:52 am

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My fellow posters may enjoy the Slideshow that AARP has on its web site, in its Appreciation To Michael Jackson. The web address is: www.bulletin.aarp.org

By Patricia Sprofera on 06/26/2009 10:48 am

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I grew up with Michael Jackson, we are the same age. I would sing all of his songs. I lost interest with him after all the scandals and lost respect for him as a person, but have always enjoyed his music. He just seemed very unhappy and could never find what he was looking for, I hope he does now, and may he RIP.

By Sherry Dale on 06/26/2009 11:14 am