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 Romanian and I was born during the time of Ceausescu. We were not allowed to listen any foreign music. A couple of years after our dictator was taken off power, Michael Jackson gave his concert in Bucharest. In fact Michael was one of the first famous foreign singers to ever come to Romania after the revolution. I was too young to go to the concert, I was only 11 at the time.
Michael’s music will always be very special to me and many Romanians. As this was a very different type of music that we used and were allowed to listen to. And Michael’s music always reminds us of our freedom.
Same as all of Michael’s fans I’m also mourning his demise and will forever miss him.
I’m ashamed to say I never purchased any of Michael’s CD’s or DVD’s, but always enjoyed his music. It was never hard to find any of Michael’s songs on the radio or on TV, maybe that’s why I was so negligent on getting any of his productions. Must since I heard of his death, I know have almost all this albums.
This might sound so strange, but how about the US Government considering cloning Michael Jackson. This would be for the good of humanity, as Michael did a lot of good with his music, either directly or indirectly. Cloning him will bring so much good in everybody and we will have a better world.
Love you forever Michael, rest in peace
Andreea
Like All Of Us Who Reside In Los Angeles, Death Is Very Familiar To Us When People Just Wear Down & Out Giving So Much Of Themselves, Especially When They Are Tremendously Gifted With Talent. I Am Still In Shock That Michael Jackson Has Died - But, I Am Very Pleased To Hear His Music Pouring Out All Over The Air Waves Here & All The Visual Clips Being Splashed Across Digital Television Sets!!! Michael Jackson Will Be Remembered By Those Of Us Who Were Embraced By His Immeasurable Contributions To World Peace & Our Humanity In The Extended Family Of Man On the Planet!!! "And In the End, The Love You Take Is Equal To the Love You Make"… Shine On, Bright Star, In the Ancient Natural Dark - For That Is Where Stars Shine Brightest!!! ^_^ PEACE, LOVE & HARMONIOUS VIBES< MICHAEL!!!… Later…JWB
Michael Jackson is someone that I would like to remember before the Molestation Issues. I bielve that he had been dying inside for sometime and turned to drugs to deal with things. I am by no means condoneing his behavior. And it is very hard for me to forgive him for that.
So I will choose to appreciate the great music he once made. And hopefully the world will let him go at that.