Michael Jackson’s Life in Pictures

It’s a sad day in pop world as the King of Pop has passed away at the age of 50.  Michael Jackson, born on August 29, 1958 in Gary, Indiana, died on June 25, 2009 after suffering a heart attack.  He debuted on the professional music scene at the age of 11 as a member of The Jackson 5, along with older brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Tito, Marlon. He was the youngest Jackson in the band, yet he was the lead singer.

With Jackson 5, they created mega hits such as “I Want You Back”, “ABC”, “The Love You Save” and “I’ll Be There.”  The Jackson 5 were the first act in recorded history to have their first four major label singles reach the top of the American charts.

Following meteoric rise of the Jackson 5, Michael then went on to have enormous success as a solo artist. Released in 1979, Off the Wall, Jackson’s debut, was the first album to generate four US top 10 hits, including the chart-topping singles “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” and “Rock with You.” Off the Wall reached number three on the Billboard 200 and has since been certified for 7 million shipments in the US and eventually sold over 20 million copies worldwide.

His second solo album, Thriller, solidified Jackson as the power force that he was in the pop music world, which earned him the moniker King of Pop. The album remained in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 for 80 consecutive weeks and 37 of those weeks at the peak position. It was the first album to have seven Billboard Hot 100 top 10 singles, including “Billie Jean,” “Beat It” and “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’.”

Michael was keen on using music video, or short films as he called them, to promote his singles from. He worked with the best directors and producers, using the latest technology and special effects. His dancing became an epidemic in itself with everyone trying to emulate the moonwalk that Jackson made so famous.

Jackson was loved by millions. He was known to have female fans faint at his concerts, so paramedics were never far away from his shows.

Unfortunately, the last decade has not been good for the pop star.  He has had more court dates than tour dates and has become somewhat of a laughing stock in the music world.  Although he was never charged with anything, his image was shattered forever.  The global superstar was planning on returning with tour dates in London for July 8th of this year.

To help remember the good times, let’s take a look at Michael Jackson’s life and the legacy he is going to leave behind.

Enjoy the pictures!

What is your favorite Michael Jackson memory?

Further Reading:

• Michael Jackson Tribute Concert Cancelled
• Michael Jackson To Receive Lifetime Achievement Grammy
• This is It Earns Over 100 Million Dollars
• This Is It: Movie Review Redux
• Michael Jackson’s Glove Sold for $48,000
• Hear Michael Jackson’s Single, This is It
• Michael Jackson’s MTV VMA Tribute
• Michael Jackson Finally Laid To Rest In L.A.
• What If Michael Jackson Is Still Alive?
• Prince Considering A Michael Jackson Tribute Performance
• Videos of Speeches and Songs at Michael Jackson’s Memorial
• Michael Jackson’s Death Boosts Album Sales
• Michael Jackson: Life in Videos
• Michael Jackson Has Died