MICHAEL Jackson was a child prodigy, a musical genius and died as one of the most idolised artists on earth.
The 50-year-old pop megastar was hospitalised Thursday (local time) after suffering a cardiac arrest, with the LA Times and entertainment website TMZ.com reporting the pop icon died after paramedics could not revive him.
For all his fame and legions of fans, Jackson has lived as a virtual recluse since he was acquitted in 2005 on charges of child molestation and plotting to kidnap his young accuser.
Despite his acquittal, the trial was a body blow from which the pop music superstar never recovered.
Four years later, the 50-year-old was still worshipped by fans for revolutionising music, dance and music videos at the peak of his success.
The attention paid to him in recent years, however, has been less flattering, focusing on apparent cosmetic surgery – which he denies – his baby dangling antics and a decade of swirling child abuse allegations.
Born on August 29, 1958, Jackson made his showbusiness debut with four of his older brothers in the Jackson Five pop group, and went on to lead the stage clan with a piping soprano and dazzling dance moves.
By 1969, the group had signed a contract with Motown Records, becoming one of the last great acts to emerge from the legendary label.
The Jacksons produced seven platinum singles for Motown, selling over a million, and three multi-platinum albums, selling more than two million. They moved to CBS's Epic Records in 1976.
Despite the early success, Jackson was to recall those years as unhappy and lonely ones. Eventually the family act broke up, as Jackson went solo.
In 1979, Quincy Jones produced Jackson's first solo album for Epic, “Off the Wall”, a huge disco-oriented success that sold 10 million copies.
They teamed up again in 1982 for what would be Jackson's breakthrough album as a composer and co-producer, ”Thriller”, which became the top-selling album of all time, with sales exceeding 41 million.
According to Robert Thompson, an expert in pop culture at the University of Syracuse, New York, Jackson's later problems can be traced back to the phenomenal success of ”Thriller”.
”He got to the point that he was so rich, so powerful and so famous, that he was allowed to kind of withdraw from any kind of reality, Thompson said.
”Thriller” was followed by ”Bad” in 1987 (20 million sold) and “Dangerous” in 1991 (21 million sold) with videos whose auto-erotic dance contrasted with Jackson's sweet, childlike personality offstage.
A pop culture icon with enormous wealth, Jackson in 1991 signed a deal with Sony Music described as the most lucrative contract ever for a recording artist.
Although Jackson's share was not disclosed, Sony estimated the potential in sales at a billion dollars.
But in 1993, a 13-year-old boy made sex abuse allegations against his former pal Jackson, and prosecutors and police launched an investigation.
A year later, Jackson struck an out-of-court agreement with the family under which he paid out a total 23.3 million dollars, a deal which Jackson has said he now regrets.
The deal halted the criminal case, which was being pursued by Tom Sneddon, the chief prosecutor in Jackson's trial.
As Jackson's life was complicated by his meteoric rise to fame, he also started undergoing a dramatic physical transformation.
Over the years, his skin has become much lighter and he appears to have had extensive plastic surgery on his face. Vanity Fair magazine reported in 2003 that the tip of his nose is actually a prosthesis.
In 1994, he stunned the public by marrying Lisa Marie Presley, the 26-year-old daughter of Elvis Presley.
The marriage lasted less than two years and was a hot topic for the tabloids. However, the renewed interest in Jackson's love life did not spark interest in his music.
In June 1995, he released the double album “HIStory, Past, Present and Future – Book I” to negative reviews and weak sales – despite Sony Music's 40-million-dollar investment. And Jackson's next album, ”Invincible”, flopped.
Jackson then married Debbie Rowe, a 37-year-old nurse he met while undergoing plastic surgery in 1997. They had two children, Prince Michael and Paris Michael Katherine, before divorcing in 1999.
Jackson had custody of the two children and of a third, Prince Michael II, born to an unknown woman, when in November 2002 he came under fierce public criticism for dangling his youngest child from a fourth-floor hotel balcony in Berlin for photographers.
Adding to his woes Jackson has also been hit by a flurry of lawsuits from former aides and promoters and from a slew of people suing over alleged unpaid bills. Last November, Jackson and a Bahraini prince struck an ”amicable” deal to avoid going to court in a seven-million-dollar lawsuit.
The extent of Jackson's financial woes is unclear, with conflicting reports about the singers assets and debts.
But a treasure trove of Jackson memorabilia, including a wrought iron gate from his Neverland Ranch and his famous white glove, are to be auctioned off in Beverly Hills next month, reflecting the singer's change in circumstances.
25724 Entries
March 5, 2024
Tony Spirito
Thanks for the memories.
March 5, 2024
Friend
Natonisha Echols
I miss you Michael you really did change the world RIP
August 29, 2023
Leigh Bean
Happy 65th birthday to you my favoret king of pop i love so much god bless you
May 17, 2023
Bill Harren
May 17, 2023
Bill Harren
May 17, 2023
Bill Harren
May 17, 2023
Bill Harren
The years have passed but family friends and your fans will never forget you and the great things you did for ill children. The family pictures of you are so nice and of good quality. Continued condolence to the family.
May 16, 2023
Friend
London
Love you baeeeeeee
February 3, 2023
Friend
jason meinfelder
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
February 3, 2023
Other
Judy & Michael Tibbs
You are a true legend. Your music will live on forever. You still inspire the world with all your hits. I hope heaven is dancing and a rockin to your music. We love you, RIP Michael.
Your Fan, Judy Tibbs
January 30, 2023
Beauty Never Dies. Missing You
January 18, 2023
Work
JOEL GENSBUGEL
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
January 18, 2023
Friend
JASON MEINFELDER
Forever here today
Never gone tomorrow
My eternal friend
I love you...
January 11, 2023
Friend
jason meinfelder
Forever here today
Never gone tomorrow
Our eternal friend
We love you
JUPITER INLET COLONY
Crenshaw
January 9, 2023
Neighbor
jason meinfelder
Forever here today
Never gone tomorrow
Our eternal friend
We love you
December 31, 2022
Friend
Laurence Bonner
May the Lord Bless and Keep You Michael. May the Lord Make his Face shine upon you and be Gracious to You Michael. May the Lord lift up his Countenance upon you and Give You Peace !!
December 20, 2022
Other
Casandra Jennings
I love and miss you r.i.p
August 29, 2022
Janice Moore
Happy Birthday. I love and miss you so much.
June 10, 2022
kalueb letts
you will be missed. i love you so much,you are an inspiration for me,you changed my life i love you so much thank you so much!
April 26, 2022
Friend
cool man
love you babe
November 24, 2021
Other
Charlie B.
Love you and miss you
October 27, 2021
zach
a legend never dances away because they will always be moonwalking
August 1, 2021
Grady M Youngblood
Micheal Jackson is Icon in Pop Music.
July 8, 2021
Friend
sue
love you
June 26, 2021
Valenda Newell
A living legend gone too soon..but his music will be here on this earth forever. So many hits he gave us..So many unbelievable concerts and TV appearances. MJ was the word ENTERTAINMENT please believe. The music industry is not the same without you. Miss you much..Celebrating playing all ur music this weekend ...A TRUE ARTIST
June 26, 2021
Janice Moore
Twelve years gone and still loved and missed. Janice Moore, of Wmbg,Va.
May 14, 2021
Friend
Dennis Winship
I will never forget his music.He was one of the best pop singers there ever was.Dennis winship Lynn,massachusetts
March 23, 2021
Ny'Riah Dumas
He is in a way better place then we are fly high michael
March 23, 2021
Friend
Zeynep Ayyldz
your legacy will never end as you keep inspiring people all over the world. thank you for all your contributions to music. fly high mj
February 27, 2021
Anna Smith
I've been a fan of Michael Jackson for a while now and I really wish he was still alive. I love you, Michael. Rest in Peace.
February 8, 2021
Andrew Sorensen
Be free and fly high michael we love you
February 4, 2021
Elizabeth Bell
R.I.P Michael Jackson
January 24, 2021
Family
luella harrell
January 24, 2021
Family
luella harrell
January 24, 2021
Family
luella harrell
January 24, 2021
Family
luella harrell
January 24, 2021
Family
luella harrell
January 24, 2021
Family
luella harrell
I believe it what he went he went through it's not okay it's not alright Michael Jackson was the best man alive he was the King of Pop he was the greatest legends never die I still listen to his music basically everyday while I listen to kids music while I cry and pray only 11 don't know what to say Michael Jackson R.I.P love you all the jackson supporters and fans and last but not least the Jackson family you are all Legends.
January 24, 2021
Family
luella harrell
Michael Jackson is the best person in the world like legends never die I love all of his family Tito Jackson Jermaine Janet Latoya and the rest and how I speak R.I.P Michael Jackson.
December 30, 2020
Brenda Lynch
December 30, 2020
He will always be missed by me
December 28, 2020
Brenda Lynch
December 18, 2020
HE WAS THE BEST
December 17, 2020
he is such a good man i love his music
November 30, 2020
he was a great man
November 30, 2020
Grandchild
Brianna jackson
November 18, 2020
Acquaintance
Trinity Plance
Michael was an amazing person, his music always cheers me up. He did not deserve what he went through, he always wanted to make people happy. R.I.P Michael
September 23, 2020
Family
Tonya L Cummings
Rest In Peace Cousin Micheal. I have been missing you since you were alive. I miss you more in death. Nothing can erase the memories I’ve carried in my heart and mind since the late 60’s and early 70’s. I take this moment to also leave blessings with your/our family members as a whole. Like it used to be long long ago.
September 23, 2020
Friend
Kelly Jackson
Michael your music has been the background music for my life. From a 10 year old little girl to an adult, you have always been there for me. Thank you, KKEM
September 16, 2020
Migdalia Velazquez
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
September 2, 2020
Acquaintance
Janice Moore
Happy Birthday, I miss you and Love you forever. Janice Moore, of Williamsburg, Va.
August 30, 2020
Beth Munafo
Happy Birthday We All Miss Love and Miss You. R.I.P.
August 29, 2020
Valenda Newell
MICHAEL JACKSON came into our lives. He shared his PHENOMENAL talent. The WORLD has never been the same...❤❤....HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
August 29, 2020
Friend
Valenda Newell
August 29, 2020
Valenda Newell
MICHAEL JACKSON came into our lives. He shared his PHENOMENAL talent and the world was NEVER the SAME......❤❤......Happy Birthday!!!
August 26, 2020
Darryl Doleman
Missing you as always Michael I know the heavenly Angels are loving you. Sing a song to my beautiful mom.
June 26, 2020
Friend
Gina B.
Michael you are truly missed by many people even after all these years. My younger sister died last year of cancer at 62 years old her name was Antoinette. I don't think anyone could have been a bigger fan who loved you so much most of her life. In our family you have always been a part of our lives because we loved you so much even as a child . You were sweet and so talented we followed your life as you grew to be a handsome talented kind man. Your children were raised by your mom with love and care. They grew up to be truly wonderful people and I'm sure you would have been so proud of them.
Michael you will never be forgotten no matter how many years go by . I pray that people will focus on the good things you achieved in your life and the happiness you brought into our world. You truly were a hard act to follow not too many performers can compare to your music your dancing your voice, you really had it all plus such a handsome man on top of that.
I love you Michael ❤ you will never ever be forgotten
I pray your family has managed to keep life as normal as possible with their loss. Losing a family member is so hard. I understand because I lost two brothers and a sister. They also were gone too soon .
Rest in peace Michael
We love you always ❤
June 24, 2020
Acquaintance
Janice Moore
Eleven years and you are still and always will be loved and missed by me. Love,Janice
May 28, 2020
Friend
Luff Spencer
Dear Michel Jackson family sorry lost Michel Jackson I like his music
May 8, 2020
George Parrish
Michael Jackson your my favorite singer I listen to your music everyday your music will never die your music will live forever I am proud to be a Moonwalker
May 8, 2020
George Parrish
Michael Jackson you will always be my favorite singer I listen to your music everyday your music will never die your music will live forever I am proud to a Moonwalker
May 3, 2020
Jazmín Cruz
May 1, 2020
Friend
Charles Parrish
I miss Michael Jackson so much he my favorite singer we be doing his dance all the time
April 22, 2020
Friend
Felix Bland
Rest in heaven my brother
Felix Bland And Family
April 14, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
April 14, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
April 14, 2020
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
April 7, 2020
Friend
Gina B.
Dearest Michael since you left this world life as you know it has changed drastically. There are thousands of people dying with the corona virus and we don't have a cure. The whole world is suffering and so many lives are gone because of it and we are all in quarantine so we don't infect each other if we do catch it.
I watched a video someone posted online with a concert you performed a song "Heal the world" it was so touching I couldn't help but cry with your words being sung and what's going on today in our world. If you can see us please send a miracle from heaven to save our world before more die. You always inspired us for the better so now even in death I turn to you still to inspire us help us be strong and wait out this horendous disease till it stops killing us.
I love you Michael and always will.
You made the world a better place and now we need a miracle from God to save us. I hope people realize how important faith is. It's what gets us through even the worst times in life.
Rest in peace Michael we still love you .
January 28, 2020
Friend
Diane L
Michael, you were and still are my all time favorite musician. I never had the opportunity to see you in concert, but when I knew you were going to be on t.v. I made sure I was front and center.
January 27, 2020
Friend
Kimberly Thomas
Dear Micheal I want say thank you for awesome music that you have created for so many years through my life you were my favorite icon I will always celebrate yr birthday on August 29,1958 I forgive you for leaving me so soon and always wanted to meet in person I will miss you and lo❤E you always and forever each day I think of you I am trying to teach myself the moonwalk by watching a YouTube video and copying the five easy steps to fallow!!! Its too bed that your not around to teach my the steps!!!
Lo❤E you lots Michael
Yours truly From Your biggest fan Kimberly !!!!
January 27, 2020
my memory on Micheal Just wanted say thank you for the music that you created for so many years you you were a favourite of mine! love From Kimberly !!!
January 14, 2020
Beth Munafo
We Love you and miss you Michael ❤ Blessings to your Family.
December 5, 2019
Friend
Gina B.
Michael I just wanted to tell you that you brought so much happiness and love into the world .
Since you're gone the world is getting worse and there is so much division among people of all religions.
No matter what religion we are no matter what beliefs we have no matter the color or race you brought us all together with your music.
You brought us love and togetherness and support to help each other.
I don't know who will be able to bring us back together again now that you're gone.
I don't think you knew how much people looked up to you. You were an inspiration to us all with your generosity and kindness.
I will always love you and I truly hope your children realize what an impact you had on our world.
Rest in peace Michael
December 1, 2019
I Love your music
November 4, 2019
Acquaintance
Wendy
Thank you for being a wonderful and talented individual.Will miss you. I thank you wholeheartedly Michael. God Bless.
September 22, 2019
Gina B.
Michael I know you have been gone for a few years now but somehow your absence is always felt by everyone who loved you. You have so many fans who know that a gentle kind man with a heart of gold is never forgotten.
Not only were you talented but you loved sharing your talent with the world and we all felt that because you made us feel special to share your gift with us.
We love you and will continue so till it's our time to join you in the great beyond
Rest in peace Michael you will never be forgotten neither will your songs which you worked so hard to create.
September 13, 2019
Camella Ford
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
September 7, 2019
Valenda Newell
HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY (8/29th)....I continue to CELEBRATE you through your music, listening to all your songs on the date above every year from sunrise to sunset. Still no one on this place we call earth has matched one's vocals or dance moves. Thanks for sharing one's spectacular talent with the world....LOVE, PEACE and SOUL❤
September 6, 2019
Friend
Michael Connell Reynolds
Sail the Uni Verse
September 3, 2019
Acquaintance
Janice Moore
Happy Birthday, I love and miss you. Janice Moore, of Wmsbg, Va.
August 29, 2019
Ann
Happy Birthday
August 10, 2019
Friend
Luke Lascheit
The legend continues. 1958 - Forever.
July 25, 2019
Friend
Charmaine Kaufman
You are still in my heart ❤
July 16, 2019
Acquaintance
Alfrieda Spicer
Where were you when you were told that Michael Jackson was dead? Personally, I had walked into a grocery story in Milwaukee, WI and I asked an employee, had he heard about the death of Michael Jackson? He responded to me in shock and devastation. I then began hearing other customers talking about the same, and then I knew, that our Michael was gone! What a disbelieving and sad day that was for me and millions alike. I will never, ever forget Michael Jackson. -Alfrieda Spicer, (Milwaukee, WI)
June 26, 2019
Valenda Newell
The most GIFTED entertainer that has came out of the state of INDIANA, who turned out being the most famous musical artist in the world. Michael had the voice, dance moves and just the full package when it came down to mesmerizing an audience. I miss you very much, you gave fans many magical moments on stage. THANKS FOR THE GREAT MUSIC!!
June 25, 2019
Janice Moore
I still love and miss you ten years later. I love you forever. Love, Janice Moore of Williamsburg, VA.
June 25, 2019
Tammy Denierio Tomisman & Family
Rest in Eternal Peace and Paradise, Michael; the World misses & thanks you for your countless contributions, happiness & smiles you brought and continue to bring through your music, dance and mere presence here
June 24, 2019
Friend
jennifer wahl
happy birthday
June 23, 2019
Maria Kitiefs
I Will Be Thinking Of You on 25th june 2019. Rest in peace Michael Jackson I love You
June 6, 2019
Donna McCloud Sutton
To the Jackson Family
I know the saying time heals NO time makes it more tolerable. Mrs Jackson I hope you are fairing through losing a child. We all miss him it was like losing a family member. I hope your family stays strong through all the trials you are still going through. Love a Friend
May 2, 2019
Thank you and we'll miss you
April 28, 2019
You left us to soon
April 21, 2019
Rhonda Mason
Thank you for your music . I just can't get enough of your artistry . You were truly th ed king of pop. Rest in peace
April 15, 2019
Significant_other
Antoinette
MICHAEL rest in peace NOW everything will fall into place no matter what your children adore you.so do your FANS.we will respect you forever.love to your family.who stick by you everyday.katherine misses you so much it breaks my heart for her to have lost her beloved son MICHAEL.rest in peace LOVE to FAMILY.
April 13, 2019
Friend
Monik Jefferson
Was thinking about you today and i found this site. I really miss you
April 10, 2019
Natalie Julian
Dear Micheal really miss you I have been a fan for a long time may you rest in peace
March 11, 2019
DEAR MICHAEL MISSING YOU STILL WILL ALWAYS BE A FAN OF YOURS .You were so talented since YU WERE A child .Can't FORGET the first time I saw YU perform on ed Sullivan show.You were so amazing.Still are.love forever..xxx
March 6, 2019
Antoinette
MICHAEL LOVE YU SO MUCH ALWAYS WILL .REST IN PEACE NOW .YOUR CHILDREN ARE MISSING YOU THEY ARE STRONG THEY LOVE YU VERY MUCH.YOUR LOVE STAYS WITH ME.XXXXLOVE YU MORE FAVORITE WORDS.
March 2, 2019
Beth Munafo
Praying for your family. Loved you since I was a child. Your Spirit with be with us all forever. REST IN PEACE
March 2, 2019
Beth Munafo
Praying for your family. Loved you since I was a child. Your Spirit with be with us all forever. REST IN PEACE
Showing 1 - 100 of 25,724 results
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