Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jun. 25, 2009.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Michael Jackson, defined in equal parts as the world's greatest entertainer and perhaps its most enigmatic figure, was about to attempt one of the greatest comebacks of all time. Then his life was cut shockingly — and so far, mysteriously — short.

The 50-year-old musical superstar died Thursday, just as he was preparing for what would be a series of 50 concerts starting July 13 at London's famed 02 arena. Jackson had been spending hours and hours toiling with a team of dancers for a performance he and his fans hoped would restore his tarnished legacy to its proper place in pop.

An autopsy was planned for Friday, though results were not likely to be final until toxicology tests could be completed, a process that could take several days and sometimes weeks. However, if a cause can be determined by the autopsy, they will announce the results, said Los Angeles County Coroner Investigator Jerry McKibben.

Police said they were investigating, standard procedure in high-profile cases.

Jackson died at UCLA Medical Center after being stricken at his rented home in the posh Los Angeles neighborhood of Holmby Hills. Paramedics tried to resuscitate him at his home for nearly three-quarters of an hour, then rushed him to the hospital, where doctors continued to work on him.

"It is believed he suffered cardiac arrest in his home. However, the cause of his death is unknown until results of the autopsy are known," his brother Jermaine said.

Cardiac arrest is an abnormal heart rhythm that stops the heart from pumping blood to the body. It can occur after a heart attack or be caused by other heart problems.

Jackson's death brought a tragic end to a long, bizarre, sometimes farcical decline from his peak in the 1980s, when he was popular music's premier all-around performer, a uniter of black and white music who shattered the race barrier on MTV, dominated the charts and dazzled even more on stage.

His 1982 album "Thriller" — which included the blockbuster hits "Beat It," ''Billie Jean" and "Thriller" — is the best-selling album of all time, with an estimated 50 million copies sold worldwide.

As word of his death spread, MTV switched its programming to play videos from Jackson's heyday. Radio stations began playing marathons of his hits. Hundreds of people gathered outside the hospital. In New York's Times Square, a low groan went up in the crowd when a screen flashed that Jackson had died, and people began relaying the news to friends by cell phone.

"No joke. King of Pop is no more. Wow," Michael Harris, 36, of New York City, read from a text message a friend had sent him. "It's like when Kennedy was assassinated. I will always remember being in Times Square when Michael Jackson died."

The public first knew him as a boy in the late 1960s, when he was the precocious, spinning lead singer of the Jackson 5, the singing group he formed with his four older brothers out of Gary, Ind. Among their No. 1 hits were "I Want You Back," ''ABC" and "I'll Be There."

He was perhaps the most exciting performer of his generation, known for his backward-gliding moonwalk, his feverish, crotch-grabbing dance moves and his high-pitched singing, punctuated with squeals and titters. His single sequined glove, tight, military-style jacket and aviator sunglasses were trademarks, as was his ever-changing, surgically altered appearance.

"For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don't have the words," said Quincy Jones, who produced "Thriller." ''He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever. I've lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him."

Jackson ranked alongside Elvis Presley and the Beatles as the biggest pop sensations of all time. He united two of music's biggest names when he was briefly married to Presley's daughter, Lisa Marie. Jackson's sudden death immediately evoked comparisons to that of Presley himself, who died at age 42 in 1977.

"I am so very sad and confused with every emotion possible," Lisa Marie Presley said in a statement. "I am heartbroken for his children who I know were everything to him and for his family. This is such a massive loss on so many levels, words fail me."

As years went by, Jackson became an increasingly freakish figure — a middle-aged man-child weirdly out of touch with grown-up life. His skin became lighter, his nose narrower, and he spoke in a breathy, girlish voice. He often wore a germ mask while traveling, kept a pet chimpanzee named Bubbles as one of his closest companions and surrounded himself with children at his Neverland ranch, a storybook playland filled with toys, rides and animals. The tabloids dubbed him "Wacko Jacko."

"It seemed to me that his internal essence was at war with the norms of the world. It's as if he was trying to defy gravity," said Michael Levine, a Hollywood publicist who represented Jackson in the early 1990s. He called Jackson a "disciple of P.T. Barnum" and said the star appeared fragile at the time but was "much more cunning and shrewd about the industry than anyone knew."

Jackson caused a furor in 2002 when he playfully dangled his infant son, Prince Michael II, over a hotel balcony in Berlin while a throng of fans watched from below.

In 2005, he was cleared of charges that he molested a 13-year-old cancer survivor at Neverland in 2003. He had been accused of plying the boy with alcohol and groping him, and of engaging in strange and inappropriate behavior with other children.

The case followed years of rumors about Jackson and young boys. In a TV documentary, he acknowledged sharing his bed with children, a practice he described as sweet and not at all sexual.

Despite the acquittal, the lurid allegations that came out in court took a fearsome toll on his career and image, and he fell into serious financial trouble.

Michael Joseph Jackson was born Aug. 29, 1958, in Gary. He was 4 years old when he began singing with his brothers — Marlon, Jermaine, Jackie and Tito — in the Jackson 5. After his early success with bubblegum soul, he struck out on his own, generating innovative, explosive, unstoppable music.

The album "Thriller" alone mixed the dark, serpentine bass and drums and synthesizer approach of "Billie Jean," the grinding Eddie Van Halen guitar solo on "Beat It," and the hiccups and falsettos on "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'."

The peak may have come in 1983, when Motown celebrated its 25th anniversary with an all-star televised concert and Jackson moonwalked off with the show, joining his brothers for a medley of old hits and then leaving them behind with a pointing, crouching, high-kicking, splay-footed, crotch-grabbing run through "Billie Jean."

The audience stood and roared. Jackson raised his fist.

During production of a 1984 Pepsi commercial, Jackson's scalp sustains burns when an explosion sets his hair on fire.

He had strong follow-up albums with 1987's "Bad" and 1991's "Dangerous," but his career began to collapse in 1993 after he was accused of molesting a boy who often stayed at his home. The singer denied any wrongdoing, reached a settlement with the boy's family, reported to be $20 million, and criminal charges were never filed.

Jackson's expressed anger over the allegations on the 1995 album "HIStory," which sold more than 2.4 million copies, but by then, the popularity of Jackson's music was clearly waning even as public fascination with his increasingly erratic behavior was growing.

Jackson married Lisa Marie Presley in 1994, and they divorced in 1996. Later that year, Jackson married Deborah Rowe, a former nurse for his dermatologist. They had two children together: Michael Joseph Jackson Jr., known as Prince Michael, now 12; and Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, 11. Rowe filed for divorce in 1999.

Jackson also had a third child, Prince Michael II. Now 7, Jackson said the boy nicknamed Blanket as a baby was his biological child born from a surrogate mother.

Billboard magazine editorial director Bill Werde said Jackson's star power was unmatched. "The world just lost the biggest pop star in history, no matter how you cut it," Werde said. "He's literally the king of pop."

Jackson's 13 No. 1 one hits on the Billboard charts put him behind only Presley, the Beatles and Mariah Carey, Werde said.

"He was on the eve of potentially redeeming his career a little bit," he said. "People might have started to think of him again in a different light."

.


Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press

Sign Michael Jackson's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 2, 2025

Heather Hantz posted to the memorial.

July 1, 2025

Irene Kimble posted to the memorial.

June 13, 2025

Rachel Holman posted to the memorial.

25798 Entries

Heather Hantz

July 2, 2025

I know he loved his children.
Dear Jackson children,
I am sorry you lost your Father. Janet I am sorry you lost your brother. As a mother and sister I can only respond with Jesus. God loves you more than you can ever imagine. You are talented and special just as his wished you would be. The millions reached in love and respect is the legacy of the Savior! We are God's family and your are dearly loved and honored. We are all friends and neighbors of Jesus heart. Heaven on earth is Jesus enduring love eternal love like no other.
With much love and respect,
Heather Hantz

Irene Kimble

July 1, 2025

R.i.p.ur biggest fan forever

Rachel Holman

June 13, 2025

I am so sorry for the death of Michael Jackson.

June 2, 2025

milagros green

April 19, 2025

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Ainsley

April 7, 2025

He inspired me to be better and be motivated

Curina M Thomas

April 4, 2025

Dear Michael, you probably don't know me but I've known Michael since I was 2 I never got to see him but I just wanna say lord Michael gets better seats up there in heaven than down here please support him even though he has sadly passed.

Hannah Culver

March 27, 2025

I miss you michael

kinza chaeka

March 4, 2025

Michael was actually a friend of mine back in the day and he would always show off his amazing talent of singing. I loved him so much and his music. Rest in piece. I know its been a while since your passing but i still think about you every day.

Jamie

February 27, 2025

Thx Michael for changing the world and your my favorite singer and I wish I met u

Sashaa

February 5, 2025

I love u and miss u sm Micheal even tho I never met you before I´m a hug fan of yours and u will never ever be forgotten in my heart

Mariah

January 6, 2025

My mom says he was the best king of pop, and died a little before I was born. After hearing his music, she was right. Rest in Peace MJ.

Esperanza smith

January 1, 2025

I LOVE U MIKEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

Brayden

October 30, 2024

RIP big man

Leslie Redaway

October 15, 2024

Rest In Heaven

Alaina

September 22, 2024

Hi Michael Jackson my name is Alaina malbrew I am really sorry that I really didn't go see ur shows and didn't get ur autograph before you passed u really inspired me to be just like you someday ur one of my idol I will always miss you and your songs

Luff Spencer

September 16, 2024

Remembering Michael Jackson and Tito Jackson

Luff Spencer

September 16, 2024

Your brother in heaven with you

Reverend Dae Yun Kim

September 11, 2024

Reverend Dae Yun Kim

September 11, 2024

Reverend Dae Yun Kim

September 11, 2024

Reverend Dae Yun Kim

September 11, 2024

By Reverend Dae Yun Kim(Ph.D., Doctor Of Divinity, Master Of Divinity, Master Of Theology, Ordained Minister): Michael Jackson was great singer. Michael Jackson was great song writer. Michael Jackson was great dancer. Michael Jackson was great actor. Many people recognized his great musical talent. Therefore many people will remember him.

Nina Canales

August 30, 2024

Happy Heavenly Birthday Michael, May all the bright stars in heaven be shining on your special day

April

August 29, 2024

Thank you Michael for representing our creator's finest. never can say goodbye!

Ali Hamed

August 26, 2024

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Stephanie Miles

August 9, 2024

Michael was handsome man and a talented singer and dancer love you Michael

August Robinson

July 27, 2024

He was a very gifted singer and actor and songwriter you all love and miss him very much he was very talented.

Doris B

July 21, 2024

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Dennis Winship

June 12, 2024

Michael Jackson was the best pop singer there was he will be missed. Dennis winship lynn Massachusetts

Lola

June 10, 2024

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Karla White

May 20, 2024

Love you

luis Cabrera

May 20, 2024

he was a good man

justino garcia

May 1, 2024

he was a good man

spade jackson

April 17, 2024

hi

Carson Loveless

April 1, 2024

Condolences to his family and his loved ones

Tony Spirito

March 5, 2024

Thanks for the memories.

Natonisha Echols

March 5, 2024

I miss you Michael you really did change the world RIP

Leigh Bean

August 29, 2023

Happy 65th birthday to you my favoret king of pop i love so much god bless you

Bill Harren

May 17, 2023

Bill Harren

May 17, 2023

Bill Harren

May 17, 2023

Bill Harren

May 17, 2023

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.

London

May 16, 2023

Love you baeeeeeee

jason meinfelder

February 4, 2023

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.

Judy & Michael Tibbs

February 4, 2023

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

Beauty Never Dies. Missing You

January 30, 2023

JOEL GENSBUGEL

January 18, 2023

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

JASON MEINFELDER

January 18, 2023

Forever here today
Never gone tomorrow
My eternal friend
I love you...

jason meinfelder

January 11, 2023

Forever here today
Never gone tomorrow
Our eternal friend
We love you
JUPITER INLET COLONY
Crenshaw

jason meinfelder

January 9, 2023

Forever here today
Never gone tomorrow
Our eternal friend
We love you

Laurence Bonner

December 31, 2022

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 !!

Casandra Jennings

December 20, 2022

I love and miss you r.i.p

Janice Moore

August 29, 2022

Happy Birthday. I love and miss you so much.

kalueb letts

June 10, 2022

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!

cool man

April 26, 2022

love you babe

Charlie B.

November 24, 2021

Love you and miss you

zach

October 27, 2021

a legend never dances away because they will always be moonwalking

Grady M Youngblood

August 1, 2021

Micheal Jackson is Icon in Pop Music.

sue

July 8, 2021

love you

Valenda Newell

June 26, 2021

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

Janice Moore

June 26, 2021

Twelve years gone and still loved and missed. Janice Moore, of Wmbg,Va.

Dennis Winship

May 14, 2021

I will never forget his music.He was one of the best pop singers there ever was.Dennis winship Lynn,massachusetts

Ny'Riah Dumas

March 23, 2021

He is in a way better place then we are fly high michael

Zeynep Ayyldz

March 23, 2021

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

Anna Smith

February 27, 2021

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.

Andrew Sorensen

February 8, 2021

Be free and fly high michael we love you

Elizabeth Bell

February 4, 2021

R.I.P Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson is the best artist Michael Jackson been on the Hall of Fame Michael Jackson does what he do on stage without thinking a thing he's a legend he's an artist he won 8 Grammys in a night his favorite color is red in Black his favorite

luella harrell

January 24, 2021

I love Michael Jackson song so much that all these pictures that you see under all of them is my profile for my computer school computer and also I really want to meet Tina Turner The Jackson 5 and everybody else in the world all the famous people in arti

luella harrell

January 24, 2021

From age 9 or age 5 growing up all is in his life is music I love the movie because of you plus the one on YouTube American Dream part 1 through I think 20 but the movie is the greatest movie.

luella harrell

January 24, 2021

Michael Jackson songs inspired names I listen to Thomas and every day I compare are his favorite things to me and my cousin he still wants to be a kid Michael Jackson always laugh and play.

luella harrell

January 24, 2021

When Michael Jackson was 50 years old now to this day here 60-something years old he is a legend he always look good in all of his outfits he is the greatest artists of all time and rest in peace MJ.

luella harrell

January 24, 2021

luella harrell

January 24, 2021

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.

luella harrell

January 24, 2021

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

He will always be missed by me

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

Trinity Plance

November 18, 2020

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

Tonya L Cummings

September 23, 2020

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.

Kelly Jackson

September 23, 2020

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

Migdalia Velazquez

September 16, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Janice Moore

September 2, 2020

Happy Birthday, I miss you and Love you forever. Janice Moore, of Williamsburg, Va.

Beth Munafo

August 30, 2020

Happy Birthday We All Miss Love and Miss You. R.I.P.

Valenda Newell

August 29, 2020

MICHAEL JACKSON came into our lives. He shared his PHENOMENAL talent. The WORLD has never been the same...❤❤....HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Valenda Newell

August 29, 2020

MICHAEL JACKSON came into our lives. He shared his PHENOMENAL talent and the world was NEVER the SAME......❤❤......Happy Birthday!!!

Darryl Doleman

August 26, 2020

Missing you as always Michael I know the heavenly Angels are loving you. Sing a song to my beautiful mom.

Gina B.

June 26, 2020

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 ❤

Janice Moore

June 24, 2020

Eleven years and you are still and always will be loved and missed by me. Love,Janice

Luff Spencer

May 28, 2020

Dear Michel Jackson family sorry lost Michel Jackson I like his music

George Parrish

May 8, 2020

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

George Parrish

May 8, 2020

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

Jazmín Cruz

May 3, 2020

Charles Parrish

May 2, 2020

I miss Michael Jackson so much he my favorite singer we be doing his dance all the time

Felix Bland

April 22, 2020

Rest in heaven my brother
Felix Bland And Family

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Sign Michael Jackson's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 2, 2025

Heather Hantz posted to the memorial.

July 1, 2025

Irene Kimble posted to the memorial.

June 13, 2025

Rachel Holman posted to the memorial.