Music Icon Michael Jackson Passes Away
The King of Pop Dies of Cardiac Arrest at 50
Jackson went into cardiac arrest shortly before 12:30pm in Los Angeles, according to multiple news reports, at the Bel-Air home he was renting.
911 was called but by the time paramedics arrived he was not breathing. He was in a deep coma before they got him to the UCLA Medical Center and was pronounced dead shortly after.
Michael Jackson, the Musical Prodigy
Michael Joseph Jackson was born August 29, 1958 in Gary, Indiana, to Joseph and Katherine Jackson. He was the seventh of nine children. His siblings are Rebbie, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, La Toya, Marlon, Randy and Janet.
In the mid-60s, Jackson joined brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Marlon, in the music group The Jackson 5. The siblings toured extensively and caught the ears of the legendary Motown Records. In 1968, they signed with the label and their first four singles went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.
“I Want You Back,” “ABC,” “The Love You Save” and “I’ll Be There” all featured Michael’s distinctive vocals, as did other Top 40 hits like the disco-era single “Dancing Machine.”
Splitting with Motown in the mid-70s, the group renamed themselves The Jacksons and continued to rack up hits such as “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground.”
In 1978, Jackson starred as the Scarecrow in the film musical The Wiz, during which he formed a partnership with producer Quincy Jones. Their first album together was Jackson’s solo album, Off the Wall, which spawned four US top 10 hits, including “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” and “Rock with You.”
The Album That Changed the Face of Music
In 1982, Michael Jackson released one of the most important albums in music history. That album was Thriller.
It was the first to have seven Billboard top 10 singles, including “Billie Jean,” “Beat It” and “Wanna Be Startin’ Something.” It also spent a record 37 weeks at #1 on the Billboard albums charts and to date is one of the best selling albums in music history.
Jackson went on to release several other #1 albums, including Bad, Dangerous and HIStory. He also co-wrote the charity single “We Are the World” and had several more hit singles dueting with others, such as “The Girl is Mine,” his collaboration with Paul McCartney.
A True Dancing Machine
His days with the Jackson 5 showed that Michael could dance, but it was on the 1983 Motown 25th Anniversary TV special that Jackson bust out a move that millions would spend hours trying to copy – The Moonwalk.
Soon, Jackson was as well known for his choreography as he was for his musical talents, and when it came to pairing the two for music videos, was as influential there as he was in the world of music.
Perhaps the pinnacle of all of his music videos was the extensive – and expensive – video for the song, “Thriller.” With its zombie storyline and detailed choreography and make-up, Jackson really revolutionized the concept of creating visual stories with music videos.
A Life of Controversy
From his loss of skin pigmentation to his unusual lifestyle at Neverland Ranch, Jackson spent over two decades as constant fodder for the tabloids with his personal life and behavior.
Then there were the rumors of child molestation with several young boys that led to years of legal battles, both criminal and civil. Charges were eventually dismissed but the accusations severely damaged his reputation, personally and professionally.
The Passing of a Music Icon
At the time of his death, Michael Jackson had been in strenuous rehearsals for a record series of 50 sold-out concerts planned at London’s O2 Arena in London. These were supposed to launch a comeback for the King of Pop, and branch off into an album, followed by a world tour.
Love him or hate him, there’s no denying that the world has lost a true American music icon today. His musical legacy has influenced countless entertainers, and will continue to do so for decades to come.
Jackson is survived by three children, as well as his siblings and other family.
Michael Jackson Thriller Album Cover
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