The King of Pop is one of the most controversial figures to grace the music scene.
His career began early, as the lead singer of the family singing group called the Jackson 5. His songs "Big Boy" and "I'll Be There" became instant chart toppers.
His musical genius was immediately noted by record executives, and in 1979 his first solo album Off the Wall hit the record stores.
From there, Jackson's career took off. His album Thriller produced hits such as "Billie Jean," and "Beat It." It remains the best-selling album of all time with an estimated 110 million copies sold worldwide. This was followed by tracks such as "Heal the World," "Black or White," from his album Dangerous.
However, after 1991, Jackson retreated from the spotlight. His album Invincible received a cold reception. His downward spiral continued with child abuse cases, a divorce with his first wife Lisa Marie Presley, and rumors of bankruptcy.
In March 2009, Jackson announced a series of concerts that he said it would be his last.
He never made it to that last concert series. A few weeks before the first show, he suffered cardiac arrest and was found dead in his bed at his rented mansion in Los Angeles. The cause of his death was said to be drug overdose.
His passing didn't stop Michael Jackson from doing that final performance, however. His posthumous documentary "This is It," which contains footage of his rehearsals, grossed $260 million worldwide.
The King of Pop died at the age of 50.
His career began early, as the lead singer of the family singing group called the Jackson 5. His songs "Big Boy" and "I'll Be There" became instant chart toppers.
His musical genius was immediately noted by record executives, and in 1979 his first solo album Off the Wall hit the record stores.
From there, Jackson's career took off. His album Thriller produced hits such as "Billie Jean," and "Beat It." It remains the best-selling album of all time with an estimated 110 million copies sold worldwide. This was followed by tracks such as "Heal the World," "Black or White," from his album Dangerous.
However, after 1991, Jackson retreated from the spotlight. His album Invincible received a cold reception. His downward spiral continued with child abuse cases, a divorce with his first wife Lisa Marie Presley, and rumors of bankruptcy.
In March 2009, Jackson announced a series of concerts that he said it would be his last.
He never made it to that last concert series. A few weeks before the first show, he suffered cardiac arrest and was found dead in his bed at his rented mansion in Los Angeles. The cause of his death was said to be drug overdose.
His passing didn't stop Michael Jackson from doing that final performance, however. His posthumous documentary "This is It," which contains footage of his rehearsals, grossed $260 million worldwide.
The King of Pop died at the age of 50.
