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'King of Pop' Michael Jackson Dies at Age 50

Michael Jackson, who went from child star to the King of Pop to a figure of constant controversy, died Thursday in Los Angeles. He was 50.

Michael Jackson's career in music started early with the Jackson 5. He and Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Marlon scored four No. 1 hits including "ABC" and "I'll Be There."

Courtesy of Jackson Five

The Jackson 5 were signed to Berry Gordy's legendary Motown record label in 1968.

Frank Barratt-Getty Images

Michael, right, and the Jackson 5 appear on an episode of "The Flip Wilson Show." Each of the band's first four singles reached No. 1 on the pop charts.

File Photo

The Jackson 5 experienced its greatest success during the 1969-1971, before Michael was even a teenager.

Tribune Entertainment-Getty Images

In 1978, Jackson starred alongside Diana Ross, center, and Nipsey Russell, left, in the film "The Wiz." The movie was a remake of the 1939 classic "The Wizard of Oz" and had an all-black cast.

He poses with longtime friend and mentor Diana Ross at the 1981 American Music Awards in Los Angeles. Jackson won for favorite male soul artist and favorite soul album. Ross won for favorite female soul artist.

Jackson's 1983 video for "Thriller" is arguably the most successful music video of all time. The big budget, 13-minute film features now iconic scenes of Jackson performing choreographed dance routines with zombies.

File Photo

Jackson performs with the Jackson 5 during the group's 1984 reunion tour.

Dave Hogan-Getty Images

Jackson and actress Brooke Shields arrive for the American Music Awards in Los Angeles on Jan. 16, 1984. The pair were romantically linked in the 1980s.

Doug Pizac-AP

The single white glove that Jackson often wore became part of his trademark look.

UPI

Jackson performs during his 1987 world tour in support of his multi-platinum album "Bad." He became known as much for his dance moves -- including the moonwalk -- as his singing.

Dave Hogan-Getty Images

Jackson performs during the Super Bowl Halftime Show in 1993.

George Rose-Getty Images

Jackson's videos were highly anticipated events. The premiere of his video "Black or White" gave Fox its highest rating ever to that point on Nov. 14, 1991.

Toru Yamanaka-AFP/Getty Images

Jackson is survived by three children: Michael Joseph Jackson, Jr., Paris Michael Katherine Jackson and Prince "Blanket" Michael Jackson II.

AFP/Getty Images

In 1994, Jackson married Lisa Marie Presley, the daughter of fellow pop music icon Elvis Presley. The marriage lasted less than two years.

Kim Kulish-AFP/Getty Images

Jackson and former South African President Nelson Mandela in Pretoria, South Africa, in 1996.

Adil Bradlow-AP

Jackson won 13 Grammy Awards and had 13 No. 1 singles in his career. He was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, both as a solo artist and as a member of the Jackson 5.

Reuters

Jackson had a long-standing friendship with actress Elizabeth Taylor. She is godmother to two of his children.

Chris Pizzello-AP

Jackson performs during his "HIStory" tour. The 1995 double album sold more than 20 million copies worldwide, making it the second-highest grossing album of his career. He would never again have as much chart success.

Dave Hogan-Getty Images

The last decade of Jackson's life was filled with legal turmoil. Here he is seen testifying at a trial in which he was accused of cancelling concert appearances, costing the promoter several million dollars. It would not be his final appearance in court.

Los Angeles Times-AFP/Getty Images

Jackson accepts the Performer of the Millennium at the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards. Jackson's videos were crucial in helping MTV expand its audience in the 1980s.

Timothy A. Clary-AFP

In one example of the bizarre behavior that marked Jackson's final years, he is seen here dangling his child Prince "Blanket" Michael Jackson II from a third floor balcony in Berlin in 2002.

Tobias Schwarz-Reuters

Jackson's Nov. 2003 police mug shot from when he was booked on suspicion of child molestation. In June 2005, Jackson was acquitted of all 10 charges of child molestation, including four counts of lewd conduct. He was also acquitted of three counts of conspiracy, one count of attempted molestation and four counts of plying his accuser with alcohol.

Robyn Beck-AFP/Getty Images

Jackson's bizarre dress, multiple plastic surgeries and legal issues dogged him during the past decade. Here is seen showing up late, in pajama pants, for his child molestation trial.

Pool-Reuters

Jackson performs during the 2006 World Music Awards in London. Jackson was scheduled to perform 50 concerts in England in 2010.

MJ Kim-Getty Images

Gallery Credits:
Photo Editor Stephen Cook, Megan Rossman, Kate Napier, Troy Witcher Text Editor David Malitz, Andrea N. Browne Producer Stephen Cook

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This Story Investigators in Jackson's Death Turn Attention To His Doctor Article \| LOS ANGELES, June 27 -- Michael Jackson always had an entourage. It just never was the same one twice. Mourning the Loss of Michael Jackson 'King of Pop' Michael Jackson Dies at Age 50 The Career of Michael Jackson, King of Pop Michael Jackson Jackson Tribute Band Thrils 9:30 Raw Video: The Jackson 911 Call The Man in Our Mirror The Dancing: That Precision, Grace -- and a Wicked Groove Jackson Concert Opens a 10-Year-Old's World INTERACTIVE: A Guide to Jackson's Life: INTERACTIVE: A Guide to Jackson's Life Full Coverage: Full Coverage This Story Object of Acclaim, Curiosity, The 'King of Pop' Dies in L.A. Article \| Michael Jackson, 50, died yesterday in Los Angeles as sensationally as he lived, as famous as a human being can get. He was a child Motown phenomenon who grew into a moonwalking megastar, the self-anointed King of Pop who sold 750 million records over his career and enjoyed worldwide adoration. The Culture: Long Before 'Thriller,' Jackson Shattered Racial Barriers MICHAEL JACKSON 1958-2009: The Music: Through the Years, He Crossed Generational Lines MICHAEL JACKSON 1958-2009: The Reaction: Fans and Foes Have Strong Opinions on Icon's Death INTERACTIVE: A History of MJ Post Rock: Michael Jackson Dies Separating the Artist From the Man Celebritology: Share Your Michael Jackson Memories Achenblog: The Soundtrack of Our Lives Post Mortem: Jackson's 'Victory' in D.C.: The Post Looks Back JACKSON DISCOGRAPHY Networks Take on 'a Night of Heartbreak' Reaction to Michael Jackson Death Raw Video: Jackson's Moves Celebrated, Imitated Michael Jackson Dies at 50 First Person: Michael Jackson's Musical Impact Mourning the Loss of Michael Jackson 'King of Pop' Michael Jackson Dies at Age 50 : Michael Jackson: His Life and Times This Story Coroner: No Sign of Trauma, Foul Play in Jackson's Death Article \| As thousands gathered and wept near Michael Jackson's star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame, Los Angeles authorities yesterday bore down on the grim task of learning what killed the pop superstar, at 50, as he was about to embark on a lucrative 50-concert comeback tour. The Eerie, but Rocking, Show Must Go On The Dancing: That Precision, Grace -- and a Wicked Groove The Man in Our Mirror A Man Whose Talents Far Outweighed His Eccentricities King of Pop Was Known Worldwide The Fashion: A Star Whose Sense of Style Never Grew Up Jackson Concert Opens a 10-Year-Old's World INTERACTIVE: A Guide to Jackson's Life: INTERACTIVE: A Guide to Jackson's Life 'King of Pop' Michael Jackson Dies at Age 50 The Career of Michael Jackson, King of Pop Michael Jackson Jackson Tribute Band Thrils 9:30 Raw Video: The Jackson 911 Call Your Memories: Your Memories This Story A Generation Gap Unbridged By Jackson's Life, and Death Article \| LOS ANGELES, June 28 -- Squinting at the crowds lining up on Sunday to view Michael Jackson's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame , 15-year-old Olivia Holiman had a simple reaction: "What's the big deal?" The Man in the Mirror Loathed His Reflection The Career of Michael Jackson, King of Pop Mourning the Loss of Michael Jackson 'King of Pop' Michael Jackson Dies at Age 50 Michael Jackson Jackson Tribute Band Thrils 9:30 Raw Video: The Jackson 911 Call INTERACTIVE: Michael Jackson Through the Years Full Coverage: Michael Jackson This Story Object of Acclaim, Curiosity, The 'King of Pop' Dies in L.A. Article \| Michael Jackson, 50, died yesterday in Los Angeles as sensationally as he lived, as famous as a human being can get. He was a child Motown phenomenon who grew into a moonwalking megastar, the self-anointed King of Pop who sold 750 million records over his career and enjoyed worldwide adoration. Coroner: No Sign of Trauma, Foul Play in Jackson's Death Michael Jackson's Musical Legacy Will Endure : Michael Jackson: Musical History 'King of Pop' Michael Jackson Dies at Age 50 MICHAEL JACKSON 1958-2009: The Music: Through the Years, He Crossed Generational Lines INTERACTIVE: A History of MJ		TOOLBOX E-Mail This Save/Share + Digg Facebook Reddit Twitter myspace del.icio.us NewsTrust Stumble It! COMMENT 0 Comments Your browser's settings may be preventing you from commenting on and viewing comments about this item. See instructions for fixing the problem. Discussion Policy CLOSE Comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions. You are fully responsible for the content that you post. Who's Blogging » Links to this gallery		Related Mourning the Loss of Michael Jackson Photos \| Family, friends and fans around the world react to the death of music icon Michael Jackson. The Career of Michael Jackson, King of Pop Photos \| A glimpse into Michael Jackson's more than 40-year career, from the height of musical stardom to his bizarre personal life and sex scandal. Michael Jackson in Washington Farrah Fawcett: 1947 - 2009
» This Story:Read +\|Watch +\| Comments » This Story:Read +\|Watch +\|Talk +\| Comments » This Story:Read +\|Watch +\| Comments » This Story:Read +\|Watch +\| Comments » This Story:Read +\|Watch +\|Talk +\| Comments

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This Story Investigators in Jackson's Death Turn Attention To His Doctor Article \| LOS ANGELES, June 27 -- Michael Jackson always had an entourage. It just never was the same one twice. Mourning the Loss of Michael Jackson 'King of Pop' Michael Jackson Dies at Age 50 The Career of Michael Jackson, King of Pop Michael Jackson Jackson Tribute Band Thrils 9:30 Raw Video: The Jackson 911 Call The Man in Our Mirror The Dancing: That Precision, Grace -- and a Wicked Groove Jackson Concert Opens a 10-Year-Old's World INTERACTIVE: A Guide to Jackson's Life: INTERACTIVE: A Guide to Jackson's Life Full Coverage: Full Coverage This Story Object of Acclaim, Curiosity, The 'King of Pop' Dies in L.A. Article \| Michael Jackson, 50, died yesterday in Los Angeles as sensationally as he lived, as famous as a human being can get. He was a child Motown phenomenon who grew into a moonwalking megastar, the self-anointed King of Pop who sold 750 million records over his career and enjoyed worldwide adoration. The Culture: Long Before 'Thriller,' Jackson Shattered Racial Barriers MICHAEL JACKSON 1958-2009: The Music: Through the Years, He Crossed Generational Lines MICHAEL JACKSON 1958-2009: The Reaction: Fans and Foes Have Strong Opinions on Icon's Death INTERACTIVE: A History of MJ Post Rock: Michael Jackson Dies Separating the Artist From the Man Celebritology: Share Your Michael Jackson Memories Achenblog: The Soundtrack of Our Lives Post Mortem: Jackson's 'Victory' in D.C.: The Post Looks Back JACKSON DISCOGRAPHY Networks Take on 'a Night of Heartbreak' Reaction to Michael Jackson Death Raw Video: Jackson's Moves Celebrated, Imitated Michael Jackson Dies at 50 First Person: Michael Jackson's Musical Impact Mourning the Loss of Michael Jackson 'King of Pop' Michael Jackson Dies at Age 50 : Michael Jackson: His Life and Times This Story Coroner: No Sign of Trauma, Foul Play in Jackson's Death Article \| As thousands gathered and wept near Michael Jackson's star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame, Los Angeles authorities yesterday bore down on the grim task of learning what killed the pop superstar, at 50, as he was about to embark on a lucrative 50-concert comeback tour. The Eerie, but Rocking, Show Must Go On The Dancing: That Precision, Grace -- and a Wicked Groove The Man in Our Mirror A Man Whose Talents Far Outweighed His Eccentricities King of Pop Was Known Worldwide The Fashion: A Star Whose Sense of Style Never Grew Up Jackson Concert Opens a 10-Year-Old's World INTERACTIVE: A Guide to Jackson's Life: INTERACTIVE: A Guide to Jackson's Life 'King of Pop' Michael Jackson Dies at Age 50 The Career of Michael Jackson, King of Pop Michael Jackson Jackson Tribute Band Thrils 9:30 Raw Video: The Jackson 911 Call Your Memories: Your Memories This Story A Generation Gap Unbridged By Jackson's Life, and Death Article \| LOS ANGELES, June 28 -- Squinting at the crowds lining up on Sunday to view Michael Jackson's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame , 15-year-old Olivia Holiman had a simple reaction: "What's the big deal?" The Man in the Mirror Loathed His Reflection The Career of Michael Jackson, King of Pop Mourning the Loss of Michael Jackson 'King of Pop' Michael Jackson Dies at Age 50 Michael Jackson Jackson Tribute Band Thrils 9:30 Raw Video: The Jackson 911 Call INTERACTIVE: Michael Jackson Through the Years Full Coverage: Michael Jackson This Story Object of Acclaim, Curiosity, The 'King of Pop' Dies in L.A. Article \| Michael Jackson, 50, died yesterday in Los Angeles as sensationally as he lived, as famous as a human being can get. He was a child Motown phenomenon who grew into a moonwalking megastar, the self-anointed King of Pop who sold 750 million records over his career and enjoyed worldwide adoration. Coroner: No Sign of Trauma, Foul Play in Jackson's Death Michael Jackson's Musical Legacy Will Endure : Michael Jackson: Musical History 'King of Pop' Michael Jackson Dies at Age 50 MICHAEL JACKSON 1958-2009: The Music: Through the Years, He Crossed Generational Lines INTERACTIVE: A History of MJ		TOOLBOX E-Mail This Save/Share + Digg Facebook Reddit Twitter myspace del.icio.us NewsTrust Stumble It! COMMENT 0 Comments Your browser's settings may be preventing you from commenting on and viewing comments about this item. See instructions for fixing the problem. Discussion Policy CLOSE Comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions. You are fully responsible for the content that you post. Who's Blogging » Links to this gallery		Related Mourning the Loss of Michael Jackson Photos \| Family, friends and fans around the world react to the death of music icon Michael Jackson. The Career of Michael Jackson, King of Pop Photos \| A glimpse into Michael Jackson's more than 40-year career, from the height of musical stardom to his bizarre personal life and sex scandal. Michael Jackson in Washington Farrah Fawcett: 1947 - 2009
» This Story:Read +\|Watch +\| Comments » This Story:Read +\|Watch +\|Talk +\| Comments » This Story:Read +\|Watch +\| Comments » This Story:Read +\|Watch +\| Comments » This Story:Read +\|Watch +\|Talk +\| Comments