The World has lost a one of its greatest treasures on Thursday, June 25 2009. Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was and will always remain the King Of Pop. The seventh child of the Jackson family, he made his début to the professional music scene at the age of 11 as a member of The Jackson 5 in 1969, and began a solo career in 1971 while still a member of the group. The King of Pop in subsequent years, his 1982 album Thriller was the world's best-selling record of all time and four other solo studio albums are also among the world's best-selling records: Off the Wall (1979), Bad (1987), Dangerous (1991) and HIStory (1995).
In the early 1980s, MJ became a dominant figure in popular music and the first African American entertainer to amass a strong crossover following on MTV. The popularity of his music videos airing on MTV, such as "Beat It", "Billie Jean" and "Thriller" — widely credited with transforming the music video from a promotional tool into an art form — helped bring the relatively new channel to fame. Videos such as "Black or White" and "Scream" made MJ an enduring staple on MTV in the 1990s. With stage performances and music videos, he popularized a number of physically complicated dance techniques, such as the robot and the moonwalk. His distinctive musical sound and vocal style influenced many hip hop, pop and contemporary R&B artists. While MJ was a member of Generation Jones he had an impact on multiple generations.
MJ donated and raised millions of dollars for beneficial causes through his foundation, charity singles and support of 39 charities. Other aspects of his personal life, including his changing appearance and behavior, generated significant controversy, damaging his public image. Though he was accused of child sexual abuse in 1993, the criminal investigation was closed due to lack of evidence and Jackson was not charged. He married twice and fathered three children In 2005, Michael was tried and acquitted of further sexual abuse allegations and several other charges.
Michael is one of the few artists to have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, his other achievements include multiple Guinness World Records—including one for "Most Successful Entertainer of All Time"—13 Grammy Awards, 13 number one singles in his solo career, more than any other male artist in the Hot 100 era, and the sale of 750 million records worldwide.Michael's highly publicized personal life, coupled with his successful career, made him a part of popular culture for almost four decades.
Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009, aged 50 and was re-born instantly in the hearts of his fan and this day will and the King of Pop will never be forgotten.
May you rest in peace Michael, you will be missed.
Sattie.
