The world's most popular, controversial, innovative and universal figure, Michael Jackson, died yesterday, June 25th, 2009. It was reported that the King of Pop was found in his Holmby Hills, CA rental not breathing around 12:30 PM- paramedics noted that Jackson was in cardiac arrest at the scene. After over an hour of resuscitative efforts, Michael Jackson was pronounced dead- the actual cause of death has yet to be determined.
Despite the controversy and oddball bouts with the law, Michael Jackson has left quite a legacy in his wake, one that may never be topped. Michael was just 5 years old when he began his career, joining 4 brothers in the pop sensation- The Jackson 5, which produced hits like "I Want You Back," "ABC" and "I'll Be There." Under the strict and often abusive direction of their father, the Jackson 5 topped the charts and provided a platform for Michael's solo fame.
During his solo career this Hollywood Walk of Famer is not only a two time inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, he also holds many Guinness World Records for his 13 number one singles, 13 Grammy Awards and his unsurpassed record sales. His 1982 record Thriller containing the hits "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin," "Thriller," "Beat It," "Billy Jean " and "P.Y.T" is still the best-selling record of all time.
Michael Jackson transcended racial barriers and influenced a legion of pop stars with his talent. Jackson has been named a "Musical Phenomenon" and has enjoyed unparalleled fame with what has been and what will always be the most unique voice in the pop music industry. Jackson's high tenor, characterized by vocal "hiccups," exhibit, according to critic Nelson George, "The grace, the aggression, the growling, the natural boyishness, the falsetto, the smoothness—that combination of elements mark him as a major vocalist".
Fans gathered outside of UCLA Medical Center where Jackson was pronounced dead, the Apollo Theater in NYC and the Motown Museum to pay tribute to the fallen star. Major social networking sites including Twitter and online news and gossip publications received an unforeseen surge of visitors that many sites crashed. The first site to report his death, TMZ, was quoted by major online newsgroups while his death was still under speculation.
Jackson was on the heels of his 02 Arena engagement in London that promised 50 shows to fans gathering from all four corners of the Earth. Quincy Jones had this to say about the tragedy- "I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news. For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don't have the words." Jackson will be sorely missed by both fans and stars alike.
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