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There is only one 'King of Pop' and his name is Michael Joseph Jackson.
The Gary, Indiana native was the consummate entertainer, with a music catalog that spans nearly half a century.
A childhood musical prodigy, he entered the public's heart as the pint-sized lead singer of the family band, the Jackson 5. From humble beginnings and a highly talented musical family, as well, Jackson went on to attain some of the highest honors in music and solidify himself as one of the greatest entertainers the world has ever seen.
Sadly, he passed away June 25, 2009 and although his physical presence is no longer with us; his musical legacy lives on.
Aug. 29 would've marked the King of Pop's 52nd birthday. Blackvoices.com celebrates the life and times of the man, the myth, the legend. Join us.
MJ Through The Years
Remembering Michael Jackson
June 25, 2009 marked the passing of the one and only "King of Pop." With over four decades in the spotlight, he never ceased to amaze us. Fittingly, we've witnessed his incredible highs and tragic lows with rapt attention. In tribute, we take a look at the life of pop music's greatest entertainer.
'Got To Be There'
Jackson, seen here during a 1972 'Top of the Pops' television appearance, was poised for greatness. During that year, he released a total of four solo studio albums with the Motown Records label, among them 'Got to Be There' and 'Ben.'
'I'll Be There'
During the mid-1970s, Michael Jackson evolved from kiddy-pop singer to teen music sensation. Not only did he achieve sterling success with his varied solo projects, the Gary, Indiana native simultaneously recorded hit records with his brothers under their new moniker, The Jacksons.
'Greatest Show On Earth'
Jackson played the Scarecrow in the 1978 film, 'The Wiz,' an elaborate re-envisioning of 'The Wizard of Oz,' directed by Sidney Lumet and starring a cavalcade of the biggest black celebrities of the time, most notably Diana Ross as Dorothy, Nipsey Russell as The Tin Man, Ted Ross as The Cowardly Lion, Lena Horne as Glenda The Good Witch and Richard Pryor in the title role.
'We've Got A Good Thing Going'
Jackson-- pictured here in 1980 reportedly after breaking his nose during a complex dance routine leading to his initial rhinoplasty surgeries -- was riding a wave of success from the Quincy Jones-produced 'Off The Wall' album. It sold millions of copies and garnered a slew of awards, including American Music Awards, Billboard Awards and a Grammy Award.
'Pretty Young Thing'
Jackson was considered a heartthrob to many of his female fans. During his heyday as an adult solo artist, he made the scene with and was romantically linked to a slew of celebrity women, including Stephanie Mills, Tatum O'Neal and Brooke Shields, whom he is pictured with February 7, 1984.
'Come Together'
In 1980, The Jacksons released the 'Triumph' album, featuring the hits "Lovely One" and "Can You Feel It." Their live opus, which followed the next year, used recordings from the group's "Triumph Tour," which was later described by as one of the best 25 tours from 1967 to 1987.
'Thriller'
Jackson posed with a group of dancers dressed as zombies while filming his groundbreaking 1983 music video, 'Thriller,' in Los Angeles. The 13-minute film was helmed by 'An American Werewolf in London' director John Landis and featured choreography by award-winning hoofer Michael Peters. Make-up FX wiz Rick Baker transformed Jackson into a werewolf and a zombie.
'Unbreakable'
A force to be reckoned with, Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones (who also produced the soundtrack for 'The Wiz,' and the 'Off the Wall' album) made history with the 'Thriller' opus. Thriller was first recognized as the world's best-selling album on February 7, 1984, when it was inducted into the 'Guinness Book of World Records.' On February 28, 1984, the two dynamos were awarded the Grammy for "Producer of the Year." That evening, Jackson made history as the first artist to win eight of the coveted statues in one year.
'Remember The Time'
In 1984, The Jacksons released the album 'Victory' and supported the project with the massively successful world tour. Shortly after the jaunt, Michael Jackson left the group as his 'Thriller' album started to gain momentum.
Comments: (38)
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By: gheesie22 on 8/29/2010 6:47PM
Michael Jackson was a great artist. Let us remember
him as human and be glad that he lived among us.
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By: Dorothy on 8/29/2010 9:51PM
I agree with you Trina I think that Michael Jackson would not fake his own death and hurt all the people that he love. We were with Michael Jackson for so long and it was the same as knowing him in our person lives. I love you Michael and may you rest in peace. Dee
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By: mslalagirl on 8/29/2010 11:28PM
Yes, MJ is going and some may not believe it, but he is gone. Even though it is hard for us to believe,but Mike has done something we all will eventually do, die. And the people whom knows us will say the same thing, "I cant believe he/she is dead,so accept it and keep keep keeping on. Life goes on. One thing we all know, NO ONE could ever hurt him again. Rest In Peace, Mike. We love and misses you.
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By: Shineek on 8/30/2010 1:08AM
At first I didn't believe he was gone. Now I do honestly believe he is really dead. It's so crazy because it honestly feels like I lost a family member. You never know how much of an impact someone has until they are gone. If by chance people are right and he is not dead, I can truly understand why he faked his death. He lived a life where criticism was apart of his daily life. Even in death, he is still being criticized. He deserves peace...thats what he wanted for the world and thats what he should have. Regardless of what, I love Mike and it breaks my heart every time I hear about him. I hope your at peace Mike...love you!
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By: ukno on 8/30/2010 2:45AM
Even reading on television where is states Michael Joseph Jackson 1958-2009 is so surreal like it's not suppose to be there but it is. I never thought 2009 would be such a hard year for me. WE LOST MICHAEL JUNE 25/ I LOST ONE OF MY HIGH SCHOOL FRIENDS SHE WAS JUST 34 AUG. 23 / AND I LOST MY GRANDMOTHER DEC. 12. If anyone would have told me any of that I wouldn't have believe ANY of it. I didn't know what my grandmother was talking about when she said "EVERY YEAR CARRIES A NUMBER" and there's a gospel hymn that goes with that phrase and the other part of it says "LOOK AROUND LOOK AROUND SOMEBODY'S GONE THAT WAS HERE LAST YEAR". Living LIFE to witness DEATH is never be easy for anyone. I hate the hatred people carries daily that gets into the human body and spreads like a incurable disease. HEAVEN AWAITS ALL OF US WHOM IS RIGHTEOUS IN OUR HEARTS IN GOD'S EYES. Michael's talent and spirit fed the soul like so many other artists did and still do. WE WILL ALWAYS CARRY HIS LIGHT IN OUR HEARTS EVEN THE ONES WHO SPEAKS ILL OF HIM B/C GOD GAVE HIM TO US SO IT COULD. WE WILL LOVE MICHAEL JOSEPH JACKSON ALWAYS.
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By: She on 8/30/2010 3:38AM
Your God given talents will be missed, you were truly a gift. You were used by God to touch hearts and souls of people. You were misunderstood, taken for granted, lied on abused, misused and mistreated. No weapon formed against you shall prosper and every tongue that has risen up against you in judgment shall be found to be in the wrong and is condemned. Rest, and know that there are those of us who understood you and knew what your mission here on earth was. You were taken too soon and those responsible, shall surely pay. I always remember our time, I love you and always will.
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By: secph on 8/30/2010 5:26PM
I'm old enough to remember when Elvis died and it took a decade or more for his fans to finally admit he was gone. Michael compared himself to Elvis and always said he would have the same fate. I believe that you speak your fate into existence. It may take a decade or more for Michael's die hard fans to accept that he is really gone. When a person has that much influence and loved by millions they are definitely heaven sent. RIP Michael.
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By: slimmdiva on 8/31/2010 12:07PM
I love you MICHAEL! We all miss you.
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