Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American recording artist, entertainer and businessman. The seventh child of the Jackson family , he made his debut onto the professional music scene in 1968 at the age of 11 as a member of The Jackson 5. He then began a solo career in 1971 while still a member of the group. Referred to as the "King of Pop" in subsequent years, his 1982 album Thriller remains the world's best selling album of all time and four of his other solo studio albums are among the world's best-selling records:Off the Wall (1979), Bad (1987), Dangerous (1991) and HIStory (1995).
In the early 1980s, he 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 Jackson an enduring staple on MTV in the 1990s. With stage performances and music videos, Jackson 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 across several generations.
Jackson donated and raised millions of dollars for beneficial causes through his foundations, charity singles, and support of 39 charities. Other aspects of his personal life, including his often changing appearances and eccentric behavior, generated significant controversy which damaged 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. The singer had experienced health concerns since the early 1990s and conflicting reports regarding the state of his finances since the late 1990s. Jackson married twice and fathered three children, actions which caused further controversy. In 2005, Jackson was tried and acquitted of further sexual abuse allegations and several other charges.
Michael Jackson Death
It has been confirmed Michael Jackson is dead, aged 50 years, passing away Thursday 25th June at around 2.26pm. As news sources reported I personally could still not take in the news. Only when seeing Michael's elder brother Jermaine Jackson speaking to the press did it start to sink in. Michael suffered what is believed to have been a cardiac arrest at his home. They tried to resuscitate him at his home and also when paramedics arrived, as well as at the hospital, trying in vain for 1 hour to revive him.
A cardiac arrest is when the heart stops beating, it does not mean he had heart attack, or though these can be the cause of a cardiac arrest. The coroners are expected to find out the cause of death within the next 24 -48 hours.
Many rumours abound, many seem to be linked to the use of pain killers. Due to toxicology tests to be carried out it is likely to take 6 - 8 weeks before cause of death is known.
May our prays and thoughts be with Michael Jackson, a single father of 3children, his familyincluding his mother and father and all extended family and true friends.
My thoughts are also with the many millions of devasted Michael Jackson fans from around the world. I know how you feel.
(message:
Michael Jackson's death has made all the people of the world unite appreciate his talent in this world. Indeed, the death will come without us knowing.)