Michael Jackson was an American performer and international pop music legend whose career spanned 40 years, from his early years with his siblings in the Jackson 5 through his later solo endeavors. Widely known as the King of Pop, Jackson was just 50 years old at the time of his sudden and unexpected death on June 25, 2009.
In the early years of his solo career, specifically in the 1970s and ’80s, Jackson became an international pop music figure for his songwriting ability, creative dance moves and revolutionary approach to music videos, among other things. Overall, he sold more than an estimated 750 million records internationally, from his 1972 solo debut “Got to Be There” through his final record “Invincible” in 2001. His 1982 album “Thriller” remains the only record in history to have sold more than 100 million copies worldwide.
By the 1990s, Jackson’s musical genius began to be overshadowed by personal eccentricities and controversies. He grew more reclusive, even as his public appearances became more strange. Jackson was dogged by allegations of child sexual abuse, of which he was ultimately found innocent after a long and very public trial. In most recent years, though, his personal debt and extravagant lifestyle was the primary focus of the media. He was married twice, once briefly to Elvis Presley’s daughter Lisa Marie, and had three children.
At the time of his death, Jackson was in Los Angeles preparing for a comeback “This Is It!” concert series at the O2 Arena in London, ENG. Partnered with promoter AEG Live, Jackson originally announced plans for just ten performances. When demand for tickets far exceeded availability, the residency was extended to 50 dates from July 2009 through the early months of 2010. However, there were questions as to whether Jackson was physically and mentally fit for the lengthy engagement that swirled in the media even in the days leading up to his sudden death.
