At about 12:30 p.m. Pacific time, word broke about Michael Jackson being rushed to the hospital having suffered a heart attack. Initial reports stated that he was found in his home unresponsive and that CPR had been given him on the way to the hospital. He was taken to the UCLA Medical center where he was pronounced dead.
NBC news, the Associated Press and the Los Angeles Times have confirmed that Michael Jackson has died. The shocking loss of this music legend comes as a huge surprise not just to his fans and public as a whole, but even those close to Jackson seem bewildered at his passing stating that he was both in great spirits and in good health.
Reports state that Jackson had been meeting with a personal trainer in order to prepare himself for his upcoming world tour. According to MSNBC, Jackson and his managers had even discussed adding extra tour dates.
Early Career
Michael Jackson began his career as a member of the Jackson 5 in 1966 along with his four older brothers. With hit songs like "I Want You Back", "ABC", "The Love You Save", and "I'll Be There", The Jackson 5 were one of the biggest acts not just on the Motown label, but in pop music as a whole.
Little Michael Goes Solo
In 1971, while still in the group with his brothers, Jackson began his solo career. His 1979 Off The Wall album produced several hits - "Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough", "Rock with You", "Workin' Day and Night", "Off the Wall", and "She's out of My Life", but it was the 1982 album Thriller -the biggest selling record of all time - that made him the superstar that he was. "Beat it", “Billie Jean", "Thriller", "Wanna be Starting Something", “PYT", and "The Girl is Mine" would all go on to be Billboard topping hits.
Not only was music changed in his wake, but dance and performance can also be measured using a pre and post Michael Jackson gauge. At the 1983 Motown 25 year celebration, Michael Jackson debut a revolutionary new dance move, the moonwalk. All who witnessed it, whether it was live or on television, knew that they had just witnessed something amazing.
Aside from the multitude of Grammy’s and number one singles that he accrued throughout his 40 year long career, he also possessed a number of Guinness World Records: "Most Successful Entertainer of All Time" being one of them.
How Will He Be Remembered
Michael Jackson - who leaves behind three young children - had many well known eccentricities and very public problems throughout his life, especially recently. In 2005, he stood trial and was acquitted of child molestation. So many people who admired his musical genius, hope that he's remembered for the great performer and musician that was and not for the sideshow that marred the latter years of his life.
Sources:
NBC News
MSNBC News
Billboard Chart History
