DUBAI (Al Arabiya)
Michael Jackson passed away aged 50 on June 25 after he suffered a fatal heart attack, signalling the end of an era for music buffs across the world, which struggled to come to terms with the loss of the world's undisputed "King of Pop."
Following is a factbox on Jackson's life:
A young Michael with his brothers in the Jackson 5 Born in Indiana on August 29, Jackson was the seventh of nine children and seemed destined for greatness as at just six-years-old he and four of his brothers -- Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Marlon -- first performed together at a talent show and walked off with first prize.
Their group later became the hugely succesful Jackson 5 launching the musical genius that Jackson was to become. Jackson made his first solo album in 1972 but it wasn’t until the 1982 release of smash hit album "Thriller," which yielded seven top-ten singles did Jackson truly become a star, |
The Thriller album is the top selling album of all time The "Thriller" album sold 21 million copies in the United States and at least 27 million worldwide and the next year, Jackson unveiled his signature "moonwalk" dance move while performing "Billie Jean" during an NBC special.
Jackson's lifetime record sales tally is believed to be about 750 million, which, added to the 13 Grammy Awards he has received, makes him one of the most successful entertainers of all time. |
Jackson with an unidentified boy in 1999 But unfortunately for Jackson his personal life seemed to get in the way of his musical success and in 1993, Jackson was accused of sexually abusing a 13-year-old boy and police raided his California ranch "Neverland." Jackson reached a settlement in 1994, later reported to be $23 million, with the family of the boy he was accused of abusing.
Also in 1993 Jackson announced he had become addicted to painkillers and abruptly canceled a world tour to promote his "Dangerous" album. |
The infamous shot of Jackson dangling his baby over the baby for fans to see In 1994, Jackson married Elvis Presley's only child, Lisa Marie, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1996. Jackson married Debbie Rowe the same year and had two children, before splitting in 1999. The couple never lived together.
Jackson has three children named Prince Michael I, Paris Michael and Prince Michael II, known for his brief public appearance when his father held him over the railing of a hotel balcony, causing widespread criticism. |
Jackson with his then wife Lisa Marie Presley in 1994 A television documentary "Living with Michael Jackson" was aired in 2003, saying that Jackson still had sleepovers with young boys and had his third child with a surrogate mother. Jackson aired his own rebuttal.
Jackson went on trial in 2005 on charges of molesting a 13-year-old boy in 2003, as well as conspiring to abduct the boy. The singer faced nearly 20 years in prison if convicted. |
Jackson has recieved 13 Grammy Awards The four-month trial ended in June 2005 with his being acquitted of all charges. Jackson has spent time in Bahrain, Ireland and France since the child molestation case ended.
After several false dawns, Jackson and music promoter AEG Live announced he would perform 50 concerts at London's O2 Arena. Jackson had been due to start the concerts on July 13. Jackson had been rehearsing in the Los Angeles area for the London shows, which sold out within hours of within hours of going on sale in March. |
