Last Curtain Call – King of Pop Michael Jackson Dies

Pop music icon Michael Jackson died on Thursday, June 25th, 2009. An entertainment legend, Michael Jackson, was only 50 years old and died of an apparent massive heart attack.

Michael Jackson recorded the world’s best-selling album of all time – “Thriller”. Jackson has been in the media spotlight for several decades. Through his music, Michael successfully bridged the gap between R&B and mainstream pop.

Michael Jackson turned music videos into must-see TV and ignited dance crazes around the world. At the peak of Michael Jackson’s career, his pop stardom was undeniable. Jackson wowed us with dizzying dance moves. Sold out concert goers went crazy, singing and dancing to a non-stop string of Michael’s pop hits. His costumes are creative including the sparkled, single glove he wore.

At a very early age, Michael Jackson quickly became the main attraction and lead singer of the teen group – Jackson 5. The brothers were an instant success, releasing a string of No. 1 hit songs including – “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” The Love You Save” and “I’ll Be There.”

Michael Jackson eventually left the Jackson Five to begin a solo career. Jackson won his first Grammy award in 1980 for Best R&B Male Vocal Performance “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough”. That song came from his chart-topping “Off the Wall” album and was also in the running for Best Disco recording.

In November 1982, Michael Jackson released “Thriller”, his second solo effort as an adult. The record spent an amazing 37 weeks at No. 1. The album produced an unparalleled seven Top 10 singles.

The cutting edge video “Thriller” was released in 1982 and was a huge success for TV’s MTV. Director John Landis, helped elevate the upbeat music performance into a full-blown mini-movie. The creative musical video included zombie dance routines, faux gang fights, and a magical transformation of Michael into a werewolf. Michael Jackson was the first African American artist to be embraced by MTV.

In March of 1983, Michael Jackson debuted his famous moonwalk dance to the song “Billie Jean” on the TV special “Motown 25: Yesterday, Today and Forever.” Michael Jackson earned an Emmy nod for best performance in a variety or music program.

Jackson’s total of eight Grammy wins in one night broke the record set in 1965 by Roger Miller, who had won six Grammy awards, most for the country hit “King of the Road.” The eight Grammys awarded to “Thriller” was another record haul as well. Both of these achievements were tied by Santana and the album “Supernatural” in 1999.

Michael Jackson is a two-time inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, for both the Jackson 5 and a solo artist. Jackson was a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame and a 13-time Grammy winner. Michael Jackson had 13 solo No. 1 hits in addition to another four with the Jackson 5. The album “Thriller” alone, sold more than 27 million copies in the USA.

Here is a list of Michael’s Number One hits:
* 1972: “Ben” (1 week)
* 1979: “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” (1 week)
* 1980: “Rock with You” (4 weeks)
* 1983: “Billie Jean” (7 weeks)
* 1983: “Beat It” (3 weeks)
* 1983: “Say Say Say” (6 weeks)
* 1987: “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” (with Siedah Garrett) (1 week)
* 1987: “Bad” (2 weeks)
* 1987: “The Way You Make Me Feel” (1 week)
* 1988: “Man in the Mirror” (2 weeks)
* 1988: “Dirty Diana” (1 week)
* 1991: “Black or White” (7 weeks)
* 1995: “You Are Not Alone” (1 week)

Has also part of the 1985 number one hit “We Are The World” (4 weeks).

But tarnishing Michael Jackson’s image and possibly his legacy, was the turbulent trouble he endured. Jackson was in the media spotlight with years of tabloid exposes, bizarre behavior, artistic flops, financial crises, cosmetic surgeries, health issues and child sex abuse scandals.

The King Of Pop is survived by Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11, and 7-year-old Prince Michael II, known fondly by the singer as “Blanket”.

There will likely never be another performer like Michael Jackson. But above everything else, Michael Jackson’s music will be remembered forever and one of pop music’s greatest talents ever.

Tagged as: Jackson 5, Michael Jackson, Micheal Jackson, Thriller