Regardless of the troubles he faced in his personal life, there is no question that Michael Jackson revolutionized music throughout the entire world. His 1982 album Thriller is the world's best-selling record of all time, and four other solo studio albums are also among the world's best-selling records: Off the Wall (1979), Bad (1987), Dangerous (1991) and HIStory (1995).
Arguably the most talented entertainer of our time, the “King of Pop” holds multiple Guinness World Records–including one for “Most Successful Entertainer of All Time” – 13 Grammy Awards, 13 number one singles in his solo career, and the sale of 750 million records worldwide.
As Michael passed yesterday, June 25, 2009 at the age of 50, the world lost one of it's true pop icons. In this photo set, we celebrate his life, his legacy, and most of all, his music.
This photos was taken in the early 1970s at the Jackson home in Encino, California.
At the time of this photo the Jackson 5 had already recorded five number one hits.
Jackson (centre) performs with his elder brothers (from left) Marlon, Tito, Jackie and Jermaine Jackson in Los Angeles in 1972 for the “Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour”.
It was for album-title track “Thriller”, the biggest selling of all time, that Jackson donned the unforgettable red leather jacket, accentuated at the shoulders with flashes of black, to dance alongside the cast of the living dead.
Michael with Thriller Producer Quincy Jones.
Diana Ross with Jackson at the 1984 AM Music awards. Jackson won eight awards, including favorite male vocalist and favorite album for the top-selling Thriller.
With his first wife Lisa Marie Presley in 1994.
With his second wife Debbie Rowe in 1996.
With Sister Janet Jackson.
With longtime friend and supporter Elizabeth Taylor.
Princess Diana and Michael share a special moment in July 1988 during Jackson's concert for for the Prince's Trust at Wembley.
Jackson performes to millions across the world in a metallic gold and silver bodysuit, complete with crotch-grazing leg armor.
Michael Jackson's last public appearance, March 5th, 2009.
