* Michael Jackson Dead *

CNN) -- Michael Jackson, the show-stopping singer whose best-selling albums -- including "Off the Wall," "Thriller" and "Bad" -- and electrifying stage presence made him one of the most popular artists of all time, died Thursday, CNN has confirmed.

Michael Jackson, shown in 2008, was one of the biggest pop stars in history.

He was 50.

He collapsed at his residence in the Holmby Hills section of Los Angeles, California, about noon Pacific time, suffering cardiac arrest, according to brother Randy Jackson. He died at UCLA Medical Center.

Lt. Fred Corral of the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office said an autopsy would probably be done on the singer Friday, with results expected that afternoon. Watch crowds gather at Jackson's hospital »

"Michael Jackson made culture accept a person of color," the Rev. Al Sharpton said. "To say an 'icon' would only give these young people in Harlem a fraction of what he was. He was a historic figure that people will measure music and the industry by."

Jackson's blazing rise to stardom -- and later fall from grace -- is among the most startling of show business tales. The son of a steelworker, he rose to fame as the lead singer of the Jackson 5, a band he formed with his brothers in the late 1960s. By the late '70s, as a solo artist, he was topping the charts with cuts from "Off the Wall," including "Rock With You" and "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough." Watch Jackson perform at a 1988 concert »

In 1982, he released "Thriller," an album that eventually produced seven hit singles. An appearance the next year on a Motown Records 25th-anniversary special cemented his status as the biggest star in the country. Timeline: The life of Michael Jackson »

For the rest of the 1980s, they came no bigger. "Thriller's" follow-up, 1987's "Bad," sold almost as many copies. A new Jackson album -- a new Jackson appearance -- was a pop culture event. iReport: Share your memories of Michael Jackson

The pop music landscape was changing, however, opening up for rap, hip-hop and what came to be called "alternative" -- and Jackson was seen as out of step.

His next release, 1991's "Dangerous," debuted at No. 1 but "only" produced one top-ranking single -- "Black or White" -- and that song earned criticism for its inexplicably violent ending, in which Jackson was seen smashing car windows and clutching his crotch.

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And then "Dangerous" was knocked out of its No. 1 spot on the album charts by Nirvana's "Nevermind," an occurrence noted for its symbolism by rock critics.

After that, more attention was paid to Jackson's private life than his music career, which faltered. A 1995 two-CD greatest hits, "HIStory," sold relatively poorly, given the huge expense of Jackson's recording contract: about 7 million copies, according to Recording Industry of America certifications.

A 2001 album of new material, "Invincible," did even worse.

In 2005, he went to trial on child-molestation charges. He was acquitted.

In July 2008, after three years away from the spotlight, Jackson announced a series of concerts at London's O2 Arena as his "curtain call." Some of the shows, initially scheduled to begin in July, were eventually postponed until 2010. Watch the reaction to Jackson's passing

Rise to stardom

Michael Jackson was born August 29, 1958, to Joe Jackson, a Gary, Indiana, steelworker, and his wife, Katherine. By the time he was 6, he had joined his brothers in a musical group organized by his father, and by the time he was 10, the group -- the Jackson 5 -- had been signed to Motown. Watch Michael Jackson's life in video

He made his first television appearance at age 11.

Jackson, a natural performer, soon became the group's front man. Music critic Langdon Winner, reviewing the group's first album, "Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5," for Rolling Stone, praised Michael's versatile singing and added, "Who is this 'Diana Ross,' anyway?"

The group's first four singles -- "I Want You Back," "ABC," "The Love You Save" and "I'll Be There" -- went to No. 1 on the Billboard pop chart, the first time any group had pulled off that feat. There was even a Jackson 5 cartoon series on ABC. Watch reaction from Motown Studios »

In 1972, he hit No. 1 as a solo artist with the song "Ben."

The group's popularity waned as the '70s continued, and Michael eventually went solo full time. He played the Scarecrow in the 1978 movie version of "The Wiz," and released the album "Off the Wall" in 1979. Its success paved the way for "Thriller," which eventually became the best-selling album in history, with 50 million copies sold worldwide.

At that point, Michael Jackson became ubiquitous.

Seven of "Thriller's" nine cuts were released as singles; all made the Top Ten. The then-new cable channel MTV, criticized for its almost exclusively white playlist, finally started playing Jackson's videos. They aired incessantly, including a 14-minute minimovie of the title cut. ("Weird Al" Yankovic cemented his own stardom by lampooning Jackson's song "Beat It" with a letter-perfect parody video.)

On the Motown Records' 25th-anniversary special -- a May 1983 TV extravaganza with notable turns by the Temptations, the Four Tops and Smokey Robinson -- it was Michael Jackson who stopped the show.

Already he was the most popular musician in America, riding high with "Thriller." But something about his electrifying performance of "Billie Jean," complete with the patented backward dance moves, boosted his stardom to a new level. Watch Jackson perform "Thiller" »

People copied his Jheri-curled hair and single-gloved, zippered-jacket look. Showbiz veterans such as Fred Astaire praised his chops. He posed for photos with Ronald and Nancy Reagan at the White House. Paul McCartney teamed with him on three duets, two of which -- "The Girl Is Mine" and "Say Say Say" -- became top five hits. Jackson became a Pepsi spokesman, and when his hair caught fire while making a commercial, it was worldwide news.

It all happened very fast -- within a couple years of the Motown special. But even at the time of the "Motown 25" moonwalk, fame was old hat to Michael Jackson. He hadn't even turned 25 himself, but he'd been a star for more than half his life. He was given the nickname the "King of Pop" -- a spin on Elvis Presley's status as "the King of Rock 'n' Roll" -- and few questioned the moniker.

Relentless attention

But, as the showbiz saying has it, when you're on top of the world, there's nowhere to go but down. The relentless attention given Jackson started focusing as much on his eccentricities -- some real, some rumored -- as his music.

As the Web site Allmusic.com notes, he was rumored to sleep in a hyperbaric chamber and to have purchased the bones of John Merrick, the "Elephant Man." (Neither was true.) He did have a pet chimpanzee, Bubbles; underwent a series of increasingly drastic plastic surgeries; established an estate, Neverland, filled with zoo animals and amusement park rides; and managed to purchase the Beatles catalog from under Paul McCartney's nose, which displeased the ex-Beatle immensely.

In 1990s and 2000s, Jackson found himself pasted across the media for his short-lived marriages, the first to Elvis Presley's daughter, Lisa Marie; his 2002 claim that then Sony Records head Tommy Mottola was racist; his behavior and statements during a 2003 interview with British journalist Martin Bashir done for a documentary called "Living With Michael Jackson;" his changing physical appearance; and, above all, the accusations that he sexually molested young boys at Neverland. Watch report on legacy on Michael Jackson »

The first such accusation, in 1993, resulted in a settlement to the 13-year-old accuser (rumored to be as high as $20 million), though no criminal charges were filed, Allmusic.com notes.

He also fell deeply in debt and was forced to sell some of his assets. Neverland was one of many holdings that went on the block. However, an auction of material from Neverland, scheduled for April, was called off and all items returned to Jackson.

Interest in Jackson never faded, however, even if some of it was prurient. In 2008, when he announced 10 comeback shows in London, beginning in July 2009, the story made worldwide news. The number of concerts was later increased to 50.

Seventy-five thousand tickets sold in four hours when they went on sale in March.

However, when the shows were postponed until 2010, rumors swept the Internet that Jackson was not physically prepared and possibly suffering from skin cancer. Watch discussion of his tough life, brilliant career »

At the time, the president and CEO of AEG Live, Randy Phillips, said, "He's as healthy as can be -- no health problems whatsover."

Jackson held open auditions for dancers in April in Los Angeles.

He is survived by his three children, Prince Michael I, Paris and Prince Michael

Nathan

updated 1 hour, 30 minutes agoMichael, you may be gone but NEVER will you be forgotten. I will play your song "You Are Not Alone" in rememberence. Rest In Peace MJ.
Michael, you may be gone but NEVER will you be forgotten. I will play your song "You Are Not Alone" in rememberence. Rest In Peace MJ. less

Heidi

updated 1 hour, 31 minutes agoWow...total shocker...really..Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and now Michael Jackson. I know these things happen in threes a lot..but wow...less than 48 hours and three major icons dead. Long live the "King of Pop". I was ...more
Wow...total shocker...really..Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and now Michael Jackson. I know these things happen in threes a lot..but wow...less than 48 hours and three major icons dead. Long live the "King of Pop". I wasn't a fan of his music much after the 80s, but he put on a show worth watching. I'd have paid to see him if I could have at any point done so. Wow...just totally blown away..we knew something wasn't right with Michael Jackson..its unfortunate that it turned out we may have been right..but he has not looked well for a long long time. Wow...just wow. less

JP

updated 1 hour, 31 minutes agooh Michael Jackson you lived more like a chameleon than any other human in recent times. Even through all of your shapes you still were a talent to be reckoned with and now even in death you will continue to thrill us ...more
oh Michael Jackson you lived more like a chameleon than any other human in recent times. Even through all of your shapes you still were a talent to be reckoned with and now even in death you will continue to thrill us all. Your philanthropy and notoriety im sure will never be matched for years to come. And no billie jean isnt my lover either less

Jason

updated 1 hour, 31 minutes agoOne word - UNBELIEVABLE! Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, has died. This is a sad day, not in just the world of music itself, but in the entire world. He was arguably one of the top 5 entertainers of ALL time.
...more
One word - UNBELIEVABLE! Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, has died. This is a sad day, not in just the world of music itself, but in the entire world. He was arguably one of the top 5 entertainers of ALL time.

I can't help but be saddened, and disturbed, in the events that haunted his last years. Certainly, most people will agree, he didn't fit the mold as what we think of as "everybody's all-american". However, it is these people, such as Michael, who don't fit the mold which make the world go 'round.

Unfortunately, a certain California prosecutor didn't feel this way. He was quoted as saying they had a "slam dunk" case against Michael several years ago involving child molestation. The prosecutor seemed to think it was his God-given job to make another human being's life a living hell.

Michael was aquitted, but not before the damage was done. No one should ever have to go through what he went through. He was judged, damaged, and spit on, all because he was different. Let's remember this whenever we judge someone or make spurious accusations. It's just plain wrong.

I pray for Michael that he may rest in peace, and for his family that their sorrows may be eased. Now he is in our God's loving and merciful hands. I will miss you, Michael. For one, I always understood you. less

SBP

updated 1 hour, 46 minutes agoDespite everything he was a great artist, excellent performer that deserves to be remebered because of those achievements. It is a sad day for the music industry and of course for his own family. My prayers are with them.
Despite everything he was a great artist, excellent performer that deserves to be remebered because of those achievements. It is a sad day for the music industry and of course for his own family. My prayers are with them. less

Felice

updated 1 hour, 46 minutes agoStress can really take a toll on one already so fragile. Thank you for your gift of music - Rest in peace.
Stress can really take a toll on one already so fragile. Thank you for your gift of music - Rest in peace. less

Shauna

updated 2 hours, 20 minutes agoThe world has lost a truely amazing and talented individual. The loss will be felt throughout the generations. May you find peace.
The world has lost a truely amazing and talented individual. The loss will be felt throughout the generations. May you find peace. less

Jim

updated 2 hours, 20 minutes agoI think it is in bad taste to show the "Thriller" video during this story. Michael Jackson had many other music videos that are just as iconic. Show "Beat It" or "Billie Jean" showing a zombie Jackson is tasteless.
I think it is in bad taste to show the "Thriller" video during this story. Michael Jackson had many other music videos that are just as iconic. Show "Beat It" or "Billie Jean" showing a zombie Jackson is tasteless. less

whatever

updated 2 hours, 21 minutes agoTo all who posts negative comments, say what you must but he was found NOT GUILTY in a court of law on all charges. He is with his maker now. May he rest in peace.
To all who posts negative comments, say what you must but he was found NOT GUILTY in a court of law on all charges. He is with his maker now. May he rest in peace. less

ANDi

updated 2 hours, 38 minutes agoR.I.P. legendary king of pop!
R.I.P. legendary king of pop! less

sully

updated 2 hours, 38 minutes agoSo sad, RIP michael!
So sad, RIP michael! less

QIANA

updated 2 hours, 38 minutes agoMICHEAL JACKSON WILL BE MISSED. THE BEST POP STAR IN HISTORY . I LOVE MIKE. R.I.P
MICHEAL JACKSON WILL BE MISSED. THE BEST POP STAR IN HISTORY . I LOVE MIKE. R.I.P less

Kristen Parcus

updated 2 hours, 39 minutes agoI remember back in the early 90's when aids was very new to us there was a boy who had aids and Michael befriended him and was by his side till the end. I've always admired him for the that. He was very big hearted and a great man and artist. R.I.P. Michael
I remember back in the early 90's when aids was very new to us there was a boy who had aids and Michael befriended him and was by his side till the end. I've always admired him for the that. He was very big hearted and a great man and artist. R.I.P. Michael less

Michael Becker

updated 2 hours, 39 minutes agoR.I.P. Michael ....... I will never forget
R.I.P. Michael ....... I will never forget less

David

updated 2 hours, 39 minutes agoWhat a superstar! Now he can finally have some peace.
What a superstar! Now he can finally have some peace. less

ris

updated 2 hours, 40 minutes agolong live the king of pop rock music
long live the king of pop rock music less

Debi

updated 2 hours, 40 minutes agoHe actually died Thursday...the first paragraph of your article states that he died Wed.
He actually died Thursday...the first paragraph of your article states that he died Wed. less

Josh

updated 2 hours, 42 minutes agoREST IN PEACE MICHAEL> "The King Of Pop". Bless your family. Cant believe it
REST IN PEACE MICHAEL> "The King Of Pop". Bless your family. Cant believe it less

Waidi Ifafore

updated 2 hours, 42 minutes agoThis is one of those moments that you will forever remember where you were when you heard the news.
For me, I was preparing for my daughter's graduation from high school.
Rest in peace Michael Jackson.
This is one of those moments that you will forever remember where you were when you heard the news.
For me, I was preparing for my daughter's graduation from high school.
Rest in peace Michael Jackson. less

Lisa

updated 2 hours, 42 minutes agoWow, two celebs in 1 day (Michael and Farrah). What a shocker!
Wow, two celebs in 1 day (Michael and Farrah). What a shocker! less

Nancy Gulotta

updated 2 hours, 42 minutes agoThere was such a strong magnatism about Michael that I;( being a 58 year old housewife); could watch him dance forever. I know he was always being talked about throughout his life. Whatever, it leaves me stunned and d ...more
There was such a strong magnatism about Michael that I;( being a 58 year old housewife); could watch him dance forever. I know he was always being talked about throughout his life. Whatever, it leaves me stunned and dissapointed. I was looking foreward to seeing him again. He will be missed and probably idolized; much like Elvis. NG less

Rey

updated 3 hours, 39 minutes agoIf you ever like any of MJ's music to honor him tomorrow wear black and one white glove!!! spead the word. Twitter, email etc!!
If you ever like any of MJ's music to honor him tomorrow wear black and one white glove!!! spead the word. Twitter, email etc!! less

CHERIE JOHNSON 1952

updated 3 hours, 39 minutes agoI will miss mike old song, especiall abc, and 'i want you back , I GREW UP WITH HIS MUSIC AT 11 YRS OLD DANCING IN MY BACK YARD
I will miss mike old song, especiall abc, and 'i want you back , I GREW UP WITH HIS MUSIC AT 11 YRS OLD DANCING IN MY BACK YARD less

Mallory

updated 3 hours, 39 minutes agoWell Even though he was young and ended up a little off his rocker He had some good songs so lets remember him not as the weird guy but for that kid that danced and sang and made us all sing our ABC's with Rhythm
Well Even though he was young and ended up a little off his rocker He had some good songs so lets remember him not as the weird guy but for that kid that danced and sang and made us all sing our ABC's with Rhythm less

Jared

updated 3 hours, 39 minutes agoIt is a sad day to loose such great talent, I wish his family and other loved ones my sympathy and wish them well. Although many of us may not have understood his life style and agreed with his choices, we can not al ...more
It is a sad day to loose such great talent, I wish his family and other loved ones my sympathy and wish them well. Although many of us may not have understood his life style and agreed with his choices, we can not always blame him for growing up in an environment that is not normal for any child. Let us always remember him for the great things that he did to unite us in music and brotherhood. May God continue to bless us with talents as great as Mr. Michael Jackson's (1958-2009). less

streetchef

updated 3 hours, 40 minutes agomystery and confusion springs to mind when i think of micheal jackson but maybe this was someone in a HIGH PLACE SAYING RETIRE its over cheers for the music micheal heavan is a half pipe
mystery and confusion springs to mind when i think of micheal jackson but maybe this was someone in a HIGH PLACE SAYING RETIRE its over cheers for the music micheal heavan is a half pipe less

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_________________
A Knifeless Man is a Lifeless Man
Canadian To The Core
Carry Less by Knowing More
Knowledge Weighs Nothing

R.I.P. Michael Crying or Very sad

Rest in peace Michael, may your soul finally find peace.

_________________
-Till shade is gone, till water is gone, into the Shadow with teeth bared, screaming defiance with the last breath, to spit in Sightblinder's eye on the Last Day.

-Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and proclaiming, "Wow, what a ride!!!"

_________________
A Knifeless Man is a Lifeless Man
Canadian To The Core
Carry Less by Knowing More
Knowledge Weighs Nothing

yea may his soul find peace Sad

_________________